31 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Visible Learners

The key Curriculum Leaders in the school took part in a valuable workshop last week which finalised our plan for our Visible Learning program here at St Joseph’s. The plan involves the development of students as visible learners, implementing measures to closely monitor student progress, identifying and implementing the most appropriate way to provide students with effective feedback and developing collective teacher efficacy (teachers working together to improve student outcomes).

Visible Learning is the result of the research undertaken by Professor John Hattie to understand what provides the most success in learning. John Hattie defines Visible Learners as students who can:

• Articulate what they are learning
• Explain the next steps in their learning
• Set learning goals
• See errors as opportunities for further learning
• Know what to do when they are stuck
• Seek feedback

In every lesson, students need to know what they are learning, and what is needed in the task to make them successful. These are known as Learning Intentions and Success Criteria.

Learning intentions or WALT (We are learning to …) clearly articulate what the students are learning (ie, skills, knowledge, dispositions, values).

Success criteria or WILF (What I’m looking for…) detail the skills, concepts, knowledge and processes required to be successful in meeting the learning intention.

Teachers start each lesson with these. By doing so, the following are the potential benefits for students.

• Students are more likely to know what they are learning, the why (relevance) of what they are learning and how they can be successful.
• Students are more likely to transfer their new learning into another context (topic) when they understand the difference between what they are learning and the context in which the learning is occurring.
• Students are more likely to how what they have to do to achieve success with their learning if they have the opportunity to co-design the success criteria with their teachers.
• Students and teachers will be more likely to use a shared language of learning.

With learning intentions and success criteria, students and teachers will focus more on the learning rather than context (topic or activity).

What can we do as parents to support our children’s visible learning?

After school each day, ask your children, “What did you learn today?”

Discussions at home should focus on what was learned in class, more so than simply asking, “How was your day?” By focusing on learning we help our children to be visible learners.

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-SECONDARY

These past two weeks have seen much happening on the Secondary campus. Last week, Year 7 – 12 students were inspired by the stories presented by the Australian Defence Force Recruiting team. The session gave many students an insight into the possible careers that the Australian Army, Navy and Royal Australian Airforce offer. Physical requirements for each of the different forces were identified to students, with many confident that they could meet the beep test requirements, for at least the Navy and Airforce anyway! On conclusion of the session, several students were able to have conversations with Defence Force personnel and ask specific questions.

Career pathways continued as a focus this week with our Year 11 students attending the University of Southern Queensland Student Experience Day. Students were given glimpses of life at university and the many courses that USQ offers. We thank the University of Southern Queensland for their time and efforts in creating a wonderful experience for our Year 11 students.

Last night, Year 10 parents and students attended the first information session, “Senior Schooling 2019 and Beyond.” From the beginning of 2019 there will be several key changes to the landscape of the Year 11 and 12 learning environment, including the new Australia Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) which will replace Queensland’s current Overall Position (OP) system. Our school has been preparing for this system change for the past 18 months.

Over the upcoming months, my role, as well of that of teachers, is to ensure a seamless transition to the new ATAR system occurs. Senior teachers will provide valuable information to Year 10 students in relation to subject choices as students move to Year 11. The teachers, who have relevant knowledge and understanding of the newly redesigned syllabuses, are in key positions to assist your son/daughter when considering those subjects that they would like to study in 2019 and beyond.

In past weeks I have had many discussions with Year 10 students about what St Joseph’s School offers to them, spiritually, emotionally and academically. Our discussions all centre on the value that Jesus Christ brings to our lives as people who strive to walk and live out the Gospel story. This story is the walking together where care and community are fostered amongst Secondary students and staff. Teachers always desire to assist students in their schooling journey and work towards finding ways to help guide and support students, even in the midst of challenge. Students are encouraged to support each other and seek assistance, as St Teresa of Avila once stated,” What a great favour God does to those He places us in the company of good people”.

God’s richest blessings

Linda Perrett
Assistant Principal Administration-Secondary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-PRIMARY

When asked to define the term ‘leadership’, there will generally be a consensus of opinion around the qualities that a person should exhibit if they aspire to be a leader. Year 6 students from St Joseph’s School, during a Leadership Workshop facilitated last week by Angela Travers, Education Officer for Faith and Mission at Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, listed attributes such as a being a good listener, an effective communicator, someone who puts others first, doing deeds for others without need of recognition, being responsible and respectful and someone who is able to inspire those around them to be leaders themselves.

