16 October 2014

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s News

Dear Parents and Caregivers

There is a strong focus on education in the media currently, with the federal government now considering the review of the Australian Curriculum undertaken by Professor Ken Wiltshire and Dr Kevin Donnelly. If anything, this demonstrates that education continues to be hotly contested and highly politicised. Furthermore, with a State election looming, and school funding an ever-present concern for those involved in schools, it is timely to outline some of the issues that the Catholic education sector is bringing to the attention of the Queensland government in the lead up to next year’s state election.

ISSUE 1 –FUNDING

On average, Catholic schools receive 81% of the government funding per student received by state schools. Additional funding to the Catholic sector will ensure that schools are able to meet the rising costs associated with school operations, as well as relieve pressure on school fees. Equalising the funding levels with state schools for our sector will ensure that our students have the same access to resources as their state school counterparts.

ISSUE 2 – CAPITAL FUNDING FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO MEET ENROLMENT DEMAND

Queensland Catholic schools educate 1 in 5 students. In the next 20 years, Catholic schools are predicted to enrol approximately 60,000 students, which represents 2-3 new schools every year, and expansion of other Catholic schools. St Joseph’s School is a growing school, too. Since 2011, our enrolments have increased by an average of 4% per year. The average for Catholic schools across the state is 2% per year. This underscores the necessity for funding which will ensure that Catholic schools can meet this enrolment demand by delivering required school infrastructure.

ISSUE 3 – MEETING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY

Between 2008 and 2013, the number of students with a disability attending Catholic schools increased by 92%. This figure points to the reality that most teachers in Catholic schools have a number of students in their classes for whom educational adjustments and support are required. As a Catholic school, we are called to reach out in love to those on the margins to protect them from disenfranchisement. It is self-evident, therefore, that appropriate resourcing be directed to schools to support the education of these students.

ISSUE 4 – SUPPORT FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING IN SCHOOLS

St Joseph’s School offers students a variety of pathways so that they can fulfil their potential as learners. Our school and the diocese of Toowoomba have a strong commitment to seeking out school-based apprenticeships and traineeships for our students. However, funding in this area has not increased since 2009. The Catholic sector is seeking a commitment from the Queensland government to provide indexation of funding to support school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

ISSUE 5 – GREATER INVESTMENT IN PARENT ENGAGEMENT

Parent engagement in their child’s learning is one of the strongest predictors of educational success of students. Therefore, investment in strategies which promote parent engagement with the school is necessary, particularly in the early years. The Catholic sector has developed a framework for parent engagement and is seeking a commitment from the Queensland government to fund this framework.

There are a variety of reasons why you, as parents/caregivers, selected our Catholic school. We all agree that we want our children to have access to resources which enable our young people to reach their God-given potential. It is important that we discuss these issues with each other, and in the company of those belonging to certain circles of influence. This ensures that these issues maintain some momentum in the lead up to the 2015 election.

Last Friday night a number of students, two staff and three community members participated in the inaugural St Joey’s Rough Sleep Out. This event was organised by Prefects Timothy Mahoney and Ryan Mouws to raise money for St Vincent De Paul as part of their annual Christmas appeal. I want to congratulate Tim and Ryan on their organisation of the initiative, as well as to the students and our community representatives for their participation. I also thank Miss Di Mauro for supplying the “roughies” with the soup and pancakes and to Miss Nicholson for assisting with supervision. It is our hope that this becomes an annual event on our school calendar.

This week has marked the beginning of the election process for our 2015 student leaders. Mrs Linda Perrett and I interviewed all of the nominees for Prefect and School Captain, and the total number of students nominating represented half of the Year 11 cohort. This is a great sign for 2015 with regard to the willingness of students to undertake a leadership role. The positive ways in which these students spoke about their school was fantastic. These students delivered a speech to their peers on Thursday morning and voting will take place in the coming weeks. Please keep these students in your prayers.

Dr Michael McCarthy
PRINCIPAL

Leader’s News

The commencement of Term 4 is always a sure sign that the year is quickly drawing to a close and our school calendar certainly reflects this with lessons, assessments, excursions, meetings, rehearsals and celebrations. It is important that in the busyness of our daily lives, we pause to remember the faith and spiritual life of our school and how we can fully embrace all that lies ahead.

Our Year 8 and 9 students carry on their involvement with Meals on Wheels this term, continuing to live out our Mercy values within the local community. Each Friday in the Chapel staff and students are invited, under the guidance of Mrs Perrett, to dedicate the rosary for peace in our world. Our annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal will be launched in the next couple of weeks and enables our students to know that their small offering will make a huge difference to local families this festive season. We continue to pray for our Year 12s as they prepare for retreat and graduation. A special farewell will be held in the Bathersby Centre on Friday, 21st November where we can gather as a school to say goodbye and thank you to our graduates. End of term mass will be held on Friday, 28th November giving thanks for our past year, and a special celebration will be held for our Year 6 and 7 students on the evening of Wednesday, 3rd December. This year we see the premiere of “Carols Under the Stars,” an evening of traditional and modern Christmas songs performed by our students and staff. A flyer with details will be sent home shortly.

