20 March 2015
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s News
Over the last fortnight, I have spoken to Year 7 - 10 students about some of the social challenges of adolescents. While initially I had little credibility (on account of being so old), after convincing the students I was a teenager once too, as well as talking about some ideas that they could relate to, things got progressively better.
In particular, I spoke with students about the different social structures and functioning between boys and girls. It was clear that the way girls interact socially is often far more complex than boys, but common between the two groups is the reality that school can be a place where relationships flourish, as well a place where things can go wrong. The purpose of the presentations was to put a name to the role holders in young people’s social groups, so that when conflict arises they are more adept at identifying the social mechanisms at work. However, great emphasis was placed on the students being “champions” – having the courage to rise above the muck of social conflict, and identify things that are wrong; as well as to avoid being a “torn bystander”- the person who knows something is not right, but in the interests of preserving their place within the group, chooses to be silent.
In addition to these presentations, students from Year 7-12 also heard from the organisation “Real Talk”. These sessions were focussed on human sexuality (sex, relationships and personal identity), drawing on the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. The last two weeks have certainly seen a focus on students’ personal development and health and wellbeing.
Thursday marked the Feast day of St Joseph. As has been the tradition, the School celebrated this with Mass and activities throughout the afternoon. This was a significant occasion in our 140th year, and I thank all who were involved in its success.
Finally, at the last P&F Meeting, the group had a discussion about our major fundraiser for 2015. It was agreed that in our 140th year we should celebrate this in a particular way. The Meeting unanimously voted that the School hold a fete/fair as the major fundraiser for the year. A communication went out to parents earlier this week in an effort to form a committee to commence preparations. Please make contact with me if you would like to be involved.
Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal
Leader’s News
The Power of Prayer
The power of prayer was highlighted on Friday, 6th March when a prayer vigil was held for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the two Australians awaiting execution in Indonesia. Throughout the day students and staff were invited to light a candle and say a prayer for these two young men, as well as others facing a similar fate.
Human dignity is at the very core of Catholic Social teaching as we are created in the image and likeness of God. From our everyday relationships within our school to interacting with groups within the community, the spiritual life and actions lived out in our school and wider community are based on the belief that each and every individual has value, are worthy of great respect and must be free from slavery, manipulation and exploitation.Catholic Social Teaching states that each and every person has value, are worthy of great respect and must be free from slavery, manipulation and exploitation.
May we all live our daily lives guided by the words of Pope Francis:
“Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs, or anything else—God is in this person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every human life. Although the life of a person is a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God.”
― Pope Francis , A Big Heart Open to God: A Conversation with Pope Francis
Megan Mahoney
APRE
School News
Year 10 News
Term 1 has proven to be an exceptionally busy one for Year 10 students. Year 10 has had the opportunity to engage in several informative presentations during the last couple of weeks. Week 6 saw Year 10 participate in Real Talk sessions, where students explored the importance of loving and committed relationships, and the value of self-worth. On Monday this week, Year 10 attended a presentation on Fair Trade, and on Tuesday during a visit from representatives from the University of Southern Queensland the importance of work experience and searching for possible career pathways was highlighted. This was a timely visit, as this year students will begin to consider senior subject choices for next year, and possible pre-requisites for tertiary and vocational study post-school.
Year 10 classrooms have been equally productive. In English students have read the best-selling novel ‘The Hunger Games.’ Students have been discussing the use of violence as entertainment, both in fictional texts, and also in sport and the media. We have debated the appropriateness of dystopian literature as genre for teenage readers, as well as the reasons for its immense popularity. Students are currently addressing these issues in their assessment task, a feature article to be submitted next week. In Year 10 History, students have been involved in a depth study of World War Two. Students have explored the cause and course of the conflict, and examined key events in the European, African and Pacific theatres of war. They have also focussed on Australian involvement in Tobruk and Kokoda, and the horror of the Holocaust. The class is currently studying life on the home front, and the roles of women during the war.
