17 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's News

Dear Parents and Carers

Last week, Linda Perrett and I had the pleasures of escorting 10 Year 11 & 12 students on the inaugural Horizons trip to Brisbane. The purpose of this experience was to expose students to the various opportunities available to them in Brisbane (and larger centres, more generally) when they finish school. The students were selected based upon their good academic performance, in the hope that they would return to school with an energised commitment to persevere with their work at school to achieve to their potential.

Students visited the State Library where we were formally guided around this magnificent facility, which is complete with all the required resources for successful study. Access to the State Library and all it has to offer is free of charge. We then proceeded to be immersed in The Arts, by exploring the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and watching a production of Little Shop of Horrors at The Playhouse (QPAC).

Our next stop was to BDO in Eagle Street – a multinational accounting firm – where we were greeted by former student Chris Catanzaro (Associate Director). Chris presented students with an overview of the diverse aspects of the firm which range from traditional accounting, floating new companies on the Australian Stock Exchange, to data analytics to improve business turnover. In addition to Chris generously offering his time, he arranged for the board room (on the 10th floor overlooking the Brisbane River) to be set for students ready for an executive-style meeting. Finally, we visited QUT (Gardens Point Campus) where the Student Ambassadors toured the group around the campus, illustrating not only the fantastic resources available to students, but the level of support available for young people moving from regional and rural locations. We were also met by former school captain, Zoe Kay. It was important for students to see that one of their peers had successfully made the transition to University (and city) life. I would to thank the students for their impeccable conduct, and Mrs Linda Perrett for spending yet another night away from home for the good of the school and its students.

Finally, families will have received the letter from Dr Pat Coughlan (Executive Director, Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office) announcing my appointment to Principal of Siena Catholic College (Sippy Downs) commencing January, 2017. This is an exciting opportunity for me and my family, and we are very much looking forward to the move north. I will be visiting the College this Friday to be introduced to the community. Semester 2, 2016 at St Joseph's School continues to be my focus where a great deal of work is still to be done. At the top of the list is the development of the 2017-2021 Strategic Directions. This will be a consultative process across all stakeholders so that all have some voice and agency in the future directions of the school. This process will be essential in guide-posting the important elements for continued school improvement, made even more relevant in light of the imminent appointment of a new principal for the 2017 school year. The Catholic Schools Office has informed Fr Brian and me that the recruitment for the new principal will start in earnest in the coming weeks, and Mrs Suzanne Cavanagh (Senior Education Officer) will conduct a community consultation in due course.

Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal

Leader's News

These past weeks have been busy on the Secondary Campus with curriculum and extracurricular events occurring.

Across a range of subjects students have been involved in hands on activities and had the opportunity to be out in the field on excursions. The senior Chemistry class have been able to engage in laboratory analysis of wine in action at Mt Hutton Wines under the guidance of owner and winemaker, Mr Grant Casley. Year 9 History class were awed by the trip to the Spirit of the Anzac Centenary Exhibition, which reinforced all that they had learnt in their World War I unit this term. Year 7 Geographers have been in the local streets collating data for their Liveability reports. Year 7 and 8 Drama students and Year 11 English students joined the Year 1 & 2 classes to see 52 Storey Treehouse at the Empire Theatre. Teachers at St Joseph's School are continuously seeking opportunities for our students to have experiences that support the classroom teaching and learning, bringing the learning alive to students.

This week the Year 11 and 12 students have end of Semester exams. Exams for any student (of any age) can be an anxious event. It can be a time when students study diligently and then think on the morning of the exam, "I know that I know this but I can't remember anything". Psychologist Andrew Fuller reminds us that stress can be a good thing and signals to our body that we are getting ready to take on a challenge. Mr Fuller believes in the 5 P's - "Perfect preparation predicts powerful performance" and this should be remembered by students as they consider the best approach to exams. He also reinforces that an exam is not the only measure of one's intelligence nor do they predict the future. (Andrew Fuller; Tricky Teens; Finch Publishing; 2014)

Last week the South West Queensland Futsal titles were held in Toowoomba from Tuesday to Friday. Each year St Joseph's School sends teams to the competition, which is held over the four day period at the Clive Berghofer Centre at the University of Southern Queensland. This year the Under 13 girls were successful in their pool and bought home the championship trophy. These championships really do show how our students at St Joseph's School are themselves champions. The QISSN team and Confraternity players are now in the final weeks of preparation for the state titles being held in Rockhampton. Cathedral College will for the first time ever will be live streaming the championships on the internet, so keep a look out for our teams at TCC TV

Linda Perrett
AP Secondary

School News

Year 1 and 2 Poetry Afternoon

1B and 2B organised a poetry afternoon for parents, grandparents and other classes to come and along and listen to some fun rhymes. Each class performed a poem together with great enthusiasm, expression and confidence. Then some students performed individual poems followed by group poems. The students' diligent practicing over the past weeks was clearly evident in the well recited and cheeky poems. Many thanks to all parents, grandparents and classes who were able to make it.

