Newsletter - Term 3 - Week 4 - Issue 70

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

This exact week 12 months ago when writing the newsletter, I reflected upon how students and their families are experiencing challenging times with the country being in various stages of lockdown yet again, and here we are again in the same situation. With this in mind, I believe it is an appropriate time to again share a message courtesy of schooltv.me.

Riding this corona coaster and navigating the ups and downs of the current reality continues to be confronting for many people. The coronavirus has turned our lives upside down with some students returning to remote learning and parents continuing to juggle the home environment.

The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen next continues to have an impact on many students and their families. The concern that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, will increase, especially amongst young people, continues to escalate.

As an adult carer, it is also essential to look after your own wellbeing during this time. Ensure you make time to de-escalate your own nervous system and maintain your sleep routine, healthy eating habits, get some regular exercise and reach out to friends and family.

In this Special Report, families are encouraged to embrace the guidance offered to help minimise the impact of this corona coaster. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to your special report https://sjc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-riding-corona-coaster

St Joseph’s College Towards 2024 Strategic Plan

Continuing from our previous three newsletters, this week I share with you the final two domains, Continual Renewal and Strategic Resourcing and Stewardship strategic intents and improvement strategies from our St Joseph’s College Towards 2024 Strategic Plan.

Continual Renewal – Community Partnerships 

Strategic Intent: St Joseph’s College fosters enduring connections and engagement with and beyond our community by focusing on collaborative partnerships and innovative strategies to enhance educational opportunities. 

Key Improvement Strategies: 

To engage with the community and foster partnerships to provide opportunities for our students, the College will: 

• Ensure continued communication that is open and transparent while creating opportunities for parent and student voice.
• Develop Alumni connections for the purpose of creating social and mentoring opportunities for current students.
• Engage the community in leading / contributing to the St Joseph’s College Enrichment Program.
• Strengthen the promotion of the profile of St Joseph’s College.
• Nurture anddevelop the positive and active engagement of parents. 
• Enhance communication

Strategic Resourcing and Stewardship – Staff Development and Wellbeing 

Strategic Intent: St Joseph’s College provides an inspiring, nurturing, and supportive learning environment that promotes excellence and wellbeing. Staff are committed to a shared vision of learning through collaboration to build capacity for student outcomes. 

Key Improvement Strategies: 

To build capacity, self-efficacy, and the wellbeing of staff the College will: 

• Ensure all staff are part of a Professional Learning Team (PLT).
• Ensure all staff will develop individual Professional Growth Plans (PGP).
• Implementformal recruitment, induction, and professional growth processes to cater for all roles. 
• Foster a positive, connected working environment for staff.
• SupportLeadership development. 
• Ensure a ‘cross-training’ model in the workforce to promote sustainability.
• Deliverhigh-quality staff professional learning. 

Strategic Resourcing and Stewardship – Use of Resources, Facilities, and the Learning Environment 

Strategic Intent: Through responsible and sustainable planning and resourcing, St Joseph’s College optimises exceptional educational experiences. To operate as wise stewards of all College resources in accordance with our mission, St Joseph’s College delivers innovative and agile resourcing, systems, and practices. 

Key Improvement Strategies: 

To ensure the College remains well-resourced and sustainable, the College will: 

• Maintain appropriate stewardship around finance, governance, and resourcing.
• Investigate the sustainability of College resources.
• Continue to review human resource structures and role to ensure sustainability.
• Work towards providing excellent facilities.
• Keep abreast of technological advancements and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of ICT across the College, through developments in infrastructure and staff capacity.
• Review and develop a new College Master Plan.
• Manage the maintenance of school resources and property.
• Apply for grants.
• Ensure marketing and enrolment practices strongly affirm the College as a leading co-educational Catholic school in Queensland.

A copy of the strategic plan is available to all families at the front office of the College, or on our St Joseph’s College website.

Kort Goodman, Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Catholic Education Week

All schools market themselves as offering something unique or special, something that sets them apart from other schools. Last week, we celebrated our defining characteristic, our Catholicism. Families would be aware that last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. To help understand its importance, considering the statistics is a good start.

• This year, we celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia.
• With more than 300 schools, 20 000 staff and 150 000 students, one can only imagine the millions of lives that have been positively impacted by education in a Catholic school.

On Monday we recognised the students who were recipients of the 2021 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. These awards recognise students who displayed one or more of the characteristics below:

• participating in or initiating a program/s and or activity/ies in response to College and community needs.
• leading and assisting other students to live out the mission of Edmund Rice
• aspiring to excellence in all that they do such as academic, cultural, sporting and spiritual life of the College.
• engaging in life-giving relationships with members of our College and the wider community or other members of the school community.
• be supportive of the faith, spiritual and outreach life of the College.
• actively live out the Joey's Way in all that they do

We would like to congratulate the students below on their 2021 Spirit of Catholic Education.