In Science, the students have been studying the issues surrounding climate change. They have investigated the greenhouse effect and how our energy-hungry lifestyles are impacting on the environment and how we are all contributing toward a carbon footprint. They will look at other big scientific ideas such as evolution and the formation of our universe as we approach the end of term. In Maths, Year 10 students have investigated compound interest as it applies to loans and investments. For the majority of the term they have deepened their understanding of algebraic expression and the manipulation of equations in preparation for studying linear and non-linear relationships and measurement.
This term, Year 10 art students are studying Street Art. As part of their studies, students have participated in two excursions this term. On Monday they viewed the unique street art of Toowoomba, which was the result of ‘Top Coast’, a street art festival which consists of multiple large scale murals which were painted by world class and local artists. Students walked the 2.5 km block to view the street art on 16 sites in the town centre. In the classroom, they are identifying and analysing the work of various street artists and the processes, techniques, themes and appropriation of popular culture to portray clear visual language. This will assist them in creating their own street art designs for assessment. It is also hoped that students may have the opportunity to create real street art here in Stanthorpe.
A second valuable experience for Year 10 art students was their participation in a community forum concerning the Stanthorpe streetscape. Southern Downs Regional Council has employed the services of award-winning designers and landscape architects to prepare a master plan for Stanthorpe CBD, and are currently holding discussions to inform their design. Some of the ideas generated by our students include the opportunity for art students to design and create their own street art work on the telephone poles in High Street. The theme chosen by our students is ‘Stanthorpe’. The proposed design will consist primarily of grape vines running up the poles. Students will paint their own designs on the bunches of grapes, representing their own individual visual and textual impressions of their town.
The students’ ideas will be put to the council by Sheila Stebbings (Manager Community Services). There is also an opportunity for future projects surrounding this theme. A possible collaboration between Visual Art and Manual Arts may see the creation of a vine made out of metal, which may be attached to the balustrade in the main street.
Additionally, Year 10 Drama is currently working on a production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ which will be performed on Monday 23rd March. All students are enthusiastically learning lines and remembering stage-positioning. We are sure that all their hard work will pay off and that their performance will be a memorable one.
Miss Patricia McManus (10D) and Mr Dwain Macnamara (10M)
Year 7 Police Visit
Sergeant Tim Dachs from the Stanthorpe Police visited the secondary campus last week to discuss cyber bullying with Year 7 students. The students were engaged in conversation with Sergeant Dachs for the entire afternoon session as he discussed the seriousness of cyber bullying and what to do in the case a student feels bullied, working in the police force and the many branches and areas of law enforcement. Sergeant Dachs was also able to show the equipment police are required to carry including taser guns, bullets and hand cuffs. The students are eagerly looking forward to visiting the station and learning more about the role our police play in society.
Thank you Sergeant Dachs.
“I learnt that you could be in prison for 3 years for dangerous cyberbullying”. – Lachlan Mahoney
“Capsicum spray isn’t made from capsicums”. – Leah Peters
Congratulation Mick
Mick Grew has been awarded a Pride of Workmanship award by the Stanthorpe Rotary Club. These awards recognise a significant contribution by a staff member to their workplaces. Mick was nominated for his work with students on the Mini Vinnies initiative, and making the Mercy Values a lived experience for our students. Congratulations Mick.
The 2015 Mini Vinnies
Year 1 Science Expeditions
Over the last two weeks St Joseph’s Year 1 classes journeyed on a scientific exploration to the Water Bird Habitat at Gleesons Park to conduct an animal survey.
Guiding them in this expedition was Cecilia Campbell, Zoologist and Justin Wheatly from Queensland Parks and Wildlife. The main purpose of the field trip was as an lesson in ‘hands on’ information gathering as students took on the role of scientists. Observing animals in their habitat, noting their source of water and shelter, and the types and number of animals seen was all documented by the students throughout the morning. Information gathered was then taken back to the classroom where students researched in books to identify the animals. Students will also be writing a simple information report about the animals.
