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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- WELCOME TO ST JOSEPH'S
- THE HISTORY OF ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL
- FORMATION & IDENTITY - LIVING WATER PRAXIS PROGRAM
- BLUE EDGE
- SCIENCE CLUB
- SCIENCE FUN FOR YEAR 6
- NEWS FROM THE YEAR 4/5 CLASSROOM
- YEAR 9 HOME ECONOMICS
- KINDY VISIT
- HELPING OUR YOUNGER STUDENTS
- AZ HAMILTON
- BOOK WEEK IS NEARLY HERE
- CHILD PROTECTION WEEK - ART COMPETITIONS
- NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR
- 2022 EARLY SCHOOL LEAVERS SURVEY
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
This week we have been fortunate to have our 4-yearly school School Renewal and Improvement Review. Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) quadrennial school reviews are an important part of school improvement. The reviews provide schools with independent feedback to help them continue to improve student learning outcomes and wellbeing. Our review has provided a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. The recommendations will form the basis for the review of our Strategic Plan which will set the direction of the school
Overall, the review has been very positive and affirming of the wonderful work that goes on at St Joseph’s School. My thanks to the staff, students, families and the wider community for your contribution to our success. Thanks also to those who have provided feedback for the review and the review panel (Maryanne Walsh, TCS Senior Education Leader; John Coman, Consultant; and Liisa Hammond, Principal, Assumption College Warwick ) for their support of the school. They have all expressed a real joy visiting the school and sharing in our journey.
This week we were privileged to have two special guest speakers visit the school to address the students on leadership, teamwork, mateship, good decision making and planning for the future.
Doug Baird OAM father of the late CPL Cameron Baird VC MG, and Major John Thurgar SC MBE OAM RFD (retired), came to speak to the Blue Edge students and Years 6-12. Both are amazing Australians who have given great service and sacrifice to the nation.
In Doug’s case, he has worked exceptionally hard to remember the legacy and service of his son Cameron who gave his life saving his team mates in Afghanistan in 2013 and, as a result, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Doug spends much time supporting veterans and educating young people about the history and significance of the Victoria Cross and the service of ADF members. Doug took the time after his main presentation to meet with the Year 6 students in their classroom and hold a question and answer session, which both he and the students thoroughly enjoyed.
Similarly, John Thurgar, himself a special forces veteran and retired Australia Federal Police member, does much to support veterans and educate young people. John worked with Cameron Baird when he was a young soldier. John also was awarded the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest bravery award, for saving the life of a farmer who strayed into a minefield and stepped on a mine in Cypress.
Doug and John expressed their sincere thanks to the St Joey’s community for the invitation to visit the school.
God Bless
The Year 7 2023 Open afternoon and information night for students and families was held recently on the Ssecondary Campus.
Students in Year 6 from both St Joseph’s and outlying schools engaged in the annual Open Day Curriculum passport. The students and their families were able to participate in numerous activities across the broad range of curriculum offerings here at the school.
I thank our Secondary students and staff for their wonderful work in organising activities that provided a valuable insight into the quality of the teaching and learning programs on offer at St Joseph’s.
A huge thank you to Brooke Butson and Hayley Pfeiffer who have coordinated the Year 10 SET planning meetings. In the meetings I have been fortunate enough to sit in on over the last few weeks, it has been wonderful to hear the diversity of career aspirations that many of our Year 10 students have. The SET planning process is such an integral part of what we do here at St Joseph’s to ensure that each student is supported in their individual learning journey so they can transition to the chosen post-school pathway.
Live Jesus in our hearts
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
What is it like to be part of the Primary campus each day? What do the children get up to?
Who do they play with?
How do they learn?
This week I have decided to share a few insights into life on the Primary campus where life is always very busy.