Year 12

Jemma Bradshaw 
Lily Fels 
Danicka Humphries 
Saxon McGregor 
Brooke Myers 

Year 11

Maddie Duggan 
Nelson McDonald 
Marley Tunstead 
Tahlia Utz 
Riley Warrener 

Year 10

Emily Chandler
Dani McClelland 
Alex Tini 
Sophie Wagner 
Kaden Willmot

Year 9 

Pypah Ferguson 
Camillo Lanzafame 
Kira Standeaven 
Pat Muir 
Tyler Warrener

Year 8 

Sarah Ellis 
Johan Ferrer 
Jayden McDougall 
Arielle Suhr 
Piper Wiemers

Year 7

Thomas Cockburn 
Lachlan Conway 
Chase Deurloo 
Kai Fraser 
Emmerson Ranford

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Success is what you make of it.

With the Tokyo Olympics underway, we are witness to many examples of success. From the obvious podium finishes to an athlete’s personal best performance; success has many forms. There are many quotes that I have come across that attempt to define success. Many refer to attaining a physical object, a gold medal, a championship ring, money. Some refer to the attainment of intangibles such as power or influence. These definitions all refer to external rewards as measures of success. External rewards are very powerful as they provide a focus or an outcome goal to strive towards. This week we recognised our high achievers at the Academic Excellence Morning Tea. Next week we will be recognising Semester 1 Academic Awards. These awardees had decided to commit to their studies, follow up on their commitment to hard work, and be rewarded with an academic award. The Academic Award is an external recognition of success. However, the majority of the learners awarded have been motivated by their internal desire to succeed.

At St Joseph’s College, we intentionally challenge every student to succeed, or more specifically, to be the best they can be. To ‘Aspire to Excellence’. Success is not always reaching the top. Success is striving to improve and learn how to improve from every experience along the way.

Our Year 12 students are entering a busy time of the term with their final internal assessment tasks completed recently or in the next week. Now is the time where consistent effort will pay off during this peak in the assessment cycle.

Upcoming Event

Upcoming Events

Mr Brendon Willocks, Deputy Principal  -  bwillocks@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal- Religious Education

Prayer for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 

 I thank You, Lord, for the comfort of Your presence: even in times of loneliness, 

You are my hope and my confidence, You have been my rock and my fortress since my youth! 

I thank You for having given me a family and for having blessed me with a long life. 

I thank You for moments of joy and difficulty, for the dreams that have already come true in my life and for those that are still ahead of me. 

I thank You for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which You call me. 

Increase, O Lord, my faith, make me a channel of your peace, teach me to embrace those who suffer more than me, to never stop dreaming and to tell of your wonders to new generations. 

Protect and guide Pope Francis and the Church, that the light of the Gospel might reach the ends of the earth. 

Send Your Spirit, O Lord, to renew the world, that the storm of the pandemic might be calmed, 

the poor consoled and wars ended. 

Sustain me in weakness and help me to live life to the full in each moment that You give me, 

in the certainty that you are with me every day, even until the end of the age. 

Amen. 

Grandparents’ Day Mass  

Last Thursday we celebrated Grandparents’ Day and were lucky to be able to welcome so many guests on the day.  

Last Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated the church’s first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. He reflected on the powerful example of grandparents and grandchildren coming together for a mass in St Peter’s Cathedral, saying, “Grandparents and grandchildren, the elderly and youth together showed one of the beautiful sides of the Church, and showed the alliance between the generations.’’ 

To celebrate this day, Pope Francis invited us to join in celebration in every community and to visit grandparents and elderly, those who are most alone, during COVID times, to bring them his message, inspired by Jesus: ‘I am with you every day.’  

He described grandparents as, ‘having the sap of history, that rises and gives strength for the tree to grow.’  

In the mass, we reflected on the miracle story of Jesus feeds the five thousand. In this miracle we see Jesus send round something quite small and it becomes big enough to nourish all those who gathered. 

In the same way, when we experience small moments with our grandparents, they are so powerful and miraculous that they grow into something big and memorable. These small moments nourish us as expressions of our grandparents’ unconditional love. 

Kira and Gemma, grandchildren of Mrs Mary Caldwell-Smith, and Tallum, Jake and Kalani, grandchildren of Mrs Maureen Searston shared their stories of their grandparents and how small things can become big miracles. 

Following the mass, our talented performers entertained our guest with a concert. It was wonderful to see the connection our students have with their grandparents.  

This day was a wonderful success thanks to the hard work of many. I extend heartfelt thanks to Mrs Marshall and the hospitality department; Ms Minns and Ms Scott along with our excellent band and choir and all our excellent performers; office and maintenance staff for their support; Mission Captains, Prue and Danicka; and the students who were a part of the mass.  

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Bishop’s Inservice Day  

On Friday July 30, our College staff joined together to for Bishop’s Inservice Day. Our guest presenters Angela Travers (TCS), Lee ann Weeks (TCS) and Dr Mark Copland (Mission Executive of St Vincent’s Private Hospital) shared with us the process of the Pedagogy of Encounter and their perspectives on the challenge topic of assisted dying.  

The Pedagogy of Encounter encourages teachers to engage in religiously motivated dialogue by exploring religious content or issues through a process of inquiry, knowledge gathering and deconstruction and reconstruction, as well as a search for personal meaning (Ricoeur, 1965; Sharkey, 2017). 

