2 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Thanks all for a good start to Term 2. It has been a busy one.

On Tuesday last week we held our school ANZAC Day Service in the Bathersby Centre and at our War Memorial. The service was a moving one and for me was my proudest day so far as Principal of St Joseph’s School. Thanks to all involved. In particular, I would like to thank the choir and band, who performed so well, and our guests Chaplain Jim Cosgrove, Member for Southern Downs, Mr James Lister, and Mr Norm Steele from The Stanthorpe RSL. Special Guest, Australian Army Chaplain Jim Cosgrove, a 30 year ADF veteran, addressed the gathering about “The Meaning of ANZAC Day”. He spoke of the courage that characterises our Australian Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Airwomen. His clear message was that all of us, like the ANZAC’s, should look out for our mates, stand up to bullying and help those in need.

I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful work and support of the Parents and Friends Association who organised and ran the highly successful “Back to the 80’s” Trivia Night on Saturday. Over 250 people attended a fun filled evening. It was good to see so many people across the community come together, support the school and enjoy themselves. Thanks to all who helped out and to the sponsors for their contributions.

21st Century Skills

2019 sees the introduction of Queensland’s new senior curriculum, learning and assessment system. This provides the foundation for students to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions for success in further education, work and life. The curriculum is underpinned by 21st century skills, literacy and numeracy.

The skills derived through senior education and needed in the 21st century are unique, and differ from those skills needed in the past. Societal shifts, including changes in employment and the way information and knowledge is accessed, used and created have influenced the changes in these skills. In some instances, they are not new skills, but a heightened importance of a particular skill, or the need to combine skill sets in different ways.

These 21st century skills (listed below) are those needed to succeed in a complex, competitive, knowledge-based, information-age, technology driven economy and society. The new senior curriculum reflects these skills.

Critical thinking

• analytical thinking
• problem-solving
• decision-making
• reasoning
• reflecting and evaluating
• intellectual flexibility

Creative thinking

• innovation
• initiative and enterprise
• curiosity and imagination
• creativity
• generating and applying new ideas
• identifying alternatives
• seeing or making new links

Communication

• effective oral and written communication
• using language, symbols and texts
• communicating ideas effectively with diverse audiences

Collaboration and teamwork

• relating to others
• recognising and using diverse perspectives
• participating and contributing
• community connections

Personal and social skills

• adaptability/flexibility
• management (self, career, time, planning and organising)
• character (resilience, mindfulness, open and fair-mindedness, self-awareness)
• leadership
• citizenship
• cultural awareness
• ethical (and moral) understanding

Information & communication technologies (ICT) skills

• operations and concepts
• accessing and analysing information
• being productive users of technology
• digital citizenship (being safe, positive and responsible online)

The staff in the Secondary campus are working very hard to implement the new senior curriculum for Year 11 in 2019. They are also reviewing and re-writing our curriculum and assessment across Years 7 to 10 to ensure that students are prepared for the new senior program.

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

Assistant Principal-Secondary: Linda Perrett

There is plenty happening at present on the secondary campus. Last week the QISSN team held a a very successful disco for Year 3 – 8 students. Our Bill Turner Football teams are getting prepared for their first round of games in the upcoming weeks and we also have the Darling Downs Cross Country being held this Thursday. Good luck to all of our sportsmen and women who are participating.

Year 12’s are engaged in rigorous preparation for their QCS tests being held later in the year and only this week, Dr Judy Smeed, had sessions with senior teachers about how to assist OP eligible students to maximise their potential. Year 12’s also have received their senior jerseys, which they will wear with pride, especially during the winter months.

Assistant Principal-Primary: Sarah Yates

Term 3 has begun in earnest as you would expect. Within a short time of being back at school, the students were engrossed in their learning, continuing where they left off in Term 1. Conversations amongst the teachers are focused on how much growth they have seen already in the students since the start of the year – academically, socially and emotionally and this is very encouraging. This term we will provide parents with a more formal assessment to their child’s performance against the Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards in the form of the end of semester report. However, I hope that parents have availed themselves of the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss their child’s ongoing progress so far this year. We know from research that working in partnership with parents has a very positive effect on a learner’s ability to succeed and we welcome your involvement.

