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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (ACTING)
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- SCHOOL NEWS
- R U OK? DAY CELEBRATED AT JOEYS
- PRIMARY RETREAT DAYS A HIT
- CRISPS YOUTH ART PRIZE WINNERS
- YEAR 12 STUDENTS UNDERTAKE DRIVER AWARENESS COURSE
- YEAR 7 VISIT C&K KINDY
- DEBATING SEASON WRAPS UP!
- THE YEAR 7 STEM CHALLENGE!
- ADVOCATING FOR AUSTRALIA'S NEXT SAINT
- THIS MONTH ON SCHOOL TV - BLENDED FAMILIES
- PARENT POLL - THE RESULTS ARE IN
- 2020 UNIFORM ORDERS
- SECOND HAND UNIFORMS FOR SALE
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
Thanks to all students, staff and families for making a very challenging and busy term a successful one for St Joseph’s School.
There have been many highlights, starting with the wonderful efforts of the QISSN Team during the term break. The musical was outstanding, our NAPLAN results positive and the learning in the classroom productive. All are to be commended.
However, the most pleasing aspect of the term for me has been the way the school and wider communities have supported us and each other during these difficult times of drought and fire and economic challenges. In this respect I thank the many schools outside Stanthorpe, such as Mary MacKillop Catholic College at Highfields, Our Lady of the Rosary at Dalby and Assumption College at Warwick, who have generously offered support to the school. We have had at least eight schools offer support so far.
To all of you I wish you a safe and restful break and look forward to another wonderful term at St Joseph’s School.
As another term draws to a close, I reflected this week on the wonderful work done by all students and staff across the term and year. The students deserve a well-earned break over the September holidays and should again be commended on their application and enthusiasm at school, and the well-deserved results that will hopefully come their way following the assessment period.
This week, Mr Andrew Kendall, Mr Joseph Shorter and myself attended a forum with representatives from Mary MacKillop College (Toowoomba), Our Lady of the Southern Cross (Dalby) and Assumption College (Warwick) to initiate collaborative discussions around virtual classroom delivery into the future.
The purpose of the forum was to discuss the delivery of curriculum across the four schools through a virtual classroom concept, where each school could enrol students into Senior subjects through an online platform. This concept will allow each of the four schools to expand curriculum offerings at a Senior level and deliver subjects that in the past may not have been accessible due to the restrictions encountered due to class sizes. This is an exciting proposal and representatives from the four schools are committed to evolve this virtual classroom concept and provide opportunities for all our students to map to individualised pathways in the Senior schooling context.
I hope that staff, students and families have a safe and enjoyable break, ready to return for a busy Term 4.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal (Acting)
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
The last two weeks have provided an opportunity for many of us to take stock of our lives and to thank God for the many blessings we have – blessings that perhaps we sometimes take for granted. The events of 6th September in Stanthorpe and the surrounding area, coupled with the worsening drought, have brought the community together. There has also been such an outpouring of love and generosity towards our school, parish and wider community with offers of help, financial assistance and prayers from other schools in the diocese and from places such as Brisbane, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast. On many occasions throughout the school year we have asked children and their families to help others by donating money or cans of food, or by buying a hamburger for example, because it is important that we are compassionate in our actions. This week we were on the receiving end of that compassion and for this we are very grateful. The last two weeks have been full of activity on the Primary Campus. Students in Years 3 – 6 have participated in retreats on the theme of ‘Dare to be Different’. These sessions were a great opportunity for the students to reflect on having the courage to be different and not feeling the need to blend in. My thanks are extended to Mr John Mahoney and Mrs Mary McLucas for their work in preparing for and delivering the retreats.
Last weekend, 19 girls from Years 4 – 6 attended the Primary Schools Netball Carnival on the Sunshine Coast. They had a wonderful time and played well across the two days. Thanks to Mrs Kayelene O’Dea and Mrs Bernadette Brunckhorst who organised the weekend. Today three teams have participated in the Granite Belt Maths competition at the State High School. Last week I also attended the prize giving for the Crisps Art Show where a number of our students were recognised for their works of art. The Lego Masters competition has continued and a significant number of children have visited us for their enrolment interview for Prep 2020. Today and again tomorrow, two of our students Katie-Lee and Darius Jansink will compete in the Australian School Sport Track & Field championships in Darwin. This is a significant achievement and we wish them well.
As we take a break for two weeks, I would like to wish students and staff a restful holiday. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to experience some stillness in the busyness of each day and to recognise the countless blessings that we all have in our lives.
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
A Prayer...
As we remember those who have been or continue to be affected by the fire and drought of our region, may this litany bring peace and comfort. St Joseph’s School keeps all our community in our prayers.