The focus of this day was to strengthen the students’ understanding of what it means to be a leader in different contexts and for them in particular, the context of being in the final year of Primary school. For students at St Joseph’s, the model of servant leadership is one which is promoted, as every individual with their own gifts has a part to play in sustaining the nurturing atmosphere on the campus as well as contributing to actions which will benefit people in the wider community and the world.

Some highlights of the day’s activities included making prayer mandalas to help students be still and mindful at prayer time, reflecting on the leadership qualities demonstrated by Jesus and recognising the significance of the story ‘The Three Questions’ by Leo Tolstoy (first published in 1885) to our own lives. In this story the King sought advice about when would be the right time to start something, who is important and what is the most important thing to do. The answers to the questions were revealed as: now, the person who needs assistance and whatever needs to be done. This is good advice for all the students as they complete their final year on the Primary Campus.

At our Awards Night later in the year, we will recognise those students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills with the presentation of the Donna Shannon Leadership Award.

Student comments:

“We learned that everybody has their own special talent and everybody is different, meaning that everybody has their own way of being a leader.”

“We learned how important it is to work as a team.”

“It was amazing. It taught me about how to be a good leader. What stood out for me was that you don’t have to follow the crowd.”

“I think every Year 6 student should get a chance to do this each year.”

“We learned that all leaders can be scared at times and need to be brave at times.”

“I learned to be myself and no one else.”

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Administration-Primary

Year 6 students enjoyed their Leadership Workshop which provided good advice for them as they complete their final year of schooling on the Primary Campus.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (APRE)

The Religious Life of St Joseph’s School consists of four components, one of which is Social Action and Justice. Our Faith in Action Program incorporates service learning and allows for students to participate in a variety of service and fundraising activities.

As well as visits to a number of community organisations, students are currently partaking in the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, organised by Prefect Natasha Petroccitto, and fundraising for “Swags for the Homeless”, being led by Prefect Joshua Mahoney.

Students also have the opportunity to be involved in Mini and Teen Vinnies where events are organised to promote consciousness of issues in our local and global communities. Reflection on these opportunities is also important in enabling our students to consider how their actions promote human dignity of all.

What does the Lord require you to do? To act justly and to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

Megan Mahoney
Assistant Principal Religious Education

SCHOOL NEWS

WINTER APPEAL- “CAN IT FOR A CAUSE”

Student Prefect, Natasha Petroccitto has launched the St Joseph’s Winter Appeal “Can it for a Cause” as part of her Prefect project and Mercy value "Options for the Poor". Natasha is hoping to supply over 400 cans to our local SVDP organisation.

Natasha has asked every child in the school to donate at least one can of food such as soups, spaghetti, baked beans or stew which can be heated and eaten as a meal. This year Natasha also asked families to send in any recipes which use canned soups, baked beans etc. to compile a recipe book which will be given to SVDP and distributed to clients with food items.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has brought in cans so far. We already have over 4 boxes of cans. I encourage everyone to get behind this worthy cause,” Natasha said.

Supporting the Winter Appeal enables staff and students to see our Mercy values in action through assisting the poor, showing compassion and ensuring justice to those in need. Donations can be left at the Administration Office. Thank you to our school community for your ongoing support and generosity of these projects.

Natasha Petroccitto with fellow Year 12 student Tia Campbell is asking families to donate cans for this worthy cause.

HEALTHY HAROLD VISIT TO PRIMARY CAMPUS

Last week, the St Joseph’s Primary Campus welcomed Healthy Harold. During the week, the students had the opportunity to visit the Life Education Van and learn more about how to lead healthy lives and make responsible choices.

Research shows that well designed school-based health education programs play an important role in helping children develop the skills needed to make informed decisions.

Healthy Harold allows children to explore creative and collaborative learning in a space that is entirely different from a traditional classroom. There are no desks, pens or paper. Children are encouraged to participate and learn through engaging education experiences.

Students always enjoy a visit from Healthy Harold.

