26 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome back to Semester 2. All are looking forward to a busy and enjoyable Semester.

The sporting talent of our students was showcased in Semester 1. Across a range of sports, on the court, in the pool and on the playing field, our students are to be commended for their enthusiasm and sporting ability representing the school, District and Region.

Over the Semester break our Secondary girls and boys represented the school very well at the QISSN Netball and Confraternity Rugby League Championships in North Queensland. The students were wonderful ambassadors for St Joseph’s. Their teamwork, sportsmanship and support for each other was exceptional. I would particularly like to congratulate the wonderful leadership of Riannon Fox for her calm and confident guidance of the young QISSN team.

St Joseph’s has a strong netball community with many girls competing in a range of competitions across the Primary and Secondary. Similarly, on the football field I also commend our soccer and rugby league representatives. Anika Spiller’s selection as a shadow Queensland player for soccer is the highlight.

Semester 2 brings a range of other sports which our students will enthusiastically engage in. Track and Field is in full swing, with the Athletics Carnival coming up on Thursday 2 August. Our Senior Boys compete in the finals of the Queensland Futsal championships this week. I wish all students the best for the Semester.

This week we have been fortunate to have a number of experienced School Leaders and Educators conduct the School Renewal and Improvement Review for St Joseph’s. The aim of the review is to identify and give credit for the excellent work that goes on at the school. It will also identify areas for growth and improvement. The outcomes of the review will be provided to the school community shortly. I thank all who contributed to the process.

Week 3 is Catholic Education Week in which we celebrate what is great about Catholic schools. There are a number of opportunities to participate. I hope to catch up with you at one of these events.

God bless

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-SECONDARY

The Parent Portal was used for the first time for Secondary students for Semester 1 Report Cards. This portal is an avenue for the school to communicate with parents, and parents to also communicate with the school. It is hoped that parents will log in and have a look at some of the options that the portal provides.

For example, the portal allows for parents to view their child’s daily timetable as displayed. It shows parents the subject, room, teacher and lesson times. Timetables are found under the My Children tab, click on Timetable on the left-hand side.

We look forward to seeing as many students and parents as possible at the upcoming Parent Teacher interviews being held on Wednesday 1st August. Parent need to login via the link below and use the code 2uub8.

God bless

Linda Perrett
Assistant Principal Administration-Secondary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-PRIMARY

I would like to welcome all students and their families back to Term 3 and an especially warm welcome is extended to three new students and their families who have joined St Joseph’s this term. Will and Logan are in 3/4P and Olivia is in 5/6B. Already they have settled in well and have been welcomed by their class mates.

Term 3 is shaping up to be a very busy one with Catholic Education Week, the Athletics Carnival, Book Week, Oral Health presentations, the Crisps’ Art Show, Optiminds and Sleep Education Week as well as a Colour Run. The Primary Campus Newsletter which was published last week has all the important dates for your calendar.

All students are encouraged to do their best at all times and to recognise that personal achievement is in their hands. Within our classrooms, the focus for learning is on assisting the students to continue to take an active role in their learning. Can they explain what they are learning? Can they explain how they know they will have been successful? Do they know what to do when they are struggling or what the next step in the learning process is? I encourage you to ask these questions of your children each day.

Already this Term we have seen some great examples of personal achievement with many students doing very well with the field events for the Athletics Carnival. In particular, Lily Savakov broke an 18-year record with the shotput and Katie-Lee Jansink extended her personal best also with the shot put. Congratulations to all who competed and who gave their best on the day.

Developing a sense of resilience is an important skill for dealing with situations that are disappointing or unexpected. In our assembly this week we will have a NED Show presentation (Never Give Up, Encourage Others, Do Your Best) which will focus on promoting positive values. I encourage you to talk to your children about the presentation when they return home on Friday. For further information about developing resiliency, this is one article of many that might be useful to parents.

The staff on the Primary Campus are looking forward to this term and encourage families to be involved in all aspects of school life.

