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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- PAST STUDENT HONOURED BY GOVERNOR GENERAL
- SCHOOL SERVICE GROUPS
- YEAR 9 BIOLOGY
- MATHS CLUB
- STUDENTS SPOIL THEIR MUMS FOR MOTHER'S DAY
- NAPLAN
- EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS
- INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT
- SPEAK EVEN IF YOUR VOICE SHAKES
- BREAD TAG ART - RECYCLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
- NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME
- POTENTIAL LEADERS IN THE MAKING
- RIDING TO SUCCESS
- STUDENTS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
- SCHOOL CAMPS - YEAR 5 & YEAR 6
- TRIVIA NIGHT SUCCESS
- STUDENT TRAVEL REBATES
- ARE THESE YOURS ?
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
CATHOLIC IDENTITY AT ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL
This week we celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. St Joseph’s School has served the Granite Belt for 146 of those years. In that time there has been great change in schools and in our wider community. Today, Catholic schools continue to play a very important role in the education and development of our children.
Catholic schools of the 21st century are called to promote the wholeness of people; the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral, spiritual and aesthetic development and wellbeing of young Australians. They do this through their educational vision, mission and identity which are founded in Faith, Learning, Community and Formation.
- Faith provides the beliefs and values that shape and pervade all schooling experiences;
- Learning engages the development of wisdom through the liberating contributions of technology, pedagogy, content and knowledge;
- Community is founded upon relationships, stewardship, outreach and inclusion; and
- Formation supports the integration of faith, life and culture within a community of authentic practice.
The Catholic school is:
- a place of care: where all are invited, respected and loved
- a place of relationship: where people know, share and learn together in harmony
- a place of learning: where students, teachers and families journey in learning inspired by Christ
- a place of service: where learning empowers self in service of others and the world; and
- a place of transformation: where education of all is shaped and reflected in learning success, confident and creative individuals and being active and informed within the community.
(Beyond the school gates - The distinctiveness of the Catholic school in an increasingly pluralist world. Associate Professor William Sultmann AM & Professor Br David Hall FMS March 2021)
As a member of Toowoomba Catholic Schools, St Joseph’s School’s mission is academic success for all students within a distinctly Catholic environment.
We believe that all are made in the image and likeness of God. Being created in the image and likeness of God accords everyone an equal and inherent dignity (human dignity); gives everyone unlimited potential; and opens to everyone the promise of fullness of life, a meaningful and fulfilling life.
God Bless
This week we celebrated 200 years of Catholic Education and it is important we remember the lens of our Catholic ethos in shaping the teaching and learning at St Joseph’s. From my perspective, the great thing about St Joseph’s is the sense of community that we experience every day, where all members of our school support each other in being the best they can be. This is the essence of Catholic Education and what I believe make our school the great community it is.
At a recent assembly, we recognised many of the great achievements of our students across the school, from representing St Joseph’s in various sporting endeavours to the wonderful performance in cultural and performance activities. It is always amazing to see the exceptional work of our students and they fantastic way in which they represent our school community. Well done!
God Bless
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
All parents and caregivers would be aware that one of the two pillars of Toowoomba Catholic Schools is that we have academic success for all students. No-one at this school would disagree with this and we strive each day to help every learner be the best that they can be, equipping them with skills for now and in the future. Underpinning that, however, is the need for each child to feel safe, valued, respected and understand that they belong. Without those foundations, it is extremely hard to build academic success that is sustainable. Our role as educators and role models within the children's lives is to focus also on the emotional and spiritual development of each of them. How do we achieve this?
- by treating each child respectfully and fairly
- by caring about their needs
- by noticing details and acting upon what we observe
- by giving a voice to all
- by giving each one of the children our time
- by building a sense of community and common good, where everyone has their part to play
- by working in partnership with families
Congratulations to the students of St Joseph's who have recently competed in a variety of both academic and sporting activities. It is so wonderful to see our students excelling in these activities and in the way they are representing our school.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
Last Sunday the season of Easter come to an end as we celebrated Pentecost Sunday and moved into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. Pentecost was one of the Jewish Feast Days, known as Feast of Harvest or the Feast of Weeks. This feast day celebrated the early wheat harvest and came during the months of May and June.
The Greek name Pentecost recollects the time the disciples gathered to celebrate Feast of the Harvest, and it was during this time that the disciples were filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit and able to speak in different languages. This event signified the birth of the Church, as early believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to continue the mission of Jesus.
