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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- CONOCO PHILLIPS SCIENCE EXPERIENCE - BY MACKENZIE SWAN
- YEAR 6 HEAD TO SECONDARY FOR SCIENCE
- 4/5 PC SORT STORIES OF THE BIBLE
- STUDENTS TOUR THE TRADE TRAINING CENTRE
- YEAR 3 RAIN LESSON
- ST JOSEPH'S P & F ASSOCIATION
- WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PAST STUDENTS OF ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL
- GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL BANKING
- LAST MINUTE 2019 YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE
- SPORT
- ST JOSEPH'S P&F ASSOCIATION
- SCHOOL BOARD
- UPCOMING EVENTS
Year 12 Leaders
I would like to congratulate our Year 12s who were commissioned as the student leaders last week. Each of the Year 12s is committed to serving their fellow students and ensuring all students feel welcome in our community. A special congratulations to our elected leaders:
School Captains: James Humble & Bridgette Kay
School Vice-Captains: Lachlan Mahoney & Danielle Musumeci
Prefects: Rory McDonagh, Naomi McIntyre, Melissa Petroccitto & Franco Pozzebon
David House Captains: Rory McDonagh & Danielle Musumeci
McAuley House Captains: Lara Beckett & Lindsey Swan
Facilities
I am pleased to announce that a formal agreement has been signed to lease 3.5ha of land at Applethorpe which will used for our school Agricultural Science program. Located at 25555 New England Highway the land will be used to farm animals and some crops, including bush tucker.
Work has also been completed on the Year 6 Hub and the new Secondary toilets and Bathersby Centre upgrade will be finished this week. The students are very excited with their new facilities and the improved functionality on both campuses.
God Bless
It has been an incredibly busy yet productive start to the 2020 academic year. There is a wonderful sense of business and collaboration in the learning process in all classrooms throughout the school. Students in Years 7-12 has engaged positively with all staff and a working incredibly hard in improving themselves both in and outside of the classroom. Parents and students should have received assessment calendars and subject overviews for Semester One via email recently. These resources are designed to ensure collaboration and conversation around academic deadlines, and I encourage parents to be proactive in communicating with staff in relation to your child’s academic workload. Positive and proactive communication between staff, parents and students are key to ensuring improvement for all students in their academic journey.
At the Year 7 Parent Information and Laptop night, I spoke to parents about our major focal points as a school and what we value within the St Joseph’s community. For me, one extremely important and valuable part of St Joseph’s is the sense of community and the fact the we, as parents, students and staff, really look after each other and allow all members to grow. Secondly, it is about quality teaching and learning in every classroom. I am confident, that as a school and staff, we are implementing high impact strategies, such as Data informed practice, Reading Improvement and Visible Learning, that will allow all our students to be the best they can be.
Finally, we enjoyed an excellent and fun-filled day at the Stanthorpe Swimming pool for the secondary swimming carnival. Congratulations to all the students who participated in the day and also to the students who won the major individual awards. It was a great day and a special thank you to all the staff and parents for your support and assistance on the day. As always, never hesitate to contact me if there are any questions or concerns.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
Three weeks have now passed since the start of term and much has happened. Despite the shortened first week, the students settled very quickly into the routines of their new classrooms and the newly-enrolled students were made to feel at home very quickly.
The Year 6 students have now moved into their learning hub and the Prep students seem very at ease with their new surroundings. Our involvement in the INSPIRE Numeracy project has begun in Prep - Year 2 and in all learning spaces, Visible Learning practices are apparent. We have commenced our assessment of the students in the areas of reading and numeracy in particular and this data will provide the starting point for establishing the learning journey of individual students this year.
In our first Primary assembly of the year, I talked with the students about the need to use their time wisely. The ancient Roman God Janus had the ability with two heads to look back in time as well as look forward, and is therefore known as the God of beginnings, gates, transitions and endings. He is also the God after whom January is named. With 86 400 seconds in every day, we should be looking to make every second count, whether it be in an academic sense, spiritually or in our relationships with others. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and often we wish that we had the capacity to make decisions based on it. Instead we need to base our decisions on our judgement of what is the right thing to do and this ability comes from our morals and our values. As human beings we don't always get it right but it is how we deal with these situations of wrong choices that is important. The Gospel values of love, compassion, forgiveness and dignity on which our school is founded, help us to respond in an appropriate way. It will be these values that guide us and support us as we work with the children this year.
