22 July 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's News

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back to Term 3.

Over the vacation period our netball and rugby league teams attended the QISSN/QISSRL carnivals in Rockhampton. The carnivals were convened by The Cathedral College, and they did a spectacular job. When I visited on the Monday and Tuesday, I couldn't help but notice the spirit in which the games were played and this contributed to the positive atmosphere of the events.

Our netballers won 2 games throughout the week, which marks this as their best carnival to date. We need to keep in perspective that the majority of schools competing are from the South-east corner, where access to competitive and consistent netball is available. Our girls played with enthusiasm and grit, often in the face of opposition with greater skill and game time. I was impressed by the girls' tenacity, the way they responded to feedback, and the collegial and supportive attitude to their participation. Congratulations to the girls for all their efforts.

The QISSRL (Confro) team, which is a combined team with Assumption College (Warwick) won their division (Bowl) in a fine display of rugby league against St Columban's College, Caboolture. This is the first time our team has won a division, and is testament to the commitment and skill of the boys and all the coaching and support staff. One of the great additions to the carnivals was the "live" web stream, and the commentators highlighted the high standard of rugby league these boys played in the final (See Dave Fleming's article below). Thank you to our students for their excellent conduct and attitude, and well done on winning the Bowl.

I take this opportunity to offer my thanks to Mrs Linda Perrett, Mrs Bernadette Brunckhorst, Mr David Fleming and Mr Mick Mahoney (parent volunteer) for their willingness to take the time to not only attend the carnival for a week, but their commitment to training, fundraising and general organisation. I have never asked any of these people to be involved; they have always chosen to do so because they see the value in it for students. I also acknowledge the support of many parents and the school and local communities for supporting the students' participation in the carnivals.

24-30 July marks Catholic Education Week and we will begin celebrating the week with Eucharist at Mass on Sunday24 July. A letter has gone out to all families with the details, and we are strongly encouraging students to attend. This year's theme, "Opening Doors to Mercy", challenges us to consider those in need of our mercy, and to open the doors of God's love to them. There are many in our world – refugees, the poor, socially marginalised – who face a "closed-door" mentality and attitude, and Catholic Education Week is a way of focusing on ways to address this injustice. Of course, this is not a new concept for our school community, but Catholic Education Week offers a time to not only celebrate all that is great about our Catholic school, but to reflect upon how, through a Catholic education, we can respond to unjust structures in our world. Please join us on Sunday 24 July for Mass, morning tea and tour of school facilities and follow us on Instagram @sjsstanthorpe and search for #CEW2K16SJS where photos from activities throughout the week will be posted.

Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal

Leader's News

Internet Education and Safety Services information sessions

With the increasing use of and access to mobile devices it is important that our Students, Staff and Parent body are aware and the dangers that are inherent with this use of technology as well as knowing how to keep our Students safe online.

As part of our commitment to attempting to make our students more efficient and safe users of this technology we have engaged Brett Lee – a former undercover police officer- to speak to our School Community regarding internet safety and cyberbullying. Brett spent years and thousands of hours using the internet under the guise of fictitious children and adults, both male and female. This unprecedented view of the online world enabled Brett to view the cyber world through the eyes of a child yet stand back and process this experience with the mind of an adult.

'The driving force behind INESS is the desire and ability to equip the community with the knowledge to enable them to operate in an online environment in a safe, productive and lawful manner.'

These session will consist of:

• Practical and up-to-date information.
• Practical demonstrations of risk and protective measures
• Real case examples from Australia and overseas that bring the reality of the digital world

These session will be applicable to all students, staff and parents. Students will attend during school hours, staff will attend an after school training session and parents will be invited to an evening session. Our hope is that as many parents who can attend do so at 6:30 on the 3rd of August.

David Fleming
AP Primary

School News

2016 Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of students who left school in Years 10, 11 and prior to completing Year 12 during 2015. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The information from the survey helps our schools to understand the pathways young people follow after leaving school and to plan services to support transitions into study or employment for our students.

Between July and August 2016, our students who left school in Years 10, 11 and prior to completing Year 12 last year, can expect to receive an invitation to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician's Office to complete the survey. Please encourage early school leavers to take part.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

The theme for Catholic Education Week this year is 'Opening Doors in the Year of Mercy.' All Catholic schools in Queensland will celebrate this week giving thanks and praying for God's continued blessing on their staff, students and families. The key message is that God's mercy is never ending. God is always there ready to forgive all and wrap all in everlasting LOVE! As God is merciful to all, so all are called to show the same mercy and loving kindness to others.