I am very grateful to our presenters and to the staff for the willingness to engage so positively in a day of challenging reflection.  

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Kellie-Marie Ford, Assitant Principal - Religious Education - kford@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Semester One 2021 Academic Awards

Congratulations to the students who will receive an Academic Award at Assembly on Wednesday, 11 August 2021.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze Badges may be worn as part of the student’s uniform.

It is a symbol to be proud of wearing and something for all to aspire towards.

The criteria to obtain an Academic Award is:

Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg, Assistant Principal - Curriculum  -  kfellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au 

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

What Does it Mean to Lead Through Service 

Each Imperative in The Joey’s Way is attached to two things: i) a piece of scripture and ii) The Personal and Social Capabilities as identified by the Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority (ACARA). We connect our imperatives to scripture because they are an essential expression of our Catholic Identity in the Edmund Rice tradition. We also connect our imperatives to the Australian Curriculum because we know that if we live out our imperatives to the best of our ability, we’ll be great learners.  

The story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples presents us with a symbolic example of servant leadership: 

13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 

When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he was doing two things. Firstly, he was saying that no one person is better, or more deserving of love than any other. Secondly, he was demonstrating that no act is too big, or too small, to change a situation. In the 21st Century, it is clear that there are a number of issues that at times seem insurmountable. We are faced with two options: accept the situation, and continue existing in an unjust world, or spend our lives changing things for the better. While our scope influence may seem small, we can change the world for someone.  

Edmund Rice said, “the poor were the chief object of [my] attention - in fact this wonderful sympathy for Gods poor was one of [my] most distinctive characteristics”. There is a plethora of ways that Edmund Rice demonstrated servant leadership, no act was too big or too small to make a difference to someone else’s life. Leading Through Service is even in our school motto: “Serve Him in Others”. By helping out those in need, we are doing God’s work in our own unique way.  

We do this in big ways, through our social justice programs; and in little ways. From picking up the bit of litter we walk past, to big acts of Servant Leadership, we are all given the opportunity to lead through service.  Everyone deserves to have their feet washed. It doesn’t matter who we are, what your background is, or where you are going. Each one of us need to take turns of washing feet, and having our feet washed.  

Leading Through Service Looks Like: 

• Attending Breakfast Club 

• Contributing to the Mission Bag or donating to causes 
• Helping other students with their study or homework 
• Helping out at home  
• Joining a service club, e.g. Just Joeys, Interact, Youth Ministry 
• Helping others in sport, e.g. coaching, refereeing 

Leading Through Service Sounds Like: 

• Offering to help others 
• Expressing gratitude for what we have  
• Asking people if they need help or what they need 
• Speaking up for social justice and inclusion 

Leading Through Service Feels Like: 

• Committing to creating a better future for everyone 
• Generously giving our time 
• Building relationships with people who are having a hard time 
• Knowing that we are all equal and no one is better or more important 

We never master leadership, and we certainly never master servant leadership. As a Catholic learning community in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are called to continually challenge ourselves and each other to this model of leadership.  

Joe Cryle, Assistant Principal - Student Engagement  -  jcryle@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Student Voice

As the Murphy House Captains for 2021, we have had the opportunity to gain valuable experiences and knowledge in regard to our leadership role and responsibilities as senior students. In 2021 so far, our House and College community has experienced many new things and exciting events that are upcoming which the College has to offer. One of our goals this year was aimed towards creating an inclusive House environment that encouraged not only sporting achievements but congratulated and recognised the many talents that the students of Murphy have to offer, such as academic, cultural and social. In association to this, participation and involvement within the College sporting carnivals of Swimming, Cross Country and this terms Athletics Carnival is a major aspect of our House spirit that we have aimed to improve throughout our roles as House Captains.

We wish to continue encouraging engagement of Murphy individuals and students in general to reach their potential and that we all value the concept of teamwork. We have worked alongside Murphy House leader, Mr Spain this year in hope of reaching these goals and encouraging Murphy students to have a go in all the College has to offer.

During this time, we hope that everyone is adapting to the unknown COVID times at present and staying safe and healthy.

Emily Lewis and Xander Jackwitz - Murphy House Captains

Catholic Education Week

In an increasingly secular world, a holistic Catholic education—such as that provided by St Joseph’s College, is becoming more important.

The theme of this year's Catholic Education Week is ‘a spirited tomorrow’. This places an emphasis on our consideration and planning of our future and what we would like it to look like. It also encourages us to approach the unknown with passion and an appetite for opportunities. Pope Francis has affirmed that for Christians, the future has a name, and its name is Hope—the virtue of the heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but can see a tomorrow.

As your leaders of learning, we encourage you to reflect on and celebrate the importance of your Catholic education and all that it can offer.

Claire Pretorius and Saxon McGregor  -  Academic Captains

Mission Matters

As the weather gets colder, the College would like to donate warm clothes to Rosies so that they can distribute these to their patrons. We are asking our very generous community to bring in any unwanted/no longer fits, warm clothes. Beanies, gloves, scarves and blankets would also be gratefully accepted. Many of the Rosies patrons have come from war torn countries and have very little. Thank you for supporting this very worthy cause. Donations can be left at the College office.

