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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY & TEACHING & LEARNING
- NEW PRIMARY PARKING & DROP OFF AREA
- THE COUNTDOWN IS ON !
- REMEMBERING AND HONOURING OUR VIETNAM VETERANS
- STUDENTS SHINE IN GREEN AND GOLD
- NEWS FROM OUR YEAR 6 CLASSROOM
- STREETSCAPE
- BLUE EDGE
- CARNIVAL OF CHANCE - YEAR 8 MATHS
- SES VISIT STUDENTS
- SCHOOL PLAY
- BOOK WEEK IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER - ARE YOU READY ?
- PRIMARY SCHOOL DISCO - SAVE THE DATE !
- RECOGNISING OUR GENEROUS NATURE PLAY PHASE 2 DONORS
- GREAT PRIZES UP FOR GRABS - GET YOUR TICKETS NOW !
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
This week is Bullying No Way: National Week of Action. The 2024 theme is Everyone Belongs which seeks to highlight belonging as an antidote to the prevalence of violence and hatred in the world. When we feel like we belong and stand together against unkindness, bullying struggles to find a place.
At St Joseph’s School we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for all, where students can achieve their best in their learning and grow to be the best people they can be. Importantly, we are keen to ensure that every student at St Joseph’s School has an opportunity to be able to say: “I belong. I am valued. I will be successful here.”
To create and continually maintain this environment we rely on all in community living out our Mercy Values, that is, acting in a Christlike way.
However, being human, there are times when some students choose to do the wrong thing. When that happens, to varying degrees, it harms the wrongdoer’s growth and can harm the students around them. It certainly harms our safe and supportive environment.
When a student does the ‘wrong’ thing, our philosophy is to work with those wrongdoers to rectify their behaviour and help them to make the right choices in future. We also need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of anyone affected by that behaviour. (For more detail about how we manage behaviour, please refer to our Behaviour Support Plan which is available on our website (or visit the link below).
Maintaining our safe and supportive environment, whilst helping students to grow as good human beings, is a real challenge if we all (students, staff, parents and carers) don’t work together for “the greater good”.
Sometimes working towards the greater good means showing great courage and bucking social norms. One of those norms is, “don’t be a snitch!”. This norm often discourages reporting of wrongdoing and can allow harm to continue. In my experience, too often saying nothing leads to harm that can be avoided.
A balanced approach to reporting wrongdoing plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students. When children report serious issues like bullying, cheating or unsafe behaviour, they are helping to protect their peers and create a more positive school culture. In this context it is also important to teach children the difference between tattling over minor disputes and speaking up about genuinely harmful situations. This balance ensures that students understand when it’s appropriate to seek help from an adult.
Reporting wrongdoing isn't about creating a culture of fear or distrust; it's about empowering students to stand up for what’s right. By encouraging students to speak out against harmful behaviour, we promote accountability and reinforce the importance of rules designed to keep everyone safe. However, as a school we are very aware it’s equally important to protect those who report wrongdoing, ensuring that these students are supported, not ostracized, and that their concerns are taken seriously.
We (parents, carers, students and the school) must work together to foster an environment where reporting is seen as a responsible and courageous act. When children know they will be supported and that their actions can make a difference, they are more likely to contribute to a safer, more inclusive school community. I ask that all parents and carers support the school in making this happen. It is for the greater good.
God Bless
A huge thank you to Madi Cronin, Georgia Brown, Gianna Zanatta-Blaxland, Katrina Hawira, Lucienne Camenzuli, Matt Patterson, Nathan Hurtz, Joseph Shorter and Allan Lahey for accompanying the Year 7 students to the Ekka on Tuesday. The Year 7's (and staff) had an awesome time, participating in the Ekka Treasure Hunt that took them to all aspects of the show, from tractors and livestock to robotic dogs and infrared drones. The highlight for many was obviously the rides and showbag pavilion. These types of activities are a really important way to engage our students outside the classroom and into the wider community.
A huge thank you to Brooke Butson and Hayley Pfeiffer who have coordinated the Year 10 SET planning meetings. In the meetings I have been fortunate enough to sit in on over the last few weeks, it has been wonderful to hear the diversity of career aspirations that many of our Year 10 students have. The SET planning process is such an integral part of what we do here at St Joseph’s to ensure that each student is supported in their individual learning journey so they can transition to the chosen post-school pathway.