STUDENTS ENJOY COMMUNITY SERVICE

As part of St Joseph’s School ongoing commitment to being of service to the community, and their “Faith in Action” program for Term 2, students from Year 5 visited C&K, Country Kids and Rainbows last Friday afternoon.

There was much chatter and laughter as all the students became involved in activities such as reading, playing with blocks, hosting tea parties, dressing up and riding on very small three-wheeled bikes to amuse their new friends.

It is difficult to say who had the most fun, but judging from the positive response when then the Year 5s returned to classes later that afternoon, it was a very worthwhile experience.

The Year 5 students embraced the opportunity to enjoy time with their new young friends.

HAMBURGER DAY SUCCESS

The annual Hamburger day held on Friday 25th May was deemed a success. The St Joseph’s Mini Vinnies worked tirelessly for both morning tea and lunch break, selling cupcakes, chips, drinks and hamburgers.

The funds raised from the day are donated to the local St Vincent de Paul and Foodbank.

Thank you to everyone who supported this day.

MATHS CLUB

Students from Years 3/4 classes who have been identified by their classroom teacher and through standardised testing results as achieving at a high level in Mathematics, have been invited to join a Maths Club for the rest of Term 2 and the beginning of Term 3. During this time, students will be involved in Problem Solving activities and join other students across Australasia in the “Maths Games” project.

The group will meet weekly with Mr Fleming and selected tutors (Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 students) during the lunchbreak.

DRONE CLUB

Primary and Secondary Staff have co-ordinated to start a STEM Club. The Club will first explore coding drones to solve a problem or achieve a goal. A small group of Year 7s will first learn the skills needed to code a drone and implement appropriate safety procedures. They will then share their knowledge of safety rules and coding skills by creating and running a series of activities for a group of 5/6 students. The skills students will develop are linked to the 5/6 and 7/8 Digital Technologies Curriculum.

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is Cancer Council Australia's most popular fundraising event and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia.

Last Thursday morning, staff and members of the community gathered for this special event. Hosts, Kim Badcock and Debby Wilson ensured there was an abundance of delicious treats on offer as staff and friends joined together for a cuppa. Staff also brought in their favourite teapot or teacup which added a lovely feature to the morning. Highlights of the morning was the joyous rendition of “I’m a little Teapot” from the Prep students and the special daisy flowers for sale, lovingly made by the Year 1 students.

The morning tea was enjoyed by all who attended and couldn’t be possible without the support of so many. Thank you to everyone who played a part in ensuring the success of this event.

This year it is hoped to raise over $13 million, to fund research, prevention and support services for those affected by cancer. Hosting a tea is a fun and rewarding way to support the event and help save lives, with more than a million people will sipping their way through morning teas at work, school, home and in the community.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

Year 4 student Jed Murphy always wanted to make a wedding cake. Last week, this dream for Jed became a reality.

Every Thursday, Jed and Lochlan Taylor take part in the Life Skills Session with the assistance of Teacher Aide, Kim Badcock. Each week, the students plan what they would like to bake and write a list of ingredients that they will require. The following week, the students and Kim venture to the shops to purchase these items. This activity teaches the students about how to plan, how to budget and the experience of going shopping. The students then have the pleasure of baking their planned treat on the next Thursday. The ultimate enjoyment to end this session is eating what has been baked.

Kim thought the wedding cake could be made and enjoyed at Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. So the planning began, ingredients were purchased and the big day was fast approaching.

With the added assistance of Abraham Caruso, Lochlan and Jed prepared and decorated the wedding cake. Gorgeous flowers from Mrs Debby Wilson’s garden added the finishing touch. The wedding cake looked magnificent. The boys were thrilled with their masterpiece which took pride of place on the table at the special morning tea last Thursday.

“I always wanted to make a wedding cake because I really wanted to make it for the teachers and to make everyone happy. It looks beautiful. I’m very happy with the final product,” Jed said.

Great work Jed, Lochlan and Abraham.

Jed Murphy, Lochlan Taylor and Abraham Caruso with their “wedding cake” which was served at the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event.

ANNUAL RED SHIELD DOORKNOCK APPEAL

On Sunday 27th May, St Joseph’s students were invited to assist with the Salvation Army Annual Red Shield Doorknock Appeal.

Students had the opportunity to work alongside other community members such as members from the Stanthorpe Lions Club. Once the doorknock was completed, students enjoyed delicious refreshments.

