2 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

School News

The family picnic, held two weeks ago, couldn’t have been on a more beautiful day, and it was wonderful to see so many parents, caregivers and families enjoying lunch on the primary campus. Secondary students and teachers also attended the picnic, with an energetic soccer match being held on the primary oval.

It has been lovely to see so many of our Year 4’s at mass each Saturday and Sunday, in preparation for their Confirmation with Bishop McGuckin on Friday 16th June. St Joseph’s School community prays for all of these children and their Catechists as they prepare for this very special occasion.

Over twenty students attended the annual Red Shield Doorknock Appeal held on Sunday 28th May. The students were praised for their commitment to the doorknock as well as their dress and manner.

Last week, teams of rugby leaguers and netballers from Year 7 – 10 students attended the first Foxtel Bronco’s Cup gala day, held in Goondiwindi. The next gala day will held next Wednesday, 7th June, in Warwick. We wish all of our teams success in this second round of competition.

Last week I attended the ACER Excellence in Professional Practice conference at the Gold Coast, with Middle Leaders, Mr Matthew Brown and Mr Joseph Shorter. Sessions related to professional learning communities and their success in schools. St Joseph’s has been engaged in PLC’s since 2015 and as a school we have continued to support teachers in their professional growth.

The Religious Education Accreditation Program (REAP) also occurred last week in Toowoomba, with Ms Tracey Cullinan, Ms Patricia McManus and Mrs Sarah Yates attending. The program identified the underpinning aspects of the religious education curriculum, as well as the significance of the religious identity of each Catholic school.

God Bless
Mrs Linda Perrett
Acting Principal

ADF Careers Talk

On Thursday May 26th, St Joseph’s School students from Year 10, 11 and 12 were invited to consider a career in the Australian Defence Force. Squadron Leader Tarene Doherty (RAAF), Chief Petty Officer Dane Field (RAN), and Corporal Cory Holland (Army) gave students an insight into life in the Australian Defence Force. The ADF, which defends Australian borders and cooperates in international coalitions, has over 250 career options available for people from all walks of life. Entry into the ADF occurs on three levels: (1) General Entry (trades and apprenticeships); (2) Officer Entry (AFDA, sponsorships); (3) Reserves (part time). Students were encouraged to consider applying for a YOU (Your Opportunities Unlimited) session to participate in the “Try before you buy” Army Gap Year or to gain entry into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). Although some students were put off by the level of fitness required for ADF careers, the pay and living environment were incentives for many. The presentation was invaluable for all students present and opens new pathways for students to consider as school-leavers and future seniors.

By Katie Yates

A VIP (very important pet) visit

On 18 May St Joseph’s Primary had a visit from Bronte, my 8 week old Maltese x Shi Tsu puppy. She provided us with the opportunity to conduct a social experiment.

I have read about dogs and other pets being integrated into communal environments such as nursing homes and hospitals. They provide companionship and emotional support for those who may be sick, lonely, suffering dementia or anxiety - with positive results. I wanted to see if a similar outcome was possible in a school environment. Since Bronte is still very young I also wanted to see how she managed the groups and if she actually could have something to offer.

From the moment that Bronte arrived at school there was a steady stream of students of all ages wanting to pat her and hold her. As was expected, they very much enjoyed puppy time. Bronte was totally comfortable with each group, no matter how large. When a new person, child or adult, walked into the room she left the larger group and greeted them. Bronte showed every indication of being a friendly, proactive presence.

During lesson times students were allowed to hold her and pass her around while at the same time remaining focused on their learning. The year 1/2 class was particularly good at this, although all managed their learning and interactions very well. For the most part Bronte was a positive participant. I believe she fell asleep with one class who would very proudly get her back to sleep after every pass.

When asked how they felt while holding Bronte and working at the same time, students used words such as happy, excited inside, relaxed.

At lunch time Bronte was asleep so about 40 children silently leaned over the counter watching her. One by one they sidled past me and before long each student was having their turn for a pat, and sharing the space so that no one was left out. Bronte slept through it all which was testament to the gentleness and care of the children.

In nearly all cases where classes or larger groups were interacting with her, teachers rarely needed to intervene. Bronte and the students sorted the logistics out beautifully.