Today we celebrate Pentecost and acknowledge that it is in fact “the season of the Spirit in which we live, a season in which our lives are changed. It is a time to commit ourselves by prayer, conversation and small commitments to reconciling the huge differences and hostilities in our world” (Andrew Hamilton SJ, from Australian Catholics, 2021).
What small thing can we do to reconcile with others this week?
Liturgical Meditations - Pentecost - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5w3upHui48&t=126s.
The liturgical meditation series to which this video belongs relies on nature to tell the story of God, accompanied by scriptures traditional to each season.
God’s Blessings
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
PAST STUDENT HONOURED BY GOVERNOR GENERAL
This month, past student Lieutenant Colonel Alyson Auliff AM was invested as a Member of the Order of Australia (Military Division) for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in malaria research. She received her award from the Governor General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), in a ceremony at Government House in Canberra.
Alyson attended St Joseph’s School from 1983 to 1992. She is currently a Scientific Officer in the Australian Defence Force and is serving in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security. Alyson is highly qualified having completed a Research Doctorate in Molecular Parasitology at the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma in Health Management at the Queensland University of Technology.
Click on the link below to read the full citation of her award.
Congratulations to Alyson on her award and for her outstanding service to Australia.
PHOTO: Lt Col Alyson AM with Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Hurley (left) and her father - Mr Ralph Auliff, sister - Mrs Colleen Gow and her brother - Mr Matthew Auliff (right).
At our recent School Assembly, students were officially acknowledged and inducted into a number of our school service groups. This year, due to an overwhelming number of students who were keen to be involved in serving others, new service groups, facilitated by some of our Year 11 students have evolved.
Teen and Mini Vinnies groups for 2021.
Teen and Mini Vinnies is an active body of students who aim to make a difference to those who are poor, disadvantaged and marginalised. It is not just about raising money, but also raising awareness about issues within our community and world.
Under the guidance of Mr Mahoney, Mrs Ryan and Mr Grew these groups continue to serve and assist our local SVDP chapter.
Congratulations to the following students who have volunteered to be part of the 2021 Teen and Mini Vinnies Committee.
Teen Vinnies
Isobella Evans and Caitlyn Hennoste – President
Grace Roberts and Halley Duff – Secretary
Ashton Auliff, Harley Kohler and Savannah Hollis – Committee Members.
Mini Vinnies
President: Emily Robinson
Vice President: Thomas Telfer
Secretary: Vayda Heads
Assistant Secretary: Cael Armstrong
Treasurer: Ned Torrens
Assistant Treasurer: Charlotte Zanatta
Committee Members - Faith Lancaster, Natalie Gasparin, Thomas Petrie, James Bell, Chloe Searle, William Roberts, Alexis Vedelago, Kobe Shatte, Ted Bonner, Hannah Petrie, Georgia Petrie, Lily Tuvukica, Alex Stefanon
Service Groups
Recycling Group – facilitated under the guidance of Catilin Ellis, this group encourages recycling of bottles, plastics, lids and paper withing the school. Members of the group include Phoebe Wilson and Vanilia Eunson.
Aged Care Group – with the assistance of Anika Rossington, Natasha Brierley and Mackenzie Swan, this group is keen to work out ways in which we can connect with the elderly residents of our aged care facilities including making cards, playing music and visiting if possible. Members include Ella Wren, Luca Pompetti, Patrick Roberts, Lillian Taylor, Milla Fragaus and Emily Gallaway.
Make a Difference Group - is all about helping our younger students with their learning by reading with them, listening to sight words or doing puzzles. The team consists of Cheyenne Toohey, Abbie Fisher, Ruby Danzey, Abigail McErvale, Margaret O’Dea, and Isabella Quirk. The group is lead by Ashley O’Brien, Isabel Kay, Kaitlyn Hennoste, Kira St John and Kirra Daddow.
The Environmental Group - is keen to improve the school environment through establishing vege gardens, and making compost. With guidance from Isobella Evans, Jack Bell, Bella A’Vard, Cydney McErvale, Kaelie Doyle and Nalannah Hollis this group is made up of Jye Marino, Jason Haynes, Sasha Kendall, Tiffany Gasparin, Joseph Romeo and Lily Simpson.
Year 9 students are currently studying Biology and systems of the body. Monday, 17th May saw students participate in a rat dissection.
The rat dissection allowed for a “whole system” approach to practically see the internal systems working together.
Maths Club is now meeting in the Learning Lounge every other week on Tuesday at lunchbreak.