Litany for All Creation in a Time of Drought and Fire
God of all creation, of rain and fire, of desert and bush, we lift our prayers to you.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For rain in this thirsty land and for hope in this hard time,
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all firefighters, for pilots and support crews and all who work to contain devastating fires,
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the people of our community who have lost their homes and livelihoods, for first Australian whose homeland is now scorched and burned, and for all persons who have been forced to evacuate and not able to return to their homes,
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all the animals and birds who have also lost their homes to fire, for your plants and trees, dams and water supplies, and all creation that is suffering because of drought and fire or because of greed or carelessness,
Lord, hear our prayer.
For farmers, and the people of rural communities whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by drought; for business people, farm workers and day workers who may lose their jobs in this dry time.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the just and wise use of the water you have given us and to be gracious stewards of your creation and good neighbours with all people,
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the wisdom to conserve and the grace to share the natural resources you have given all of us,
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all levels of government, state authorities and leaders, to have your courage and your vision to make hard decisions for the common good.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, you who hear every prayer of every heart, hear now the prayers of all, spoken and unspoken.
Give us the courage; grant us the wisdom to love one another and this earth as you do.
Amen (adapted from a litany written by Rev. Talitha Arnold, Senior Minister of The United Church of Santa Fe)
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
R U OK? DAY CELEBRATED AT JOEYS
On Thursday 12th September, St Joseph's School participated in R U OK? Day, the biggest, best and brightest day of the year! Dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide, R U OK? Day is the national day of action encouraging participants to wear yellow and check in with those around them, by asking “Are you ok?”.
Each year St Joseph’s School participates in the nation-wide event, aiming to inspire our students to be the generation that transforms the way we look out for anyone struggling with life. Students were encouraged to wear or accessorise with yellow items and a whole school sausage sizzle was held. Students also participated in classroom activities aimed to educate students about the very real and difficult topic that is not normally discussed in the classroom.
As part of their personal and spiritual development students in Years 3 - 6 participated in a half-day retreat experience. Facilitated by Mr John Mahoney with assistance from class teachers, students were allowed to wear casual clothes and enjoyed a number of activities on the theme of, "Daring to be different".
Students explored the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and discussed how, just like Daniel, sometimes you have to be strong to be different.
The retreats were also a wonderful opportunity for the primary students to visit the secondary campus and chat with the Senior students as they joined them for morning tea and lunch on these days.
CRISPS YOUTH ART PRIZE WINNERS
The winners of the Crisps Youth Art Prize were announced on Thursday 12th September at the awards evening held at the Stanthorpe Art Gallery. Congratulations to all of the St Joseph's School students who won, and to all those who entered!
The annual art competition's theme this year was "Art in space", with the exhibition on display until Sunday 29th September.
Below are the winners from St Joseph's School;
First Prize
- Natalie Gasparin, Year 4
- Katie-Lee Jansink, Year 6
Second Prize
- Greta Stibbard, Prep
- Grace Zanatta, Year 2
- Hannah Petrie, Year 3
Third Prize
- Darius Jansink, Year 5
Highly Commended
- Emma Pradella, Year 1
- Imogen Rossow, Year 6
YEAR 12 STUDENTS UNDERTAKE DRIVER AWARENESS COURSE
Year 12 students recently "buckled up" to learn about safe driving when they attended a Defensive Driving Course at Willowbank on Friday 13th September. Students participated in a full day of theory and practical tests including lectures, demonstrations, video presentations and hands-on driving experiences based on extensive research into young driver crashes. The course was not only about improving their driving skills, but learning about how not to become part of someone else's accident.
Thank you to the P&F Association for their help in funding this course.
As part of their "Faith in Action" program, Year 7 students recently visited the C&K Kindergarten to run some outdoor games during their Pastoral Care lessons over two weeks. Students planned, organised and led games including Leader Ball, Bowling, Duck-Duck-Goose, Four Corners, Rob the Nest, Bag Toss and some obstacle courses. The students showed great leadership and enthusiasm working with the kindy students and have been complimented by director Brigitta Hartley. "It was so heartening to observe the students engaging with the children on a level that was very appropriate for this age group. I would like to personally congratulate all of them." It has been a fun experience and we look forward to playing with the kindy kids again soon!
Debating at St Joseph’s School has continued to grow and develop this year, with the Year 7, 8 & 9 inter-school debating competition wrapping up for another year. Throughout the season, each year level participated in 3 -4 debates against Stanthorpe State High School on a range of topics from enforcing tougher water restrictions, to changing the date of Australia Day.
