18 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's News

Dear Parents and Carers

The beginning of a new school year always brings with it change and improvement. The School is always looking for ways to provide students with not only the best teaching and learning, but also additional experiences which develop all aspects of each child.

I know that families have been receiving a great number of permission slips over the past few weeks, and I appreciate that this can be a challenge to manage in the midst of busy family life (thank you for your patience), but I also think that it points to the ways in which the School is continually devising opportunities for your children. Some of these opportunities in 2016 include:

• Instrumental Music
• Academic competitions
• Sport: QISSN/YMCA/Laura Geitz Netball, QISSRL Rugby League Carnival, Tennis coaching, After-school physical activity (Year 1-6 students), softball, basketball, rugby league skills development.
• Fiji Immersion (July 2016)
• Academic/Cultural Experience (entitled "Horizons") in Brisbane for selected Year 11 & 12 students
• Service: Mini Vinnies, Carramar visits, Red Shield Appeal, Project Compassion
• Performing Arts experiences at QPAC and The Empire Theatre
• Academic Extension Project for selected Year 10 students, commencing in Semester 2.

These are in addition to all of the other experiences offered to students - Camps, Ski Trip, Dance Fever and so on – throughout the year. We are a school of 400 students, yet provide experiences to our students which certainly rival larger regional and metropolitan schools.

In 2016, we have also made some adjustment to the provision of academic support to students on the Primary Campus. Mrs Sarah Yates was appointed to the position of Head of Student Improvement (Primary Campus) where the focus of Sarah's work will be looking at the academic performance data of all students, and assisting teachers with planning for teaching and learning that is aimed at supporting and/or extending students. We have also employed Mrs Deborah Mattiazzi for 9 hours per week to provide students with additional teacher support. All of this is directed at ensuring we give every student the best opportunity to achieve their academic best.

Finally, and very importantly, all families will have received a Volunteer Declaration. This declaration is part of our Student Protection processes, and is an important way of communicating to parents (i) their responsibilities to our students in their capacity as volunteers at the school and (ii) the student protection contacts on both the Primary and Secondary Campuses. If you did not receive this declaration, please contact the School. All parents/carers who wish to volunteer at the school (including escorting students to excursions) must have completed this declaration. As a reminder, the Student Protection Contacts are:

• Mrs Patricia Armstrong (Primary Campus)
• Mrs Mary McLucas (Primary Campus)
• Mr James Armstrong (Secondary Campus) [currently on leave]
• Mrs Linda Perrett (Secondary Campus) [replacing James Armstrong for the duration of his leave]
• Mrs Cathy Mills (School Counsellor)
• Dr Michael McCarthy (Principal).

Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal

Leader's News

Project Compassion Launch

On Sunday, 7th February four St Joseph's student leaders attended the official launch of Project Compassion with Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Toowoomba. Officiated by Bishop Robert McGuckin, the students were also commissioned as school delegates for Project Compassion this Lent. Representatives also listened to Caritas representative Marie Mondue. Marie, from Papua New Guinea, was able to offer listeners an insight into the work of Caritas in her country and the change it has provided for communities.

The theme for Project Compassion this year is "Learning More, Creating Change" and focuses on the work of Caritas in countries around the world including Cambodia, India, Papua New Guinea and Australia. These stories highlight the important and life-saving work Caritas contributes to each of these communities through their programs and initiatives.

Fundraising ventures, Caritas resources and activities all assist in creating greater awareness amongst our students of the aim of Project Compassion and the work of its members in promoting justice and upholding the human dignity of individuals throughout our world. In Lent 2015, $11.57 million was raised and donated to assist Caritas in their work. Our school contributed towards this astounding amount and is looking to make another successful contribution this year. Students will be partaking in a number of activities including "The Great Coin Line Challenge", "Fish Friday" and "50 000 steps", as well as awareness-raising activities.

Seniors Get Motivated

Our Year 12 and Year 10 students were inspired and motivated after a daylong retreat with presenter Az Hamilton from Just Motivation. Az's mission is to inspire passion in young people and to challenge them to find their cause and make a real difference in the world. Through games and telling his own life story, Az encouraged our students to see their circumstances differently so that they can achieve what God has planned for them.

