17 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Term 2 is in full swing with Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students sitting the NAPLAN tests this week, and the students and staff working diligently both in and outside the classroom.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is the annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. NAPLAN tests the important skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. The content of each test is informed by the Australian Curriculum.

The tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. Importantly, the data from the tests helps us to individualise planning for each student and monitor their progress across time. NAPLAN testing also provides the school with information about how our education programs are working and which areas need to be prioritised for improvement. NAPLAN tests are one aspect of the school’s assessment and reporting process. They complement, but do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.

I thank the staff for their preparation of the students and administration of the NAPLAN tests. Our aim is to ensure the students get through the week calmly and confidently.

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-SECONDARY

Last week was an amazing week on the secondary campus with the fantastic visit by Jesse Manibusan. His concert was light relief for Year 7 and 9 students who headed into NAPLAN testing this week. Students were well prepared for these tests and ready to do their utmost best.

Our school-based apprentice and trainee numbers continue to increase in 2018. Two more students have finalised the sign-up process, one to complete a Certificate III Education Services and the other a Certificate III IT. In total we have 22 students completing apprenticeship and traineeships. Employers often comment about the wonderful students that they employ from our school, stating that they are always willing to assist and strive to be the best in the workplace that they can be.

In the last week of this term, Year 10 students will engage in a three-day work experience placement. This will give them some insight into possible career pathways that they are considering. Students are venturing in and around our local region, as well as some travelling to other areas of Queensland for this placement. We thank all local employers for providing these opportunities for our Year 10 students.

God’s Blessings

Linda Perrett
Assistant Principal Administration-Secondary

Students thoroughly enjoyed Jesse Manibusan’s visit last week.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION-PRIMARY

Last week I received an email from Major Phil Williamson, thanking the Primary students for their ANZAC Care packages, one of which he received whilst serving in Iraq. It was a delight to share this with the students during our assembly and to contemplate what life might be like for servicemen and women around the world. In his email, he thanked the students for their support and prayers which keep their spirits high as they complete their hard work. He also mentioned that part of their work involved the re-opening of schools after a period of four years without them. This was a priority he said, as it gives stability and a sense of hope for the future. Major Williamson ended his email by urging the students to work hard and to remember how blessed they are to live in such a beautiful place.

I also explained to the students that I was stopped in the street last week by a lady who told me her son had served in the army a few years ago and had in fact received an ANZAC parcel. She said that we could never imagine how much it meant to those soldiers – and also to their families to know that people cared. Having heard what the students at St Joseph’s had done, she asked me to thank them and their parents for caring enough to create the parcels this year.

As a community, we seek to be of service to others and to exemplify the teachings of Jesus in all we do. Whether this is in how we treat each other in the playground, help a classmate when their work is challenging, support St Vincent de Paul or participate in activities such as the ANZAC Care parcels, we have a responsibility to help others. Such activities can give us much satisfaction. In future weeks, some students in Year 5 and Year 6 will continue with their community-based projects by visiting the kindy and child care centres as well as playing board games and learning to dance with visitors to the Granite Belt Support Services. What a great opportunity to contribute to the community.

We do indeed live in a beautiful place.

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Administration-Primary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (APRE)

Our Identity and who we are

As a Catholic school our Catholic identity is central to who we are and our purpose in education. In the busyness of daily life, we can sometimes become unaware and disconnected from the Catholic identity which surrounds us. As parents and educators it is important that we become attentive to the religious opportunities presented to us and use these to foster Catholic identity.

In “Educator’s Guide to Catholic Identity” (2015), author Paul Sharkey explains that God is at the centre of Catholic identity as everything that happens in a Catholic school draws upon its meaning from God. In Sharkey’s diagram of Catholic identity, religious traditions are shown inside the diagram, and on the outer rim opportunities such as retreats, service projects, liturgy and pastoral care provide the moments for living a meaningful Catholic faith experience. As educators we need to act and reflect upon these moments to ensure the Catholic identity of St Joseph’s school continues to grow.

Diagram taken from Educator’s Guide to Catholic Identity

Megan Mahoney
Assistant Principal Religious Education

SCHOOL NEWS

ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL HOSTS YOUTH COUNCIL

The Southern Downs Youth Council is an advisory committee whose role is to represent the voice of young people who live, work, study or volunteer in the Southern Downs region and provide input into Council activities and decisions. Fourteen Year 10 representatives from the Southern Downs schools (Warwick, Allora, and Stanthorpe) have been nominated by their schools to sit on this council. Ryan Holly is the nominated Representative from St Joseph’s School.

