Newsletter - Term 3 - Week 4 - Issue 89

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Catholic Education Week

Last week was Catholic Education Week which was an opportunity for all Catholic schools to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

Catholic education:

• Is a faith-based education which places the values of Jesus at its centre.
• Is a high quality, holistic education for 1 in 5 young Queenslanders, educating them to be well-informed, highly skilled and constructive members of the community.
• Values diversity and treats each student with dignity enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all.
• Nurtures in students a commitment to social justice and a critical social consciousness.
• Prepares students for global responsibilities through stewardship of the earth’s resources.
• Is an integral part of the local and universal Church.
• Occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities.

As part of our Catholic Education Week celebrations, we had the opportunity to congratulate and show our appreciation of the efforts of all students and teachers who are part of our community.

Of special note was the recognition of the efforts of Mr Brian Cantwell and Ms Deborah Newton who were both nominated for Queensland Spirit of Catholic Education Week Awards as part of the Toowoomba Diocese.

Both of these amazing educators have given selflessly to not only St Joseph's College Toowoomba and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese but also the wider educational community.

A special congratulations to Brian who was presented with the Toowoomba Diocese Spirit of Queensland Catholic Education Award.

Well done students and St Joseph’s College Staff!

Today I would like to take the opportunity to offer a vote of congratulations to a number of members of the St Joseph’s College community. These students and staff are all very deserving of being congratulated on their efforts as they set a wonderful example of what we are endeavoring to achieve at St Joseph’s College.

• Congratulations to Ben Gehrmann, Emily Whiting, Kirstie Andrews, Tom Moore and the Enhanced Learning Team consisting of Darcy Goodall, Karen Morrison, Jess Lawrence, Michelle Glasby, Kay Bird, Colin Speed and Tarah-Lee Rival. All of these wonderful people were nominated across the various sections of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards and for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award. We are so very grateful for the outstanding contributions these people make to our community.

• Congratulations to Deb Newton, Karen Morrison, Shane Hair who were presented with Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Long Service Awards in recognition and appreciation of their service of 20, 25, 30 or 35 years. We thank you for your commitment and dedication to Catholic Education.
• Congratulations to the music students, Mrs Pietsch, Ms Scott and their tutors Ms Davies, Miss Smith, Mr Dade and Mr Will on their outstanding efforts at the recent Toowoomba Eisteddfod. A special congratulations to the Jazz Ensemble on receiving a Highly Commended award in their section and to the Concert Band who were awarded second place in a hotly contested section of 9 schools. A truly outstanding effort. Well done.
• On our recent assemblies we have congratulated students for their contribution to our College through Catholic Education Week Awards, Academic Excellence Awards and SJC Short Story Competition Awards. These students are to be commended for their outstanding commitment and dedication to their learning.

Parent Engagement Network

Thank you to the families that were able to attend the first meeting of the SJC Parent Engagement Network on Tuesday evening. We really appreciate your continued support and willingness to engage in partnership with the College endeavouring to provide the best opportunities for your children and our students.

Thank you to Assistant Principal Mr Joe Cryle who presented information around student engagement, relational pedagogy, the Ignatius Room, and the Joey’s Way. Mr Cryle also gathered feedback from the parents on the student engagement in the College’s camp program and how we can work with parents to improve our students executive functioning skills, thereby improving their punctuality and preparedness for learning.

Our next PEN session is booked in for the date below. We hope that more of our families will be able to join us on this occasion.

Tuesday 25 October

6.30pm – 7.00pm – Welcome and social gathering

7.00 – 8.00pm – SJC Teaching and Learning Framework – Mrs Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg, Mrs Karen Tobin and Mrs Cate Park-Ballay.

Kort Goodman - Principal - KGoodman@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Deputy Principal

You may not be familiar with the term, but ‘sextortion' is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images of you unless you give in to their demands. It has been an issue for more than a decade, with many adults falling victim to this type of online crime.

