13 November 2014

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s News

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Our 2014 Awards Night last week was a showcase of excellence at St Joseph’s School. I offer my congratulations to all students who received awards, and also express my gratitude to their families for their ongoing support of their child’s education.

The Awards Night is a significant night for our Year 12 students as it generally marks the commencement of the official finalisation of their Secondary education. Of course, this is concluded at the Graduation Mass and proceeding celebrations. For many of these students, the Awards Night recognises years of hard work and commitment across various areas of school life. I want to publically acknowledge each of our School Captains and Prefects for their exemplary representation of our school, and their commitment to their leadership goals. Zoe Boccari, Grace Manahan, Ryan Mouws, Anna Yates, Kayla Mattiazzi and Timothy Mahoney have been a credit to our School and their families.

The Annual Awards Night also looks to the future by announcing the Student Leaders for the following year. I am pleased to acknowledge that the calibre of excellent student leadership is set to continue into 2015 with the election of Zoe Kay and Alyssa Murphy as School Captains, and Eloise Biggin, Thomas Jensen, Kai Robertson and Ingrid Sibley to the positions of Prefect. These students will be formally inducted into their roles at our Opening Mass in 2015. Congratulations to these young people, and all the applicants for leadership positions.

The School made some changes to the Awards Night this year so that it would be more inclusive of our Prep-Year 3 students, and also run in a more streamlined fashion. The presentation to the Prep students, and the musical performance of our Year 1-3 students were well received. It is planned that these inclusions will continue into the future. If you have any feedback on the Awards Night, please complete the short survey within this newsletter. Any suggestions for enhancements or improvements to this important event will be gratefully received.

The next P&F Meeting is on Tuesday 25 November. This will be the final P&F Meeting for 2014. At this meeting I will be presenting some of the data from the School Satisfaction Survey distributed to parents and caregivers mid-year. There are some interesting findings which require further discussion and analysis. I invite you to attend this meeting to listen to the findings, provide your feedback on the data, and participate in a discussion about how we can continue to improve as a school. The meeting promises to be a most interesting one marked by constructive dialogue.

Dr Michael McCarthy
PRINCIPAL

Leader’s News

During Term 4 St Joseph’s secondary students have been working in conjunction with the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber sought student opinion on local consumer needs and demands via a survey. Students were then provided with the opportunity to create a logo that represented the Chamber of Commerce. Last week the Chamber of Commerce announced that Daniel Sims was winner of the art competition run for the Stanthorpe First Campaign. Daniel submitted a letter, poster and decal and provided the artwork. On Thursday 6th November at a Chamber of Commerce wine and cheese night Daniel was presented with a certificate and $200 worth of vouchers. Daniel’s artwork will be used in all of the future Chamber of Commerce promotions. Congratulations to Daniel on this achievement. As a school we look forward to our continuing partnerships with our local Chamber of Commerce.

Awards night last week was a wonderful evening that showcased the successes of our students. I would like to congratulate all award winners for their commitment and dedication to their academic studies and their school.

On Monday 17th Year 11 students will have a study day, followed by two days of block exams on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th November. Students will then have subsequent two days of block exams on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November. Students are to provide a medical certificate if they cannot attend scheduled exams. If students do not have exams they are to remain at home under the supervision of their parents.

This is the last week of school for our Year 12 students before they head off to retreat in preparation for their Graduation Mass and dinner. I pray that God richly blesses their life’s journey and that they go with great memories of their time at St Joseph’s School.

God bless

Linda Perrett
APA - Secondary

Photo taken by Hayden Smith, Stanthorpe Border Post

School News

Year 12 News

This week marks the final week of classes for the Year 12 students. They are presently completing their final assessment items for all subjects and will no doubt greet Friday with mixed emotions as they clean out their lockers and return their text books to the library for the final time.

Year 12 students should be proud of the enormous effort they have put into their final year of schooling – efforts which will no doubt be rewarded as they move into either tertiary study or employment in 2015. The student’s academic achievements were acknowledged last Wednesday night at our annual awards night, which saw a large proportion of the class awarded with either an academic distinction or excellence award. Special congratulations to our Dux Anna Yates and all other award recipients.

Mr Brown and I have enjoyed every moment with this year’s senior class and are immensely proud of the way they have conducted themselves in all facets of school leadership throughout 2014. The students have made a significant impact on the school of St Joseph's and will be missed.

Mrs Chelsea Parakas

Year 3 News

The Awards Night was a celebration of the academic achievements of our students. Big congratulations go to Eliza Telfer, Eloise Knight, Chris Gasparin and Taryn McCosker on receiving the first Year 3 awards on offer. Although I could only give 4 awards, I must congratulate my whole class on the hard work and commitment they have displayed this year in improving in all areas of their school life.

This term, Year 3 students have participated with excitement in Dancefever. This has helped them improve their self- expression, respect, etiquette, school spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship. Each week, the students have learnt different styles of dance, from hip hop to tango and learning to dance with a partner. They can’t wait until the finale at the end of term, where they perform a show for their family.

