17 September 2015
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s News
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Recently, NAPLAN results were released to schools which are used by school leaders and teachers to both identify trends in student achievement, and inform planning for teaching and learning. I have included below two sample graphs which indicate the progress of selected Year levels from the previous NAPLAN tests (2013) to 2015.
This first graph shows the progress of Year 9 students in the area of WRITING. Since the last test in 2013 –when these students were in Year 7 – there has been significant progress which is well above the progress across the State:
The next graph shows the over-time progress for all Year 9 cohorts in Writing from 2012-2015. What this graph indicates is that the school has made strategic changes to the way in which writing is taught and assessed which has resulted in improvement over time:
These and the other analyses of NAPLAN data the school has undertaken are significant in our Prep-Year12 context. Every improvement in student performance is a reflection of the excellent teaching across both Primary and Secondary. Of course, this progress culminates in Year 12, but NAPLAN provides the school with a standardised test (all Australian students complete it, at the same time, under the same conditions) which allows teachers to identify trends in a particular cohort, and also over time. For all the criticism of NAPLAN (and most of these are valid) the data can be useful for improving teaching and learning and, subsequently, student outcomes.
Farewells
We are farewelling Anne Murphy (HSE Officer) and Paul Campbell (Bursar), both of whom have accepted positions at Stanthorpe State High School. Anne and Paul have made positive contributions to our School in what can be, at times, challenging and complex roles. We thank them for their service to Catholic education and they take with them our best wishes for the future.
We are in the final stages of filling the HSE Officer vacancy, and the Bursar position is currently being advertised.
Chelsea Parakas (Head of Humanities) will also be departing at the end of 2015 to take up a classroom English teacher position at AB Paterson College at Arundel in 2016. Mrs Parakas was a student at St Joseph’s School and commenced her teaching career with us. We will formally farewell Mrs Parakas at the end of the year. Recruitment for this position has commenced and news of a 2016 appointment will be released in due course.
As the term draws to a close, I congratulate students on all their efforts this Term, and I hope that you and your family enjoy the company of your children and the warmth that the season of Spring does offer.
Dr Michael McCarthy
Principal
Leader’s News
As the end of Term 3 quickly approaches there is a huge sigh of relief from many of our Secondary students. Schools are predominantly busy places to be, for both teachers and students. By the end of Term 3 our Year 7 and 8 students have well and truly settled into life on the Secondary campus and our Year 12 students are in the days of countdown until they exit to life beyond the grounds and classrooms of St Joseph’s School.
One of the most difficult tasks for our students, across all the ages, is to learn how to manage their time effectively. Life is now bombarded by the lure of technology and several students comment to me about their dependence on their mobile devices and how they can become a time waster. Students need to consider the following four elements when becoming experts at managing their time:
- MANAGE the urgent and most important things that need doing.
- FOCUS on those goals both short and long term that they have set themselves.
- AVOID distractions and interruptions.
- LIMIT time wasting.
These four key elements can assist in ensuring that students see progress and success in all of their learning. As we head towards a two week break it is important that students and also staff recharge and become refreshed and prepared for Term 4. For some recharging may involve placing their toes in the sand, reading a novel that has been on the bookshelf all year or baking those favourite biscuits. I pray everyone has a safe holiday and I look forward to yet another Term 4.
School News
PREP NEWS
This term has been a very busy time for our Preps.
We have experienced book week dress up day, pyjama and pizza party, sports day and just last week both Prep classes had an enjoyable excursion down town as part of our Geography unit this term - looking at the local landmarks in our community. Some of the landmarks students spotted were, Mt. Marley, Post office, Brass Monkey, Canarvon Bridge, Quart Pot Creek just to name a few. The students, teachers and parents were very lucky to include a visit to Zest bakery where we were all fortunate to see how owner/baker Steve Lambert prepares the scrumptious goodies he sells in his bakery. Mr Lambert entertained the students with cupcake icing and showing them how the pastry is rolled out with the ‘big’ mixing and rolling equipment. To end the visit at Zest, Mr Lambert kindly donated some sausage rolls and cupcakes for everyone to enjoy during our stop off at Kilpa Street Park. The delicious treat was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Towards the end of the walk, the Preps made a stop at the local Library/Art Gallery where they viewed the art work of many children from our local schools in the ‘Crisp’s Art Expo’.
We say goodbye this term to Dayne Hoens and his family. We will miss him dearly and the wonderful contribution he has made to our classroom. We will also miss the hours of assistance Nerolie has given in the Prep A classroom which has been a huge benefit to the students.
Finally, we wish everyone a well-deserved safe and relaxing holiday, ready and revived for Term 4.
Tricia Armstrong and Glenda McNichol
Year 7 News
In English this term, the Year 7 students have been immersed in the world of myths and legends. The students have examined a variety of stories across time and continents, and have been focusing on the common characteristics shared between them, in addition to the themes and morals. They have been captivated by the wrath of the Greek Gods and enthralled by the plight of Robin Hood. They wrote their own myth, relating to a natural phenomenon and researched a mythical character from one of the ancient cultures. The highlight was their performance, in the role of their chosen character, presenting their speech. We were entertained by Poseidon, God of the Sea, Medusa, with her snake-like hair and even Polyphemus, the Cyclops.
Miss Cullinan
TERM 4 Primary Swimming
Term Four Swimming
Swimming commences in the first week of Term Four for our students in Year 3S to Year 6. We have moved our year 3 class to swim with our Year 4 cohort. There are a number of reasons for this;
- This arrangement sees all students aged 8 and 9 years of age undertaking lessons at the same time in preparation for the swimming carnival in which they will be competing for selection to the Granite Belt swim team.
- There is a high demand amongst all Granite Belt schools for the use of the pool facility, this limits the time available to our school.
- Group sizes are more manageable and we are able to staff with low teacher/instructor to student ratios. For example in Prep and Year 1 we are able to maintain a 1 to 5 ratio.
Swimming for our younger students in Prep to Year 2/3 will be held in a three week block commencing in week four. Costs for swimming will be charged to Term Four school fees and will cover all costs including our carnival and break up day.
Full details will be sent to parents in upcoming weeks. Parents are most welcome to come along and help out with our lessons.
Dave Fleming
Sports News
League Tag
On Monday the 14th of September 33 intrepid primary school girls travelled to Warwick to play league tag against other schools from the Southern Downs. In hot conditions the girls excelled and showed great improvement over the day’s play. The focus of the day was fun, and judging by the smiles from some very tired students on the bus ride home the day was an absolute success. Congratulations to all students on the way that you played in a great spirit.
Junior Vicki Wilson Competition
On Sunday 5th September, 7 girls travelled to Toowoomba to compete in the Junior Vicki Wilson Netball Competition. In the rounds, they played extremely well, winning 2 out of the 5, narrowly being beaten in the other 3 games. In the semi final for their division, the girls dug deep and won 13-7. This placed them 8th overall out of 12 teams. With no substitutes, the girls played 6 games in total. I wish to thank the girls for their determination and the attitude displayed during all games. You should be very proud of the way you represented the school. A big thankyou also to Linda Perrett, Brian and Mel Westerhout and the other parents, who assisted on the day, to make it so successful.
Tracey Cullinan
Needed - donations of any scrap materials for use in Secondary Art sculpture unit (e.g. bits/boards/sheets of metal, tin, cardboard, wood, wire etc) Old tea towels and towels will also be of great help.
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.