Sometimes there are tears but often laughter. Classrooms can be filled with the noise of collaboration but sometimes they are places of quiet contemplation and independent, focused learning. Handball, footy and soccer are a familiar feature of play times and handball is fiercely contested before school. The sand from the sandpit can often be found on the carpet in the P - 2 classrooms and the loose parts play area provides opportunities for the imagination to run wild.
Interactions between children and adults are affirming, supportive, comforting, challenging and respectful. Each day there is a time to be quiet and thankful for all that we have and to show through our actions, the Gospel values upon which this school was built. The corridors are hollow to start, then echo with chatter before falling silent at the end of the day.
Just another day on the Primary campus at St Joseph's School.
Heard in the corridor...
Year 5 student to Mr Coman (one member of the SRIP panel), 'I am going to my piano lesson but I am torn. I really love my music but my learning team need me back in the classroom!' This is a student who values learning and is motivated by it. He also values the collaboration of learning teams and the opportunities he is afforded to learn from others as well as helps others to develop their own understanding. There are many more like this student at our school.
With God's blessings.
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
Celebrating the Mass
Each week students from both the Secondary and Primary Campus celebrate mass with Fr Gonzo in St. Joseph’s Church. These experiences provide an opportunity for all students, regardless of faith or belief to come to know and understand the actions and rituals of the liturgy. Students can ask questions about the space in which we gather, as well as the many symbols and rituals experienced as they develop a greater sense of belonging and involvement in the liturgy.
On Monday, students from Years 2, 4 and 5 gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary – a celebration of Mary being taken body and soul into heavenly glory. In preparation for the celebration, Year 2 students produced some wonderful images of Mary being assumed into heaven, while the older students participated in the readings, prayers, and offertory of the mass.
“The purpose of every school Mass is to unite all present more closely to Christ, to deepen their love for him and for others” (Diocese of Westminster)
God Bless
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
St Joseph's School welcomes Anika Spiller who started at St Joseph's School as a School Officer on 25 July 2022.
Anika comes to us after working at Granite Belt Diagnostic Imaging in both Clinical Support and Office Manager roles. She is also studying to become a Secondary teacher. Anika graduated from St Joseph’s School in 2018 and was a Prefect in Year 12.
Welcome back to St Joseph's School Anika !
Did you know that St Joseph's School Stanthorpe is the third oldest school in the Diocese ?
Yes that's right - St Joseph's School was first established in 1875 - which means we will celebrate 150 years of schooling in 2025.
St Joseph's School had its beginning with the arrival in Stanthorpe by four Sisters of Mercy on the 9th February 1875. The four Sisters were Sisters M Agnes, Emilian, Muredach and Malachy. This small group of dedicated Sisters pioneered Christian education enduring great hardships in the fulfillment of their apostolic mission.
The foundation stone for the Convent building now on the Secondary campus was laid on 11 October 1931. The building cost the grand sum of 12,258 pounds and was solemnly blessed and opened by his Lordship Dr J Byrne, Bishop of Toowoomba on the 17th April 1932.
The original school was formerly the Globe Hotel. The school occupied the position more or less where the current Presbytery now stands. It was thought that its initial roll call was in excess of 120 students, some of whom had travelled considerable distances by foot from the outlying tin mines. The original 'school' consisted of one large room with the barest of necessities.
In 1884, St Joseph's School had its first inspection by an Officer of the State Department who reported very favourably on the school, teaching and results generally. However, the building was in a bad state of repair and the winter winds whistled through the floor, ceiling and walls. But for all of this the old Globe Hotel was to remain the school until 1907 and the arrival of Fr Matthew Ryan as Parish Priest.
A new school was built on the site that is now the Secondary campus of St Joseph's. The original church built by Fr Davadi was also pressed into service as an Infants’ school and was joined to the wooden building built by Fr Ryan. In 1955 the old school was sold for removal and the Primary students moved to the site of the current St Joseph's Primary campus. The present Primary campus was part of the Moiaminda Guest House, which was occupied by Somerville House Girls from Brisbane during World War Two.