Sporting competitions have also started this term, with a number of our students being involved in representing the school and also the Granite Belt at Darling Downs trials. Each student has equipped themselves well and been a credit to themselves, their school and their parents. I congratulate all of them on their achievements and look forward to further competitions throughout the term.

A highlight this term has been the response of the Primary students to the ANZAC Day commemorations. Not only did we have a significant number of students marching on the day, we also packed 11 boxes full of biscuits, lollies and toiletries to send to servicemen and women abroad. A personal note of thanks was also added to each box. This was the first time we had done this and the response from the students and their families was immense. Thank you to all who contributed and to the Student Council members who assisted with the packing.

The next few weeks promise to be very busy with Healthy Harold making his annual appearance, NAPLAN assessments for Years 3 and 5, a leadership day for Year 6 and later in the term, camp for Year 5 students. We look forward to more highlights to share with our community.

Assistant Principal-Religious Education (APRE): Megan Mahoney

We celebrated the joy of the resurrection on Easter Sunday and with Easter eggs and Easter sales disappearing from stores we may be forgiven for thinking that the season has finished. Yet the Easter season continues for 50 days after the resurrection, concluding with Pentecost Sunday and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The Ascension of Jesus is celebrated 40 days after Easter. The Easter season focuses on the teachings of Jesus and his appearances to his disciples following his resurrection. White and gold signify the joy of this season, one of the most important seasons in the Church calendar.

The display in the library foyer has been changed to reflect the Easter season we are now in. Our liturgical colour is now white and signifies light, innocence, purity, joy, triumph, glory.

SCHOOL NEWS

ANZAC DAY SERVICE

On Tuesday 24th April, the School held their traditional Anzac Day Prayer Service. The Service took place in the stadium at 9:30am. This year some special guests were invited to attend, including Chaplain Jim Cosgrove addressed the school.

Australian Army Chaplain Jim Cosgrove, a 30 year ADF veteran, addressed the gathering about “The Meaning of ANZAC Day”. Chaplain Jim said that ANZAC Day is very different for many people. He spoke of the courage that characterises our Australian Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Airwomen.

“No matter how scared they are, they wouldn’t let their mates down-even if it means they are going to die,” Chaplain Jim said. “Our ANZAC tradition of Service and Self Sacrifice isn’t reserved for soldiers only, it is for all of us to be ready and courageous to serve, to give, to be generous, and to be responsive to the needs of others. It applies to you when you are 5 years old, or 10, or 15 or 50 years old. ANZAC Day cannot just be about the past and about soldiers, it needs to be about us, here today, our lives, our families, our school, our community,” Chaplain Jim added.

“ANZAC Day can be about some brave soldiers 100 years ago on the other side of the world, or it can be about us here today in Stanthorpe. Today as we celebrate ANZAC Day 2018 at St Joseph’s School, let us pray that God will help us grow stronger every day, to build in our lives the same courage and care for others this is part of the Anzac Spirit,” Chaplain Jim concluded. His clear message was that all of us should look out for our mates, stand up to bullying and help those in need.

The St Joseph’s Choir sang “Peace for all Time”. During this song teachers were asked to quietly move their classes to the Armed Services Memorial Garden where flowers were laid and the ode, last post and rouse were played. A song concluded the service.

Later that day, the Prep students embarked on an exciting journey to visit the Soldiers Memorial. The students were shown around this important place and could read the names of Soldier’s on the plaques.

As a final act of respect, a small bunch of flowers were laid at the Soldier’s Memorial with the Preps staying a prayer for the brave men and women who found in the wars.

They then enjoyed some ANZAC biscuits that they had baked. This was an ideal way to communicate to these younger students the importance of ANZAC Day, and why we pay tribute to those who have served for our country.

The next day, students, staff and families took part in the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day. Despite the early start and cooler weather, a great number turned out for this momentous occasion. Student Leaders lay a wreath at this Service before heading to the RSL to enjoy a Gun Fire breakfast.

