Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - Issue 77

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Congratulations to all on a great 2021!

On Presentation Night I congratulated all students who received awards and I also made a point of highlighting those students who did not receive an award but who are aspiring for excellence and achieving to the best of their ability. At St Joseph’s we greatly value the efforts of our students who are demonstrating growth with both their learning behaviours and achievement and I again offer my congratulations to these students.

I also highlighted on Presentation Night, that as a community we are already making good progress towards achieving the intents outlined in our St Joseph’s College Towards 2024 Strategic Plan. This progress continues to allow us to capacity build to ensure that we will continue to be a vibrant learning community, providing outstanding opportunities for all our students and staff to reach their potential. The most pleasing aspect of the year for me is the progress that the students are making with their learning and this is evident in the great majority of the student reports. It is the efforts of the students in combination with the outstanding support offered by our staff that allows this growth to occur. For our community this is an important step in our journey of becoming a learning community where all students and staff are continually striving to improve and reach their potential, a fact worth celebrating.

Celebrating Advent

As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ may we give generously to those in need in our society? Our students and staff have been doing a great job in preparing their baskets for St Vincent’s de Paul Society to distribute to those families most in need which again highlights how willingly our community lives out our call to Serve Him in Others.

Staff Farewells

With the end of each school year comes the inevitable staff farewells and offering of thanks to others whose role may be changing at the school. These changes to staffing roles and farewells can be both quite sad, and exciting as it brings new opportunities and possible adventures for those departing or changing roles.

I would like to advise the community that the following staff members will be departing our community at the end of 2021 or taking leave for 2022. We thank these people greatly for their contributions over the time they have been at our College and for those taking leave we look forward to seeing them in 2023.

Departing – Therese Cronin, Tanya Draheim, Dean Garside, Rodney Spain, Angela Stafford, Andrea van den Berg, Michelle Dwyer
Leave 2022 –  Cathie Barton, Mark Holdsworth, Madeleine Minns, Janet Reid

In replacing the staff members who are departing or taking leave, the following people will be returning to St Joseph’s College or joining us in 2022.

Candice Brazier (Curriculum Leader Maths)

Emma Chalmers (Curriculum Leader English and Languages)

Adriane Markham (Acting Program Leader – Mission and Identity)

Roseanne Pietsch (Acting Program Leader – Cultural Leader)

Angela Harris (returning from leave to teach Mathematics)

Christel Davies (School Officer - Workplace, Health & Safety)

Julie Entwistle (Principal’s Personal Assistant)

Annette Yates (Science and Mathematics Teacher)

Chris Fitzpatrick (returning from leave to teach Religion)

We look forward to these people bringing and sharing their expertise, skills, and talents with our community in 2022.

Thank you to Peter Keightley and Jacqui Dignon who have undertaken curriculum leadership roles over the last year your support has been greatly appreciated. Congratulations also to Aleesha Degen who has been successful in attaining the Pastoral Leader for Murphy House role.

Best Wishes

I wish all members of our College community a Holy and safe Christmas and thank you for the support of the College throughout our 2021 academic year. I do hope that our community members will open their hearts to the true meaning of Christmas and take time to reflect and give thanks for what we are so privileged to be part of. Please take care of each other, travel safely, and take appropriate breaks. A reminder that school commences for Year 7, 11, 12 and new students on Tuesday 25 January and Year 8, 9 and 10 on Thursday, 27 January 2022.

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church:

the earth rejoices in hope of the Saviour’s coming,

and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time.

Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy,

and hope which his presence will bestow,

for he is Lord for ever and ever.

Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever

Kort Goodman - Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Farewell – Graduates of 2021

Last week we held multiple key rites of passage for our graduates of 2021, including Graduation Assembly, Presentation Night and Valedictory Dinner. We wished these graduates our prayers and blessings as they depart the College gates for the last time to make a positive difference to our world. Sincere congratulations and thanks to the parents of our graduates, for the care and guidance that you have continually given to your sons/daughters over their years at the College. Congratulations.

Thanks also to our dedicated St Joseph’s College teachers and staff for your encouragement and expert instruction ensuring the students achieve their best possible results.

