14 June 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Last week we hosted Tamsyn Rosenberg, an internationally recognised expert in mental and emotional wellbeing, from the Alive Organisation. Tamsyn worked with students, staff and parents on the essentials of mental wellbeing for our students.

Having good mental health is key to the healthy development and wellbeing of every child. Children need good mental health - not only to be able to deal with challenges and adapt to change, but so they can feel good about themselves, build healthy relationships with others and enjoy life.

As a parent or caregiver, it’s useful to reflect on the mental health habits that you promote in your children. Here are ten ways to promote good mental health and wellbeing in children.

1. Model good mental health habits: If you, like many parents, live constantly with stress then consider ways to actively minimise it, such as getting regular exercise, plenty of sleep and doing relaxation exercises.
2. Make sure they get enough sleep: Sleep is one of the building blocks of mental health and wellbeing. Many children and just about all teenagers are sleep-deprived at the moment. Many parents are sleep-deprived as well! Children need between 10 and 12 hours’ sleep to enable proper growth and development, while teenagers need a minimum of nine hours.
3. Encourage your children to exercise: Exercise stimulates the chemicals that improve mood and release the stress that builds up over a day. An hour’s movement per day seems the minimum for children.
4. Encourage creative outlets: Children should practise creativity if for no other reason than it helps them experience the state of ‘flow’. This is the state of getting so immersed in an activity that you forget about time and place. It’s energizing and helps take stressed and worried children out of themselves.
5. Provide a space of their own: Children of all ages benefit from having some space of their own where they can think. It also helps them get to know, and even like, themselves. It helps them to find their own answers when things go wrong.
6. Talk about their troubles: A problem shared is a problem halved. Talking about what’s worrying you is a great way to remove the burden of worry and reduce anxiousness. Some children bottle up what’s inside, while others will catastrophise a situation, which can make matters seem worse. Children often can’t tell you what may be wrong, so be observant and gently ask questions to help gain a clearer picture of how children may be feeling.
7. Help them relax: Make sure your child has a hobby or activity that relaxes them. The ability to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life is essential.
8. Have two routines – weekday and weekend: Most households are pretty highly scheduled these days. There are routines for getting up, coming home, eating meals and going to bed. These structures are necessary when we’re busy. Families also need a second, more relaxed weekend routine that helps children relax and unwind.
9. Foster volunteering and helpfulness: Social isolation is a huge predictor of poor mental health. Encourage your child to be connected to and help others in any way possible. Helping others reinforces social connectedness and the importance of being part of a community, as well as providing opportunities for positive recognition.
10. Bring fun and playfulness into their lives: Children should be the kings and queens of play; however, some children live such full-on, organised lives that much of the natural fun and spontaneity has been stripped from their everyday life.

Source: Michael Grose – www.parentingideas.com.au

If you have any concerns about the mental and emotional wellbeing of your child please do not hesitate to contact the school.

God bless

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-SECONDARY

Parents of Secondary students will be able to access Report Cards electronically from Friday 29th June.

Parent Portal is being used to provide Parents with the following:

• Timetable details, including class times
• Medical and personal information,
• Report Cards
• Key dates and notices

The portal will require each parent to have a username and password. This will be emailed by the 20th June. An overview of how to use Parent Portal will also be included.

Parents will be provided with the option to edit and change or update details. With email and phone being the most commonly used form of communication, it is important that these details are current and up to date.

We are looking forward to Parent Portal being a valuable communication tool.

God’s richest blessings

Linda Perrett
Assistant Principal Administration-Secondary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-PRIMARY

Since our last newsletter, life on the Primary Campus has continued to be eventful. Between the Border District Eisteddfod, the Year 5 Camp, a Queensland Ballet workshop for Prep – Year 2, a free dress day and lots of learning, the students have been kept very busy!

Each year the Eisteddfod brings mixed emotions. For some, the idea of performing in front of an audience is second nature whilst for others the thought is quite daunting. Much preparation and rehearsing goes into performances – whether it be for the Poetry Section, the Italian Section or the Choir - and my thanks are extended to all those who worked in support of the students. I would also like to thank Mrs McLucas who registered all the children, ensured their poems were chosen and collated as well as assisting the students to perfect their solo and group performances.