Other incidents of note:

One child who tends to be anxious visibly relaxed when holding the puppy. Another young student who is terrified of dogs was very upset during her class’s time with Bronte. However, by the end of the session she was patting her. This student was so proud of her achievement in facing a very real fear.

A number of our quieter students responded in amazing ways, talking to her, protecting her, putting her to sleep. It was very moving to watch.

Even though this was our puppy’s first experience with children and large groups, she was still wanting more at the end of the day. She stood at the foyer door watching them all head home!

I am sure that Bronte will be making a few return appearances!

Visitor’s Procedures

Please be aware of the schools Visitor and Early Departure Procedures.

• All visitor’s to the school between the hours of 8:40am and 3:00pm (including reading group and tuckshop volunteers) must sign the visitors register in administration and collect a visitors badge.

Please Note – For Student Protection as well as for the school to adhere to Fire and Evacuation procedures, under no circumstances are parents to be on school grounds during school hours without having signed in at Administration.

Early Departure/Leave Pass

• All students, Prep to Year 12, are required to bring a note signed by a parent to Administration BEFORE the start of school to get a Leave Pass.
• Leave Pass’s should be presented to their classroom teacher or, for Secondary, the classroom teacher of the lesson they will be in when required to leave.
• All students must then sign out at the office.
  Note – Due to the schools Duty of Care, students from Prep to Year 11 will not be allowed to leave school premises without a guardian/parent to pick them up.
• When returning to school students must sign back in at Administration.

Year 9 News

In Geography this semester, Year 9 have been exploring the topics of food production and food security around the world. This has been supported by participation in several community activities aimed at helping those in need, both locally and internationally.

Year 9 have spent one week each term helping the Meals on Wheels program to deliver food in Stanthorpe. They continue to enjoy their involvement with the program, feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of their deliveries, and comment that “it’s fun meeting new people and listening to their stories”. They also enjoy the opportunity to “give back to the community I live in”, and have come away with a much greater appreciation of the role that volunteers play in this community.

In term one, Year 9 organised a fundraising lunch as a way to raise money for Caritas. They ordered meals from McDonalds and paid an additional “delivery fee” which was then donated to Caritas. They liked the opportunity to eat together as a class and felt that “it was a great way to get money for Caritas….we got to eat Maccas AND raise money.”

More recently, Year 9 have participated in the “Can for a Cause” drive, bringing in food cans to add to food hampers for local residents over winter. As well as cans from home, they went Woolworths to buy cans in PC – something that involved a lot of discussion and deliberation as they tried to choose foods that would be enjoyed.

Mini Vinnies Report

Our last event was held on Friday the 19th of May when we held a Hamburger and Morning tea day. Thanks to all students and staff who supported this event that helped us raise over $500. The money raised will used to purchase food for the food bank and to support the St Vincent De Paul winter appeal.

Our next planned activity is the PJ Day to be held on Wednesday the 7th of June. Students are asked to dress in their PJs and to bring an item of warm clothing to donate to St Vincent De Paul’s Winter Appeal. Morning Tea of muffins, doughnuts, and juice and ice blocks will be available for purchase.

This will be the final event for Term Two. We are already busy planning our Term Three events which will include a Disco for the year three to six students and a couple of other surprise event. Thank you to everyone for your on-going support.

A Special Thankyou

Andrew Barker and Samantha Kreis wish to thank those who helped them and their son Kilan during Kilan’s illness in September 2016. Thankyou for the kind and generous donations received. It has been greatly appreciated.

Sport News

Darling Downs Cross Country Trials were held on Tuesday 23rd May at Kearney Springs Sports Complex in Toowoomba. Students competed extremely well with special congratulations going to Jordan Waterworth who 3km in a time of 11:23mins placing him 3rd in the 12 year old boys age group. Jordan is now off to the State Championships at St Pauls College, Bald Hills in Brisbane the weekend of 15th, 16th July 2017. Good Luck Jordan!

Congratulations Cross Country Runners

Sophie Brunckhorst
Claire Danzey
Shania Politch
Sonny Fraguas
Jacob Hennoste
Brigid O’Dea
Claire Williamson
Felicity Dachs
Chloe Britton
Taryn McCosker
Ashley O’Brien
Chelsea Debnam
Jordan Waterworth