Presentation Night

Last Tuesday 16 November we held our annual Presentation Night at the Empire Theatre. We celebrated the whole St Joseph’s College community and the achievements from 2021. Thank you to all those families who were able to attend this event. We have been asked to share copies of the videos presented on the night and also the recording of the whole evening. Please refer to the links below.

• Recording of the whole Presentation Night - https://youtu.be/fn1l9T7Y1BA 

• Student Engagement and Leadership Highlights Video - https://youtu.be/J_t-gyBSY6U
• Academic Highlights Video - https://youtu.be/b1v89RG_ziw
• Faith and Social Justice Highlights Video - https://youtu.be/jmZhViejK7A
• Cultural Highlights - https://youtu.be/X00d88Kve1o
• Sporting Highlights Video - https://youtu.be/o8CkUqqLMg0
  

End of Year, Semester Reports, College Yearbook

The year concludes for Years 10 and 11 students on Friday 26 November at 3.00pm, and for Years 7, 8 and 9 on Friday 3 December at 3:00pm (supervision provided on Friday 3 December and parent permission slip in email).  

All reports will be issued on Friday, 3 December. We trust that all parents will read and discuss these reports and plan for 2022 with your child over the Christmas break.

A 2021 College Yearbook has been issued to the eldest child in your family this week during Joey’s Way. If your child is absent, please collect this Yearbook from the front reception.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Murphy House Leader Farewell Blessing 

On Friday 19 November, Murphy House gathered to celebrate and farewell their House Leader, Mr Rodney Spain.  

Rituals are important in helping us mark significant moments as a community. As Mr Spain leaves his role of House Leader, we have provided him with a Murphy candle that will help guide him to always remember the “Vision and Spirit” of Murphy House.  

Murphy House Prayer 

Guiding Spirit, 

Be with us this day. Let us give love and appreciation to our first principal Brother Murphy after whom Murphy House was named. 

We remember with affection the countless Brothers, staff and students that followed in his footsteps and walked the Joey’s Way. 

May we continue to celebrate our individual strengths and explore our talents with courage and creativity. 

With Vision and Spirit -  We stand together. 

Live Jesus in our hearts - Forever 

Amen 

Advent Season 

No season of the year is more at odds with the prevailing culture in Australia than Advent.  The advertising blitz for the Christmas shopping binge, reinforced by Christmas decor in shops, stores and streets, starts several weeks prior to Advent.  To make matters worse, all this commercial Christmas decoration disappears on Christmas night to make way for the Boxing Day sales. 

It’s a busy time of the year.  Schools and colleges are marking the end of the school year with exams, graduation ceremonies and farewells.  Businesses are holding end-of-the year parties.  Time and energy go into sending Christmas greetings of one kind or another.  Families are occupied with plans for Christmas Day meals and summer holidays.  There’s a spirit of indulgence in the air, congruent with the languor of summer days. 

By contrast, this is what the Church says about Advent.   

“Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnity of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.  For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.” (UNLYGRC #39, 1969) 

Our Advent season, while a time of waiting, is not devoid of deep meaning. This “in-between” time is a sacred time, a time for the Church to proclaim the Gospel to every nation (Mark 13:10; Acts 1:6-8), to make sense of the present, while never giving up the hope that God’s Messiah, Jesus, will have the last word. 

Advent is the season that honours and celebrates this waiting aspect of Christian life. Because we live in the time following the first coming of the Saviour, the prime focus of our waiting and our expectation is upon the second coming of the Lord. But because salvation is not complete, because we are so conscious of a world still ravaged by suffering and violence, we can identify with the prophets and holy men and women who hung upon the promise of salvation before the first coming of the Lord. Their cries express our own longings and hopes for a liberated and just world. 

At the College during this time, we call on our students to not just eagerly wait for the excitement of Christmas; but to also live generously and with empathy through our SVDP Christmas Hamper donations. We hope our students understand that whilst we wait with hope for the joy of Christmas, we must also ‘Lead through Service’ to work for solidarity and justice in our world.   

An Advent Prayer for the Lord to Come 

This Advent, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.  

Fill me with Your presence from the very start.  

As I prepare for the holidays and gifts to be given, 

Remind me of the gift You gave when  

You sent Your Son from Heaven.  