In 1987 the school’s last Sister of Mercy staff member retired.
In 1999 St Joseph’s extended to Years 11 and 12 for the first time in its long history.
Over recent years the Primary campus has undergone a building program, including the completion of the Mercy Centre, the current Administration building. At the same time, the Secondary campus has undergone refurbishment and upgrade. The Frayne Building on the Secondary campus was the most recent building to be completed in 2014.
As part of the Living Water Praxis program, each Year 12 student was given $5 to complete the $5 Challenge - to use this money to make a difference in the world.
One group chose to pool their money and kick off Breakfast Club. Another to cook lunch for staff with profits going towards Heart Kids.
Another group chose to plant vegetables, with the intention of selling the vegetables to families for a minimal amount, but enough to continue to plant and fund future crops.
The photos below show the progress of their efforts.
What is Blue EDGE? (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) is a holistic program run by Blue Light in partnership with Police combining physical training, mentoring and
life skills. Blue EDGE aims to reduce crime through prevention: fostering positive relationships between young people, their peers and police.
Our students avail of this wonderful opportunity each Tuesday and Thursday from 7-8am kicking off with fitness for 30 minutes then with a presentation.
Science Club recently hosted a "snow fluff" event during week 4.
Students made a fluffy suspension during their lunch break, which tied in their Chemistry unit from Year 7 Science.
Year 6 have been having fun investigating energy transformation in Science class.
The photos tell the story - that's for sure !
Students in Year 4 and 5 have been investigating fractions and are growing more confident in their ability to accurately order and represent fractions.
Students have also been investigating the nutritional value of familiar food choices.
They particularly looked at the sugar, salt and fat content of these foods and reflected on this when making healthy food choices.
The Year 9 Home Economics group made a trip to local restaurant Essen to learn from chef Clarissa Pabst about qualities of a good dessert.
Students helped prep some different elements, learned some tips and tricks of the trade, watched a demo of Clarissa constructing one of their desserts – a caramel treacle tart – before having a go at preparing one themselves!
It was great to learn a bit about a local business as well!
Friday 5th August, saw our Prep teacher, Mrs Glenda McNichol visit Stanthorpe C & K Kindy to spend time with children in preparation of their next step of schooling life, starting Prep in 2023.
"We enjoyed having you visit our kindy and the children enjoyed the story you read to them," Tanya Swan, Director/Teacher of The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited said following Mrs McNichol's visit.
We look forward to welcoming some of these children to St Joseph's in Prep 2023.
Year 7 students recently spent time working with both Year 3 and Year 2 students to help them with their reading and writing.
It is always a pleasure to see our older students giving their time to help with our future leaders of the School.
Az Hamilton’s presentations took place on Thursday and Friday, 4th & 5th August for Year's 7 to Year 11. The presentations provided a safe space for students to understand the importance of connection, listening, friendship groups and how to be the best you can be.
Year 7 and Year 8 students walked away from Az’s presentation with the key catch phrase ‘show me your top 5 friends and I’ll tell you your future’, highlighting the fact that our identity is shaped by those around us – so choose wisely.
Year 9 focussed on the difference between ‘followers’ on social media who we are genuinely connected to. On average teenagers have 567 connections via social media, but when we really crunch the ‘connection’ numbers, teenagers have 2 to 3 authentic friends. Az explained ‘You can know a lot of people, but you may not have real, genuine connections.’ Focus on making authentic friendships, ask questions and LISTEN to your mates. It’s through listening and being engaged in the story of others that can truly make a deep and lasting connection/friendship.
Open a book and let your imagination soar as you dream of the world between its pages.
The Children's Book Council of Australia's annual Book Week returns in 2022 with the theme "Dreaming with eyes open... ".
Every year the CBCA holds a Book Week across Australia to promote the importance of reading and the joy that children can find in it.
