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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- ST JOSEPH'S VERY OWN EISTEDDFOD
- 2020 EP HUMANITIES CHAMPIONSHIPS
- YEAR 6 NEWS
- DADIRRI PRAYER
- ST VINCENT DE PAUL APPEAL
- ESCAPE ROOM THROUGH BUSINESS STUDIES
- THROUGH THE AGES
- YEAR 7 HISTORIANS
- CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS
- YEAR 7 VISUAL ART
- YEAR 10 VISUAL ART
- RATIONS CHALLENGE
- STAFF "JERSEY" DAY
- SPORT
- WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PAST STUDENTS OF ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL
- LOST AND FOUND
- UPCOMING EVENTS
As Semester 1 comes to an end, I would like to thank all staff, students and families for the good work that has happened during a challenging and very different semester.
I am particularly grateful for the work the staff have done to ensure our students have received continuity of schooling and a safe environment.
Student reports will be posted to parents early next week. As you may realise, the disjointedness of the semester will mean that their teachers may not necessarily have as much data as usual to make their judgements and overall grades may have been influenced by the disruption to normal classes. However, the teachers have made their best effort based on the available data. They are also aware of where each student is in their schooling and what needs to happen next to progress their learning.
Parent teacher consultations will be conducted in early Term 3. Please take the time to meet with your children’s teachers to discuss their progress.
I wish all members of our St Joseph’s community a safe and enjoyable break.
God Bless
The final weeks of Semester 1 has certainly gone quickly, with students working positively towards completing assessment requirements. Whilst this semester has been one of challenge, with the impacts of COVID and the learning@home period for a significant part of Term 2, I congratulate all students on an excellent semester and the strong academic results that are evident in the semester reports. In relation to semester reports, these will be mailed out early in the holiday period. Please take the time to work through the feedback within these reports and as always, I encourage parents to contact the relevant staff or myself if you wish to discuss anything contained within these reports.
For secondary parents, parent teacher consultations will occur in early Term 3, providing an excellent opportunity for parents, students and teachers to discuss the Semester 1 and collaborate to set academic goals for Semester 2. Further information relating to the online booking system for parent teacher consultations with be sent in a broadcast shortly.
Please stay safe and well over the June / July school holiday break and I look forward to students returning for Semester 2.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
Yesterday signalled the end of a term that was very different for all of us and a time through which we have probably learnt a lot about ourselves. For some, it seems like the term has been going forever, whilst for others it has all happened in the blink of an eye. Perhaps one thing we have all recently been reminded about is the need to use our time well because, once spent, it is not possible to get it back. Our definitions of ‘well’ may be different but I hope that somewhere in there are values such as forgiveness, compassion, respect and dignity and a sense that what you are prepared to put in to a situation will determine what you get out of it.
In recent weeks, the students from Prep – Year 6 have participated in our school’s version of the local Eisteddfod. It is a long held tradition that Term 2 is ‘Border District Eisteddfod Term’ when students eagerly learn their poems and recite them to parents and anyone else who will listen before taking to the stage at the Civic Centre. Whilst the venue was different this year and the crowds not quite as big, the students did an incredible job of performing their poems infront of their class, Mrs McLucas, Mr Mahoney and a team of adjudicators. Their confidence – or ability to make it appear like they are confident – at such a young age never ceases to amaze me. Next term, Mrs McLucas will guide the students through the requirements for the Crisps Art Show which is another favourite event on the school calendar.
Throughout this term we have welcomed 11 new students to the Primary Campus, some of whom have already started here whilst others will start in Term 3. As Mr Kendal and I talk about who we are, what we do and why we do it during the enrolment interviews, I am incredibly proud to be the Assistant Principal for the Primary Campus and to work with dedicated teachers and school officers who want only the best for the students in their care. It also gives me such pleasure to see new students welcomed so warmly into our community by the students here. It is indeed a very special place to be and I thank everyone involved with St Joseph’s School this semester - staff, students and parents - for their part in continuing to make this community a place where people really matter.
Shortly you will receive your child’s academic report for Semester 1. It will look a little different to those of previous semesters as, due to missing weeks of school because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to assess all curriculum areas. For Prep students, academic grades have been given for Religion, English and Maths and for all other cohorts in Primary, academic grades have been provided for Religion, English, Maths, HPE and Science. For all students, grades have been given for Dance and Drama as these were discrete units taught in Semester 1. The academic grades can be explained in the following way:
New students to our school may find that academic grades have not been provided. This will be due to the fact that their time at this school has been limited. Parent teacher consultations will be organised for Weeks 2 – 4 of Term 3 and details regarding how to book an appointment will be sent out next week via Parent Paperwork.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very happy, safe and restful holiday. Please keep in your prayers any within our community who are in need, especially Jeremy Lister in Year 3 who is currently in hospital in Toowoomba.
