11 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

Leader's News

As we approach the end of Week 6 students are completing assessment across a range of subjects. Assessment plays a key role in providing the teacher with evidence of the standards by each student. This information is then used to generate Semester 2 report cards, which will be sent out during the last week of term. This week Year 11 and 12 have completed an exam block. Year 12's are on the countdown to their last days of their senior schooling. Year 11 and 12 students are reminded that all assessment items need to be submitted by due dates. Next week from Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th November, Year 10 students will engage in their first exam block. Students will experience firsthand the conditions expected in exam situations and a timetable of these exams has been emailed to students.

Next week Year 12 students will attend a two day retreat at Leslie Dam culminating their years of schooling. On retreat they will reflect on experiences of secondary school life and have the opportunity to consider the friendships made, the misdemeanours engaged in and their life beyond St Joseph's. The Graduation Mass and Dinner will be held next Thursday 17th November. All students, parents and parishioners of St Joseph's School are invited to attend the Mass being held at 6 pm in St Joseph's Church. Also next week Year 11 students will attend a Leadership Camp at Emu Gully, Helidon. The camp, based on the Kokoda experience by Australian soldiers, is well known for the extreme limits that it takes students to. The toughness of this camp is quite often a key talking point by our departing Year 12 students. Year 11's on return from camp will be involved in assisting with Graduation dinner as wait staff and kitchen hands. We thank the parents in advance of these Year 11 students for their time in assisting in this event.

Year 6's from St Joseph's and students considering attending next year will attend an experience day next Tuesday 15th November. Students will get to participate in a variety of subjects and spend the day getting used to how the campus runs. The day is always a great experience and staff are preparing some exciting and challenging activities. Thank you to the many parents who attended this week's Year 7 Parent Night. There were plenty of excellent questions asked and answered. Thank you to the ten staff who attended and were able to meet some of our future Year 7 parents.

God's blessings
Linda Perrett

School News

Year 1 / 2

Geography Excursion

At Weeroona Park, we had to come up with an idea for the empty block of land. It had to be something that the community could use. Before that a man from the council came to talk to us about how to take care of the park. After that we were allowed to ask him some questions. Then we did an activity. After the activity we were asked to come up with an idea for the block of land across the road. Eden Shatte (Year 2)

We went to Weeroona Park for an excursion. We pointed out managed, constructed and natural things in the park. We learnt that if a part on the playground gets broken they have to order the part in. We also learnt that sprinklers are all around the park and they drain out the pond and the fountain to clean them. Brae Einam (Year 2)

At Weeroona Park, I learnt that there were sprinklers under the ground. We did a worksheet with a map of Weeroona Park on it. We had morning tea at Weeroona Park and we played at the park. I had a lot of fun. Ashley Tripp (Year 2)

On our excursion to Weeroona Park we had some worksheets to do, we got some answers from the council. We split up into groups to do the worksheets. Vayda Heads (Year 1)

On our excursion, we went to Weeroona Park. Someone came from the council to speak to us. He told us to look after the plants by not stepping on them. Charlotte Zanatta (Year 1)

Orange Sky Day

As the end of Term 4 draws nearer and our minds turn to Christmas and the birth of Christ and all the celebrations that this event brings, St Joseph's students continue their commitment the school's Mercy Values of helping those who are less fortunate than they are.

On Friday 4th November St Joseph's school was a sea of orange as teachers and students from both the primary and secondary campus's dressed in their loudest and brightest hues of tangerine and apricots in recognition of the work of Orange Sky Laundry.

Orange Sky Laundry, the world's first free mobile laundry service for the homeless, was an idea born on the streets of Brisbane by two Queensland friends in 2014. The service, which launders over 6.9 tonnes of laundry per week, does more than just washing clothes and blankets. For the hour that it takes to wash and dry items volunteers feed and have genuine conversations with the homeless of Australia. Orange Sky has now grown to ten services across Australia in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, SE Melbourne and Hobart.