The first Christmas gift, it was the greatest gift ever.  

You came as a baby born in a manger.  

Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,  

Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.  

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus' birth,  

When He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.  

Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.  

And angels announced, "Into your darkness, God brings His Light."  

"Do not be afraid," they said, to shepherds in the field.  

Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.  

Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call. 

Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.  

Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear Your voice.  

Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise.  

Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.  

In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.  

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.  

Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.  

Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day.  

Keep me close to You, Lord.  

It's in Your wonderful Name I pray. 

Amen.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate students who have received Endeavour cards this year.  The introduction of the two new cards this year Aspiring to Excellence and Participating and Persevering have been embraced by both students and staff.

We have recognised students for academic excellence by presenting Gold, Silver and Bronze awards which was based on the number of A’s they received for each semester and will again present Semester 2, 2021 results next year when we return in the new year.  This will be based on the students Semester 2 report card and designed to encourage all students to live out the values of the Joey’s Way and acknowledges students for Endeavour: in particular in the areas of Aspiring to Excellence.  Our academic excellence morning teas will continue next year and we hope students continue to push themselves to do their best.

For Year 7 to 10 students report cards will be posted next week to families.  I would ask that you go through the report card with your child and ask them to reflect on their overall results and learner attributes.  

For Year 11 students we have commence Unit 3 work and in some areas students have actually completed their first internal piece of assessment already. These results are indicated as  ‘Provisional’ results for their First Internal Assessment (IA1) for Unit 3 and will be reported on in Term 1, 2022.

‘Provisional’ results for Internal Assessment 1 (IA1) is the result the teacher has given the student for their first piece after internal moderating processes have been completed.  This result cannot be confirmed until it has been through the QCAA confirmation process and students will see their final confirmed result in their myQCE account once this has been finalized. 

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 you purchase through Browns Office you can still do this.  Hopefully the new format allows for better streamlining at this time of the year.  All families were sent a broadcast with the attached booklist for 2022 this week.

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 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.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

What Does it Mean to Speak and Act Safely? 

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 gospel of Matthew (6:8) calls us to speak and act safely: 

33 ‘Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.’ 

The proverb ‘a tree is known by its fruit’ means that our character or worth is determined by our actions and deeds. What we present to the world will reflect the strength of our values and who we are deep within. Quite simply, what is in our heart becomes our actions. 

If we are to judge a person, we must judge them by what we see in their actions and words. Jesus is teaching here of the connection between character and conduct. What we do is determined by what we are. We are being called in this passage to live out who we are and to work on being people of dignity and love. Our love for our community must be shown through how we speak and act and ensuring the safety of others in how we do so.  

Edmund Rice was known for his good communication. He clearly communicated his vision of education to the Christian Brothers, which spread from Ireland across the globe. His actions were also motivated by his value of the dignity of all human persons.  

Like Edmund, we must both act on our values and speak clearly. We wish to show all our community that they are welcome and valued. To do this we must value their safety through how we speak and act.  

Importantly, though, we must always remember that our actions and words should reflect the values of Joey’s Way. If we take these values to heart, we will find our actions align with the imperative of speaking and acting safely. Doing is the second step, being is the first. 

Speaking and Acting Safely Looks Like: 

• Safe conduct in the classroom 
• Keeping our hands to ourselves 
• Respecting other people’s boundaries and personal space 
• Wearing necessary protective clothing, including our hats 
• Safe use of technology 
• Following procedures and instructions 

Speaking and Acting Safely Sounds Like: 

• Respectful and polite manners 
• Calling teachers by their title and last name 
• Avoiding language that marginalises others on the basis of gender, race, religion or sexuality
• Speaking at the appropriate times 
• No swearing or derogatory remarks 
• Positive language  

Speaking and Acting Safely Feels Like: 

• Thoughtful decision making 
• Considering others  
• Considering other’s points of view 
• Knowing the procedures and rules 

On behalf of the Student Engagement Team, I would like to wish all members of the Joey’s community a joyful and safe festive season and a very happy new year.   

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

Student Voice

Over the year, Student Voice has met on a fortnightly basis to discuss potential improvements and issues facing both our school environment and community. This forum provides students an opportunity to voice their concerns, queries and comments in a productive, respectful way . We would love to hear your opinions, so feel free to come along in 2022.

