In today’s world, it is common to hear socially offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. While swearing is becoming more common and less taboo, the use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity.

It is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language they hear. Proliferating the use of swear words can sometimes normalise, glamorise and desensitise their impact for kids who may misunderstand the true meaning of some derogatory terms. Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms as a misguided attempt at belonging, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language and are not accustomed to making adjustments to suit different situations.

Although many schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to swearing and derogatory language, parents need to also play an important part in enforcing this approach. Parents and carers can be proactive in monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to. Discussing the use of words or the origin of some derogatory terms and gaining insight into the reason behind their child’s use of such language can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language filtering into the classroom or the school yard, which in turn helps to build more tolerant, safe and connected communities.

This Special Report offers a number of guidelines to help manage a suitable approach when discussing the importance of respectful language. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this 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-respectful-language

Year 12 is bittersweet. There’s stress, late nights and a lot of cramming. But there are also those highly anticipated events like the final athletics carnival, school formal and graduation.  On Thursday 18^th November, 13 Year 12 students from St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe stepped out of the classroom and on to the red carpet, to celebrate their graduation in a formal affair held at the Bathersby Centre.

Dressed to impress, and with a celebratory tone, the proceedings moved seamlessly from Mass conducted by Fr Gonzo and Deacon Brian at St Joseph’s Catholic Church to a banquet-style dinner catered by Anna’s Restaurant, where students, staff and families could enjoy the evening.

Year 12 Valedictorian, Eric Richards, reflected on the tumultuous circumstances presented to this year’s Seniors through the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, praised his fellow Year 12 students for their resilience, and spoke of the value of friendship and connection between students and staff as the key to success in overcoming adversity.

The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for this year’s graduates to reflect and celebrate their educational journey as individuals, as a community and, most of all, as friends; united together as they graduate, and each preparing to embark on their new chapter of post-school life.

St Joseph’s School would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in making this year’s graduation such a tremendous success, and to wish our Year 12 graduates the best success and luck for the future.  

Photo courtesy of Shane Andersen Photography

Year 6 students Chloe Searle and Vayda Heads were recently awarded $25 each from a BHP Science and Engineering Encouragement Award.

This was awarded as part of a Science contest their Term 1 project was entered into, sponsored by the Science Teacher Association of Queensland.

Congratulations, junior scientists !

Last Friday, the Multi-Purpose Room was transformed into a magical fairytale land full of beautiful princess and handsome princes and some very regal queens. Everyone enjoyed a royal dinner with pink bubbles as well as lots of dancing and palace games. What a very special evening... and everyone was home before the clock struck 12!

Thank you to all who helped with the preparations and on the night: Mrs McNichol, Mrs Charlton, Miss Hollie, Miss Bella and Mrs Wilson.

Thank you also to Isabel Kay, Kira St John, Father Gonzo and Deacon Brian and Mr Kendall who joined in the fun on the night.

St Joseph’s would like to congratulate two of our Year 10 Students for their success in the USQ Headstart program.

This semester, Eliza Telfar and Taylah Organ applied and were accepted into the USQ Headstart program. This program provides the opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students to complete a university subject whilst still at school. Allowing students to complete a subject from a degree whilst becoming familiar with tertiary studies. Upon the successful completion of one of these subjects, students can apply for early entry to a degree with USQ prior to the completion of Year 12.

Taylah Organ studied: LAW1112 (Legal Writing and Research) and achieved a B (credit).

Eliza Telfar studied: STA1003 (Fundamental Statistics) and achieved an A (distinction).

Congratulations to these students on an exceptional achievement!

Well that's it !!  This week saw our Year 6 students partake in their last ever Primary Maths lesson before they venture into the world of Year 7 on Secondary next year.

Congratulations to all the students in our teams who competed in the Granite Belt Chess Competition. This took place over two Friday afternoons against 8 other teams.

As you can see from the photos belowe, Flynn, Jackson, Cael and Tom were awarded the trophy as winners and also took out second place .

Well done to all those who participated and thank you to Mr Fleming for his support of the students throughout the year.

Please find following, Booklists for 2022.  These can also be located on the School's website.

The Queensland Government will conduct its annual statewide survey of Year 12 completers in 2022. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June next year, our current Year 12 students will receive a letter from the Minister for Education or an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office inviting you to complete the survey. To enable them to reach you, please ensure your contact details are correct in your learning account by logging into the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

Further information on Next Step and results from previous surveys are available online at www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Sometimes we all need a kickstart for our holiday cheer. Students and staff on the Secondary campus kicked off their Christmas celebrations by decorting their doors with festive cheer.

Congratulations, well done and Merry Christmas to one and all !