12 June 2015
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s News
Dear Parents and Caregivers
You may recall a few weeks ago that the Stanthorpe Border Post published the suspension and exclusion statistics of the local State Schools. Personally, at the time I didn’t think this type of data was particularly useful, nor did I consider it a very helpful way of supporting local schools. Nevertheless, the Border Post ran the story based on information which is freely available through the Department of Education & Training.
You will also have noticed that St Joseph’s School was not included in the data. Our suspension and exclusion data are not reported to the State or Federal governments, so this information cannot be readily retrieved. In addition, St Joseph’s School was not asked to contribute to the story.
Therefore, in order to complete the information presented by the Border Post, I offer below our Suspension and Exclusion data for 2014:
|
SUSPENSION |
PRIMARY |
SECONDARY |
|
Internal: 1-3 days |
1 |
1 |
|
External: 1-5 days |
0 |
0 |
|
External: 6-20 days |
0 |
1 |
|
EXCLUSIONS* |
0 |
0 |
*Exclusion refers to the cancellation of a student’s enrolment
I know you will agree that these are positive data. However, the alternative interpretation of these data is that the School doesn’t suspend or exclude students as often as it should. I recall in another school someone making a comment to me that if a school has high suspension rates, it’s an indicator that they are “doing their job”. That is, the school is responding appropriately to poor student behaviour. Let me be clear: I am not afraid to suspend students and I support suspension and exclusion as an option available to schools, but the fact is at this School I do not need to, and I will offer some reasons for this.
- We have supportive parents who have high expectations for their children at home and at school. So, when we have to address behaviour at the lowest level, parents and teachers are “on the same page” as it were. The student receives a clear message from both the school and within the home. I cannot overestimate the value of this partnership.
- The School has clear and high expectations for student behaviour, and we are committed to ensuring students meet these expectations; and if they don’t, there are appropriate consequences. Students know this and they strive to do their best each day.
- We have proactive teachers and support staff who respond to student behavioural issues in a timely and appropriate way. Our teachers communicate with parents to ensure that these issues are addressed quickly and clearly. Everyone wants problems dealt with at the lowest possible level – it protects everyone involved and ensures the possibility for positive resolution into the future.
- The School has an effective Pastoral Care program from Prep-Year 12. The program is flexible and responsive to the needs of students. For older students, Pastoral Care is an opportunity for students to talk openly about concerns at school.
- The School tries to give students “a way back”. As part of our behaviour management procedures, students are encouraged to make positive behavioural choices, and when they get it wrong, there is an opportunity for them to make it right.
- We know we’re not perfect. Teachers, students and Principals get it wrong from time-to-time. We are called to be a community of reconciliation: marked by forgiveness and understanding.
Our suspension and exclusion data are the not the cause for celebration. What is worth celebrating is how all members of our school community contribute to a safe, positive and caring learning environment.
Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal
Leader’s News
Term 2 is fast coming to its conclusion. Much has been happening on the Secondary campus. Pastoral Care programs continue to focus on the role of our school in the local community. Year 7 classes have been baking and making hot chocolates each Thursday morning to raise funds for GBSS. Year 8 have been actively selling tickets in the dressed lamb, that has been kindly donated to the school. All funds raised will purchase items that students will then use to create food items for St Vincent De Paul. These activities help students to be actively involved in the nature of servanthood and being a part of the community in which they live.
The South East Queensland Futsal Titles have come and gone for another year. The competition, held over four days, sees students from Under 14 years to Open demonstrate their fast and furious footwork and ball skills. At a school level the lunch time futsal competition continues, with some surprising results.
Next week the Year 11 and 12 students have block exams, which include study sessions and work rooms. It is imperative that any student who cannot sit an exam provide a medical certificate. Exam schedules have been emailed to all Year 11 and 12 students. Please email me if you have any queries with regards to these sessions ( linda.perrett@twb.catholic.edu.au ). Parents are responsible for their child when they are not in an exam or study session. Supervision for students who attend school during the study sessions will be at the Betty Yap Centre.
Finally the camps for Year 7, 8, 9 and 11 will occur in Week 10. These camps offer an excellent opportunity for students to engage in a range of adventure and leadership activities. Parents have been emailed relevant information with regards to equipment lists, departure and arrival times. Please email Sandra Miiller, Head of Pastoral Care Sandra.miiller@twb.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions in relation to these camps.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A GRADUATE TEACHER WITH EMILY DAUGHTREE
What is the challenging part of being a graduate teacher?
I have found trusting myself the most challenging part of being a graduate teacher. I find myself some days questioning whether what I have planned is too east or too hard. Do I know enough? Can I play enough instruments? In the end it comes down to knowing the students. Now that I’ve gotten to know them I can usually tell what they will find easy and what they will find challenging.
What are you looking forward to as the year progresses?
As the year progresses there are so many things I am looking forward to. The musical and Carol’s night should be exciting to attend (and put together). I look forward to working on new projects with the students (especially the Primary). After all, what is an Arts Department without some form of creative project in motion?
What are some aspects of St Joseph’s School that you like thus far?