Across the globe, organised criminal gangs are using social media, chat apps, instant messaging platforms and online games to target and connect with their victims. Recently, there has been a 400% increase in this type of crime being reported to police in Australia alone with these figures being replicated in most western countries. Any child that uses an online account to connect on social media, chat apps, instant messaging platforms or online games needs to understand the dangers associated with engaging with random people that they don’t know personally. Therefore, it is vitally important for adult carers to be aware of this serious issue and to start having an age appropriate conversation with their young person as early as possible to help protect them from online offenders making demands.

Even though your young person’s online account may be set to private, random people can still message your child. Managing devices can be difficult especially with older teens, but it is important to weigh up the risks and dangers.

This Special Report explains how your young person can fall victim to such a crime and what action to take to support them. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered and open a conversation with your young person. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report

Upcoming Events

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

From the Cultural Captains

Hello everybody! As we approach assessment time, it is important that we give ourselves time to rest and relax. For many musicians, playing music is the perfect way to destress! Extra-curricular activities can provide a much-needed break from the stress of study and homework, so we encourage you all to give time to practicing your instruments and enjoy the time you spend at rehearsals.  

Over the course of the last week, students from St Joseph’s College have demonstrated the Collegeof endeavour, by participating in the Toowoomba Instrumental Eisteddfod, both as individuals and in College ensembles. The competition is ongoing and the results pending, but so far St Joseph’s has received several awards including a highly commended for Jazz Ensemble and second place for Concert Band. We congratulate the many students representing the College and wish good luck to those performing over the next few days. 

On the 19th of August, the annual Skits and Semiquavers concert will be held at the Highfields Cultural Centre. Get ready to see some excellent performances from all the College's ensembles, bands, drama groups and talented individuals! The concert starts at 7:00pm. Look out for ticket information soon! 

Ali Pedernal and Joseph Watson - Cultural Captains

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Teaching and Learning Framework

Last term, all Joey’s Way students participated in activities centred around the SJC Teaching and Learning Model.  In particular students provided feedback what an aspirational learning community looks like, sounds like and feels like and how students are provided and give feedback.  JW students also provided thoughts on how they can be more assessment literate. 

This term, the journey continues with professional development for teaching staff being held at our Twilight on the 16 August. Curriculum Leaders are currently working on their sessions to provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on their teaching and learning practices at the College.   

Assessment Calendar

Please check with your son or daughter about upcoming assessment.  The Semester Two revised Assessment calendar has been sent to all families and students and can be accessed via the College Intranet  and College Website.

Most Year 7 to 10 students will be completing assessment in class time, except for some longer cohort exams like Year 10  Maths which will be conducted in the Mackillop Centre.

Senior Exams

If your son or daughter is in Year 11 or 12 and they are away for an exam, please contact me directly at the office. Students require a medical certificate to enable assessment to be rescheduled. 

Family Holidays

Please be aware that Family holidays is not a reason QCAA accepts in the Senior school to make changes to exam conditions or assessment deadlines.

Year 11’s are required at school each day as normal lessons will be continuing until the end of term.  Exams are scheduled in the Assessment calendar and students are emailed details about assessment and exam requirements. Please note that students who are doing SBAs or TAFE are required to attend school for all internal assessment.   

Mock Exams

Year 12 students will be completing a Mock exam week in Term 3 to experience the QCAA mock assessments under similar conditions to the External Exams in Term 4. Students will have 2 exams (often over 2 hours each) on the one day.  The external exam schedule has been released and sent to students this term.  Some of our students have a similar scenario during the External exam block period as this schedule is set by QCAA.  Please check with your son or daughter that they know when their external exams are scheduled.  A mock exam block timetable has been distributed via email to students and parents at the beginning of term.  Year 12’s only attend school when they have exams during Week 9.  This is a privilege and students are asked to be mindful that the expectation is that they study at home during this time.

Students are required to wear full academic uniform and attend on time.  Students need to sign in at the College and sign out at the end of their exam at the office.

Year 12’s can work quietly during the day in the Reading Area of the library during the Mock exam block.  Students must do individual study and be in full school uniform. They must also sign into the library.