Year 8 News

On June 3rd, the Year 1's, 2's, 7's, 8's and 11's all climbed on a convoy of busses to travel to Toowoomba, off to see the Empire Theatre's production of "The 52-story Tree house". Many students have very fond memories of this series of books and to see one of their childhood favourites come to life in front of their eyes was a special treat. The production was a hit. Their use of sets and props was skilful and bewitching in its mastery.

Tiana Bray believed that "The Actor's from the performance of 52-story Trees house manipulated the element of voice to let the audience hear when the character Andy was feeling sad and forgotten, by taking away the vibrancy and energy from his voice".

The actors showed an accomplished ability to engage and enthral the young audience, who thoroughly enjoyed the production.

Next semester the other half of the Year 7 and 8 drama students will get their chance to embark on a trip to Toowoomba to watch The Peasant Prince.

LOTE

With holidays in sight, Term 2 has whizzed past!

Firstly, congratulations go to the 28 LOTE students who performed admirably at Eisteddfod. St. Joseph's received a second for Choral Poem, and a First for an Individual Poem. The Eisteddfod was a great experience. In addition, we enjoyed seeing and hearing the Secondary LOTE students perform. My thanks s go to Mrs L Andersen and Mrs A Reimers, for once again organising an excellent event, and to Ms. F Fasan, for her professional adjudication. Thank you also parents and students, for all the practice that means we can compete as a school.

Mrs Grant and Ms. J Gangemi, have created a display in the Library on Primary campus.

It highlights Italy and Italian culture, in time for Republic Day (JUNE 2). Following the end of WWII, Italy voted to become a Republic. Each year since, Italy celebrates with a military parade in the heart of Rome, and cities around the world that have become home to Italian communities, mark the occasion with dinners and festivals. In Brisbane, Republic Day marked the end of 'Italian Week', highlighting all things Italian.

Buone vacanze!

With Term 2 underway, LOTE students are focusing on using vocabulary from Term 1 in conversations, stories and performances. As usual, students do this through singing, dancing, games and written work. I'm really pleased with progress everyone is making. Ben fatto!

Also this term we are working on entries for the Italian Language Centre (ILC) Calligram art contest. It is designed to build students vocabulary and their spelling ability on a set topic. For 2016, the competition focus is 'Fruit and Vegetables'. We are completing against students from Brisbane and Toowoomba schools. The students were commended for their efforts last year, and I would love to see them do as well again this year.

Finally, all classes are working on learning an Italian poem for this term. This is aimed at increasing students' confidence in spoken Italian, by improving pronunciation and listening for the rhythm of words. Keen students from each grade have also undertaken to perform their poem at the Eisteddfod on June 2. I wish them all the best in representing St Joseph's and look forward to hearing their thoughts on how they went. Until then, practice, practice, practice!

Saluti,
Miss Leigh Cusack

ADFA Talk

On Wednesday the 11th May, the senior classes received a talk from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), who were able to inform the students of the application process for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and provide insight into the day to day activities of life as an Officer Cadet or Midshipmen.

The Australian Defence Force Academy is located in Canberra and is a tri-service environment which combines both military and leadership training as well as a degree from the University of New South Wales. This unique training establishment provides trainee officers with the necessary skills and education in order to be future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force.

Corporal David Murray and Elizabeth Woodward from Defence Force Recruiting in Toowoomba and past student, Royal Australian Air Force Officer Cadet Anna Yates, gave an Australian Defence Force Academy presentation. This presentation outlined the opportunities available to students to pursue both military training and tertiary education, within the Australian Defence Force. The Toowoomba Defence Force Recruiting staff also outlined the various fitness, academic and other necessary requirements to achieve during the application process to join the ADF.

It was a privilege and an excellent opportunity to be presented this information from both the Australian Defence Force Academy and Defence Force Recruiting personnel, as it provides another pathway for students who are considering pursuing a career in the ADF at the conclusion of high school.

