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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (ACTING)
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- SCHOOL NEWS
- VISIBLE LEARNING
- THE WIZ MUSICAL... THAT'S A WRAP!
- YEAR 11 STUDENTS EMBODY THE ANZAC VIRTUES AT CAMP
- TREY SHAVES FOR A CURE!
- MAKAYLA RAISES MORE THAN $200 AS PART OF MS READATHON
- SCIENCE CLUB STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT SPEED & VELOCITY
- MRS CHARLTON SHARES PNG ADVENTURES
- STUDENTS ARE HARD AT WORK PREPARING FOR MATHS CHALLENGE
- YEAR 2 STUDENTS LEARN TO BE STRONG
- CRISPS YOUTH ART PRIZE
- YEAR 10 STUDENTS EXPLORE CAREERS IN HEALTH
- MOUNTAIN BIKE COACHING A BIG HIT
- PARENT POLL - EXAM STRESS
- SPORT
- MOCHA MONDAY
- SECOND HAND UNIFORMS FOR SALE
- UPCOMING EVENTS
Over recent weeks the school has had a number of success stories. Our NAPLAN performance and the musical are two highlights out of many.
NAPLAN
I would like to congratulate all the Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students for their overall performance in the NAPLAN testing. Our NAPLAN results across all year levels were very good. All year levels achieved above or close to state average in all areas. The secondary results were particularly strong with our Year 9 students again performing exceptional well. Importantly, there has been very good improvement shown from Year 3 (2017) to Year 5 (2019) and Year 7 (2017) to Year 9 (2019). Our NAPLAN success is a credit to the strength of our teachers and programs, and I thank our staff for their good work.
The school is focused on providing the opportunities for all students to succeed and grow in order to be the best they can be as they journey from Prep to Year 12. These results are an indication of that positive growth as they progress through the year levels. Importantly, this growth and success sets up our students for success in their Senior years, tertiary studies and employment.
The Musical
Thanks to all the staff, students, parents and volunteers who helped organise and run the musical. Both performances were wonderful. The students performed magnificently both on stage and behind the scenes, the direction was great, music grand, costume and make up outstanding, the sets excellent, sound and lighting spot on and admin and marketing well done.
A special thanks to Mrs Pauline Leigh who took on the role of director midway through, Mrs Jo Barker for her involvement from Day 1, Mr Dale Rabic for his music expertise and coordination, Mrs Courtenay Mason for some great sets, Mrs Kitty Kendall for the costume coordination, Mrs Kellie Biggin for the make-up coordination, Mrs Lorien Kirby for the props, Mr Dave Fleming of his years of experience and helping pull it all together, Charlie for the sound and lighting and Mrs Angie Sims for the marketing and admin.
Importantly, it was a great opportunity for all the students to have a wonderful and fun experience, and was a fantastic community event.
I wish all a calm and focused end to another very busy term.
As we move closer to the end of another term, it is important that all students finish the term well and seek the support they need during what is always a hectic assessment period. Proactive communication with staff, planning time to complete assessment and conversations with parents are the best ways for students to deal with the pressures of assessment. I encourage all students and parents to maintain this open dialogue and seek the support of staff early so that we can support students at school in the completion of quality assessment responses.
On 3rd and 4th September, the Year 12 OP eligible students sat the final ever Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test, with each morning commencing with a Year 12 breakfast, where all senior students gathered to support each other in preparation for the tough days ahead. The QCS test, comprising of four tests across two days, was sat by thousands of students across the state and signals the end of the Overall Position (OP) era as we transition to the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) ranks in 2020. I congratulate the students involved at St Joseph’s School on the positive, hardworking approach they took into each of the tests. Preparations commenced in Term 4 of Year 11 for these students and we hope, as staff, that the students receive the rewards they so richly deserve when the QCS and OP results are released later in the year.
Early next term, invited guests, employers, parents and staff will gather to celebrate the success of our Year 12 School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship students. This will be a fitting way to recognise the hard work and dedication of these students in completing vocational education and training (VET) qualifications or commencing apprenticeships during their senior schooling phase. It is also an opportunity to thank employers and parents for the wonderful opportunities and support they have provided to these students through this program.
