12 June 2014
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s News
Striving for Success
Recently I spoke to the students on both the primary and secondary assemblies about striving to do the best they possibly can over the remaining weeks of the term. For some students this may simply mean being able to finally write a complete sentence, while for others it may be to achieve a sound standard in a subject they have been struggling with and for the most fortunate of students it may mean achieving straight A results. However, for our students to be able to strive to achieve their best, we as parents and teachers must first realise the impact that our attitudes and comments towards their learning has on their motivation, application and persistence. While it is great to have high hopes and expectations for our children, we must continually encourage our children to strive to achieve ‘their personal best’ and not compare them to their peers or siblings. The messages that we send them have a deep and positive or negative effect on them and it stays in their minds and influences the way they behave and what think about themselves. If we let children know often enough that they are inept or inadequate they will believe it, as we are significant reference points.
Some ideas that you may wish to use when you are commenting on your child’s progress at school are;
- Give children realistic responsibility and goals. Through our actions and words we are giving them the message: ‘I know that you can do this.’
- Point out your children’s strengths and achievements. When correcting a child or pointing out an error, try focusing on a strength first. ‘I like the way that you write your letters. Now let’s concentrate on spacing your words out a little more.’
- Recognise improvement they have made or effort they are putting in at school or at home. ‘Your reading has really come along.’ You can’t always praise their performance but you can usually make positive comments about their improvement, effort or attitude.
- Express your confidence and faith in their abilities. ‘I know you can do it.’
- Promote positive self-talk. When children do something well, ask them how they feel about their efforts. ‘That’s a terrific drawing, Sarah. What do you think about it?’ Encourage them to make positive comments about themselves and discourage them from putting themselves down.
- If you need a reminder to encourage your child – consciously develop the habit of offering a positive remark when they leave for school in the morning and when you say goodnight.
Through the use of constant encouragement parents can promote self-confidence in their children as learners and as people.
Commitment to the Community
Each week I am continually amazed at the generosity and commitment that the students and staff of St Joseph’s School make to the local community. On Sunday 25th May we have had a record number of students give up their Sunday morning to participate and assist in the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock raising over $4000. Then last week Mr Grew’s Year 5 class took on their once a term role of providing lunch for the primary school, in lieu of Friday tuckshop, to raise money for the purchases they make to donate to the Stanthorpe Community District Services food bank. In conjunction with these efforts Mr Perrett from the Knights of the Southern Cross also addressed the students on assembly to ask for the student’s assistance in the collection of used postage stamps, which can be handed in at the office. These used stamps are then sold to stamp collectors and the money raised is donated to charities.
Finally, I would like to encourage members of the school community to get behind the St Joseph’s Leo Club’s State of Origin Fundraiser. The Leo Club are hosting a function on the 18th June at the Arcadia Cinema to raise money for the Granite Belt Support Services and Childhood Cancer Support. Further information and tickets can be purchased from members of the Leo Club.
Kort Goodman
Acting Principal
Leader’s News
Secondary students are busily preparing for a hectic end to Semester 1, but not before some well-earned fun. Students from Year 8 - 12 have enjoyed the annual Futsal tournament in Toowoomba, four days of bus travel, excellent team work and plenty of sweat and some tears! Last week saw the finals of the 2014 Broncos Cup. Teams at all games have constantly displayed sportsmanship and from all accounts have appreciated being able to be involved in the competition again this year.
On Friday night the secondary oval was set up like a movie scene, for the inaugural laser tag social. Students had a great evening of dancing, with DJ by I Am K (our very own Year 9 student Kieran King). Kieran pumped out some excellent mixes, with music for both the young and the more mature! Laser tag kept teams busy out on the oval running around and over obstacles and hurdles. The feedback from the night was all positive with students keen to have another laser tag social later in the year.
Next week Year 11 and 12 students have three days of block exams. Students will need to ensure that are prompt to exams and bring all necessary equipment. On Friday 18th June, Year 11 and 12 students will also be able to complete a Responsible Service of Alcohol qualification. SQIT will provide a trainer and this is an opportunity for students to obtain skills that may assist in finding employment at the completion of school.
During Week 10, Year 8, 9 and 11 will be at their respective camps. Pastoral Care Co-Ordinators will be providing students will equipment details next week. These camps are always well received by students and teachers who attend. It is an excellent way for students to end the Semester.
May all families have a safe two week holiday and students return refreshed for Term 3.
God Bless
Linda Perrett
School News
A Day in the Life of Year Nine
A Day in the Life of Year Nine:
This term Year nine has been eventful, funny and at times challenging. Our term has been all about learning new things, whether it is the land of trigonometry in Maths or learning the equality we all deserve during sport in Figueroa’s Framework in HPE.
The challenges of sculpture in art have perhaps frustrated some of our classmates, with sore hands and broken masterpieces.
In drama we have been looking at War and Peace, giving our class the challenge of representing this and the topic question of “Why do we associate war with peace?” We’re bringing together song, dance, soundscapes and realism to do a performance at the end of term.
