1 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

I would like to welcome you all to another year at St Joseph’s School. In particular, I would like to extend a special welcome to new students, staff and families. 2018 has started very positively and we look forward to an exciting and rewarding year.

I have made it clear that the goal of every St Joseph’s student is to do their best to achieve excellence in all they do, that is, do the best they can and be the best person they can be. The staff are working together to help our students achieve that success. Just as importantly, I encourage all students to support each other in their growth and for all parents to engage in their child’s learning journey.

We have started a number of important initiatives across the school this year that will help better engage students with their learning and all round development. We have introduced a Visible Learning program across P-12, an enhanced pastoral program and a structured Teacher Performance and Development program for our teachers. The Reading Strategy expands into the upper Primary and the Secondary in 2018 and will aid significantly in literacy development across the school.

I would also like to congratulate our school leaders and all our Year 12s on their leadership induction this week. They have a big year ahead of them and will not doubt provide great service around the school and wider community, as well as working diligently towards achieving academic success.

Have a great year.

God bless.
Andrew Kendall
Principal

VISIBLE LEARNING PROGRAM 2018

St Joseph’s School has been selected by Toowoomba Catholic Schools to become one of a number of “Lighthouse” Schools for Visible Learning from 2018.

Visible Learning is a program based on the research of Professor John Hattie, a global authority on education effectiveness. Hattie has identified what actually works best in schools to improve learning. The program looks at what has the best impact on student achievement and is designed to create innovation in the learning environment.

The following diagram outlines the outcomes and key indicators the Visible Learning program aims to achieve.

Students becoming visible learners (understanding their style of learning and how best to learn) is important, and the program will give our teachers what they need to know and do to develop our students in their classrooms.

We will provide more details to parents about the program as the year goes on.

FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS

Throughout the year parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to help out around St Joseph’s School. This may occur through help in the tuckshop, classroom, working bees, co-curricular activities or P & F Association fundraising activities.

Your help for these activities is vital for the success of the school, and most importantly, support of our students. Helping out in school activities also allows you to meet other parents and share your experience of St Joseph’s School.

As opportunities to help arise, notice of the activities will be sent out through Parent Paperwork providing details of the activity and how to register. A register of parents and care givers who provide support will be maintained and used as the basis for determining the waiver of the $125 fee charged for the Family Contribution Fund.

We thank you in advance for your support of our school.

LEADER’S NEWS

INTRODUCING THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Assistant Principal-Secondary: Mrs Linda Perrett

At St Joseph's School, as Assistant Principal Administration - Secondary, I coordinate the day to day activities that occur on the secondary campus. This ranges from assembling timetables for all of our students to meeting and discussing career pathways with students and parents to being a teacher of two classes. I also ensure that all requirements stipulated by ACARA and QCAA, and Vocational Education and Training are met by our school. By engaging in all of these varied tasks I work to constantly support our students and staff in every avenue of their life at St Joseph's School.

Assistant Principal-Primary: Mrs Sarah Yates

This year will be the second in my role as Assistant Principal -Primary at St Joseph’s School and my 25th in teaching. Throughout my career I have taught across Prep – Year 8 and held the positions of Head of RE, Head of Year and Curriculum Co-ordinator in both the UK and Australia. Originally, I was appointed to St Joseph’s in 2016 as Head of Student Improvement.

Currently, my role encompasses a range of tasks and responsibilities such as creating the Campus timetable, supporting the teaching staff with curriculum initiatives, monitoring what is happening in the classrooms, preparing assemblies each fortnight, analysing data to identify trends, ensuring that the administration for eternal assessments such as NAPLAN is in place, liaising with parents, creating the fortnightly Campus newsletter and organising relief staff to cover teachers’ absence. I also ‘referee’ disagreements, wipe away tears, listen to stories, play handball and ensure the students are all safely on the bus at the end of the day. It is sometimes a challenging role but it is always fulfilling.

I look forward to working with the students, staff and parents in 2018 to ensure that we are giving the young people in our care the very best that we can offer. As they lay the foundations for the rest of their St Joseph’s journey, we owe them that.

Assistant to the Principal - Religious Education (APRE): Mrs Megan Mahoney

Throughout my many years at St. Joseph’s I have held various roles including classroom teacher, learning support teacher, ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and Curriculum Coordinator. In 2014 I was appointed to the position of Acting APRE, and in 2015 was offered a five year contract. My role as APRE encompasses a wide range of duties across both campuses including education and development of the RE Curriculum, faith and spiritual growth of staff and students, organising masses and prayer celebrations, and offering staff professional development opportunities to grow as teachers working in a Catholic School. My role as APRE is both challenging and rewarding, providing many and varied opportunities for me to continue the work of the Mercy sisters. I look forward to working with the students and families of St. Joseph’s School in 2018.