Sophie Wagner and Romey Wiemers - Senior Co-Ordinators

Mission Matters

Looking for a new club to join? Wanting to help make a difference? Interact is a social justice group which advocates and raises funds for a variety of foundations. We organise events such as, Shave for a Cure, International Women’s Day and so many other amazing causes. We meet every Tuesday lunch at the Trade Skills Centre, so come along and help us brainstorm, we’d really appreciate some fresh ideas and extra hands in 2022. 

Just Joey’s have co-ordinated the ‘It’s in the Bag’ drive and the College community have donated items/bags to create 50 bags for this very worthwhile cause.

 A brilliant effort by the JW groups and College staff and community.

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

Library News

With assessment due dates looming and examinations occurring in the coming days and weeks, the Library resources have been utilised for study. It has been great to see our staff and students ‘learn in community’ in our Library space.

In Week 7, we saw Mrs Harman use our whiteboard cloud tables to host a revision session with Year 11 Economics students, Caitlin Sharpe and Jakodah Palmer.

Additionally, some of our Year 9 students demonstrated the skills of an assessment capable learner by teaching one another trigonometry in preparation for their Mathematics examination.   

Library Correspondence:

The Library staff have been busy with book returns and stocktaking. We would ask that our students and their parents/guardians ensure that they have checked their emails for Library correspondence. Recent correspondence to be aware of includes:

• In Week 7, Year 7-10 students will have received their list of overdue books, which must be returned by Friday 26^th November to avoid charges.
• Parents/guardians of our Year 11 students will have received a broadcast relating to these students keeping some of their Unit 3 and 4 textbooks over the break to allow for revision.
• Parents/guardians of all students enrolled for 2022 will have received a permission slip to approve access to the textbook hire scheme in 2022. Please ensure that you return the form this week if you have not already done so, as we will not be able to issue textbooks in Term 1 to any student who does not have a signed form.

If you are concerned about any of this or did not receive these communications, please contact the Library staff: staff-library@sjc.qld.edu.au

Holiday Reading:

Though we are unable to loan our physical Library collection over the summer break, students still have access to our full digital collection through the SORA app. The app can be accessed from the icon on the Library website (https://au.accessit.online/STJ33/#!dashboard):

We have recently added a range of new ebooks and audiobooks to the app and would encourage our students to check them out. They can be accessed from anywhere- students do not have to be on site.

To login, students use their borrower ID, which is the same as their student ID number.

Christmas Wishes:

With Christmas around the corner, we have embraced the festive cheer with our displays. Mrs Garrahy has constructed a Santa’s Good Book List for students to enjoy and draw recommendations from.

Miss Brylee, Mrs Garrahy and Mrs Andrews would like to take this opportunity to wish our students and their extended families a safe and Merry Christmas. We hope that you all are able to enjoy time with those you love.

Kirstie Andrews - Teacher Librarian & Literacy Improvement Leader  -  kandrews@sjc.qld.edu.au

Language News

ATTENTION all Japanese and French students!

IML Summer Languages Program

Are you studying French or Japanese in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12 in 2022?

Would you like to further improve your language skills over the summer break? The Institute of Modern Languages at the University of Queensland is offering a High School Enrichment Program from the 10^th to the 14^th of January 2022. The classes are being offered online via Zoom as well as on-campus (Year 11-12 only), so it is not mandatory for students to travel to Brisbane to participate. There is a discount for Early Bird Enrolment up to 13 December 2021. More information:  

https://iml.uq.edu.au/learn-language/high-school-program

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

Sports

Well, another year has passed, and our young sports people have had another wonderful year being able to represent at sport. Again, the sporting world was interrupted by COVID restrictions and a number of state championships were cancelled.

In 2021 we had 65 students – 30 boys and 35 girls selected in Darling Downs team both 10 - 12 years and 13 - 19 years age groups.

From the state championships that were conducted we had three Queenslanders selected in the sport of touch – Blaise Prendergast, Bailey Deakin and Kaden Willmot.