No student should be seen around town in school uniform. The opportunity to go home is a privilege to allow them to study.  Students who have incomplete work or non-submission will be required to attend school and your son or daughter’s teacher will be in contact if this is necessary. If your son or daughter is in Year 11 or 12 and they are away for an exam, please contact me directly at the office. Students require a medical certificate to enable assessment to be rescheduled. 

Year 9 and 10, 2023  Subjects.

Thank you for attending the Subject Expo on Monday evening. Thank you also to the current Year 8 and 9 students who have already completed their preferences online. This is due by the 12 August. All web preferences need to be signed online by the student and their parent/caregiver.   Please ensure you have checked your child’s preferences and then sign online. 

Year 11, 2022

From the 15 August,  we will be conducting the SET plan interviews with each Year 10 student in preparation for the Senior Phase of learning. As students enter the Senior school we will continue our academic care interviews and encourage parents to attend when possible to increase our partnership with you.  More information about upcoming interviews will be emailed to parents with your son or daughter’s mentor name and set time for the interview. Please ensure the SET plan is completed and online preferences by Friday 12 August in preparation for these interviews the following week.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Student Leadership at St Joseph’s College 

One of things that makes St Joseph’s College unique is the way we think, and the way we talk about student leadership. Some schools have roles like prefects, where particular students are given privileged roles, additional responsibility and subsequent status in the school community. A version of this type of student leadership is presented Boy - Roald Dahl’s childhood autobiography. In it, he presents an account of student leaders, who he called ‘Boazers’ who were “a boy of seventeen or eighteen, who was the Head of House. He himself had three or four House Prefects. The House Prefects were the Gods of the House, but the Head of House was the Almighty.” Dahl continues, “At Repton the teachers gained no respect from us nor did they try to. As for the senior boys, they were so busy acting the part of being senior, and so conscious of the power they wielded, that they never bothered to be friendly. They didn’t have to be. They ruled us by fear.” The rest of the novel is a masterful depiction of any number of other nineteenth century practices that are now completely incompatible with the ethical cornerstones of contemporary Catholic Education.  

Catholic schools should never have prefects. The idea of a prefect denotes an elevated status something like what a Year Seven Roald Dahl saw in the boazers at Repton school. Instead, we have the ultimate model of leadership in Jesus of Nazareth. The story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples reminds us that our leaders are called to service, not status. Formal student leadership roles notwithstanding, all Year Twelve students at St Joseph’s College are leaders. Our Year Eleven Leadership Camp provided us with a chance to test the leadership skills of all of our 2021 College Leaders. 

The camp took place over three days at Emu Gully. Students were divided into groups who each group then undertook a series of team challenges with each student having the opportunity to lead or co-lead an activity. Some of the activities included 

• Escape from Colditz where Participants move through a man-made tunnel in a timed escape scenario. As an extension, after exiting the tunnel, participants in senior groups work as a team to scale a 3m high timber wall to complete the escape 

• Commando Cable Crossing Where The objective is to see how many people the group can successfully walk the cables from the starting pole to the finishing pole within the designated time frame. 
• Hellfire Pass where Teams work together to construct two parallel sections of railway line using a flatbed railway trolley, pine sleepers and steel rail lines. 
• Kokoda Track that requires teams to work together to get all its members through quickly and efficiently. Our students were required to carry a teammate on a stretcher through the mud, aiming to keep them clean and dry. 
• Night Walk where groups carry a teammate as a stretcher patient to carry along the course, which is conducted all around the rugged Emu Gully property. 
• Siege of Tobruk which activity consists of transporting supplies on a small vessel through “bomb alley” and rescuing wounded via the same route.  

• Truck Pull a final task for the whole group which brings the cohort back to together after functioning a separate groups for two days. 
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Students took the opportunity to reflect on the four key dimensions of leadership at St Joseph’s College- awareness of others, ethical decision-making, setting an example and effective and respectful communication. The camp was both enjoyable, challenging but, most of all, provided with a resolute optimism about the ways our 2021 leaders will go about leading The Joey’s Way.  