There is a very positive atmosphere around the campus, with the students engaged with their learning and interacting well with their peers. I look forward to being able to share the continued great work of the students and the teachers on the Primary Campus with you as the year unfolds.
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
Embarking on the Lenten Journey
Next Wednesday we celebrate Ash Wednesday, signifying the beginning of our Lenten journey to Easter. The liturgical colour changes from green to purple as we prepare ourselves for the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are many ways in which we can prepare ourselves for Easter, as people reflect on their lives and seek to know God better.
On Wednesday every child will receive ashes on their foreheads; a reminder that we are all on the journey to become better, stronger people this Lenten season. Throughout the coming weeks teachers will focus on special acts of prayer and giving as we all journey together to Easter.
For more information on Ash Wednesday and its significance for Christians, you may like to view the following clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo1mjuy1NA0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWKRhk-yYI0
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
CONOCO PHILLIPS SCIENCE EXPERIENCE - BY MACKENZIE SWAN
As part of the experience we participated in hands on Science experiments and toured some of the many Science research facilities. We were able to meet lecturers and researchers that research a variety of Science branches. Some of my favourite parts of the trip were touring the animal Science research facility and the nature walk around Dumaresq Dam.
I would like to sincerely thank the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe for sponsoring me, as well as Mrs Brooke Butson for helping me apply. This experience is one I would strongly recommend to any students from Year 8 - 10 who enjoys Science or is interested in studying Science at a university level.
By Mackenzie Swan
YEAR 6 HEAD TO SECONDARY FOR SCIENCE
Year 6 students have started to participate in lessons at the Secondary, and are enjoying being taught by some of the specialist Secondary teachers. In the Science lab, Year 6 students recenty learnt about the accuracy of measuring volume with different glassware!
4/5 PC SORT STORIES OF THE BIBLE
Year 4/5PC had a busy afternoon, sorting out the different books of the Bible collaboratively.
STUDENTS TOUR THE TRADE TRAINING CENTRE
Secondary students undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering recently had their induction at the Trade Training Centre. The purpose of the centre is to deliver trade qualifications to students to address skills shortages in the manufacturing, construction and property services industries. Four schools from accross the Granite Belt including Stanthorpe State High School, Inglewood State School, Texas State Shool and St Joseph’s School access the centre with a number of students undertaking VET qualifications.
The students walked around the Centre with Mr Scott Stone to familiarise themselves with the facility before starting practical work! The Certificate is completed at school, with an emphasis on placing students in school-based apprenticeships/traineeships upon leaving.
St Joseph's School partners with a number of other training providers including the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, the College of Health and Fitness, Aviation Australia and Blue Dog Training and uses a variety of facilties to provide our VET courses.
In Year 3 they try not to let an opportunity to learn go by. With the recent rain, the students have looked at how rain is measured and even made their own simple rain gauges.
A very big thankyou to all the parents and friends who gave their time unselfishly to assist at the new and improved Can Bar at this year’s Stanthorpe Show. It is always so very pleasing to see.
P & F meetings are held in the Boardroom within the Administration Building on the last Tuesday of the every month. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to get an insight into what is happening at the school and to be a part of the school community. Parents are encouraged to attend. The meetings are very informal and only go for around an hour.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PAST STUDENTS OF ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL
Hundreds of past students of St Joseph’s School are scattered throughout Australia and around the world, working across every industry. We’re proud of our past students and their achievements – big and small. In future newsletters, we will be highlighting a past student and sharing what they have been up to since leaving the Joey's gates.
CLARISSA PABST
What year did you graduate?
2007
What were your favourite subjects at St Joseph’s School?
Art, English and Film & Television
Can you tell us about your time at St Joseph’s School? Is there anything you especially remember?