Students are able to seek help from teachers or seniors regarding their Maths homework, assessment or can choose to do some general Maths puzzles.
STUDENTS SPOIL THEIR MUMS FOR MOTHER'S DAY
On Friday 7th May, the Preps and Year 1 students treated their mum’s, grandmothers, aunts and even dads to the ‘Mother’s Day Pampering Afternoon for some spoiling, relaxing and pampering for Mother’s Day!
The students set up a variety of stations for their loved one to be spoilt for the afternoon. Parents were treated to having their nails painted, their hands massaged with lovely scented hand creams, head and back massages, were read stories by their child, colouring in, puzzles and the famous photo booth!
All the mums, grandmothers, aunts and dads were pampered for almost an hour before they were served afternoon tea with some delicious treats.
The students were very excited to pamper their loved one and there were lots of laughs, cuddles and massaging done throughout the afternoon.
A very enjoyable, relaxed afternoon was had by all and we are sure that all the visitors enjoyed their pampering and left relaxed and feeling very spoilt from the afternoon’s session!
Glenda McNichol & Linda Charlton
Prep & Year 1 Teachers
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 recently participated in the NAPLAN tests in the areas of Writing, Language Conventions, Reading and Numeracy. NAPLAN tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.
All the students took the tests in their stride and demonstrated their knowledge and understanding to the best of their ability. They should be very proud of themselves. The results of these tests usually arrive in school within the first few weeks of Term 3.
Thank you to all staff, especially Primary and Secondary teachers Mrs Campbell, Mr Fleming, Miss Canavan, Mrs Yates and Mr Brown for their support of the students in the lead up to this week and also throughout the testing period.
This week saw the return of the Border District Eisteddfod. Over 100 students from the Primary and Secondary Campuses performed over 2 days in the Individual Recitations section, Choral Speaking section and in the Choirs section.
This community event is something that we value immensely at St Joseph's. The children were well supported in their preparations for this event by Mrs McLucas and Dr Cuskelly as well as their teachers. Thank you to them all.
Congratulations to all students who participated and well done to those who received awards.
Prep Recitation Solo | |
Darcy Staley | 2nd place |
Georgia Robinson | 3rd place |
Charlotte Gasparin, Mia Vedelago, Poppy Wilshire, Jack Verri | Highly Commended |
Year 1 Recitation Solo | |
Noah Adams | 1st place |
Rocky Hill | 2nd place |
Cora McPherson | 3rd place |
Thomas Maughan, Josiah Blaxland, Atticus Heads, Alina Chen | High Commended |
Year 2 Recitation Solo | |
Oliver Fraguas | 1st place |
Alannah Fox | 2nd place |
Patrick Moxham | 3rd place |
Greta Stibbard, Matthew Stefanon, Tyson McLady, Zachary Kerridge | Highly Commended |
Year 3 Recitation Solo | |
Ned Robinson | 1st place |
Ivy Hill | 2nd place |
Emma Pradella | 3rd place |
Mia Howard, David Kendall, Imogen Staley & Timothy Greening | Highly Commended |
Year 4 Recitation Solo | |
Gracie Zanatta | 1st place |
Liam O'Dea | 2nd place |
Jaycob Hardy | 3rd place |
Grace Barker, Isabella Coco, Jeremy Lister, Lucas Ho, Tayla Sutton | Highly Commended |
Year 5 Recitation Solo | |
Lily Tuvukica | 1st place |
Margaret O'Dea | 2nd place |
Ella Wren | 3rd place |
Isaak Brown, Kayleb Spiller, Phoebe Wilson | Highly Commended |
Year 6 Recitation Solo | |
Group 1 | |
Alife Hill | 1st place |
Abbie Fisher | 2nd place |
Faith Lancaster | 3rd place |
Charlie Aldridge, Charlotte Zanatta | Highly Commended |
Group 2 | |
Thomas Telfer | 1st place |
Emily Robinson | 2nd place |
Natalie Gasparin | 3rd place |
Vayda Heads, Lily Hyslop, Francesco Barker | Highly Commended |
Alfie Hill | Recitation Champion - highest mark for Individual Recitation |
Primary Schools Choral Group (Year 5 & 6) | |
St Joseph's Year 5 | 1st place |
Mary McLucas Award - Highest mark | |
Primary Schools Choral Group (Prep - Year 2) | |
St Joseph's Year 2 | 1st Place |
Betty Paine Award - Highest mark | |
Secondary Schools Choral Speaking Group | |
St Joseph's Year 7 | 1st place |
St Joseph's Year 8 | 2nd place |
Tiny Tots P-Yr2 Choral Singing | |
St Joseph's Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 | 1st place |
Primary Age Choral Contest | |
St Joseph's Year 3 to Year 6 | 1st place |
Primary Age Hymn or Sacred Song - Choral | |
St Joseph's Year 3 to Year 6 | 1st place |
This exciting, fun-packed chess tournament provides the opportunity for both Primary and Secondary school students (Year 4 to Year 12) to compete against other juniors from around the Warwick region.
