Newsletter - Term 1 - Week 10 - Issue 101

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, and Students

I would like to congratulate the St Joseph’s College Community on a wonderful first term of 2023. From the generous and caring efforts of the parents and ancillary staff in supporting the students and teachers, to the committed and professional work of the teachers in preparing and delivering engaging learning experiences and the organisation and conducting of extra-curricular activities, to the outstanding results of the students in the academic, sporting and cultural life of the College. The first term of 2023 has absolutely raced by and our College community can be very proud of their achievements.

This will be our last newsletter for term one and I think it is very appropriate that we take the opportunity to reflect upon the upcoming Holy Week and Easter event and how as a Catholic community we are filled with hope for the future and the compassion to care for others in our community.

Easter Celebrations

Being members of the St Joseph’s College Community and the greater Catholic Community of the Toowoomba Diocese, we know and understand that each year our Church celebrates, through liturgy the different points Jesus’ life and the relationship he developed with us. We also know that Easter is the greatest feast in the calendar. In the book “What Catholics Believe,” Hore explains that;

The high point of this annual cycle is the three days when we celebrate the Easter event. This starts on Holy Thursday evening, includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday and concludes on the evening of the Easter Sunday. During that time Western Catholics are invited to take part in one big celebration divided into three parts. We gather to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, to commemorate Jesus’ suffering and death on Good Friday afternoon and, in our most glad of all liturgical gatherings, to rejoice in his resurrection and to welcome new members into the Church at the Easter Vigil on the evening or during the night of Holy Saturday.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead as it represents the fulfilment of our faith. St. Paul wrote that, unless Christ rose from the dead, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Through his death, Christ saved mankind from bondage and sin, and He destroyed the hold that death has on all of us; but it is His Resurrection that gives us the promise of new life, both in this world and the next.

As a College we have been participating in Lent by supporting Caritas and today we joined together for the first part of our Easter celebration which will be continued on the first day back at our assembly in term two. I would like to thank Miss Ford and the liturgy group for leading our students through in this liturgy. We hope that through our learning about Easter at school it will encourage us all to take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter.

Let us pray that we all were able to further develop our understanding of the Easter events and our Faith through the opportunity to participate in our Easter liturgy and that we can put this understanding into action over the coming weeks.

Today, I also share Bishop Robert’s Easter message for 2023:

In the Message of Pope Francis for Lent 2023, he affirms that "together too, as a pilgrim Church in time, we experience the liturgical year and Lent within it, walking alongside those whom the Lord has placed among us as fellow travellers."

We have now come out of Lent into the Easter Season. The spirit of generosity we may have shown in Lent should continue throughout the year. Caritas is always willing to receive your contributions which will be put to genuine and worthwhile projects being sponsored here in Australia and overseas. It is never too late to lend a helping hand to those in need. Caritas may be contacted via the web http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or telephone 1800 024 413.

We come together to celebrate the wonderful ceremonies of Holy Week culminating in the Easter Vigil. As we celebrate Easter, we give thanks for the wonderful gifts the Lord has so graciously and freely bestowed upon us. The message of the Good News is not something to be locked away but is to be lived and shared. We are not alone but journey alongside others.

Each of us has unique treasures and opportunities to give witness to the Risen Lord. Bring out that treasure. In the course of a day, or a week, we find ourselves in different places and engage with different people and groups. With the Grace of God there will be many opportunities to share the joyous message of Jesus' Resurrection. May we respond generously and share the love and the gifts we have received. We should do this without asking about the cost or seeking to receive something ourselves in return.

Rejoice and be glad for the Lord is Risen, He is indeed Risen. May we remain in and grow in the love of the Risen Lord and may that be seen by our actions.

I wish you every blessing in this wonderful season of light and hope.

My Lord, Jesus,

You have risen to new life!

Give me new eyes with which to recognise your presence in the world around me.

Sharpen my vision so that I see beyond the ordinary events of each day

and into the extraordinary reality of your grace.

Brighten my view of the world with renewed hope in the coming of your Kingdom.

Soften my gaze so that I view others with the kind of tenderness and compassion you showed so many.

May each day of this Easter season provide glimpses of your glory.

