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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- APPLE & GRAPE
- LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR
- EFFECTIVE HANDWASHING
- GARDENING GROUPS with 3C
- SCIENTISTS IN THE MAKING
- 2020 NEXT STEP SURVEY
- BOOK FAIR HAS ARRIVED
- MESS SCENE INVESTIGATION
- HOMEWORK CLUB
- AGRICULTURAL STUDIES
- HOW FAST DOES AN ICE CUBE TAKE TO MELT ?
- EYEBALLS
- HPE WEEK
- YEAR 7 CAMP
- MATHS CLUB
- MARKETING SchoolTV
- WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PAST STUDENTS OF ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL
- SPORT
- EVENTS CANCELLED
- UPCOMING EVENTS
The issues surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) are fast evolving and present many challenges.
The Prime Minister last night emphasised the importance of continuing education for our children. The staff at St Joseph’s School are committed to providing your children that education. At this stage, based on health advice, schools remain open in Queensland and it is business as usual, subject to hygiene expectations, in the classroom.
If schools do close, the staff are preparing to deliver that education remotely. This may involve online learning or the provision of work to be conducted at home. The school is well placed in terms of the hardware needed and preparation for curriculum delivery. Fortunately, we have a laptop available for every child from Year 3 to Year 12. Currently, all Secondary students have their devices issued to them for use 24/7, whilst Primary students only have access to theirs at school. In the event of a school closure Primary students will be able to take theirs home. With respect to Prep to Year 2 students, work will be provided (hard copies or via email) to parents to deliver to their children.
For those families that have chosen to keep their children at home, the school will endeavour to provide students with the work they have missed and work out how to deliver assessment that they miss as soon as is practicable. However, at this stage families need to appreciate that this will have increased the workload of teachers who are very busy delivering their lessons in the classroom as well as preparing for the remote delivery of school in the near future. Families will therefore need to be patient in this respect.
We will keep families up to date as the situation evolves.
Funeral of Archbishop James Bathersby
On Monday last week I, together with Mrs Angelina Sims and our School Captains Bridgette Kay and James Humble, attended the funeral of Archbishop Bathersby at St Stephens Cathedral in Brisbane. He gave significant service to the church as a Priest in the Diocese of Toowoomba, Bishop of Cairns from 1986 to 1991 and Archbishop of Brisbane from 1991 to 2011.
The Bathersby family has a significant connection to St Joseph’s School. Archbishop Bathersby attended school here from 1941 to 1950. His sisters Carmel, Sue and Anne and his brother, Michael all attended St Joseph’s, as did many of their children and grandchildren. Carmel’s grandson, Lachlan Mahoney, is our current School Vice-Captain. Her son John Mahoney is our Campus Minister and her daughter in law Megan Mahoney (wife of Mick Mahoney) is our Assistant to the Principal Formation and Identity.
St Joseph’s School is blessed to have such a fine family in our community who so keenly support the school.
John Bathersby (pictured right) sisters Sue and Anne and brother Mike in Stanthorpe.
John Bathersby (middle) with sisters Sue, Anne and Carmel.
God Bless
Interim reports for all students in Year 7-12 will be issued at the end of term. These reports are an important checkpoint for parents and students to gauge progress across the start of the academic year. These reports will be a foundation point for discussion at the Parent-Teacher interviews scheduled for Week 2 Term 2. Further information will be sent out in relation to this later in the term.
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
Since the start of this year, we have been participating in a diocesan Numeracy Strategy in the Prep - Year 3 classrooms. With the support of Rebecca Brownhall, Education Officer: Numeracy from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, the four teachers have introduced number talks which encourage deep thinking about mathematical problems and concepts as well as assisting learners to think about what it means to a mathematician. There is a focus on going beyond the surface level understanding of mathematics as being the learning of procedures, to a deeper understanding of concepts and the ability to relate these to the real world. This work in numeracy complements our ongoing work in the area of Visible Learning and we look forward to being able to share some of the results from this program with you in the future.
Last week in assembly, I spoke to the children about the importance of continuing to treat people respectfully. Using the analogy of an apple which looks perfectly fine on the outside but can be bruised on the inside, we talked about how our words and actions can cause harm to others - harm that we may not see but nevertheless is very real. When this is done repeatedly towards a person and where there is the assumption of power, then it is bullying. There is no place for bullying at St Joseph's. The children were also reminded that they should not be 'bystanders' but instead act to stop the bully by speaking up or speaking with a teacher or another adult. This week, we will hold a free dress day on Friday to recognise the National Day of Action Against Bullying and all are encouraged to wear orange as a sign of support for this message.