The St Joseph’s School Year 7 team were undefeated this season winning all of their debates, while Year 8 students were refuted in all of their matches, despite showing composure and improvement in their debating technique. Year 9 students still have one debate to finish off their competition, coming off the back of one loss and one draw. They are now busily preparing for their last debate of the season taking place in Term 4.
This is the second year the competition has been held against Stanthorpe State High School, providing students from both schools the opportunity to not only develop their research and critical thinking skills but increase their self-confidence while working in a team.
As part of their Science studies, Year 7 Students recently participated in a STEM Challenge! The rules were simple! Each group was issued with a $10 imaginary budget, and a cost list for construction items, for example a large cup was $2.00 and 30 cm tape was $0.50. Their challenge was to construct their assigned item, using the least amount of budget, in the set time, all whislt working collaboratively with their assigned partner.
In the end, students were judged on creativity, functionality and budge! The winning group was Mia Everson and Maggie Gallaway with their swing. Well done students!
ADVOCATING FOR AUSTRALIA'S NEXT SAINT
Australia is getting closer to gaining its next saint, with Our Lady's Nurses for the Poor advocating for the canonisation of Australian woman Eileen O'Connor. Miss O'Connor was born in Melbourne in 1892, and suffered a crippling spinal fracture at the age of three after she fell from her pram. As well as spending much of her life confined to a wheelchair, Miss O'Connor lived in constant nerve pain from a condition known as tuberculous osteomyelitis. Miss O'Connor co-founded the religious order, Our Lady's Nurses of the Poor, in 1913 who were committed to caring for the sick and dying poor in their homes, inspired by Miss O'Connor's own family's financial struggles.
5/6 C have recently learnt about the campign for Australia's next Saint and were lucky enough to have received information and badges from the Sisters of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor!
THIS MONTH ON SCHOOL TV - BLENDED FAMILIES
Blended or stepfamilies, come in all shapes and sizes. Today, the term “blended family” is more commonly used as opposed to “stepfamily”. Although their original meanings differ slightly, today both terms are used interchangeably. This is mostly due to some of the negative connotations associated with fairytale characters such as the evil stepmother or stepsister.
The blended family is the fastest growing family dynamic in the world with one in five families now being a ‘step’ or ‘blended’ family. However, when families “blend,” it rarely progresses smoothly. Some children resist change, and parents become frustrated when the new family doesn’t function in the same way as the previous one.
For many step-parent’s, the greatest challenge lies in determining what their role is within the family. The process can be both rewarding and challenging. Children affected by the union of a new couple may not be excited at the prospect of becoming part of a new family.
Although blending families requires adjustment and patience from everyone involved, in this edition of SchoolTV, parents will be given some guidelines of real expectations that can help their new family work through the growing pains. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/blended-families
PARENT POLL - THE RESULTS ARE IN
In the last newsletter, we asked 'Do you feel the stress and strain over your child's revision and exam schedule?'
The results are in, with 57% of parents saying the "tension temperature" in their household does increase during exam period. You can help your children prepare for their exam block by helping them avoid study distractions, ensure they're getting enough sleep, knowing their exam timetable and remaning calm!
Do you feel the stress and strain over your child's revision and exam schedule?
Poll is closed
Please note the polls are not intended to be a detailed exploration of the question, but are purely designed to be interactive and allow parents to understand that every family has different approaches to education and parenting.
Parents are now able to order 2020 St Joseph's School uniforms. Please use the below forms to place your orders and send directly to Gleesons Mercery at gleesons@aanet.com.au.
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.
QUEENSLAND PRIMARY SCHOOLS NETBALL CUP
St Joseph's School recently participated in the Queensland Primary Schools Netball Cup, with 19 students travelling to the Sunshine Coast to participate in the weekend-long event on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September. The Cup is a Netball Queensland initiative open to all primary schools in Queensland for students in years four to six. St Joseph's School entered both a Champion and Development team, with the Champions Team defeated in their matches and the Development team ending one match in a draw. All students represented the school well and had a blast! Thank you to Mrs Bernadette Brunckhorst and Mrs Kayelene O'Dea for accompanying the students to the Cup.
RILEY SADDLES UP!
Year 9 student Riley Carver, recently represented St Joseph’s School at the Goondiwindi Horse Sports Day on Friday 6th September. Riley rode really well all day, placing 1st in the Cloverleaf event and 3rd in the Stockman’s race!
As a rural community there is certainly no shortage of horse-crazy kids in Stanthorpe, and now students can pursue their passion at school, with St Joseph’s School looking to support student’s attendance at sporting events such as camp drafts and equestrian carnivals.
20 September | Student Free Day |
7 October | Student Free Day |
8 October | Start of Term 4 |
21 October | Student Free Day |
24 October | Awards Night |
25 October | World Teachers Days |