The SDYC program aims to provide young people with opportunities to:

• develop a better understanding of the role and function of local government, our community and local issues;
• have a voice’ - raise issues, exchange ideas, discuss community issues, provide input in to Council planning, programs and services and influence local government decision making processes; and
• have genuine and regular communication about issues that are important to them directly with the Mayor, Councillors and Council Officers.

The first meeting of the council was held on Thursday 3rd May and St. Joseph’s School was the host for this event. The next meeting will be held in August at Warwick State High School.

St Joseph’s School hosted the first Southern Downs Youth Council last week.

PREP HOST A PAMPERING AFTERNOON

Last Friday afternoon, the Prep class hosted a Mother’s Day Pampering afternoon for Mothers and Grandmothers.

The afternoon included students taking their special guest through different activity stations to pamper them and make them feel loved and spoilt.

Light refreshments were served to complete a relaxing and very enjoyable afternoon.

Preps spent a very special afternoon pampering their Mums.

YEAR 5/6 GARDEN

As part of the Faith in Action Program, students in Years 5 and 6 have been engaging in various community visits. These visits occur each Friday afternoon with students being rotated from sports activities to participate in this wonderful program.

Last Friday afternoon, students visited Whistlestop Community Garden where they were given a brief history of the garden and tour of the different areas.

Students were able to visit the worm farm and help with the clean-up. They successfully weeded the paved drain and assisted with leaf mulching in the heritage garden.

Students enjoyed their time at the Whistlestop Community Garden.

GRADUATE TEACHERS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

On Wednesday 9th May, three of our graduate teachers extended their knowledge at a Graduate Performance Day in Roma. Mary Roberts, Erin Canavan and Jacob Steele networked with other graduate teachers from the Toowoomba Diocese and furthered their knowledge on Behaviour Management, Time Management and having Difficult Conversations. This was a great opportunity for them to extend their potential and personal development.

Erin Canavan and Jacob Steele at the Early Career Teachers Program in Roma last week.

INTRODUCING STAFF

In the first newsletter of the School year, the new teachers were introduced as well as a reintroduction of the Leadership. 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.

QISSN FUNDRAISING

The Queensland Independent Schools Secondary Netball (QISSN) team are gearing up for their upcoming competition which will be held in the June/July holidays. To assist with the costs, several fundraising events have been planned.

This term the QISSN team have dedicated some week-ends selling raffle tickets and having Bake Sales.

On Thursday 10th May, the scratchie raffle was drawn. Congratulations to Prep Teacher, Mrs Glenda McNichol and Kristy Smith who won $50 each worth of $1 scratchies. The QISSN girls would like to thank everyone who bought tickets and supported their raffle.

Last Saturday, the QISSN girls then held a Bake Sale. In preparation for the Bake Sale, the team members baked and helped with the setup of this stall. BIT ABOUT SATURDAY.

Next Saturday the team will be having another Bake Sale. Any donations of home baking, relishes, jams, or produce is greatly appreciated. The items can either be left at the School Office on Friday or brought to the stall at the Country Club on Saturday morning. The Bake Sale will operate from 8am to 1pm.

Fundraising in the past has played a key role in ensuring that the final QISSN costs remain affordable for parents. As the competition will be held in Townsville this year, there are significant costs associated including airfares, accommodation, transport, and registration and food expenses.

We thank our QISSN Team: Riannon Fox, Lara-Jane Biggin, Skyie McCosker, Lara Beckett, Lindsey Swan, Charlotte Widderick, Jenna Fox and Kira St John. A huge thank you also to Bernadette Brunckhorst who is the Team Coach and Aimee Coulston who is the Manager.

Congratulations to Glenda McNichol and Kristy Smith, winners of the recent QISSN raffle.

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

From Monday 25th to Wednesday 27th June, Year 10 students will be engaging in structured work placements. This work experience provides these students with a valuable opportunity to attain an insight into the many aspects of their chosen field of work. The three days allows students to understand the expectations and requirements that an employer has of its employees. As Year 10 students work towards creating career pathways, work experience plays a vital role in helping shape this decision making for their future.

Discussions have been held between Parents and their child to discuss options for their work experience. Students are able to locate their own work experience or provide two areas of work they would be interested in.

Once the school has secured the student’s work experience, paperwork is sent home for completion. During their Pastoral Care lessons, students are provided with activities that assist in preparing them for these three days.

Lara Beckett said she is excited to see what it will be like to work at the Stanthorpe State Primary School to see it from a Teacher’s perspective.

Danielle Musumeci who will be working at the Southern Downs Regional Council is keen to gain an insight into what paths are available after she has completed her schooling. She is also eager to gain some invaluable experience.

Lachlan Mahoney is spending his 3 days with Ensbey’s Electrical and keen to get a feel for a work life as a sparkie.

