6 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Congratulations to our Year 9's who performed exceptionally well in this year's NAPLAN test as well as our Year 12’s who have completed their Queensland Core Skills Test this week. This NAPLAN success and the success of our Seniors in their Core Skills Test and OPs over many years is indicative of my firm belief in the academic program here as the best option for academic success in the region.

Of the 487 schools across Queensland that sat the Year 9 NAPLAN test in 2018, St Joseph's School placed 105, that is, in the top 25 percent. Across the Toowoomba region, St Joseph's School was the sixth placed school, beaten only by Toowoomba city schools (four independent and one Catholic).

In the local area (Stanthorpe and Warwick), St Joseph's School significantly outperformed all other schools, both state and Catholic. Importantly, the Year 9s have all shown great individual improvement from Year 7 to Year 9. This success is a result of the excellent preparation and teaching that goes on in the Secondary school to develop the learning in our students.

The success this year is reflected in the ongoing achievement of our students over the last ten years. For example, in 2017, our Year 5 students’ mean scale NAPLAN scores totalled 2424. This placed St Joseph’s as the top performing school in the State for schools with an ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score of 1015. The ICSEA score is calculated by My School as a means of comparing similar schools. On this score the school was placed 294 out of the 1028 schools in the State. The next closest school on the same ICSEA score as St Joseph’s was Oxenford State School who scored 2350 and were placed 557.

A really significant achievement is the success of our Year 12’s. In 2017, 100% of OP eligible students received first round QTAC offers, every Year 12 student achieved a qualification and a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and 94% of OP eligible students achieved an OP 1-15. This outstanding performance gave the school a Tracking and Academic Management Index (TAMI) of 394 out of a possible 400 and placed St Joseph’s in the very top achievement levels in the State. Further, St Joseph’s has consistently scored higher on this index than other secondary school in this region. Four times since 2008 St Joseph’s has achieved a TAMI score of 380 or higher which is the target Diocesan schools aim to achieve.

Since 2008, 100% of Year 12 students have achieved the QCE twice, 100% of Year 12 students have gained qualifications six times, three times 100% of OP eligible students have achieved an OP 1-15 and 8 times 100% of OP eligible students have received first round QTAC offers.

In 2017, 17% of OP eligible students achieved an OP of 1-5. This ranked them just outside the top 200 schools in the State and equal with Cathedral College Rockhampton at the top of all schools in the State on this ICSEA score (1015). This is another very significant achievement.

These examples and other data clearly points to a positive and successful learning environment for our students. The feedback from our recent school review (available on the school website) also highlights the wonderful achievements of the school.

God Bless

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

St Joseph’s SchoolTV – A Comprehensive Resource for Parents

It has never been more challenging for parents to raise happy, healthy and resilient children. Like never before, parents need to be informed with clear, fact-based information on the many challenges faced by today’s youth. Topics such as youth anxiety, depression, self-harm, drug and alcohol use, cyberbullying and many others need clear explanation and guidance.

SchoolTV is a new ongoing resource that is now available to our parents. Each edition will address a major topic with expert interviews, fact sheets, parent quiz, recommended apps, books and much more. SchoolTV aggregates information from many great resources such as BeyondBlue and ReachOut, amongst others. SchoolTV provides a single stream of independent factual information that saves parents time and confusion of searching online across multiple sites for information.

You can access the SchoolTV archive here:

LEADERSHIP NEWS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-SECONDARY

Last week, our students and staff were extremely busy with much happening on the Secondary campus. Year 12 students were well prepared for the QCS tests and continue to complete Term 3 assessments.

Year 9 Business students created lunch time treats for Secondary students. These included chocolate iced donuts, homemade lemonade, smoothway subs and thickshakes. Students spent many hours of their time to prepare the treats and then serve and sell them during lunch hours. The data that students collected from their sales will assist in preparing their Business reports.

Year 11 and 12 Business Communication Technology students worked diligently this term to prepare and present their Cultural Showcase event. These activities support the curriculum and help students apply their knowledge, understanding and skills in ‘real-life’ situations.

We also had several students attend Border District trials in Athletics with some achieving great success. Well done to all students.

God’s blessings

Linda Perrett
Assistant Principal Administration-Secondary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-PRIMARY

The current Prep class will graduate from school in 2030, into a world which will undoubtedly be very different to what we know today. Traditional educational models which focus solely on the acquisition of knowledge are no longer suitable. We need to focus on skills for the 21st century, skills such as the ability to be a critical and creative thinker, to problem solve, to be a self-directed learner and have the disposition of resilience.

