Filter Content
- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- SchoolTV
- LEARNING ABOUT FORCES
- YEAR 10 ART
- WELL BEING WEEK 2021
- INTER SCHOOL DEBATING COMPETITION
- BOOK WEEK EVENTS
- "MATILDA" THE MUSICAL
- 2021 EARLY SCHOOL LEAVERS SURVEY
- VINNIES THANKYOU
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
On Wednesday 1 September, Fr Brian Connolly, our Parish Priest, will retire. Fr Brian has been the Parish Priest of Stanthorpe and St Mary’s Wallangarra since Saturday 22 February 2003, 18½ years. Fr Brian replaced Fr Lino Valente who was Parish Priest for 21 years. There has been remarkable “stability” for the Parish – only two Parish Priests for the last 39½ years.
Fr Brian’s retirement comes after almost fifty-two years of pastoral ministry in the Toowoomba Diocese which has involved eight appointments. We thank Father for his contributions to the school, staff, students and families during his time here in Stanthorpe, and wish him the very best for the years ahead.
St Joseph’s School will formally farewell Fr Brian on Wednesday 1 September at 9.30am when he celebrates Mass with us for the final time. Mass will be followed by a morning tea.
The farewell Mass will also be an opportunity to welcome our new Parish Priest and Deacon.
The new Parish Priest of Stanthorpe will be Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran (Fr Gonzo) who is currently the Parish Administrator of Chinchilla, with pastoral responsibility for the Parishes of Miles, Taroom and Wandoan.
Fr Gonzo was incardinated into the Diocese of Toowoomba last year after arriving in the Diocese a few years ago, having spent ten years in Hong Kong. Fr Gonzo’s homeland is Mexico. Fr Gonzo has many skills in the field of technology which, along with his strong pastoral skills, will greatly benefit and enrich the Parish. Fr Gonzo is also very keen to support the staff and students at St Joseph’s School and we look forward to the enthusiasm he will bring to our community. My fellow principal in Chinchilla speaks very highly of Fr Gonzo and the work he does in the school community there.
The newly ordained Deacon, Brian Redondo, whose homeland is the Philippines and who was Ordained a transitional Deacon (and will in due course be Ordained a Priest) has also been appointed by the Bishop to the Parish of St Joseph’s Stanthorpe. Deacon Brian is currently in the Parish of Clifton, residing in Cambooya, where he has been since late last year. We are looking forward to working with Deacon Brian as well.
I invite all families to Father Brian’s farewell on September 1.
God Bless
How so much can change in the space of two weeks….. Last newsletter I spoke about how lucky we were to be in a position where school operated as normal as 11 LGA’s in South East Queensland returned to Learning@home. Fast forward and this week we too have had members of our school community impacted by the NSW border closure and once again thrust into the world of Learning@home. Fortunately, we have consolidated our online learning platforms across the last 18 months and are in very good position to support our students caught in the NSW border closure. I thank the staff for their wonderful efforts in mobilising quickly and putting provisions in place for these students to not only access the teaching and learning through the online learning platforms, but to enable many students to join live lessons virtually from their homes so they can still be part of the collaboration happening in classrooms at school. We will continue to refine this across the week and into the future, if so required.
Shortly, I will be sending home some information to Year 8 parents in relation to subject selection for 2022. Whilst at this stage there will be no planned information night (due to the current border clsure impact for some families), Mrs Brooke Butson and I will be speaking to Year 8 students in relation to their elective pathways in Year 9 and 10. I encourage parents to give me a ring if you wish to discuss further.
Finally, our Senior Engineering students have been introduced to machining skills at the Trade Training centre, honing their skills on the metal lathes to produce components for a camping shovel they are producing under the expert eye of Mr Pat McCosker. Further to this, Eric Richards (Year 12) is busily putting the final touches to his final project, an impressive aluminium canopy for the back of his ute.