I like how willing the students are to have a go at anything you ask of them, whether it be brainstorming, creating instruments, singing, moving, or going on a bear hunt (which is a favourite for the Prep students). I think the atmosphere of the school is what I like the most though. No matter what the weather the staff are always supportive to each other and the students. I can tell that the kids truly appreciate this.
What interests do you have outside of school?
Outside of school I have a keen interest in nature photography. Since I’m currently working in such a scenic location my time outside school is rarely boring and I usually have a camera attached to me somewhere (even in the classroom). Of course Drama and Music development takes up a lot of my time outside school, especially teaching myself new ukulele skills. I am incredibly lucky to be working in music and drama as all the tricks and new knowledge I acquire through my hobbies outside of school I can usually incorporate into my teaching.
Linda Perrett APA – Secondary
School News
Year One Discover History
The Year 1 classes travelled to the Stanthorpe Museum on Friday 29th May as part of a history unit called ‘What Was It Like?’. The class has been investigating what life was like in the ‘olden days’, particularly daily life, school and games children played. They interviewed an older family member to get information about family life in the past, including a positive and a negative aspect of living long ago. This information was presented as a project.
The children were really excited about our excursion – I think half the fun was the walk there, with plenty to see along the way!
Some highlights of the excursion were the gaol, the school room, the large machines and the shepherd’s hut. Ipads were used to record what was seen and the class will put together a digital collage to display their memories of the morning.
Many thanks has to be given to the museum staff who warmly welcomed us and guided us through the displays.
A huge thanks also to the mums, dads and grandparents who accompanied us on the excursion.
Mrs Johanna Campbell
Chill out with a good book
With June 1st heralding the winter months the library has put up a number of Winter Themed displays encouraging reading on the Antarctic, Polar Bears, Warming Recipes, Fire-side Reads, Weather & Snow Sports!!
“Cook & Book this Winter” is a display of favourite winter warm-up recipes from school staff along with their recommended book to read whilst consuming the home cooked delight!! Mary McLucas was first in with her submission … recipe below for those who enjoy a slice of cake with their hot coffee. Staff go in the lucky draw with a prize of “Coffee & Donuts for Two” from Slaps Coffee Shop.
Lemon Teacake
1 cup Self-Raising Flour
½ cup Caster Sugar
60 grams butter
1 egg lightly beaten
3-4 tablespoons Lemon Butter
1. Preheat oven to 180c, grease & line 17cm baking tin
2. Sift flour & mix in sugar
3. Add butter & rub together until fine breadcrumbs
4. Stir in egg to form a soft dough
5. Press 2/3 of dough into tin. Spoon over Lemon Butter
6. Crumble remaining dough over Lemon Butter
7. Bake for 30 mins, cool in tin, dust with icing sugar
8. Serve with lashings of whipped cream
Recommended Book
“The Truth About the Irish” by Terry Eagleton
'Pizza with a Twist’ for Nepal
Developing skills of entrepreneurship, Yr 9 Business students are putting into practice the knowledge and skills about small businesses from Term 1 with their own business ventures. Choosing to run food stalls, four groups had to consider the 4Ps – product, price, place and promotion – to run their own venture for 3 weeks, in charge of marketing and making their own food to sell at morning tea. Profit raised is going to charity to support the devastation in Nepal, but also will be analysed to evaluate the success of their group ventures. They have shown excellent team work and enthusiasm on their tasks so far – with only one week left, which group will be the most successful entrepreneurs?!!
The Year 9 Business Ventures saw success all round with each of the four groups generating profit. The four stalls – “Hot and Cold”, “Pizza with a Twist”, “The Bacon Boys” and “The Sweet Shack” – perfected their cooking skills and pleased customers with their savoury and sweet treats raising a total profit of $1316.60 going to the Nepal Earthquake victims and cause. And business wouldn’t be fun without the element of competition - “Pizza with a Twist” taking out top spot with $388.21 profit with their rustic calzones (if you want the recipe, ask Mrs Miller!!!).
A big thank you to the students and staff who supported the students in this task; to Miss Di Mauro for allowing us to use the kitchen, and a massive congratulations to the Year 9 class who displayed excellent team work, communication, leadership, responsibility and pride in their work and group venture.
Year 9 News
Red shield appeal door knock
On Sunday the 31st of May some of our Year 8’s took part in supporting a great cause, The Red Shield Door Knock Appeal. Weylin Alldridge, Georgia Harris, Hannah Reeves, Sonya Perrett, Lara-Jane Biggin, Hannah Debnam all gave up their Sunday to travel around town to collect much needed funds for the Salvos. Congratulations to these students for exhibiting the Mercy Values of Compassion and Service.
Lamb Raffle
During the term the Year 8’s have been raffling off a lamb, kindly donated by Paul Jansink, to raise funds for St Vincent’s CDS food bank. The raffle was drawn on Wednesday the 3rd of June and the winner of the lamb was Jeff Alldridge. While all students worked hard to support this cause some students went above and beyond. A big thanks goes to Anna Calvisi, Jessica Carpenter, Weylin Alldridge and Ben Manahan for selling a mass of tickets.
