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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- GENERAL ADMINISTRATION REMINDERS
- TERM 2 SCHOOL FEES
- SchoolTV
- MEALS ON WHEELS
- BIOLOGY & DNA
- SCIENCE CLUB
- YEAR 6 MATHS CONNECTIONS
- YEAR 10 MATHS
- SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL VISIT
- ANZAC DAY
- NAPLAN PREPARATION
- SOUTHERN DOWNS YOUTH COUNCIL
- TRIVIA NIGHT - GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER
- THE SCHOOL MUSICAL IS BACK !!
- SCHOOL PHOTOS - UPDATE
- CROSS COUNTRY
- 2nd HAND UNIFORMS
- UPCOMING EVENTS
SchoolTV Special Report: Vaping & E-Cigarettes
Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially amongst teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making it more cost-effective and attractive to young people.
Although under 18s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products, and attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of them. Many of the flavoured liquids associated with vaping, contain not only high levels of nicotine, but other potentially harmful additives. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, that when inhaled or vaped repeatedly, can cause severe damage to the lungs.
Vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking. However, doctors strongly advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.
This Special Report highlights the facts around vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks. 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-vaping-au
A big thank you to those students, staff and families who turned out for the ANZAC Day activities on Sunday. I am very proud of our representation at community events. It is a big part of what makes St Joey’s such a great school.
Parent Teacher Consultations have been held over recent weeks. They are a very important way of providing feedback to parents and carers and developing good working relationships between teachers and parents and carers. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you have any queries or concerns about your child.
On Thursday this week we hosted the Ignite Learning (Visible Learning) Impact Coaches Day for teachers from all around the Toowoomba Diocese. St Joseph’s School has become a Visible Learning “Lighthouse School” for other schools who regularly come to visit and consult with our staff in order to develop best practice in teaching and learning. During the day there was a focus on 'learning' (neuroscience and practice of effective learning) and the visits to our classrooms.
We also had Educational Specialist, Dr Judy Smeed, visit the school this week and work with the School Leadership Team and Secondary teachers on the data and lessons to be learned from the QCE and ATAR results (Year 12) across the state last year. This data will help inform us on how best to academically manage our students in order to ensure they can achieve their best by the time they graduate in Year 12. Dr Smeed works very closely with a select group of 40 schools across the state to help them improve their practices and student outcomes. We are very privileged to be included in that group of schools which includes many of the top performing schools in Queensland such as Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Brisbane State High School and St Joseph’s School Gregory Terrace (to name but a few).
Next week Stanthorpe is the venue for the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum for all principals from the 31 schools in the diocese and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Executive Leadership Team. As part of the forum, on Tuesday May 4 St Joseph's School (and the P&F Association) is hosting a mass in the church followed by a dinner for the principals. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the talents of our students and the school.
God Bless
Welcome back to Term 2! This time last year we were gearing up for an extended period of Learning@home due to the impact of COVID 19. It is nice to be able to be in the position to welcome all students and staff back into the learning community at school following the Easter break this year.
On Sunday, I was lucky enough to travel to Tenterfield to be part of the ANZAC Day services. The dawn service was a wonderful tribute to the men and women that have served in our armed services across many years. The march and commemorative service that followed later in the day were an excellent way to continue this recognition of service and I thank all the students and families that joined as a St Joseph’s community as part of these Tenterfield services.
Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the Secondary Parent Teacher consultations in Week 2. Parent Teacher Consultations are an important opportunity for parents, staff and students to have collaborative conversations to reflect on the students academic performance in Term 1 and refine future directions to build upon this success, as well as seek improvement. If you were unable to attend on the night, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers to seek feedback on the academic progress.
God bless.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
Term 2 has started positively and despite three four-day weeks, the plans are very busy for the term. The highlight of Week 1 was undoubtedly the opportunity to commemorate ANZAC Day both at school on Friday and as part of the local community on Sunday. Thank you to all those students who joined us on the march.
Today, we welcomed a number of teachers from around the Toowoomba Diocese to our school for a meeting around Visible Learning. The visit included a tour of our classrooms and the visitors were complimentary about what they saw and heard. Our work in developing our students to be confident, independent, resourceful and lovers of learning is certainly becoming more evident in the conversations with the children as well as how they go about their learning in the classrooms and beyond.