Thank you to the following staff who made the camp possible: Mr Luke Logan, Ms Adrianne Markham, Ms Nicole Davies, Ms Maxine Hetherington, Ms Leigh Price, Ms Nadia Spain, and Ms Jes Lawrence A particular thank you must also go to Ms Mel Wilson in the office who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. 

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Joseph Cryle - Assistant Principal - Student Engagement -  JCryle@sjc.qld.edu.au 

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Catholic Education Week Wrap Up 

Celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 309 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. 

And what a week it was! SJC was busy with celebration and forward planning.  

• Academic Awards 
• Year 11 Leadership Camp 

• Launch of Catholic Education Week Mass 
• Spirit of Catholic Education Queensland Awards 
• Year 10 Future Planning Day 
• SJC Spirit of Catholic Education Student Awards 
• Bishop’s Inservice Day 

• Along with other wonderful opportunities such as Women Who Weld and competitive sporting competitions. 

Below are some videos and photos of our wonderful week.  

Communities of Faith, Hope and Love  

This year’s theme was ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love’. This theme aims to increase the knowledge of the Catholic school as a community of faith, hope and love continuing Christ’s mission and ministry in the world. It offers an opportunity to reflect on how you all can contribute to building communities of faith, hope and love now and into the future. 

Launch of Catholic Education Week Mass

Spirit of Catholic Education Queensland Awards

SJC Spirit of Catholic Education Student Awards

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Bishop's Inservice Day

Kellie-Marie Ford - Assistant Principal - Religious Education  -  KFord@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Muphy House

With the weather embodying a Winter blast, sometimes a cup of chicken soup can warm the soul and provide an outlet through contemplation to overcome challenges or navigate the ups and downs of life. Like seasons our Murphy students are filled with change whether it be physical, emotional, social, or academic.

Highschool can be filled with changes for our students and parenting a teenage son or daughter is as much about listening as it is about giving advice. The teenage years are a period of transition when teenagers become young adults. It brings about a season of independence. Our students may begin to act more like young adults, but they are not, and we need to be their teachers. Sitting down with our children and talking to them every day, listening to their stories (even when we are exhausted), and being there to help them navigate the many forks in the road ahead is a key part of the job.

A common problem that Murphy students face on the daily is phone usage and how to get that happy medium of phone-life balance. Technology is an increasing extension of our lives and one that our students find hard to switch off from. Perhaps it is the immediate gratification they receive via notifications and sharing of their lives through online platforms that makes the addiction so strong.  

Looking to inspirational books for young adults is important. That brings us to today’s book and story. I’m sharing the last excerpt from the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Preteens in the hope it will warm the conversations with your teenagers. This true story was written and submitted by Zulema Anahy Carlos (a teen girl who has just received her first mobile phone). It is about teens and mobile phone usage (when it becomes too much!).

Inspirational Story of Moderation (Excerpt)

Don’t’ let your phone distance you from the real world.

Zulema Anahy Carlos was thrilled when she got a cell phone for her twelfth birthday. The first day she took it to school she could hardly pay attention in class because she was so busy looking at her phone.

Zulema’s good grades instantly declined, and she was ignoring her family at home as well. Her mom said, “I noticed that you never pay attention to us, your brother or sister. It’s like you have your own little world now and we don’t communicate as much with your phone between us”.

Zulema acted like her family was wrong in their opinion, but she started to wonder if it was true, so a week later, she tried something.

She went an entire day without a cell phone. She had more fun that day & everyone noticed that she was putting her family first again.

She says, “Phones really take you away from the rest of the world. When you use your phone, you move from the real world to a technological world. I’m not saying that phones are bad and not to use them, but you do have to make some time to spend with your family, too, and not get stuck with your phone all day. My phone took away time from my homework and from my family. It also affected my grades”.

“Everything in moderation… including moderation”

She ends her story by stating, “I will keep using my phone, but I have it under better control now so that it doesn’t interfere with my real life”.

My hope from sharing this excerpt is that you will share this with your Murphy students as a snapshot tool in which they can employ positive thinking to their everyday lives. Students could use the real-life experience as a roadmap idea for them to apply to daily life so they can be the very best versions of themselves.