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Administration-Primary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (APRE)

Catholic Education Week – Discovering New Horizons

Sunday 29th July is the beginning of Catholic Education Week, a week where Catholic schools throughout Queensland acknowledge the important role a Catholic education plays in enabling our students to become compassionate, life-giving members of society.

A number of events will take place during this week, the first being Mass on Sunday 29th July at 8:30am. Students from our school will be participating in the Mass with our choir leading the singing. A morning tea will follow Mass and all are invited to gather together at Valentes for a cuppa and chat. On Monday morning the whole school will gather for an assembly with prayer being led by our Prep and Year 7 classes. Tuesday morning will see a number of Primary and Secondary students perform in the piazza. Performances will include the School Choir, School Band, a robotics demonstration and drone program information.

Our annual Athletics Carnival will take place on Thursday and students will be kept active throughout the day with racing and special events taking place. Whilst students enjoy a Pupil Free day on Friday, staff will travel to Toowoomba and gather with teachers from across the region for an in-service day. All in all, it promises to be a busy and special week for everyone.

Families are most welcome to come along to events. Times, venues and further details will be sent home in coming days.

Megan Mahoney
Assistant Principal Religious Education

SCHOOL NEWS

REMINDERS TO PARENTS

A reminder about the correct procedures for student absences and early departures. To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, the correct procedures for student absences and early departures must be adhered to.

• If your child is sick and will be absent, or if your child has a planned absence such as holidays or medical appointments, you can either call the School Office Absentee Line on 46 815900 and select Option 1, email stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au or call into the School Office to advise verbally.
• If your child is late, they must present to the Office for a late slip which they bring to their Teacher.
• If your child needs to leave early during the School day due to an appointment, they must obtain an Early Departure Slip either before School or during morning tea or lunch breaks. A note or phone call to the Office is required from the Parent confirming this early departure. Parent permission must be obtained for all early departures.
• Students from Prep to Year 11 who are leaving the school prior to the end of the day or for any appointments, must be collected by a Parent/Caregiver from the School Office.
• Year 12 students, must still have Parent permission for Early Departures but do not require a Parent/Caregiver to collect them when they are leaving.

END OF TERM 2

The final week of Term 2 was met with enthusiasm from all the students as they ended a busy and long term. Secondary students had a variety of activities throughout the week before enjoying a Student Free Day on Friday 29th June.

Years 7, 8 and 9 students began the week with their 3 day camps held at Burleigh Heads, Numbinbah Valley in the Gold Coast Hinterland and Mt Tamborine respectively while the Year 10 students enjoyed Work Experience.

The Year 11 students had an alternative program that commenced with a Leadership Program on the Monday. This program provided them with the tools to prepare for their Senior Leadership role next year. The next day, the students had First Aid Training facilitated by Surf Life Saving Queensland, followed by an outdoor education team building experience at Girraween National Park on Wednesday. On Thursday, the Year 11s participated in a Responsible Service of Alcohol facilitated by the Queensland College of Wine and Tourism.

The Year 12 cohort attended a Driver Safety Program at Willowbank Raceway on Monday. This one day program, which is a driver awareness course aimed at young and novice drivers, included lectures, demonstrations, video presentations and hands-on driving experiences. The following two days were spent with QCS preparation and a Practice Test on Thursday.

A whole school assembly and End of Term Liturgy was held on Thursday 28th June at the Bathersby Stadium. The Theme of the Liturgy was “Celebrating Remarkable Moments”. One students from each class carried a symbol chosen by their class in the opening procession. These items were placed at the front to acknowledge remarkable moments witnessed by the class during the first semester of this year. Symbols chosen were from special events, achievements, learning opportunities and special items the class shared on their journey together.

Natasha Petroccitto also made a presentation to local representatives of the St Vincent de Paul Society from her “Can it for a Cause” Winter Appeal. Over 420 cans were donated for this worthy cause along with special made recipes books.

Prizes were also presented to the winners of the Primary colouring “Can it for a Cause” competition.

Thank you to everyone who supported this cause.

FAITH IN ACTION-VISITS TO BLUE CARE

Continuing their work with the St Joseph’s School’s “Faith in Action Program”, Year 7 students have been involved in visiting and working with the clients of Blue Care. This program continues to provide ideal opportunities for our students to offer Service, Mercy and Justice to the people of Stanthorpe’s aged community.