This is another event which St Joseph’s School is proud to be associated with and another wonderful opportunity for our students to live out the Mercy Values within our community.

EISTEDDFOD LOTE PERFORMANCE

The senior LOTE Primary students represented St Joseph’s School in the Choral Italian Speaking at this year’s Eisteddfod on Tuesday.

While sadly the students did not come away with a win, they received a ‘highly commended’ for their efforts. Ballandean and Severnlea State Schools performed well respectively.

It was lovely to see new competitors in the Solo Italian Recitation. The LOTE students have been inspired to enter next year with the hunt for the perfect poem already begun.

A big thank you to the 5/6 students that took on the extra challenge of performing at the Eisteddfod in Italian. “Each year, these students amaze me with their talent and dedication,” LOTE Teacher, Miss Leigh Cusack said.

The Year 5/6 LOTE students performed well at the recent Eisteddfod.

More Eisteddfod news and photos will feature in the next newsletter!

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 Christina Benson and I currently teach one of the Year 5/6 classes.

I moved to Stanthorpe 3 years ago and joined St Joseph's teaching Year 1. My role as a classroom teacher is multifaceted with a main focus on student academic progress, emotional and social wellbeing. I work very hard to ensure that I am engaging students in their learning and developing a rapport with students that encourages them to be the best they can be.

The most enjoyable part of my role are the 'light bulb moments', when a student finds the missing link that helps them connect past and new knowledge or that helps them become confident in a particular task.

In 2018 I hope to continue delivering engaging lessons and being present for those 'light bulb' moments.

G’day, Stephan Pace here, for those who don’t know me I am the Groundsman at St Joseph’s. In October this year I will have been at the school for eight years.

I was born and bred in Mackay, North Queensland on a sugar cane and cattle property, the youngest of nine children. I have been married to my wife Sue for 31 years. Sue is also a staff member of St Joseph’s and we have a 22 year old son who attended St Joseph’s School from Years 8 to 12.

On a day to day basis, I perform cleaning duties, general maintenance and maintain the grounds and gardens. The thing I most enjoy about working at St Joseph’s is, after a day’s work, looking back at the maintained lawns and gardens. I also love seeing the students grow academically and mature into young adults over their time at St Joseph’s. Furthermore, I enjoy my conversations with our lovely Crossing Supervisor ladies who guide our students safely to and from school each day.

This year I hope to upgrade many of the gardens across the school. I wish to thank the parents, caregivers, students and staff for making St Joseph’s a great place to work.

POSITIVE SCHOOL CONFERENCE 2018

Mrs Lorien Kirby, Head of Pastoral Care, attended the 2018 Positive Schools Conference in Brisbane last week. The conference was about how schools can further support the holistic mental health and wellbeing of our students, including programs, strategies, resources and the future of education in Australia. The conference put forward the idea that positive student wellbeing is fast becoming the number one indicator for success later in life, above all other indicators, even those such as academic success.

There were a range of presenters, both Australian and International, including, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Dr Helen Street, Professor Donna Cross, Professor Matthew Sanders, Professor Felicia Huppert and Finnish Education Policy advisor, Professor Pasi Sahlberg.

Mrs Kirby said that attending the conference was highly beneficial, as it has given her the opportunity to learn about a range of strategies and ideas that she will be able to look at implementing at St Joseph’s, to further improve student wellbeing.

Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs Kirby is keen to implement strategies to further improve student wellbeing.

A REMINDER TO ALL VISITORS TO ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL

All visitors to St Joseph’s School must sign in at the School Office. This is part of our regulation, and assists with ensuring we maintain the safety and wellbeing of all our students.

Staff, students and parents/caregivers dropping students off and picking them up do not need to sign in. However, supply staff must sign in and out for the days they are working.

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.

SPORTS NEWS

BRONCOS CUP

The first Gala Day for Broncos Cup was held in Goondiwindi on Wednesday 23rd of May. St Joseph’s School entered 2 Netball teams in B and C grade and combined a number of 12/13 and 14/15 Years boys with Texas and Inglewood for Rugby League. This was an excellent opportunity for students to play a team sport with their peers and develop athletic and social skills.

