Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 6 - Issue 76

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Our St Joseph’s Vision Statement states that: St Joseph’s College is an educational community focused on the Spirit of Jesus. Those who join it experience, an alive and deepening search for God present-amongst-us in the world; an expectation that to educate each person to their potential is a journey to self, and from self, to the world beyond; an appreciation that growth, which happens differently for each person, needs space and time to truly bear fruit and a commitment to the life and energy of this community is required to enable good to happen. 

As a College community we often reflect upon both our Vision and Mission Statements and how we are ensuring that we continue to embed the moral purpose outlined within these statements into our everyday actions and the teaching and learning experiences. When reflecting upon what these statements outline as our moral purpose, we often have explanations provided like; we want to provide and educational experience that allows our students to become good members of the community. After reading the reflection by Ron Rolheiser (below), on what it means to “Live in the Light,” I think we would all be very happy if through the experiences our students had at our College they could leave with the courage to “Live in the Light.”

 To Live in the Light

We tend to think that to live in the light means that there should be a kind of special sunshine inside of us, a divine glow in our conscience, a sunny joy inside us that makes us constantly want to praise God, an ambience of sacredness surrounding our attitude. 

But that’s unreal.  What does it mean to live in the light?

To live in the light means to live in honesty, pure and simple, to be transparent, to not have part of us hidden as a dark secret.

Spiritual health lies in honesty and transparency and so we live in the light when we are willing to lay every part of our lives open to examination by those who need to trust us.

• To live in the light is to be able always to tell our loves ones where we are and what we are doing.
• To live in the light is to not have to worry if someone traces what websites we have visited.
• To live in the light is to not be anxious if someone in the family finds our files unlocked.
• To live in the light is to be able to let those we live with listen to what’s inside our mobile phones, see what’s inside our emails, and know who’s on our speed-dial.
• To live in the light is to have a confessor and to be able to tell that person what we struggle with, without having to hide anything.

To live in the light is to live in such a way that, for those who know us, our lives are an open book.

Ron Rolheiser.

Year 12 Final Week

Next week the spotlight will be firmly on the Seniors of 2021 who will conclude their time at the College. Over the week they have many farewells including their fun day activity with their cohort, their house and Joey’s Way class farewells, Presentation Night for 2021 and they conclude the week with their Graduation Assembly and Valedictory Dinner.

These farewells are a sign, that over the time that each of the students of the 2021 senior cohort spent at St Joseph’s College, they became a part of a community and their departure creates a sense of loss for us and quite possibly for them. We would hope that all the senior cohort would acknowledge that their time at the College has had a positive impact on their lives to date and will assist them in the future. An important role all of us can fulfil is to hold these young people in our prayers. They all have such huge potential to make a difference to our society.

Finally, I want to wish the Year 12 students every possible blessing in their lives and ask them to remember that their loving God is walking every step of the way with them. Best wishes Year 12 students take care and remember that no matter what challenges lay ahead of you into the future, you are always a past student of St Joseph’s College, and you are always welcome.

Partnerships and Student Responsibilities

In a number of newsletters this year I have outlined how much we value the importance of developing partnerships with our families and how Teacher – Student – Family relationships are one of the keys to improving the outcomes for our students. One aspect of this partnership that is becoming increasingly obvious that requires improvement is the level of responsibility that our students take for catching up with teachers after they have been absent. As teachers we constantly remind students that if they are absent for lessons then they have a responsibility to ensure that they check the CANVAS course during their absence and if this is not possible then when they return to school, they either speak to their teachers (preferably), or peers about what was covered during their absence and make every endeavour to catch up on this work prior to their next lesson. As parents, I would ask that you continue to have this conversation with your child to ensure that they are giving themselves the best chance to succeed.  

Kort Goodman - Principal

From the Deputy Principal

All of the St Joseph’s College community is invited to our upcoming Presentation Night. This evening is an opportunity to celebrate the culture and spirit of the College and recognise the achievements of students in all domains of schooling – Academic, Cultural, Sporting, Engagement & Leadership, Faith & Social Justice.  

When: 16 November 2021. 6:15pm arrivals for 7:00pm start 

Where: Empire Theatre Toowoomba 

Tickets: Free. (Given COVID safe practices bookings are essential via the Empire Theatre website.) 

