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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- RETREAT DAYS
- ST VINNIES, LIP SYNC BATTLE ETC
- SR ANN THERESE HANNIGAN rsm
- READERS CUP
- UNDERSTANDING
- NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK
- KANGAROO ANZAC
- REPTILE PRESENTATION
- R U OK Day
- BOOKWEEK PARADE
- STAFF THEMED DRESS DAY - BIG, BRIGHT & BOLD
- HOUSE COMPETITION
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
As the term comes to an end, I would like to thank the staff and students for their good work and a clear focus on learning.
As St Joseph’s School, we aim is to ensure exemplary teaching and learning, that is, our teachers understand and practice the skills of exemplary teachers and that our students know and practice the skills of exemplary learners. Over the last three years, through our Visible Learning program, we have spent considerable time with teachers and students identified the key dispositions of effective learners at St Joseph’s School and developing the skills and practices of exemplary teachers and learners. The diagram below illustrates what they are. These form the focus of our teaching and learning in order to provide the students with the opportunity to be the best they can be.
I would also like to thank the P&F Association for their ongoing support and advice. Recently they conducted a fundraising activity at the Palgrove Bull Sale. Thanks to Michelle Mason for coordinating it and to all the parents and caregivers who helped on the day, assisted with the preparation and provided baked goods.
Finally, I would like to wish all families a safe and enjoyable term break. I look forward to all students coming back to school in Term 4 ready to learn and finish the year well.
God Bless
As we draw to a close another term, I reflected this week on the wonderful work done by all students and staff across the term and year, despite all the challenges that have been thrown their way across a year like no other. 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, I have been finalising curriculum offerings and subject choices with students in Year 8 and 10. In particular, it has been exciting to see the uptake of Flexible Learning subjects for senior schooling in 2021. These expanded curriculum offerings at a senior level, and the delivery of subjects that in the past may not have been accessible due to the restrictions encountered due to class sizes, provides opportunities for all our students to map to individualized pathways in the senior schooling context.
The Year 12 students should be congratulated on their efforts across the gruelling 8-day Mock External Assessment block. They have gained a valuable insight in the demands of the external assessment that will be completed in early Term 4, and the feedback they receive from their senior teachers will provide direction and clarity for the consolidation of the learning that needs to occur across the break and into mastery in Term 4.
I hope that everyone, staff, students and families, have a safe and enjoyable break, and are ready to return for a busy Term 4.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
We have reached the end of Term 3 with a sigh of relief that we have enjoyed an uninterrupted time of learning, compared of course to Terms 1 and 2. I would like to thank the teachers, school officers and students for their commitment to the learning process this term. Much has been achieved through hard work, patience, persistence and fun. I would also like to thank all families for their support in recent months. When I talk to new families about what it means to be part of St Joseph's, I talk about what a special community it is. This is demonstrated not just in the support of academic progress but in every sense of belonging to our school.
You may have noticed that we have had some renovation work taking place this term in what was the learning support area. As of next term, the students will again have access to this area as the work has been completed. Mrs Cathy Mills will also be relocating her office to this area. We thank everyone for their patience whilst this work was being completed. It took longer than expected but we now have a more modern and purposeful space for the students to use.
Finally, on behalf of the staff who work with the Primary students, I wish all our families a safe and restful holiday.
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
Where is God ?
Given the complexities 2020 has brought with it, many have asked the question “Where is God?”. This brief reflection has been adapted from a blog created by Paul Skippen, founder and editor of GPBS (Gather, Proclaim, Break, Send)
The teacher was making a point while correcting a child by helping him recall that God is everywhere. The teacher asked the child, “Where is God?” The child was silent, so the teacher asked again, “Where is God?” Same response. So quite insistently again the teacher asked, “Where is God?” The child ran out of the room and hid in a cupboard. The principal saw the child run there and opened the door. The child was crying. “What’s wrong?” the principal asked. The child replied, “I’m really in trouble now. God’s gone, and my teacher thinks I took God!”
God is never gone, of course, yet many of us, in the face of tragedy or loss or violence, have asked, “Where is God?” Facing these same issues, children look to us to answer, to reassure them that God is everywhere.
That belief is central to the Catholic faith. God is explicitly in religion class or when we participate in Mass. God is implicitly present in all our words and behaviours – we speak and act this way because we believe that God is present.
Where is God, then? God is in the classroom, on the playground, in the library, at family gatherings or in the car. God is in the staffroom, the kitchen and the workplace. We can sense God’s presence in the witness of our colleagues and children.
Reflect on where you see God’s presence in your life.
To Pray: God, I know you are everywhere. Help me sense your presence so that others may also know and feel your presence. Amen.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
Throughout a student's time at St Joseph's School, they have the opportunity to be engaged in various reflection days and retreats as part of their personal and spiritual development.
