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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- SchoolTV
- ENHANCING CATHOLIC SCHOOL IDENTITY SURVEY
- BOOK FAIR
- PROJECT COMPASSION
- STAFF GET SPOTTY FOR WELLBEING
- YEAR 3 DONATION TO LOCAL HOSPITAL
- LEGO CHALLENGE
- COVID-19 - COMMUNITY RECOVERY
- SOMETHING FOR THE SOUL
- A SIMPLE PRAYER TO BEGIN YOUR DAY
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- DEBUTANTE BALL
- PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
- BUSHKIDS
This term has, no doubt, been a challenging one for us all and the weeks ahead will present further challenges. However, I am confident the school is well prepared for what the future brings, both in the short term and the long term.
Strategic Plan 2020-2023
Last year, after consultation with staff, students, the Parents and Friends Association and the School Board, and drawing on the School Renewal and Improvement Plan 2018, the School Leadership Team, under the guidance of school education consultant Dr Judy Smeed, developed our Strategic Plan to inform the direction of St Joseph’s School from 2020 to the end of 2023.
The plan provides the basis for shaping the School’s Annual Action Plans in each of the following five focus areas:
- Catholic Identity and Mercy Charism
- Teaching and Learning
- Well Being and Capacity
- Community Engagement
- Resources and Facilities
We believe the plan provides a clear and detailed platform to grow the school and, most importantly, provide the opportunity for our students to be the best they can be.
The Strategic Plan 2020-2023 can be downloaded HERE.
School Board
On the 24th March, the School Board met for its AGM and the first meeting of the year. The Board for this year is:
Julie Kay (Chair)
Andrew Kendall (Principal)
Father Brian Connolly (Parish Priest)
Angelina Sims (Secretary)
Megan Mahoney (Staff Representative)
Suzanne Dole
Patrick McCosker
Michael Pradella
Amanda St John
Dorothy Switala
A key role of the Board will be to monitor the progress of the school’s implementation of the Strategic Plan.
I thank them for their support of the school and welcome the new members, Suzanne Dole and Amanda St John, to the Board.
Learning from Home
The staff have been working hard this week to prepare for the possibility of students having to learn from home at the start of Term 2. Much training and collaborative planning has gone into their preparations.
I appreciate that for many families, the need to coordinate the learning of their children at home may be difficult and stressful. Parents and caregivers need to be aware that they are not expected to be teachers and are not expected to have their children sitting at their desks from 8.35am to 3.10pm Monday to Friday, like a normal school day. The staff will provide programs that are flexible enough to cater to the varying needs of families and will be available to help with your queries and concerns.
The learning programs that will be set across different year levels will vary. Both Sarah Yates (Primary) and Matthew Brown (Secondary) will send out details about these programs for the respective campuses and the expectations for students. They will also give some advice on how you may assist with your child’s learning at home.
I encourage you to contact the school at your earliest convenience if you need support or have any queries.
God Bless
It has certainly been an interesting end to Term 1 and I thank all the students, parents and staff for your patience and support during this unprecedented time.
As we prepare for the likely move to online learning for Term 2 due to COVID-19, staff have been working incredibly hard to build the online infrastructure to deliver the curriculum to students through virtual platforms. For parents and students, a SJS Online Learning Framework will be emailed out this week. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the online learning platforms that will be used by teachers and students to deliver the curriculum. Students will be accessing learning primarily through Microsoft OneNote, where teachers will provide unit and lesson overviews, activities and resources for students to access. This platform may also be used to conduct formative testing and deliver feedback to students. Other virtual delivery platforms, such as Teams, Forms and other elements of the Microsoft / Apple suites will be used to produce interactive activities and conduct some online learning with students.
Importantly, I will be seeking confirmation from families in relation to those who have restricted or no internet access for their children to access online learning. This will enable the school to put provisions in place to supply these students with hard copy materials so they can continue their learning. Please contact the school office or email me at matthew.brown@twb.catholic.edu.au from your mobile phone if internet access is a cause of concern.