Bears, Books and Blankets – Thursday 18th August at 12.40pm on the Primary Oval
Book Week Dress up parade – Thursday 25th August at 9am in the Stadium
Each year Child Protection Week (CPW) provides an opportunity to promote the value of students in our schools, and focus attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect. National Child Protection week runs from 4th - 10th September.
National Child Protection Week will continue to embrace the overarching message that ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’.
In particular, this year we will be shining a light on children growing up safe and supported. Children and young people thrive when they grow up safe, connected and supported in their family, community and culture. They have the right to grow up in environments that support them according to their needs, now and into the future.
This year let’s talk about how we create a supportive environment for every child.
TOOWOOMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE (TCSO) ART COMPETITION invite both Primary and Secondary students to participate in the annual TCSO child protection week art competition. Two separate competitions will be running - one for primary and one for secondary students. The purpose of the competition is to promote the 2022 CPW theme in our schools. This year the theme is "Every child, in every community, needs a fair go."
Fear-Less Triple P Online
Help your child manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient - this full toolkit of tips and ideas really works!
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- Get a better understanding of anxiety and fear and what can be done about it.
- Get a whole range of tools and strategies based on proven principles.
- Know what to do when your child is anxious or upset.
- You choose what works for you – adapt to suit your family, your values.
- Do it on your phone, computer, or tablet.
- Videos and fun interactive learning.
- 24/7 online, at your place, at your pace.
- Track your progress and print your certificate.
The Fear-Less Triple P Program is part of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. Fear-Less isn’t about eliminating fear altogether – sometimes, fear protects us. Instead, it’s about giving your family a toolbox of strategies, skills, and knowledge to manage anxious feelings and stop unnecessary worrying. Fear-Less Triple P is based on extensive research with families of anxious children by clinical psychologists. It can work for you too — and now it’s online! Seven informative modules
- Understanding Anxiety
- Promoting emotional resilience
- Setting a good example & encouraging realistic thinking
- Understanding Avoidance
- Responding to children’s anxiety
- Constructive problem solving and maintaining progress
- Parenting during COVID-19
Rachel Leslie
Guidance Counsellor
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 2021, 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 2022.
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.
Granite Belt Athletics
Congratulations to all students who recently competed in the Granite Belt Athletics Carnival on Monday 8th August.
The following students were awarded Age Champion and Runner Up Age Champions :
| Age Champion | |
| Natalie Gasparin | 12 Yr Girls |
| Lyndon Morello | 11 Yr Boys |
| Benjamin Kerridge | 10 Yr Boys |
| Runner Up Age Champion | |
| Ted Bonner | 12 Yr Boys |
| Georgia Petrie | 11 Yr Girls |
Darling Downs Athletics
Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in qualifying for the Darling Downs Track & Field Championships to be held between Tuesday 23rd August - Friday 26th August in Toowoomba.
Chloe Inch
Mia Howard
Benjamin Kerridge
Ivy Hill
Lyndon Morello
Will Favaro
Ted Bonner
George Mason
Charlie Alldridge
CJ Johnson
Luca Pompetti
Margaret O'Dea
Faith Lancaster
Georgia Petrie
Lana Inch
Damon Pompetti
Lillian Taylor
Thomas Petrie
Darius Jansink
Katie-Lee Jansick
Addison McCosker
Claire Williamson
Well done and good luck !
| 15-19 August | Science Week |
| 18 August | Bears, Books & Blankets Picnic |
| Vietnam Veteran's Day | |
| 19 August | DD Cricket Country Trials (10-12yrs) |
| 22-26 August | Book Week |
| 23 August | DD Track & Field (10-12yrs) |
| 25 August | Book Week Dress Up Parade |
| 26 August | DD Track & Field (13-19yrs) |
| 29-31 August | Year 11 Leadership Camp |
| 31 August - 9 Sept | Year 12 Mock External Assessment Block |
| 2 September | Student Free Day |