You will see these being developed in all aspects of your child’s education at St Joseph’s School. Last week I had the opportunity to attend a conference relating to the Digital Technologies curriculum, an area that should be considered as important as literacy and numeracy. The thinking involved in this subject and the terminology is challenging but already we have Prep students who are able to code robotic devices with repeating algorithms and then debug them (i.e. solve problems) as well as code on an iPad. Coding continues up into the higher grades of Primary. Currently students in Years 5 - 6 are programming drones and in coming weeks, students in Years 3 - 4 will be programming Micro:bits and using them in design projects.

Congratulations to all those students who participated in the many events held over the past two weeks. We have had Book Week including the Character Parade, Opti-Minds, Darling Downs Athletics, the Cultural Showcase and FUTSAL. Being able to participate in such a range of activities provides the students with many opportunities to develop their talents, skills and knowledge. Thank you also to the teachers who supported the students in these events.

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Administration-Primary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (APRE)

Religious Studies 2019 and Beyond

With changes to Senior Secondary Assessment, the Toowoomba Diocese has reviewed the current Religious Education program for Senior students. With this in mind, a combined Religion and Ethics/Praxis model is being considered for implementation in the school. Senior students will have the option of completing Religion and Ethics in Years 10 and 11, with a practical component fulfilled in Year 12. This model will enable students to have more time in Year 12 to dedicate towards mastery, mock assessment and revision of subject areas. Study of Religion will continue to be offered to students for Years 11 and 12. The table below provides further detail regarding course options. I will be attending a meeting next week to discuss how the Praxis model may look for students within the school context. It will undoubtedly prove to be an exciting time for Religious Education in Senior Schooling.

Megan Mahoney
Assistant Principal Religious Education

SCHOOL NEWS

RETREATS

As part of their Personal and Spiritual Development, students in Years 3 to 5 participated in a half day retreat experience last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The retreats were held on the Primary Campus commencing at 12 noon each day and concluding at 3pm. The retreats were facilitated by Mr John Mahoney with assistance from their teachers.

The experience for these students was both enjoyable and rewarding.

Students enjoyed their Retreat experience with Mr John Mahoney.

COLOUR FUN RUN IS BACK

The St Joseph’s Colour Fun Run is here! Students have their sponsorship forms and we are fundraising!

For raising just $10, students will receive a reward and they’ll be helping the school to raise money for school resources and the Drought Relief Appeal. Students should sign up for a Student Profile Page using the link below. They’ll be able to access online fundraising and they can win a $30,000 Ultimate Family Experience!

The School Colour Fun-Run is a healthy fundraiser that we hope you’ll get behind. The event sends the right message to students about having fun while being healthy, all while helping the school raise funds. This year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better, with the addition of a giant inflatable obstacle course, which is over 100 metres in length.

We’re looking for all students to participate and we’re organising a great day for our community, so we’d love everyone to come down on the day.

Not only can you support the school and students with your sponsorship – but you can join in on the fun! We would love to welcome parents and family members to attend the School Fun-Run. If you would also like to volunteer to help on the day, please contact Tracey Cullinan at tracey.cullinan@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Last year’s Colour Run event was a fun-filled and enjoyable experience for all those involved.

TASTING THE CHEESE

Last Tuesday afternoon, the Year 8 Agriculture students got to unveil their Camembert cheeses - a much anticipated event, as the cheese has been maturing in the fridge since the end of Term 2.

Judging their Camemberts on Flavour & Aroma, Texture and Presentation, the students received an insight into what life as a cheese judge is like - and also got to enjoy cheese and crackers for afternoon tea.

Tasting their Camembert cheese was a highlight for the Year 8 Ag students.

BOTTLING THE WINE

On Wednesday 22nd August, the St Joseph’s Young Winemakers spent the morning bottling and labelling the St Joseph’s wines at Symphony Hill Winery. This was the final stage in the creation of their 2018 Pinot Gris and the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon made by last year’s Young Winemakers. The winemakers bottled and hand labelled almost 700 bottles in total – working under pressure to keep up with the bottling machine at times!

These two wines will be sent to the Royal Adelaide and Australian Small Winemaker’s shows in September, to compete in the school’s sections. There are high hopes for these wines following our Gold Medal and Top School Wine Awards for the 2017 Pinot Grigio at the Royal Adelaide Show in 2017.