Congratulations to all who played so well and especially to Thomas Telfer who came second and Flynn Williamson who finished fourth in the Primary Division and Liam Telfer who finished third in the Secondary Division.
SPEAK EVEN IF YOUR VOICE SHAKES
Blue ribbons were adorned by Secondary students on Friday 14 May in a day of awareness about anti-bullying and speaking up - Do It for Dolly Day !
The quote "speak, even if your voice shakes" was a key message of the day. Students discussed this in Mentor class activities after watching a segment from "The Project" that gave insight into statistics of bullying in schools and messages from various Australian celebrities about the importance of standing up, speaking out, being strong, helping others, being there and taking action against incidents of bullying - even if it is hard, difficult, and even if our voices shake.
Students were reminded of people at school who are there to help and support them with any issues and of our online anonymous bullying reporting program, Stymie.
BREAD TAG ART - RECYCLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
To encourage further participation and promoting usage for bread tags, the school is currently running art competitions based on breadtags and themes. Theme One was Year 1’s knocked it out of the bread bag!
The next theme will be Insects!
Year 1 have also used the tags to count large collections, compare handful sizes and sort colours to find the most popular colours and sizes.
Keep bringing those tags in. We are putting them to good use before we send them away.
You can see more about the organisation at https://ozbreadtagsforwheelchairs.org.au/, including pictures of the collection community and wheelchair recipients and the products of the recycling process.
NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME
POTENTIAL LEADERS IN THE MAKING
With students from Years 3 to 6 attending the Eisteddfod on Tuesday, Year 2 students - Alanna, Portia and Hannah were given the task of being in charge of the sports shed at lunchtime.
They did a great job ! Leaders in the making !
As part of a 10 day Rodeo Road trip, the Gallaway’s headed to Gracemere on Thursday 6th & Friday 7th May for me to compete in the inaugural Australian Mini Bull Riding Championships. This is where around 70 of Australia’s best young cowboys and cowgirls came together in 3 Junior age groups to face off against the best mini bulls in Australia.
I competed in the Junior Division (11 & 12 year old age group). Round One on Thursday began with a trip into Beef Australia at Rockhampton, where everyone who was competing went to draw their mini bull for the first round of the event. I drew a bull called "Ride Pass" and I was very happy with the bull I had. I finished equal first in the round in my age group.
Round two on Friday morning began with a draw but this time we got to pick our own bulls and because I won Round One, I had first pick. I decided to pick the mini bull called "Screamin’ Demon". I was fortunate enough to win Round two.
That evening, the top five from each age group got to go to the final as the opening event of the PBR event (Professional Bull Riders). The PBR rodeos are the biggest bull riding events in Australia. This was held at the Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton. I drew the bull called "Clearance Sale". I rode my bull and placed second and that got me the win in the Championship.
I had a great rodeo. I was crowned the Under 12 Australian Mini Bull Riding Champion. It was an amazing experience. Walking away with not just the title but also three buckles and a cheque of over $1000.
Billy Gallaway
Year 7 Student
From everyone here at St Joseph's, we congratulate you Billy, on an outstanding achievment. Well done !!
STUDENTS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
On ANZAC Day we were proud to see three of our students taking part in various services as members of the Australian Army Cadets and Australian Navy Cadets.
Year 10 students David Nemeth and Joshua Davis, members of TS Kookaburra, our Stanthorpe based Australian Navy Cadet unit, took part in the dawn service and parade. David is to be commended for his excellent leadership as Guard Commander of the catafalque party during the dawn service. A catafalque party is a guard, usually of four people plus the commander, that stands watch over the memorial during a service.
Year 11 student Jack Bell, a member of 17 ACU (Army Cadet Unit) based at Warwick, also served as a member of the catafalque party for the Warwick service.
Service in the cadets provides young people the opportunity to explore their full potential, develop confidence, learn a range of skills, make friends and along the way have lots of serious fun. The skills and experience they learn will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Well done to all the boys.