The visits took place during the Year 7’s Religion lesson last Term on Thursday 28th June.

YEAR 7 CAMP

Last Term, the Year 7 students attended camp at the Burleigh Heads CYC. Activities included canoeing, rafting, beach walks, Aboriginal art and artefacts, but the all-out favourite had to be tubing.

Mrs Roberts, Mr Macnamara and Mr Barker enjoyed the company of the students and they all got to know each other better during the fun-filled three days.

Students learned to manage their belongings, mostly, and to get on with fellow students in a cabin environment. They also learned that there are easier ways to get up hills instead of walking. The food was excellent and the weather held for the campers during their activities.

YEAR 8 CAMP

Year 8 camp this year was held at Numinbah Valley, in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Students had to ‘rough it’ and camp in tents at CYC’s camping grounds.

Activities included archery, bridge building, high V, and the old favourite, the flying fox. Ms. Cullinan and Mr Steele even had to have a go because it was so much fun!

Near the camp there was a small stream, and the student’s first activity was to work together to build a bridge to get over this stream without getting wet. Depending on how well they built the bridge, would decide whether they would get wet shoes or not each time they had to walk across the bridge to get to their various activities. They did fairly well at this, although getting across did require some balancing skills.

Students enjoyed toasting marshmallows over the open campfire at night, and even got to enjoy a movie night. Overall, a tired (somewhat grubby) Year 8 group returned home with some life lessons learnt about working together, and the importance of looking out for your mates.

Some students shared their thoughts about the Year 8 camp:

“The camp was very enjoyable and fun. The food was good, better than typical camp food. Camping with friends in tents was interesting and different.” (Georgette Forbes)

“The activities were exciting and my favourite was the Flying Fox.” (Ashley O’Brien)

“The best part of camp was getting to mix with people I don’t normally mix with. I got to get out of my comfort zone by doing Joey’s Jump and High V. The food was good and getting to sleep in tents were amazing.” (Caitlyn Hennoste)

“My favourite thing about camp was the activities we participated in. There were many beneficial learning experiences, including the ability to step outside our comfort zone. The instructors were very helpful.” (Mackenzie Swan)

YEAR 9 CAMP

This year the Year 9 students travelled to Mt. Tamborine for a 3 day camp at QCCC. The Year 9 camp was focused on building resilience and defining one’s values through physical activities that involved facing fears, helping others, working together as a team, stepping up into leadership positions and working towards a common (or personal) goal.

After settling into their cabins, the first activity of the day was mountain biking, much to the delight of the students. Throughout the camp students were involved in a range of interesting and practical team building exercises. Success was varied, but the culminating team bush survival activity was a brilliant achievement by all the students, much to the delight of their instructor (and their teachers). The most challenging event was the 20 metre high rope ladder. Many students had to conquer their personal fears with several students reaching the top. Other activities included orienteering, archery and the giant swing. By the end of the camp the students were a tired, but cohesive team.

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

Year 10 students engaged in Work Experience last Term for 3 days. Partaking in structured work placement provides these students with a valuable opportunity to attain an insight into the many aspects of their chosen field of work. It helps students to understand the expectations and requirements that an employer has of its employees. As Year 10 students work towards creating career pathways, work experience plays a vital role in helping shape this decision making for their future.

Discussions were held earlier between parents and their child to discuss options for their work experience. Students were then able to locate their own work experience or provide two areas of work they would be interested in. Once the school secured the student’s work experience, paperwork was sent home for completion. During their Pastoral Care lessons, students were provided with activities that assisted them in preparing for these three days.

Most of the students had their work experience locally, however, a few took the opportunity to go further afield to Brisbane and Nambour. We thank the businesses who were willing to take these students on for this period of time. Without their support, Work Experience would not be possible.

CULTURAL SHOWCASE DATE CLAIMER

The Year 11/12 BCT class are hosting a Cultural Showcase on Saturday 1st September as part of their Events Management Assessment.

