7 February 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to St Joseph’s School for 2019. I trust that all have had a restful and blessed Christmas period.

My key message to all St Joseph’s School staff is:

“Be the best you can be so that every student has the opportunity to be the best they can be.”

The staff have been very focused and united preparing for a successful 2019 and have worked hard to ensure students and families had a good start to the school year.

I am also pleased with the new School Leadership Team (listed below) and the commitment they have given to students, staff and families to ensure the success and wellbeing of all.

• Principal – Mr Andrew Kendall
• Acting Deputy Principal – Mr Matthew Brown
• Assistant to the Principal Formation and Identity – Mrs Megan Mahoney
• Assistant to the Principal Primary – Mrs Sarah Yates.

The Secondary also has a new Middle Leadership group and, along with a number of new staff will bring passion, enthusiasm and improved teaching and learning. The Middle Leaders this year are:

• Head of Curriculum (Humanities) – Mr Joseph Shorter
• Acting Head of Curriculum (Maths, HPE & Industrial Technology) – Mrs Sandra Ellis
• Acting Head of Curriculum (Science & Home Economics) – Mrs Brooke Butson
• Head of Pastoral Care – Mrs Lorien Kirby
• Acting Head of Sport – Mr Jacob Steele

Facilities Improvements

As part of the masterplan, at the end of 2018 and over the last three weeks, a number of improvements have occurred around the school.

On the Primary Campus a major renovation has occurred to the new 5/6C classroom (formerly 2OB). This has involved the installation of acoustic tiles on the walls, window tinting, a new whiteboard and a new television. This improvement serves as a trial for the renovation of all Primary classrooms over the coming years. The cricket pitch was replaced in late Term 4 last year and will have its first use this term. Thanks to parent Mark Spiller and his crew for completing a challenging job and producing a much-improved facility. Window tinting has also been done on the Primary balcony and part of the Multi-Purpose Room. This will make for improved teaching and learning.

On the Secondary Campus there have been two key projects. The area between the tennis courts and the Frayne Building has been concreted and shaded. This makes the space much more useable for students at lunch times and makes for a good outside teaching and meeting space. Another key project has been the upgrade of the pathway from the crossing on Connor Street to the Secondary Campus. Thanks to parent Tony Webb for the concreting work done on both these projects. The Artroom has also been renovated for the re-introduction of Visual Art in the Middle School and an area in the Staff Building has been renovated as a Secondary Reception and Sports Department space.

On both campuses rooms have been renovated to create dedicated Technology and Robotics teaching spaces.

Future improvements planned for this year will include, amongst others, a major redesign of the Secondary toilet block, a renovation to the entrance to the Bathersby Centre, fencing at the bottom of the Secondary Campus along Connor Street and a possible full-size outdoor sports court on the Primary Campus.

Have a Good Year

I wish you all a good year at St Joseph’s School. Please do not hesitate to contact myself and the other school leaders and staff if you have any queries or concerns. We are committed to open, clear and timely communication with all parents and caregivers.

God Bless.

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

May I start by extending a warm welcome to all students and families to the beginning of the 2019 school year. It promises to be a fantastic year on both the Primary and Secondary campus’ and I hope the students have returned well rested and ready to engage in what shapes to be an exciting and challenging year. Personally, I am excited for the challenges that lie ahead and in my new role as Deputy Principal, I am extremely confident in the great work that all our staff will do in ensuring every student in our school achieves success. I would like to extend my thanks to Andrew Kendall and the other members of the School Leadership Team, Sarah Yates and Megan Mahoney, for welcoming me as part of this team and the support and confidence they have shown in me.

On the Secondary campus, staff and students will continue to consolidate some of the key pedagogical frameworks that were introduced across the school in 2018. The Visible Learning journey remains a key focal point, with staff engaging across the year in impact coaching cycles designed to foster professional conversations, build collective efficacy and improve pedagogical practices in the classroom. The Reading Improvement Strategy (RIS) and the Data Improvement Plan (DIP) will continue, with staff keen to engage new ways to continue to improve on the positive data trend shown in the implementation phase.

2019 also sees the introduction of the new ATAR Senior Schooling framework and for our current Year 11 students, joining other Year 11 students across the state in this major curriculum change. Speaking with secondary staff in the student free week, I presented them with one word – Reality! As secondary teachers, we have spent in the vicinity of two years in preparation for this change and it is finally upon us, and for both staff and students challenges lie ahead, but our staff are well prepared and confident in delivering this new curriculum.

Finally, I reflect up my favourite prayer “Footprints” and the journey that the Lord takes with us as people of faith. The Lord reminds us that, “During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” This reminds us all, that as a school community, the loving presence of Jesus is always there to support us through the challenging times and help us achieve the best we can.

As the year progresses, please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any issues, concerns or questions that you may have as parents.

Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal (Acting)

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – PRIMARY (APP)

Welcome to the new school year! A special welcome is extended to our new students for 2019. As well as 18 Prep students, we also have Ned, Sean and Beau in Year 1, Lucas and Liam in Year 2, Faith, Lily, Emily and Ned in Year 4 and Akasha, Stella and Ryley in Year 5. Starting school for the first time, or indeed moving to a new school, can be a little daunting but I am confident that each of these students will be warmly welcomed into the St Joseph's community and supported as they transition.

This year our intentions are simple: to provide every student with the opportunity to be the best person they can be in terms of their social, emotional, academic, cultural and spiritual growth through our teaching and the way we conduct ourselves and for every child to experience Jesus Christ.

Much work has already been completed by the teachers to create learning environments which are stimulating and supportive and learning experiences which promote curiosity, creativity, a sense of reflection and a desire to be an active participant in the learning process. We will continue the work we started last year in implementing Visible Learning, as well as the Reading Improvement Strategy and we will also continue to work closely with parents to ensure that each child's experience of being at St Joseph's is a positive one. Having positive relationships is key to our success and we as a staff, look forward to establishing those relationships in 2019 and working together with parents and the community for the benefit of all the students.

A special thankyou to the P&F Association which has generously sponsored the Prep caps.

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Primary (APP)

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FORMATION AND IDENTITY (APFI)

“Called – One Word, Many Ways”

I came upon this quote last week while preparing our staff liturgy. This simple yet thought provoking quote resonated strongly with me and will become the theme for our school community as we embark upon a new year. In the song “We are Called” by David Hass, we are reminded of our call to love tenderly, act justly, serve others and walk humbly with God. By living the Mercy tradition, we are called to be mercy to those we encounter each and every day. Whether through generosity, kindness, hope, tenderness, joy, hospitality or prayer, in the words of Pope Francis,

“Mercy is a journey that starts with the heart and ends with the hands, namely in the works of mercy.”

Through the lived experience of our Mercy values and remembering the vision of Catherine McAuley, St. Joseph’s School community hopes to restore dignity and transform the lives of all we encounter.

New name, same role....

This year I have a new title APFI – Assistant to the Principal Formation and Identity. Despite the different title, my role and purpose remains primarily the same across both campuses. My role assists the principal in:

• Providing leadership in the religious life of the school community
• Providing leadership and co-ordination of the teaching and learning of Religious Education (P-12)
• Provide leadership in other areas as requested.

I have held this role since 2014, and despite the busyness of all that is involved in this position, I find great joy and fulfilment within its many facets, and I look forward to working with students, staff, families and the community in the year ahead.

God’s blessings,

Megan Mahoney
Assistant Principal Formation and Identity (APFI)

SCHOOL NEWS

STAFF

While students enjoyed their last week of holidays, staff at St Joseph’s School in Stanthorpe attended Personal Development training and focussed on preparing for a successful Year in 2019.

The New School Leadership Team and Middle Leaders were announced, and new staff Brooke Butson, Lisa McPherson and Courtney Law were welcomed along with returning staff, Courtenay Mason, Jim Armstrong and Nadia Stanford.

Brooke Butson, Lisa McPherson, Courtney Law and Courtenay Mason

LECTURETTE DISTRICT FINAL 2018

(Due to deadlines, this article could not be included in our last newsletter in 2018)

After weeks of preparation, the big night of the Annual Granite Belt School Lecturette competition was upon our students. It was a six-week process to reach the Final, writing and editing, preparing and polishing their work and practicing before the first hurdle—the Class Lecturette competition!

Following came the St Joseph’s Year 6 competition and on completion, seven students remained¬—Freya Creer, Luke Webb, Kiana Stone, Sarah Juriss, Clancy Moncada, Annie McCosker and Sam Ellis. Then there were just four days to rework, edit, polish and to perform in front of parents for the next competition. (I am sure that parents by this stage were experts on the need to ban plastic bags entirely, have the government provide swimming lessons for everyone, fight against bullying, respect all races and creeds, read books rather than go to the Gym for rock hard abs, ban smoking completely and make sure that you go on a roller coaster at your earliest possible convenience!)

The Town or ‘A’ Schools competition was of a very high standard this year and six of our students gained selection to the district final with only one not being selected for the final stage. This was a remarkable achievement—with St Joseph’s School providing half of the final contestants!

One last effort with more and more practice (…parents I am sure by this stage were beginning to repeat word for word their child’s Lecturette). On Monday the 3rd of December the finalists gathered at the library for the final challenge. On a night of entertainment, mirth and sharing of knowledge, the gifts of persuasion were on display. Congratulations to Luke Webb who was selected as the district winner for 2018, a fantastic achievement to end his primary years.