Book your tickets to 2021 Presentation Night here - https://www.empiretheatre.com.au/event/985/St%20Joseph's%20College%20Presentation%20Night  

Teacher Showcase 

St Joseph’s College has a rigorous and robust Professional Learning Framework. Staff participate in weekly professional learning teams, engaging with impact cycles to improve student outcomes and build self and collective efficacy. In 2021, our professional learning journey culminated in a Twilight Sharing Showcase (Monday 1 November), which celebrated our successes as a community of learners.  

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Remembrance Day 

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front after the bloodshed of World War I. Over the past century, this moment has been adopted across the globe as a time to remember those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts. On Thursday 11 November at 11:00am, St Joseph’s College will join millions of Australians observing one minute's silence to commemorate Remembrance Day - a quiet moment held in recognition of those who have served, died, or suffered in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Learners will be pausing during class to remember and show their respect for those who lost their lives at war so that we can enjoy the peace and freedom that exists in Australia today.  

Year 7-11 Final Assignments and Examinations 

I wish all learners at the College the best of luck as they complete their final assignments for 2021 over the coming weeks. I trust that all students are studying hard to complete final assignments and to prepare thoroughly for these examinations. For Year 7-10, grades received for Semester 2 assessments will be communicated on their final end of year reports for 2021.  

Upcoming Events 

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

The Significance of Rituals 

In Week 7, we will celebrate the journey and achievements of our 2021 Year 12 cohort.  This week is an opportunity for our College to thank our Year 12s for all they have contributed across their time at St Joseph’s. It is also an opportunity to farewell them as they embark on the next part of their journeys. 

Rituals help us to recognise the changes in our lives and mark occasions when our role in the community is changing.  

Currently, our Year 12s are in a liminal stage. Liminal stages are times when a person or a group are in the process of transition.  Our Year 12s stand on the threshold. They are almost ready to transition to the next stage of their journey. Next week we will celebrate in our ritual as they cross the threshold from school student to graduate. 

In Joey’s Way lessons this week, students are learning about the power of rituals like Graduation and the many symbols we use to create meaning.  

Some of the significant symbols are: 

• Hands of Blessing – We raise our hands over the seniors as we pray for them.  
• Guard of Honour – A tunnel of the community that our seniors walk through at the end of their farewell assembly.  
• College Candle & House Candles 
• Senior Tie 
• The School Song 

Presentation Night  –  An Opportunity to Live the Joey’s Way 

In Week 7, we will also symbolically recognise students’ achievements in our Presentation Night on Tuesday 16 November, 7pm at the Empire Theatre.  

I was very lucky to work with the 2022 Student Leaders on their formation day. They set themselves a clear goal to increase student recognition of the wide and diverse range of achievements across the College. The student leaders identified that they could begin this goal immediately through encouraging our students to enthusiastically attend the Presentation Night.  

Within the structure of the evening, the College will recognise students who have demonstrated our Joey’s Way imperatives, particularly ‘Aspire to Excellence’. The awards cover all aspects of College life and we will also have special awards across each of these areas. 

• Engagement and Leadership  
• Cultural 
• Sport 
• Spiritual 
• Academic  

This event is opportunity for students to demonstrate the Joey’s Way imperatives. 

Be Proud, Be Humble 

• Uniform: Full academic uniform (with the blazer if you have one). 
• Attend the event to show my pride in my peers and St Joseph’s College.  

Be Punctual and Prepared 

• Arrive to all the events on time.  
• Stay until dismissal.  

Celebrate Diversity 

• Celebrate the many achievements by clapping at the end of each section.  

Leave it Better than you Found it 

• Ensure you take all your belongings and any rubbish with you as you leave the events.  
• Help to tidy up by doing your small part. 

I look forward to this wonderful evening celebrating how our community has lived our Edmund Rice charism through endeavour, compassion, respect and dignity. 

Kellie-Maree Ford - Assistant Principal - Religious Education  -  kford@sjc.qld.edu.au 

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

2022 Booklists

On the College Website https://www.sjc.qld.edu.au/current-parents/book-lists/ is an updated 2022 Stationery list for families.  You will notice a change of format for these lists to assist families.  If you still wish to purchase through Browns Office you can still do this. Hopefully the new format allows for better streamlining at this time of the year.