Save the date. More details will follow.

SECONDARY PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews are being held in various rooms on the Secondary Campus on Wednesday 1st August from 3.30-7.00pm. Bookings can be made up to Tuesday afternoon.

Parent Teacher Interviews are an excellent opportunity to see and hear about your child’s progress during Semester 1. Students are encouraged to attend these interviews with their Parents. Teachers will have student folios and profiles at these interviews.

PREP ENJOY LIVE THEATRE PRODUCTION

The Prep students were delighted to see the live theatre production of some of Eric Carle’s most popular stories, including the best loved of all, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. This Australian production has become a modern children’s classic and also has many connections to the Prep curriculum.

All the children had a wonderful experience. Thank you to Mrs McNichol, Mrs Barker, Mrs Grant and all the parents who attended the day also.

OPTI-MINDS CHALLENGE

This year, 2 very enthusiastic teams of students from Year 6/7 will compete in the regional Opti-Minds Challenge at the UQ campus at Gatton on Sunday August 26. This is a competition where students have to find a solution to a given challenge.

Students from over 100 schools in the region will compete on the day in both a Long Term Challenge and a Spontaneous Challenge. Students from St Joseph’s have chosen to compete in the Science/Engineering and the Language Literature Long Term Challenge. This requires them, over the next 6 weeks, to design a solution to the challenge for this year.

The teams are currently practising for 2 hours per week for the next 6 weeks in order to be ready to present on 26 August. We wish them well on the day.

QUEENSLAND FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES VISIT

Last Thursday, the Year 11s were visited by the Queensland Fire Emergency Services Department who ran the RAAP Program (Roads, Attitudes and Awareness Program).

The presentation is based around road safety and the role of the QFES in road accidents. As many students are beginning to get their L plates, this presentation will be of benefit to students to improve their road safety awareness.

The RAAP Program was presented to the Year 11 students last week.

LIBRARY NEWS

Q. Why is Term 3 the best Term ever???
A. Because St Joseph’s celebrates Book Week!

This year’s theme is “Find Your Treasure.” In our library and on our bookshelves we are surrounded by book “treasures” …. The ones we cherish forever and the ones waiting to be discovered.

Further information will follow but for now, please ‘bookmark’ these dates:

• Thursday, 16th August: Book Week Launch. Books, Bears and Blankets Picnic – lunchtime on Primary oval
• Wednesday 22nd August: Whole School Book Character Parade, 9am – 10:30am in the Bathersby Stadium.

GREASE IS THE WORD

Over the 2 week holidays, Holli Brunckhorst and Susie Cobon were in Brisbane undertaking rehearsals for Grease the Arena Experience, which was performed on the last weekend of the school holidays.

“Grease the Arena Experience” was a version of Grease the Musical but was a way in which to include and introduce new, young upcoming performers into a professional stage show. Prior to rehearsals, the young ladies had an audition in December last year where they were taught a dance which they had to perform for the Directors. They also had to sing “We go together” from the musical.

After being accepted, Hollie and Susie also had a Boot camp training weekend in May which was to prepare them to be a part of this professional performance. Both Hollie and Susie were a part of the mass ensemble which included 600 other performers from around Brisbane and Queensland, the principle cast were all professionals from the industry who played the roles of all the characters, including Thomas Lacey, Christine Anu and Beau Ryan.

“It was an incredible experience to be a part of something this large and be involved in a production that was done on a professional scale at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and in front of so many people. A highlight was meeting so many new people and learning so much about the creative arts and musical theatre industry. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and opportunity, “Susie said.

“I had the time of my life in Grease. I was in a professional environment and rehearsals were up to 8 hours a day so it was very exhausting work, but it was impossible to not stay excited and energized when surrounded by hundreds of other people with the same passion as me doing something we all love. The whole experience cemented to me that this is what I want to do with my life, as the entire time I felt I was exactly where I’m supposed to be. I can’t wait to hopefully be a part of the next arena experience show conducted by Harvest Rain,” Holli said.

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.

I’ve worked at St Joseph’s School for almost seven years after moving to Stanthorpe 11 years ago.