And a special thank you to those Year 11 students who gave up their day off to help serve staff at our recent Bishop's Inservice Day which was held at the College last Friday.  Our Bishop's Inservice Day is part of Catholic Education Week and the students participation was greatly appreciated by all staff.

Cathie Barton, Program Middle Leader - Mission & Identity -  cbarton@sjc.qld.edu.au

Focus on English

Celebrating Homegrown Talent

Across the curriculum and various year levels, English classrooms are abundant in their inclusion and celebration of homegrown talent. Australian writers are renowned for their unique experimentation with language, and their deep and distinctive reflections on geography, relationships, and the human experience.

Over the past term, Year 9 English students have been engulfed in the words of John Marsden, as they read and analysed ‘Tomorrow When the War Began’. The novel follows a group of teenage friends in regional Australia, as they traverse the challenges of adolescence against a backdrop of wild country and Australia at war.

At a time when Australians have again been asked to hold strong against the pandemic, the novel’s theme of endurance is both timely and significant for our Year 9s. While the war of the novel is fictional, the messages of cohesion, strategic action, and empathy hold true.

In Week 2, the students completed their exam, which asked them to consider the text and write a divergent storyline for effect. We congratulate the Year 9s for their dedication to the exam, and the inspiring creations they developed.

‘Tomorrow When the War Began’ is just one example of the extensive and diverse Australian literature available to our students and school community. These works continue to hold importance, not just for their valuable teachings, but because they allow our stories to be told and shared; they create for a sense of identity and belonging.

Trent Sellars - Curriculum Middle Leader - English and Languages  -  tsellars@sjc.qld.edu.au

Murphy House

Murphy is proud of our motto of “with vision and spirit” with all student and staff striving to live this in all that we do. The start to term 3 has certainly asked students to develop our resilient spirit and look to the future.

Our year 11’s recently took part in our 3 day leadership camp, it was a privilege to work with these dedicated students and the future of Murphy looks very string with these young men and women leading us.

We are continuing to work with our students and families on monitoring attendance. If your child is unwell please support them at home. However, if avoidance or students are not wanting to come to school please speak with your child’s Joey’s Way teacher or myself. We are available in supporting out families in making the school every student wants to attend.

Our Athletics Carnival is this Friday, and I am encouraging all Murphy students to dress in blue. Our last carnivals Murphy results were impacted on by non-attendance, I look forward to celebrating all the student having a go and succeeding in the variety of different event on the day.

I would like to express my gratitude for all the encouraging conversations that have occurred between staff and our community. We have focused, within Murphy, on Gratitude and being “one” house supporting each individual member of our community. The content below has been adapted from an article by Rebecca Alber, “4 Ways to Refuel Your Gratitude”. Please discuss this with your children to reflect on the positive opportunities that lie ahead.

4 Ways to Refuel Your Gratitude

#1. Laugh with Your Children

More than ever, humour is a crucial element that can keep us motivated, grateful, and positive. Create a comic strip corner or invite children to share funny stories and jokes from their day.

#2. Stick with the Motivators

You know these friends. Keep them close. These are the friends who may gripe on occasion or do a twenty-second vent session but then quickly turn to a funny story about something. Perhaps this person, is you? If so, keep spreading the hope and the positivity.

#3. Seek New Inspiration

When was the last time you went looking for a new way to do something? Looking for inspiration can often lead to a totally new way of approaching a subject.

#4. Look for the Light

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." -- William Arthur Ward

I encourage students and staff to support each other over the coming term and to live by our motto “With Vision and Spirit” so that we will see these opportunities and embrace them with excitement.

Rodney Spain - Student Engagement Middle Leader - Murphy House  -  rspain@sjc.qld.edu.au

Senior Years

Subject selection, and preparing for study in the senior years, is the focus for many students at the moment.

In 'Aspiring to Excellence' in the Senior Years we believe that:

• All students have an entitlement to the chance to complete a successful senior phase of learning to obtain their QCE.
• This is a partnership between the students, parents/caregivers and the school.
• This agreement follows a well-considered SET plan that recognises future aspirations and careers goals.

Subject Selection Expo

Our Subject Selection Expo was held on Tuesday night. Parents and students were introduced to aspects of the senior school, specifically senior school expectations, information about the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and its requirements and pathways options for students and subject selection.  

Additionally, the Subject Expo held afterwards provided an excellent opportunity for students and parents to learn more about subjects and courses of study and ask questions to our curriculum leaders and senior teachers. We were also fortunate to have outside representatives from a variety of fields attend the Expo to provide additional information on School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, TAFE and other areas of possible study.

Year 10 students have received their Web preferences and the Senior Handbook via email. A copy of the Senior Handbook, and a copy of the Subject Selection presentation can also be found on the College website.

While Pathway planning and subject selection is an exciting time full of possibilities, it can also be a daunting time for some students. I encourage Year 10 students to consider the following as they collaboratively work with parents/caregivers to complete their SET plan:

• What are my career goals?
• What subjects do I have an interest in?
• Which subjects am I good at and enjoy?
• Do I want to continue studying after Year 12 and what might this look like?
• For future study, are there prerequisite subjects I need to consider or other entry requirements?