STORY POLES

Last week, St Joseph’s School welcomed Peter Mulcahy. Peter spent four days painting story poles to reflect the Aboriginal history of this area as well as the key themes of our school.

“My name is Peter Muraay Djeripi Mulcahy, I am a Gamilaroi man whose people closely neighbour this ancient region. I am both a professional fine artist as well as performing cultural teaching and education over the last 25 years. The creation of these story posts were commissioned by Catholic Education on behalf of St Joseph’s. The installation was created with four 8 foot by 10 inch cypress dressed timbers. The post will be erected vertically in quite setting that will include a semicircle of sandstone block seating.

The work has been designed with the purpose of being both a beautiful and sacred space, while also utilised for quiet teaching, reading and a place of reflection. The visual content was taken from the ethics, moral, values, motto and mission of St Joseph’s.

My focus is then to take and translate this information given, into the pictorial and symbolic imagery of Australia’s very own unique and ancient design.

I believe this work is deep in meaning and value, and speaks to all Australians of our genuine and unique place in the world. The works speaks of deep knowing and forgotten truths. It expresses ways of truly seeing and feeling, it ask us to become aware again of the true complexity within what we today see as simple and mundane.

My desire is that this work and its story allows our children to have an awe and respect for things they know little of, while renewing and broadening concepts of beauty and compassion in adults by re-visioning how we see.

I would love my work to bridge the mental divide between old and new Australia, allowing us to finally share, walk, talk and know the greater oneness of what it is to be, truly Australian.”

RED POST “TRADITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT"

This work is an acknowledgement to the Traditional owners and custodians.

The hand prints stand for the continual participation, custodianship, stewardship, care for creation/country through Lore in practice and Spirit.

The Artefacts both top and bottom recognise the role of men as both hunters and also Guardians of family and country. The centre "bowl shape" represents the scare trees left behind after a Coolamon has been acquired. This speaks of woman sacred role as the carriers of life and the gathers of fruit vegetable and medicine. She too, is a nurturer, in charge of women's lore and the plant world.

The two men's weapons stand either side of the woman's symbol, representing the role of “Guardian of the Sacred.”

The two adjoined circles represent our sacred Bora rings. The larger of the rings for all community in general, dance, song, gatherings and teaching. The path then leads to the smaller Circle shown, the small circle represents the men's place of initiation and ceremony.

Finally the boomerang reminds each of us, to be conscious of what we bring into and throw out into the world.

YELLOW POST "LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE LEAVING YOUR MARK"

The hand print represent aboriginal connection to land through acts of care and responsibility through the knowledge of lore.

Large image of the male Kangaroo expresses his leadership through protection and leading from behind. The image of the young Roo's at the top, alert their father to danger, with their better hearing.

The Male then steps up as the protector using his bigger, faster and stronger body to fulfil his responsibility to the safety of his mob. Teaching us all of the dedication of service and the multiple form of leadership.

The Image of the footprint means more than a mark in the dirt. These footprints stands for the mark we all leave in our life lived. What we do with the time we have been given.

BLUE "THE TWO EAGLES"

The two Eagles representing Connection, something to look up to and live up to.

Representations of the Creator, also visions of our ancestral watchers.

The lines encircling the Eagles are representations of the Ancient but ever present Song Lines. These lines crisscross the Australian Nation, revealing the trails of the Ancient creation being sent forth by the creator himself. These forever songs are stomped and danced up out of the ground and sung on the wind back down to Gunii maa (Mother Earth) by the birds.

These songs, these vibrations are on the wind and within the very earth itself, they are the energy line, the living life force within the living earth. Without ancient knowledgeable practice and maintenance, these life lines, the earth itself becomes depleted and sick.

The circle at the very top is our representation of the "Shaper and Maker of All Things, “Bwudjarr” Fathers….. Fathers…. Father.

This symbol reminds us the Creator had no start and no beginning, all came from the One.

GREEN “COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARNESS OF SELF AND PURPOSE."

The Beautiful Iconic Australian Wattle bright and bold standing proud and strong, full of knowing and identity. The baby wattle reminds us of those with lives of under privilege, those with weakened identity that suffer insecurity and anxiety. This baby Wattle shows the two types of leaves on the one leaf, " Who am I" What am I to Become". These people require those that exist in the world of privilege to show and express compassion.

