The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse – a book by Charlie Mackesy

In a recent edition I wrote about the importance of taking time for ourselves, to reflect and consider life’s moments and our daily encounters. Occasionally, we may read a quote, see a phrase or flick through the pages of a book to gain inspiration, insight, or guidance.  The book “The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy was one such book which I encountered at a recent professional development. It is a beautiful story of friendship and has a great deal to offer the reader.

From the introduction by Charlie Mackesy

“This book is for everyone, whether you are eighty or eight – I feel like I’m both sometimes.  I’d like it to be one you can dip into anywhere, anytime.”

“I hope this book encourages you, perhaps, to live courageously with more kindness for yourself and for others.  And to ask for help when you need it – which is always a brave thing to do.”

“So, I say spread your wings and follow your dreams.”

And some quotes from the book –

“What do you think success is?” asked the boy. 

“To love!” said the mole.

“Tears fall for a reason, and they are your strength not weakness!”

“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up!”

“Nothing beats kindness,” said the horse.  “It sits quietly beyond all things!”

“Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can,” said the horse.

Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity

A Guide To Safe Partying

Teenage gatherings provide young people with important opportunities to interact and build on their social skills and experiences. Celebrations, partying and socialising are a fundamental rite of passage and one of the most important aspects of a young person’s life. However, it is possible for the best young person to get carried away with their peers and the euphoria of the moment.

For parents and caregivers, keeping your young person safe can at times feel daunting and is often a compromise and a challenge. Most teenagers try to do the right thing most of the time, but your leadership as a role model is crucial. Your child may appear to be physically large and mature, but this is not necessarily matched by their emotional maturity and responsibility in behaviour.

Every party has the potential to get out-of-hand as sometimes it’s hard for young partygoers to make good decisions. Communication and regular discussions are vital, particularly because young people are often faced with peer pressure to do things they prefer not to engage in. Hosting a celebration at home or at a venue can be a fun and memorable event but it is important to agree on the ground rules well before your event is announced to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on.

If hosting an event, you owe your guests a ‘duty-of-care’ and should ensure all reasonable steps are taken to keep partygoers safe. This Special Report provides caregivers with list of things to consider when planning a celebration. 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-guide-safe-partying  .

Congratulations and well done to those students who received an award at the Awards Night held on Thursday 20th October.

Photos from the Awards Night will follow in the next edition of the School Newsletter.

Congratulations and well done to our Student Leaders for 2023.

SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Taylah Organ  
Hannah Widderick

SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAINS

Belinda McIntyre
Eliza Telfer

DAVADI HOUSE CAPTAINS

Taryn McCosker
Elizabeth Searle

McAULEY HOUSE CAPTAINS

Addison Swan
Coen Taylor

PREFECTS

Sophie Day
Chelsea Debnam
Bronte Duff
David Nemeth
Kiara Osborne

St Joseph's School entered 7 teams in the Primary and Year 7 Math Team Challenge competitions held at the Stanthorpe State High School on Thursday 13th October.

All students performed extremely well with some very pleasing results.

In the Primary Competition, Year 6 Team 2 achieved 3rd place and in the Year 7 Competition, the four St Joseph's teams made a clean sweep placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Congratulations to all participants for representing their school in a very challenging mathematics competition.

St Joseph's School hosted the annual Under 8's day on Friday 14th October 2022 which was kindly sponsored by BUSHkids.

Children enjoyed their ‘Messy Play’ activities as well as craft activites, pet rock decorating, exploring the many emergency vehicles on hand plus much more.

The day was an undisputed success. It was messy and fun. BushKIDS were awesome, thank you!

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Cydney McErvale who recently received a graduation award from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. 

Year 6 students have been exploring a small tech device called a Microbits.

Students were set the task to set up a stall aimed at encouraging the use of these devices for their peers.

Lots of fun and engaging uses were uncovered as learners reflected on the topic, audience and purpose of their task. Many even improved their coding skills!

Thursday 20th October saw our Prep students head on out to the Blue Topaz Diner where they enjoyed some yummy hot chips, nuggets, burgers and milkshakes which filled their little tummies.

As part of their unit in Design Technology, the students have been learning about food and how it is different all over the world. They have also been exploring healthy food in PE.

Prep students paid for the excursion themselves by doing jobs at home and earning money - well done Preppies !

A huge thankyou to Prep student Bonnie’s Mum and Dad, Brendan and Shonel for hosting the Prep students at the Blue Topaz and thank you to Mr Hurtz for driving the bus.

They all had an awesome time !

Our first instalment of St Joseph's interhouse Chess Competition is underway with round one completed during second break on Thursday 20th October.

Some close competition with students from Year 5 to Year 11 competing for their Davadi or McAuley House.

The last round of the Inter-School Debating Competition between St Joseph’s School and Stanthorpe State High School was held today with the St Joey’s Team 1’s competing against the St Joey’s Team 2’s in each age group. The results were as follows:

• Year 7: SJS Team 2 won
• Year 8: SJS Team 2 won
• Year 9: Draw between SJS Teams 1 & 2

The overall results for the closely fought competition across the three rounds of competition were:

• Year 7: SJS Team 2 won overall champion team, on a points count-back SJS Team 1 were runners up
• Year 8: SJS Team 2 won overall champion team, SSHS runners up
• Year 9: SSHS won overall champion team, on a countback SJS Team 1 were runners up

Thanks to Mrs Mary Roberts from St Joseph’s School, Mr Lucian Giles-Duffy from Stanthorpe State High School and the other staff involved for their work coordinating and running the competition. Thanks also to Mr James Lister MP for sponsoring the trophies, medals and certificates.

Well done to all students from both schools!

Do you want the best new children’s books?

Our Scholastic Book Fair is nearly here!  

Book Fair will be open from 8am - 8.30am and 3pm - 3.30pm, Monday to Friday from the 7th to the 11th November.

So mark the dates in your diary and be sure to come along to find the best new books and help to earn free books for our library!