As parents, please feel free to touch base with teachers or myself if you need any support in working with your child to support their learning if we do move to online delivery in Term 2. Working together, school, families and students, I am sure we can work positively into an uncertain future and continue to provide learning that will enable every student to be the best they can be.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
Thursday last week wasn’t quite the day we expected.
It was not easy to say goodbye to the children at the end of the day, without knowing when we might see them again. We couldn’t have imagined that Term 1 would have come to such a premature end when we started the school year in January but in the face of adversity, as you would expect, the Primary Staff have been busy in the last few days ensuring that the learning of the students can be maintained over the coming weeks and months.
Students from Year 3 – 6 are utilising CANVAS, a diocesan-supported learning management system, whilst students in Prep – Year 2 will be using a combination of technology and hard copies of books, sheets etc. We will continue to provide parents and students with the resources they need, along with the support necessary to help them through this period. Part of this support will include making contact with the children and/or parents during each week and offering assistance where we can.
The term has concluded without us being able to participate in the annual cross country event and also celebrate the important Christian festival of Easter. However, at this time it would be easy to focus on the negatives of the situation and to forget the many positives of Term 1 on the Primary Campus, of which there have been many.
We certainly look forward to being able to reassemble when the time is right and continue to make more memories. In the meantime, I encourage all families to treasure the time that lies before us, to look after each other and to make the most of all opportunities with which we are presented.
Finally, I leave you with this short film about three trees which I believe encapsulates the message of the Easter story so well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktYroQP5A1c
With God’s blessings for the Easter season and beyond.
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
The Easter Journey
In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, many find themselves searching for answers and turning to prayer in search of comfort and solace. As we approach one of the most significant and joyful events in the Church calendar, we find that we are unable to gather and commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as we have so many times in the past.
To assist families in spending some time over the Easter period in prayer, the links below may be of use. Take some time, either individually or as a family to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice and joyful resurrection Christ made for all.
The Three Trees (God’s plan for us)
Lenten and Easter resources 2020
Wishing you every blessing this Easter.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
SchoolTV SPECIAL REPORT: Preparing for Learning from Home
Students having to learn from home (referred to as homeschooling in this special report) could soon be a reality for many adult carers as nations act to implement strategies in the prevention of COVID-19. The daunting task of establishing new routines and schedules, whilst juggling work responsibilities, could prove to be disruptive and challenging for families and schools.
Some young people will transition seamlessly, whilst others may struggle. Therefore, it will be vitally important for parents to be vigilant in looking for signs of anxiety and depression. Parents will need to continue to be reassuring and supportive in this time of uncertainty and acknowledge that this may be a stressful time for students of all ages.
The school is working hard to ensure your child’s academic needs are met, but parents and caregivers will need to play a key role in providing them with the structure and groundwork for success. Young people will be looking towards their parents to keep things in context and help ease the transition to a different learning environment.
In this SchoolTV Special Report, parents and caregivers will be provided with some guidelines on how best to navigate this time of transition with minimal disruption. 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 the special report -https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-preparing-homeschooling .
ENHANCING CATHOLIC SCHOOL IDENTITY SURVEY
As part of the future direction of our school's Catholic identity, staff, students (Years 5-12) and families were recently asked to complete the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) Survey. The data gathered from these surveys will assist in discerning how the school's Catholic identity is viewed today and how such identity may be shaped for the future.
Due to the extraordinary circumstances at the moment, KUL have extended the survey deadline until 24th April 2020.
The attached document provides information regarding completion of the survey. Please note that our school's group entry code is y113k4.
Thank you in anticipation of your participation in the ECSI survey.
Reading for pleasure unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are.
It was a busy but very enjoyable time for us, and we loved meeting and greeting parents, grandparents and family friends.
Thank you to all students and families for supporting the recent Book Fair !
Wednesday 25th March saw students participate in a free dress day for Project Compassion. Congratulations to the Year 7's who had the longest coin line and the Year 12's who raised the greatest amount.
Such a great effort by all students and classes.
STAFF GET SPOTTY FOR WELLBEING
Tuesday 24 March saw Staff at St Joseph’s dress to the theme of “spots” for the day. The initiative for this day was to help implement and support the school’s Wellbeing Strategy through raising awareness of wellbeing activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive mental health.
