21 August 2015

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s News

Dear Parents and Caregivers

I attended the Catholic Secondary Principals’ Association (QLD) state conference in Mackay last week and, aside from being exceptionally warm, the conference provided me with a number of areas for reflection.

One of the speakers was from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, which was established by Walter Mikac in memory of his two young daughters who were killed in the Port Arthur Massacre. Walter’s wife was also killed during this horrific event (see http://www.amf.org.au/) . The foundation was established on the basis of the founders’ beliefs that every child should have a happy childhood free from violence. The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is a very successful not-for-profit charity which funds a variety of programs in this area.

The speaker talked about bullying in schools, and how this has metamorphosed with the seemingly unstoppable force of technology. The whole landscape of safety for young people has changed, and the nature of bullying in schools is far more complex than it was 20 or even 10 years ago. This presentation gave me pause to reflect on our school, and the ways in which we respond to student safety, and issues which may threaten this.

Earlier in the year, each student on the Secondary Campus was asked to complete a bullying survey. The survey allows students to anonymously identify peers which may be subjecting or be the subject of bullying behaviours. This allows the school to identify patterns of behaviour according to students’ responses and seek to resolve emerging problems before these escalate. One of the survey items asked students to record the extent to which they feel ‘happy’ and ‘safe’ at our school.

Here is a summary of some of the findings:

• 95% of students felt that they were safe from bullying at our School;
• 95% of students stated they had not been bullied at our School this year;
• 90% of students felt that teachers would act appropriately if bullying was reported;
• 90% of students expressed that they were satisfied that the School is doing what it can to address bullying;

While I am not naïve to think that bullying is never present at our school, student perceptions are a very important gauge. Nevertheless, until each of these areas reports 100%, our School will continue to look for ways to promote the safe and supportive culture of our School, and to better meet the safety and happiness needs of students. Interestingly, 20 % of students were unaware of the School’s bullying policy and procedures – so this is an area we need to address.

All parents and caregivers are encouraged to inspect the School’s Bullying Policy available on our website, and raise matters of concern with the School or members of the School Board.

Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal

Leader’s News

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, setting aside the time to pray is often at the bottom of our schedule. And yet its power to heal and comfort is undeniably real. Before praying with our students we often ask them to quieten their minds, to still themselves, to focus on their breath and their presence. This technique enables those present to fully embrace the ritual which is prayer.

Making the time to set aside a small part of our day to prayer can be challenging but achievable. Prayer does not have to be extravagant or lengthy. It simply needs to be meaningful and powerful. This simplicity and power of prayer is evident in the growing awareness of Pope Francis’ “Five Finger Prayer”. This prayer is practical and grounded and yet, through prayer for others, we are able to recognise our own needs in a new perspective. “…..it showcases Pope Francis’ sense of simplicity, his priority for family, his love for the poor and also his recognition that prayer is powerful” (Gutierrez, 2014).

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer Guide:

1. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a “sweet obligation.”
2. The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers.
3. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God’s guidance.
4. The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.
5. And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way. (https://www.catholicvote.org/a-simple-prayer-method-from-a-simple-pontiff/)

Megan Mahoney
APRE

School News

Year 5 News

Year 5 Newsletter Write up

The highlight of Term Three in the Year 5 classroom has been our Poetry Afternoon. We were lucky enough to have the recent Stanthorpe snowfall to stimulate our creative minds into experimenting with ways of describing July 17th, 2015 using Idioms, Similies, Metaphors and more. We chose from several types of poetry including Limericks, Ballads and Freeverse. Whilst it was fun writing and illustrating our poems this genre is, of course, meant to be performed aloud so the best part was our poetry afternoon where we not only presented but also consumed a few snacks as well. The overwhelming emotions that came through during our poetry was the joy of the snow’s arrival and the sadness when it departed. Some particularly thoughtful poems looked at the snow from a variety of points of view including that of our confused pets. We concluded this unit by reflecting on and analysing both our own poems and those of at least one classmate.

Year 12 Industrial Technology Studies – Workplace Visit

Last term, Students in Year 12 ITS undertook a field trip to Howard and Sons. Howard and Sons specialises in truss and wall frame design & construction for use within the building sector. Terry Howard and his staff demonstrated and explained the process involved in creating roof trusses, from beginning to end. It was particularly beneficial for students to see how the application of technology and automation of machinery greatly increase efficiency in the workplace.

A big thankyou must go to Terry, Tony and the staff at Howard and Son’s for taking their time to show us through their workplace.

Music Lessons

The School is currently exploring the feasibility of commencing an instrumental music program in 2016. I order to determine this program’s viability, I am seeking an expression of interest from parents.