The hand prints here acknowledges our 100 000 year old, “Templates of Humanity” that give us all the potential to be greater, wise and more aware Australians.

The Mountains, show the stone country of the region and the mountains represent protection.

The Stars "MIRII" are spoken of as the great campfires in the Sky. It is here in the millions of stars in the Milky Way which we in Gamilaraay called "Warrumbul", we acknowledge Ballima (Heaven) the place that all black fellas go after the full completion of the life experience, where they sit with the ancestors that came before them.

The Star constellation shown is that of “Yarran” one of the most ancient Australian name for the newly name Southern Cross.

All art and story Supplied by Peter Muraay Djeripi Mulchay ©

We wish to thank Peter for his work and we look forward to these poles being erected in our school grounds so that we can continue to reflect on our connection to the people who lived here so many thousands of years ago.

The Story Poles have been designed with the purpose of being both a beautiful and sacred space, to be used for quiet teaching, reading and a place of reflection.

WORK OF MERCY ON DISPLAY

The Year 5/6B students have been learning about the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy in the past weeks. As a culmination of their learning, students chose a Work of Mercy and created posters to teach this to students around the school. The displays link the Work of Mercy to something students can do in the school such as stop bullying and eating properly.

The displays have been put up around the school in hallways and staircases enabling students to see them and understand how it is relevant to themselves.

The Works of Mercy displays are exhibited around the school.

SLEEP WELLBEING EDUCATION WEEK

The Student Representative Council held a “Sleep Wellbeing Education Week” on 27-31 August. Students from both campuses engaged in a short lesson on the importance of sleep for good health, delivered by their PC Teachers, classroom teachers and Student Council Class Representatives.

The Student Council promoted the importance of a good night’s sleep across the school. A display was set up in the library as a reminder, and secondary students received a flyer with sleep tips and some camomile tea to try. In classes and Pastoral Care lessons, students participated in some activities around the importance of sleep.

All students attended the whole school Assembly last Thursday and had an opportunity to win a sleep/activity wrist tracker (Years 3 -12) or a teddy bear (Prep - 2) to help promote the importance of making sure we get enough sleep each night to be excellent learners.

The Student Council students were delighted to run their “Sleep Raffle” where students and teachers were in with a chance to win a sleep and activity tracker, or if students were in Prep to Year 2, a cuddly toy to cuddle at bedtime. The raffle was another opportunity to promote the importance of a good night’s sleep for all.

Well done to the Student Council and Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs Lorien Kirby in organising these events.

The “Sleep Raffle” was another opportune way to promote a good night’s sleep for all.

CULTURAL SHOWCASE EVENT

After many weeks of planning and preparation, the Year 11 & 12 BCT Cultural Showcase Event was held on Saturday morning. About 100 people came along to enjoy two hours of performances by our students. Emcee, Angie Sims kept the program running to schedule and throwing in several gags and one-liners to keep everyone entertained.

The St Joseph’s School Band commenced the morning’s program with a boom, followed by delightful singing by the Preps and the St Joseph’s School Choir, dance routines, Eisteddfod recitations and solos. Various artwork and Manual Arts and sewing displays adorned the Bathersby Stadium and were enjoyed by all.

Mayor Tracy Dobie, past student and parent, Julianne O’Brien, and Principal, Andrew Kendall, were thrilled to be part of the Celebrity Challenge. With a selection of ingredients, the trio had the task of putting something edible together in ten minutes. The results were taste tested by the School Captains, Liam and Ann Mary, and after deliberating, declared the Mayor the winner.

A multi-draw raffle with great prizes proved to be popular and well supported. Funds from the raffle are being donated to the 2018 Light the Night Leukaemia Fundraising Event. Thank you to the QCWT, Anna’s Restaurant, Savina Lane Wines, Linda Perrett, Symphony Hills Wines and Queensland Rugby Football League for donating prizes. Thank you also to Mick from Four Seasons Nursery for loaning the beautiful plants for the stage area.

“I just want to say a huge thank you on behalf of my BCT class and myself to those who helped bring our showcase together. The students worked extremely hard to bring it all together and attendees really enjoyed the day. Special thanks to Jo Barker, Leigh Muller and Angie Sims as the event wouldn’t have come together as well as it did without their help,” Aimee said.

The students will now work on their presentation to finalise this part of their Events Management Assessment.