Finally, our Year 11 students, the seniors of 2020, participated in their leadership camp at Emu Gully this week. Mrs Sandra Ellis and Mr John Mahoney were blown away by the way the group has developed and how the future leaders of our school in 2020 have grown into a position to continue to take the school forward into the future.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal (Acting)
During the previous week Ms Amanda Thompson and I, along with Mr Matthew Brown and Mr Joe Shorter from the Secondary Campus, along with 32 teachers from around the Diocese of Toowoomba, were privileged to be able to visit three schools in the Auckland area of New Zealand. These schools have all been on the Visible Learning journey for at least eight years and it was interesting for us to be able to put our own journey in context against theirs. Prior to visiting we were asked to reflect on a document which spoke about professional development from a teacher's perspective by comparing knowledge with driftwood on a beach. Whilst the context was specific, I believe that it has much relevance for life in general. We all have opportunities that are presented to us and from which we can collect 'grains of sand' or larger pieces of driftwood. These may be the things which give our lives meaning. But for this to happen we need to have our eyes, minds and hearts open to the possibilities and sometimes this is not easy in the busyness of each day.
We were certainly kept busy during our four-day trip but we all returned with many pieces of driftwood, grains of sand and even some prized gems which we will be sharing with our colleagues and the wider community over the coming weeks and months.
Last week a Year 6 student, Trey Colyer, had his head shaved as part of the World’s Greatest Shave. Trey’s motivation was personal as members of his family have suffered from or are continuing to suffer from cancer. In doing this, he raised in excess of $1500 through fundraising. Thank you to all those students and families who assisted Trey with this personal endeavour and thank you also to Mr David Fleming who supported Trey by having his head shaved as well.
This comes on the back of our reading challenge during the month of August where we highlighted the condition of Multiple Sclerosis. Again, our involvement in this was borne out of a student’s personal connection to the condition and their desire to help others. Year 6 Student, Makayla Osborne was passionate about her desire for the school to be involved, and fundraising on the book character parade day resulted in $323.60 for MS Queensland. How humbling it is to see the selfless acts of students as they embody the Gospel values which we hold in such high esteem at St Joseph’s School.
You will be aware that NAPLAN results have now been received by schools. We are very pleased with the efforts of our students as detailed in an email from Mr Andrew Kendall last week. Shortly parents will receive a report outlining their child’s results. As a school, we are in the process of analysing the data and identifying how we can best use it to further the progress of each individual learner.
The passing of the next two weeks will see the conclusion of Term 3 but that does not mean that the pace of life on the Primary Campus slows! There is still much to achieve in that time but I hope that each person involved can take the opportunity to recognise the grains of sand, the driftwood and possibly the gems that give meaning to our lives.
My thanks as always to the endeavours of the teachers, school officers, volunteers and also the students who all contribute to the ongoing success of St Joseph’s School as a place where each person is supported to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
The Changing Face of Religious Education...
In years past, the focus of Religious Education as a subject was largely grounded in faith-formation. Today however, the focus has shifted as students are challenged to be a religious voice in a multi-faith world. Religious Education, Religion and Ethics and Study of Religion all seek to develop the religious literacy of our students in light of the Catholic Christian tradition, as well as developing their capacity for confidence and creativity, working as active and informed citizens in an ever-changing world. This education is life-long as we plant the seed to ensure that our children are empowered with the skills to shape and enrich our world.
“Classroom's religious education is about educating your people spiritually, ethically and religiously. It is not primarily a religious experience, but it is essentially teaching young people about religious, and about spiritual and moral issues, from a Catholic viewpoint.”
(Graham Rossiter, Life to the Full: The changing landscape of contemporary spirituality: Implications for Catholic School Religious Education, 2018, p.1).
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
"When teachers see learning through the eyes of the students, and when students see themselves as their own teachers."
The moments when our brains are challenged and changed are the times when learning occurs. Four St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe teachers, along with others from Toowoomba Catholic Schools, recently spent three days visiting four New Zealand schools. These schools are commited to applying the principles of Visible Learning based on the research of John Hattie. This is a commitment St Joseph's School also made at the beginning of 2018 when we began our journey as a Visible Learning Lighthouse School.
Whilst we are only in the second year of learning and applying the Visible Learning philosophies, two secondary colleges, Selwyn College and Ormiston Senior College, and two primary schools, Clevedon and Stonefields School, are nearing the completion of their first decade of instruction based on John Hattie’s research.
Mr Matthew Brown, Mrs Sarah Yates, Mr Joseph Shorter and Ms Amanda Thompson embraced the challenge to remove themselves from their usual roles as teachers and to deform and reform their thinking through the eyes of learners. Many shared values and ways of working (the whats and hows) were identified during their trip but their real education, came when faced with the differences of opinion, curriculum and ways of achieving the goal of educating young people.