Since the last newsletter, the town has celebrated the 2020 Apple and Grape Festival. Thank you to those students who participated and also to parents and friends who assisted with making the costumes, all of which looked fabulous. Your support of the school was very much appreciated.
With God’s blessings,
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
Living the Faith
Mini and Teen Vinnies
Last week, our Primary school students were commissioned as Mini Vinnies representatives and committee members for 2020. Congratulations to Eden Shatte (President), Nick Gasparin (Vice Pres), Lillian Kendall (Secretary), Erin O’Dea (Assist Sec), Harry Wren (Treasurer), Magnolia Mills (Assist Treas), and committee members Aryanna Davie, Addison McCosker, Stella Rabic, Maddison Wilson, Faith Lancaster, Ned Torrens, Natalie Gasparin, Tom Telfer, Vayda Heads, Tom Petrie, Alexis Vedelago, Cael Armstrong and Emily Robinson. Their work has already begun with a hamburger day on the Primary campus and discussions underway to hold a social justice day. We wish them all the best in the coming year and thank them for their service to this organisation.
On the Secondary campus, Teen Vinnies is busy recruiting members for the 2020 year. On Wednesday, Youth Coordinator Julie Inskip spoke to prospective members about the ways in which they can really make a difference in the lives of people in our community. Nominations and voting will take place in coming weeks.
Project Compassion
On Friday 27th March, students are invited to dress casual and if able, make a gold coin donation to their class Project Compassion box. On the same day, a silver coin line will be created on each campus, with challenges between campuses and year levels certain to create fierce competition.
Faith in Action
Already our Year 9 students have had the opportunity to participate in the Meals on Wheels program delivering meals and enjoying conversation with older members of our community. We thank Dawn and Keith Allen for providing us with the opportunity to participate in this valuable service.
Our Year 11 and 12 students have continued to support GBSS Speaker’s Nights, by assisting in setting up for this monthly event. This ‘behind the scenes’ assistance is greatly valued by our students and the coordinators of the evening.
Not forgetting the younger generation of our community, Year 7 students visited C&K Stanthorpe Community Kindergarten and enjoyed time with the children, reading stories and playing games. These opportunities continue to enable our students to live the Mercy values in our community, enabling them to truly be the best they can be.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
The Apple and Grape weekend was held on 6 - 8 March, with the Grand Parade, themed 'We are Australian', taking place on Saturday 7th March.
The parade saw many of our students and teachers dress up in theme. Our cute and cuddly Prep to Year 3’s dressed as 'cute' Aussie animals such as koalas, wombats, cockatoos and emu’s and the Year 4 - 5 students dressed as 'less cute' Aussie animals such as sharks, snakes, spiders and crocodiles. Following them, were our Year 6 students reflecting Aussie Sports and Year 7 upwards dressed as life savers, Steve Irwin, boguns, and other famous Aussie people and icons.
It was a pleasure to see so many students get involved and participate in this fantastic bi-annual event and a massive thank you too all students, parents and teachers for their amazing efforts and wonderful costumes.
Monday 9th March saw our Student Leaders James Humble, Bridgette Kay and Rory McDonagh represent our school in the Lions Youth of Year contest.
Hosted by Lions Club of Stanthorpe, the students faced a challenging day of interviews, impromptu questions and then presented their prepared speech. All performed extremely well.
Congratulations to James Humble who took out the award for best prepared speech.
Thanks to Lions for their ongoing support of young people, the community and St Joseph's School.
Effective hand hygiene is vital
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, it is important to remember that effective hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against viruses and can help prevent the spread of illness.
Lead by example and encourage your children to -
- wash their hands regularly with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
- use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is not available
- cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow
- dispose of tissues in the bin immediately
- if they’re unwell, stay at home and avoid contact with others such as touching, kissing or hugging.
Check out the 20 second routine video for effective handwashing.
Friday afternoon STEAM activities in the Year 3C classroom involved the Gardening Group designing and building sprout houses with an array of material such as sponges, toothpicks and paper plates.
Lots of challenges and imagination were used in this activity!
Year 12 Chemistry students creating a galvanic cell as part of their student experiments. This constitutes 20% of their overall Chemistry grade this year.
Meanwhile, Year 12 Physics students were busy collecting projectile motion data for their student experiments, which is 20% of their overall physics grade for 2020.
The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2019. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.
Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year, can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.
Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2020.
Further information on Next Step is available online at www.qld.gov.au/nextstep or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.
Reading for pleasure unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are. Here’s what you can do to help children develop stronger reading skills and a love for reading:
- Set the example. Let children see you read.
