21 July 2017

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome back to school for Semester 2 2017. I hope that you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday with your children.

On behalf of the whole school community I would like to welcome the new students and families to St Joseph’s School who have started this semester. In my two weeks here I have really appreciated the warm welcome my family and I have received and know that our students and staff will give a similar welcome to others new to the school.

I would like to congratulate and thank those students, staff and parents who took part in the QISSN Netball Carnival and Confraternity Rugby League Carnival in Brisbane during the break. The spirit in which the students competed and the enjoyment they had is a credit to themselves and the coaching and mentoring their coaching and support staff have provided them. Well done.

Next week is Catholic Education Week. There are a number of events planned for the week and I encourage all students and families to get involved. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society. It is the uniqueness of a Catholic education that makes our students stand out from others in our society.

After many years of schooling, this semester is the final one for our Year 12 students. The year will go quickly for them all and it is important that they enjoy their remaining time at school and finish well. We encourage them all to work hard towards their final grades. For those who are eligible for an OP, we wish them well in their QCS preparation and the QCS test.

This Friday and Saturday will see the performance of the school musical, “Back to the 80s”. Productions such as this are a huge commitment for our staff and students. I hope that the school community gets down to the Civic Centre to watch the performance and sing along with all those great 80s songs.

Finally, I hope that all our students and families have a successful and enjoyable Semester 2. St Joseph’s is a wonderful school with amazing students and dedicated staff. I look forward to working with you all as your children make their journey through St Joseph’s School.

God bless.

Andrew Kendall
Acting Principal

School News

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week 2017
‘Sharing the Journey’

Catholic Education Week in Queensland runs from 23rd – 29th July and is an opportunity for Catholic schools to celebrate and promote their unique mission and ethos.

The theme for Catholic Education Week this year is ‘Sharing the Journey’.

Some ideas to share your family journey:

• Turn off all electronic devices and light a candle or dim the lights and pray together as a family.
• Enjoy your evening meal at the table and talk about your day, the journey you have taken together so far and the journey you hope to embark upon into the future.
• Smile, greet or make conversation with your family and others you may meet on your journey this week.
• Share all the things you are grateful for on your journey so far.

“Today we need a Church capable of walking at people’s side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.” - Pope Francis

Secondary Camps

Year 7 – Burleigh Heads Christian Youth Camp

During the last week of Term 2, 34 Year 7 students boarded the bus for 3 days of camp at CYC Burleigh Heads. The camp is located high up on a ridge near the National Park, meaning that there was plenty of walking to be done. Activities included team building challenges, swimming, raft building, night walks, and of course, everyone’s favourite, tubing on the lake at Tallebudgera Creek.

For the more adventurous or those with insomnia, there were early morning walks to the beach. One the highlights was an evening dedicated to Aboriginal art and artefacts, with our students demonstrating plenty of creative talent. Students had plenty of opportunity to walk the beaches and through the National Park in this beautiful part of the world. Everyone seemed to agree that the camp was a great experience, with the opportunity to do different activities with friends. Could the girls build a better survival shelter than the boys? Students had to plan for themselves, with everything from keeping wet shoes separate to dry shoes, to keeping sand out of your towel, to remembering your jumper.

A great time was had by all

Year 8 – Gold Coast Recreation Centre Adventure Camp.

Students were encouraged to push themselves beyond their comfort zone to overcome fears as well as enjoy recreational pursuits that many had never tried before. The adrenaline junkies in the group jumped off a ten meter platform by climbing to the top of ‘The Cliffs’, they were rewarded with a fun ride down. Paddle Boarding was a popular activity some enjoying a leisurely paddle others showing their competitive spirit turning the activity into a sprint to the finish line. Mr. Carmichael began each day with a jog on the beach and the early risers joined him. Numbers declined on the second morning as the previous day’s activities took their toll on energy levels. Mr. Carmichael paid the price for venturing out for these beach runs, blisters resulted in him limping through the final day. All students demonstrated their general knowledge undertaking a Trivia Night with substantial knowledge of Mathematics, Science, Music, Movies and Logos. Other activities included the Giant Swing, Archery, Aboriginal Games and Low Ropes Team Challenge. Downtime was spent playing touch, basketball and creating their own ball games as well as playing board games and cards, leaving little time to rest.