Many then celebrated Mass at St Joseph’s Church to remember with gratitude and to pray for all those who lost their lives not only at Gallipoli, but in the many wars in which our nation has been involved.

Later that morning, students and staff proudly marched as a St Joseph’s School community in the ANZAC Day Parade.

“I would like to thank everyone all for their contribution and participation in the various ANZAC Day events on Tuesday and Wednesday. Chaplain Jim Cosgrove, our guest speaker on Tuesday, was very impressed with the students and staff during our school ANZAC Day Service. For me personally, Tuesday was my most satisfying day so far as Principal,” Andrew Kendall said.

EXTENDING THE MERCY VALUES OVERSEAS

Last term, St Joseph’s Primary student, Kaden Patterson was excitedly speaking with his Dad Matt about what he was learning at school about ANZAC Day. As a soldier in the Australian Defence Force, Matt was thrilled that students were being taught this at school and learning about the history of ANZAC Day. Matt has served a deployment to the Middle East and ensures Kaden understands what the ADF do and the sacrifices that our service personnel make.

From this the idea of sending care packages to our deployed troops for ANZAC Day was born. Matt and his wife Kristy, who are based in Sydney, provided all the details required to send the care packages.

Mrs Sarah Yates, Assistant Principal-Primary, spoke with Primary students at an assembly late last term about what could be included in the care packages and encouraged them to bring items in.

Eleven boxes of items including toiletries, magazines, socks, and foods such as noodles, biscuits and the Aussie favourite Tim Tams, were jam packed into the care packages. Mrs Yates and the Primary Student Council members delivered these boxes to the Post Office, sending them to our service personnel abroad. The ladies from the Post Office as well as customers venturing in, were impressed by the effort the School had gone to and the recognition St Joseph’s students were giving to those who continue to fight for and protect our country.

The students displayed the St Joseph’s Mercy values well and truly with the organisation of this very important project for our Australian troops, truly deserving of our support and who will be most appreciative of the arrival of these goodies.

Primary Student Council Representatives organized the Care Packages which were sent off to our Australian Troops.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON CYBERBULLYING

Many Parents and Teachers are concerned about cyberbullying. It is a serious problem that can hurt young people, families and school communities. Cyberbullying is also a complex problem that is often invisible to Parents and Teachers.

In February the Premier appointed a group of Queenslanders who are passionate about stopping cyberbullying of young people. The Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce is chaired by well-known author and commentator, Madonna King, and includes members with knowledge and expertise in education, youth health and wellbeing, law, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, disability and families.

The Taskforce needs your help to develop a framework for Queensland to help reduce cyberbullying of young people. They want to hear from parents, carers, students, teachers and other experts in schools. In particular, the Taskforce wants to hear about your ideas to:

• Prevent or reduce cyberbullying
• Support people affected by cyberbullying of young people.

How to have your say

Email the Taskforce at antibullyingtaskforce@premiers.qld.gov.au

Upload your ideas as a submission on the Taskforce website below

Come to a public forum in 12 Queensland locations including Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton and Charleville. For information about forums visit the link below:

Everyone can be part of the stand against cyberbullying. Ms King and the Taskforce members look forward to hearing from you.

St Joseph’s School participated in the National Day of Action against Bullying last Term.

INTRODUCING STAFF

In the first newsletter of the School year, the new teachers were introduced as well as a reintroduction of the Leadership. Every fortnight, a staff member from both campuses will provide a profile of themselves to allow the school and wider community to familiarise themselves with the staff at St Joseph’s School. The school operates with approximately 50 staff members who all have a special role to play in the effective functioning of the school.

My name is Kim Badcock and I am a Teacher Aide at St Joseph's. I work on the Primary Campus in Learning Support.

This is my sixth year here and this year I am working mostly with the Year 3/4 and 5/6 classes.

I enjoy the variety my role has to offer which can involve anything from helping in the classroom to working one-on-one with individual students.

Outside of the classroom, I can often be seen down town with students, shopping for ingredients which we then use to cook up tasty treats in the Tuckshop kitchen, teaching valuable life skills.

In the summer months, I am lucky enough to be able to assist with school swimming lessons.