Specifically, with subject selection, students should select senior subjects that:

• They enjoy and reflect interests
• Reflect their ability, and or, aptitude
• Meet the prerequisites of intended pathway/s
• Provide an appropriate challenge and will be engaging
• Allow them to meet their career and employment goals
• Develop skills, knowledge and attitudes useful throughout life
• Allow a balance with school and outside commitments

Strategies for Success

• Careful completion of the SET plan to allow for an informed discussion with your mentor.
• Being well-informed on the QCE and requirements.
• Judicious subject selection. Ask questions to learn about the requirements for each subject.
• Being well-informed on pathway options – ATAR, VET. Speak to the relevant people about this to find out more information or answer any questions.

Aspiring to Excellence in the Senior School by:

• Making everyday count.
• Persisting and persevering (having a growth mindset).
• Planning for excellence – feedback, questioning and intervention.

Important Dates - Year 10

• Web preferences and subject handbooks have been emailed to students. Subject handbooks can also be found on the College Website.
• Web preferences are due on or before the 17^th August. Students are to print this out and hand it in to student entrance. It must have both student and parent/caregiver signature.
• SET plan interviews take place on Thursday, 19^th August. Information has been emailed to parents and students. For the interview, students need to bring a hard copy of the completed SET plan and web preferences. To continue to build a partnership with students, parents/caregivers, we encourage parents/caregivers to attend the SET plan interview is possible.

Karen Tobin, Program Middle Leader - Senior Years Learning Leader - ktobin@sjc.qld.edu.au

Check In Qld App

Check in and you’re good to go!

We’re using the new Check In Qld app to help keep you COVID safe the next time you visit.

All you need to do is:

• visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld for links to download the app from Google Play or Apple App stores
• enter your details once when you first open the app
• open the app when you next visit us
• select ‘Check in Now’ and scan or enter our code

Using this digital check in means your details will be stored securely by the Queensland Government for 56 days to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing (if needed).

The Check In Qld app is safe, secure and private. By using it, you are helping Queensland’s pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes to stay open, and you can visit us with confidence, knowing you can be contacted quickly and easily if there is any risk of exposure to the virus.

Battle of the Bands Competition

Toowoomba Competition - Now Open for entries.

Calling all young musicians aged 12–30!  It’s time to get your band together and tune your instruments!

Applications close Tuesday 20 July. Don’t miss out. All music genres welcome.

This August, the Regional Youth Leaders are excited to invite emerging artists of all musical genres to get involved in the Toowoomba Battle of the Bands!

Applications are now open (see links below) and we would love for you to get involved!  The Regional Youth Leaders will be hosting the Toowoomba Battle of the bands to, promote local youth bands and acoustic artists, and to provide entrants with opportunities to make industry connections.  We can’t wait to see everyone perform and showcase their musical talents. 

Please click HERE for a link straight to the TRC Battle of the Bands 2021 Application Pack or to head to our website.

Live Production Masterclass Series

Take your musicianship to the next level.

This August, the Empire Theatre is hosting a free series of technical workshops to support the careers of young and emerging musicians in the Toowoomba Region.

• Join experienced industry professionals for an exciting, hands-on program
• Gain technical and practical skills in live performance, sound production and lighting
• Learn the art of live production in the region’s premiere performance space.

This masterclass series is open to young people aged 14–30 who live, work or study in the Toowoomba Region.

Youth Bursaries

Library News

Book Week!

Book Week is fast approaching!

Our dress up day is Week 7 Thursday the 26^th of August.

The theme for this year’s Book Week is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. So put your thinking caps on, get creative and start putting your costume together. Join the library to celebrate an amazing fun day!

SJC Guidelines found in the student diary:

Events

To celebrate Book Week this year the library has organised fun events for students to participate in.

Enter the bookmark competition! Winning Bookmark will be reproduced and distributed through the library till 2022!

Professional Author coming to St Joseph’s College!

To register click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/TcEY1cgi93

Kirsty Andrews - Teacher/Librarian  -  kandrews@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sports

State 13 Years Orienteering

Chase Deurloo competed as part of the Darling Downs Orienteering team last weekend. On Saturday July 24 he competed in the sprint event at Albany Creek starting at 9.00am. He then travelled to Samford where he completed in the Habagy mass start event.

On Sunday July 25 he was at Kurwongbah where the individual school championships took place. Chase is only 12 years old and competed at part of the 12/13 years division.

I received an email from his Darling Downs team manager congratulating Chase on his performance at this event as she was very impressed with his performance.

These were Chases’ very impressive results and a great picture of him with his medal.

1st - Hagaby Mass Start Event

2nd - Sprint Event

3rd - Long Distance Bush Event

State Rugby Union Championships

We also had Xavier Davey and Sunny Tunstead representing the College as part of the Darling Downs rugby union teams.

Xavier received the Life Members Regional Team Players award. The award is based around the level of sportsmanship, personal conduct, encouragement, and leadership. The selection is made through a panel who watch all the games and select an appropriate winner, which is this case was our very own Xavier. He also received Player of the Match against the team from Met East. The under 12’ side won the 7’s Cup and placed 9^th overall in the competition.