All students going into Years 9 to 11 have received their elective subjects via email.  If you have any questions about subject choices, please contact Mrs Park-Ballay (Year 9) and Mrs Tobin for Years 10 and 11.  Many subjects are now full, but if changes need to be made this should be finalised by the end of term.  

Year 11 Exam Block

This week all families would have received via a broadcast information regarding the Year 11 Exam Block.  All Year 11’s are expected to attend school on the final day – Friday 26 November.  Students in Year 11 have the privilege of studying at home and coming in for exams, however, if a student is behind in work, the College will be in contact and the student will be required to attend school under supervised conditions.  Therefore, it is in the best interest of students to be up to date and be allowed to work from home.

Year 12 - Accessing myQCE

https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/2021-FAQs.html

A reminder to check with your son or daughter about accessing their myQCE site.  Can they show you their LUI number? Do they remember how to log in? 

Your final subject results and Senior Education Profile will be available in your learning account in the Student Portal from 9 am on Friday 17 December 2021.

You will need your learner unique identifier (LUI) the first time you register for the Student Portal.  If you have already registered, you can log in with your email and password you have set for your account. Remember the email must not be the school email as students won’t have access to this email once they graduate.

See the Student Portal FAQs if you need help to access your account.

For QCAA General subjects you will receive an overall mark out of 100 and a grade of A–E for each subject.

For QCAA Applied subjects you will receive a grade of A–E for each subject.

If you have completed vocational education and training (VET) courses, other recognised studies or higher education studies, you will see these in your learning account once your achievement has been 'banked' by your learning provider.

Will my Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) be in my learning account?

No! The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) calculates and provides ATARs for Queensland students. QTAC will release ATARs for Year 12 students who graduated in 2021 on Friday 17 December. You will find more information on the QTAC website.

Are the electronic versions of my certificates and statements official?

Yes. The documents in your learning account are official. They include a digital signature and a unique validation code to confirm they are authentic.
You can download and print them at any time, or provide them as PDFs to potential employers or further education/training providers. Third parties can also check their authenticity with the QCAA:

• electronic versions — PDF versions of certificates and statements will display a green tick and a digital signature. This confirms the electronic document is an official copy and has not been altered
• print versions — print versions of certificates and statements can be authenticated as follows:
• authenticate via QR code — when scanned, the QR code on the certificate or statement directs users to a unique web page that will confirm it is an official copy. The URL will contain the QCAA domain name (www.qcaa.qld.edu.au) and the document identification code 
• authenticate via QCAA — users can provide the student's name, LUI and the unique ID code that is on the certificate and/or statement to check their authenticity with the QCAA.

Can I print the certificates and statements in my learning account?

Yes. The documents in your learning account are official. They include a digital signature and a unique validation code to confirm they are authentic. You can download them from your learning account and print your own copies.

When will I receive my results in the post?

The QCAA won't automatically post printed copies of your Senior Statement and/or Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

This is because the electronic documents in your learning account are your official documents — they contain a digital signature and a unique validation code to confirm they are authentic. You can download and print them from your learning account or provide electronic copies to potential employers or further studies providers. Third parties can also confirm their authenticity with the QCAA.

If you would like the QCAA to send you print copies of these documents, you will need to request them via your learning account by 31 January 2022. The print copies will be identical to the electronic copies and printed on slightly thicker paper stock. The QCAA will post copies in March, once applications for verification have been finalised.

If you do not make your request by 31 January 2022, you will need to apply to the QCAA for a print copy and pay a fee per certificate.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

What Does it Mean to Be Proud, Be Humble 

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 book of Micah (6:8) calls us to be proud and be humble: 

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. 

And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly[a] with your God. 

Our mission as followers of Jesus is outward (do justice), inward (love mercy), and upward (walk humbly). 

To ‘act justly’ is to do what is right, protect the vulnerable and include everyone. ‘Love mercy’ means to have loyal love or loving-kindness in your actions. Meaning you will be loyal to all people and offer them brotherly love and mercy. To ‘walk humbly’ describes our attitude toward God. To walk humbly is the opposite of walking self-righteously or arrogantly or even independently. Instead of focusing on ourselves and boasting about what we do, we must humbly recognise that we can never match the unconditional love and justice of our God. In this relationship, we will always have further work to do to reach the model of Jesus.  