St Joseph’s School would like to thank Mr Hodgson—Applethorpe SS, for organising the event (again), the Stanthorpe Toastmasters for their expertise in judging the competition and Rotary for their sponsorship of the event.
(Dave Fleming)

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Year 7 students started their first day with a lesson in Digital Technologies. The students learned that programming is a way of giving instructions to a computer system. They built Lego with one person delivering the instructions and one person building the object with no assistance. Later in this subject, students will be creating a robot and programming it to follow a line on a course.

MOUNTAIN BIKING PROGRAM ON FRIDAY AFTERNOONS!

Following the success of last year’s Beginner Skills Program, we will be offering an Intermediate Mountain Biking Skills program in 2019. The program will be offered to students from Year 5 to Year 10, and is designed for riders with some mountain biking experience and/or the completion of the beginner program. It aims to equip students to ride “green” and “blue” trails and to also introduces some racing skills.

This program forms part of the Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) Dirt Schools Program and has been prepared by MTBA specifically for schools. St Joseph’s is an MTBA affiliated school, and Emma Rhymer is a qualified MTBA coach.

Please note that a beginner program will once again be offered in Term 4 for new/less confident riders.

Stay tuned for further details – but feel free to contact Emma Rhymer on Emma.Rhymer@twb.catholic.edu.au with questions at any time.

FUNDRAISING ACHIEVES IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Throughout 2018, St Joseph’s students held a variety of fundraising activities as part of their Mercy values or through their project-based learning. Some very impressive results were achieved by the students, with the total cash raised being over $12,000 as well as donations of food and goods to various organisations. Listed below are the funding recipients and the fundraising activities.

Funds raised were for: Leukemia Foundation – Funky Hair Day; Caritas – Donations + Free Dress Days – Pancake day; SWAGS – Movie night + Free Dress Day + Hot Chips; Fiji Feminine – Hot Chips, Free Dress, Donation of products; Orange Sky – Dress Orange + Pizza day; Catholic Mission – Soctober; St Vincent De Paul – Winter Appeal; Gift packs sent to Defence Forces – Anzac Day

Of the money raised $5000 was donated to Rural Aid (Fundraising from Fiver for a Farmer, Street Stall + Fundraising at the Annual Colour Run)
$1200 was donated to St Vincent De Paul (raised by Mini Vinnies throughout the year + grocery items for hampers organised by Teen Vinnies in the last month)

LIBRARY NEWS

Here in the library we are refreshed, rejuvenated and “rarin’ to go”. The beginning of a new year is always exciting, and we have a Big New Challenge and Change ahead of us!

Sometime in Semester one we will be moving to a new software platform called AccessIt. As a result, we will be able to offer staff and students a much more streamlined and user friendly borrowing and researching experience. From what I have heard from other diocesan schools who have already made the change, the students really love AccessIt!

We also have our Book Fair later this term, with more details coming to you closer to time. We wish you all a wonderful and exciting year and look forward to seeing lots of families enjoying our library and all it offers.

ADOPT A COP PROGRAM

Hi, my name is Sergeant Daniel O’Dea and I have been a police officer in Stanthorpe for almost 14 years and in my 23rd year as a police officer. Most will know me throughout the wider community or during my participation in many roles within the school community.

Beginning in 2019, I will also be the adopt-a-cop for St Joseph’s School across both campuses. The adopt-a-cop program aims to build positive relationships between local police and school communities. During the year, I hope to develop a rapport with the school (including students, staff, parents and caregivers) by conducting functions including:

(i) Delivering classroom presentations in partnership with teachers;
(ii) Attending key school events, such as fetes, swimming carnivals and/or sports days;
(iii) Attending school ceremonies and assemblies; and
(iv) Conducting informal “drop in” visits, particularly during break times.

I am looking forward to meeting and interacting with students throughout the year.

NEW WEBSITE

The new website is now live and more user friendly and informative than ever before. There is a school calendar to remind parents about events and important days, enrolment information and enrolment forms, term dates, current and past newsletters and much more. Visit the link below.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR PURCHASE

Second-hand uniforms are available for sale at the Administration reception for $5 per item.

Lost property for Secondary School students is now retained in the new Sports Office near the Secondary Campus Staffroom. Lost property for Primary students is located at the Administration Office (Primary).

SCHOOLTV - SCHOOL TRANSITIONS

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month's edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month's edition.

SINGING LESSONS

Jeremy Greening is offering singing lessons to students in 2019. The lessons will be run in a similar format to the instrumental music lessons. Students will come out of class to participate in the lessons for one day per week.

One on one lesson $25 for 30 minutes.
Group lessons $15 per person for 30 minutes capped at 3 group members.
Fees are paid directly to Jeremy.

Please contact Jeremy directly on 0402283363 or email jagreening@gmail.com.