Remember! The God of Mercy is present in your homes and in your lives loving, healing and embracing you and your precious ones. The sacred is present in the everyday events of family life: soccer games, birthday parties, shopping, dirty clothes, socks that don't match etc. Families experience God in a baby's smile, a child's struggle to learn something new, a simple family meal, a family argument, a tender embrace of a spouse, or the loss of a family member or friend. Everywhere families turn they meet God. In other words God is present in the daily events of your lives.

Below is a Family Prayer that you may wish to adapt to suit your family. There are also some suggested ways that you might BE and Do MERCY in your family. You may well have others and it might be a good time to revisit these.

(Turn off all electronic devices and dim the lights or light a candle.)

Family Prayer

We light our candle for our own family, for all families in our school and parish community and for families all over our country and world.

May they be strengthened and guided in this Year of Mercy.

Light candle and pause... watch the flame grow.

Let us read a message from Pope Francis about the importance of prayer to help families be stronger.

What Makes the Family Strong?

We need simplicity to pray as a family: simplicity is necessary! Praying the Our Father together, around the table, is not something extraordinary: it's easy. And praying the Rosary together, as a family, is very beautiful and a source of great strength! And also praying for one another! The husband for his wife, the wife for her husband, both together for their children, the children for their grandparents….praying for each other. This is what it means to pray in the family and it is what makes the family strong: prayer. – Homily, October 27, 2013

Let us respond to these reminders from Pope Francis by taking time to name a member of our family, either living or dead, that we wish to remember and give thanks for.

(pause)

Let us name them………………….. and share one thing that we know or remember about them.

Eg. I wish to pray for Pop and I know that he is a very generous person.

Let us link hands as we pray the Our Father for our family and all families in the world. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name;

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Extinguish candle and pause

Welcome- Emma Melton

As the new Science and Agriculture teacher at St Joseph's, as well as a new resident in town, I'm being asked "where are you from?" rather a lot at the moment. If you do ask me in person, please excuse my moment's hesitation before replying: I'm simply trying to work out if you want the short answer or the long one! The short answer is that I'm from Toowoomba, and have been teaching a combination of Science, Agriculture and Geography at Toowoomba Grammar School for the last 10 years.

The longer answer is somewhat more convoluted: I was born in England, and spent most of my primary school years in England and South Africa before immigrating to Australia with my family. I went to high school in Sydney, but had always wanted to live in the country and so completed an agricultural degree at university. I quickly realised that I enjoyed working with people rather than plants, however, and so made the move into teaching - first completing my Dip Ed and then going on to gain additional qualifications in both Geography and Global Citizenship.

Travel is still a passion for me, but as a keen hiker and mountain bike rider I'm thrilled to have settled in Stanthorpe. It's an area that I've enjoyed exploring for some time, and I'm looking forward to many new adventures here. A very big thank you to everyone who has made me so welcome already – it's definitely feeling like home.

Regards,

Emma Melton

Parking

Police from Stanthorpe Road Policing Unit have again noted in increase in appropriate parking behaviour around St Joseph's School.

Police have observed a surprising number of parents double parking when dropping off their children in front of the Administration Building on High Street. Parking in this manner is not acceptable. It may seem innocent however double parking causes traffic congestion and puts the safety of other road users and your own children at risk.

A drop-off parking bay has been provided on the eastern side of High Street just before Davadi Street. This is where parents should park for quick drop offs. Drivers should remain with their vehicles when utilising this parking bay. Do not leave your vehicle unattended at drop-off or collection time in this zone.

A fine may be issued by police for any parking offence. Your assistance is requested to make our roads safer for all motorists and our children.

Sergeant Daniel O'Dea
Stanthorpe Road Policing Unit

Year 10 Careers Camp

St. Joseph School Year 10 students travelled to Brisbane for a two day Career Camp to help inform their decisions about Senior Subject Selection, work experience preferences and post-school study and career paths. The trip included workshops at: Qld Police, Qld Ambulance, The Commonwealth Bank, The Australian Securities Commission, Infinity Travel, The Brisbane Convention Centre, Southbank Institute of Tafe, Quarantine and Biosecurity, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane School of Hair and Beauty and JMC Academy. The trip was eye-opening, interactive and a whole lot of fun.