- Have a collection of books in your home. Update this collection routinely to keep up with changing tastes and reading skills.
- Support our school’s Book Fair. Allow your children to choose their own books to read.
Shopping hours: 8.00am-8.30am & 3.00pm-3.30pm
Year 6 students this year are undertaking their science lessons at the High School in the chemistry lab.
This prac is called, “Mess Scene Investigation.” Students are learning the importance of keeping a science lab notebook, learning to ‘waft’ to smell, and looking at each scene for evidence of a chemical reaction (as opposed to only a physical change).
The evidence they are looking for are unexpected colour or temperature change, bubbles, combustion or a precipitate.
School Prefect Franco Pozzebon and teachers will recommence Homework Club every Thursday between 3:30pm and 5:00pm in the library, from Week 7 on the Primary Campus. Weekly attendance is not mandatory and assistance for all homework types is available. All students are welcome to attend.
A roll will be taken weekly of those students who attend sessions. Students that utilise homework club can ask teachers for assistance with their work during these sessions. At all times, there will be more than two students present, or a session will be cancelled. If Homework Club is cancelled due to unexpected circumstances, an email will be sent to students and parents/caregivers.
Additionally, there will be complimentary afternoon tea of biscuits and cordial. Students are welcome to bring their own afternoon tea.
All students on campus must be collected from the library at 5:00pm.
We are happy to announce that Fiskars have donated 24 pairs of pruners to the growing Agricultural program at St Joseph’s. They will be put to good use in the near future in projects on campus and at our recently acquired Applethorpe property. The grapevines on the Secondary Campus will likely be the first to be trimmed back using our newly donated Fiskars.
St Joseph's would like to thank Karl Bitzer at Fiskars for facilitating the generous donation.
In other Agriculture news, all going to plan, we hope to have livestock on the Applethorpe property at the start of next term and take delivery of our new Chicken Caravan.
HOW FAST DOES AN ICE CUBE TAKE TO MELT ?
Year 6’s are currently exploring and practising their “Predict-Reason-Observe-Explain” skills.
They are investigating the fastest way to melt an ice cube (physical change) between the following methods: warm water, wrapped in a blanket or wrapped in foil and placed in the sun.
This is part of the Chemical Science Unit on Reversible Reactions.
The Science Club again participated in another dissection of bovine eyeballs last Friday. This exciting event was held each Friday lunchtime until the 20th of March.
This year, HPE Week was held from Monday 2 March - Friday 6 March. HPE Week is a week that celebrates the role of Health & Physical Education in schools and comunities. In addition to the normal HPE curriculum across the school, St Joseph’s also held a program of lunchtime activities to encourage the fun and enjoyment of physical activity.
HPE week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the importance, value, and fun of physical activity in the St Joseph’s school community and parents and caregivers as well as students were invited to witness and take part in these activities.
Monday
Secondary students completed a meditation session before school as there are many health benefits to a relaxed mind and body including reducing stress, controlling anxiety, promoting emotional health and enahncing self-awareness.
During lunch, Secondary Staff and students enjoyed a friendly game of Basketball whilst Primary Years 3-4, experienced some of the playground games their parents and grandparents played as kids including marbles and elastics.
Tuesday
Tuesday saw Secondary students in the Bathersby Centre commencing with Morning Meditation and Prayer and Year 5 and 6 students playing Table Tennis.
On the Secondary Campus at lunch time, there was an excellent turnout for the Muscular Endurance Challenge. There was a total of 17 teams that entered the competition and all teams did themselves proud.
Wednesday
Students again today made mental health a part of their everyday routine with meditation and prayer. Secondary Campus students participated in a range old school playgound games such as handball and marbles - Getting back to basics and remembering you don’t need lots of expensive equipment to stay active.
Primary school students participated in their weekly Swim Survive Classes at the local pool and Staff wellbeing was a focus as well with activities to suit all levels of fitness.
Links for videos -
Thursday
Year 1 and 2's enjoyed showing off their best dance moves to the secondary students with some of the Year 11 boys definately enjoying every moment.
This followed another morning of meditation and prayer and cricket training on the primary oval.
Friday
On the final day of HPE week, students again participated in meditation and prayer before enjoying softball training, interschool sports and mountain bike riding.
Congratulations to all participants. It was a wonderful atmosphere with a lot of encouragement and fun with everyone getting active.
The excited Year 7's ventured off to the CYC Burleigh for the annual Year 7 camp from Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th March.
After initial check in procedures of getting into cabin and activity groups, students were off to Tallebudgera Creek for their afternoon activities, some of which included raft building, tubing behind a ski boat. This saw some students stepping out of their comfort zone for the tubing but after a few laps, they gained the confidence to go at the "fast" speed.