My teaching career has now reached the 43 year mark, (full time), the majority of it being in State Schools in Brisbane/Logan City and Mackay, initially as a Primary Physical Education Teacher.

I moved from Primary to Secondary School Physical Education in 1976 and then in later years, I became a Head of Social Justice and Business. I’ve taught a number of subjects while at St Joseph’s but am now teaching Year 7-10 Home Economics and am the Learning Support teacher on the Secondary campus. My Home Economics role entails developing in students skills in food and textile production that they will be able to use in the future.

As a Learning Support teacher, my role is to support students who are having difficulties engaging with curriculum, support those who require extension activities as well as support staff in their teaching practice. I enjoy every part of my dual role, particularly when I see students who have succeeded in producing a recipe successfully and when I see “light bulb” moments in students who have been struggling with their understanding of a particular concept.

As well as teaching, I have also worked as a Hotel Manager in a new mining town in Central Queensland, am a JP (Qual) and have recently become a marriage/funeral celebrant. For 2018, I hope to continue to engage students in the beauty and excitement of learning.

My name is Jo Barker. I have worked at St Joseph’s School for 18 months.

My husband Andrew, who teaches at the Secondary, and myself have two children. Frank is in Year 3 and Grace is in Year 1. I am halfway through my Bachelor of Education (Kindergarten to Year 12), with my area of study in Secondary School being English, Italian and Music/Drama.

I have a dual role. I work as a Prep Teacher Aide in the mornings and then as the Lab Technician at the Secondary during the afternoons. I also started the St Joseph’s School Choir last year and after the success of the “Back to the 80s” Musical, we now have 33 members. This is by far by greatest passion.

What I enjoy most about my role is everything that involves working children. It is amazing, even tricky at times but it still brings a smile to my face. It is a rewarding role and I feel blessed to be in this profession.

This year, I would like have a Choir that involves Secondary students.

STUDENTS ATTEND TXPO

Last Sunday, students and staff travelled to Brisbane to attend the 37th annual Tertiary Studies Expo which was held at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

TXPO offers a wealth of information to assist students find out the latest careers, courses and study options available. Advices is offered on how to enrol in courses, with opportunities to speak to admission staff from Universities and other institutions.

Students were able to meet with interstate and overseas exhibitors, compare course offerings between different providers, gathered information on bursaries and scholarships, attended a variety of seminars and garnered costs involved with courses and studies.

Thank you to Mr Carmichael for driving the bus and Mr Kendall who also attended.

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

A number of Primary and Secondary second hand uniforms are for sale at $5 per item available from the School Office. These items have been collected from lost property which have accumulated over the past Term and owners have not been identified.

FROM THE BURSAR

Term 3 School fees will be issued on 31st July and due payment is 21st August. If you do not receive your invoice/statement or have any issues please contact Megan Hines to discuss.

A reminder that Ski Trip, Camps and Excursions are billed separately and must be paid prior to attendance. Your co-operation in regards to these payments is appreciated.

SPORTS NEWS

QISSN

During the first week of the July holidays, a team of enthusiastic netballers travelled to Townsville to compete in QISSN (Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball). This year it was a relatively young team and despite not winning any games the girls demonstrated great determination and sportsmanship throughout the carnival.

The girls all enjoyed the opportunity to interact, on and off the court, with teams from across Queensland and to further develop their knowledge and skills in the game of netball.

Congratulations to Skyie McCosker who was awarded the Most Valuable Player for our team. Each of these girls were a credit to the school, themselves and their families.

CONFRATERNITY 2018

Confraternity 2018 was held in Charters Towers and for many of the players and staff this was the first visit to the old Gold Mining town. After flying in to Townsville and busing to Charters late on Saturday evening, Sunday encompassed some tourist activities as well as a light training run prior to the opening Mass and Ceremony.

The opening ceremony was the first to culminate with a spectacular firework display that set the tone for one of the best Confro carnivals ever held.