Students were also challenged to get involved with TAGYI. TAGYI (Timely Acts of Generosity, You're It) challenges young people to offer an act of generosity to someone in need. These acts are then posted on Instagram, challenging others to TAG as well.

Az's goal - to "educate, motivate and stir the hearts of individuals to connect with small ideas that can bring about BIG change in the world"( www.justmotivation.com.au ). This and much more was certainly achieved with our young people during his 2 days with us.

Mrs Megan Mahoney

School News

Safari Schoolyard Safari in Year 1

Our Year 1 Science unit this term is creeping and crawling as we observe and record different types of minibeasts. We will be exploring how minibeasts move, what they eat, where they live and why they have particular physical adaptions.

We began our unit with an exploration of our school oval to uncover what types of minibeasts are within our grounds. This week we will be observing the physical features of a variety of minibeasts and learning how to scientifically record our results.

Year 8 Gallery

Year 8s this year have hit the ground running and have taken Secondary school in their stride. Having learnt the ropes last year they began this year with a mature and dedicated attitude towards school. They all took an active part in the swimming carnival, and supported the year 12s in their cheer squads. The Year 8 students are proud to have elected Tianna Bray and Bridget Kay as their Student Council Representatives They have also already start fundraising for their charity, St Vincent De Pauls Crisis Centre by selling ice blocks every Tuesday and Thursday lunch on the Secondary Campus and hope to raise enough money to support CDS foodbank by donating non-perishable food and school made pumpkin soup through winter. All the Year 8s are excited for the year ahead.

Special Edition Yearbooks

The school still has a number of 2015 Special Edition Yearbooks available for purchase for $25. These are a fantastic record of what was a huge year for St Joseph's. Yearbooks are available at administration and limited in number so get in fast.

STUDENT BANKING

All new students from Prep to Year 6 should have received their new introduction packs. Please hand in your completed paperwork to start receiving some new great rewards.

Could all parents please ensure that any tokens at home be handed in with your child's banking so that out system tools are correct and up to date.

Thank you
Daniella Scalia
Student School Banking Officer.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS

On Australia Day members of the Year Four class of 2015 were honoured to receive an Australia Day Award for community event of the year. The "Celebrate a Citizen" day held in November recognises the important and valuable contributions made to our community by so many active citizens. Each student was required to select a citizen they considered to be a role model and interview them about their volunteer work in the community.

Citizens were invited to a presentation day at our school where each student introduced their guest and outlined the wonderful work they do in many sections of the community. Many of our citizens have worked for years and years in performing important volunteer work.

The day was special in so many ways but, most importantly, it taught our students the real value of helping others and doing whatever you can to assist in community happenings and organisations. This work is so important if our town and district is to remain a wonderful place to live.

Our sincere thanks to Mrs Mally McMurtrie for kindly nominating us for this award, the large number of citizens who have participated in this day over many years. Also we wish to thank Councillor Denise Ingram and Councillor Vic Pennisi for their ongoing support of our day. They have attended every "Celebrate a Citizen" day in the 14 years it has been held.

David Fleming

Sports News

Secondary Swimming Carnival

Overall Points
Davadi – 1037
McAuley 1534

Representative Sport

Students from St Joseph's competed in the Granite Belt Swimming trials for 9 to 12 years. In an outstanding result the school has had six students selected to attend the Darling Downs trials at Gatton in March. This number represents half of the team selected for our zone. Congratulations to Charlotte Widderick, Jenna Fox, Isabel Kay, Isaac Kay, William Kay and Billy Webb who have gained selection and also to all students who competed.

Upcoming Sport Trials – 10 to 12 Years of Age

The students of St Joseph's have many opportunities to represent not only our school but also our region in variety of sports. Dates for upcoming trials are outlined below. Keep an eye on your email for information regarding venue and time for these trials.

March 1 AFL
March 8 Rugby League
March 15 Netball
March 22 Hockey
April 12 Football (soccer)
April 19 Touch Football
May 3 Cross Country

Please contact David Fleming if you require more information.

Recent Sporting Events

In recent weeks the students on the Primary Campus have been involved in Softball and Rugby League clinics. Erin Stanford from Softball Queensland visited for the day and introduced all students to the basics of the game. We also have NRL development officer, Jim Stevens, running clinics for all year levels over a five week period. Thanks to Erin and Jim for your expertise with our students.

Reminders and Updates