I find my role very rewarding and all the children and staff I work with are fantastic so no matter what we're doing we always have lots of fun!

I grew up in Brisbane and moved to Stanthorpe nearly 12 years ago with my partner and our daughter Kirra (now 13). Our son Darcy (now 10) was born here in Stanthorpe.

In 2018 I look forward to continuing to support all students and staff, whilst furthering my studies.

My name is Dwain Macnamara and I have been working at St Joseph’s school now for the past four years and have enjoyed the warmth (at least most of the year) and community spirit of Stanthorpe. I mainly teach in the curriculum areas of Science and Mathematics. My specialty area is physics.

I enjoy giving knowledge and skills away to our potential young custodians and receive much joy in their successes and achievements. Major state-wide change to the Senior Curriculum and the implementation of innovative new learning strategies within the Toowoomba Diocese will provide significant and engaging challenges for this year and beyond. I see this school in a state of positive transformation and look forward to the many challenges and being part of a wonderful teaching team here at St Joseph’s school.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN tests are being held on Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th May and include assessments in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. At each year level, the students are tested on the skills in these areas and it provides a ‘point in time’ indication of where each child is performing against state and national levels.

Students within Years 3 and 5 have been engaged in activities within their normal learning programs which promote the development of key skills within literacy and numeracy and the ability to extend their learning by problem solving within more unfamiliar contexts. The Year 3 students, who will be sitting these assessments for the first time, have been familiarised with the format of the papers. This year we have also built in to the weekly timetable an opportunity for students to consolidate areas of both subjects.

Students in Year 7 and 9 have been involved in preparing for these tests since Term 4 last year. Students have been working with teachers, specifically targeting any areas that require some additional learning activities. In Mathematics, teachers have designed and facilitated one key learning lesson each week, refining the skills needed by students in the numeracy tests. For English students, many language and grammar activities have been embedded into the Term 1 units of work. Students have also been learning how to manage their time in each of the NAPLAN tests.

NAPLAN tests provide valuable information about Year 3, 5 7 and 9 students. The data provided allows us to track their growth and apply interventions where necessary. We are confident that our students will engage in these exams with a positive attitude and demonstrate their learning to date.

QISSN FUNDRAISER

On Tuesday 19th May, the Secondary QISSN Team held a disco for Years 3 – 8 to raise money for their trip to Townsville for the Netball carnival to be held in July.

The disco was a huge success, and a fun night for all students who attended. The team were pleasantly surprised with the dancing skill of attendees, with some definite competition in the dance off, seeing classic dance moves such as The Worm and The Robot!

The QISSN Team were overwhelmed with the success of the disco and are appreciate the students who came along and supported them in this fundraising event.

Students had a great time at the QISSN Disco.

MAKE A WISH GRANTED TO FORMER ST JOSEPH’S STUDENT

Former student, Katey Going who left St Joseph’s School last August when the family moved to the Gold Coast, made a special return to St Joseph’s School with her Mum, Krista and sister Ruby-Fay on Friday 20th April. Make a Wish Foundation were making a special presentation to Katey, who had requested this be done with her former classmates at St Joseph’s School.

Make a Wish volunteers, Deb Schultz and Winnie Edmonds who have been the case works for Katey, travelled from Toowoomba to present Katey with her Make a Wish dream at a special Primary School Assembly.

Last year, Katey’s doctors made contact with the Make a Wish Foundation. The Foundation pride themselves on taking each child who applies to the Foundation, on a carefully designed, special journey where they anticipate and experience their most cherished wish coming true. This journey gives these sick children such as Katey, hope for the future, strength to face the challenges of their illness, and joy from their incredible wish experience.

The Make a Wish Team in Melbourne consider each circumstance with relevant criteria being discussed, at which point the case is assigned to the nearest branch which in Katey’s circumstance was Toowoomba. Deb and Winnie began their special journey with Katey and her family with a home visit. The ladies said that their job was simply to make Katey feel safe and comfortable, and as most adults Katey spends time with are of the medical profession, they wanted her to feel normal and relaxed with them.