Call to be… Christ-Like
Called to live… Mercy
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
Earlier this week, I sat in on a Prep literacy lesson as the children were practising their spelling. The word was 'trick' and I was astonished to hear one student remind the class that 'ck' is used following the short vowel sound. Another then went on to talk about where the apostrophe should go to make this make sense - Pips cat. The explanation for the placement of apostrophe before the 's' was perfect. The speed, accuracy and confidence shown by students in the other early years' classrooms with their literacy tasks was also very evident. This, I believe, is testament to the new Diocesan Approach to Reading (DAR) which we have begun to implement this year as well as to the work that the teachers in those classes have put into developing the skills necessary to implement it. The cumulative nature of this approach means that it may be a few years before we truly see the full impact, but there are certainly things to celebrate already. We do encourage parents to keep reading to and with their children as well as discussing what has been read. Research shows us that this is very important in developing background knowledge and an understanding of expression and fluency.
Staying with the reading theme, next week is Book Week and, as always, there are a number of things happening including the character parade. This is always an exciting day for the students and the costumes seem to get bigger and more elaborate each year. Please remember however, that you do not have to spend lots of money on a costume. Some of the best ones are those which are home-made from items found around the house. Be sure to check your emails for further details of events next week.
There have been a number of sporting events across the last fortnight and I would like to congratulate all those who participated, whatever the sport. Even more pleasing for me has been the comments from the teachers who have accompanied the groups as each has remarked on the outstanding way in which the individuals and groups have represented themselves and our school. This was also the case for the Readers' Challenge group that I took to Warwick two weeks ago and the members of the Mini Vinnies committee who delivered the donated goods to the Stanthorpe foodbank.
Finally, it would be remiss of me if I did not say 'break a leg' to those students who will be performing the school play at the Little Theatre this weekend. A tremendous amount of work has gone into the creation of this production and I hope that each person enjoys the culmination of their hard work. Thanks to Mrs Gordon in her key role and to all the staff across the school who have helped already or who will assist on the weekend. Thank you also to the many family members and friends who will support the school across the weekend. We appreciate your support immensely.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning
As of Monday 19 August 2024, we will no longer be able to use the Anglican Churchparking area (the old tennis court area) and the grassed area in front of St Paul’s Anglican Church for parking and drop off of students. The school is very thankful to the Anglican Parish for allowing us to use this space over many years. They have been very generous. Unfortunately, for safety and potential public liability reasons, after consultation with their Diocese, they have had to make this decision. From Monday, please do not enter the Anglican Church grounds unless it is for Anglican Parish approved activities.
Moving forward, on Monday we are opening up the vacant block on Connor Street for parking and drop off. This block is located at 15 Connor Street, next to the Primary field area and opposite Stanthorpe Little Theatre.
Points to note:
• Parking bays will be marked on the ground. Please park in these marked spaces.
• Access to the school is via the gate at the top of the block.
• The gate must remain closed when not being used.
• If you are dropping off your child/ren they must be escorted from your car to the access gate. Please supervise them closely.
• Dedicated walking lanes (flagged) will be marked to walk from parked cars to the gate. Only walk in those dedicated walkways and NOT through the parking area.
• At all times, please be mindful of children and adults moving on foot through the
area.
• Students are not to use the Primary playground and play areas before and after school as they are not supervised by staff at these times.
• As has been our regular practise, the back gate will still be open in the mornings and afternoons for foot access and exit from school.
As we transition to the use of this new parking and drop off space, please be particularly careful and patient with other users.
Your cooperation is very important for the safety of all who use this space. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the School on 4681 5900.
This Sunday marks Vietnam Veterans Day, a time to honor the Battle of Long Tan and the sacrifices made by Vietnam Veterans.
Our school will be represented at the commemoration service at Weeroona Park at 11am. We encourage all families and students to attend, as the veterans deeply appreciate the community and school support.
On Wednesday, Mr Norm Steele, a parishioner and long-time supporter of our school, visited our senior Modern History class to share his experiences from Vietnam. His powerful message emphasized mateship, courage, and mutual support.
May his journey motivate our young dreamers to reach for the stars and chase their own aspirations.
The Years 6 students have been practicing their communication and collaboration behaviours along with annotating and recording of evidence strategies by exploring what it takes to be a Year 4 (yes Year 4) Fraction expert.