At St Joseph’s College, we must be proud of ourselves, of our community and of the ways we are creating a better future together. Our pride is balanced with our humility by recognising our limitations, allowing others to help us, and appreciating the value of all in our community.  

Being Proud and Being Humble Looks Like: 

• Wearing your full uniform correctly and with pride 
• Understanding that out uniform represents a community of students, staff, parents and alumni.  
• Keeping our College tidy and taking pride in its facilities 
• Representing the College in sport, culture and mission  
• Celebrating your academic achievements 
• Celebrating others’ achievements 
• Collaborating with others  

Being Proud and Being Humble Sounds Like: 

• Speaking highly of St Joseph’s College 
• Telling your friends about the successes of our College 
• ‘I am capable, and I am willing to try my best.’ 
• Loud war cries and cheers at sporting events 
• Asking for help when you need it 

Being Proud and Being Humble Feels Like: 

• Believing that being a Joey’s student makes you something special 
• Knowing that you have worth and are worthy 
• Feeling grateful for your talents and opportunities 
• Recognising that our talents are different but all valuable 

At first, being proud and being humble might seem counterintuitive, aren’t they opposite to one another. Here at St Joseph’s, we aspire to hold each of these alongside one another. In other words, we are proud enough to be aware of the many privileges afforded to us in this learning community, but humble enough to know that we are not inherently better (or worse) than anyone else.  

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

Mission Matters

Breakfast Club

The Year 10 Breakfast Club helpers have learnt the ropes quickly and are now running the breakfast each Wednesday morning, with the Year 11’s taking a step back.

Donation Reminder

As a College community we are putting together Christmas Hampers and “It’s in the Bag” donations.  We will be collecting donations until mid Week 8.  

Last year, as a College, we created 55 bags for ‘It’s in the Bag’. Our goal this year: 100. Please donate, by either dropping donations to the Front Office or via Joey’s Way groups.

We thank you in advance for your generousity for those less fortunate this Christmas.

Final Rosies for 2021

Wednesday 10 November saw our dedicated students and staff help out at Rosies for the final time this year. We look forward to continuing helping next year and our 2022 Seniors are encouraged to volunteer to help each month.

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

Department Tutorials

Sports

Volleyball Final

The B Division girls played their final last week. They went into the game undefeated, and this is where their winning streak came to an end. The girls won the first set 25 to 18 and were feeling fairly confident going into the second set. The second set we lost 19 to 25 so it all came down to the third set.

I don’t know who was more nervous Ms Jannusch or the team? Neither team were playing their best volleyball and we seemed a little apprehensive in our shots. The third set went into overtime to decide the winner and unfortunately it wasn’t us. We lost 25 to 21. I put it down to nerves as I think they were just too worried about winning and forgot to play their normal game.

Whatever the reason they have performed with sportsmanship and perseverance to come out at the end of the season undefeated except for that final game.

On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Ms Jannusch for giving of her time to train the girls and coach each week. I am sure that she and the team will be there next year.

Rugby 7’s

Over the past five weeks the College has had five teams competing in the Downs Rugby 7’s competition – open boys and girls, 15 boys and girls and 13 boys.

We have been winning some and losing some games, but most students have learnt new skills to take them into the field of playing in the local competition if they chose to go that way.

On behalf of the students, many thanks go to Mr Canning, Mr Kilgour, Mr Moore, Mr Cullen, Isabella Cooper and Jada Ferguson for their time and dedication to the teams this term. Games were played between 4.00pm and 8.00pm each Wednesday and Thursday night so it was appreciated to have these people give of themselves outside of school hours.

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

Arts Opportunities

Do you have a child that is interested in Film and Television, maybe photography and videography, or perhaps wants to act? Then sign up to this event’s waitlist to find out more information. 

MEET THE FILMMAKERS

It's back again this year with a two day virtual program jam packed with the opportunity for you to hear from over 30 industry professionals and
ask them all of your burning questions!

Coming your way on
Wednesday and Thursday 15th and 16th December
there is absolutely something for everyone!

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

Have a sticky beak at the program below, block out the dates and times in your calendar for the sessions you want to attend and head over to
Essential Screen Skills 
and sign up to receive updates to be the first to know when registrations open!

If you are a teacher, please make sure your students know about
this event before they go on holidays!