Bridgette Kay is enthusiastic to work at the Stanthorpe Hospital and get a feel for the everyday work they do there as well as gain some life experience.

We thank the businesses who are willing to take these students on for this period of time. Without their support, work experience would not be possible.

Danielle Musumeci, Lara Beckett, Lachlan Mahoney and Bridgette Kay are looking forward to their 3 day work experience in June.

A REMINDER TO ALL VISITORS TO ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL

All visitors to St Joseph’s School must sign in at the School Office. This is part of our regulation, and assists with ensuring we maintain the safety and wellbeing of all our students.

Staff, students and parents/caregivers dropping students off and picking them up do not need to sign in. However, supply staff must sign in and out for the days they are working.

LOST PROPERTY

All lost property for both Primary and Secondary Campuses will now be stored at the Office. Should you have any items of clothing missing, please check at the Office.

These items will be kept at the Office for a term and then if the owners cannot be identified, they will be made available to the School Community.

SEEKING HOST FAMILIES

Nacel Australasia is seeking a host family (or two) for an Italian student who is coming to St Joseph’s School from 16 June to 25 August. The student could be hosted by two families for 5 weeks each if one family thought 10 weeks was too long.

Thomas Cunial who is from Bolzano Italy will be 17 in July. He lives with his Mum, Stepfather and 18 year old cousin.

Thomas enjoys swimming, cooking, fitness, and painting. His favourite subject at school is Biology and Sports. He swims for 2 hours each day and goes to the gym 3 times a week. He would like to be a Sea Biologist when he finishes school.

Thomas reveals he is musical, artistic and athletic, and highly sociable. He doesn’t smoke. He is a Catholic and would attend church services with the family if requested. He isn’t afraid of animals however he does have Ventolin for his Asthma which he has had since birth and is allergic to dog and cat hair and dust.

This is an ideal opportunity for volunteer families to learn more about another culture and language, particularly if your son or daughter is now studying a foreign language or thinking of travelling overseas as an exchange student.

If you are able to assist, please contact the School Office.

SCHOOL BANKING

COMPLETING YOUR DEPOSIT SLIP FOR SCHOOL BANKING

Thank you for supporting School Banking. Just a reminder, especially for the new bankers who have joined us, on how to complete your deposit slip.

Please see below a snapshot of the items to be completed:

1. Child’s name
2. Child’s School Banking student number
3. Child’s account number
4. Date
5. Amount in coins, notes and/or cheques
6. Total amount of deposit
7. Total amount of deposit

We really appreciate your help in ensuring your child’s deposit slip is completed.

Please remember to bring your bank book to school on Monday or Tuesday so that you don’t miss out on your school banking being processed.

Thanks
Daniela & Kitty

SPORTS NEWS

The Border District Cross Country was held at the Allora Golf Course on Thursday 3rd May. Although there was a small group of students who chose to compete, they all performed exceptionally and represented St Joseph’s School with a great spirit. The group returned home with strong results.

Hannah Debnam competed in the Open Girls age division and placed 2nd along with Rory McDonagh in the 15 Years Boys age division. 5th position went to Chelsea Debnam in the 13 Year Girls and Louise Day also qualified to represent at the Darling Downs with a 6th in the 14 Year Girls.

After battling a cold prior to the event, Peter Thompson posted a respectable 11th in the 16 year Boys age division. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in this event.

We also congratulate all the 9-12 Year competitors who participated at the Granite Belt Cross Country Trials on the same day at Severnlea. All these students gave their best with special mention to Billy Gallaway who came 2nd in the Boys 9 Year section, Alex Waterworth and Eliza Bonner both came 1st in the Boys and Girls 10 Year sections respectively and Brigid O’Dea who came 1st in Girls 12 Years.

Brigid O’Dea competing at the Granite Belt Cross Country Trials last week.

Foxtel Broncos Cup Rugby League and Netball

The Foxtel Broncos Rugby League and Netball Competition is played over two full days in Term 2. The first Gala day will be held in Goondiwindi on Wednesday 23rd May for a full day competition with the second game being held later in the Term in Warwick on Wednesday 13th June. This competition is open to Girls Years 7-10 for Netball and Boys 12-15 Years in Rugby League.

St Joseph’s have again entered two teams in the Netball competition and individual boys have nominated to join the StTexWood combined 12-13 and 14-15 Years teams. StTexWood as the name suggests is a combined team from small schools including St Joseph’s, Texas and Inglewood. Mrs Sandra Ellis and Mr Brian Carmichael will be travelling to Goondiwindi with the students as well as providing coaching prior to the competition.

REMINDERS AND UPDATES