In your sacred name, I pray.

Amen

Professional Renewal Leave

A further reminder that I will be absent from the College for Weeks 1 – 7 next term. During this time, I will be taking professional renewal leave and completing the Camino de Santiago along with two other Principals from the Toowoomba Diocese.

Whilst I am on leave the following people will be undertaking the following roles:

Acting Principal – Mr Brendon Willocks

Acting Deputy Principal – Mr Joe Cryle

Acting Assistant Principal Student Engagement – Mr Luke Logan

Acting Brennan House Leader – Mrs Elle Moss

Again, I thank these people for their willingness to undertake these roles during my period of leave and I thank the College community in anticipation of their support of these wonderful people.

Staffing Term 2

Over the break we will have a couple of staffing changes. Mrs Sandy Sullivan (School Officer - Enhanced Learning Department) and Ms Amanda Wallis (School Officer – Catering) are finishing up at St Joseph's College. We thank them very much for their efforts during their time at St Joseph's College.

Mrs Annette Warby (School Officer – Administration) who has been employed at St Joseph's College Toowoomba for over 20 years has also finished up at St Joseph's College. Annette has very much been the backbone of the administration staff during her time, holding several roles and completing all tasks required with professionalism. While we will certainly miss Annette’s professionalism in the office, it will be her warm and caring nature that will be missed the most. We thank Annette so very much for her dedication and commitment to the community of St Joseph's College and we look forward to seeing her when she drops in to visit.  

Starting at St Joseph's College from the beginning of next term will be Mr Mitch Koina. Mitch has been teaching a range of subjects at St Mary’s College for the last 9 years and we look forward to him joining us. We also welcome back Mrs El-Mari Verster from a period of leave.  

Uniform Term 2

A gentle reminder that going into Term Two the expectations regarding the uniform will not change. We continue to emphasise with the students that the uniform is an important part of setting the tone for the College community. A student wearing the uniform correctly shows that they have pride in themselves and pride in the community they belong to. A school uniform reduces incidents of bullying and the stress of peer pressure as all students are the same. Uniforms do not distinguish between socio-economic backgrounds like free dress does.

The uniform also helps the students focus on their job at hand. They are students not fashion statements while at school. Wearing their uniform helps the student “switch on” to student mode and it provides the students with a reminder of what the expectations of the College are and how they are supposed to behave and apply themselves to their learning.

A student that wears their uniform well in public shows that they are proud of being a part of this community. When a member of the wider community sees a student who is proud of where they come from, it often reflects back to the student in the way the member of the community interacts with them and their opinion of the school.

There is a detailed outline of uniform requirements on the College website. It is important that students follow the required procedures if they are not able to wear their College uniform appropriately at any time. That is the student is required to bring a note to their JW teacher explaining why they are not wearing their uniform appropriately. This note is acceptable for one day and if the issue with the uniform is for longer than one day then a note is required for each day.

Important details regarding the wearing of the College uniform.

• Students must arrive and leave the College in full dress uniform. The only exception to this is on a designated sport’s uniform day or on a Wednesday when the students may depart wearing their sport’s uniform if they are required to wear their sport’s uniform for enrichment.
• All students are free to change after 3.00pm before they go home if they wish, however, if a student wishes to change out of their uniform they must change completely.
• Boy’s shirts need to be tucked in.
• Students are to wear white, or skin coloured under layers only.
• Hair is to be of suitable length and style and should not bring undue negative attention to themselves or the College. Hair should be of one natural colour, cut no shorter than a no 2 blade and undercuts, tails, tracks, shaven strips and extreme haircuts which draw attention to the student are not acceptable. Hair must be kept neat and clean – not messy and untidy. Long hair touching the collar must be tied back and off the face. Hair bands and accessories should be plain and simple in the College colours.
• The only items of jewellery permitted are unobtrusive studs or sleepers, maximum of one per ear in the ear lobe. The only visible piercings should be in the ear. All other piercings are to be removed. A wristwatch and a simple neck chain with a religious crucifix only. No visible tattoos are permitted for any students.
• If wearing makeup, application should be natural with neutral colour that does not cause undue attention but blends with the skin tone. No lipstick or eyeshadow is to be worn. Fake nails and eyelashes are not to be worn.
• Boys are to be clean shaven at all times.
• Senior students may wear their jersey on a Friday.