Thank you to all the parents and helpers who assisted.
Approaching Eisteddfod
Border District Eisteddfod 2015
Stanthorpe Civic Centre 3rd – 6th June
3rd June – Dance
4th June – Speech & Drama / Choral Speaking
5th & 6th June – Music & Choral/Instrumental
Entry forms and money to be submitted to class teachers by Tuesday 31st March.
NB – Information letters will be emailed to parents this week
New Section
As the end of the term approaches fast, it is important to keep the creative juices flowing. With the coming of next term comes the Border Districts Eisteddfod (4,5,6,7th of June). This year the Eisteddfod includes a scripture reading section. All students are actively encouraged to participate in the St Joseph’s school community, but there is always room for students to bring our school message to the wider community. This is a great opportunity for students to represent themselves and their school in a community forum.
I am in search of volunteers to participate in the scripture reading section in the Eisteddfod this year. It is an exciting opportunity for all students, and if done through the school the entry fee is paid for by the performing arts department. There has been some interest already, but I would love to see even more.
If your child is interested please refer them to myself (Miss Daughtree) and I will gladly give them both information and practice time in the performing arts room during lunch hours should they wish it.
Length: 2 mins maximum
Reading: From scripture
Registration Fees: Usually $4 (free if registered through the school)
Miss Emily Daughtree
Music / Drama Teacher
Stanthorpe Home to Granite Belt Performing Arts Challenge 2015
The second Granite Belt Performing Arts Challenge (GBPAC) will once again be held in Stanthorpe from 13 to 16 May 2015.
Following the successful inaugural event last year, the Granite Belt Performing Arts Challenge (GBPAC) is bringing the latest in amateur competition for performers in various sectors of the Performing Arts right here to the Granite Belt.
The dance competition is open to the public and includes groups and solo scholarship contenders. There are four genres available for participants and these include Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Musical Theatre.
GBPAC Groups Convenor, Mrs Cheryl Green announced, “all dancers are adjudicated by professional judges and we have secured sponsorship from Queensland Ballet this year. They will be sending a professional dancer to run workshops for our performers and adjudicate the Ballet section for 2015”.
Ms Kylie Goeldner, dance teacher and choreographer will judge the Jazz sections of the Challenge and run workshops for all performers. Kylie has trained in New York and done in Bas Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge. She continues to teach in schools around the country, whilst performing at national dance events.
The nationally renowned Camilla Jakimowicz from So You Think You Can Dance Australia and FAME – The Musical will be our Musical Theatre adjudicator and teach master classes with all Jazz students.
Finally we have Jesse Rassmussen, to judge the Tap section and to run Tap Workshops this year. Jesse has performed with Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs, on Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Australia and in 2012 co-created The Tap Pack which is currently performing in theatres throughout Australia.
“Once again we have nationally and internationally recognised industry professionals coming to the Granite Belt to develop the skills of our local and regional youth. It is quite a coup and something we are very proud of”, she said.
Each group entrant will receive a written assessment of their performance plus place getters receive cash and educational prizes to further their dance skills. Encouragement awards are also given to allow regional youth the opportunity to travel to the city to attend further workshops.
“GBPAC is a commitment to youth in the Performing Arts Sector and provides a regional location for all performers to come and participate in a professional competition. This is an exciting opportunity for young performers in the community”, confirmed Mrs Green.
Workshops and Master Classes are made available to all competitors with the above mentioned well known choreographers and teachers.
The event is run as a non-profit organisation, with all monies raised, being invested into the development of youth in the performing arts industry.
GBPAC Sponsorship starts from as little at $90 to sponsor a Group section and goes right through to $5,000 for Naming Rights of the Event. Sponsorship is tax deductible and your support will see this event grow to become one of the larger events on the Granite Belt Calendar.
GBPAC opens on Wednesday 13 May 2015 and ends with a Gala Performance of all the place getters on Saturday 16 May 2015 .