PHOTO 1: David Nemeth (second from the left) pictured here with Stanthorpe born, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO RAN, and his catafalque party.
PHOTO 2: Joshua Davis with the Chief of Navy.
PHOTO 3: Jack Bell during the Warwick service.
SCHOOL CAMPS - YEAR 5 & YEAR 6
Camp Laurence, Lake Moogerah
Parents of students in Year 5 and Year 6 are advised that information was sent home late last week via Parent Paperwork in respect to residential camps in Term 3.
A reminder that consent to attend the camp is due by tomorrow Friday, 28 May. Anyone wishing to begin making payments towards the cost of the camp can do so via direct deposit or in person at the school office. Questions should be addressed to either Mr Fleming (Year 5) or Miss Thompson (Year 6).
Saturday 15th May saw St Joseph's P&F host our annual Trivia Night.
This year's theme was "When I Grow Up I Want To Be...." and we were blown away by the ingenuity, creativity and imagination of the community with the amazing costumes that adorned those who attended. Some of the memorable costumes we recognised were The Undertakers (Best Dressed Table), Farm-Hers (Best Team Name), Amy (QEII) & Ryan Hill (Prince Phillip) - Best Dressed Female & Male.
Around 200 trivia buffs crowded into the Bathersby Centre, who were treated to a fun-filled, laughter-infused & head-scratching evening. Our outstanding trivia geniuses this year were GI-Js (1st), On Holidays (2nd), Forever Young (3rd) & Winging It (Wooden Spoon). Thanks to all participants who made the night a great success. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did.
The Trivia Committee would like to thank all our generous local sponsors (too many to list) and our parents / staff who assisted with the organisation and success of the evening.
One sponsor that I would like to mention is John Barker Earthmoving. This local family owned business sponsored our Most Right Round which was abandoned on Saturday night due to time constraints and subsequently would like to acknowledge their support and generosity in this forum. Thanks to John Barker Earthmoving.
A special thanks to the QISSN team who provided a very handy baby-sitting service on the night.
Dan O'Dea
St Joseph's P & F President
Also make sure you "LIKE" our St Joseph's Stanthorpe P&F Facebook page - it's a great way to ensure you stay up to date with all the P&F happenings.
Student travel rebate applications are open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2. Visit SchoolTransport.com.au to check if you are eligable.
Have you misplaced your glasses ? If these belong to you, they can be collected from the office.
Monday 17th May, saw a number of students from St Joseph's travel to Toowoomba to compete in the Darling Downs Regional Cross Country Championships.
Congratulations to Primary students Lyndon Morello, Ted Bonner, Thomas Telfer, Isaak Brown, Hannah Petrie, Margaret O'Dea and Lily Tuvukica, and Secondary students Chelsea Debnam, Brigid O’Dea, Katie-Lee Jansink and Erin O’Dea who competed in these Championships.
A special mention must go to Georgia Petrie who placed 3rd overall in the Girls 10 Year Age group. Georgia will now go on to compete in the State Championships later this year.
The standard of competition at these Championships is always very high and the students should be very proud of their achievements.
Basketball State Championships
From Saturday May 22 – Tuesday May 25 Darius Jansink and Thomas Petrie represented Darling Downs at the 10-12 Years Basketball State Championships on the Gold Coast.
The level of talent on display across the State was very impressive with the Darling Downs boys certainly having their work cut out against the bigger regions.
Both Darius and Tom had a great time and overwhelmingly said it was a great learning experience that has them keen to enjoy more experiences like this in the future.
Football State Championships
The Under 19 Boys Football State Championships were recently held at Highfields, Toowoomba from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th May. Brayden Spiller recently competed in these championships as part of the Darling Downs team.
The competition is always very competative and Brayden thoroughly enjoyed his time playing at this level.
Brayden and his team are to be commended on their efforts and congratulated on placing 4th overall in the championships.
27 May - 3 June | National Reconciliation Week |
28 May | Fire Safety Visit - Prep & Year 1 |
4 June | Fire Safety Visit - Prep & Year 1 |
9 June | Broncos Cup, Round 1 - Goondiwindi |
16 June | Broncos Cup, Round 2 - Stanthorpe |
20 June | Vicki Wilson Shield |
21-23 June | Year 10 Work Experience |
21- 23 | Year 8 and Year 9 Camps |
22 June | Year 11 RSA Course |
23 June | Year 11 First Aid Training |
25 June | End of term Liturgy & Whole School Assembly |
25 June | Term 2 Finishes |