Sunnie was part of the under 15 DD side and they finished 8th overall in the competition. He was awarded the Player of the Match in the game against the Sunshine Coast team on the Saturday. This was awarded from the opposition coach, so it gave Sunnie a huge confidence boost.

Leigh Tunstead commented that they were very big boys in the opposition teams and that at times she was very nervous watching him play.

Darling Downs Cricket

Congratulations to Eloise Hauser who was selected in the Darling Downs under 15 cricket team after selection trials last week. She will play in the State Championships at Ipswich in Term 4.

Sport in General

All sports have been impacted because of the lock downs in the 11 LGA’s which includes the Lockyer Valley for us. Some of our students come from this region and it has been agreed that to ensure inclusivity as well as teams being down in numbers, it was fairer to cancel most sports until lock down ends. Some coaches and teachers are also in these areas.

The Delta strain of COVID-19 is highly infectious and has been impacting both children and adults, with current cases transmitted to teachers and students within school communities.

The All-Schools Touch tournament that was to be played on Sunday August 8 has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.

The Junior Vicki Wilson finals have been postponed until September 2 and 3. This will also only go ahead if restrictions are lifted.

The TSSS athletics carnival has been cancelled this year, however the DD trials for Athletics on August 26 and 27 is still going ahead at this stage. Nominations are now due. The Range athletics trials will continue Monday as normal.

The SSI Red Lion football has been postponed to a later date, yet to be determined.

The Wednesday night netball and volleyball competitions should recommence next week if restrictions are lifted. Students are to keep a close eye on daily notices.

AFL Finals

Too big, too strong but both teams did us really proud in making it through to this stage. The younger girls have realised that they must start training a lot earlier next year if they are to be competitive. We need to recruit strongly in the boy’s division as most of our boys were seniors and will move on next year.  For more information and photos see the below article AFLQ Schools Cup.

Deb Newton, Program Leader - Sports  dnewton@sjc.qld.edu.au

AFLQ Schools Cup

The senior boys met slick opposition on Friday 23 July at Springfield Sporting Complex. The boys played against Clairvaux Mackillop College, Marymount College and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar and were valiant in defeat whilst competing to the last siren.
The boys did the college, their families and themselves in the way they carried themselves during the day. A number of the boys played since years 7 and 8 and this week ends a wonderful tradition of AFL in the college for them. Fond memories made for ever gentleman.

The Junior girls played Marymount College, Carmel College and Kingscliff High School battling it out all day. Whilst the girls were unable to get a win for the day they worked hard never giving up. The girls today stood up in tenacity, skill, ability and perseverance, they showed spirit from the first ball up to the final siren sounding, not only did they show determination and respect for the other teams and players, but also to the umpires. It was extremely humbling to be their coach over the past few months; proud doesn’t even begin to sum up the positive camaraderie and team spirit shown not only on the field but off the field. The junior girls demonstrated every aspect of the Joeys Values and certainly stepped up to support one another throughout the day. The future looks bright for SJC and AFL in future years, as the younger girls move through the ranks with their resilience and pure determination.

A massive congratulations not only in participate and perseverance and aspire to excellence but I’m also showing respect to the grounds by leaving it better then we found it. 

Thank you ladies it was truely an absolute pleasure in watching you grow not only as individuals but as a team with so much depth and core strength. 

Geoff Morgan and Jessica Lawrence  -  AFL Coaches

Career Pathways

Thank you to all businesses that offered the opportunity for our students to experience a variety of careers and future pathways at the end of last term. You provided a valuable and rewarding experience for our students.

Students have returned to college with a better understanding of the world of work and possible career options. Congratulations to our students for making a positive contribution with our local community businesses.

Attached video is a small sample of the 150 placements offered.

 The Career Dropin is held once a week in the Library from 1.20pm to 1.55pm. 

Upcoming Career Dropins

Monday, 9 August 2021 – Mrs Harman – Career Development Practitioner

• Q&A

All welcome and we look forward to seeing students at the Career Dropin sessions.

Defence Force Virtual Information Sessions

Learn about rewarding careers and speak with current service personnel about their own experience and advice at the upcoming virtual information sessions.

It is highly recommended that you book as soon as possible for these events to avoid missing out – places are strictly limited! Please click here to register your interest.

Origin has partnered with Golden West Apprenticeships for their 2022 Apprentice and Trainee Intake. Origin is Australia’s leading integrated energy company and is focused on providing employment opportunities for the communities in which they operate.  The 2022 intake will offer multiple positions across operating assets in the Maranoa region.

Roles to apply for include:

• Electrical Instrumentation and Control (Dual Trade) Apprenticeship
• Mechanical Fitting Apprenticeship
• Process Plant Operations Traineeship
• Wellsite Operations Traineeship

Applications:

• Open – Monday 2nd August 2021
  
• Close – Friday 27th August 2021

Information Session:

• An Information Session is scheduled for Thursday 5 August 2021 from 5.00 – 6.00pm at Origin APLNG Roma Office, 1 - 3 Alfred Street, Roma Qld 4455.
• The Information session will provide attendees with information relating to:
• roles available,
• application open and close dates, and
• how to apply.