The results from the Eisteddfod can be found elsewhere in this newsletter and whilst it is very satisfying to receive a place certificate or even a plaque or a trophy, it is important to remember that every student who performed should be very proud of themselves. I know that we are proud of them as, I am sure, are their families. Their willingness to perform, to venture outside what was comfortable and to also support their friends when nerves took over is a credit to them. So much valuable learning will have taken place in the week of Eisteddfod performances and indeed in the weeks preceding. It is not learning that can necessarily be measured or graded but, nevertheless, it adds to the purpose we have of striving to develop individuals who are confident to take risks, to step outside their comfort zones and to recognise that the only limitations we have are those we put on ourselves.

With just over two weeks left until the end of Semester 1, we are now in the process of finalising academic reports ready for sharing with parents at the end of term. If you do have anything you wish to discuss with your child’s teacher before this time, please arrange an appointment with them.

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Administration-Primary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (APRE)

The Religious Life of the School: Prayer and Worship

The second component of the Religious Life of St Joseph’s School is centred around prayer and worship. Celebrating prayer is an important part of what makes a school Catholic and has the potential to nourish the spiritual growth of all members of the school community. Prayer and worship contributes to the faith and growth of individuals within a Christian community, nurturing relationship with God and one another.

At St Joseph’s School, both staff and students are encouraged and offered opportunities to participate in prayer and worship. Prayer is taught in Religious Education classes and practised during class and school gatherings as well as significant occasions in the church calendar. Prayer and worship give identity and purpose to our community drawing us together in understanding our shared humanity.

“How powerful Prayer is. May we never to lose the courage to say: ‘Lord give us your peace’” (Pope Francis)

Megan Mahoney
Assistant Principal Religious Education

SCHOOL NEWS

QUEENSLAND BALLET WORKSHOPS

On Wednesday 30th May, students from Prep to Year 2 enjoyed workshops presented by EdSquad Teaching Artists from the Queensland Ballet. The workshops are delivered to students in an educative and with inclusive dance experiences. Created and tested with children at the heart, these workshops are rigorously designed with the Australian Curriculum-The Arts Learning Area: Dance Subject and Senior Dance Syllabus in mind, ensuring all workshops complement the teaching and learning taking place in the classroom.

Queensland Ballet performers, Martha and Joe held three Ballet Moves Workshops with the students. The group commenced with a ballet warm up and the students then creating movement based around the Cinderella Ballet.

Students from C&K Kindergarten were invited to participate in an afternoon session, which concluded a fun-filled and educational day of ballet.

The 3 week tour kicked off at St Joseph’s School and will conclude in Mt Isa.

“CAN IT FOR A CAUSE”

There is only one week to go until the “Can it for a Cause” Winter Appeal wraps up. A huge thank you to all those who have already made donations. Prefect Natasha Petroccitto who is organising this appeal is thrilled with the response so far and is keen to bump the figure to 400 cans. If you would like to donate, please bring cans into the School Office before 22nd June. Please also drop in any recipes which Natasha will use in compiling a recipe book to give to SVDP with the cans. Recipes should be simple and just need to include a can of something such as soup, spaghetti etc. in order to create a warm, nutritious meal. If you would like to share your recipe, please email to megan.mahoney@twb.catholic.edu.au

As part of this Winter Appeal, Natasha has also arranged a colouring in competition for the Primary students which will close on 15th June. Natasha thought this is another way in which to promote this worthy cause especially to the younger students. Winners will be announced at next week’s Assembly.

ILC HALLIGRAM COMPETITION

LOTE Teacher, Ms Cusack is encouraging all her LOTE students to enter the ILC Halligram Competition. There are some great prizes, gift bags and medals up for grabs plus everyone who enters will receive a certificate. Please click on the link below which will provide all the necessary details.

YEAR 3/4 STUDENTS ENJOY AN ART GALLERY EXCURSION

On Friday 1st June, the Year 3/4 students enjoyed an afternoon visit to the Stanthorpe Art Gallery. The exhibition was called “Art in the Soil-Let’s Get Dirty” and students completed activities relating to this theme.

The students were keen to make connections to their Science curriculum and also gathering ideas for the upcoming Crisp’s Art Expo 2018- “Art in Science”.

YEAR 8 DRONES AND CHEESE MAKING

On Monday 4th June, five Year 8 Agriculture students had the opportunity to attend a drone training workshop run by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and Universal Drones which was held at Laidley High School.

The workshop provided these students with skills regarding how to program drones with specific instructions and how to build a drone from a kit. The students were able to practise their piloting skills on a hovercraft drone and a flying drone. They thoroughly enjoyed their involvement with the workshop.

The Year 8 Agriculture students spend last Tuesday making Camembert Cheese. This involved using starter cultures to produce lactic acid, separating it into curds and whey, putting the curd into a cheese mould and draining overnight. The following morning the cheeses were soaked in brine and placed into a temperature controlled environment, where they will now grow their outer covering of white mould before being wrapped. All up this is an 8-10 week process – and a great lesson in persistence and attention to detail for the students.