The next few days, saw students participate again in a variety of activities involving a trivia competition, talent show, rock walk climbing and canoeing, finishing off the day with an interactive indigenous cultural performance.
Before the students were to leave for home, they again headed back to the beach for a morning walk, followed by breakfast, tidyng and packing up and then off for more tubing and raft building.
Secondary Students are learning to solve the Rubik’s cube during Maths Club.
The process will span several weeks and will end with a competition for speed !
SPECIAL REPORT: Coronavirus - A Guide for Parents
Coronavirus is an evolving international health concern. Around the world, people are being affected in many ways. Individuals of all ages from numerous nationalities are being diagnosed with the virus –– it doesn’t discriminate. Although children are considered at lower risk of infection, they are not immune to the multitude of news reports regularly seen or heard in the media.
This epidemic is a cause for great concern to parents, but it is also very worrying to young people. Many are wondering how best to discuss this epidemic in a way that will be reassuring to kids without making them feel more worried than what they may be already. Parents should not avoid such a discussion with their kids. Not talking about something can often make them worry more.
Although most children will have already heard about the coronavirus, it is important for parents and care-givers to take this opportunity to convey the facts about it and set the emotional tone. This may help kids feel more informed and reassured. Involving them and encouraging self-efficacy can also give them a sense of control and purpose.
In this Special Report, parents and caregivers will be provided with some guidelines on how best to approach this topic whilst still ensuring the wellbeing of their child. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we 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 your special report https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus
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.
JOSH CAVALLARO
What year did you graduate?
I graduated Year 7 in 2000 and continued High School at Stanthorpe State High graduating in 2005.
What were your favourite subjects at St Joseph’s School?
Maths and Physical Education.
Can you tell us about your time at St Joseph’s School? Is there anything you especially remember?
There are still several teachers/staff still working at the school from when I was attending St Joeys which have always stood out in memory. I remember vividly when the main administration building used to be the pre-school building and when it was tore down for the new structure.
What has been your journey since finishing school? Briefly outline your career path and what you are doing now. Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on?
My current career as an Insurance broker was completely a coincidence as it was never my intention or interest to pursue. Since primary school, I always had a desire to become an Architect.
During my final years of high school, I was taking part in a School Based Traineeship at Golden Grove Estate Wines completing my Certificate in Winemaking and graduating in 2005. I continued on full time for a year after graduating and then bounced between jobs in hospitality when moving to Brisbane. In 2008, I was offered a job in an insurance call centre which lasted 6 months leading into an Insurance Broking career which I have been doing ever since.
What do you believe St Joseph’s School has shown you/given you as a person?
St Joeys has provided me with many life skills from social interaction, respect & morals and a strong sense of community pride.
What piece of advice would you have for current students at St Joseph’s School?
Goals & aspirations change as you mature; don’t be afraid of change and embrace your strengths.
DARLING DOWNS TRIALS
On Tuesday 10th of March, four students represented the school at the Darling Downs trials for their respective sports. Students went up against the best in their age group to have a chance to compete at the State Titles.
A big congratulations goes to Anika Rossington, who was chosen as 1st line for the Darling Downs Squash team to compete at the titles on the 7-10th of May. Well done to Taryn McCosker (Netball), Greg Zournazidis (Football) and Eric Richards (Football) for making the Border District teams.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the Darling Downs (16 yrs Football) trials which were scheduled for 19th March which Brayden Spiller was to attend, were cancelled.
Mountain Bike Club
In line with the MTBA recommendations of earlier today, we wish to advise that the St Joseph's Mountain Bike Club will be postponed until further notice.
We apologise for any inconvenience this decision causes, and will continue to update parents as further information becomes available.
CommBank School Banking
The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and our people is our first priority. Due to the rapidly developing situation with coronavirus, School Banking has been temporarily paused from 20 March 2020 until the start of Term 2.
Please don’t bring your deposit book with your weekly banking into school. You will be notified when banking will recommence.
Border District Eisteddfod
The 2020 Border District Eisteddfod has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The members of the Eisteddfod Committee unanimously agreed it was the socially responsible action to take, as we fully support the practice of social distancing to reduce the rapid spread of the disease. Arrangments are being made to have payments refunded for those who have already entered. Contact will be made to those parents/students once arrangements have been confirmed.
NAPLAN
23 - 27 March | Book Fair |
27 March | Immuniations Year 7 & Year 10 |
Pupil Free Day | |
2 April | Easter Liturgy |
3 April | Student Free Day |
Term 1 Finishes | |
20 April | Term 2 Commences |