Full details including FAQ’s are available at our website landing page - https://www.goldenwest.org.au/origin-2022-intake/

Queensland University of Technology – STEM Summit

QUT - Future You (STEM) Summit is set to teach students the importance of a STEM mindset, helping to guide a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to build the jobs of Australia’s future. Featuring inspiring keynotes and interactive sessions, students will have access to real-world, industry-aligned learning to shape their mindsets and skillsets as they plan their own career pathways.

Future You (STEM) Summit Details:

• Dates: Tuesday 28 September – Friday 1 October 2021 (school holidays)
• Program Locations: Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Gympie, Cairns, Mackay, Townsville, Rockhampton, Barcaldine/Longreach and Mount Isa.
• Cost: Free for eligible participants. Any travel or accommodation costs associated with attending the summit are the responsibility of the student and are not funded by QUT. Students who must travel more than 50km to their closest summit venue may be eligible for fuel compensation. 
• Applications Close: Sunday 8 August 2021

To apply students must: 

• Be a current Queensland  Year 11 or 12 student 
• Demonstrate they have received 2 or more A's (VHA’s) in at least one STEM subject in 2020 or Semester 1, 2021
• Obtain parent/guardian permission
• Ask your teacher, head of department or principal to provide a recommendation (provide their email address and they will be sent a request to complete an online recommendation)
• Be able to attend the entire camp

All student are inducted into the QUT STEM Scholars Program which offers access to apply for the QUT STEM Academic Scholarship.

University of Queensland - High School Information Webinar Series

UQ is launching their High School Information Webinar Series that will provide an opportunity for high school students and parents to get up to date UQ information and have your questions answered in a Q&A session. The series will cover several topics, including how to apply for UQ Scholarships, Year 12 High School to University Transition, UQ 101 and The Future of Work. Click here to receive updates about future webinars. 

Scholarships, Grants & Bursaries

Furthering your education beyond school can be expensive with tuition fees, accommodation and textbooks however, there are many scholarships, grants and bursaries available to students to help meet the costs of continuing their education. A good place to start is the Study Assist website and The Good Universities Guide website. Some helpful hints on completing your application and ensuring you have given yourself the best chance of securing funding are:

• Ensure you are eligible
• Read instructions carefully
• Show how you meet the requirements/criteria
• Don’t miss the deadline!

Radiance Academy Toowoomba 

Did you know your students can earn a nationally recognised dance qualification in Toowoomba?  Radiance Academy Toowoomba in Partnership with Australian Teachers of Dance (RTO) 31624 is offering 3 qualifications in 2021, and more to come in 2022.

With a qualified and experienced staff, we are excited to mentor a dedicated co-hort of students through their qualifications and into careers in the Arts industry.  

With dedicated academic staff, Ausdance Endorsed Safe Studio Accreditation, a proven success rate with past alumni - this is a safe bet for your students. 

Certificate II in Dance

Certificate III in Dance

Certificate IV in Dance

CURRENT SCHOOL-BASED
VACANCIES

For School Based Traineeship Programs and Opportunities, please click on the below flyers for more information.

For more information please contact the Careers Team

Angela Stafford, Vocational Education Co-Ordinator - astafford@sjc.qld.edu.au

Leah Millett, Careers Support Officer - lmillett@sjc.qld.edu.au

Maree Harman, Career Development Practicioner  - mharman@sjc.qld.edu.au

Just Joey's

What is Share the Dignity?

Share the Dignity is an Australian women’s charity, that works to make a difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough. Share the dignity distributes sanitary products for those women who need their support.

How are we as SJC going to help?

Share the Dignity collects hundreds of thousands of sanitary products every year through the collection of drives and campaigns. This year we as a community are going to be helping them by donating sanitary products which will be donated to Share the Dignity ready to be distributed to women and girls in need. Together we can make a difference to so many women and girls lives.

What should you donate?

All sanitary items must be brand new and are to be handed in to the Front Entrance these items might include:

-  Pads                                          -Tampons

- Maternity Pads                           - Incontinence Pads

- Reusable Pads                           - Period-proof underwear

- Menstrual Cups

Emily Chandler and Eve Bonell - Just Joey's Representatives

How to do Well in Science at SJC

Understanding science is critical in our technology-driven world. By following these tips, your child can maximize their chances of not only getting a good grade, but of understanding the concepts that will give them a better understanding of the natural world.

After the recent parent / teacher interviews several parents asked what their child could do to improve. I invite you to check in with your child and see how many of the following strategies they are using.

If you would like further support please feel free to contact your child’s Science teacher for more specific and detailed information.

    1.  Participate in Class - The easiest time to learn something is when the teacher is teaching it, it will take longer if you try to learn it by yourself!