Other achievements throughout the year were:

T20 cricket – state finalists

Junior Vicki Wilson – winners of the Darling Downs region and invited to attend state finals in Brisbane.

AAG Positive Cup winners - open boys and girls

Friday Night Basketball – Champions in 15 girls, Runners Up in 13 years and open boys,

Mercy Shield Roma – Champions 2020 and 2021

AFL – junior girls and open boys – Darling Downs champions and invited to attend state titles in Brisbane.

All Schools Touch – 15 girls final 16 and 15 boys final 8.

Wednesday Night Netball – 15 girls champions.

Volleyball – Division 2 Runners Up.

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DATE CLAIMER 2022

February 2, 2022 is our annual swimming carnival at Milne Bay Aquatic Centre. Everyone has seven to eight weeks to start training and get ready for the carnival. There should be no excuses for students not to compete in either the 50metre events or 25 metre participation events.

I am looking for to a big participation rate from each of the houses to see if Rice House can be knocked out of the top spot for the Best Overall House for 2022.

Darling Downs Nominations

These nominations will come in very quickly at the start of 2022. If you do not wish your child/ren to miss out on any of the events, please ensure you check out the College Calendar as well as the Darling Downs website.

Uniforms

If you have any stray sporting uniforms around the house or in students draws or cupboards, I would really appreciate them back. They all make up sets, so it is important to keep them altogether.

Happy Holidays

Until we commence again in2022 I wish to thank students and parents for their contribution to the sporting program and hope that COVID becomes a thing of the past and we can all get back to normal.

Wishing you and your families health, happiness, peace, and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year. May you all get the chance to take in the beauty and true meaning of the season.

Happy Holidays and I hope all your wishes come true

QLD Hockey

St Joseph’s students involved in the Under 13 Queensland Hockey Championships Camp in Brisbane. They were due to play in Hobart but the National competition was cancelled – of course due to COVID. The Queensland Hockey still decided to host a four day camp for the students instead.

Youth Girls AFL - From South Toowoomba Bombers

In early 2022 South Toowoomba AFC will be entering a U17's Youth Girl's AFL team into the Darling Downs League and we were hoping to inform your female students of the possibility of joining our club for the upcoming season.  The season will start in early February.

South Toowoomba AFC has a long history of Alumni from St Joseph's as players (such as Catie Koelmeyer, Cathy Holt, Maddie Woodall and Coda Stanmore just to name a few, Adrian Koelmeyer as head coach in 2019/2020 and of course Mr Andrew Fellenberg who is a Bombers Longhorn) and we would like to continue this long association with St Joseph's College and continue to add a long list of students to our player board.

We believe that encouraging young women to play AFL is not only good for their mental health and wellbeing but also encourages teamwork and life skills they can take into their future endeavours.

Our club president Mick Gilmore can be contacted on 0450 782 059 should you require any further information.  Please see the flyer below for more information.

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

Enhanced Learning Achievements

On Thursday 21 October, the annual Mayoral Awards were held at the Highfields Cultural Centre to celebrate those students who, despite educational and/or life challenges, have risen these adversities to achieve great things in their education.  This year St Joseph’s College were proud to nominate Year 12 student Nicholas Hee for the award.

Nicholas is a very worthy recipient of the Mayoral Award due to his positive approach to all he does.  Nicholas came to St Joseph’s College midway through 2019, and from the start he embodied the College values of Compassion, Respect, Endeavour and Dignity.  Despite his lack of verbal communication, Nicholas is never short of a word and never lets the challenges he faces get in the way of learning and doing the best he can in anything he sets his mind to. 

Throughout his time here at the college Nicholas has participated in all aspects of college life including swimming and athletic carnivals, cross country as well as attending camps and retreats.  Nicholas is a very proud student of McAuley House and this year he has held the role of McAuley House Vice-Captain which he carries with pride. 

We will miss Nicholas greatly as he has brought so much to St Joseph’s College, with his determination and drive to learn all he can.  He is such a respectful and well-mannered young man, who despite all the challenges he faces on a day-to-day basis, still maintains a positive and uplifting sense of self.  Nicholas, we wish you all the very best, in the next phase of your life journey as you return to Singapore with your family. 