BORDER DISTRICT EISTEDDFOD

The Drama and Italian sections of the Border District Eisteddfod took place on Tuesday 29th May.

Students chose their poems and ensured they were prepared by practising. Whilst this was a daunting experience for some of the students, the confidence and experience they gained from performing in front of an audience was extremely beneficial.

Congratulations to all the performers in the various sections.

Poetry Section
Individual Recitation

Prep

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Prep to Year 2 Choral Speaking Group (≥100 Pupils)

Also winning the Betty Pain Trophy for the highest mark for Choral Speaking Prep-Year 2

Years 3 & 4 Choral Speaking Group (≤100 Pupils)

Also winning The Mary McLucas Award for highest points scored in Verse Speaking Choir Section Years 3-6

Years 5 & 6 Choral Speaking Group (≥100 Pupils)

Year 4-6 Choral Speaking in Italian Groups

ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL CHOIR & BAND

The St Joseph’s Choir sang their hearts out at their debut performance at this year’s Eisteddfod. The Choir which is aptly led by Mrs Jo Barker, sang 6 songs in various sections. The students were relaxed and performed with professionalism, and enjoying this new experience.

Winning 2 first places, a second and highly commended was a mean feat but the St Joseph’s Choir were excited to also win the Overall Choral Champion Trophy.

“I was very emotional and proud of the Choir,” Mrs Barker said. “In the 3 months that we have been rehearsing, the Choir has come along in leaps and bounds. I would like to thank the students for their dedication in attending practices and the parents for their support. I am really looking forward to our performances at several upcoming events, such as the Graduation and singing at the 2018 Light the Night Leukaemia Fundraiser on the 19th October,” Mrs Barker added.

Students from the School Band and Musical Instruments Group also competed in various sections at the Eisteddfod. The experience gained from their participation at the Eisteddfod gives these students confidence and encouragement.

Congratulations to these students who performed during the 2018 Eisteddfod.

Both the Choir and School Band will perform at the annual Awards Night to be held on Thursday 1st November.

The Musical Instrument Trio received 2nd place in their relevant section and also awarded Most Promising Primary Instrumental Group.

USQ STUDENT EXPERIENCE DAY

Year 11 students had the opportunity to attend the University of Southern Queensland 'Student Experience Day' on Wednesday 30th May.

The day offered these students an insight into the full suite of exciting USQ programs including Paramedicine, Nursing, Psychology, Human Services and Counselling, Sport and Exercise, Education, Engineering, Business, Commerce and Finance, Marketing Film, Creative Arts and Media, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, LAW, Science, Information Technology and many more.

On the day students were provided with valuable information about career pathways, as well as an insight into life at University.

“The experience at the USQ was amazing. Looking at the Visual Arts Department and networking with Professors and with the Student coordinator was interactive and helpful to show insight into what career pathways are available in this field.” – Jess Carpenter

“I participated in the Nursing and Midwifery stream. I enjoyed getting an understanding of what different options there are all within the broad term of nursing and what would be expected of me if I were to do this course at university. I also enjoyed being able to try some practical aspects of the stream.” - Hannah Debnam

“Career mapping provided some insight into the pathways to gain a career and allowed reflection on personal values and self in order to find a job which can incorporate these.” - Lara-Jane Biggin

“I really enjoyed my experience at USQ, I had a great time and learned a lot about what I hope to pursue in my future.” – Nicholas Paget

“USQ was very enjoyable and engaging. It was also very encouraging to see what education would be like in the future.” - Sonya Perrett

The Year 11 students attended USQ recently to get a feel of life at Uni.

YEAR 5 CAMP

Last week, the Year 5 students enjoyed their 3 day camp at Lake Moogerah. The students enjoyed various activities including building a raft, caking themselves in mud during the Mission Challenge, flying the air on the Flying Fox and utilising problem solving skills in the initiative activities. This is what they had to say.

When we got to camp, we hopped off the bus and went into the shade area. Then the Instructor Jacob came out and started telling us Granddad jokes. Once Jacob stopped talking, we had morning tea and got ready for our activities. The first activity was tug of war and group 2 won both times. When we finished that game, we moved onto a game which was called linked arms. The aim of this game was to work as a team to keep our arms linked and move our body through the hula hoop.