This should allow them to right misconceptions, fill in gaps and set a firm base for when they take on the Year 6 topics. Of course, the students will need to take a whirlwind tour through Year 5 first!
Students at St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe have actively engaged in a community-enhancing collaboration with the Southern Downs Regional Council. As part of this initiative, three steel-framed bench seats, cladded with locally sourced and milled ironbark, have been crafted for the local streetscape project. The design, spearheaded by Ashlee Law from the 2023 Year 12 Graphics class, has been brought to life by a group of Grade 10 students showcasing their fabrication skills.
While the journey has presented its challenges, including overcoming imperfections in welding, and learning from mistakes in metalworking, the students have embraced the experience with enthusiasm and perseverance.
St Joseph’s Stanthorpe is proud to support its students in making meaningful contributions to their community through hands-on learning experiences.
Tim Horan, the former Wallaby, shared his wisdom on goal setting and discipline.
This week, Year 8 students have been presenting their Carnival of Chance games as part of their Maths curriculum.
Year 5 and 6 students visited the carnival, where they enjoyed games designed by the Year 8 students that included mathematical challenges. This interactive approach makes Maths both fun and exciting!
On Monday, 12th August, representatives from the SES visited students in Years 10-12 to discuss an exciting opportunity.
During their visit, SES representatives showcased their vehicles, an ATV, and a swift water recovery unit in the stadium, along with impressive vertical rescue and ascent demonstrations.
So don't miss out - we are sure you will enjoy the entertainment!
The Children's Book Council of Australia's annual Book Week returns in 2024 with the theme "Reading is Magic".
With the opening of the Nature Play area for our Year 3-6 students, we would like to thank and recognise the following local businesses, individuals, families and staff that have made generous contributions of resources and expertise. Without their support, Phase 2 of this project would not have been possible.
Twin Towns Sand & Gravel, Stanthorpe - donation of sand
Nathan Sweet Excavations - earthmoving machinery and labour
Netpro Group - weed matting
John Barker Earthmoving - soil, woodchip, machinery and labour
Wizards Butchery Tenterfield - hamburgers patties for fundraisers
Dominos Stanthorpe - pizzas for working bee days
MAG Plumbing – plumbing products
Northern Tablelands Harvesting – timber products
Walls Sand & Gravel – rocks, blue metal and soil
Along with generous discounts from the following companies:
Mick’s Four Season’s Nursery, Colour Stop, 4 Water Supplies, Aqua Rural Supplies, MWF Plumbing and Mitre 10 Stanthorpe.
Family/Individual Donations
Cathy McClean - bricks for retaining wall
Ivo Bau - discounted cost of retaining wall
Bree Dansie – phase 2 landscaping architectural plan
McLucas Family - refurbishment of the Trevor McLucas seat
Jane Muller - co-ordination of native and bush-tucker garden
Angus & Paulette Ferrier- donation of timber, firewood and logs
Simon & Kylie Gasparin - manufacturing the mud-kitchen and working bees
Todd & Amelia Wilshire – project creation and management, grant applications, working bees and donation of rocks
Chris & Lisa Sunderland - project management, grant applications, working bees and donation of rocks
Paul Verri - project management, design, construction and working bees
Tim & Nicky Robinson - marketing expertise and working bees
Gary & Marie Verri – donation of rocks, flat pavers and logs
Jane Viljak - firewood raffle coordination and working bees
Chelsea Vedalago - organising hamburger days and working bees
We would also like to thank our generous cash donors
Stacy Faux, Monica Murlink, Peter & Pauline Grant and Kelly & Elaine Kellog
School Staff
Mitch Hurtz - maintenance of the Nature Play areas
Amanda Thompson - working bees
Jane Clarke – working bees
Joh Campbell - support and Year 5 involvement in maintaining & caring for the Native/Bush tucker garden areas
Matt Patterson/Manual Arts students - involvement in design & construction of the Fort platform and bridge to be completed in 2025.
The Nature Play Project has been a significant undertaking by the P&F to provide students with this new play area. We give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the project.
St Joseph’s School is excited to announce that several teams will be participating in the Primary Netball Cup in Bundaberg on 14th-15th September.