With God’s blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
Music in Our Lives
Today in my Year 9 RE class, we sang a couple of songs to prepare for our end of term virtual liturgy. In this short time, I witnessed firsthand the value and positivity of music and singing. Before my eyes members of the class transformed from quiet, reserved workers, to vibrant and enthusiastic participants. It was indeed uplifting.
The value of this medium is highlighted through the website Australian Catholics. A section titled “Sneaky Jesus” promotes songs whose lyrics have a powerful and significant message. The website also gives a description of the connection of the lyrics to saints or Gospel messages.
Check out these suggestions:
Rise by Katy Perry
Watch the Wheels by John Lennon
Fix You by Coldplay
Lanterns by Birds of Tokyo
Any opportunity to inspire today’s young people through the power of music is invaluable in any setting, and none more so than in a Catholic school.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
ST JOSEPH'S VERY OWN EISTEDDFOD
With the Border District Eisteddfod unfotunately being cancelled this year due to Covid19 restrictions, Mrs Mary McLucas didn't want to the see the students miss out on this great opportunity and learning experience.
The aim of the Border District Eisteddfod is to give competitors an opportunity to showcase not only their talents but to have a platform to compete, perform and receive feedback from professionals in their field.
Students from Prep to Year 6 eagerly learnt an individual recitation of their choice and prepared themselves to recite their poems in front of their peers, teachers and very eager Year 12 Leaders who took on the role as adjudicators.
"We were very humbled that we were considered and given the important role to adjudicate, as it was an integral part in our primary school journey. It was a positive experience that built relationships with the primary school. We valued sharing our experiences of public speaking and giving constructive feedback, as it benefited the primary students by giving a senior students perspective. It gave us the opportunity to show leadership and be role models in various ways. We appreciate the mutual benefit and hope that this involvement continues. We thank Mrs McLucas who did an incredible job of coordinating the event with Mr Mahoney’s assistance." - Danielle Musumeci.
All students involved are to be commended on their amazing efforts and a huge thankyou must go to Mrs McLucas and Mr Mahoney for organising this event and helping the students to grow and learn through poetry.
2020 EP HUMANITIES CHAMPIONSHIPS
This term, Education Perfect, an online learning platform, was introduced to students for their learning and revision. The program has been an excellent tool to help all levels of students. It has provided more opportunities to help strengthen the understanding of concepts covered in class and has been excellent for revision.
The Year 9 History students competed in the 2020 EP Humanities Championships online from the 16th to 23rd June. The students had to answer questions based on a variety of historical topics, including WW1, Black Death, Ancient Egypt and several major historical events.
As a result, the students achieved outstanding results, as detailed below.
Education Perfect - Your School's Achievements
- 2nd in Qld for the 101-250 students category (out of 33 schools)
- 17th overall in Qld (out of 226 schools)
- 3rd in Australia for the 101-250 students category (out of 199 schools)
- 70th overall in Australia (out of 1157 schools)
- 4th overall in the 101-250 students caegory (out of 267 schools)
- 103rd overall globally (out of 1664 schools)
Year 9 Championship Individual Results
1st Eliza Telfer – 1403 points
2nd Kiara Osborne- 1403 points
3rd Bronte Duff – 948 points
4th Taylah Organ – 760 points
The Year 7 English students competed in a similar competition in class using Education Perfect. They focussed on Spelling, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension and Writing skills.
Year 7A Championship Individual Results
1st –Lily Savakov– 1529 points
2nd –Eva Humble– 1178 points
3rd –Grace Roberts– 856 points
4th - Liam Telfer – 789 points
Year 7B Championship Individual Results
1st – Alessia Gasparin – 325 points
2nd – Shirley Meharg – 223 points
3rd – Katie-Lee Jansink, Heidi Favero, Dakota Burton, Sophie Brunckhorst, Olivia Bremner – 193 points
Congratulations to all students who competed over the week. The championships have really allowed our students to strive and perform their best and has enabled transformative teaching and learning experiences for lifelong learners.
Miss Tracey Cullinan
(Humanities Teacher)
St Joseph's Year 6 students continue to have their electives on the secondary campus.
Students recently participated in acting as “change detectives” as they rotated through several stations in Coolock lab, looking for ‘evidence’. Students were taught what “evidence” to look for when determining the difference between a chemical and physical change. They then used this knowledge firsthand in this activity, and eventually presented their findings, using the “lab notebooks” in a poster format.
Early in Term 3, the Year 6 students will act as mentors as they hold a science club meeting with a primary class, making kinetic sand, and teaching the junior students about chemical and physical change.
Students in Year 4/5PC recently participated in a class outside to undertake a Dadirri prayer.
The Dadirri can help us to get ready for spontaneous prayer. Students took the time to listen to nature and reflect on the beauty and wonder of God's creation and begin to become aware of the presence of God. As they experience God's presence, students can begin to pray to God. Talk to God. Listen to God. And finally, respond to God.