Year 9 – Mount Tambourine Queensland Camping and Conference Centre.

Early on Monday morning, when the frost was out, we sleepily left for warmer climates and headed to our camp at Mount Tambourine. After a long and sociable bus trip, we arrived at our destination and stretched our legs by exploring the outer perimeter, going for a bush walk and maximizing our photo opportunities. Even before we started the official activities, our class was already bonding and showing group leadership. We then met our instructor, Kylie, who guided us on various activities throughout the camp. Our first activity, archery, allowed our class experience a different sport that involved accuracy and patience, and allowed us to support each other while we tried something new. Activities including, ‘stranded’, survivor challenges and team building exercises such as making a life-size model of Da Vinci’s Self-Supporting Bridge tested us in a range of scenarios and allowed different students to show their strengths. Activities such as the giant ladder, high ropes and giant swing were a lot of fun – but also quite scary at times. These activities helped us to get to know each other better, have patience with each other, and also push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. We developed friendships, leadership skills and communications skills. Overall, this was a well-spent 3 days and the Year 9 class want to give a huge thankyou to Mr. McNamara and Ms. Melton for encouraging us and taking time out of their week to take us away on camp.

Written By The Year 9 Cohort

Back to the 80s on this week-end

After months of rehearsals, students of St Joseph’s School are ready to present “Back to the 80s” musical this Friday and Saturday night at the Civic Centre. Many hours have been spent fine-tuning the songs and learning lines and the cast are eager to showcase their talents.

Everyone is invited to come dressed in their favourite 1980s outfit. A guest judge will be on the lookout for the best dressed adult and the best dressed child at both performances with a prize being awarded to the lucky winners. A raffle will be available for $1 a ticket for both evening performances. On Friday night, one lucky patron attending will take home a $60 Anna’s voucher kindly donated by Don and Tina Pompetti. On Saturday night, another lucky patron will win a $50 QCWT voucher kindly donated by the Wine College.

A huge thank you is extended to the staff, volunteer parents and the cast for their commitment in the lead up to the musical. The musical is an ideal way for the school to showcase student’s talents and enable everyone to work together as a team to bring this musical to life.

“Back to the 80s” will be showing on Friday 21st July and Saturday 22nd July, 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start. The musical will be held at the Civic Centre with tickets available from the school office which is open 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday. Tickets will also be available at the door for both performances. Prices are $15 for adults, $10 for secondary students, $5 for primary students and $10 for concession holders. Supper will be available for sale.

Criminal Law Studies

This term in Legal Studies, the Year 11 and 12 class are completing a unit on Criminal Law. This week, students had an opportunity to put their investigative and problem solving skills to the test by collaboratively solving a hypothetical crime. Students investigated and analysed the evidence provided, and worked through possible scenarios and clues to help the crack the case. Students then had a chance to get into the minds of those involved in the hypothetical criminal situations, by analysing additional evidence to gain insight into their lives. The class proved to be very skilled and effective detectives!

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. The survey provides valuable feedback for the future directions of our school.

On Monday the 23th July 2017, 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. If you do not wish to complete the survey simply delete 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, 12 August 2017 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, and responses aggregated by RADII, overall data is sent to us so that we can then share the findings with you.

2017 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 2016. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school.

Between July and August, 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 them to take part.

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

Confraternity Success

The 2017 Confraternity campaign began with a solid preparation in GIO Trophy competition (Darling Downs Opens Rugby League) where we won 5 out of 6 games in our pool. Unfortunately, we were knocked out in the semi-finals prior to the break. After two weeks off playing and a couple of training runs the players were ready to play in the Confraternity carnival.

This year we headed to Brisbane as Padua College were the hosts for 2017. We traveled to Brisbane on the Sunday and settled in to our new surroundings for the week at St Laurence’s College. After a light run, the boys had to prepare for the opening ceremony/liturgy with the 47 other teams. This insightful ceremony had a focus on how we play the game, how take a win and how we accept a loss.