Awards Night

2014 Awards
Awards	Winner
PRIMARY
McAuley Award-Year 3	Eloise Knight, Taryn McCosker, Christopher Gasparin
McAuley Award -Year 4	Georgette Forbes, Hamish Alldridge, Cydney McErvale, Caitlin Ellis
McAuley Award -Year 5	Isabella Rossiter, Jenna Fox, Matthew Biddulph, Adam Green
McAuley Award -Year 6	Lachlan Mahoney, Bridgette Kay, Ryan Holly, Anthony Buda
McAuley Award- Year 7	Jack Stibbard, Alanah Yates, Jared Hitchener, Hannah Reeves
SPORTS AWARDS
Crisps Primary Sports Star	Hannah Reeves
Crisps Secondary Sports Star	Mikaela Sullivan
Pierre De Coubertin Award	Mikaela Sullivan
COMMUNITY/CULTURAL PURSUITS
The St Vincent De Paul Recognition of Service	Presented to President-Ben Manahan
LEO's Recognition of Service	Presented to President- Zoe Kay
LEADERSHIP
USQ Year 10 Excellence Award	Daniel Sims
USQ Year 11 Excellence Award	Zoe Kay
QCWT Young Winemakers Award	Thomas Gilmore and Sarah Saxby
The Mayor's Medal	Anna Yates
ADF Leadership Awards-Year 10	Daniel Sims
ADF Leadership Awards-Year 12	Anna Yates
Caltex All Rounder	Mikaela Sullivan
Principal's Recognition - Prefects	Timothy Mahoney, Anna Yates, Ryan Mouws, Kayla Mattiazzi
Principal's Recognition - Captains	Grace Manahan and Zoe Boccari
ACADEMIC AWARDS
The Fr. Valente Award-Year 3	Eliza Telfer
The Fr. Valente Award - Year 4	Thomas Gleeson
The Fr. Valente Award - Year 5	Travis Murphy
The Fr. Valente Award - Year 6	Benjamin Rogers
The Fr. Valente Award - Year 7	Claire McCormick
Year 8 Awards-Distinction	Liam Hitchener, Spencer Jensen, Natasha Petroccitto
Year 8 Awards-Excellence	Ann-Mary Vincent
Bruce Scott-Top Achiever Year 8	Ann-Mary Vincent
Year 9 Awards-Distinction	Alannah Biddulph, Riley Harris, Zachary Knight,
	Alexander Mattiazzi, BJ Perrett, Eve Perrett, Zachary Thompson
Year 9 Awards-Excellence	Asbjorn Gaskell, Katie Yates
Bruce Scott-Top Achiever Year 9	Asbjorn Gaskell
Year 10 Awards-Distinction	Stephen Comino, Andreas Gaskell, Lillian Manahan, Zara Menz,
	Arwyn Reeves, Daniel Sims
Bruce Scott-Top Achiever Year 10	Andreas Gaskell
Year 11 Awards -Distinction	Eloise Biggin, Alison Hernandez, Alyssa Murphy, Annica Putzolu
	Tyler Sweeney, Brielle Thompson, Thomas Jensen, Zoe Kay
Highest Achievement Year 11 Male in memory of Paul Heaton	Thomas Jensen
Highest Achievement Year 11 Female in memory of Kerry McCarthy	Zoe Kay
Bruce Scott-Top Achiever Year 11	Zoe Kay
Year 12 Awards-Distinction	Tylah Ash, Rachel Bau, Ashleigh Cochrane, Teaghan Druitt,
	Timothy Mahoney, Alaina Savio
Year 12 Awards-Excellence	Zoe Boccari, Abigail Leicht, Grace Manahan, Kayla Mattiazzi,
	Ryan Mouws, Mikaela Sullivan, Anna Yates
Highest Academic Achievement Year 12 Male	Ryan Mouws
Highest Academic Achievement Year 12 Female	Anna Yates
Bruce Scott-Top Achiever Year 12	Anna Yates
SPECIAL AWARDS
Excellence in Catholic Education (Parish & RE/SOR) Year 8	Joshua Mahoney
Excellence in Catholic Education (Parish & RE/SOR) Year 9	BJ Perrett
Excellence in Catholic Education (Parish & RE/SOR) Year 10	Daniel Sims
USQ Year 12 Excellence Award	Grace Manahan
The Betty Yap Excellence Award	Zoe Boccari
Proxime Accessit Award	Ryan Mouws
St Joseph's Alumni Award-Dux	Anna Yates

Photos supplied by Stanthorpe Border Post

Working BEE

TERM 4 WORKING BEE

As you know, the Rivertree Trail Ride is not running this year, and I know many of you registered to assist with this event. In lieu of the Trail Ride, the School is conducting a working Bee on Saturday 22 November.

The working bee will focus on a major clean of classrooms, windows, rubbish removal and some minor maintenance. It is hoped that those who registered to assist with the Trail Ride will be available to contribute to the working bee. The more people involved, the less time the task will take. The details of the working bee are below:

WHEN: Saturday 22 November
TIME: 10am-12pm
WHERE: Meet in the Primary Campus car park
WHAT: Cleaning, maintenance of outdoor furniture, rubbish removal.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: Brooms (including cobwebbing brushes), cleaning cloths, window cleaner, orbital/belt sander, vacuum cleaners, dustpan and brush, ladders.