The Music class has been studying the blues, the Tech Studies class has been designing and making unique coffee tables. In English we have been Transforming Texts while in Home Ec we have been working with textiles and learning how to sew. In Business we have been creating websites and in Science we have been learning all about Acids, Bases and Neutralisation.
It’s been a busy term to say the least.
By Lily Franchi
Year 1 and 2
Kitchen Chemistry
The Year 1s and Year 1/2s have been learning about mixing materials and changing their properties; and what better way to do it than to incorporate food!
Experiments included attempting to dissolve mystery powders and observing if warm water or cold water worked best.
Changing the properties of solids into liquids and mixing materials led us into making chocolate crackles….all for the sake of science!
The strength of uncooked spaghetti was tested as towers were built. Changing the properties of spaghetti by cooking then enabled us to form pictures with it.
Different kitchen liquids were tested to see which would freeze, and the question asked ‘Why is it so?’
To follow up on our unit, we visited the Secondary Campus Home Economics kitchen and the Art room. Mrs. Moncada was able to demonstrate how dry, wet and solid materials are used in art and how the elements can be with various techniques. Miss Di Mauro demonstrated a muffin recipe that also showed how mixtures and their properties can be changed. It was a terrific way to show how we use science in our everyday lives.
Geography Competition winners
Last term, Geography students in Year 8, 9 and 10 sat the Australian Geography Competition which tests their knowledge and skills in the subject area of Geography, based on the National Curriculum. It is a yearly event, however this is the first time St Joseph’s has participated. The following students achieved awards:
Alex Matiazzi – Year 9 - High Distinction (Top 12% in Australia)
Arwyn Reeves – Year 10 – Distinction
Thomas Gilmore – Year 10 – Credit
Jessica Munson – Year 8 – Credit
Well done!
Students Receive National Geography Awards
Mini Vinnies Disco
The Mini Vinnies Disco was a very enjoyable night with loud music and lots of smiling faces. It raised a lot of money and was worth the effort.
Firstly when everyone was arriving, people just danced and sung to the music, but as the night progressed, we played Mote Carlo and the winner was Jack Stibbard. We then had a break to sit around and drink and eat hotdogs! They were delicious!
After everyone had had a fair share of food, we played a game of Mounts, Knights and Cavaliers. Congratulations to the winners who were Cydney McErvale and Chiara Grasso.
After that we had some more time to dance and everyone started a conga line!
We then had a raffle and the prize was two $5 vouchers for the tuckshop. The winners of the vouchers were Alanah Smith and Abby Nash.
We would like to give a big thankyou to everyone who helped and a special thanks to all the teachers who supervised, it wouldn’t have been possible without your help. And also to the volunteers who helped prepare the food.
A huge thankyou to Mr Fleming for supervising all the games and organising the yummy food.
By Alanah Yates, Year 7
Sports News
St Joseph’s represented in Equestrian Qualifier
Last week Year 10 student Shannon Bourke represented St Josephs at the State Interschool Qualifier for dressage and show jumping in Warwick. Competition was tough and included riders from Scots PGC , Glennie Heights and Fairholme College, all vying for first place at the three day event. Shannon placed in the top 10 for dressage and third in the 1m-1.10m show jumping class. Congratulations Shannon on a brilliant effort and representing St Joseph’s so proudly.
Arts News
St Joseph’s School Choir
The St. Joseph's High School Choir has been singing away the term in preparation for the Stanthorpe Eisteddfod. The choir sings a range of genres from varying eras, based on what's popular and fun to sing. Ranging from Pop to Folksongs - with artists such as the Beatles and the a cappella styled 'Pitch Perfect' soundtrack, the selected pieces are fresh and entertaining.
It's been wonderful to have a group of students come together once a week to have a fun, enjoyable lunchtime of music. I strongly believe that Music and the Arts are an important part of school life, and so having the option to spend a lunchtime with the choir is providing access to this in a casual, chilled way.
The Eisteddfod was held last Thursday (June 5th), and the St. Joseph's Choir performed awesomely! At 3:00pm, having still not performed due to unforseen delays, we came very close to having to leave. However, by 3:07 we were off the stage and hurrying back to school. Although we did not place, we received a great mark and positive feedback from the adjudicator. We're very appreciative to Mrs Gerster for giving up her lunchtimes for the choir, and for the commitment of the students in attendance.
Grace Manahan, Year 12
Reminders and Notices
Don’t forget to get your Pie Drive Orders in, Orders Close12th June. If you haven’t received your order form please see the office.
Pick up June 24th in the Bathersby Centre : 11am – 12pm and 3-4 pm
P & F News
P&F Donations
P & F president Peter Alldridge delivered a very welcome gift to the school last week in the form of a $25,000 cheque, on behalf of the P& F, for the refurbishment of the Multipurpose room and new softball equipment. The P&F do an amazing job each year fundraising with such events as the can bar at the Stanthorpe Show, the canteen at Palgrove, the Pie Drive and the Trivia Night.
If you think you can be of assistance or would just like to have your say, please come to the next P & F meeting on the 24th June in the school library.
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Next P&F is 24th June at 7:00pm |