Our staff engaged in, and hopefully will continue to be involved in, many passionate discussions as we work towards establishing a firm foundation for ensuring students at St Joseph's School are learning to the best of their ability and following their passions. We hope to ensure this by continuing to create a bank of shared, relevant and useful learning language, learning processes and learning tools to ensure we all have the vital clarity and support we need as we continue to empower all our learners to own and direct their learning.
Thank you to all the staff, students, parents and volunteers who helped organise and run the St Joseph's School bi-annual musical production of The Wiz! The production brought together both primary and secondary students in a performance featuring more than 80 students on the stage and behind the scenes. With lots of laughs, musical numbers and a happy ending, the audience were taken on a wonderful journey down the yellow brick road during the two evening performances held at the Civic Centre on 23rd and 24th August.
Most importantly, the musical allows students to develop their skills, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents, develop a sense of accomplishment and achieve a strong sense of pride. Well done to all the students who performed!
As part of their personal development programme, Year 11 students recently went to Leadership Camp from Monday 2nd September to Wednesday 4th September. Held at Emu Gully in Helidon, students participated in a number of activities over three days designed to educate leadership through the ANZAC values of courage, self-sacrifice, perseverance and mateship. Students also participated in a ‘hands on’ history lesson and were involved in a number of fun games.
Year 6 student, Trey Colyer raised more than $1,500 for Cancer research by taking part in the World's Greatest Shave on Wednesday 28th August. Trey's teacher Mr David Fleming also went under the clippers in support of Trey and the cause, with plenty of students and staff cheering on.
Trey has been personally affected by cancer, with a family member diagnosed with the disease. Well done Trey for being an advocate and raising awareness for the cause! St Joseph's School couldn't be more proud!
Celebrating its 40th year, the MS Readathon took place once again for the month of August. The reading marathon encourages children of all ages to read as much as they can for the month-long event while helping to raise funds to send people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) on special family camps.
Year 6 student Makayla Osborne has made St Joseph's School enormously proud by embracing the challenge and encouraging other students to get involved as well.
"My mum has MS (multiple sclerosis). I wanted to raise money for research for a cure or even another sort of treatment that may help more than the ones that we have now. I enjoy reading so I decided to do it so I could raise money for people living with MS."
Makayla raised a total of $204 and read twelve books throughout the month! Congratulations to Makayla and all other students who participated in the MS Readathon.
Year 11 students have hosted another lunch time Science Club on Thursday 29th August, this time with the Year 7, 8 & 9 students. In the club, each group was assigned a ramp angle ranging from 10 to 50 degrees. Using ticker timers they measured change in distance over time in order to calculate the average velocity. In the next club students will combine the data to test if the average velocity increases when the ramp angle is increased!
The 3/4C and 3/4T classes were excited to accept an invitation from 5/6C to learn about Papua New Guinea through Mrs Linda Charlton’s memories and images from her recent trip. Students learnt about relics from World War 2, heard about the culture and ways of life in Papua New Guinea (always challenging to draw contrasts and comparisons with how we live) and learnt about the power of volcanoes and the rocks they produce. Some students may even be keen to pursue careers in vulcanology in order to further understand what is occurring and how we can keep humans safe. Students were impressed with Mrs Charlton’s strength when lifting a massive rock (well a piece of pumicestone)!
Held annually, the Granite Belt Maths Team Challenge is organised by Principals from across the region. The event involves teams of five students working through two sections of the competition – a relay and team event. To be successful at this contest teams need to not only be good at Mathematics but also be able to work as a member of a team. This year St Joseph’s School will be entering three teams in the Primary section. The students representing our school this year have been hard at work each Thursday lunchtime in training for the event that is due to take place on Thursday 19th September! We will keep you updated on the results in upcoming newsletters!
On Thursday 29th August, Campus Minister Mr John Mahoney visited the Year 2 class! He guided the students through a relaxing meditation before reading a story about a lion who had to be strong to be different. Mr Mahoney asked the students how they could be strong to help make a difference in the world. Year 2 are going to try and be kind to themselves, our world and others so they can make a real difference! The students enjoyed having Mr Mahoney visit, especially when he presented the lion head dress up for the students to take turns in wearing throughout the session. Everyone agreed it was a “ROARING” success!
Congratulations to all students who entered the annual Youth Art Prize sponsored by Crisps Coaches! The theme for this year was Art in Space with all ages up to 18 years old encouraged to enter. The winners of the Crisps Youth Art Prize will be announced on Thursday 12th September at the awards evening held at the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery.