Preliminary Details:

• The available instruments: Woodwind, brass, voice, and we are investigating the possibility of strings.
• Lessons will take place between 8am-3:30pm for 30 minutes in duration. Lessons will be rotated across different times each week in order to limit the disruption to classes/subjects.
• All lessons will take place at the School.
• All participants in the program must undertake to be a member of a performance band/choir. This is a compulsory component of participation in the program. Rehearsals will take place once a week after school.
• Instruments: If there is sufficient interest, the school will invest in entry-level instruments available for hire by parents for a 12 month period. Students are able to supply their own instrument.
• Costs: $20/30 minute lesson +Instrument hire fee (TBA).

If you are interested in exploring this further please complete the Expression of Interest form HERE by Monday 5 September.

Legal Studies Excursion

On Friday 14 August, the Year 11 Legal students, together with Mrs Muller, attended the Queen Elizabeth II courts in Brisbane where they were able to view the workings of the legal system first hand. Upon arrival at the courts at 10 am, the Year 11 students were able to view a criminal case that involved the accused being charged with the production and distribution of dangerous drugs. In the District court, an interesting injury compensation case was viewed. The students were then privileged to be taken on a guided tour of the courts , during which they received an informative talk on several aspects of the new court building as well as a visit to the extensive law library.

Book Week

Just a reminder to our Primary parents that on Wednesday 26th August, commencing at 9.00a.m in the Bathersby Centre, our famous Book Parade will take place. As usual students are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character. We continually stress with the children that homemade, inexpensive costumes put together with everyday items are preferred. We also encourage them to see us in the library or their teachers if they are “stuck” for ideas. Please contact library staff should you require any further information. We will be talking with the children and updating families in the lead up to Book Week. All are welcome to join us for our fun filled parade and little brothers and sisters are also invited to dress up and join in!

Sports News

Tennis Opportunities

We are seeking expressions of interest from parents who are interested in their children undertaking after-school tennis coaching in Term 4.

The coaching is undertaken by a qualified Tennis Australia coach and sessions are 45 minutes in duration. The cost is $10-15/session and coaching will take place on the School’s courts. Students receive a Hot Shots shirt as part of the program. More information about the Hot Shots Tennis Program can be accessed at this link:

If you are interested in your child participating, please register your interest Here

Expressions of Interest close on Monday 5 September.

Please note that this Expression of Interest is for St Joseph’s students only.

Granite Belt Athletics Success

Over the course of two days of competition on August 11 and 13, members of our school competed in the annual Granite Belt Athletics competition to gain selection to attend the Darling Downs trials to be held in September. A formal announcement of those students who have attained the qualifying standard will be announced in the week of August 17. The Darling Downs trials will be held on the 8th of September.

Highlights from the carnival included Charlotte Widderick winning age champion in the 11 year girls event with Isabel Kay, Billy Webb and Genevieve Gasparin gaining runners up in their respective age groups. As a school, we were awarded the highest average points total in the A schools section. Individuals who achieved placings across all divisions are listed below. On behalf of the students thank you to the many parents who came along and supported in less than perfect conditions.

Individual Results

Mya Perrett – Second in High Jump
Charlotte Widderick – First in 100, 200, High Jump and Long Jump. Third in discus.
Isabel Kay – Second in Long Jump and 200m. Third in 100m.
Hannah Widderick – Second in Discus
Ashely O’Brien – Second 100m.
Elizabeth Nash – Second Long Jump
Ava O’Reilly – Third 800m
Genevieve Gasparin – First 200m
Ky Rashleigh – Second 100 and 800m
Michael Westerhout – First Discus
Travis Murphy – Third Long Jump
Brayden Spiller – Second Shot Put
Nathan Webb – Second 800m
Liam Harrison – Third Shot Put
Billy Webb – First Long Jump and Discus
Jordan Waterworth – Third 800m
Mack Rowen- Second 800m and Third High Jump
Charlie McCormick – Third High Jump

Reminders and Updates

St Joseph’s 140th Commemoration Memorabilia is now available for purchase. If you would like to order any items please follow the link below and send the completed order form to the school administration.

NEEDED: Old towels, tea towels or hand towels for secondary Art. If you have any used and spare please send them in.

P & F News

Thanks to Remo Raccanello from Aqua Rural Supplies, who kindly installed a sink and pump at the P&F Shed last week-end. The sink will be used to wash paint brushes and clean-up at working bees, musical set construction and Apple & Grape float construction.

The Fete Committee would like to ask any families who may have any old books at home, if they would consider donating them to our “Book Stall”, books can be left at the school office, where Jodie Cosmo will be collecting and pricing. We will also be holding a “Plant Stall” at the Fete, so if you have a green thumb and can contribute to the stall please contact Angie Sims. Keep a look out for our upcoming Major Raffle, with a CASH PRIZE OF $1000, to be drawn at the 140yr Anniversary Fete. Tickets will be on sale soon.

A reminder that our next P&F Meeting will be on Tuesday evening the 25th August at 7pm in the school library. Please come along, we would love to see you there.