After we had lunch we went on a hike and we saw a woman walking on a tight rope across a gorge. The scenery was spectacular. When we returned, we put on our mission mud course clothes and had afternoon tea. We went to the mud course and the mud was really cold but everyone did it more than once, even Mr Grew and Ms Benson joined in.

After we washed off and had a shower, we had free time. We played a game called Star Warts and then we all went to bed.

Our second day began with a delicious breakfast. The activities on day 2 included survival skills, low ropes and raft building. Each activity challenged us to try something new in front of our friends.

On the last night, we had our tea and went to the campfire for a supper of hot chocolate and damper that we had cooked ourselves.

On our final day, we played a game called Blob and went on the flying fox. We all had a wonderful time on camp and would like to thank Mr Grew, Ms Benson and Mr Fleming for coming with us.

SWAGS FOR HOMELESS

As part of his Mercy Value, Mercy & Justice and the Faith in Action Project, Prefect Joshua Mahoney held a number of fundraisers last Friday in support of Swags for Homeless. Monies raised are for the purchase of swags for the homeless. “Unfortunately some people in our country and the world, face the struggles of not having a safe and adequate home for them and their families. By helping the Backpack Bed for Homeless we are fulfilling our duty as Christians and continuing the work of Catherine McAuley,” Joshua said.

Students on both campuses enjoyed a free dress day and were asked to donate a gold coin for this fundraising event. Joshua also organised various events on the Secondary Campus including selling hot chips during the lunch break which was very popular.

Joshua also organised a Movie night with 2 different sessions as well as offering delicious dinner and snacks for sale to the students. The evening was a great fundraiser as well as an enjoyable social event for all students who attended.

CELEBRATING SCHOOL OFFICER’S DAY

Last Monday morning, School Officers were recognised for their significant contribution to quality education in schools with a morning tea.

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 Linda Charlton and I have worked in various roles at St Joseph’s School on the Primary Campus since 2000. These roles have included, Year 6/7, Year 3, Year 2, Preschool with our current Year 12’s and Learning Support until taking on the role of teaching a Year 5/6 class.

My children who are all adults now, attended St Joseph’s Primary Campus and my husband Paul is now living the life of a kept man in his retirement.

I love seeing our students achieve success, be it little or a lot, not only my 5/6 students but across our school.

In 2018 I am looking forward to again seeing happy, Year 6’s head across the road to embark on their Secondary education with St Joseph’s School.

My name is Andrew Barker and I am in my third year at St Joseph’s Stanthorpe as a Secondary teacher.

My role over this time has been as a Teacher of Junior Science and, Mathematics and Chemistry in the senior years. These are all subjects I really enjoy teaching, not only because of my interest in them but because they are fascinating and are relevant to everyday life.

I enjoy working with young people, and learn from them constantly. My role as a Year 7 Pastoral Care teacher involves transitioning students from Primary to Secondary education, with one of the most enjoyable aspects being the Year 7 camp at Burleigh Heads.

Chess Club has started in 2018, and it is one of my goals to establish this as one of the cultural activities at St Joseph’s School.

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

CONFRATERNITY

GAMES LIVESTREAMED

Family and Friends of the Confro 2018 team are able to watch live streaming of two of the pool games from Charters Towers. The matches will be at 3:50pm on Monday the 2nd of July against St Marys/St Patricks Gympie and at 8:30am on Tuesday the 3rd of July against All Souls Charters Towers. Simply find and like the QISSRL home page on Facebook to view these games.

MULTIDRAW RAFFLE

The only fundraiser for the 2018 Confro campaign will run for the next two weeks and is a Multi-draw raffle that will be drawn on the 27th of July. Tickets are only $1 each and can be purchased from Lachlan Swan, Marley Hikaiti, Lachlan Mahoney and David Fleming. Tickets will also be available from the School Office.

ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAM

The St Joseph’s School Athletics Program has begun for 2018. High Jump events for 12 Years to OPEN kicked off the program with lunchtime events throughout Week 9 and 10. The schedule of events are as follows:

Parents/Caregivers are welcome to attend the High Jump in the Bathersby Stadium from 12.40pm. Please sign in at the Office prior to attending the event.

12 Years to Open Shot Put, Discus, Triple Jump and Long Jump will be held on July 23rd (Term 3, Week 2). Parents/Caregivers are also welcome to attend to support the students. The timetable of events are as follows:

Primary students Field Events will be held during Week 1 of Term 3. The dates and times for this will be provided in the next newsletter scheduled for 28th June.

The St Joseph’s School Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 2nd of August. More details regarding this whole School Carnival will be distributed closer to this date.

UPCOMING EVENTS