The goal of Friday's Orange Day was to raise enough money through gold coin donations to keep one van on the streets of Brisbane for two weeks. Mini Vinnies members on the primary campus also fired up the BBQ, running a hamburger day to ensure they reached the financial goal. This amazing extra effort from the primary campus raised $1335 with the total for the day $1662.50 from both campus's combined which will be donated to Orange Sky Laundry.

YEAR 9

Term 4 has been a busy one for Year 9, who have been balancing their academic studies with contributions to several community and charity events. The students have once again volunteered with Meals on Wheels, helping to deliver prepared meals in the Stanthorpe district. It's always an enjoyable week, with local residents appreciating the efforts of our students and happily sharing their many and varied stories. The students have also been collecting pantry staples and treats for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas hamper appeal and weaving ribbon stars in our Mercy colours for the One Million Stars Program Against Violence. We are looking certainly forward to 'our' stars being displayed at the Commonwealth Games next year! In addition, Year 9 prepared and ran the Soft Drink Ring Toss stand at the school fete, raising money towards extra school resources, and getting to practice their sales skills (and their showmanship) in the process.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

In past years St Joseph's School has supported the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal. The response to our Christmas campaign has always been wonderful, ensuring that the families in our local area can enjoy Christmas more comfortably. This year we will once again support our local St Vincent De Paul Charter in their Christmas Appeal.

The Appeal has taken on a different format for 2016. Each primary class and secondary pastoral care class have been provided with two plastic washing baskets which they have been encouraged to fill before the end of term. Students are asked to donate non-perishable food items which can be enjoyed before, during and after the Christmas season. SVDP has requested that drinks not be included as these make the baskets too heavy. Classes will be encouraged to include staple food items as well as a few treats.

We will present a hamper to SVDP representatives on Wednesday, 30th November at our end of year mass.

YEARBOOK

We are currently in production of the 2016 St Joseph's Yearbook. The Yearbook, which captures great moments from the year, is a wonderful keepsake and photographic record of your child's school year.

The 70 page full colour Yearbook will feature events from both the Primary and Secondary Campuses, individual stories, class photos and will include special features on this year's celebrations.

The cost of the Yearbook is $25 and will need to be ordered by the 11th November, 2016. If you would like to order a 2016 yearbook please place an order and make payment at administration.

Sports News

Please find below a few reminders regarding the upcoming Primary Swimming Carnival which will be held on Wednesday the 16th of November.

• All students are to come to School as normal.
• Our students turning 5, 6 or 7 years of age in 2016 will be bused to the pool at 8:45 am. This age group will be participating between 9 am and 9:45 am.
• 8 to 12 Years students will walk to the pool at 9:30am to commence their carnival at approximately 9:45 am.
• Age Championships will be awarded to students 8 years of age and above. Students in these age groups are eligible for selection to the Granite Swimming Trials in 2017 if qualifying times are met.
• A Programs for the day is attached. All times allocated are approximate.
• If you are collecting your child at the end of the Swimming Carnival please arrange to inform your child's class teacher in writing prior to the Carnival.
• Students are NOT permitted to stay behind at the pool or to leave the pool without adult supervision.
• Students (8 to 12 years) will be walked back to School in time to catch buses

P & F News

Working Bee

The P&F Association is organising a Working Bee this coming Saturday 12th November from 8:00am to tidy up the garden behind the Prep rooms. There is some weeding and some general tidying up required. We will also organise some mulch to put on the gardens, the same as what we put on the gardens at the front of the school 2 weeks ago.

The P&F would greatly appreciate it if you and your families could come along for the morning and lend a hand to finish this small project, so next year's families can also enjoy the beautiful gardens adjoining the prep classes.

Parish News

FAREWELL TO DR MICHAEL McCARTHY
At the conclusion of the 8.30AM Mass next Sunday, 20th November,
we will say farewell to Dr Michael McCarthy and his wife Michelle and their children,
as Michael prepares to leave St. Joseph's School for his new role as Principal at Siena College on the Sunshine Coast.
Steve Kay, Chair of the Parish Council, will speak on behalf of the parishioners,
and a presentation will be made.
All are invited to Morning Tea at Valentes Restaurant after Mass.