Darcy Goodall - Program Leader - Enhanced Learning  -  dgoodall@sjc.qld.edu.au

Arts Opportunities

Christmas Holiday Arts Events - QPAC

Check out these amazing oppurtunities happening over the holiday break.

A little something or everyone.

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

Cultural Opportunities

Class Clowns!

The search is on for Australia’s funniest teens! 

For over 25 years, Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns program has helped hundreds of funny, young people hone their comedy potential.

Registrations are now open for the 2022 Class Clowns competition. Participation is free. Participants are only required to have 3-5 minutes of original comedy material, be it stand-up, sketch, narrative, solo, group, musical or physical. Heats will be held around the country in February and March 2022 and comprise a 2-hour workshop where students rehearse and refine their act with the help of a professional comedian, and then perform their act in front of a live audience. 

What’s Class Clowns?

Class Clowns is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national development program for young people.

Class Clowns introduces teens aged 14-18 to comedy through creative workshops with professional comedians, using artistic activities to hone comedic talent and build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.  

Registrations for the 2022 competition are now open!

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/classclowns/

Madeleine Minns - Program Middle Leader - Cultural  -  mminns@sjc.qld.edu.au

McAuley House

Catherine McAuley – “A Tea Maker” and “A Saintly Rose”

There is a traditional Celtic rune that describes hospitality as a three-fold duty – the host, to the stranger, to the door:

I saw a stranger yester even.

I put food in the eating place,

Drink in the drinking place,

And music in the listening place…

Catherine epitomised this notion of hospitality in the ancient rune:

“For Catherine saw in every stranger at the door, in everyone who was different from herself, in every person, the hidden presence of Christ, the approaching and approachable self-utterance of the near but distant otherness of God” (Sullivan, 1995).

(Mary Sullivan rsm, Welcoming the Stranger, The Kenosis of Catherine McAuley, The MAST Journal, Vol. 6, No. 3, 1995 p.13).

The obligation to true hospitality is about encounter of the sincerest kind and true listening:

“There are things the poor prize more highly than gold, though they cost the donor nothing; among these are the kind word, the gentle, compassionate look, and the patient hearing of their sorrows…” (McAuley, 1888).

(Familiar Instructions of Rev. Mother McAuley: Foundress of the Institute of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Dublin, Ireland, 1888).

Catherine had extraordinary hospitality skills and as a welcoming gesture, made tea. She very much enjoyed this tradition and there is a poignant reminder preserved in the room in which she took her last breath - a simple, delicate cup with a worn gold and green rim (image above).

This year on November 11, we celebrated 180 years since Catherine McAuley’s death. Remembrance Day was celebrated in Catherine’s house on Baggot Street. On her deathbed, Catherine told Teresa Carton (A Sister of Mercy) to tell the community to:

“Get a good cup of tea – I think the community room would be a good place when I am gone to comfort one another”.

The student leaders have been working incredibly hard on a new fundraiser that follows in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley but also connects to our Edmund Rice traditions, charism, ideals, and values. Edmund Rice not only wanted to educate the poor, but he also wanted to feed them and in turn, built a bakehouse. This notion of sharing baked goods and tea will be our focus and we will be donating and assisting a local youth organisation that specialises in helping those in need. We all know that hospitality is about being kind, generous and welcoming to our friends, family and those we know are easy. But it takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and provide hospitality to the stranger. We would like to remove those barriers and extend our hospitality to ensure we continue to be a kind and inclusive community.

I came across the following acrostic that perfectly sums up Catherine McAuley:

Connector

Animator

Teamaker

Humourist

Enabler

Reflector

Includer

Nurturer

Empathiser

Being a reflector resonated with me as it is important for us to allow our brains to pause and take heed of the experiences, we have had to make meaning. There is a mindful activity I like to do with students - Rose, Thorn, Bud Reflection:

Rose: a highlight, success or something positive that happened.

Thorn: a challenge you experienced or something that you can use more support with.

Bud: new ideas or something you’re looking forward to knowing or understanding more.