This term, our work on developing more positive mathematical mindsets with the students continues, with INSPIRE Mathematics. We want to establish more of a 'courage culture' on the campus, where all our students are willing to take risks with their learning, without the fear of make mistakes. We are also encouraging the children to find and question maths around them at home and to make connections with their learning at school.
Last week our Year 3 and Year 5 students undertook an online NAPLAN-practice test. The students took it all in their stride and we look forward to the real thing in Week 4. The tests will take place across four days, 11 - 15 May, with the opportunity for those who miss a test to take it during the following week.
Finally, welcome to Jimmie Lee, a new Prep student, and his family who have joined the St Joseph's community this week. I am sure that everyone will do what they can to ensure that Jimmie and his parents feel welcome.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
Living the Easter Season
Around us the signs of Easter have all but disappeared. The eggs have been sold, Easter cards replaced with Mother’s Day cards, and Easter symbols stowed away until next year.
Yet the Easter season continues, and with it comes the opportunity to cultivate and live a spirit which defines who we are as Christians.
Living with Joy – faith in the Resurrection of Christ enables us to hold onto an enduring sense of joy, even in dark or difficult times.
Living without Fear – when Christ appears to the women at the tomb, he says, “Do not be afraid!” and these words speak to us helping us cope with fear or obstacles in our lives.
Living with New Eyes – the Easter spirit gives us a sense of renewal and newness, allowing us to see the world with new eyes, appreciating all that we have around us.
(from ‘Be Fearless, Be Joyful, Be Renewed: Living the Spirit of Easter’ Loyola Press).
God's Blessings
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION REMINDERS
Office times
Administration Office hours are from 8am - 4pm.
Supervision of students
Please note that there is no supervision provided to students before 8am.
Early departure & late arrival slips
A friendly reminder regarding correct procedures for late arrivals, early departures and visitors as follows:
- All late students MUST report to the School Office prior to proceeding to class.
- For early departures, the usual parental permission is required, however, the students sign out at the School Office kiosk. Returning students MUST present this printed slip to the office before heading back to class. Should the student not return to the Office with the slip prior to returning to class, they will be marked as absent for the remainder of the day. All students in Prep to Year 11 leaving early, must be collected by a parent / caregiver. Parents are asked to wait at the Office - we will have the child come to the Office.
- All contractors, parents and visitors must sign in and out at the School Office kiosk if they are visiting classrooms or coming into other parts of the school. This does not apply to parents dropping students off before school and collecting them after school.
- Call ahead to the office if you wish to make an appointment with the Principal, Principal's Assistant or the Bursar.
If your child is absent from school, please advise the office by calling on 07 4681 5900 or emailing stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au. When leaving a message please clearly state your child's name and their class. Please do not ask your other children to advise the office as often these messages are not passed on. If no advice is received, an SMS will be sent seeking confirmation, followed by a phone call if required.
Change of details
If you have recently changed address, phone number or any other details, please advise the office so we can ensure our records are up to date and we can update any systems that may be impacted.
Primary carpark
Parents are reminded that the carpark at the Primary office is strictly for teachers and staff only during school hours. Please do not use the car park to collect your children.
Volunteers
We always welcome volunteers in our library, tuckshop or at out-of-class activities. If you would like to become a volunteer please undertake the Student Protection and Code of Conduct for 2021. Once completed, you will be required to print and return the Volunteer Declaration form to the Primary office at stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au. Please note that Parents/Caregivers cannot volunteer in any capacity without completing the Declaration.
Uniform
We believe a clean, neat, uniformed appearance reflects a pride in the individual as well as reflecting well upon his/her family and school. The expectation is that all students are wearing the correct uniform and groomed as per the policy every day.
Please also ensure you print your child’s name on their school uniforms with a permanent marker.
Your assistance and understanding of the above procedures is greatly appreciated.
Term 2 school fees will be issued by the end of Week 3 (Friday 07.05.21). Please contact the school's Bursar, Mrs Megan Hines on 4681 5903 or email Megan.Hines@twb.catholic if you don’t receive your statement by the above date.
Payments can be made at the School Office or by direct deposit. Please note if paying by direct deposit, your account now has a new code as a reference. Please ensure you supply your surname and your code staring with STA in the reference tab when paying.