EARLY DEPARTURES / LATE ARRIVALS

Just a reminder to parents that students arriving late or leaving early must report to the school reception office for a late arrival or early departure slip. This is to ensure that student attendances and absences are correctly recorded.

When students need to attend appointments during school hours, parents and carers are required to call, email or provide a note to the office. Students must collect an early departure slip from the office on arrival. Students leaving early must be picked up from the office. On returning to the school students are to report to the office to notify staff of their return. If someone other than a parent is collecting the child at any time, written permission is required from a parent or carer.

ENSURE YOUR DETAILS ARE CURRENT

So that we can ensure that all important communication is being sent to parents and carers and so that we can contact you in an emergency, please inform us if you have changed any of your details.

Also, if there has been any change to your child’s medical condition, please inform the school as soon as possible.

Email any changes to Stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au.

SCHOOL CROSSINGS

School crossings operate only when the orange 'children crossing' flags are displayed. They are designed to help children cross the road safely near schools.

To use a children's crossing:

• Wait on one side of the road (behind the yellow line) for the supervisor to walk out on to the crossing with their red stop sign
• Cross once the traffic has stopped on the road and the crossing supervisor has blown a whistle
• Always follow the directions of the crossing supervisor and stay safe.

PARKING

Please be mindful of students when entering school car parking areas or parking close to the school. Parents dropping their children off should not to park in the carparks or across driveways. Please see Parking attachment for more information.

PRIMARY SCHOOL BANKING

Primary school banking has recommenced. Please ensure students have their bankbooks handed to their teacher by Tuesday afternoon (at the latest) for processing on Wednesday.

2018 YEAR BOOKS

Please don’t forget to collect your year books if you have paid for them. For anyone still wishing to purchase one, there are some copies left at reception.

INTRODUCING STAFF

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 have worked for St Joseph’s since 2015 working as a contract and supply teacher. I have taught a variety of subjects on the Secondary Campus including Visual Art, Religion, Business, HPE, Science, Geography and Maths.

I am a local girl and went to school here at St Joseph’s. I have moved back here with my husband and son Oliver who is starting Prep this year!

I will be the Visual Art teacher on the secondary campus, teaching Junior Art to Years 7, 8 and 9.

Art is the best place to get messy and get away with it! I love seeing the different ways students interpret artworks, respond to topics and come up with different art ideas for their artworks. It is always satisfying to see students learn new skills and art making techniques.

In 2019 I hope to bring back an appreciation for Visual Art and give students a place to develop their creativity and see that making mistakes are all a part of the learning process!

This is my first teaching gig - I have just started working for St Joseph’s after graduating last year.

I’m a local from Ballandean and went to Ballandean SS and Stanthorpe SHS. My husband is living overseas until he moves back halfway through the year. I have just moved back to the area after completing my Bachelor’s degree and can’t wait to play soccer for Ballandean again.

I am teaching Physical Education and Maths classes and will probably be coaching some sporting teams for the school.

The most enjoyable thing about my role is seeing a student improve a particular skill and seeing students enjoy different sports.

In 2019 I hope to improve my teaching techniques and to survive my first year of teaching.

P&F

Meetings

Welcome to a new school year to all our parents and caregivers, especially those new to our school community. I'd like to extend a warm invite to our P&F meetings held monthly at 7pm on the last Tuesday of the month in the Boardroom. These meetings are an opportunity for parents to hear first-hand what is happening within the school now, the direction the school is heading and why decisions have been made. It is also an excellent forum to raise any issues you may have or make suggestions on ways the school can improve. This meeting is the best way you can be informed on your child's education, rather than rely on the gossip-mongers and whispers around town. Come along to our first meeting of the year on Tuesday 26th February at 7pm. This meeting will also serve as an AGM - but don't worry, you won't get a job unless you want one. I'm looking forward to seeing old and new faces at our monthly meetings in 2019.

Daniel O'Dea
P&F President (2018)

TRIVIA NIGHT – 2019

FOOTBALL, MEAT PIES, KANGAROOS & HOLDEN CARS!

This year the P & F Association proudly presents “AUSTRALIAN MADE” Trivia Night.

It will be held on Saturday 30th March 2019, with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. We will then kick on afterwards for some Aussie Rock with ‘DJ Wrenny’.

So get your thinking caps on and gather your group of friends to book a table. Let your imaginations go wild with the theme of “Australian Made”. From Kylie Minogue to Home & Away, A/C D/C to The Castle, the Sydney Opera House and everything in between.

We will have an array of Multi Draw Prizes on offer for the evening along with prizes to be awarded for Best Dressed Team and Individuals.

We will also be offering a Child Minding Service which will be organised & run by staff and students as a fundraiser for the QISSN team, our thanks to Amy Coulson and her band of helpers. Further details to be advised.

It will be a fun night of Trivia with friends, family and the school community.

UPCOMING EVENTS