FIVER FOR A FARMER

The recent “Fiver for a Farmer” fundraiser was a great success. Prefect Hunter Murphy who co-ordinated this event, wishes to thank everyone for their support in raising over $1,500. Students embraced the opportunity to dress in their farm gear and enjoyed their sausages and poppers for lunch.

As a follow on to this fundraiser, the school will be having a street stall on Saturday, 8th September at the Piazza from 8am to 1pm. Proceeds from the street stall, together with the 'Fiver for a Farmer ' day will go towards Rural Aid to assist drought-stricken farmers and their families.

We are seeking donations of items to sell, as well as volunteers to assist with manning the stall throughout the morning. Donations may be left at the Administration building or dropped off to the stall on the morning of 8th September. Please ensure that all food items are clearly labelled with ingredients.

We thank you for your continued support of St Joseph's School.

“Fiver for a Farmer” was a successful fundraiser to assist our drought-stricken farmers and families.

The students from both Year 2 classes thoroughly enjoyed participating in the “Fiver for a Farmer” day. They brainstormed the things they want for Christmas. Then they read the book ‘All I want for Christmas is Rain’ by Cori Brooke, which is a beautiful picture book dedicated to all the drought-affected Australian farmers. Students completed an artwork depicting some farm scenes and revisited their wish lists for Christmas.

OPTI-MINDS CHALLENGE

Two teams, consisting of Year 6 and Year 7 students, competed in the Toowoomba District Opt-Minds Challenge held at UQ Gatton Campus on Sunday 27 August.

Opti-Minds is a challenge where teams compete in both a Long Term Challenge and the Spontaneous Challenge, in order to find the best solution to a set problem. Students worked for 6 weeks prior to the event and then presented to the judges on the day.

Over 85 teams competed. Both teams performed exceptionally well and enjoyed the day, with one team winning a “Spirit of Opti-Minds” award. Team members were: Freya Creer, Brigit O’Dea, Clare Williamson, Sam Ellis, Luke Gasparin, Shania Politch, Siena Zanatta, Lucy Elms, Maggie Gallaway, Kiara Osborne, and Clancy Moncada. Thank you also to Mrs Muller, Mr Fleming, Ms Thompson and Mrs Campbell for assisting with support and coordination of the teams.

Well done to the students who participated in the Opti-Minds Challenge.

TERM 3 MATHS ON THE PRIMARY CAMPUS

Term 3 has seen an increased focus on Problem Solving in Years 3 to 6 with Maths Clubs operating in two lunchtimes. The Year 3 and 4 students are participating in the Maths Games program that sees the students exploring two strategies each month and then applying these in a competitive setting.

Supporting these students has been a number of Secondary students who are acting as tutors for their younger school mates. Thank you to Adam Raccanello, Ethan Zamprogno, Caitlyn Ellis, Kira St John, Taylah Organ, Eliza Telfer and Eloise Knight for their commitment to this program.

A group of the Year 3 and 4 students will be selected to join with some Year 5 students to participate in the Warwick Maths Team Challenge to be held early in Term 4.

Our Year 5 and 6 students have once again been competing in the Maths Olympiad program and are developing the ability to solve complex problems using a variety of strategies. The final contest will be held in the last week of term.

From this group three teams have been selected to compete in the Granite Belt Maths Team challenge in the last week of this term. Students are busy practising their problem-solving skills and team work in preparation during the weekly Maths Club.

Good luck to all the students over the next few weeks.

Good luck to all the budding mathematicians.

YEAR 9 BUSINESS VENTURES

This term, the students in Year 9 Business are all entrepreneurs! The students have spent the term learning the ins and outs of running their own small businesses within the Secondary campus. The three groups – Sweet Treats, Doughnuts and Thickshakes and Smoothway’s – have applied their knowledge of marketing, financial planning and production in developing their small businesses.

Students on the Secondary campus have been treated with baked goods ranging from brownies and cakes, doughnuts and thickshakes, to individualised, handmade sub sandwiches. Each group’s ventures were successful in making a profit for students, which will be put towards an educational excursion for the Year 9 Business students in Term 4.

The Business students have been busy being entrepreneurs!

LIBRARY NEWS

BOOK WEEK PARADE

The Book Week Parade was thoroughly enjoyed by all the students, staff and families who came along on Wednesday 22 August.

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 Monique Wust and I have been a Teacher Aide on the Secondary campus in the Learning Support team for the last 10 years.