SCHOOL NEWS

NEW TEACHING STAFF AT ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL

Year 1 Teacher, Debra Stone has moved from Bundaberg to join her husband Scott, who is also a teacher at St Joseph’s. Debi has worked for Education Queensland and in the Independent sector for over 25 years, mainly in the Early Years and Special Education/Learning Support. She has enjoyed many years as a classroom teacher, Head of Department and Curriculum leader and has even been a founding Teacher Director of an Early Learning Centre. “Year 1 is my passion. Children at this age grow so quickly. Their curiosity, avid interest in their world and 'plain talk' ensures there's never a dull moment,” Debi said. Debi and Scott have three daughters and four granddaughters. On a visit to Stanthorpe in June last year they were warmly welcomed by those who they met in the coffee shops, library and school. The Stones are now excited to have the opportunity to live in our beautiful town.

Shane Page is teaching the Year 3/4 class this year. Shane is excited to be coming home as he did his schooling in Stanthorpe before leaving to complete an Applied Science degree and later on a Bachelor of Education. For the past 6 years, Shane has taught at St Joseph's Biloela teaching a number of different year levels and before that in Charters Towers. Shane’s wife Lesa is also a local. Their daughter Olivia is in year 6 and both are excited to be part of the St Joseph's community. Shane’s interests include reading, listening to music particularly classical and spending time with his family. Academically, Shane has a keen interest in Science and Technology. “I would like to thank the staff at St Joseph's for their warm welcome and I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead teaching at St Joseph's,” Shane said.

Lorien Kirby joins St. Joseph’s School from Port Hedland in Western Australia, where she has worked in both Senior English and Pastoral Care roles. Lorien has had considerable experience working with children from many different backgrounds and cultures, and her professional area of interest is in student health and wellbeing. Lorien has joined St. Joseph’s as the Head of Pastoral Care in the Secondary School and will also be teaching English and Drama. She has moved to Stanthorpe to be closer to her family, and is excited to be working with the community of St. Joseph’s School in 2018.

Mary Roberts is new to teaching this year and has come from a background in higher education. She has most recently worked at the University of Southern Queensland in marketing and social justice and has a passion for rural and remote education. An accredited Netball Queensland coach, she can also been seen on the netball court and in other sporting and cultural pursuits around Stanthorpe. Mary lives at Severnlea with her husband and children. She will be teaching Humanities at the Secondary school.

Jacob Steele, who is a past student and staff member of St Laurence’s College Brisbane, is excited to join the Secondary staff as a HPE Teacher. Jacob is looking forward to working and immersing himself in our community. He is a keen football player and coach.

Erin Canavan will be working in the Primary and Secondary Learning Support areas and at the library on Fridays. Erin has spent the last twelve months working in mainstream and special schools in Toowoomba while studying for her Masters’ degree. Erin is really excited to be at St Joseph’s School, and she looks forward to working closely with students, staff and parents to ensure that everyone is achieving their full potential.

INDUCTION OF STUDENT LEADERS

Last Tuesday morning, the whole school gathered for the Beginning of School Mass and Induction of the 2018 Student Leaders. The theme of the Mass was “Rise, for God’s Spirit is now upon.” The Mass was an opportunity to gather as a whole school and acknowledge the journey that the Senior Students are embarking on this year as well as recognition of those elected in leadership.

Mr Kendall spoke about what leadership is. “Leadership is a collective, not singular activity-everyone acting together for the common good. At the heart of leadership is service of others. It is not about “I”, it is about “we”. All Year 12 students are leaders."

Mr Kendall spoke further about characteristics of what is leader is all about before congratulating the 2018 Student Leaders and Sports Captains.

Congratulations to:

School Captains: Liam Hitchener and Ann-Mary Vincent
Prefects: Natasha Petroccitto, Joshua Mahoney, Hunter Murphy and Anika Spiller

Sports Captains

McAuley: Riannon Fox and Alexandra McLellan
Davadi: Susan Cobon and Joshua Musumeci

AGRICULTURAL TOUR

The Department Employment, Small Business and Training & St Joseph's School Stanthorpe are hosting a two day Agricultural Tour of the local area for Year 10 and 11 students. The tour, being held on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th February, will give students an amazing insight into the possible career pathways and employment opportunities in agriculture, a vital component of the Australian economy. Over the two days students will be bused to local farm operations and be given tours by business owners of their farms. There is no cost involved and students need to bring their morning tea and lunch for both days. If parents have any questions about this tour please do not hesitate to contact Linda Perrett at linda.perrett@twb.catholic.edu.au.