Within your conversations with your children the hope is that they will start to show evidence of mindfulness, positive thinking, forgiveness, and gratitude. The story serves as topical way to improve good decision making for young people. I also hope that through these conversations that Murphy students and their families feel more connected and the distance between grows closer together. Warm your soul through the difficult conversations with our children.

Aleesha Degen- Student Engagement Middle Leader - Murphy House - ADegen@sjc.qld.edu.au

English

Reading — let’s champion it always.

As an English teacher, I hear the words, “I don’t read” almost daily. Obviously, all students do read. It happens incidentally — grocery shopping, following cooking instructions, interpreting class timetables — but intentional reading seems to be a dwindling pastime.

Teachers know the value of reading; we know that the more literate our students are, the more the world opens up for them. I believe that most teachers, if asked to define what they want for their students, would say something along the lines of, “I want my students to have the skills of active citizenship.  I want them to be able to participate fully in the world and think critically about the information they are presented through both social media and more traditional forms of media.” In other words, “I want my students to be literate.”

My students often hear me say, “English is not about reading and writing; it is about reading and writing our world.” As individuals, and as a collective, we are both shaped by the world, and we shape it.  What we read goes a long way towards informing our understanding of who we are and what is happening in our world. As such, the less we read, the less we engage with our world and the less chance we have of understanding it and shaping it.

Reading is a wonderfully multifaceted skill. It does far more for us than simply allowing us to pass an exam. The Young Readers Foundation reports 15 researched benefits of reading. It improves vocabulary, enhances comprehension, develops confidence, improves memory, advances critical thinking skills, improves school results, enhances analytical skills, assists socialisation, broadens horizons, improves writing skills, develops empathy, enhances focus and concentration, develops emotions, and creates leaders. There is so much to be gained through reading.

There is no doubt that the benefits of reading make the practice of reading something in which we should all invest. Something I have noticed over my years as an English teacher is that teenagers, despite their age, love being read to. There is something nostalgic about it — something comforting. To hear someone read aloud — considering where to pause, where to speed up, where to yell — it can be transformative. Reading can develop self; reading aloud can develop many.

It is with this belief in mind that I would like to announce a new St Joseph’s English department initiative: Reading Club. This is a reading club with a twist; I will read to you. On Monday’s, at lunchtime, bring yourself to room 52, and I will transport you to another time and place.

Let’s bring reading for pleasure back into our lives. Let’s enjoy storytelling. Let me speak my passion to you.         

Sources:

The Importance of Reading: Why we should read books every day. http://youngreadersfoundation,org/omportance-of-reading

Emma Chalmers - Curriculum Middle Leader - English - EChalmers@sjc.qld.edu.au

Connecting with Careers

Welcome to YOUR Future Pathway Day

On Tuesday, 26 July 2022, Year 10 students participated in a range of activities focusing on future pathways as they move into senior schooling and future career pathways.

Thank you to all our exhibitors that attended our expo in the afternoon enriching our students in a wide arrange of opportunities

Lunch and Learn

The Lunch and Learn Sessions for Term 3 are outlined below:

All students are invited to attend the Lunch and Learn sessions that are held in the Library every Thursday.

A VET pathway may be your answer

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training have put together a brochure called the 2022 School Leavers' Guide to jobs and training - Career options and information. The guide provides information and resources to school leavers, senior students, and parents. Vocational education and training (VET) can provide you with strong pathways to your desired career/job, give you skills employers value and may also be an excellent pathway into higher education including university. This guide contains resources to assist you in considering how VET can help you to reach your career goals. In the brochure you will find information on:

• General career exploration
• Vocational training and further study
• Subsidised training and incentives
• Industry specific career exploration
• Tools and resources to explore career options
• And more …

Australian Defence Force Updates

The Australian Defence Force hold in person and virtual information sessions across Queensland. They can be general in nature or more specific to an ADF career path. Visit their event page for more details. If you are interested in joining the ADF follow their Facebook page to receive updates about the upcoming events.