The Netball girls had some success on the scoreboard and at all times showed what St Joseph’s students are made of confidence; perseverance and good sportsmanship. The Rugby Leagues boys, although struggling with a group of boys who had not played together before, came away from the experience having enjoyed their footy and making some new friends.

A great big thank you goes out to our two senior students, Lachlan Swan and Sonya Perrett, who gave up their time to help coach the Rugby League and umpire Netball. It takes many volunteers to run carnivals successfully and it is wonderful to see our senior students stepping up and taking on these responsibilities.

DARLING DOWNS CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

Six students from St Joseph’s Secondary attended the Darling Downs Cross Country Trials in Toowoomba on Tuesday 22nd of May. Thank you to their parents who made the trip possible driving their respective students to the event. Students returned to school pleased with their individual performance with many of them finishing in the front half of the field.

Several students from the Primary campus also attended these trials on the same day. Alex Waterworth came 2nd in his respective age group and will now compete at the State Championships in July.

Congratulations to all these students who represented St Joseph’s School with excellent conduct and sportsmanship.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANIKA SPILLER

Last Thursday and Friday, Anika Spiller represented the Darling Downs and competed in the School based Under 19 Girls State Championships held in Ipswich. Well done to Anika and her team who came 8th out of the 10 teams competing.

From this event, 32 young ladies were selected for further representative honours from 160 attending. Congratulations to Anika who was selected in the Queensland 2nds side (shadow) to represent Queensland in the National Football Championships to be held in Shepparton, Victoria on 26th – 31st August.

“I was shocked to be selected, as all the girls in my team were from Toowoomba who always play at that higher level than we do in Stanthorpe,” Anika said. Anika added that she will receive updates about training and further requirements at a later date, but is really excited.

Congratulations also to Hunter Murphy who played in the Under 19 Boys. Hunter’s team placed 5th out of 10 teams competing.

Well done to both Anika and Hunter.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BURSAR

A reminder that Term 2 School Fees were due 18th May 2018.

Year 7, 8 & 9 Camps fees are due 11.06.18 and must be paid prior to the camps, to allow students to attend.

Please call School Bursar, Megan Hines on 46815903 or email her on
megan.hines@twb.catholic.edu.au should you require any assistance.

SUPERVISED SCHOOL CROSSINGS

School Crossing Supervisors care about the safety of our children. They know the traffic environment very well at our School. There are NO EXCUSES not to cross the road safely with the School Crossing Supervisor. They are there to assist you to safely cross roads to and from school. For everyone’s safety, at all times, please obey the direction of the School Crossing Supervisor.

On arrival at the crossing, please wait behind the yellow line on the footpath. The School Crossing Supervisor will ask all pedestrians, including adults, to wait behind this yellow line. When a suitable gap appears in the traffic from both directions, the supervisor will extend the STOP sign to face the traffic and, when the traffic has come to a complete halt, proceed to the centre of the road with the STOP sign displayed. Please wait on the footpath until indicated by the Supervisor who will then blow the whistle twice to indicate that it is now safe to cross. Walk directly across the road to the footpath on the other side. When all pedestrians have cleared the crossing, the supervisor then returns to the footpath.

Remember to use designated footpaths, not the road. Never cross the road between parked vehicles, as approaching traffic may not see you. Instead, use facilities such as children’s crossing and pedestrian lights, if provided.

Children on bicycles

All cyclists and children on scooters will be asked to dismount and walk their bicycles/scooters over the crossing.

Remember, if a crossing supervisor is on duty, children MUST listen to them and only cross when the supervisor signals to do so. They make sure everyone crosses the road safely.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

If you would like more information on this or any other child road safety issue, please phone your local Road Safety Office on 1300 360 135.

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

The P&F Association would like to encourage parents to attend their monthly meetings. Meetings are an ideal way to discuss topics concerning your child and the future direction of the school. It is also an opportunity to have your say.

The current P&F Committee is a small but passionate group representing both campuses. The Committee is keen to see more faces at their meetings, both old and new, which are held on the last Tuesday of the month.

The P&F Committee support various school initiatives including donating funds to the Defensive Driving Course which the current Year 12 students will attend.

The next P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday 26th June at 7pm in the Board Room, situated in the Administration Building.

UPCOMING EVENTS