For further information or if you wish to sponsor the GBPAC Scholarships please contact the Groups Convenor, Cheryl Green on 0405 122 832 or email: groupsconvenorgbpac@gmail.com . You u can also visit the website www.bpacdance.org.au
Congratulations Zoe
Congratulations to School Captain Zoe Kay on her tremendous effort in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest held on Monday 9th March. The annual competition showcases the youth in the community through four main sections: community, academia, leadership and sport. Contestants undertake an interview process with a panel and then deliver a formal dinner speech , answering impromptu questions in front of Lions club members, teachers and peers.
“It is an opportunity for youth to voice their opinion regarding current issues within society. Although I wasn’t fortunate enough to win, I have walked away having gained many skills and I feel very privileged to have been involved,” said Zoe.
“My thanks go out to Mrs Parakas the St Joseph’s Coordinator for her support. Mr McCarthy, Mrs Oag, Miss Nicholson, Mrs Muller and Miss Di Mauro for attending the formal dinner and my parents for listening to my speech countless times and their support throughout the entire process.”
Well done Zoe.
Zoe Kay with fellow Competitors
Sports News
Primary Sport News
Traditionally Term One is a hectic time on the Primary Campus with students attending trials to gain selection to the Granite Belt, Darling Downs and ultimately Queensland representation.
So far this term we have had students gain selection to the Granite Belt Teams for Swimming – Charlotte Widderick, Jenna Fox, Isabel Kay and Billy Webb with Isabel also gaining selection to represent the Darling Downs at the upcoming State titles.
In Basketball, Anthony Pearce and Ky Rashleigh have been selected in the Granite Belt Team. Zeke Ghiggioli has gained selection to the Darling Downs Aussie Rules trials and Ky Rashleigh, Travis Murphy and Ned O’Reilly have been selected to represent the Granite Belt in Rugby League.
Many more students in the next two weeks will also attend more trials. Watch this space for updates!
David Fleming
APA
Secondary Sport
Congratulations to Josh Mouws who made Open boys Darling Downs soccer side, Danika Newman and Alison Hernandez made Open Girls Darling Downs soccer side.
Broncos Cup is in its 3rd week this week with St Joseph’s teams playing their first game against Goondiwindi State High School in league and netball. Good luck all!
P & F News
The P&F Association is giving you and your family the opportunity to be involved in an exciting new fundraising venture, which will coincide with this years 140 year anniversary of St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe.
“Design-A-Brick” offers personalised engraved pavers, which will be used to create a long lasting legacy, which will not only beautify our school, but bring about a sense of ownership and community.
All current and past students and staff of St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe have the opportunity to purchase a paver with their name/s engraved.
There will be two options available:
Option 1 – Paver engraved with a name and or names. Up to 3 lines engraved on a 230 x 115mm coloured paver. At a cost of $30 per paver
Option 2 – Paver engraved with a hand drawn image. A simple hand drawing or hand written name on a 230 x 115mm coloured paver . At a cost of $35 per paver.
We have not yet decided where the pavers will be laid, but we would like to include a pathway with seating and gardens. This will also be dependent on how many pavers are ordered.
Please find attached an order form, which will need to be returned to the school, with payment, by the end of term three, Friday 18th September 2015. Payment is by cash, cheque or bank deposit.
I encourage you to support this wonderful fundraiser and please pass on this information to any past students and staff who may be interested. More order forms will be available from the school office. If you would like to view the pavers please check out the website at www.designabrick.com.au
Thank you for supporting our wonderful school.
Reminders and Updates
MUSICAL REHEARSALS
The school musical Annie is fast approaching and we are offering the members of our support crew(s) - stage crew, front of house, lighting, sound, make up, set construction, props etc., the chance to wear a specially designed ‘Annie’ t-shirt.
If you are interested in this please arrange for a plain black t-shirt to be delivered to the school office with payment of $10 for printing. All shirts are to be bagged and named.
Thanks
David Fleming