With all that lies ahead in coming weeks, together with the pressures of work and family life, it is easy to become overwhelmed at the enormity of it all. In the midst of such times, let us take a moment to remember that Christ is at the very heart of each and every day, and that we can all endeavour to live out the Mercy values of our school – teachers, parents and students. In the words of St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

Megan Mahoney
APRE

School News

Year 10 news Rise and Shine Year 10’s, it’s Term 4!

There may only be eight weeks left in the school year but for Year 10 students there is still plenty of work to be done.

In English, the students are studying Crime Fiction which is the most popular of all genres of literature. Their assessment involves the students having to write a story of their own.

‘Recipe of Life’ is the focal point in Science where students will learn about DNA and inheritance with their assessment being research based.

Mathematics will immerse the students in the world of chance and data with practical applications, investigations and presentations being part of their assessment.

Religious Education will place an emphasis on Catholic prayers of significance and Pope Francis’ message of prayers for peace which he deems invaluable to help combat current world issues.

As Health and Physical Education indicates, the students will be concentrating on physical applications in relation to sport. This term the sport is badminton and their assessment relates to evaluating biomechanics and how they can improve their overall performance.

The evolution of popular culture is the focus in History. The students will study the changing nature of music, film and television over time and will be assessed via collections of work and presentations.

Students will be engrossed in environmental issues within the unit of ‘Ocean’s Apart’ in Geography. They will be engaged with the assessment by analysing a particular scenario and making decisions attempting to resolve or improve the situation.

In Pastoral Care, students will formulate discussions regarding personal health and well-being.

Students enrolled in the subject of Media will be involved in the unit of ‘Truth and Reality’ which will see them produce their own documentaries as part of their assessment.

ITAD students are in the final stages of their Rotary Craftsperson Award projects where they are working on unique objects made of metal or wood.

Students in the elective of Business Education are studying important aspects in their ‘Work Education’ unit including discrimination, OHS and managing finances. Computer applications form part of their assessment this term.

So, wake up and smell the coffee Year 10’s, you have a lot of work to do!

Kirsty Harslett

Call Out For Yearbook Photos

As part of the 2014 Yearbook there will be a ‘Social’ page that will feature St Joseph’s Students in the community. If you have a photo of your child taking part in events such as the Apple and Grape, Anzac Day, local sporting events or community programs we would love to feature it on this page. Please email the picture, name of student and where it was taken to Jemma.Tripp@twb.catholic.edu.au .

Fiji Exchange

Bula! Or hello, as the Fijians would say. My name is Alyssa Murphy and I am in year 11 at St. Joseph’s School Stanthorpe. Recently I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend this years ‘Fiji Cultural and Educational Experience,’ with Mr and Mrs Lee, and would like to share a brief overview of my journey with all of you.

For the last two or three months my family and I had been frantically trying to organise my passport, vaccinations, suitcases, travel insurance etc. etc., but once I stepped foot on that plane I knew all of the stress and rushing about was going to be worth it. On the 16th of September we flew three and a half hours to Nadi, where we then collected our luggage and caught a two hour bus to Naviti. We stayed with Mr and Mrs Lee’s long-time friends for four nights. During my stay with Mr and Mrs Naciriyawa I was able to visit the beach, explore the town of Sigatoka, try some new foods such as Dahl, and was also exposed to the different living standards around Fiji.

On the first Saturday of my trip I re-packed my suitcase and we drove about three hours up to Naiyala High School. When we arrived at the school I was a bit nervous, but that feeling went away almost as quickly as it had appeared. Mr and Mrs Lee and I were welcomed with open arms by staff boarders, members of the school community, and my host family. I settled in comfortably and for the next two weeks I attended school with the students, study each night from seven until nine, church each Sunday, and some meals with the boarding students in the dining hall (the 5:30am wakeup drum was looked forward to each morning with great enthusiasm).

I experienced so many things in Fiji and was presented with many opportunities. I had the pleasure of meeting the Third Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Fiji, as well as a past Fijian Prime Minister, Mr Sitiveni Rabuka. I have also been swimming in a waterfall, ridden in a bus with no windows, seen a mongoose, visited a Hindu temple, visited small villages which do not have electricity, walked through lime stone caves, visited the capital of Fiji (Suva), eaten foods such as cassava and taro (root vegetables), attended an Indian function called ‘Pooja’ where I was dressed in traditional clothing, visited the University of the South Pacific, witnessed the swearing in of a new government, and showered in cold water for the duration of my trip.