Upon completion of the Dadirri, students returned to the classroom to respond to the activity.
Thursday 25 June, saw our students dress in casual attire all in the aid of kickstarting the fundraising for our St Vincent De Paul winter appeal. Funds raised by means of a gold coin donation from students will assist in purchasing some tinned food for families during the winter months ahead.
ESCAPE ROOM THROUGH BUSINESS STUDIES
Last week, our Year 9 Business class successfully completed a number of challenging tasks in our business ‘Escape Room’. The activities were based around this term’s business unit of study and this challenged students to think critically and work in teams to find the code and secret password to be able to escape.
Team Yellow were the winners, but ultimately Business Studies at Joey’s was the real winner !
Learning is an ever evolving cycle for our students.
To go from colouring in onto studying for a Year 11 Maths exam! Oh to be young!!
Our Year 7 historians, have been working hard during the last week recreating small sections of the Great Wall of China. Their creations included towers and a zipline. The students concluded that those who worked on the Great Wall under Emperor Qin must have had a difficult time sourcing material and working under difficult conditions.
Year 12 Physics students have been conducting mandatory prac by measuring the force created by placing a magnet near an electric current.
Whilst Year 12 Chemistry students have been busy practicing their organic chemistry skills.
Students have been creating artworks in response to short new stories from Behind the News on topics such as the Coronavirus, coral bleaching and over-use of plastics.
After studying New York Times editorial illustrator Richard Mock and learning about his style, students created their own works using scratch art paper. Students had to consider symbols or imagery that implied ideas relating to their topics to visually represent their news story. Art elements of contrast, pattern, emphasis and space were also a factor in their compositions. Students also wrote small artist statements to accompany their completed artworks.
Structure and Figure was the driving theme of the unit for Term 2 with students considering a juxtaposition of the human figure with elements of the built environment to create a design for a lino cut.
This week, students have also learnt about safe studio practices and techniques with carving lino blocks and have printed their finished carved blocks.
Some of our Year 12 students have been taking part in the St Joseph's Ration Challenge this week.
After the Act for Peace official challenge was postponed this year, some of school leaders, in true Joey’s style, wanted to raise awareness for refugees across the world in World Refugee Week therefore organised their own ration challenge.
Together, this week with Mr Brown, Mrs Roberts and Mr Steele, students have been living off the rations of a typical refugee in a Jordanian refugee camp – lots of rice, lentils and beans - and competing challenges to raise awareness for refugees.
Great job Ration Challengers for your dedication to a great cause !
Tuesday 23 June saw the Staff at St Joseph’s dress up in their favourite "jerseys" 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.
“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.”
The House competition was organised to build up House spirit allowing students to have a greater ownership to their Houses in a safe and competitive way.
It also allowed the Year 11 students, leadership opportunities that they can build upon to be leaders of the school in 2021. The Year 11 students have already taken up this leadership by engaging in discussions for further house competitions next term and they have been organising lunch sporting activities for secondary students as well.
The students engaged in the activities really well and with a great sporting attitude, with some activities including sack races, tunnel ball, captain ball, dodgeball, Pictionary, Just Dance Off, Futsal and trivia. A demonstration of competitive house spirit was shown in all events - sporting, cultural and academic. Students were able to participate in the games across year levels to have greater integration across the secondary campus.
Due to Covid restrictions, team numbers were minimised as so there was no more than 20 at one activity at any time. This decrease in numbers meant an increase in activities and higher engagement by students.
It was a tight race to the end with only a few points the difference. McCauley came away with a total of 91 points giving Davadi the edge to come out as Term House Game Winners with 93 points.
A huge congratulations must go to all students and teachers.
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.
ANGELO PUGLISI
What year did you graduate?
I graduated school in 1959.
What were your favourite subjects at St Joseph’s School?
Maths and Science
Can you tell us about your time at St Joseph’s School? Is there anything you especially remember?
Giving the nuns a hard time.
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?
I wanted to be a mechanic, but started work on the family farm instead. My wife and I have spent the last 50 years fostering and building the Queensland Wine Industry. Our cellar door at Ballandean Estate Wines has been open 7 days a week for 50 years and we grow grapes, make wine and export wine.
What do you believe St Joseph’s School has shown you/given you as a person?
To believe in yourself and follow your dreams.
What piece of advice would you have for current students at St Joseph’s School?
Life is what you make it. Your future is in your hands. Always be positive.
FOUND - in Primary lunch shed - 1 x Size 10 Rain Jacket
A reminder to Parents and Caregivers to please ensure that all items of school clothing are to be clearly named.
26 June | Student Free Day |
Term 2 Finishes | |
13 July | Term 3 Commences |
22 October | Awards Night |
19 November | Year 12 Graduation Mass & Dinner |