Katie Yates

EISTEDDFOD RESULTS

Italian Verse Speaking

Combined P-6 Choral Speaking - 2nd
Vanilia Eunson P-2 Individual Recitation - 1st

Choral Speaking

Year 5/6 FY - 1st and Granite Belt Lions Overall Champion
Year 5/6 I - 2nd
Year 4 - 1st
Year 3 - 2nd
Year 1/2 - 1st and Betty Paine Champion Tiny Tots Choir

Individual Recitation

Year 6

1st Hamish Alldridge
2nd Lucas Wren
Highly Commended - Kaelie Doyle, Lochie Westlake-Rix

Year 5

1st Eloise Knight
2nd Taryn McCosker
Highly Commended - Emily Dunn and Jordan Waterworth

Year 4

1st Annie McCosker and Molly Koek (Highest individual score)
2nd Dustin Alldridge
Highly Commended - Maggie Galloway, Freya Creer and Sarah Juriss

Year 3

2nd Jacob Hennoste
Highly Commended - Noah Taylor, Liam Telfer, Isaac Kay, Jonty Ross, Rhianna Richards

Year 2

2nd Brae Einam
Highly Commended - India St John

Year 1

1st Natalie Gasparin
2nd Ethan Cosmo
Highly Commended - Charlie Alldridge
Highly Commended - Jimmy Bell

Prep

2nd Margaret O'Dea

Impromptu reading (9 years and under):

1st Molly Koek

Music

Folk Singing

Year 5/6 Choir - 2nd
Year 3/4 Choir - Highly Commended

Hymn of Sacred Song

St Joseph's Choir – Highly Commended

Individual Piano Recitation

1st Taryn McCosker
1st and H.C. Brigid O'Dea
Highly Commended - Sienna Berlese

Individual Song

Aryanna Davies 1st and 2nd

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School Improvement Survey

This year our school will be participating in a School Review and Improvement survey managed by Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute (RADII). As well as school staff and students from Years 5 - 12, all parents are invited to participate in the survey. We hope the parent survey will help us to determine whether we are providing a safe environment for your child.

To ensure that the privacy of all families is respected, the names of any parents or care givers who do not want their email contact details provided to RADII will be removed. So please advise your school if you do not wish to participate.

On Monday the 25th July 2016 RADII will send all parents a personalized invitation to complete the survey online. If both parents' email addresses are on file at the school, the invitation will be sent to both parents. However, the survey will close once the first person has completed it.

The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. You can complete the survey from anywhere you have access to the internet. The survey will close on Sunday, 14 August 2016 for parents.

We encourage you to be very honest in your responses to the surveys. All responses go directly to RADII so they are confidential and anonymous.

When the surveys are completed we will share the findings with you. If you do not wish to have your contact details provided to RADII, please notify the school no later than 20 July 2016 via email.

Music Lessons with Mr Ross

David Ross will be absent in Term 3. Mr Ross's Music program lessons will instead be taken by Mr Buchanan. Private lessons will continue in Term 4.

Sports News

St Joseph's sent teams from each year level to the South West Qld Futsal titles, held last week in Toowoomba. Each team showed terrific sportsmanship and had fantastic results.

The U/13 Girls team were the SW Qld Champions winning 1-0 against Fairholme College in a spectacular final.

The U/16 Boys Team put in their best effort and came runners up with a heartbreaking loss to St Mary's in the Final game

The St Joseph's U/16 Girls team came 4th losing to St Ursulas in the Semi-Final.

Students await now to see if any have been selected into representative teams.

Sporting Schools Grant program

Primary students have been enjoying the benefits of the Sporting Schools Grant program as Coaches from Brisbane Roar Football Club visit the campus to run soccer clinics. Over the course of the three weeks the students are developing their skills to use not only in soccer but all sports in general.

P&F News

The year so far..............

2016 started off as always, with a large band of volunteers giving their time at the Stanthorpe Show Can Bar. We thank all of you for volunteering over the 2 days, as your efforts raised $2,500.00.

Our next fundraising event was running the Bar at the Apple & Grape Ball. It was a very busy night for our volunteers who worked hard, but had plenty of fun. Thank you to everyone who worked on the night & in the lead-up to the evening, as we raised $2,000.00.

These events have enabled us to provide donations to the school so far of $2,500.00 for sporting equipment on the Primary Campus & $2,500.00 for the Bathersby Centre improvements.

We are very excited to be taking delivery of 2 Marquees (6m x 3m) by the beginning of next term. They are in our House colours and will be used at all school sporting events.

This year sees the return of the School Trivia Night which will be held on Friday 9th September. The theme is "A Night at the Movies" so we look forward to seeing you all there as your favourite movie stars or characters.

The Student & Family Pavers are going to be laid on the grassed area between the office building and the breezeway on the Primary Campus over the coming school holidays. We thank Tony Webb & Mark Spiller in advance for their help in completing this project.

We would love to see more parents come along to our monthly meetings. It gives everyone the opportunity to have their say & also to find out about developments with school improvement projects and what is happening in the classroom with informative teacher feedback.

Hope to see you at our next meeting is Tuesday 21st June in the Library at 6pm.