“Our aim was to talk to Katey about her hopes, dreams and her future. We wanted her to get excited about something and to look forward to it. We did a lot of talking, about favourite foods and colours and what she likes to do. This benefits the family also as they too become excited about what is being planned and it’s not all about doctors and medical appointment,” they said.

The ladies added that after their initial visit, they sent their ideas back to Head Office and from there, a fair bit of negotiating went on. “We basically become the spokesperson for the child,” they said.

There are limitations such as no overseas travel but with volunteers, donations and sponsors, Make a Wish works towards making a positive impact of a wish that lasts long after the wish has been granted, and working with medical treatment, it helps the child in the battle for their health.

Over the past twelve months, there was much anticipation with emails going back and forth between Deb, Winnie and Katey’s Mum to make Katey’s wish come true. “The parents are kept in the loop somewhat, to work in with timetables, however, the build-up ensures that they also get a lovely surprise,” Deb said.

“Katey’s wish was to put her face under water and to go snorkeling.

Katey was presented with tickets for her and her family to fly to Toowoomba, then drive to Port Douglas, a Quick Silver tour to the Ribbon Reef to go snorkelling followed by horse riding along the beach at Cape Tribulation and spend a day at a wildlife sanctuary. Following the presentation, Katey, her family and classmates were treated to a special morning tea and cake.

From the anticipation, to the wish itself, and the memories that it creates – each unique wish journey provides a welcome diversion for children and teenagers going through difficult medical treatments. A wish can also be a positive experience for families in challenging times. A child may wish for anything, and the Make a Wish Foundation will do everything they possibly can to make it happen.

DARLING DOWNS NETBALL TRIALS

On Monday 23rd April, Mrs O’Dea and Mrs Brunckhorst travelled to Toowoomba with students to attend the Darling Downs Trials. Although none of our students were selected for the Darling Downs teams, they all played wonderfully and conducted themselves perfectly all day. Their behaviour and sportsmanship skills were a credit to themselves and our school.

Back Row: Rylee Vedelago, Tay McNamara, Ella Green, Olivia Page.
Front: Row: Brigid O’Dea, Sophie Brunckhorst

YEAR 7 AGRICULTURE

Last Term, Ms Melton took the Year 7 Agriculture students had an enjoyable farm visiting Ashbern Farms as part of their introduction to agriculture on the Granite Belt.

The students experience a real “paddock to plate” experience, starting with a talk about growing strawberries on a commercial scale, followed by a talk about picking, packing and marketing the strawberries as well as a tour of the farm.

Students enjoyed picking their own punnets to sample at home, and gave a big thumbs up to the Ashbern Farm’s strawberry ice-cream.

Year 7 Ag students had a great day visiting Ashbern Farms.

PRIMARY STUDENTS ENJOY TERM 1 OF LOTE

Last Term, the Year 1 students learnt about bodies and actions through the traditional story of Pinocchio and songs such as Head and Shoulders.

The Year 1 students had fun with “testa” (head) and spalle (shoulders).

The Year 2 students continued their work learning about Italy. The students chose a city such as Rome, Palermo, Venice or Milan and looked at a variety of pictures to get an idea about what each city is like.

They also enjoyed drawing their version of a landmark or special from their favourite city.

The Year 2 students with their landmark drawings

The Year 3/4 students were also hard at work recapping on greetings and getting to know people. For the Year 3 students this was an opportunity to become stronger in their written Italian. In addition, they learnt a poem called “Quando Piove” and also some common classroom phrases.

The Year 5/6 students were also busy with working on improving their written Italian and pronunciation. To this end, the class has learnt two poems. They are also beginning their rehearsals for the Eisteddfod which isn’t too far away.

Ms Cusack would like to thank all her students for their conscientious work during Term 1 in LOTE, particularly the new students who commenced later in the term. They had to pick up a new language whilst settling in.

THE SCHOOL BAND & ST JOSEPH’S CHOIR

The School Band and St Joseph’s Choir were an exceptional presence at the ANZAC Day Service which was held last Tuesday. The music and singing added a wonderful element which ensured the Service was uplifting and reflective for all who attended.

St Joseph’s Choir are working hard in preparation for the upcoming Eisteddfod. The Choir is very excited to showcase their talents at this annual event and perform for an audience.

