As a result, we ask that you support the nut free environment of our school and remind your child not to share their food with other students.
100 High Street
Stanthorpe QLD 4380
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Email: stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 07 4681 5900
Fax: 07 4681 5909
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Recently, parents would have received, via email, a copy of the new Student Assessment and Drafting Framework for 2019. The purpose of this document is to provide clarity and equity for students around the expectations of draft and assessment submission. The framework is designed to allow students, parents and staff to work collaboratively to ensure consistency and equity in the academic submission process. Ultimately, the intent of the framework is to ensure all students are able to achieve the best possible outcomes in assessment responses by ensuring they are able to receive quality feedback on drafts submitted and work collaboratively with staff to refine and improve the work submitted. All students have been taken through the document by a member of the secondary curriculum leadership team and have been provided with an electronic copy. Please take the time to read the document and discuss it with your child. I am more than happy to answer any questions relating to this so please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.
On the 7th May, I was lucky enough to travel to Toowoomba with Lisa McPherson and 21 of the secondary students for the Maths Teams Challenge (see photos below). This was a wonderful day, with the students engaging in high level mathematical problem-solving tasks through a variety of formats. The students performed exceptionally well, engaged with positivity and enthusiasm, and are congratulated on being exceptional role models for our school. Well done!
Year 11 and 12 academic progress meetings were held recently, with the focus on reviewing performance in completed assessment from Unit 1 / Term 1 and having collaborate conversations around planning, goals and improvement strategies moving forward. These conversations were really positive and focused around building on the excellent results already achieved this year.
As you will be aware, students and staff participated in information sessions as part of the Stymie launch, an anonymous online reporting tool designed to address suspected bullying or harm concerns. In addressing students at the whole school assembly following these sessions, I reinforced that our commitment at St Joseph’s is to build a culture within our school community where we support and respect each other, and as students and staff, it is all of our responsibility to ensure that everyone who is part of our community looks after each other. I hope that this will be a valuable tool in allowing all members of our community to continue building this positive, supportive culture.
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal (Acting)
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
During the last two weeks, much has been happening on the Primary Campus including a number of ‘firsts’. We welcomed the children from Rainbow Kids for the first of a number of planned visits this term. The Prep students were very hospitable towards their guests as they listened to a story in the library and then had the opportunity to enage in some play activities in the Prep classroom. Thank you to Mrs McNichol and Mrs Grant for organising this. We look forward to seeing these children again in the next couple of weeks and also inviting the other centres to join us for a similar experience.
Another ‘first’ has been the taking of NAPLAN tests online (except for the writing test for Year 3). The students in Years 3 and 5 completed the tests in writing, reading, numeracy and language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) this week and did so confidently. There are many varied opinions as to the validity of such testing especially for primary-aged students, but our students are always well prepared for taking these tests and I am always impressed with the way in which they take the formality of it in their stride. We now await the results which will be used, along with our own school data, as we continue to map the learning journey of individual students.
Within the last two weeks we have also welcomed a new relief teacher to school. Mrs Nolan has joined Mrs Collins, Mrs Heads, Mrs Gasparin, Ms Fasan (as well as Mrs O’Dea, Mrs Brunckhorst, Mrs McLucas and Ms Cusack) as one of those people we can rely on to take classes when teachers are away. We really do appreciate their willingness to step in when needed.
There have been a number of Granite Belt sports trials and a significant number of our students have participated. Congratulations are extended to all those students who represented the school and themselves so well. The following students have made it through to the Darling Downs Trials:
Cross Country: Erin O'Dea, Harry Wren, Jacob Hennoste, Billy Gallaway, Emily Robinson, Sonny Fraguas, Alex Waterworth, Claire Danzey, Jaiden Morello, Eliza Bonner
Soccer: Darcy Daddow, Jaiden Morello, Sonny Fraguas, Liam Telfer, Alessia Gasparin
Thank you to those members of staff who were involved in these trials – Mr Grew, Mr Fleming, Mrs O’Dea, Mrs Brunckhorst and Ms Badcock.
The next two weeks look to be equally as busy with such things as a visit from Healthy Harold, the opportunity for students in Yr 3 – 6 to take on the role of forensic scientists to solve a crime and our school athletics carnival to supplement the learning of the students. There’s never a dull moment on the Primary Campus!