Last week, students from Year 3 and Year 4/5 participated in a half day retreat experience at the Secondary Campus under the guidance of Mrs McLucas and Mr Mahoney with the theme revolving around Bread and the story of "Emmaus".
Students enjoyed the experience of making and baking their own bread, giving them a great opportunity to reflect on the story of Emmaus and how the disciples sat to a meal with Jesus. Jesus then took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples.
ST VINNIES, LIP SYNC BATTLE ETC
For this year’s Winter Appeal, a range of fundraising events were held to assist the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
My mercy value as Prefect for this year is ‘Options for the Poor’, a pivotal mercy value at our school.
This year, in conjunction with Teen Vinnies, ‘Tinnies for Vinnies’ was created and students were encouraged to donate cans for the St. Vincent De Paul Society in order to help those who are less fortune around our district, especially during Winter. Teen Vinnies conducted a very successful Lip Sync Battle, with students from both Primary and Secondary very excited to participate. Everyone who came to support the event and cheer along their fellow classmates were required to donate a can, which were also donated. The winners of the competition, who lip synced to the Ghostbusters theme song, were Patrick Roberts, William Roberts, Jimmy Bell and Cael Armstrong. In second place was Ned Robinson with ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’, and in third place was Lara Beckett, Danielle Musumeci and Bridgette Kay with ‘Baby Shark’.
Alongside this, as my Prefect project for this year, for the Secondary students I held a “Guess the Jellybean” competition, in which students donated a can or a gold coin for a guess of how many jellybeans were in the jar for their chance to win. There were 3 smaller prizes for the three closest guesses. In 3rd place with a guess of 310 was Grace Roberts and Hollie Daniells. In 2nd place was William Furness with a guess of 293. The winner was Isobella Evans with a guess of 300 jellybeans, with the total number in the jar being 298.
The Primary had an inter-class competition, where the class that donated the largest number of cans won a pizza lunch. The Primary school put in an amazing effort with Year 3 and Year 4/5 OB both donating 150 cans each.
In total, in conjunction with the Lip Sync Battle, over 800 cans were donated across both campuses to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, an amazing outcome for the 2020 Winter Appeal.
Melissa Petroccitto
Year 12 Prefect
Sr Ann Therese Hannigan, daughter of Joseph Hannigan and Mary Donovan was born in Stanthorpe in 1925 into a large and loving family.
During her upbringing, she attended St Joseph's Secondary school in Stanthorpe before leaving to attend St Mary's in Ipswich, however during the wartime evacuations, she returned to finish her schooling here at St Joseph's.
After entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1943, Ann Therese taught in primary and secondary schools in the dioceses of Brisbane and Tooowoomba. She began her teaching career at St Stevens Primary in 1943 then moved to Bunderberg, Goondiwindi, Gympie, and Ipswich.
Ann completed the Kairos renewal program in Sydney before moving to Star of the Sea Southport in 1981, and then All Hallows school in 1982-83. In 1984, Ann Therese moved from the classroom teaching to the Library at All Hallows' where she remained until 1991.
1992, saw her begin a new ministry of Pastoral Care at Ozanam Villa, Labrador, where she ministered in what she called 'prayer of wheels' until 2002. In 2003, she retired to Mary Damian Cottage before to Emmaus in 2010.
Sr Ann Therese Hannigan passed away peacefully on 26 August 2020.
We thank Sr Hannigan's family who have kindly donated to our school, a holy picture that was so siginificant to Ann's faith, beliefs and teachings throughout her life, here at St Joseph's and beyond.
Students in Year 2 and 3 have spent Term 3 preparing for the "Readers Cup," an event that focuses on improving literacy and comprehension skills through the study of literature. The children worked in teams to learn as much as they could about the key books they have been studying.
In preparation for this, students created a team poster, a Question and Answer box and decided on a simple costume. Children also decided on a team name and colour theme for their respective teams.
To celebrate the end of this wonderful and magnificent event, students then enjoyed a scrumptious pizza party.
Year 6 students worked collaboratively to further their understanding of what a learner is and how they can choose strategies which allow them to advance their skills.
Asking ourselves questions, answering them, working in teams, with resources and taking the time to reflect certainly are tools we recommend !
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
St Joseph's students under the guidance of Mrs Lisa McPherson, participated in an online learning platform, called Education Perfect which ran over 7 days. Students answered general science questions at school, overnight and on the weekend to earn points.
With a score of 28165 points earned, St Joseph's finished 2nd overall in Qld in the 101-250 students category (out of 47 schools).
Well done to all students involved !
