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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY & TEACHING & LEARNING
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL
- AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE VISIT
- YEAR 2 - CONVENT VISIT
- CHESS COMPETITION
- MOTHER'S DAY PAMPERING
- EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS
- ALIA NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORY TIME 2023
- LIFE EDUCATION VAN VISIT
- TRIVIA NIGHT SUCCESS
- SCHOOL PHOTO CATCH UP DAY
- HAVE YOUR SAY ON FREE KINDY FOR EVERY CHILD
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
At St Joseph’s School we believe the partnership between parents/carers and staff is key in achieving our purpose of 'enabling full and flourishing lives' for students, staff and families.
We believe in a parent's/carer’s right and responsibility to be involved in and contribute to the educational experiences of their children.
We know that a relationship between school and parents/carers works best when it is based on mutual respect and acknowledgement of the value that each brings.
Our school aims to complement and build on the work of the family so that all students can pursue their gifts and affirm their sense of belonging and importance. Through this we believe they will become effective and successful learners.
Parents/carers have a powerful influence on their child's educational outcomes through what happens at home. Parents/carers are highly influential when they:
- have high expectations for their children's conduct and courtesy, attendance and punctuality, sense of responsibility and involvement in family activities
- show interest in their children's learning by helping them relate what they are learning in school to the world beyond school
- are supportive of the work of teachers
- model the behaviours of successful learners
- talk to children about things that interest them and provide opportunities for children to extend their engagement in these areas
- discuss their children's educational and career aspirations and encourage children to set goals for their progress.
We encourage all parents and carers to work with us to maximise the success of their children at St Joseph’s School. Your input into your children’s learning is so important.
My thanks to all families for your support of the school and our students. This support was highlighted by the record number of participants in the highly successful P&F Association Trivia Night last week. Well done to Jodie Cosmo (coordinator), Dan O’Dea (trivia master), Gianna Zanatta-Blaxland (MC) and the P&F team for putting on a wonderful event, and thanks to the many sponsors from our community.
God Bless
As we navigate another exciting academic term, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of focusing on learning and completing assessments. As educators and parents, we have a shared responsibility to foster an environment that encourages growth, perseverance, and individual academic success. By prioritising these aspects, we can pave the way for all students to experience their own level of success and personal development. Over the next four weeks, it is crucial that we collectively support our students, as a school and parents, to ensure they are successful in their learning and produce the best possible work they can through the assessment period.
There have been a huge number of extra-curricular activities happening across the school recently, with students travelling to a number of regional sporting trials, chess tournaments and debating, as well as Broncos Cup rugby league and netball, and the interschool basketball competition. It is great to see so many of our students involved in representing our school with pride, and I thank all the staff who are giving up extra time to support these activities.
Call to be… Christ-Like
Called to live… Mercy
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
It never ceases to amaze me how much we manage to pack into a week on the Primary campus! This week, students have:
- demonstrated their confidence and performance skills by participating in the Border District Eisteddfod.
- learned about staying healthy and happy with the Life Education van and Healthy Harold.
- been visited by Serg. Dan O'Dea.
- found out about the theme for the Crisps Art Expo from the Stanthorpe Art Gallery director, Mary Findlay.
- enjoyed cupcakes and hot chocolate to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul organisation.
- participated in the annual National Simultaneous Storytime event.
- of course, continued to demonstrate their learning skills and dispositions with enthusiasm and confidence.
With regards to the Eisteddfod, I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to Mrs Mary McLucas for her work in preparing the students for the class choral speaking sections. Details of both individual and class award winners can be found elsewhere in this newsletter but suffice to say, we are very proud of all those who participated in any way. It is wonderful each year to see the growth of the students in terms of their confidence and ability to perform in that arena.