SKI TRIP FOR SENIOR STUDENTS

Exciting news for all Year 11 and 12 students, the Ski trip is happening in 2018!

Every two years our students enjoy the adventure of either snowboarding or skiing at Perisher, NSW. This year's ski trip is being held from Thursday 20th to Thursday 27th September. A parent paperwork has been sent home to ensure that all bookings can be secured for this thrills a minute experience.

If you have any questions about ski trip or what the costs include please don't hesitate to contact Linda Perrett on linda.perrett@twb.catholic.edu.au.

VISITOR’S PROCEDURES

For all of our new and existing families, please be reminded of the Visiting and Student Early Departures procedures below:

Visitors the School

All visitors to the school during school hours must sign in and out of the visitors register in Administration; this includes classroom activities, tuckshop and meetings with teachers.

Student Early Departures

• If your child is to leave early please contact the school office either by phone or via a signed note for student to receive an early departure slip from Administration.
• Students Prep to Year 11 are required to be collected by a parent or guardian from the Administration building on the Primary Campus.
• Year 12 Students with an early departure slip are able to leave the school grounds unaccompanied by a guardian. Student are required to sign out before leaving.

Please note – Due to the Schools Duty of Care - students from Prep to Year 11 will not be allowed to leave the school grounds unaccompanied by a guardian under any circumstances.

SCHOOL BANKING

Daniella Scalia is our Student Banking Officer. Daniella will be processing Student Banking on Wednesdays commencing Week 3. Students who are participating in this service are asked to bring their bank books to their classroom teachers by Mondays or Tuesdays.

Application forms are available from the School Office for any new students who would like to take advantage of this great service. We thank Daniella for her commitment and support of this program.

SCHOOL FEES

Tuition Fees are utilised to meet the operating costs of the school and we appreciate the commitment in making payment of school fees. Fees are essential for the school to provide quality education for all students. We ask families to make full payment of school fees within one month of fees being issued. Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly repayments may be made to assist with budgeting for families. Please review current repayments made to assist in covering the full year’s fees. School Bursar, Mrs Megan Hines, is willing to assist in discussing appropriate repayments to avoid shortfalls at the end of the year.

A Family Contribution Fund fee of $125 is added to Term 3 School Fees to families who don’t offer support with at least two school events/activities throughout the school year. Activities include assisting with the Show Can Bar, Primary and Secondary Tuckshops, working bees, classroom helpers, The Apple & Grape float and other fundraising events. We encourage new and current families to contribute their time to the school.

All camps, excursions, ski trips, sporting activities, school jerseys/shirts, and any other extra events/activities must be paid prior to student attendance.

Annual School Fees – if you choose to pay your fees annually, a 5% Discount on Tuition Fees only will be applied (full payment of the annual fee must be paid within one month of invoice date to receive this discount). Please notify Mrs Megan Hines by email at Megan.Hines@twb.catholic.edu.au with a request for your fees to be billed as an annual fee by 9th February 2018.

It is a requirement that one (1) term’s notice be given to the school in advance of a child’s enrolment being withdrawn from the School. Where the notice period is not met, parents/carers will pay one (1) term’s fees in lieu of notice.

If there is any significant changes to the families financial circumstances or queries in relation to school fees please contact Mrs Megan Hines on 46 815903 to discuss.

SECONDARY TUCKSHOP UPDATE

A new and improved Secondary Tuckshop will be running this term. Keep posted for more exciting details.

Secondary Sports News

Important dates for Term 1:

Reminders and Updates

P&F News

We would like to extend a very warm welcome for the start of 2018 to all of our students and parents, both new and returning. No doubt, this year will be full of many exciting learning opportunities for all ages.

The P&F fundraising year kicks off this weekend with the manning of the Can Bar at the 2018 Stanthorpe Show. A very big thank you to those parents and also staff who have willingly volunteered over the 2 days for this fundraiser.

Our first meeting of the year, which is also our AGM will be held on Tuesday 27th February at 7pm in the School Library. We would like to invite all our parents to come along, as these meetings are always a very good opportunity to hear the inside story of what’s happening at the school and also what future plans lie ahead. It’s also a great opportunity to have your say, ask questions and get to know other parents too. There will be positions on the Executive Committee that will be vacated so if you would like to be a part of the team that helps contribute to the school’s resources we would love to see you there.

Mr Peter Alldridge
P&F President

PARISH NEWS

SACRAMENTS OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST COMMUNION: Parents of children from Year 4 and upwards who missed the opportunity of preparing their children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation last year, are once again offered the opportunity so that their child can be Confirmed and receive First Holy Communion later this year. Please contact the Presbytery by Friday 16th February if you wish your child to join the Sacramental preparation group this year.