In Year 9 Tech Studies, some of the automotive students are commencing the re-build of the ride on mowers that were pulled apart recently. They have prepped and commence painting the chassis, and will soon re-fit the upgraded engine and drive components ready of finish.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
During the last fortnight we held two Prep 2022 Open Mornings and were delighted to welcome some familiar younger siblings to the school as well as some new families. The morning focused on what we can offer children in that first, significant year of schooling as well as emphasising that we see it as a 13-year journey, which will see the children who start next year graduating in 2034. As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that we are enabling learners to develop the skills that they will need to function and flourish in that society and we very much believe that we can successfully achieve this. On work in the area of Visible Learning constantly demands us to reflect on what we are doing and to consider the impact we are having. In the next few weeks, we will begin interviews with the 2022 Prep students and their parents and then further aspects of the transition program will commence. It is important to us that every child feels as comfortable as possible being in this environment from January 2020 and the work we will do over the next term and a half will be of great benefit to our newest St Joseph's students. This is a busy time for Mrs McNichol and I thank her for all the work she does with the class for next year whilst still nurturing and teaching the current Prep students.
The campus has been busy over the last few weeks with a number of guests joining us. Ruby and Sue from Granite Belt Dental spent some time with the Prep and Year 1 classes and then the children from Milestones visited the Prep classroom last week to have a look around. It was lovely to see the interaction between the two groups of children.
Congratulation to those students who competed in the Granite Belt Athletics Trials on 6 August. We had a large group qualify for this event and they did themselves and the school proud - not only in their events but also in the way they conducted themselves throughout the day. Whilst we had a number of students who qualified for the Darling Downs Carnival, due to COVID that has been cancelled for 2022. This is disappointing but everyone should feel proud of their achievements. Thanks to Mr Fleming, Ms Day and Ms Badcock who accompanied the students.
We also had some students compete in the QAMT competition against a team from the State Primary School. Our students were victors on the day, working their way through some very 'interesting' questions. Thanks to Mr Fleming for his work in preparing the students for this and for running the event on the day.
This week has seen the reintroduction of Learning@home for some students and details were sent home yesterday regarding the support we are offering the Primary students and their families. Hopefully it is a short- term measure, but should this not be the case, we are confident of being able to maintain the learning of any students who need to stay home as a result of COVID over an extended period.
Next week is Book Character Dress Up Parade...........have you chosen your character and costume yet?
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
Living Water Praxis Program
Shortly, our Year 11 students will be participating in their Day 1 intensive of the Living Water Praxis Program. The program is designed to enrich the student’s knowledge about and experience of the Catholic faith through prayer, liturgy, social justice, advocacy and Eucharistic celebration.
Service learning is a key component of the program, involving students in being both ‘welcomer’ and ‘guest’ to the marginalised in our society. Day 1 intensive explores service learning through the lens of ‘welcomer’ and ‘guest’ as well as the strategy ‘Head, Hearts and Hands’. Students also explore who God is for them and make meaning and understanding of God in their lives and in the lives of the poor and marginalised. The story of the woman at the well will be the basis for charity, challenge and change, exploring this story in a contemporary context.
This intensive day will prepare our students with greater skills and understanding of their call to service within our school and wider community, as they continue to live the Gospel message in our world.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
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. Please ensure that the School Office is advised if your child will be departing early or arriving late to school for any reason and staff will relay this message onto the relevant teachers.
- 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. Students are not allowed to depart the school grounds during school hours without adult supervision.
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.
Instilling Hope in Uncertain Times
Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.
It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.
It is important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise, and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents and carers can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.
This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-instilling-hope-uncertain-times .
Secondary Science Club students engaged with Year 4 students regarding their Science unit on Physics.
Year 4 students are learning about forces, and they were to apply this knowledge firsthand while interacting with magnets at seven different stations. Students were able to predict and observe magnetic force in action. There were a few stations for play too, like the magnetic maze and the magnetic filings station.
Students are delving into the world of originality, stealing, borrowing and honouring by studying the art technique and style of 'appropiration' - the practice of borrowing images of elements from other sources and using them in new and interesting ways to change their meaning and add contemporary significance (Israel.G, Artwise 2 Visual Arts 9-10, 2nd edition, 2011).