We have also hosted our first Prep 2024 Open Morning for the year this week and were excited to see a large group of potential students for next year. Part of the Open Morning was spent in the Prep classroom, where despite the influx of visitors, the children carried on with their learning regardless. This is indicative of the importance placed on learning by the students at St Joseph's. We look forward to welcoming more families to our next Open Morning to be held on Tuesday 30 May at 9:15am.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning
They were never the same again…
This Sunday the Easter season draws to a close as we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. The disciples had gathered together to celebrate the Jewish feast of Pentecost (also know as the Feast of Weeks, celebrated 50 days after Passover) and it was here, in this moment, that they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. And they were never the same again.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
(Acts 2:1-4)
Through the Holy Spirit we are all called to conversion just as the disciples were, to continue the work of Christ in our global church, across all races and cultures. The Holy Spirit is alive and active in the world calling us into the future to break new ground and bring God’s presence to all we encounter.
With God's blessings,
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
Our annual St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal has been launched under the direction of Mini Vinnies and Teen Vinnies.
Both Teen and Mini Vinnies will be promoting the appeal and encouraging donations for this cause.
Supporting the Winter Appeal enables the St Joseph’s community to live out our Mercy values in the simplest of ways; through assisting the poor, showing compassion, and ensuring dignity to those in need. Over the years, St Vincent de Paul has called on increased donations as demand for their services continues to grow, and this year even more so.
This year we are seeking donations of warm blankets and long-life winter foods such as canned soup, canned stew, noodles, baked beans, spaghetti, pasta and rice packets etc.
Donations can be left in classrooms or mentor rooms in the bag provided. These will then be collated on each campus and delivered to St Vincent de Paul throughout the appeal. The appeal will conclude in Week 3 of Term 3.
With many thanks in anticipation of your continued support for this very worthy cause. Together we can all make a difference.
Monday 15th May saw 2 members from the Australian Defence Force visit our Secondary students and talk to them about what the Defence Forces not only do for our nation, but what it can offer them as adults in their futures.
Comprising the Navy, Army and Air Force, the Australian Defence Force is a modern, people-focused organisation; and one of Australia's major employers.
It's never too early to start thinking about becoming an Officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Year 2 students visited the St Joseph's Convent on Friday 19th May as part of their investigation into the history of a significant building in our local community.
Students enjoyed hearing Mrs Mahoney sharing information about the history of this wonderful building and what it reveals about their past.
| Secondary Competition | |
| 4th place | Liam Telfer |
| 5th place | Thomas Telfer |
| Placed in the top 8 | William Smith |
| George Mason | |
| Primary Competition | |
| 4th place | Ned Robinson |
| 5th place | Jeremy Lister |
| Placed in the top 8 | Jason Maggiolo |
On Friday 12th May, the Prep students treated their mum’s and grandmothers to the ‘Mother’s Day Pampering Afternoon' for some spoiling, relaxing and pampering for Mother’s Day!
The students set up a variety of stations for their loved one to be spoilt for the afternoon. Parents were treated to having their nails painted, their hands massaged with lovely scented hand creams, head and back massages, were read stories by their child, colouring in, puzzles and the famous photo booth!
Everyone was pampered for almost an hour before they were served afternoon tea with some delicious treats.
The students were very excited to pamper their loved one and there were lots of laughs, cuddles and massaging done throughout the afternoon.
A very enjoyable, relaxed afternoon was had by all and we are sure that all the visitors enjoyed their pampering and left relaxed and feeling very spoilt from the afternoon’s session!
Congratulations to all students who performed exceptionally well in the Border District Eisteddfod this week and best of luck to those students who are still performing.
All students are to be commended on their efforts and for how well they acted in the capacity of the audience.