27/07/2022 Toowoomba: Defence Careers Information Session

28/07/2022 Brisbane: Navy Careers Information Session

       Gold Coast: Defence Careers Information Session

31/07/2022 Gallipoli Barracks: ADF Careers Day

03/08/2022 Jimboomba: Defence Careers Information Session

09/08/2022 Gold Coast: Army Reserve Information Session

10/08/2022 Gold Coast: Trade Careers Information Session

11/08/2022 Brisbane: Army Careers Information Session

        Army Careers Virtual Information Session

Interested in Aviation?

Aviation Australia delivers Nationally accredited aviation training through partnerships with over 150 industry organisations including airlines, aerospace companies, governments defence force and regulatory authorities. It offers the school to Work pathway 2022, a VETiS two year qualification in Aircraft Line Maintenance, Remote Pilot and Cabin Crew. Visit their website for more information.  

Opportunities that Apprenticeships offer

Australian Apprenticeships offer many possibilities. Did you know that there are more than 500 occupations across Australia that offer apprenticeships? Australian Apprenticeships are available at a variety of Certificate levels. They're available in many traditional trades and some emerging occupations in most sectors. You also earn an income while completing a nationally recognised qualification and you gain skills supporting your careers progression. Click here and find out more about: 

• Apprenticeships offer a world of possibilities
• Start an Apprenticeship at school
• Australian Apprenticeships Pathways
• Real skills for real careers
• Skill shortage information
• Career stories

2023 Apprenticeship Intake Programs

Are you a Year 12 student interested in starting an Apprenticeship in 2023? Please see the below 2023 Apprenticeship intake opportunities list for school leavers:

Key People

If you wish to engage in a career discussion or explore career pathway options, please see the Career Pathways Team:

Mrs Harman, Career Development Practitioner or Miss Penner, Career Support Officer. We look forward to supporting you to discover your future pathway!!

Don't forget Careers has its own website! https://www.sjccareers.com.au/ 

The Career Pathways Team utilises two platforms to distribute career information, sjccareers.com.au website and Canvas. We invite to visit the sjccareers website.

For more information please contact the Careers Team

Charlotte Penner - Careers Support Officer  -  careers@sjc.qld.edu.au

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

Library

Book Week 2022

Book Week is fast approaching and will be a fantastic week full of activities.  The theme for the week is “Dreaming with eyes open.“

Book week will be running during Week 7, Monday 22^nd August to Friday 26^th of August. 

We are looking forward to see our SJC community engage in the range of activities and displays that the library has to offer.

The Library will have various activities for the week, with our main event being the annual Dress up parade, on Thursday August 25th.  Start planning your costumes now- there will be great prizes on offer! 

Other activities that will be offered during the week are:

Tuesday- Creative Writing Workshop with SJC alum David Burton: a renowned author, playwright and podcaster.

Wednesday –  Wildlife show. Come along and experience Australian animals- including Lizards, Crocodiles, Turtles, Possums- up close! Information regarding the wildlife show will be sent to student emails this week, please keep an eye out for this and register ASAP as places are strictly limited! 

Thursday – Dress Up Parade.

Bookmark competition

Students were emailed details for our bookmark competition.  Please check your emails and get involved.  Prizes will be given out to the most amazing bookmark. 

New Staff

This term the Library welcomes Shaza Alsahawi.  Shaza will be helping in the Library every Monday, please make her feel welcome.  Shaza has shared some details about her journey with us.

My name is Shaza and I’m a new arrival from Syria.  I’m working at St Joseph’s College as a Teacher Aide for 10 weeks.  My roles are to help in the Library and classrooms.  I love this work because it will give me an idea about the Australian Education System.  I love to learn new things as well as support student with their study and this was my main job for 25 years at my home country.

Premiers Reading Challenge

The final weeks for the reading challenge is under way.  Make sure you have your list of books recorded and handed into your English teacher.  Pizza party will be awarded to the class who has read the most books.

Kirstie Andrews - Teacher Librarian - KAndrews@sjc.qld.edu

Performing Arts

Eisteddfod

A huge Congratulations to all our music students who have been performing at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod over recent days. Their representation of the College has been outstanding.