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
The 2019 Teen Vinnies Committee is eager to implement a number of initiatives and activities in coming months hoping to raise awareness of issues within our community.
After the committee discussed the issue of drought and its impact on our community, two committee members have designed a colouring-in and poster competition around the theme “Water is precious”. Winning entries will be displayed to encourage students to be aware that each drop we use counts and being water wise is crucial.
In conjunction with the Student Council, Teen Vinnies is also assisting to implement the “Containers for Change” program in an effort to promote care for our environment and also fundraise for organisations in our community. In coming weeks, a small group of volunteers will have a baking afternoon, creating delicious treats which will be delivered to volunteers and members of our community to say ‘thank you’ for their tireless efforts in making a difference to the lives of others. Term 3 will see the coordination of our Winter Appeal, and discussions are underway for a social evening and Cancer Council fundraiser.
Good works is the focus for Teen Vinnies in 2019 inspired by the words of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, “Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands”.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
This year, the Secondary Campus has implemented a new Merit Slip system for students. When a student is found to be doing something good, they can be issued with a Merit Slip. These are based on the Mercy and School values; responsibility, respectfulness and safety.
Students then put their slip into the draw and every fortnight, the students are eligble to win a prize. Last term, a number of pizza lunch vouchers, iTunes vouchers, a football and netball and Broncos caps were given away to students.
On Friday 3rd May, Chloe Britton and Belinda McIntryre, both Year 8 students, were awarded Merit Slip winners at the Secondary assembly. Both young ladies also won this award last term. The Maths teachers have considered doing a maths lesson on the probability of this as it is quite remarkable.
Chloe and Belinda won a pizza lunch for themselves and a friend for displaying exempliary behaviour and reponsibility. Well done!
ENERGY, DISSECTING AND SCIENCE
Recently, the Year 7 Science students measured the different energy output (heat in this case) from combusting different foods. Students made justified predictions, carried out the experiment, performed calculations and finally suggested experimental refinements. This ties in with their energy from Resources Unit.
The Year 7 students measured the energy (in the form of heat in different types of food. This ties in with their energy from Resources Unit.
Meanwhile, the Year 10 Science students continued their unit on DNA. Students carefully dissected an onion root, grown in the classroom window sill, prepped their microscope slides and observed the cells using newly purchased microscopes. Students were looking to locate the cell wall, cell nucleus, and even mitosis occurring within the nucleus.
The Year 10 students dissected the tip of an onion root, prepared their slides, and attempted to observe mitosis actually occuring!
On Friday the 3rd May, the Year 9 and 10 Business students enjoyed learning about careers in business and options for study in business and other areas with a visit from USQ. The USQ Team were very generous with their time and provided a thought provoking exercise in brand leveraging and shared their own experiences of university study.
Damien, Alice and Will from USQ also stayed to discuss options for study with Year 11 and 12 students and answered questions and provided information on a range of study areas.
Senior students represented St Joseph's School last Saturday at a service in honor of Emergency Services Personel to thank them for the important role they play in our community. After the service students had the opportunity to chat with Mayor Tracey Dobie at an informal afternoon tea.
Last week was National Road Safety week. The Student Council held various activites throughout the week to raise awareness for this very important issue. At the assembly held on Wednesday 8th May, the Student Council held a special presentation and invited Sgt Dan O'Dea from the Stanthorpe Road Policing Unit. Sgt O'Dea spoke to students about staying safe on the roads and the ways in which kids can help adults to be responsible drivers, such as remind them if they are speeding, or if there is a cyclist up ahead and to wear seat belts. Sgt O'Dea also spoke about safety when riding bicycles and walking to school.
National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative created by the Safer Australian Roads and Highways Group to remember those who have been impacted by accidents on our roads. The week highlights the need for all individuals, not only drivers to remember the important of rules for safety, and to stop, look, listen and think.
ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL IS A NUT AWARE SCHOOL
St Joseph's School promotes a NUT FREE ENVIRONMENT in order to protect several students who suffer from a severe allergy to nuts. Nut products can be deadly for these children. These students have an Epipen and staff members are trained in the correct use.
As a result, we ask that you support the nut free environment of our school and remind your child not to share their food with other students.
A reminder to parents and caregivers to keep your contact details with the school updated. It is important to have your correct details, and any emergency contact names and numbers on our records in case of an emergency or should your child be unwell.