The School's bank details are as follows:
Account Name : St Joseph's School
Branch : 064-431 (Commonwealth, Stanthorpe)
Account No : 1018-4376
Reference : Surname STA____
SchoolTV - Raising Girls
Raising girls in today’s modern world can be a difficult path for parents and carers to navigate. These days, girls are transitioning to puberty a lot earlier than they used to and the physical, psychological and emotional changes they experience are challenging. As a result, by mid-adolescence, girls are twice as likely to develop mood disorders more so than boys.
Some parents and carers may feel uncertain about how best to support their daughter through the ups and downs of adolescence and how to keep the lines of communication open. With the rise of social media and technology, mental health difficulties in girls are increasing as often they are faced with online images that make it difficult to see themselves as acceptable. Ensuring a daughter’s opinions are heard and her views listened to, will go a long way towards making her feel loved and supported as she tries to establish her own identity.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will attain a clearer picture of what girls are wanting from their adult carers and how best to support them through adolescence. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always 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 this month's edition https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-girls .
St Joseph’s School and students has always supported members of the community of Stanthorpe through our Faith in Action program. One ongoing commitment to our community involves our students volunteering to assist the Meals on Wheels organisation.
Last week, a number of students and teachers had the opportunity to help serve meals to members of the community. The students worked together with the teachers and Mrs Dawn Allen, a Meals on Wheels representative.
By delivering meals, clients receive nutritious food and a friendly visit to those special members of our communities. Anyone can deliver meals, and it’s a great volunteer opportunity for families and teams of employees, as well.
This work is an important opportunity for our students to experience community service and all support is always appreciated.
Year 10 Science students began their Biology unit this term by learning the basics of the molecule known as DNA.
Students followed up their lesson with a practical, extracting the DNA from a strawberry (this is the white silky substance laid out on the black cardboard). From here students will go on to learn more details about genetics before moving onto the theory of evolution later in Term 2.
Science Club hosted several sessions regarding volcanoes in Term 1 and Term 2.
Senior students worked with junior students to learn about and then construct and paint volcanoes. After construction was complete, students erupted their volcanoes using bicarb soda and vinegar.
Students learn about volcanoes in Year 9 Science, but it is truly an activity that interests students of all ages.
The activity was designed to activate Year 6 students prior knowledge from topics covered in Term 1.
Students defined topics, identified keywords and listed examples before making links between topics.
Finally, students added links to real world examples of Maths in action. These posters will be available as working resources moving forward and will be refined and improved as our knowledge develops.
Year 10 Maths students have recently been working in “Expert Groups” to sharpen their algebraic skills.
Each student group of four became “experts” in a particular problem/process. Students rotated around the room so that each student taught their problem once and learnt all the other problems via peer teaching.
It is a great way for students to take responsibility for their learning whilst working together and learning collaboratively.
Friday, 23rd April, students from Prep and Year One ventured to the top of the world to visit the Soldier’s Memorial.
Students made special poppies to leave in memory of our brave Stanthorpe Soldiers.
Anzac biscuits were enjoyed by all for morning tea including parents who joined the students on their visit.
Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most recognised national occasions. On Friday April 23rd, St Joseph’s School united in honour of our service personnel who have served the nation over many years and, in particular, to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you also to Mrs Petrie and her Home Economic students who made Anzac biscuits which all students enjoyed. Anzac biscuits are a significant part of the ANZAC tradition. It has been claimed that biscuits were sent by wives and women's groups to soldiers abroad because the ingrediants did not spoil easily and the biscuits kept well during naval transportation.
The school gathered in the Bathersby Centre for a Prayer Service and an address by our special guest, past student LT Ryan Mows (Senior and School Prefect 2014). Following the address, the staff, students and guests, including Councillor Stephen Tancred, moved to the School’s Services Memorial Garden for a wreath laying ceremony.
Our students also represented our school at Stanthorpe’s ANZAC Day services and the street parade on Sunday April 25.
Students laid a wreath at the Weeroona Park Remembrance Wall to pay their respects.
~ Lest we Forget ~
Students from Year 7 and Year 9 met during lunch breaks in week 1 to work on NAPLAN Maths questions in preparation for the upcoming NAPLAN exams.
This was arranged as part of Maths Club on Secondary. Whilst feasting on pizza and snacks, Senior students provided the tutoring for the Junior students.