Th Rose, Thorn, Bud reflection means more to me now, as in 1992, a rose was aptly named, the Catherine McAuley Rose. Josephine Mary Agnew (Sisters of Mercy - RIP) was inspired to name the rose in honour of Catherine McAuley after she was declared venerable. It is a yellow rose which represents joy, friendship, caring and new beginnings. It is reminiscent of Catherine’s golden hair and graciousness. The clusters of blooms are symbols of the devoted groups of sisters sent by her to bring comfort to the needy.

I can assure you that this quick reflection will allow you to learn, change your mindset and be ready for an exciting year ahead.

All the best for the upcoming holidays.

Melissa Zenke - Student Engagement Middle Leader - McAuley House  -  mzenke@sjc.qld.edu.au

Rice House

Last Sunday was the second to last Sunday of our liturgical year. As we approach the end of the Church year and begin the Advent season.

In this Gospel, Jesus speaks about “the end of time”.  Jesus’ words are not spoken to frighten his disciples, nor should they frighten us. Rather, they are offered to prepare us for the changes we will experience during our lifetimes and at the end times. Our consolation and hope is found in the lasting nature of Jesus’ words and God’s never-ending love for us.

This message of hope after a change is particularly important for all of us at SJC during this time of year. Year 12 students have graduated. Year 10 and 11 students will begin holidays on Friday and everyone else a week after that.

Staff and students will move on to new schools, new opportunities. As we approach the end of this school year, it would be good to take some time to reflect back over the year.​

It has been a pleasure working with all the staff and students of Rice in 2021. From the clean-sweep of the carnivals to the numerous endeavour cards and academic awards and even the challenging conversations I had had to have with the young men and women in our house when maybe they were not their best selves. We are well guided in the hands of our Rice House Student leadership team for 2022, it has been enjoyable to see the growth in all our students, and I look forward to seeing that further in 2022.

Thomas Moore - Student Engagement Middle Leader - Rice House  -  tmoore@sjc.qld.edu.au

Career Pathways

As the 2021 school year comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the privilege of working with your child this year.  It has been a very busy year and seen the introduction of many new initiatives, including the Enrichment Program, Career Drop-in, Parent Information Sessions, celebration of Careers Week to name a few.

The Enrichment Program has provided students with variety of learning and experiential opportunities.  May I extend a sincere vote of thanks to those members of our school community who have facilitated the Enrichment activities throughout the year.  The 2022 Enrichment Program for Term 1 will be released to the students via the Career Development Canvas course before the end of the school year.  This will give your child the opportunity to explore the Enrichment activities that will be offered in Term 1, 2022.  During this time, I invite you to engage in a conversation with your child regarding their preferences.  In January 2022, parents/carers will receive communication regarding the Enrichment Program and details on how to preference Enrichment activities for your child.

Finally, may I recognise and acknowledge the significant contribution that Mrs Stafford has made to Career Development and Vocational Education and Training at the College over the past 15 years.  Mrs Stafford has given her time generously and students have benefitted from her knowledge and expertise.  It is with much sadness that we farewell Mrs Stafford, as she departs the College to undertake a new role in 2022.  We wish Mrs Stafford all the best and thank her for her commitment and efforts in her time at St Joseph’s College.

Rural Health Skills Expo

The Rural Health Skills Expo was hosted by Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) on Wednesday 17^th November.

Our students participated in a half day interactive experience in 6 health disciplines with industry experts.

These included:

• Nursing (cannulation)
• Occupational therapy (equipment demonstration)
• Midwifery (pregnancy suit)
• Exercise physiology (exercises)
• Psychology (response regulation/stress activities)
• Pharmacy (prescriptions, dosages etc)

The Expo was well received by our students and will assist in their Career Pathway planning.

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Free Holiday Program - Videos for Change

TRC are hosting a free Videos for Change program for young people in January.

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

Please welcome Christel Davies to the College community.  Christel will be taking over the Workplace Health and Safety Officer role at the College. Christel is highly qualified holding a Cert IV Workplace Health and Safety, Cert IV in Business Administration, Bachelor of International Relations and a Graduate Diploma of International Relations.

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.

Online orders can be placed anytime and will be packed and ready for collection from our store during our open hours.

During the school terms we can deliver your parcel up to student entrance on our trading days for your child to collect from there.  Home delivery is also available for online orders at a cost.

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. 

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