I attended Joey's from preschool to Year 12. It was a very positive experience - I made life-long friends and had great teachers to learn from!
What has been your journey since finishing school? Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on?
I didn't set out to become a chef, but it runs in the family. After several years employed in various administrative jobs in Stanthorpe, Brisbane and Rockhampton, life eventually led me down the path of cooking and I have not looked back. I completed my training in Melbourne (which I loved) and after continuing work there for a few more years we, (my husband and I) went for a trip around Australia and we ended back in Stanthorpe! The opportunity presented itself to buy No 2 McGregor Terrace and we took the plunge - and here we are, having just opened Essen Restaurant in town!
What piece of advice would you have for current students at St Joseph’s School?
My advice would be not to take everything too seriously, there is good in even the worst situations. If you pursue something, do it with all your might and do not be afraid of failure! You cannot predict the future, all you can do is jump in and give it a go!
GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL BANKING
St Joseph’s School have been offering the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program to Primary students for many years. School Banking is a fun, interactive and engaging way for young Australians to learn about money and develop good savings habits. Children who deposit money into their Youthsaver account through School Banking will earn an exciting reward everytime they reach 10 deposits.
The rewards available during 2020 are:
- Terry Denton’s Activity Book
- Mini Soccer Ball (size 2)
- Treetop Stationary Set
- Treetop Handball
- Tomato Seed Kit
- Magic Mist Drink Bottle
- Emoji Wallet
- Snakes & Ladders Game
School Banking is also a great fundraiser for our school. Our school receives a Regular Savers Contribution of $5 for every 10 deposits processed per student as well as an Annual Contribution which is based on the number of students who made at least one School Banking deposit in the prior year.
Getting your child involved in School Banking is easy!
All you need to get involved in the School Banking program is a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account. You can open an account for your child in one of two ways:
Online
Visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking and click on the link to open a Youthsaver account.
In branch
Visit a Commonwealth Bank branch with identification for yourself and your child, like a driver’s licence and birth certificate.
If your child has an existing Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account they can start banking straight away. They just need to bring their deposit in every week on School Banking day using their Dollarmites deposit wallet.
If you would like to know more about School Banking, please visit www.commbank.com.au/schoolbanking to receive a 2020 School Banking program information pack.
When do I bring my Bank Book to School?
Each Monday you need to bring in your school banking book and place it in your class Banking Bag. Your banking will be processed during the week by parent volunteers and your bank book will be returned to you via your class Banking Bag.
Would you like to be a Parent Volunteer to process the School Banking?
What does a Banking Co-ordinator do each week?
- Process student banking
- Counting monies and deposit at the bank
- Distribute any prizes
- Takes approximately 20mins of your time each week
Please let the School Office know if you would like to participate.
LAST MINUTE 2019 YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE
We have a couple copies of the 2019 Yearbook still available to purchase.
The 2019 yearbooks are $27 per copy. If you would like one please pop into the Primary office and pay in full by cash, eftpos or via direct deposit. Please include your surname and yearbook as a reference if paying by direct deposit. E.g. Smith Yearbook.
Secondary Swimming Carnival
The St Joseph’s School Secondary Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 7th February, with students and staff enjoying a great day in the pool and cheering each other on.
Coming into the final event of the day, the team relay events, both houses were extremely close in points. Davadi House was declared the Champion House and they also claimed victory for House Spirit with their constant cheering throughout the day!
7 records were broken throughout the day with Isabel Kay breaking 4 records in the 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly. William Kay picked also broke 3 records in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly.
The final event before presentations was the Staff vs Student race with the staff just edging out the motivated Year 11 & 12 students.
Congratulations to the Age Champions and Runner-Ups, and to all the students who participated and gave their best throughout the day. A big thank you also goes to the Smails for allowing our event to happen.