Pumpkin Soup support
Next term the Year 8’s will continue to support CDS food bank by cooking and freezing pumpkin soup to supply to those in need of a nourishing meal. We have already begun to collect pumpkins for this cause and if anyone from our community would like to help us accumulate more please contact me at Hayley.Grabham@twb.catholic.edu.au .
Winter Appeal Presentation
Last Wednesday afternoon Year 12 school representatives Alkeer, Lucinda and Ingrid had the pleasure of presenting over 200 cans of food to Kerry Ryan, President of the local St. Vincent de Paul society. The boxes of canned foods were received with much heartfelt thanks, with one of the volunteers explaining that many families were doing it particularly tough at the moment, with some families not being able to afford the basic necessities such as electricity. Mr Ryan passed on his thanks to all students of the school for their generous donations.
Many thanks to our students and their families who supported our Winter Appeal. It doesn’t take much to make a difference to someone’s life. In the words of Brother Damian Price: “If not you, who? If not now, when? If not here, where?” A small gesture can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Mrs Megan Mahoney
ST JOSEPH’S EISTEDDFOD RESULTS
Verse Speaking
Year 7 Results
Choral speaking 1st
Year 6 Results
Choral Speaking 2nd
Individual Recitation
Highly Commended – Cooper Wren and Second Place – Nathan Webb
Individual Italian Recitation
1st Teresa Pozzebon
Year 5 Results
Individual Recitation
1st Tom Gleeson, 2nd Lucas Wren, Highly Commended Georgette Forbes
Italian Group Speaking First Place Josh Carlson, Hamish Alldridge and Jack Bell
Year 4 Results
Choral Speaking
Year 4BF 2nd and Year 4 M F1st
Individual recitation
Year 4 BF Highly Commended: Felicity Dachs, 2nd : Taryn McCosker, 1st: Lachlan McNichol
Year 4 M 1st Jordan Waterworth, 2nd Taylor Organ, HC Sharvani Ghiggioli, Chris Gasparin, Libby Nash.
Individual Italian Recitation
2nd Genevieve Gasparin
Italian Group Speakning
2nd Hayley Danzey, Grace Carusso, Taryn McCosker, Kaitlin Carpenter and Emily Dunn
Year 3 Results
Individual Recitation
1st – Luke Webb, 2nd Annie McCosker, Highly Commended – Jack O’Brien and Molly Koek
Year 2
Choral Speaking 1st Place
Individual Recitation
1st Alex Waterworth, 2nd Halley Duff
Year 1
Individual Recitation
First Erin O’Dea
Prep
Individual Recitation
2nd Natalie Gasparin Highly Commended Ethan Cosmo and Tom Telfer
Special Awards
The Zoe Passmore Memorial Award for greatest promise was won by Tom Gleeson
Encouragement Award was won by Erin O’Dea
The Betty Paine Award for Tiny Tot Choral Speaking – Year 2
Sports News
St Joseph’s Under 15’s Bill Turner Boys side went down 2-1 to St Mary’s in the Darling Down’s Sem-final. A great effort against a strong Toowoomba school boasting several rep players.
Asbjorn Gaskell and Hannah Debnam competed at the DD cross country. Congratulations to Asbjorn for finishing 2nd. Asbjorn will now represent DD at the state titles. Well done to both of our competitors.
BRONCOS CUP NEWS
St Joseph’s played Warwick State High in the A Grade plate final (3 vs 4). Despite putting in a fantastic effort they were defeated. Well done Jess Westerhout who received the award for the best player for St Joseph’s in the match.
The B Grade Rugby League boys played Stanthorpe State High last week. In a very close game, with a field goal and a try in the final stages, St TexWood (St Josephs, Texas and Inglewood) came away with the win. The score 10-7 reflects how close the match was.
In the A grade, the boys took out the bowl final against Allora/Clifton/Killarney. It was a good game to watch with some great individual skill displayed by Dylan Politch and Martin Dachs. Matthew Murphy played with great skill in attack and defence and took out player of the match. Score was 30 to 16.
Reminders and Updates
Parent Paperwork Trial
The School is currently trialling an electronic parent permissions system. This system sends permission requests to your nominated email address, reducing the number of paper notes sent home by the School. In order for this trial to be a useful source of information for the school, it is important that parents/caregivers receive the permission requests.
I kindly ask that you check the settings on youremail to ensure these permission requests do not get diverted to your Junk Email folder. For your information, the following permission requests have been sent in the last two weeks:
- Year 8 Brisbane Exhibition
- Year 1 Museum Excursion
- Years 10-12 Mission Australia Consent form.
If these permission requests relate to your child/ren, and you have not received an email, please check your Junk Email folder. Select the message and change the permissions for the sender. This will ensure future permission requests are delivered to your Inbox.
Many thanks for your cooperation. Further information about the trial will be presented at our next P&F Meeting.
THERE WILL BE NO MUSIC LESSONS WITH DAVID ROSS NEXT TERM
P & F News
Hope to see you all at our next meeting - Tuesday 23rd June @ 7pm in the Library.