Thank you to the Choir members who attend the weekly rehearsals during their lunch break and to Mrs Jo Barker for her time and efforts this small, energetic group of students.

Thank you also to Mr David Ross and Mr Aaron Buchanan for their work with the Band students.

We look forward to seeing the School Band and St Joseph’s Choir at many more school events.

The School Band & St Joseph’s Choir will feature at future school events.

LOST PROPERTY

All lost property for both Primary and Secondary Campuses will now be stored at the Office. Should you have any items of clothing missing, please check at the Office.

These items will be kept at the Office for a term and then if the owners cannot be identified, they will be made available to the School Community.

SCHOOL BANKING

Term 2 School Banking rewards now available!

Exciting new Term 2 rewards are now available, while stocks last!

There are 8 new reward items for 2018 from the Super Savers range. Each Term new rewards become available. Term 1 rewards are also available to order while stocks last.

• Twister Power Handball (Term 1)
• Secret Scratch Pad (Term 1)
• Sparkle Glitter Pens (Term 2)
• Glow Light (Term 2)
• Mighty Boom Handball (Term 3)
• Heat Reactor Pencils (Term 3)
• Slushie Maker Cup (Term 4)
• Zoom Flying Disc (Term 4)

Please remember to bring your bank books to school on Monday or Tuesday so that you don’t miss out on your school banking being processed.

SPORTS NEWS

END OF TERM 1 CROSS COUNTRY

The St Joseph’s Whole School Cross Country Carnival was held on the last day of Term 1, Thursday 29th March 2018.

With perfect conditions for an athletic event, students participated with enthusiasm and good spirits. It was a fantastic opportunity for the Primary and Secondary students to come together as a School community and celebrate individual students’ athletic prowess and whole school participation.

Thank you to the Stanthorpe Golf Club for catering the event and the Cross Country sponsors Cut’s & Curls Hair Salon, Favero Motors, the Hilton and McLucas Families for their support.

Congratulations to all the students who participated and those that won prizes.

REMINDERS AND UPDATES

BILL TURNER CUP

On Thursday 26th April, twenty-five students from Years 7-10, were involved in a soccer round robin tournament for the Bill Turner Cup. The boy’s team performed really well in their first game coming from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against the strongest side with only 10 players. The boys found it hard in the other games battling the heat and fitness but they put their hearts on the line.

The girl’s team played strong all day with a rewarding win in the first game 8-1. The girls were unlucky in the next game but gave it their all. Well done to all students involved.

Students played well at the recent Bill Turner Cup Tournament.

P&F NEWS

Last Saturday night, the Bathersby Stadium was transformed back in time to the 1980s era. An assortment of costumes with shoulder pads, fluro colours, big hair and bright blue eye shadow were on display as trivia fanatics gathered for the “Back to the 80s” Trivia Night.

A fun-filled evening was enjoyed by all who attended. A huge thank you to the Emcee, Robert Reeves, who kept the program flowing with six rounds of trivia questions. Each round was generously sponsored by local businesses.

Congratulations to the following teams:

The Care Bears were delighted to be named best dressed team with Remo Raccanello and Kellie Biggin named best dressed male and female. Prizes for these sections and the lucky door prizes were also generously donated by local businesses.

A multi-draw raffle with awesome prizes were up for grabs.

A huge thank you is extended to the P&F Association and Trivia Night Committee for organising a successful and entertaining event. Evenings such as the Trivia Night allows not only families of St Joseph’s School to gather socially, but also for the wider community.

An event such as this, always requires the assistance of many to ensure the smooth running. Thank you to the staff and students who helped with setting up and to the Administration staff for their support. Mrs Mahoney, Ms Coulston and the QISSN girls provided babysitting as a fundraiser for their upcoming QISSN Carnival. Thank you to those involved with the babysitting which allowed parents with smaller children to join in the fun-filled evening.

A huge thank you is extended to all the sponsors and donors who continually sponsor and donate to guarantee these fundraisers are financially successful. Finally thank you to the families and wider community who attended the Trivia Night and who for their continued support of our school.