The school appreciates your assistance and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 22 November at 10am.

Choir

As the school term is drawing to a close, as are the Monday rehearsals of the St. Joseph's Choir. This term, with the wonderful efforts of Brielle Thompson, the group have been tackling the challenge of learning a dance. With Brielle’s boppin’ choreography and natural patience, we’ve had many laughs whilst attempting to perfect the moves to 'All About That Bass'. Having recently enjoyed the company of the Grade 6's and 7's who have bravely faced the madness of the choir, we thank them for their company, enthusiasm and for getting involved this term. A huge thank you goes to Mrs Gerster for managing our dedicated group all throughout the year. From performing in the Stanthorpe Eisteddfod to impromptu 'Frozen' musical sessions, we have had an excellent year thanks to you! Although this marks the end of my choir days, I wish Mrs Gerster and the choir members all the best for next year.

Grace Manahan

Sports News

Even though the Secondary Sports calendar is beginning to thin out a little as the year winds down, there are still a few important competitions that St Joseph’s is chasing success in to hopefully finish 2015 with a bang. Last Thursday saw the first leg of the newly inaugurated open futsal competition against Stanthorpe State High with the Joey’s boys just being pipped by a strong outfit from McGlew Street. The game, which was played in our fantastic Bathersby Centre, was a stunning exhibition of skill and sportsmanship from both outfits and the lads from St. Joseph’s are eagerly anticipating a crack at redemption in the return leg this week. Just as exciting is the fact that the State High is also putting up a girls’ team to have a crack at our highly successful open ladies futsal side and the student body is anticipating that the cross-town rivalry will reach fever pitch.

To round out a week of derbies, this Friday the School’s open boy’s cricket team turns out for the annual Stanthorpe Secondary School’s Trophy against the Navy and Maroon parade. St. Joseph’s wishes the boys all the best in the T20 and we know that they will do the mercy red and green proud. All supporters and cricket fans alike are encouraged to come down to the C.F. White from 5pm to enjoy the furious fun and folly of T20, at its finest, under lights.

Mr Dominic Philp
Secondary Sports Coordinator

Netball Fundraiser

St. Joseph’s Netballers are running a Tupperware Lunchbox-Drive to raise funds for the QISSN (Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball) squad who will represent our school in Brisbane in 2015. The St. Joseph’s School QISSN squad will receive 10% of ALL sales (lunch boxes or other items) along with an extra $10 for each new party booked. Order forms will go home on Friday 14th November and orders must be returned by Wednesday 26th November 2014 to ensure deliveries of goods can be made in the last week of school.

To view the Lunchbox Products and Tupperware range, please visit the online catalogue at www.tupperware.com.au or collect a catalogue from the Administration Office or contact Stacey Bennet for a catalogue. We will have a display of a range of Tupperware products on the Primary Campus on Tuesday 18th November and Stacey will be available to discuss products with you. Products other than those listed on the attached customized order form can be ordered and you may place orders for family and friends by collecting an additional order form from the office or it can be emailed to you. Stacey is available to speak with you about booking your own party to contribute to the Lunchbox Drive or any enquires you may have. Stacey Bennet’s contact details are 0407 621 853 or email her at staceyandnathan@bigpond.com

Popular Items for lunchboxes include:

• Kids’ Sports Bottles that feature a liquid-tight pop-top spout, and have a handy removable cup at the bottom – perfect for snacks, coin, keys etc.
• Sandwich Keepers are available in sets of 2 are a great size for sandwiches or snacks. The Sandwich Keepers are freezer-safe meaning that freezer friendly sandwiches can be prepared on a Sunday night for the whole week, saving you time and stress.
• Sandwich Keeper Plus Bags which are insulated and will fit a lunchbox, snacks and drink bottle.

Remember that the Tupperware items all come with a lifetime guarantee against breakages and non-performance of the product. Thank you once again for your ongoing support for our school and our netball squad.

December Preview includes $120 Mystery Pack for just $30 with an $80 Catalogue purchase http://ausjanpreview.realviewdigital.com/?iid=105535&startpage=1#folio=1

Catalogue http://tupperwareaus.realviewdigital.com/?iid=99764

Michelle McCarthy
Netball Coach

P & F News

NEXT P & F Meeting Tuesday 25th November All are welcome

Reminders and Updates

UNIFORM NOTICE

Please note that the red polo shirt replaces the green/grey/yellow polo commencing in 2015. The red polo will be compulsory from this time. Please ensure you have placed an order for this uniform item through Gleesons Mercery.

ARE YOU NOT RECEIVING NOTICES? It could be that we have the wrong email address for you. To make sure that you receive all notes home please ensure that administration have a current email address. If unsure, please email administration your family name, name and grade of student to stay up to date with all that is going on at St Joseph’s.