They have been comparing original and famous works with contemporary appropriations and discussing the changes and meanings of these new versions. As a group, they annotated The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci with a scene from a Simpsons episode, looking at visual differences and considering the context of the artworks and settings. It made for some interesting discussion around how small changes can make a big impact and how as a viewer, the knowledge we bring to viewing an artwork can change our understanding and interpretation of imagery.
Enjoy viewing some of these appropriations and see what new ideas and meanings you think the artists were trying to make.
This week, staff and students celebrated Wellbeing Week at St Joseph's School Stanthorpe. Students participated in a range of activities focussing on different aspects of wellbeing – physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual health.
Activites included Yoga, Dancefit, activities on the oval as well as the selling of hot chocolates and pizzas for all the students to enjoy.
The week will conclude with Pyjama day for all students and staff tomorrow, Friday 20th August as well as the drawing of the raffle where 10 lucky students have the chance to win prizes (5 on Secondary and 5 on Primary).
Our Year 7 and 8 debaters recently competed in the second round of the Inter-School Debating Competition against Stanthorpe State High School.
Both teams prepared and debated well, supported by Ellie Searle, our capable chairperson, and Brigid O’Dea, timekeeper.
The Year 7 students debated the topic, ‘that all people should be vegetarian’, on the negative and were narrowly beaten by the State State High team who brought some good arguments and well thought out rebuttal.
The Year 8 debate was argued on the topic ‘that social media has improved communication’ and St Joseph’s came away with the win after providing some good evidence in their argument and showing confidence in their speaking.
The competition will conclude with our last debate on Tuesday 14 September, at 3.30pm in Frayne 2. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to come along and support our debaters.
Today, Thursday 19th August as a lead-up to Book Week, students on the Primary campus will enjoy a “Books, Bears and Blankets” picnic at lunch time. Primary school parents, family members and friends are welcome to attend and share lunch with the children on the Primary oval from 12:40pm.
Then next week, the much anticipated Book Parade will take place on Thursday 26th August from 9.00 - 10.00 am in the Bathersby Centre. Students dress as their favourite book character and parade with their class in front of the whole school audience. It is a big favourite on the school calendar!
This year’s Book Week theme is “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.” We look forward to seeing many different characters!
Family members who attend these events will need to comply with any COVID-19 regulations published by the school.
After months of rehearsals, St Joseph’s School is excited to present “Matilda, The Musical” on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 August, commencing at 7pm at the Civic Centre. With just over a week until showtime, everyone involved is looking forward to seeing their many hours of rehearsals and planning come to fruition.
In keeping with the musical spirit, everyone is invited to come dressed in their favourite school uniform. A guest judge will be on the lookout for the best dressed at both performances with a prize generously donated by Foxy’s Bakery being awarded to the lucky winners.
A raffle will be available for $1 a ticket for both evening performances. On Friday night, one lucky patron attending will take home a $60 voucher kindly donated by Hotel Stanthorpe and two bottles of Symphony Hill wines, and on Saturday night, another lucky patron will win a voucher kindly donated by QCWT valued at $100. Thank you to these businesses and A Betterway to Print who are generously sponsoring the Musical programs.
With the major cost of the musical being the hiring of the microphones, we thank the businesses who have jumped on board with their sponsorship.
R&F Steel Buildings
Out of the box Support
Solar Blessing
John Barker Earthmoving
Stanthorpe Quality Meats
Academy of Dance Stanthorpe
Cook’s Apple Factory
Yarrabee Farmstay
Netpro Pty Ltd
Cav Insure
All patrons will need to check in via the QKR code. Musical tickets are available online via the QKR app until 2pm Friday, 27th August. Tickets can still be purchased at the door after this time for both the Friday and Saturday night performances.
The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2020, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.
Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.
Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2021.
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.
On behalf of our local St Vincent de Paul, we would heartily thank St Joseph’s Students, Parents and Staff for their generosity in providing us with Soup, Pasta, Rice, Canned goods and Blankets, that we have been able to distribute to those in need in our community. Your Winter Appeal enables us to stock a pantry that is very well used by people just needing a little extra help. We would also like to thank those students who are part of Mini Vinnies and Teen Vinnies, your partnership is really important to our members.