Angie Sims, who is the school’s Wellbeing Champion, took on this role in organising the day.
“This year, one of my initiatives is having a Staff Themed Fun Day each term. The idea of these days is for staff to enjoy a laugh which helps reduce stress and boost immunity, they can enjoy seeing each other dress up in the theme, and it becomes a talking point for students who notice a pattern with what staff are wearing.”
With all the anxiety and stress of the coronavirus issue, the themed day was a welcome distraction to staff.
Morning tea of donuts were provided to all staff.
YEAR 3 DONATION TO LOCAL HOSPITAL
Some of you may remember that the Year 3 class won a prize in the cooking section at the Stanthorpe Show earlier this year.
We had many ideas about what to do with the money, but the children finally decided that they'd like to buy a game or toy for our local Hospital.
We are very happy to donate an 'Etch a Sketch' to the Children’s Ward of the Hospital.
Well done children on a very generous action!
Lego Challenge's this week included creating a Roller Coaster for an amusement park and building the tallest tower possible. As you can see, the towers were quite tall and they all had to be free standing.
A great deal of effort and imagination went into the constructon of their fantastic roller coasters and towers.
Well done students !
Here is an idea from How goes it with thy soul? practising ‘liturgy of the hours’ at a distance. Something to share with those who are housebound:-
6.00am - Light a candle
7.30am - Water one houseplant
8.00am - Text someone and see how they’re feeling
12.30pm - Take a walk and do your best to smile and wave
3.00pm - Sit down and breathe deeply for 30 seconds
5.00pm - Pray – you can do it!
10.00pm - Lay down and reflect on your day.
A SIMPLE PRAYER TO BEGIN YOUR DAY
Go and sit in a quiet place, hands palm up ready to receive, breath deeply and gently, then, pray the following Mantra slowly and repaeat it as many times as you need ......
May I be filled with Loving Kindness,
May I be Well,
May I be Peaceful and at Ease.
Then include others in your prayer, "May MUM be filled with loving kindness....."
3 April | Term 1 Finishes |
20 April | Term 2 Commences |
25 April | Anzac Day |
The annual St Joseph's Parish Debutante Ball is scheduled for Saturday 10th October 2020.
At this stage it has not been cancelled.
If the current situation regarding Covid19 continues past the middle of August, then a decision will be made regarding whether it goes ahead or not.
Year 11 and 12 girls are able to register their interest in participating this year, and can request information and registration forms from Dani Hannigan dhanl11@eq.edu.au.
An activity for the holidays ?
Sponsored by Vinnies Youth Qld, students are invited to enter the "Art of Advocacy" photography competition.
The competition will be based on the theme of social inclusion (improving the ability, opportunity and dignity of those disadvantaged or marginalised in our society) and the need to start a conversation and generate awareness of this issue. For example, a photo of an empty grocery isle at the supermarket might have the title "what about me?"
They are seeking photos that challenge us and provoke us to create a more inclusive society.
There will be three entry levels :
- Primary (years 4-6)
- Junior Secondary (years 7-9)
- Seniors (years 10, 11 and 12)
To enter, students need to include :
- An original photograph (black and white or colour)
- A title and sentence to accompany the image.
Entries close in Term 2, so be sure to get your photos in to Miss Mason or Mr Mahoney and if you require any assistance, please feel free to contact them.
Check out the website : www.vinniesyouthqld.org.au
Dear families,
Whilst Bushkids Stanthorpe are not currently seeing clients face to face, we are ramping up our teleheath services, and will be offering Virtual playgroups as of next week. This is a new era for all of us so we will all navigate it together.
In this ever changing time, please know that Bushkids are still here to support families, including those suffering from anxiety during these scary and uncertain times.
Please contact Bushkids via Phone or email if you require family support.
Phone: 0428 504 392
Looking forward to seeing all our little friends for some playgroup fun from the comfort and safety of everyone's own home.
Stay safe
Adela Caruso
Early Intervention Facilitator
https://www.bushkids.org.au/