MEET THE FILMMAKERS - YES PLEASE!

Psst one more thing... follow us on our socials!

Chrissy Dwyer - Curriculum Leader - Arts  -  cdwyer@sjc.qld.edu.au

Brennan House

Halfway through the term and already Brennan house has achieved so much.  Firstly, it was the Brennan Starlight day in week 2 in which our leaders Miriama Tini and Emma Schuh managed to  facilitate an amazingly successful day.  We were able to raise $1760 through the sausage sizzle and always popular fairy floss.  There was also a very entertaining volleyball match between SJC staff and Brennan year 12 students.

We have also welcomed this term our new leaders for 2022 Preston McIlrick and Kaylee Keehn who have already stepped up and embraced the opportunity to lead Brennan house.  This was evident on our leadership day out at the James Byrne centre in which they led a very robust and emotional  discussion on our ‘Care for everybody’ focus for 2022.  I look forward to working with Preston and Kaylee for 2022 as we take Brennan to even greater heights.

Finally we thank our year 12 students for all they have brought to Brennan house and wish them all the best for their exams and future, beyond school.  We hope that they always remember to live the Brennan motto ‘Care for everybody’.

Care for Everybody.

Luke Logan - Student Engagement Middle Leader - Brennan House  -  llogan@sjc.qld.edu.au

Career Pathways

Congratulations to Charlotte Biss receiving a School Based Apprenticeship with Profile Hair Design, Certificate III in Hairdressing.

Hospitality School Based Traineeships

Noodle Box and Pattysmiths at Westridge Shopping Centre are currently looking for staff.  If you are interested in applying, please take your Resume in store.

SBA Vacancy Flyers

• 70-21 Certificate III in Signs and Graphics – Tierney Signs – 10 and 11
• 71-21 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery – Park House Café – 10 and 11
• 72-21 Certificate III in Cabinet Making – Sir Lancelot’s Kitchen Bathroom and Joinery

School Based Trainee/Apprentice Vacancies - Aurora Training Institute

To submit an expression of interest for an advertised vacancy, please click on the link below and complete the application form.

Work Experience

This term students have undertaken work experience to investigate future career pathways.

Work experience can be undertaken during the school term or school holidays subject to approval by Mr Goodman. Please see the Career Team for more information.

For more information please contact the Careers Team

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

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

New Staff Welcome

We welcome Rena Kerr to the Finance Dept. 

We welcome Grace Bunch to the College, undertaking a role in the maintenance team. 

A Blast from Our Past!

On Saturday, 6 November, Ed Crimmins* called into the school in the hope of having a bit of a wander around to re-live memories.

Ed was amongst the first students at St Joseph’s in 1956, along with Fr Ray Crowley. When Ed started at the school, no buildings were complete. As a result, the school commenced in some huts located behind St Patrick’s Cathedral. When the first building, now known as Murphy Wing, was completed the school’s population moved across to our current site.

Ed was familiar with only two buildings on our campus – Murphy Wing and Edmund Rice House. We went for a walk through both buildings. Ed shared anecdotes about each building and his time spent in them. Ed had lived with his mother, as housekeeper, downstairs in the Brothers’ house, and was able to share the then-function of some of the rooms. He was particularly interested in the Brothers’ Chapel, now the Ignatius Room. We visited the northern side of Murphy Wing, which was the original front of the school. He sat in his first classroom, 22A. Ed also shared memories of the College Chapel, which had a partition placed in it and is now rooms 17 and 18.

As we wandered around the campus, Ed recognised the names on the buildings as those of some of the Brothers he knew when he was young. These also brought back fond memories.

Ed enjoyed his trip through memory lane…

*The Christian Brothers house, now known as Edmund Rice House, was completed late in 1956. Until then, the Brothers for St Joseph’s College lived in the house on the corner of Mackenzie and Murphy Streets. (The house is still there.) Their housekeeper, from then until the Brothers’ departure in 1983, was Mrs Crimmins, the longest of any Brothers’ housekeeper in Australia. In honour of her many years of dedicated service to the Brothers who lived on-site, Crimmins Court was named after her when she retired.

Chris Fitzpatrick - Teacher  -  cfitzpatrick@sjc.qld.edu.au

P & F Association

NEXT MEETING
To be advised early 2022!

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

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

Summer stock is now available.

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.