Drama & Performance - Individual Recitations
| Prep | 1st place | Sabine Blaxland |
| 2nd place | Lily Stibbard | |
| 3rd place | Theo Stibbard | |
| Year 1 | 1st place | Blake Linstrom |
| 2nd place | Holly Rogers | |
| 3rd place | Grace Patterson | |
| Year 2 | 1st place | Poppy Wilshire |
| 2nd place | Georgia Robinson | |
| 3rd place | Charlotte Gasparin | |
| Year 3 | 3rd place | Josiah Blaxland |
| Highly Commended | Chloe Staley | |
| Very Highly Commended | Noah Adams | |
| Year 4 | 1st place | Patrick Moxham |
| 2nd place | Oliver Fraguas | |
| 3rd place | Greta Stibbard | |
| Year 5 | 1st place | Ned Robinson |
Drama & Recitation - Choral Speaking Groups
| Prep - Year 2 Choral Speaking Groups | 1st place | St Joseph's Year 2 |
| 2nd place | St Joseph's Year 1 | |
| 3rd place | St Joseph's Prep | |
| BETTY PAINE AWARD Highest Mark for Prep - Year 2 Choral Speaking Group |
St Joseph's Year 2 | |
| Years 3 & 4 Choral Speaking Groups | 1st place | St Joseph's Year 3 |
| 2nd place | St Joseph's Year 4 | |
| Years 5 & 6 Choral Speaking Groups | 1st place | St Joseph's Year 5 |
| MARY McLUCAS AWARD Highest Mark for Years 3-6 Choral Speaking Group |
St Joseph's Year 3 |
The Drama & Performance Adjudicator was Anita Eldridge and her comments for each class in the Eisteddfod Choral Speaking are detailed below.
PREP
You entered the BIG stage very well!
Poem – “The Sound Collector”
What a BIG poem for you! You begin with such energy – wonderful projection. You stand tall and focus very well. Very clear articulation from such a young group! You built this to such a lovely ending!
Poem – The Moon Game
This is a fun poem! Your gestures are well timed and support your words. Your faces showed us the fun here too. Very good UNISON work throughout as you build to a great ending!
Such lovely work from this young group!
YEAR 1
You enter the space so well – Thank you!
Poem – “The Sound Collector”
Lovely tone and unison work as you open. Some lovely faces at times. Clear articulation, excellent projection and very good focus. You really captured the energy of your ending. Well Done!
Poem – “The Circus”
What a fabulous choice! Your natural gestures support the words so well. You chose to present this with a particular rhythm – and it worked well! We could hear the fun of the piece. Use your faces now too. Great ending!
Very pleasing work!
YEAR 2
You enter well – thank you!
Poem – “The Sound Collector”
You enter well – thank you!
What a bright, engaging opening – lovely tone and unison work. Clear articulation. Explore pause/pace changes to vary delivery. You explore pitch changes – well done!
Love the acting skills of “the stranger.” You capture the ending.
Poem – “Help Wanted”
A great poem! You find the energy of the opening. Natural gestures support. Your faces engage well here and we could see and hear the enjoyment of this fun piece. Great ending!
Overall very appealing work!
YEAR 3
You enter the space very well! Lovely focus.
Poem – “The Word Party”
Lovely unison tine as you open. You use modulative changes to find the onomatopoeia of the words.
Natural gestures support. Let your faces show all the mood too. Excellent ending!
Poem – “When the Teacher Isn’t Looking”
What a fun piece! Clear articulation. You observe phrasing very well. Now, perhaps explore some part/individual voices too and keep the energy strong till the ending – which you captured so well!
A wonderful performance!
This year, NSS took place on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at 11:00am and students from our Primary campus joined in on the national event and enjoyed listending to the story of the "The Speedy Sloth" written by rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie.
It was finally time for the event of the year,
Spike couldn’t believe it—
THE GREAT RACE was here!
The other sloths said it couldn’t be done,
but Spike didn’t care, she was ready to run!
Since 1987, Life Ed Queensland has been an important part of growing up for more than 1.5 million Queensland children, empowering them with knowledge
and skill for a healthy, safe life.
Life Ed Queensland focus on the key influences on a child’s health and wellbeing, including nutrition, cyber safety, alcohol, smoking, drugs, bullying, emotional
health, and relationships.
Students at St Joseph's this week are enjoying the Life Education program learning about healthy foods and sometimes foods, staying safe and being kind to others: kindness is the key!
Saturday 20th May saw St Joseph’s P&F host our annual Trivia Night.