12 Year old Girl Champion | Amber Braund |
12 Year old Girl Runner Up | Eliza Bonner |
12 Year old Boy Champion | Joel Jensen |
12 Year old Boy Runner Up | |
13 Year old Girl Champion | Ashlin Searle & Mia Everson |
13 Year old Girl Runner Up | Dakota Burton |
13 Year old Boy Champion | William Kay |
13 Year old Boy Runner Up | Isaac Kay |
14 Year old Girl Champion | Mackenzie Weatherley |
14 Year old Girl Runner Up | Kiara Osborne |
14 Year old Boy Champion | Ryan Whiticker |
14 Year old Boy Runner Up | Sam Ellis |
15 Year old Girl Champion | Ashley O’Brien |
15 Year old Girl Runner Up | Eliza Telfer |
15 Year old Boy Champion | Coen Taylor & Josh Petrie |
15 Year old Boy Runner Up | Will Bonner & Julian Dickson |
16 Year old Girl Champion | Isabel Kay |
16 Year old Girl Runner Up | Kirra Daddow |
16 Year old Boy Champion | Adam Raccanello |
16 Year old Boy Runner Up | Josh Rowen |
Open Year Girl Champion | Bridgette Kay |
Open Year Girl Runner Up | Danielle Musumeci |
Open Year Boy Champion | Lachlan Mahoney |
Open Year Boy Runner Up | James Humble |
Records
Name | Event | Time | Previous Record |
Isabel Kay | U16 Girls 50m Freestyle | 32.62 | S Cobon (2016) 32.72 |
William Kay | U13 Boys 50m Freestyle | 32.18 | M Sullivan (1990) 32.68 |
Isabel Kay | U16 Girls 50m Breaststroke | 40.72 | P Devereux (1999) 44.73 |
Isabel Kay | U16 Girls 50m Backstroke | 40.28 | S Cobon (2016) 40.72 |
William Kay | U13 Boys 100m Freestyle | 1:18.62 | M Sullivan (1990) 1:21.28 |
Isabel Kay | U16 Girls 50m Butterfly | 35.38 | A Yates (2013) 39.9 |
William Kay | U13 Boys 50m Butterfly | 40.62 | Z Knight (2013) 51.42 |
On behalf of St Joseph’s P&F Association, I would like to thank all the parents and friends who gave their time unselfishly to assist at the Can Bar at this year’s Stanthorpe Show. I am always amazed at the response we get every year for this annual event. I would also like to thank and acknowledge the staff and teachers at St Joseph’s who assisted behind the bar. Finally a big thank-you to the staff involved who completed all the preliminary leg work and organised the roster for the two days.
I would also like to invite all parents and friends of St Joseph’s to attend the first P&F meeting of the year next Tuesday evening 25 February at 7.00pm. P&F meetings are held in the Boardroom within the Administration Building on the last Tuesday of the month. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to get an insight into what is happening at the school and to be a part of the school community. I would especially encourage any new parents to attend. The meetings are very informal and only go for around an hour.
Daniel O'Dea (P&F President)
The St Joseph's School Board is an advisory board which takes responsibility for the formation of general policies that underpin the practical operation and management of the school.
Ex officio members are the Parish Priest, religious personnel in the Parish and the Principal. Other members are elected for three-year terms.
The current membership of the Board is:
- Mrs Julie Kay (Chair)
- Mr Andrew Kendall
- Fr Brian Connolly
- Mrs Megan Mahoney (Staff Representative)
- Mr Patrick McCosker
- Mr Michael Pradella
- Mrs Angelina Sims (Secretary)
- Ms Dorothy Switala
There is currently one position available on the Board. If anyone would like to nominate please contact Julie Kay on jkay78@bigpond.com
24 February | School Photos |
24 - 27 February | South West Futsal |
26 February | Ash Wednesday Mass |
27 February | Year 6 Leadership Experience |
28 February | Secondary Caritas Just Leadership |
2 March | DD Rugby League (15 & 18 years) |
3 March | DD Swimming (13-19 years) |
4 March | DD Swimming (10 - 12 years) |
7 March | Apple & Grape Parade |
19 March | St Joseph's Day |
20 March | National Day of Action against Bullying |
21 March | Family Mass |
2 April | School Cross Country |
3 April | Student Free Day |