March 25, saw St Joseph's Youth Council representatives, Eliza Telfer and Taylah Organ attend their first official Youth Council Meeting with members of the Souther Downs Regional Council.
This program provides young people with opportunities to develop a better understanding of the role and function of local government, our community and local issues, "Have a voice" - raise issues, exchange ideas, discuss community issues, provide input in to Council planning, programs and services and influence local government decision making processes and have genuine and regular communication about issues that are important to them directly with the Mayor and Council Officers.
TRIVIA NIGHT - GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER
An event not be missed ! The St Joseph's School Trivia Night is back !
"When I grow up, I want to be" is the theme for this years Trivia Night.
Be sure to get your teams together and nominate for a enjoyable, fun filled night of brain teasing and lots of fun and laughter.
St Joseph's School is pleased to announce that the School Musical will be returning this year.
DATE CLAIMER : 27th & 28th August - Mark this in your diary !!
Please stay tuned for further information regarding purchasing of tickets etc.
Academy Photographers have advised that the school photos taken in Term 1 will be approximately 4 weeks away.
Photos will be delivered to the school and distributed to students.
If you have any questions regarding school photos, please contact Academy Photographers direct on 1800 816 224 .
On April 1, the last day of Term 1, students participated in the Cross Country Carnival held at the Stanthorpe Golf Club. All students cheered and supported their fellow team mates, whether it was a competitive run or a leisurely walk of the course to support their teams.
Davadi House took out the grand prize for the day dressed brightly in their house colour, and also were awarded the Secondary House Champion trophy. The Primary House Champion trophy was awarded to McAuley.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the cross country, and good luck to those that will be participating in the Border District Cross Country coming up in May.
A big thank you to the Stanthorpe Golf Club who provided a canteen for the students, to Symphony Hill Wines who sponsored the individual age trophies and medallions and to the Hilton and McLucas families for sponsoring the perpetual trophies.
Congratulations to all students on their achievments and to those students who were awarded Age Champion and Runner Up Age Champion.
9 Year old Boy Champion | Ned Robinson |
9 Year old Boy Runner Up | Lewis Pompetti |
9 Year old Girl Champion | Ella Morello |
9 Year old Girl Runner Up | Ivy Hill |
10 Year old Boy Champion | Will Favaro |
10 Year old Boy Runner Up | Lyndon Morello |
10 Year old Girl Champion | Georgia Petrie |
10 Year old Girl Runner Up | Hannah Petrie |
11 Year old Boy Champion | Ted Bonner |
11 Year old Boy Runner Up | Tom Telfer |
11 Year old Girl Champion | Maggie O'Dea |
11 Year old Girl Runner Up | Lily Tuvukica |
12 Year old Boy Champion | Billy Gallaway |
12 Year old Boy Runner Up | Declan Campbell |
12 Year old Girl Champion | Emily Robinson |
12 Year old Girl Runner Up | Lillian Kendall |
13 Year old Boy Champion | Harry Wren |
13 Year old Boy Runner Up | Jack Brown |
13 Year old Girl Champion | Erin O'Dea |
13 Year old Girl Runner Up | Eva Humble |
14 Year old Boy Champion | Blake Campbell |
14 Year old Boy Runner Up | Darcy Daddow |
14 Year old Girl Champion | Katie Lee Jansink |
14 Year old Girl Runner Up | Mayla Magnani |
15 Year old Boy Champion | Ryan Whiticker |
15 Year old Boy Runner Up | Jordan Cosmo |
15 Year old Girl Champion | Bridget O'Dea |
15 Year old Girl Runner Up | Claire Williamson |
16 Year old Boy Champion | Jack Bell |
16 Year old Girls Champion | Chelsea Debnam |
16 Year old Girls Runner Up | Elizabeth Searle |
Open Boys Champion | Brayden Spiller |
Open Boys Runner Up | Cooper Wren |
Open Girls Champion | Gianna Newman |
Open Girls Runner Up | Louise Day |
30 April | Epilepsy Awareness Day |
3 May | Labour Day Holiday |
7 May | Prep Mother's Day Pampering @ 2pm |
9 May | Mother's Day |
10-14 May | Life Education Van |
11-14 May | NAPLAN |
15 May | P & F Trivia Night |