At Police Headquarters, a Senior Sargent from recruiting explained the excitement, responsibility and unpredictable day-to-day nature of being a front-line Police Officer. We were shown how to apply to the Police Academy and the skills and abilities required to work in this field. At Infinity Travel we learned about the lifestyle and incentives for travel agents, then were able to listen in while agents worked with clients on the phone booking holidays to exotic locations. This was a really exciting career that many of us had never considered but the idea of being paid to go on holidays is very enticing! At the Port of Brisbane Quarantine and Biosecurity Officer Denis Westerberg, explained his role with the Federal Government. The overall aim of his department is to prevent and respond to foreign diseases and pests that may threaten Australian including Johnny Depp's dogs! Officers also travel to war zones to clear military equipment and personnel before they arrive back on Australian Soil.

The Queensland Academy of Sport was an absolute highlight for the group. During the tour we were exposed to the different departments including Human Resources, Public Communication, Physiotherapy, Dieticians and Nutritionist, Strength and Conditioning Trainers, Sports Scientists, Coaching and what it is like to train as an elite athlete. We were lucky enough to meet Cedrick Dubler who is competing in his first Olympics in Rio this year, and we watched the Women's Water Polo Team in training. The Brisbane School of Hair and Beauty gave us an opportunity to observe trainee hairdressers working on real clients in a simulated salon environment while the Australian Financial Security Authority took us to new heights - literally. We were welcomed to the 19th floor Corporate Boardroom where we had morning tea and were treated as real professionals. We learned about both bankruptcy and its corresponding legislation and AFSA's seizure of assets associated with crime including: Aston Martins, planes, houses, luxury yachts, guns, weapons and suitcases full of cash. We learned that not all Accountants sit behind desks and AFSA offers amazing career opportunities for employees.

As part of our trip we were given time to explore true inner-city life, including a shopping trip through the Queen Street Mall, orienteering between city addresses, a visit to the cinema and the excitement that comes with living and working in the CBD. We are now working with our teachers on career pathways at school which will help us to make informed decisions about our subject selections for Year 11 and what our options are for both work experience at the end of the year and industries we aspire to work in after we leave school. Thank you so much to Mrs Linda Perrett for organising this trip and to our supervising teachers who made it so much fun: Ms. Henney, Mrs McCarthy, Mr Macnamara and Mrs Allan.

Year 7 Camp

On Monday 20th June, the Year 7 students travelled to Burleigh CYC Camp for 3 days. The students met their instructors, Will and Reece, who kept the students entertained for the duration of the camp. The students participated in tubing, canoeing, raft building, Initiative games and building a shelter to withstand a cyclone. They were fed very well and always walked it off afterwards over Burleigh mountain, which the students really loved!! A highlight was the indigenous art on Tuesday night, hosted by Caz. Each student contributed to an Indigenous mural, which now hangs proudly near their lockers. Some very creative Dreamtime stories were also presented. A big thank you to Miss Witten and Mr Barker for their participation and assistance. The students were very happy to share this experience with their teachers.

Year 9 Camp

The Year 9 cohort attended camp at Mt Tambourine where they participated in team building activities, high ropes and mountain biking. Students pushed themselves physically and emotionally to complete challenging activities resulting in stronger individuals and a stronger cohort.

All students rose to the high ropes challenge with one student setting the bar by ascending the Leap of Faith with a blitzing pace of 24 seconds from the base of the tree to the final leap.

There was some down time where they enjoyed spotlight, a campfire, soccer and karaoke. No names will be mentioned but there may be a future radio announcer amongst the group!

Year 8 Camp

Early Monday morning, the Year 8 cohort began their journey to Tallebudgera Outdoor Education Beach School. Though we awoke early, we were all bright eyed and excited to begin our three-day adventure.

We participated in activities such as a high ropes course, team games, archery, paddle boarding, rock climbing and the 'Leap of Faith' which required us to climb up an 8 meter pole and jump off, trusting our classmates on belay to catch us.

All of the instructors were helpful, kind, understanding, and encouraging. They inspired us to be the same towards our fellow classmates.

The Year 8's expanded their comfort zones by physically and mentally challenging ourselves to literally climb to new heights. Our Pastoral Care teacher, Miss Hayley Grabham, told us before camp that it would be an incredible bonding experience for all of us. We learned that she was indeed correct, and we all worked together as a team to encourage each other to face our fears.

The Year 8's had a fantastic time and I know all of the classes that will go to Tallebudgera Camp in the future will love their time there, as we did.

Tiana Bray

Year 1/ 2 News

Everyone has settled in to Term 3 ready for another exciting semester of learning. This term we are learning to write narratives during English time, the children are all ready to write some interesting and descriptive pieces of writing. As part of Geography studies we are learning about our place in the world, we will be looking at where Stanthorpe is in Australia and also Australia's connections with the rest of the world. For art this term we use the excitement of Book Week fast approaching to focus on art in literature. As a class we will read and discuss different picture books and then use these to create some amazing pieces of art. During Science the class have been looking at weather patterns and discussing all things water.