Many thanks to our tutors Ms Laura Davies and Miss Hannah Smith for their leadership of our Cello and String ensembles respectively who competed last Thursday evening. Thanks also to Mr Yori Dade and Miss Hannah Smith for their work with our Chamber woodwind ensembles, (Flutes, Clarinets and Saxophones) who all performed on Sunday morning. All groups acquitted themselves well and can be proud of their performances.

Sunday evening, Jazz Ensemble received a Highly Commended award in their section. They played with flair and precision. This award was truly well deserved. Congratulations to Mr Andy Will for his superb work with this group.

Monday evening, Concert Band received Second place in a hotly contested section. They gave an awesome performance with style and pizazz. Thanks to Mr Yori Dade for his assistance with tuning and backstage on the night. Congratulations to all students involved.

Wednesday evening Brass ensemble gave an enjoyable and confident performance. Thanks to Mr Andy will who works with this group.

There have also been several St Joseph’s College students who have been performing well and gaining places in individual sections. Competition is ongoing, any further results will appear in the next newsletter. Congratulations to the following students:

Skits and Semiquavers

Save the date!

Friday 19 August

Concert at 7pm – All music ensembles will be performing a well as some drama performances.

Come for a great night of entertainment - Highfields Cultural Centre.

Rosanne Pietsch - Middle Leader - Performing Arts - RPietsch@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sport

Holly Nguyen

Holly has done it again. She recently fought to win the ‘Muaythai WKBF Atomweight State Title’ winning this and then 2 weeks later she went on to fight in the Destiny Title where she also won that.

This is a wonderful achievement for this young lady. Well done Holly, you are a great champion.

15 Years Girls and Boys AAG Positive Cup Basketball

On Sunday July 31, three teams of boys and a team of girls competed in the AAG Positive Cup Basketball competition.

The Division 3 boys started their campaign at 8.00am against TAS. We lost two players due to illness and injury, so the boys had to play the game with only 5 players. This was a hard task, but the boys did exceptionally well and lost the game by 2 points.

Top scoring for this match was Liam Teakle with 12 points, Dylan Stephens, Oscar Meara and Dominick Wark all had 6 points and Noah Brown put the final two points in.

As we had lost this game, we were pushed to the plate side of the draw and our next game was against Oakey at 2.00pm.

We had a good win and top scoring in this match was Dominick Wark who scored 15 points, followed by Hamish with 8 points, then Liam Teakle, Dylan Stephens and Noah Brown all with six points. Oscar Meara shot a magnificent 3 pointer to have our total at 40 points to 21.

The boys then went into the grand final for the Plate competition against TAS again. They played really well to come out winners 39 to 28, which was a terrific effort considering we only had 6 players.

Top scoring in this match was Dominick Wark again with 15 points, Hamish got 11 points, Liam Teakle scored 6 points, Dylan Stephens put 5 on the board and Oscar Meara had a three pointer again.

A huge thank you to Mr Meara who coached the boys for the day. It was a pleasure to work with him and see him develop these boys so well.

The Division 2 boys also played their first game at 8.00am under the coaching of Mr Richardson. Their first opponent was St Mary’s division 2 side. We were able to play strong enough to win this first game 45 to 33.

Top scoring was Jamison Brown with 14 points followed closely by Ryan Richardson with 12 points. All on four points were Jonah Bennett, Sam Hauser, Elvis Mgutu and Dean Sowry with Nathan Mitchell rounding out the score with 3 points.

Next game up was Concordia at 10.00am. We didn’t fair too well in this match up as Concordia were too tall and too strong. We lost the game 60 to 38 but at no time did the boys give up. Top scoring for us in this game was Ryan Richardson with 16 points, Jamison Brown and Dean Sowry both scored 6 points, Jonah Bennett scored 5. Elvis Mgutu scored 3 and Nathan Mitchell scored 2 points.