The Primary Schools Cup is a Netball Queensland initiative open to all primary school children in Years 4-6. This event provides an opportunity for girls and boys from all over Queensland to come together to experience competitive netball in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
To help cover the costs of this tournament, we are holding a raffle with fantastic prizes. The raffle draw will take place on 10th September 2024.
Please visit the office to buy your tickets !
Netball
Congratulations to our Primary Netball Team for Their Victory in the Interschool Netball Competition!
We're thrilled to announce that our Primary Netballers emerged victorious in the Finals on Friday, 9th August, after an exhilarating game against Applethorpe State School.
A big thank you to Applethorpe State School for graciously hosting the finals, and to all the players from both schools—well done on a fantastic effort!
All three teams had a fantastic time, showcasing excellent skills and representing St Joey’s like true champions. They even secured a few wins—well done, students!
Futsal
Congratulations to Year 9 student Kai Lang on his recent selection into the Darling Downs 13-14 Year Boys Futsal team.
On Monday, 12th August, several primary students participated in the Toowoomba Primary Schools Futsal Gala Day at USQ.
Our Under 11 girls team secured 1st place (Toowoomba Primary School Cup 11Yr Girls Champions), while one of our Under 8/9 teams came in 2nd and the other 3rd.
Both of our U11 teams tied for 3rd place. The students had a fantastic day!
Well done to all students involved !
Basketball
The annual Inter-District Basketball competition kicked off this week (Monday night) with the local Stanthorpe derby. Some great Basketball was played and two particularly tight matches were played in the two boys games with only a few baskets separating both teams. St Joseph’s will travel to Warwick next Monday evening to take on Scots PGC College.
Results
Junior Girls
St Joey’s 44 SSHS 31
Junior Boys
SSHS 30 St Joey’s 24
Senior Boys
SSHS 52 St Joey’s 47
Handball
Year 12 students Isabella Ford and Larissa George organised a handball competition for Year 6 students during lunch on Tuesday of Week 5 and Week 6.
A total of ten students participated: Zoe Dennis, Boyd Campbell, Jason Maggiolo, Jordan Pradella, Beau Schnitzerling, Charlie Schnitzerling, Benjamin Kerridge, Chloe Vanderwolf, Clare Widderick, and Brax Chisholm-Easterbrook.
Boyd, Jason, Jordan, and Chloe advanced to the finals, with Jason Maggiolo taking first place and Chloe Vanderwolf securing second place.
The mini competition was fantastic, and it was great to see the Year 6 students giving it their all!
| 12 - 16 August | Science Week |
| 16 August | National Day of Action Against Bullying |
| Southern Downs Career & Employment Expo (Yrs 10 & 11) | |
| School Play - Little Theatre | |
| 17 August | School Play - Little Theatre |
| 18 August | Vietnam Veterans Day |
| 19 - 23 August | Book Week |
| 19 August | Bears, Books & Blankets Picnic |
| Cricket Gala Day | |
| Interschool Basketball Comp- Secondary | |
| 20 August | DD Track & Field (10-12 Yrs) |
| 22 August | Book Week Dress Up Parade |
| SDYC Meeting - Warwick | |
| 22 - 23 August | DD Track & Field (13-19 Yrs) |
| 26 - 28 August | Year 11 Leadership Camp |
| 26 - 30 August | Meals on Wheels |
| 26 August | Interschool Basketball Comp- Secondary |
| 27 August | Aspire2Health Day |
| 29 August | Year 11 Leadership Day |
| Prep Fathers Day Afternoon - 2-3pm | |
| Primary Disco | |
| 30 August | STUDENT FREE DAY (Moderation (CTJ) Day) |
| 31 Aug - 7 Sept | Ski Trip |
The Respect Competition campaign encourages young people to think about respect and what it means to them and what respect looks like in their world by creating a storyboard using drawings and words to show their idea.
The competition is open to students across Australia and is a great opportunity to create a short story that could be turned into a 30 second animation.
Students can enter by themselves or with their classmates in one of the competition categories:
- Students in years 4–6 (primary school); or
- Students in years 7–9 (high school)
The winning entry will have their idea turned into an animation by a professional animation studio and receive a $500 gift card for them and one for their school. Runners up will receive a $250 gift card.
Entries close on Sunday, 15 September 2024, at 11.59pm.
Full details of the Respect Competition can be viewed at: https://www.respect.gov.au/respectcompetition.