God Bless,
Carmel Mahoney (President)
Granite Belt Athletics
On Friday, 6th August, St Joseph's had a total of 54 students attend the Granite Belt Athletics carnival held at Stanthorpe SHS. All students represented themselves, their school and their families to extremely high standard.
Congralutaions to all students, especially to those who were awarded Age Champion or Age Champion Runner-up:
Ben Kerridge - 9 years boys Age Champion
Lyndon Morello - 10 years boys Runner-Up
Georgia Petrie - 10 years girls Age Champion
Ted Bonner - 11 years boys Runner-Up
Lily Tuvukica - 11 years girls Runner-Up
Addison McCosker - 12 years girls Runner -Up
Border District Athletics
Tuesday 10th August saw the St Joseph’s Track & Field team travel to Warwick for the annual Border District Track & Field Carnival.
Twenty three students represented the school on the day, providing a great team atmosphere and plenty of support for all competitors.
Some notable performances on the day were Katie-Lee Jansink being named 14yrs Girls Age Champion, whilst along the way breaking the Border District 14yrs Girls Shot Put Record with a throw of 10.32m, and claiming 1st position in the 1500m, 3000m events.
Brigid O’Dea and Eliza Telfer were other athletes to claim 1st position in their events, with Brigid claiming the 15yrs Girls 1500m and Eliza the 16yrs Girls High Jump.
Claire Williamson is to be commended for placing 3rd overall in age champion points for the 15yrs girls.
Also to be commended are our 15yrs Girls relay team as they placed 2nd in the 4 x 100m.
A number of students highlighted below placed in the top 3 competitors in their event, which is a great feat at the district level.
Congratulations to all students who represented their school so proudly.
| NAME | AGE | EVENT | PLACE | TIME / DISTANCE |
| Hannah Grogan | 13 | Discuss | 2nd | 20.13m |
| Hunter Hennesy | 13 | Javelin | 3rd | 21.60m |
| Erin O'Dea | 13 | 1500m | 3rd | 6.50.2m |
| Katie-Lee Jansink | 14 | 1500m | 1st | 6.17m |
| Shot Put | 1st | 10.32m RECORD | ||
| Javelin | 2nd | 17.01m | ||
| 3000m | 1st | 13.17m | ||
| Luke Webb | 14 | Shot Put | 3rd | 8.98m |
| Discuss | 2nd | 26.51m | ||
| Brigid O'Dea | 15 | 800m | 2nd | 2.52.5m |
| 1500m | 1st | 6.04.5m | ||
| Claire Williamson | 15 | Long Jump | 2nd | 4.59m |
| 200m | 3rd | 30.7s | ||
| Triple Jump | 2nd | 9.37m | ||
| High Jump | 2nd | 1.30m | ||
| Eliza Telfer | 16 | High Jump | 1st | 1.37m |
| 200m | 3rd | 29.7s |
Inter School Soccer Finals
On Friday 13th August, the McAuley soccer team travelled to Ballandean to play the Town v Country soccer final.
In a wet first half both teams started well with McAuley scoring mid way through. The second half saw Ballandean receive a penalty after a handball in the box, which was saved by Ned Torrens.
Congratulations to McAuley for the hard fought win.
Inter School Netball Finals
The District Netball final was played between Davadi and Greenlands at the Stanthorpe Netball Association Courts. This match is played each year between the winner of the country schools’ competition and the leading team in the A school’s competition.
After being undefeated up to this stage of the season, the Davadi girls were reasonably confident of competing well. The first half was closely fought with scores locked at 6 all at half time. Greenlands came out strong and hard in the third quarter to put the match beyond doubt with an 8-point lead established at three quarter time.
The Davadi team never gave up and tried their best to come back but in the end were outplayed by Greenlands.
| 16-20 August | Wellbeing Week |
| 19 August | Bears, Books & Blankets Picnic |
| 20 August | Wellbeing Week PJ Day |
| 26 August | Bookweek Dress up Parade |
| 27-28 August | School Musical, Matilda |
| 1 - 2 September | Year 11 Praxis & Leadership Camp |
| 3 September | Student Free Day |