The awards will be presented as follows:
- 5:30pm Kindergarten - Year 2 Awards
- 5:45pm Year 3 - Year 6 Awards
- 6pm Year 7-12 Awards
This exhibition will be on display until Sunday 29th September.
Year 10 students from St Joseph's School, joined other secondary students from across the region, to participate in the Aspire2Health program run at the Stanthorpe Hospital on Friday 23rd August. Designed for high school students interested in a health career, Aspire2Health gives students the opportunity to meet and talk with local healthcare students and professionals, observe a simulated emergency with paramedics, doctors and nurses, and learn some of the key skills taught in a health degree!
The mountain biking coaching held each Friday afternoon has been a big hit this Term, with students currently learning how to ride "drop-offs" like a pro! The key technique to mastering drop-offs, be they big or small, is getting that approach speed just right. Participating students in the intermediate group are also continuing to build their skills with the goal of competing in their first Summer competition!
St Joseph’s School is a Mountain Bike Australia affiliated school, with the programme run by qualified Mountain Biking Coach and Secondary teacher Mrs Emma Rhymer. Thank you Emma for organising and teaching the students!
With the Year 12 students having just completed their QCS tests and Senior School Exams commencing next week, many students and parents will be feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Supporting your teenager through their exams can be difficult to navigate, however maintaining a calm household will ensure your child has the best chance of success. Other ways you can support your child include;
- Have realistic expectations and don't push them too hard
- Be constructive and positive
- Encourage good sleep patterns and eating habits
- Provide a quiet space for them to study and prepare
- Teach them the importance of study breaks
- Encourage them to ask the teacher questions if they’re unsure
- Help them know what to expect on the day of the exam
- Help them be on time for the exam or arrive early
- After the exam, listen to their concerns and avoid criticising them
For more advice and tips, School TV and Parentline have put together a list of strategies that may help young people, as well as parents, manage exam stress which can be viewed here.
Do you feel the stress and strain over your child's revision and exam schedule?
Poll is closed
National Cross Country Titles
Despite battling a horrible cold, Alex Waterworth has brought home TWO medals from the National Cross Country Titles held from Saturday 24th August to Monday 26th August!
On Saturday Alex ran in his individual 3km race placing 35th overall, and fastest 11 year old boy in Australia! Alex ran the track in 11 minutes 13 seconds, shy of his personal best of 10 minutes 20 seconds. Alex said, "The course was hard because it was flat".
Each competitor's result is then added to each State's overall result, with Alex and the QLD team placing 3rd and taking home the bronze medal!
After a day of rest, Alex then competed in the 1500m x 6 boys and girls 10 - 12 year old relay event, with the team placing second and receiving the silver medal!
What an outstanding result for Alex' first time competing in Cross Country! Congratulations Alex, you have made Joey's proud!
Primary Futsal Cup
30 Primary students travelled to Brisbane on Wednesday 21st August to participate in the Primary Futsal Cup. All players brought skill and determination to the courts and scored some awesome team goals! Our 11 year old Girls Team, who came 2nd twice last year, smashed the competition, winning the final and taking the title of Champions! Thank you to Mrs Courtney Law, Mr Jacob Steele and the Year 12 students who assisted with coaching.
Starting from Monday 2nd September, Mocha Monday will be available for staff and parents as a kickstart to the working week! The Coffee Shot Box portable coffee van will be set up each Monday at the Primary Campus carpark from 7.45-9.00am (ish) and again from 2.30-3.30pm.
PRIMARY STUDENT CLOTHING
In order to clean out the lost property cupboard, we are having a second hand uniform sale. There is an assortment of Primary clothing in a range of sizes available including jumpers, trackpants, shorts and shirts. There are also some Secondary hats and knits available. All items are a gold coin donation.
SENIOR STUDENT CLOTHING
There are also several Senior student items available for sale. Senior blazers are for sale at $40 per item, and shirts & skirts are available for $5 per item.
- 3 x blazers – 1 of each size: 12, 16 & 20
- 2 x size 14 shirts
- 2 x size 14 skirts
There are also some Secondary hats and knits available which are a gold coin donation. All items are available for purchase at the school office.
| 11 - 13 September | Senior School Exam Block |
| 12 September | Crisp's Art Show |
| 12 September | R U OK? Day |
| 19 September | Granite Belt Maths Team Challenge |
| 19 September | Joey's Fun Day |
| 20 September | Student Free Day |