A record crowd of almost 300 people descended upon the Bathersby Centre for our Biggest Trivia Night to date with this year’s theme of “Livin’ in the 70’s”. As always, our community turned out in the most amazing costumes with plenty of hippies & well-known personalities of the 70’s.
Some of the memorable costumes we recognised were The Village Idiots (Best Dressed Table), Quiz in My Flares (Best Team Name), Fiona Patti (Best Dressed Female), Ryan Hill (Best Dressed Male), James & Bec Telfer – Best Dressed Couple.
There was much laughter and head scratching during the evening with a couple of fun games throughout the night which had people up, down & showing us their best dance moves.
Our outstanding trivia geniuses this year were:
| 1st Place | Wookie Mistake |
| 2nd Place | Hospital Hipsters |
| 3rd Place | Long Way From The Top |
| Wooden Spoon | Outrageous Radicals |
The Trivia Committee would like to thank all of our very generous sponsors & donors for the evening (too many to list) along with our parents & staff who greatly assisted with the organisation and success of the evening.
A Special Thanks to Sandra Ellis & Kayelene O’Dea along with their band of hard working QISSN girls who provided very tasty food & nibblies for our trivia goers along with their invaluable child-minding service.
And finally a massive thank you to the trivia committee and helpers on the night. We are so very grateful for all your time, hard work & efforts to create such a wonderful evening for our community.
Jodie Cosmo
Trivia Committee Member
Academy Photography have advised that the School Photo catch up day previously advised for 5 June 2023 will not be proceeding.
School Photos will be taken again early in 2024.
The Premier recently announced that the Government will be giving consideration to free kindy for all Queensland children of eligible age (i.e. children in the year before formal schooling commences).
The Premier acknowledged the 40,000 families in Queensland already accessing kindy for free or at reduced cost but announced the Queensland Government wants to close the gap and have more children experience crucial play-based learning before entering primary school.
The Premier also pointed to the proposal as an opportunity to provide cost of living relief to families and spoke to reports from prep teachers that there is a big gap between those children who have attended kindergarten programs and those who have not and pointed out that the Government estimates that about 8,000 Kindergarten age children across the state are still not enrolled at all.
The Department of Education will develop proposals for consideration by Government and is undertaking public consultation via a survey to find out how free kindy for every child could help families.
Please consider participating in this Survey - more information can be found in the flyer below.
Darling Downs Cross Country
In what some would say were perfect cross country running conditions, a number of students attended the Darling Downs Cross Country trials on Tuesday 16th May in Toowoomba.
Congratulations to all students who attended and put in an amazing effort.
Inter School Basketball
A big thankyou to WSHS for making the trip down and playing the matches in great spirit.
Broncos Cup & Netball Carnival
Broncos Cup for 2023 got underway Thursday 18th May on a beautiful autumn day in Goondiwindi.
St Joseph’s took a strong contingent of three Netball teams and two Rugby League teams. A huge credit to the students for putting themselves forward to participate as these numbers marked the highest ever participation at a Broncos Cup event for our school.
We had encouraging results throughout the day with many wins across the board in both Netball and Rugby League which puts a number of teams in a good position for finals day to be held in Warwick on 31st May.
A big thankyou to Mrs Petrie, Miss Cullinan and Mr Hurtz who gave up their time to give the students access to the competition.
| 22 - 31 May | Border District Eistedffod |
| 25 May | Science & Engineering Challenge |
| 25 - 26 May | Life Education Van Visit |
| 26 May | Seniors Meet & Greet Morning Tea and Prayer Liturgy |
| 28 May | Pentecost Sunday |
| 29 May - 3 June | National Reconciliation Week |
| 29 May | Joel Attwood Visit |
| 30 May | Prep 2024 Prep Open Morning |
| 31 May | Broncos Cup - Round 2 |
| 2 June | Vicky Wilson Championships |
| Fire Education (Truck Visit) | |
| 5 - 9 June | Meals on Wheels |