This loss knocked us out of contention for the finals and our final game was against Toowoomba State High. Again, they had some very tall timber and beat us 47 to 40. The boys tried so hard to beat them but just couldn’t cope with the height of the players.

Ryan Richardson had a blinder and top scored with 18 points, Jamison Brown and Dean Sowry both scored 9 points. Jonah Bennett and Elvis Mgutu both finished the scoring with 4 points each.

Again, a huge thank you to Mr Richardson who coached the boys and is really bonding with them to make better players of themselves. A terrific effort boys.

The division 1 boys played their first game at 9.00am against Centenary 1. Unfortunately, even though we have some magnificent talent in that team they had not played many games together and we lost 55 to 45. A very close game.

Darby Reid top scored with 17 points, Kizito Oryem 10 points, Peter Onyayowang 6 points, Liam Hogan 5 points, Oliver Smyth 5 points and Deng Bol Malek 2 points.

This put us on the plate side of the draw with our next game at 1.00pm against Harristown. We faired a little better here coming out winners 41 to 32.

Top scoring again was Darby Reid with 12 points followed closely by Oliver Smyth with 10 points. Kizito Oryem scored 6 points with Liam Hogan and Deng Bol Malek both scoring 4 points Peter Onyayowang put three in the basket and Tom Rosentreter scored his first basket.

Our next game was the final of the plate at 3.00pm against Centenary Heights which we managed to win 46 to 35. Top scoring in this game Kizito Oryem with 14 points, Peter Onyayowang scored 11 points, Darby Reid scored 9 points. Deng Bol Malek chimed in with 4 points, Tom Rosentreter scored a magnificent 3 pointer a d Oliver Smyth rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

A great effort by all to finish on top in the plate division.

The girls started the day off playing Fairholme at 12.00 noon. It was a hard match, but we had a very young team. We managed to beat them 48 to 31.

Top scoring in this match was Tyla Salmi with 10 points, Kaley Markey with 9 points followed by Bec Scott with 8 points. Nancy Daniel put 7 in the ring, Libby Cooke 6 Krystal Timms 4 and Indie Ranford 2 points.

As there were only five teams in the competition this put us straight into the final against Centenary Heights. I cannot find the score sheet but can tell you it was a very exciting game with Centenary beating us in the last 30 seconds of the game. Mrs Salmi stepped in as coach and I wish to thank her very much for taking over the reins for such a critical game.

It was a terrific day for our College in terms of basketball and I hope they continue this success with the upcoming CBSQ tournaments. 

Athletics Carnival

Debbie Newtown - Program Leader - Sport - DNewton@sjc.qld.edu.au

SJC - Community News

Our Parent Business Directory has begun and you may see some of our parents business in our coloum beside our newsletter! We would like to include more businesses. If you would like to be featured please send through any deatils and/or business graphics to: marketing@sjc.qld.edu.au

Griffith - Toowoomba Koala Survey

We are inviting community and diverse stakeholders with different viewpoints across the Toowoomba region to tell us what they think in a 5-minue survey. We want to know what needs to be done in the Toowoomba region to protect local koala populations. Anonymous survey responses will be included in a half day workshop that seeks to gain consensus on key areas for action in the Toowoomba region. 

You can access the survey here.

You can also read more about our koala conservation work here. 

Uniform Shop

The weather is still cold, rainy and windy so don’t forget your winter uniform supplies.

All winter stock is available for purchase including:

Boys Long Sleeve Shirts

Boys and Girls Long Trousers/Pants

Girls Tights and Stockings

Scarfs

Jumpers

Tracksuit Jackets and Pants

Blazers

New Stock:

Football Shorts $30.00,

Football Socks $10.00

Football Training Shirts $35

Out of Stock:

Senior Girls Formal Blouse Size 16

Junior Boys Formal Short Sleeve Shirt Size 22

Throughout the school term our opening hours are:

Tuesday                           8.00 am - 12.00 pm

Wednesday                   8.00 am - 4.00 pm

Thursday                        8.00 am - 12.00 pm

You are welcome to purchase from the online uniform shop at your convenience and your order will be filled when the store is next open.

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

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.

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.