The first game we played St Columban's Caboolture (the team we played in last year’s confraternity bowl final). In a tough hit out the boys won 8 – 0. This match defined us in terms of the team’s ability to turn up and support each other defensively across the week. The second game on Monday we played St Thomas More, Sunnybank, who are a notoriously tough team to play. After a series of lead changes we drew 18 – 18.

Tuesday morning we played Faith Lutheran Redlands in game that was in balance until the final hooter the boys lost 12-16. Our goal kicking was proving to be costly, 0 from 2 in the first game, 1 from 4 in game two and then 0 from 3 in the third match.

Tuesday afternoon’s quarter final saw us once again play St Thomas More Sunnybank. In a very strong defensive and attacking effort the boys won 24-8. This victory placed the boys into the semi-final Thursday morning.

Thursday we played St Columban's Caboolture again! Whilst it isn’t that unusual to play one team twice, playing two teams twice is very unusual! The boys where up to it defeating St Columban’s 28-6 with the St Joseph’s players Lachlan Swan scoring three tries and Jacob Adams two. Our defensive efforts thus far was outstanding, converting goals was an issue, we could score tries but we were not converting well. This put the boys from St Joseph's/Assumption in the final of the confraternity bowl for the second year in a row.

Friday was the final against All Souls, Charters Towers. At half time we were up 18 – 4 and looked in control. All Souls came back after half time much hungrier for the win and with 10 minutes to go we were trailing 18-22. The last 10 minutes we proved why we were in final and did not give up until the final bell. With Jacob Adams scoring a try from a Jack McIvor chip kick with two minutes to go the scores were locked at 22 all with kick to come from just inside the sideline. Considering we kicked six from 23 attempts all week (26% strike rate), confidence was low. Cool as cucumber Cody Byrne converted to win the game 24-22.

Well-done to all our players on the massive effort required to not only win the Confraternity Bowl but also the Spirit of Confraternity Award. Out of 47 other teams this a massive award and needs to be celebrated. The Spirit of Confraternity Award is given to the team who displays the confraternity spirit. It is a team that is well mannered, well behaved, knows how to win and also knows how to lose, they respect their opposition and play with the right spirit.

A big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Frattini for being part of the Confro campaign (especially as late call ups to the catering role!). Thanks Robert Bell, David Fleming, Mick Mahoney and Craig Frattini for your continual support and commitment to this concept, it couldn’t be done without you. Thank you to team managers Thomas Smith and Regan Eastwell, we could not have asked for better people in the job. Thanks also to Mrs. Mary McLucas and Mrs. Susan Fleming for all your meal preparation. Thank you to St Laurence’s for your wonderful hospitality and facilities and a big thank you to Deputy Principal, Mr. John Butterworth. Thanks also to all the parents for your support at the games and the cooking of slices, cupcakes, biscuits etc..

Confraternity in Charters Towers next year will be here before you know it and planning is already in place for the 2018 campaign where we will be looking for a threepeat!

A special thank you to our Sponsors for their financial support:

• Tru-flow services
• Tom Costanza
• Green Homes
• Lever Business Accountants
• Peter Sullivan building
• Austasia animal products
• Zin Met
• Tullin Tulla Beef
• Ryanie for tyres
• MALY Engieering
• Wattles JRL
• Collegians JRL
• Stanthorpe JRL
• Crisps Coaches Stanthorpe

Sport News

High Honours for St Joseph’s Student

Anika Spiller was successful in gaining selection for the Under 19 Girls Darling Downs team which saw her represent at the State Championships in Logan City at Meakin Park between Thursday 25th May and Sunday 28th May. Anika’s representative campaign began back in March which saw a number of St Joseph's Secondary students travel to Toowoomba to participate in the Darling Downs Schools Under 19 Football trials (Soccer). Trials were of a very high standard with more than 50 plus boys’ trialling and greater than 30 girls. From here the Darling Downs Teams were selected in which Anika achieved this honour. Other St Joseph's students who attended the trails were Brody Pearce, Celeste Buda, Ally McLellan, Anika Spiller, Jared Hitchener and Hunter Murphy.

Anika has always represented St Joseph’s with exemplary sportsmanship and she is to be congratulated on her achievements throughout this year to date.