• Answer and Ask questions in class. Posing your own questions is the first step to filling in knowledge gaps and gets you to articulate your current understanding of the topic. By asking questions you make connections with new ideas and build on your existing knowledge.
• Paraphrase concepts. Demonstrate your understanding by rephrasing what you have heard. Staying quiet and not seeking clarification is the worst thing you can do as it may allow you to form misconceptions.
• Take good notes – Teachers will highlight the most import parts. Whether it is from a textbook, a power point, notes on the board or Stile make sure you know what is important knowledge to demonstrate during your next assessment. Actively taking notes helps you focus and better understand main concepts.
• Bring your maths knowledge with you into the Science classroom. Adding, averaging, graphing, measuring and converting units are all used regularly in Science. Many of the topics also have equations associated with them, so know how to rearrange, solve and substitute into them is important.
• Have the right tools. A charged laptop, pens, notebook, ruler, calculator, textbook and diary are a must for every class.

    2. Participate at Home – Preloading your brain at home and consolidating information learned in class is key to giving you an edge in Science.

• Revisit the skills and content covered in class that day
• Complete the homework
• Compile visual aids. A lot of Science requires memorisation, so having visual prompts like flow charts and mind maps to demonstrate how concepts are connected is important.
• Make flash cards from the glossary in Stile / vocabulary list in Canvas
• Read ahead in your textbook to see what is going to be covered next.
• Look through Canvas / Unit Plan / Syllabus documents for a list of the Learning Intentions. Make sure you know what is going to be covered and what you need to demonstrate to show that you understand the concepts
• If you get stuck, investigate multiple sources – Google it! Or check out Science | Khan Academy and enter your key words in a search. Chances are they will have a video explaining your concept.

    3. Complete Assignments to the best of your ability

• If you don’t understand the task – ASK!
• Read the task sheet and the criteria sheet to stay on track with what the task requires.
• Use class time and home time effectively – break the task down into manageable chunks to meet check points.
• Submit a complete draft and then enact the feedback to improve.
• Don’t leave things to the last minute.

    4. Prepare for Exams

• Start early.
• Use the Learning Intentions and Success Criteria as a guide for:
  • What you must know (learn it off by heart) and understand (be able to explain).
  • What you must be able to do (Use or apply your understanding to solve problems and multi-stepped questions).
• Understand what the cognitive verbs are asking you to do.
• Practise, practise, practise the questions.

Bill Whiting, Curriculum Middle Leader - Science  -  bwhiting@sjc.qld.edu.au

Year 8 French

After studying a unit on food earlier this year, the Year 8 French students had a go at making crêpes! We would like to say ‘un grand merci’ to Madame Singleton and Madame Krueger for their assistance in the kitchen.

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Adriana Sardoni - Teacher  -  asardoni@sjc.qld.edu.au

Emma Tolcher - Teacher  -  etolcher@sjc.qld.edu.au

P & F Association

NEXT MEETING
August 10  -  Library  5.00pm start

Topic - Teen Mental Health

St Joseph’s College has commenced Teen Mental Health Aid (tMHFA) training, with Year 7 and 10 completing the course in Term Two. This training package aims to increase mental health to give our learners the skills they need to recognise and help with mental health problems and crises in their friends, and to get the help of an adult quickly. Young people will often turn to each other when stressed or upset, and try to help each other, taking too much on. The tMHFA course focuses on the pattern of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that show there might be a problem rather than focusing on specific illnesses. This course does not teach or encourage students offer each other counselling of any kind, or try to handle these problems alone. Rather, our learners are taught to seek help from a trusted adult who can get their friend this kind of help as soon as possible.

As such, the P&F would like to offer a session to our parent body which will outline the information and strategies covered in this course. Please see the flyer below with dates and times.

If you wish to learn more…

… about mental health problems experienced by young people, visit:

• youthbeyondblue.com
• reachout.com

… about suicide:

• livingisforeveryone.com.au

… about tMHFA and other MHFA courses:

• mhfa.com.au

For immediate online help for teenagers:

• kidshelp.com.au
• eheadspace.org.au

Canteen

We need your help!

Please contact the College if you have some time to volunteer.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Deb Ditchmen and Michelle Tully, Canteen Convenors

E: dditchmen@sjc.qld.edu.au

E: mtully@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Please follow Queensland Government guidelines and  check-in when visiting the uniform shop.

Navy Face Masks  - reusable/washable – Small and Large sizes - $5 each

Winter stock is now available.

• Formal girl and formal boy trousers
• Long sleeve shirt for boys
• Winter tights and stockings
• Joey’s scarf
• Tracksuit pants

Blazers are available for the cold weather  - all sizes available.

The uniform shop is currently out of stock of the following and waiting on orders to arrive:-

Boys Formal Hat, size M    -    10 Aug      

Jumpers, Size 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 & 24    -    ETA Aug

The jumpers that had been delayed due to Covid lockdown in Fiji and lockdown in Sydney. 

                                            New Ordering Online Process

www.midford.com.au     pass phrase StJC1956

Second hand uniforms are also available at the Uniform Shop.

If you have used uniform items that would like to donate, please drop off to the Uniform Shop during opening hours.  Donations are greatly appreciated.

If you have used uniform items that you would like us to sell for you, please call into the uniform shop and collect a “Used Clothing” form. Used uniforms items MUST be in good condition, hems intact, no holes, stains or missing buttons. They also need to washed, ironed and be the current uniform.

If you have any questions, please call us on 4631 8514 during opening hours.

Parent Engagement Day