It is also important to advise the Office if you have changed your email address. Communication to parents and caregivers is made via EdSmart with Parent Paperwork and Broadcast. If we do not have your correct email address, you will miss important information about excursions, camps, or happenings around the school.
If you are having any issues in receiving the Parent Paperwork or Broadcasts, please advise at the Office. At times, Parent Paperwork and Broadcasts can go to your Junk inbox, so it is ideal to check these as well.
Please be reminded of the Visiting and Student Early Departures procedures below:
Visitors to the School
All visitors to the school during school hours must sign in and out of the visitors register at Administration; this includes classroom activities, tuckshop and meetings with teachers.
Student Early Departures
Please note that due to the Schools' duty of care, students from Prep to Year 11 will not be allowed to leave the school grounds unaccompanied by a guardian under any circumstances.
On the 1st of May, 6 students represented St Joseph’s in the Border District Cross Country carnival. The students were up against the best from all the schools in the region and all students ran to the best of their abilities. Three of those students have qualified for the Darling Downs Carnival later this month. Congratulations to Brigid O'Dea, Chelsea Debnam, Tyler Look, Jack Bell, Greg Zournazidis and Rory McDonagh who represented our school.
The Bill Turner competition was held at CF White and the Stanthorpe State High School ovals on 9th of May. St Joseph's School entered a boys and a girls team to take on Stanthorpe State High, Assumption and Warwick State High.
Both our teams put up really good fights against some tough competition and managed to score some great goals. The boys team was a big squad with a lot of younger players who gained the experience to be a dominant force in future years. They had some tough games but fought till the final whistle in every game. The girls played really well in their games and it came down to the final game to see if they would progress into the next round. Sadly it ended in a loss but the girls played brilliantly throughout the day with skill and great teamwork.
Thank you to Mrs Law and Mr Armstrong who coached the teams to prepare them for the day.
The Woolworths Earn and Learn Program has returned. Until 25 June, collect as many stickers as you can.
Stick them on the sticker sheets and pop them in St Joseph's School collection box, either at the Office or at Woolworths.
These stickers are then redeemed for over 10,000 different pieces of equipment, across every possible category including ICT, Science, Sports, Mathematics, Arts and more.
SPECIAL SCHOOLTV REPORT: Parenting Styles-What type of parent are you?
There are so many different opinions offered on how best to parent. New parents will often have firm beliefs about how they wish to balance love and discipline, but this ideal often goes out the window when a toddler throws their first tantrum in the supermarket!
Raising children can bring parents and caregivers great joy despite many learning ‘on the job’ and growing into the role through experience and understanding. Children will always flourish in a warm and loving environment, supported by clear guidance.
In this SchoolTV Special Report, parents and caregivers can gain a greater understanding of the four defined parenting styles by taking part in the quiz. It can guide parents towards deciding which style they wish to adopt and the effects it may have on their children.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this SchoolTV 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-parenting-styles .
17 May | Walk Safely to School Day |
22 May | National Simultaneous Story Time |
24 May | Athletics Carnival |
27-30 May | Life Education |
25 May | QISSN Street Stall in front of the Country Club |
26 May | Annual Redshield Doorknock Appeal from 8.30am |
31 May | Mini Vinnies' Hamburger Day |
28 June | Pupil Free Day |
Learning to sing (particularly to sing in front of others) can increase your child’s confidence and public speaking skills. Voice lessons can even provide an intelligence boost and help your child succeed in school.
That’s because the real value of singing lessons lie in more than just being able to sing along to a song on the radio or participate in a school performance. The act of singing stimulates the same areas of the brain that are used for understanding spatial relationships, mathematics, and reading. Singing can also help your child to learn how to express themselves emotionally.
Perhaps most importantly, taking singing lessons (or taking any music lessons or undergoing any musical training, for that matter) can help your child become a better listener.
There have been scientific studies which demonstrate that these improved listening skills will last a lifetime. This is true because taking singing lessons helps a child create new neural pathways that help with processing words and letters.
You can still enrol your child for singing lessons for the remainder of 2019 by contacting:
Jeremy Greening
jagreening@gmail.com
0402 283 363
Lessons are 30 minutes and $25 per individual or $15 per group lesson (capped at 3 per group).