During my stay in Naiyala, and Fiji as a whole, I made many new friends and even more wonderful memories. This made it extremely hard to say goodbye when it was time to begin my journey home. Towards the end of my stay I was presented with many beautiful and special gifts from people whom I had met, to bring home as a reminder of my time spent in Fiji.

On the 6th of October I said my farewells and travelled back to Naviti. I was reunited with Mr and Mrs Lee and, after spending a few more days with Mr and Mrs Naciriyawa, on the 8th of October the three of us headed back to the Nadi airport and boarded our flight to Brisbane. During the entire drive home to Stanthorpe I talked non-stop to my family about everything I had been able to do in Fiji.

Through my experiences in Fiji I have learnt, and gained an appreciation for, many things. Seeing how some of the poorer people live in a developing country has made me thankful for all of the little things many of us take for granted such as hot water, our opportunities in education, sport, and life, technology, and transport. I have always been taught, by my mum, that you don’t need to have the best of everything. In today’s world we are all obsessed with having the latest iPhone or the most expensive clothes, but these things shouldn’t matter. What matters is family and being with those you care about. Experiencing the Fijian culture definitely reinforced this for me and I am extremely grateful for this lesson.

There are too many people to thank all at once, but to Mr and Mrs Lee, my family, the Naiyala High School community, and Mr and Mrs Naciriyawa I would like to say thank you so much. I had an amazing time and it wouldn’t have been possible without you all.

Sleep Out

Last Friday 10th October, Ryan Mouws and myself hosted the first ever Rough Sleep Out held by St Joseph’s school. The night started at 6:30pm with the first participants arriving ready to tough it out for the night on the stadium floor. The turn out was great with students and community members taking part, four participants representing their business on the night and many more who could not make it but graciously donated money to the cause. At 7pm everyone including the students readied themselves for the evening and settled down to enjoy Miss Di Mauro’s pumpkin soup. Technology was banned and everyone enjoyed different games to occupy our time. Some played 5 on 5 futsal whilst others played card games. After 10pm the lights went off and mostly everyone bedded down for the night. The next morning though drowsy and weary due to the tossing and turning all throughout the night, most woke cheery as Ryans burnt pancakes were heated up early enjoyed by the students and Dr McCarthy. Overall around $500 was raised which will all be donated to St Vincent De Paul Society Stanthorpe.

I would personally like to thank everyone who raised awareness and slept out on the night as well as those who helped set up and pack up. Lastly a huge thankyou to Central Motors, Suncorp Bank, Australia Post, Pink Poppies, Furniture One and Gleesons Mercery for their generous support.

Timothy Mahoney.

Library News BOOK FAIR!

Our second Book Fair for the year will take place in Week Four, commencing on Monday October 22nd and will located in the library.

Students will have an opportunity to browse titles and fill out their wish lists the week before the Fair.

Selling takes place before and after school.

The Fair will provide a wonderful opportunity to grab some quality Christmas gifts at reasonable prices.

All are welcome to come on in, browse and soak up the exciting atmosphere that our Book Fairs always generate. For further information, please contact the school library.

Lesley Grant
Teacher-Librarian

P & F News

On behalf of the Trivia Night Committee I would like to take this opportunity to offer a special thanks to all those businesses and people who provided us with donations of prizes and sponsorship. We were most overwhelmed with how generous the businesses were, and thank them all so very much. With all the prizes donated we ended up with over $3,000 worth of prizes for the Multi-Draw on the night.

Without their generosity & community spirit we would not be able to host a Trivia Night like this.

A Big Thank You must go to Raymond Mattiazzi who did a wonderful job as our MC for the evening.

This year we approached Tony & Mary Comino of Kominos Wines about the possibility of selling a selection of their wines on the night. They very generously agreed & we would like to thank Tony & Mary very much for allowing us this opportunity.

Thank You to those people who stayed behind on the night & helped us to pack up, many hands made light work & it meant that there wasn’t heaps left to do on Saturday.

This year, due to a very special donation from the Broncos of a fully signed 2014 team jersey we decided to hold an auction at the end of the night. We were also fortunate to have Juliette Reeves donate a beautiful painting as well, a big thank you to Juliette for her generosity. The painting sold for $150 to Michael & Julieanne O’Brien and the jersey went to Krystle Nicholson for $420. We thank the O’Briens & Krystle for their very generous contributions to our event.

We are very fortunate to have so many parents who are willing to help in whatever way they can, be it by physically helping, donating or by attending on the night. Having events like the Trivia Night, which can raise the money that it does, goes a long way to helping & improving our children’s education and enjoying their time at school.

Jodie Cosmo
Trivia Night Committee Member

Next P & F Meeting – 28 October Everyone is welcome

Reminders and Updates

Visit our website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and Apply at www.schooltransport.com.au by 31 October 2014.

Late applications cannot be accepted.