"My Grammy, Lesley Mills, has donated this book to the library. It is written by Deborah Wheeler who is passionate about the stories about soldiers who fought in wars. It is a picture book for older readers and is about the authors granddad who was a Kangaroo Anzac.
It teaches us about the Anzac and his family.
The author is from Warwick and contacted my Grammy for more information about my great granddad who was a World War II Anzac. She is currently working on a new book about him and four other Anzacs."
Magnolia Mills
Year 6
On Monday 7th September, the Year 3 class were treated to a visit from Drew Godfrey, a local reptile collector and snake handler.
Drew brought in:
Blue tongued lizard
Central bearded dragon
Bredli python
Jungle carpet python
Coastal carpet python
Brown tree snake
The children were fascinated with the creatures, especially seeing them so close, and have a new respect for the beauty to be seen in them. The demonstration had all students captivated for the entire 1.5hrs !!
Drew also made sure that the class were taught about what to do if they see a snake when they are in the bush, as well as some simple first aid in case of a bite.
Students will now create an information poster (including a safety message) about one of the reptiles.
There was a sea of yellow shirts at St Joseph's School on Thursday 10 September, as students, teachers and staff took part in the National Day of Action, R U OK Day?
This day is dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and to support those struggling with life's ups and downs. This day is also an opportunity for family, friends and workmates to connect, start a conversation and make a promise to be there for each other more often.
This year's message is 'There's more to say after R U OK?'
“Curious Creatures, Wild Minds”
Next time you are in the Primary campus or visiting the Office pop up and see our curious creatures hiding out in the foyer.
Bookweek Parade for Prep - Year 12 will be held on Thursday 8 October at 9am in the Bathersby Centre. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, we are not able to have parents and siblings join us this year. Plenty of photographs will be taken to share with parents.
Book Fair will be back in Term 4, with the date to be advised early in the term.
We are also looking forward to Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards being released in late October for their Book of the Year.
STAFF THEMED DRESS DAY - BIG, BRIGHT & BOLD
Staff were invited to wear their brightest, boldest clothes to support the wellbeing initiative for the Staff themed Dress Day.
It’s always such an easy and non-disruptive way for staff to engage, have some fun and be a talking point for students.
In celebration of the Spring season, every staff member received a small potted annual plant and invited to take part in a planting ceremony to be held on the Secondary campus on the last day of the term.
The planting ceremony is an opportunity for staff to gather and celebrate the last day of term as well as plant their annual in the garden bed between the Art room and the Manual Arts room. This will brighten up that area for staff and students to enjoy.
Again this term, student’s participated in House competition activities. Students from Year 11, showed great leadership in organising and facilitating such activities as:
Tug-o-war, kick tennis, futsal, dodgeball, Pictionary, celebrity heads, flys.
The students participated to their best abilities to represent their respective two Houses, McAuley and Davadi.
After the first round completed in week 6, McAuley were in the lead by 6 points. The last round of competition was Tuesday, week 9 and students in Davadi were giving it their all to do their best to retain the title of Inter-House competition victors. However, McCauley were just too dominant in the end and came away as overall Inter House Competition winners of Term 3.
McAuley - 58 points
Davadi - 47 points
Over the last 4 days, Anika Rossington in Year 10 competed in the State Titles for Squash as part of the Darling Downs team.
Being the youngest competitor in the tournament, Anika came up against some tough opponents and also had to compete against some boys. One game was against the Australian #2 player for U17’s squash and she managed to win 1 game over her but could not keep up due to fitness.
Anika played extremely well throughout the tournament and will come back next year better and stronger to try and make the QLD team for nationals.
Congratulations to Anika for representing our school at this level of competition.
18 September | Student Free Day |
Term 3 Finishes | |
5 October | Queens's Birthday Public Holiday |
6 October | Term 4 Commences |
8 October | Bookweek Dress Up |
20 October | Primary Awards Night |
22 October | Secondary Awards Night |
Parent Workshops - September School Holidays
RHealth and USQ are presenting some really fun and interesting workshops during the September School Holidays.
USQ are hosting two workshops for parents and a workshop for adults during the Thrive on Arts Festival at the Empire Theatre.
All dates and booking information can be found by clicking on the below links:
- Play Workshop for Parents: A series of exercises for Parents to develop their own play-state.
- Playing the Clown – A workshop for Parent and Children: - A series of exercises for parents and children to facilitate play.
Booking info: https://www.empiretheatre.com.au/event/850/clowning-workshops - Introduction to Clowning workshop for Adults: A workshop suitable to Caseworkers, Counsellors and Youth Workers who are interested in developing a new skillset for engaging with children and young people.
Booking info: https://fb.me/e/1rHTW83h7