So far this term we have participated in NAIDOC week activities. The children listened to an Aboriginal story and completed an artwork, then we all painted a boomerang trying to incorporate aboriginal artwork skills.

PRIMARY DRAMA & MUSIC NEWS

This term it's back to Drama for the Primary students, so don't be alarmed if you hear shouts of 'Shazzam!' emanating from the Multi-Purpose Room, or students twisting their tongues around tongue twisters! This term, students will be working on character creation, with a literary focus. This ties in well with the upcoming Book Week, where we'll see many colourful literary characters brought to life.

Last term in Music, the 3/4 and 5/6 classes competed in the Folk Song section of the Eisteddfod, receiving Highly Commended and 2nd respectively. There were many positive comments on the sweet voices of our students. The ukuleles were also dusted off, with students trying out beginning songs such as 'Crocs Are Coming' and 'Hey Green G', and some very silly versions of 'Frere Jacques' and 'Row, Row Your Boat'!

Mrs Donna Gerster

A REMINDER FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS AND PARENTS

For some time I have observed the attendance patterns of students as they approach the end of each term. It would appear that a number of students, with permission from their parents, remain at home in the last week of term. In many cases, students will convince their parents that 'nothing happens in the last week', but this is categorically incorrect. Indeed, it is students' poor attendance in the last week of the term which forces the teacher to adjust their plans for teaching the curriculum. By way of example, in the last week of Term 2, I had one (1) student in my Study of Religion class and, therefore, planned teaching and learning for these lessons had to be suspended.

Unless there is a prior arrangement in place between the school and parents, all students are expected to attend the final week of school, and teachers have been directed to continue with the teaching of the curriculum irrespective of the number of students in attendance. Those students who are absent during these lessons and who have not entered into a prior arrangement with the school, will miss important teaching and learning which will not be revisited by the teacher at a later date.

The school is seeking the support of all families to ensure consistent attendance of students in order to maximise precious teaching and learning time.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Dr Michael McCarthy
PRINCIPAL

Library News

Book Week

It's term 3 again, which means ….. Book Week is on the horizon!!

In the time leading up to Book Week, students and teachers share the short-listed titles that are contending for Book of the Year. These wonderful authors and titles will be listed in the newsletter over the next few weeks.

Book Week begins for us on Monday 22nd August until Friday 26th August. The theme is... Australia: Story Country.

As usual, the Wednesday of Book Week will see us celebrating with our annual BOOK PARADE. More details will follow as the date draws near, but I can share that this year our Parade will include the whole school!! How exciting is that!

Mrs Lesley Grant

Sports News

CONFRO

This year's Confraternity campaign was positive from the start, winning five out of six games in the Darling Downs Open school boy's competition and the players where focused on success from the beginning of our term long campaign.

The form displayed during this competition would prove to be great preparation for our carnival. Taking home some silverware from Rockhampton was always on the player's radar. This has eluded us since 2006 when we won the Spirit of Confraternity. After a 10-hour bus trip on Saturday we settled into our home for the week at St Joseph's Wandal primary school, had tea and settled in for the night. Sunday morning started with breakfast then a trip to Yeppoon for a training run at St Brendan's then a swim (spot the tourists from the south who charged in to the water while everyone else was wearing jumpers). Then back to Rockhampton where we joined students from 47 other Rugby League teams as well as the 48 Netball teams competing at QISSN for a wonderful opening ceremony.

Monday was a forecast of rain and the predictions were correct with our game against St John's Roma played in heavy rain. We played well enough to win the game 16 - 6. Our 2nd game was against Marist Ashgrove (eventual Confraternity Plate winners) where we were beaten convincingly 0 - 36.

Tuesday morning, we played St Michaels Merrimac, it what was a hard fought win 8 - 0. On Tuesday afternoon in the quarter final of the confraternity bowl division we played St Laurence's South Brisbane (Dr McCarthy's High School), in a clinical display the self-proclaimed "Warriors" won 44 - 12.

Wednesday was our rest day and after another fantastic meal from Mr. and Mrs. Collins we travelled to Great Keppel Island for some much needed rest, which included, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Thursday we played Marist Emerald and the they were up for the challenge defeating Emerald 22 - 4. The defensive efforts from the boys was outstanding. This put the boys from St Joseph's/Assumption in the final of the Confraternity bowl.