The first game was against traditional opponents Marist Emerald, a team that is always a pleasure to play who guarantee a hard but fair game. Played in warm conditions with co-captain front rower Bill Upton being a late withdrawal due to illness. A tough first half saw the score at 12- 6 in our favour. A couple of minor injuries further depleted the playing roster Wilson LeSueur and Conner Parker also suffered minor injuries. The second half featured great attack from both sides but this was countered with even better defence with a converted try apiece all to show for the young men’s efforts. The final score was 18 to 12 in our favour.

The second game of the day was against St Mary’s Maryborough/St Patrick’s Gympie. Our Team came out firing and jumped out to a 16 to nil lead at half time. Unfortunately, injuries again struck, and we were to a 14-man side for the remainder of the game, played in tough, hot and humid conditions. Injury management became of prime importance after day one with staff busily icing and strapping several players to have them ready for game two.

An 8:30 game on day two began in conditions the men were used to, but things soon heated up on the field against locals All Souls, Charters Towers. The St Joseph’s/Assumption team played without their half back due to concussion and took until the second half to find their way around the park trailing by 4 at half time. The second half belonged to our team running out winners 16 to 8 in a commanding second half performance. This win left us on top of our pool and confident of victory against Clairvaux McKillop in the afternoon. Little did the coaching staff know that the minor illnesses of day one were about to reach plague proportions!

The vomiting bug which had only affected two players struck prior to the quarter final with three players succumbing to the disease during warm up. On top of injuries we were reduced to 15 players in oppressive heat conditions. After being down 22 to 0 in the opening exchanges the courage and pride of the team kicked in to win the second half 12 to 6. The final score was 28-12 to Clairvaux. This loss meant that we were not playing for silverware in 2018 but guaranteed the team at least the equal of our highest overall achievement over the past 13 years.

On a well earnt rest day the team travelled to Townsville to tour the Cowboys home ground and managed to catch a glimpse of the players as they finished a training session getting a wave from Jake Granville and walking on the hallowed Cowboys turf. Retail therapy was next on the cards for the young men followed by a compulsory swim with a magnificent Maggie island in the background.

In the last two games of the carnival the boys lost to Faith Lutheran Plainlands and we met Marist Emerald again this time unable to compete due to illness in both games.

At the annual awards ceremony, Lachlan Swan was named tourist of the carnival for the support he offered to his team mates throughout the week both on and off the field. At the official closing ceremony Bill Upton (Assumtion College) was named player of the carnival and Felix Clarke (Assumption) was awarded the Spirit of Confraternity Award with Coach Robert Bell appointed honorary coach of the merit side. This year it can be truly said that we took away boys and brought back men! Arrangements are well in place for the 2019 carnival in Bundaberg.

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX

Congratulations to Alex Waterworth who competed at his first State Cross Country Championships last week-end which was held at Maroochydore.

Alex ran his 2km on Sunday 22nd July with a time of 7.29mins placing him 14th in Queensland out of 66 boys in the 10 years age group. On Monday, Alex competed in relays running 1km in 3.28mins being the last runner in his team for Darling Downs. They won 4th out of 13 teams competing.

P&F ASSOCIATION

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tickets are available via contacting Kim Gallaway personally, the FB page and/or Kim for bank details for direct deposit.

Get Started Vouchers program – opening 25 July 2018

Round 12 of the Queensland Government’s Get Started Vouchers program will open on 25 July 2018.

A voucher of up to $150 per calendar year is available for eligible children/young people aged 5 to 17, who hold or whose parent/carer/guardian holds, a valid Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Vouchers are then presented to local sport or active recreation clubs registered for the program to help with the costs for membership.

When a child or young person does not have access to a Centrelink Health Care Card/Pensioner Concession Card but the family is in genuine financial need, or if the family does have access to a Centrelink card but is experiencing issues that would prevent them from applying directly (e.g. computer/internet access issues, computer illiteracy or language as a barrier), a referral agent can refer the child to the program.

Please ensure that you have created a QGrants account beforehand or logged into your existing account, to ensure that you are ready to apply once the round opens.

Watch the ‘How to Apply’ video to see how to create an account and apply for a voucher.

For more information visit Sport and Recreation Services’ website