I have lived in Stanthorpe for thirty years. My affiliation with St Joseph's began with the enrolment of my first daughter in Year 1 in 1996. All 4 of my daughters attended St Joseph's with the last one graduating in 2015.

I have attended and enjoyed nineteen years’ worth of Sports Days, Cross Country days and Swimming Carnivals. I have also enjoyed working with students while volunteering for Primary reading and computer sessions and especially Wednesday swimming whilst my children were at school.

My role as a teacher aide is to work with students from Years 7-12 (mostly 7-9) assisting students both in the classroom and the Learning support area to achieve to their best ability while they are here.

The best part of my job is seeing these students grow and achieve beyond their expectations and meeting new students. I look forward to meeting all of the 2019 Year 7 students.

My name is Johanna Campbell. The Catholic Church, and Catholic Education, has always been an integral part of my life.

I was raised in Toowoomba, attending St Anthony's Primary School and St Saviour's College (Fr Lino presented me with my Year 12 Graduation Certificate) before studying at Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education, now known as USQ.

Upon my graduation, I was offered a position in Toowoomba, however, the lure of a western adventure got the better of me and I accepted a position at St John's, Roma. I remained there for 4 wonderful years.

I arrived at St Joseph’s School in 1989 and it felt like I was coming home. My maternal great grandmother was born here on a tin mining claim in 1874 and I've always been keen to trace her family's journey to the Granite Belt.

It was while working here that I met my husband, Paul, and, after marrying, we decided to stay in the district to raise our family. We have two beautiful daughters; Cecilia (studying Veterinary Science at JCU) and Bridget (currently working locally). Both girls attended St Joseph’s and held leadership positions in their Senior Year.

I am an active member of St Joseph’s Parish and love the sense of being part of a faith-filled community. One of the best parts of being a teacher here is watching the students develop into young adults. Many of these students are now parents and I find myself teaching the children of former students; some of whom I taught in Year 1!

I look forward to many more years in the vibrant and unique community of St Joseph’s.

WELCOME WENDY

Wendy Hurnall was welcomed to the St Joseph’s team last week. Wendy is the OH&S Coordinator and will work every Thursday.

2018 YEARBOOKS

A Parent Paperwork was sent earlier to all families regarding ordering of the 2018 Yearbooks. The Yearbook is a wonderful keepsake depicting the year’s activities and achievements. Only 100 Yearbooks will be printed. If you would like to order a Yearbook, please contact the School Office. Payment of $27 is also required.

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

A number of uniforms for both Primary and Secondary have accumulated from lost property for some time. Several opportunities have been offered to families to alleviate the ever growing pile by selling these at $5 per item and having a pop up shop last week. We thank Amanda Bonner for assisting with that.

Due to the increased volume of these uniforms, a small amount will be kept in lost property as second hand uniforms for sale, however, the remainder are being donated to Rotary who will send to Fiji with their shipping container.

2019 UNIFORM ORDERS

The 2019 School Uniform Order Forms for Primary and Secondary as well as the Blazer Order Form for the current Year 10 students can be located on the school website. Our new Prep families were also sent the order form last week, with their Enrolment Acknowledgement Parent Paperwork.

Orders are required by 13 October. Call into see Brenden and his staff at Gleeson’s Mercery who are always happy to assist.

SPORTS NEWS

THE DARLING DOWNS REGIONAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Primary

On Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th of August, twelve students from St Joseph’s School travelled to Toowoomba to compete at the Darling Downs 9-12 years Regional Athletics Championships as part of the Granite Belt Team.

The students performed extremely well and several students produced personal best performances. Our enthusiastic group of supporters had much to cheer about with Katie-Lee Jansink who placed 2nd in both Shot-put and Discus for 11 Years Girls, Alex Waterworth placed 6th in the 1500m and 2nd in the 800m for 10 Years Boys, Harry Wren was 2nd in the long jump and made the finals in both the 100m and 200m for 10 Years Boys and Lilly Savakov came 2nd in the shot put for 10 Years girls.

The other students representing St Joseph’s were Kael Einam, Billy Gallaway, Darius Jansink, Addison McCosker, Jaiden Morello, Darcy Daddow, Claire Danzey, and Brigid O’Dea. All of our students performed to the best of their ability and it was great to see the effort, resilience and sportsmanship on display. To make a final or to ‘place’ in any event at the Darling Downs Athletics is an impressive achievement, but for so many of our competitors to achieve personal bests on the day was very encouraging. Some of our athletes have qualified to represent the Darling Downs Team at the Queensland State Athletics Championships in Cairns in October and these will be announced when the official comes from the DD School Sport Office.