Friday was the final against St Columban's Caboolture. In what was a typical final we stayed in the grind and led 6-0 at half-time. The defensive effort once again was outstanding, at times holding out up to four consecutives sets proved valuable as the St Joseph's/Assumption won the Confraternity Bowl 12 - 4.

Well done to the boys on their efforts on and off the field you deserved the final, you were focused and dedicated in doing your best. You have been playing as a team (not individuals) since Easter and you continued this into camp.

The logistics for events such as this is massive and our hard working team of Coach Bob Bell, Assistant Coaches David Fleming and Jack Breen, managers Mick Mahoney and Regan Sullivan along with our catering crew of Des and Kerri Collins are to be thanked for their time and dedication to ensuring that each carnival we attend is successful.

Congratulations to Jacob Adams who was awarded a tourist of the carnival award at our team presentation.

For all the parents for your support at the games and the cooking of meals, slices, cupcakes etc. A special thank you to our many sponsors who made the trip affordable; thank you very much.

Sponsors:

• Peter Sullivan building
• Telstra Alumni
• Net Pro
• Tru-flow services
• Crisps coaches Stanthorpe
• Austasia animal products
• Zin Met
• Ryanie for tyres
• Howard's and Sons
• Wattles JRL
• Collegians JRL
• Stanthorpe JRL
• Stanthorpe security
• Warwick embroidery and screen printing

Mr David Fleming

QISSN

From early February the nine player QISSN team prepared for the challenge of a week-long netball carnival played out at Central Queensland University and Emmaus College, Rockhampton, during the during the first week of the school holidays. The team trained weekly and also played in the local YMCA Netball Competition.

The Titles began with an Opening Mass in the St Joseph's Cathedral with over 1200 young men and women from Confraternity and QISSN teams. In the initial competition rounds the team played schools that included: St Mary's College, Kingaroy, Assisi, Chanel, St Andrew's Lutheran College, St Mary's College and Holy Spirit College and All Souls St Gabriel's School. The games were extremely competitive, with opposition teams having had significant netball exposure and experience. The competition intensified as the team headed to the semi-finals against St Andrew's Lutheran College.

This year's QISSN team won two matches and in five of the seven games played the team matched their opponents on the scoreboard at half time. At all times the girls showed determination and humility in their attitude. Overall the team placed 47 in the carnival and Eve Perrett was awarded the Most Valued Player Trophy for 2016.

Shannon Bourke

Good Luck to Shannon Bourke who will be representing St Joseph's at an individual level at the Queensland State Championships in Burpengary on the 23rd of July.

Shannon will be riding two horses in the combined training phase – Dressage and Show Jumping. To reach this event Shannon had to place in previous events held throughout the year to qualify.

Futsal Selections

Congratulations to the following students for their selection into the South West Representative Futsal Teams after their tremendous performances in Term 2.

Year 11

Alyssa Mouws
Megan Berlese (absent)

Year 10

Dylan Politch
Martin Dachs
Liam Hitchener
Matthew McDonald

Year 9

Amelia McMeniman
Ben Manahan
Jared Hitchener
Hannah Debnam

Year 7

Matthew Biddulph
Gianna Newman
Lily Earl-Jones

Well Done Jordan Waterworth

Last week Jordan Waterworth travelled to Maryborough as a member of the Darling Downs Cross Country team to compete in the State Titles.

Jordan ran a fantastic race to finish in 19th position overall out of 54 competitors in the individual event and he was the first runner home from the Darling Downs. On the second day of the carnival he competed as a member of the relay team that finished in sixth place overall.

P&F News

As you all know, the fundraising keeps rolling on throughout the year. Well we are starting to see some of the rewards of our hard work.

The pavers have been laid outside the administration office and look fantastic. A massive thankyou to Natalie Raccanello for all of the hard work that you put into this fundraiser, with the help of numerous others including, Webb Concreting for the fantastic job they have done in laying the pavers and the surrounding concrete as well as donating $300 of materials towards the job.

I would also like to thank the St Joseph's Alumni for their support promoting this fundraiser.

The Shade Gazebos (in team colours) have also been delivered to the school and are ready for their first use at the upcoming Sports Carnival. I can't wait to see them!

In upcoming events we have the Palgrove Bull Sale and the Trivia Night (themed A Night at the Movies) both happening on the 9th September.

Also keep your eye out for your Parent Paperwork for the information regarding the Agenda at the next meeting which is to be held on the 26th July at the School Library at 6pm. Come along and have your say.

If you would like any more information regarding any of the upcoming events or even if you would be willing to lend a hand in any way, please feel free to contact me at any time on 0438 157 195 or peteralldridge@hotmail.com

Thank you

Peter Alldridge
P&F President