H & PE Teacher, Mr Mick Grew, would like to thank all the supporters who travelled to Toowoomba to watch our athletes compete and Mr Pat McCormick for being the GB Team Manager on the day.

Secondary

St Joseph’s sent 5 athletes to the Darling Downs Athletics Championships on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st August in Toowoomba and Warwick respectively. This is the largest number of students who have represented St Joseph’s in many years.

St Joseph’s Field athletes braved the windy conditions on Friday to compete in an array of events. Lachlan Swan competed in the 17 years Javelin, placing 5th overall; Eliza Telfer competed in the 13 Years High Jump, placing 8th on a count back; and Emily Daisy competed in the 14 Years Shot Put and, although not placing in the top 8, Emily represented St Joseph’s strongly.

St Joseph’s track athletes Skyie McCosker and Georgette Forbes took to the tartan on Thursday both for the 100m and 200m sprints. Skyie McCosker made the final for the 200m and narrowly missed out on the final for the 100m. Georgette Forbes had our schools most impressive performance placing 2nd in both the 100m and 200m Sprints. Georgette’s times for both the 100m and 200m were fast enough to qualify her for the State Championships to be held in October.

Thank you to all the parents who gave up their time to support and transport their children to the championship and congratulations to all competitors. It is an achievement to make qualifying times and distances for the Darling Downs and you all represented St Joseph’s strongly. Congratulations to Georgette Forbes on her selection in the Darling Downs Team. St Joseph’s School wishes Georgette all the best in her efforts at the State Championships.

Well done to Emily Daisy, Eliza Telfer, Georgette Forbes and Skyie McCosker (Lachlan Swan absent).

PRIMARY FUTSAL ACHIEVEMENT

On Tuesday the 28th of August, twenty-nine spirited Primary students participated in the Primary Futsal Cup run by Futsal Australia. St Joseph’s school nominated 4 teams in the competition in the following age groups, 12 Years Girls, 12 Years Boys and 2 teams in the 11 Years Boys age group. The competition was very tough with a couple schools being State Champions and some Futsal Schools of Excellence.

The 11 Years boys played 5 games each and their first encounter was against each other. This was a tough first game as not many of them had played a game of futsal before, but some very good individual skills from the boys gave the Green team the victory 10-0.

Both 11 Years teams watched some other teams and starting to devise strategies to beat them. Throughout the tournament both 11 Years boy’s teams became stronger and stronger with more teamwork, grit and hard work. One 11 Years boy team made it into the semi-final where they fought their hearts out to go down by a couple of goals.

The 12 Years boys were in a tough competition with a couple of students who were high schoolers. The boys were a bit rusty on their first game until they found the winning combination and snatched a close victory 2-1. The next game the boys were up against a strong well-structured team where there were 3 national level players. The opposition kept scoring until the coach told them that if they scored they get chocolate. Our goal keeper came out of goals and he scored a cracker from half way against all odds. The boys finished 5th by 2 points.

We nominated a 12 Years girls team and there was only one 12 year old girl, so they were up against tough odds to start with. The girls dominated the early games until they faced the State Champions who just beat them 7-2. The girls turned it around and managed to beat a futsal School of Excellence team 4-3 with some great goals from the team. The girls made the finals after a close win in the semi-final to be facing the State Champions again. The girls were exhausted after a big day but fought all the way to the end and left their first Primary Futsal Cup as runners up.

Congratulations to all the students who played in the Primary Futsal Cup.

READY FOR NETBALL

The Queensland Primary Schools Netball Carnival is a state-wide competition open to all Primary school children from Years 4 to 6. This year there are 80 teams nominated from all over Queensland.

Our girls have been training in preparation for the tournament every Monday during lunch time at and after school on Thursdays. Their skills have improved greatly and they are all looking forward to the competition which will be held on the weekend of Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September.

The members of the team are, Olivia Page, Brigid O’Dea, Claire Danzey, Tay McNamara, Claire Williamson, Juliette Pompetti, Lillian Kendall, Erin O’Dea, Sophie Brunckhorst and Anika Irwin.

The Netball Team are excited to be heading to the Queensland Primary Schools Netball Carnival. Anika Irwin and Sophie Brunckhorst are absent from the photo.

UPCOMING EVENTS