We hope that this information will assist both parents and students by clearing up any confusion and setting clear guidelines for the appropriate wearing of the College uniform. If you have any concerns please feel free to contact your young person’s House Leader, Mr Luke Logan (Acting Assistant Principal Student Engagement), Mr Joe Cryle (Acting Deputy Principal) or Mr Willocks (Acting Principal).

Finally, I would like to wish everyone best wishes for the break. Please be safe and take care and the College looks forward to welcoming the students back on Tuesday 18 April refreshed and ready to participate fully and give their best in Term 2.

Best wishes

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

From the Deputy Principal

From the Deputy

Winning

We all love to win, or when we see people we know win, we all love to celebrate the best of results. We always aim high; that gives you a great launching pad.

The problem with focussing on the win or the result is that you can take your eye off the hard work and the next step and the process of putting in place all the training you have done.

This is why we talk so much about progress. Are we getting better, stronger, thinking more clearly, predicting better results?

I am really encouraged by all of our students who have shown progress and growth over the term – that is what learning is all about.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to all Year 7 and 9 students who have completed the NAPLAN testing for 2023. These students managed these tests very well and it was obvious they were well prepared by both teaching staff and parents. Thank you. We look forward to sharing these results with you in the near future.

Mobile Phones

I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students that all communication between parents and students during the school day should go through the Office. Students should not be using phones throughout the school day as this can affect their ability to concentrate in class, develop their own strategies for resilience and interact socially with their peers in a face-to-face environment. Occasionally, staff may request that students use their phones for learning purposes (to film performances, experiments, etc) but this would be exceptional rather than common occurrence. Please encourage your child to avoid personal mobile phone use throughout the day.

Student Emails

All students at St Joseph’s College have an email account. Please can you encourage your child as part of their organisation time each afternoon or evening to check their emails to ensure they are up to date with information being communicated using email. It will remain an important organisational skill throughout their life to check emails, set reminders and write events in their calendar or learning journal.

Upcoming Events

Term 1 in Review

It's been a busy Term 1, SJC!

We have made memories, achieved our goals, and celebrated our time together at St Joseph's College this term.

As always, our Joey's Way imperatives have guided our steps as we seek to follow the example set to us by Blessed Edmund Rice.
 
Relive some of the key moments of this Term as we head into the holidays to rest and rejuvenate for Term 2!

Open Day 2023

St Joseph’s College warmly invites families considering enrolling their children for 2025 and 2026 to our College Open Day on 19 May, 2023.

St Joseph’s College annual Open Day provides families an opportunity to discover how the College’s tradition of providing an outstanding educational foundation is complemented by comprehensive offerings in sport, music, arts, service and culture.

At our Open Day, families will have an opportunity to:

• Complete an in-depth and guided tour of the College
• Explore each Department through activities aimed at engaging your student
• Meet our Principal, and members of our Teaching Staff
• Discover the wealth of opportunities on offer through an education at SJC
• Develop an understanding of the unique environment SJC provides where your student can flourish academically, spiritually, and socially

Open Day will be held at St Joseph’s College, beginning in the MacKillop Centre at 8:30am and finishing by 11:30pm, on Friday, 19 May 2023.

Registrations are essential as places are limited. Register now: https://enrol-sjc.twb.catholic.edu.au/open-day

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

At the end of the week, students in Years 7 – 10 will receive their interim report cards.  As parents and carers, could you please consider asking your child to reflect on their progress by discussing with you where they think they are in their learning. Students should be able to provide feedback on where they are with their academic progress on a 5 point scale (A to E), and their learning behaviours – Application, Participation, Punctuality, organisation by indicating what they think  they will receive from their teachers – Very Good (VG), Good (G) ,Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N). 

We would like students to reflect on their goals for the term and indicate which goals they have achieved and how they have demonstrated this.  Students should be reflecting on their punctuality, co-operation, uniform and participation in Joey’s Way.

Finally, we would like students to review their attendance this term. Obviously, there is often genuine reasons when they are away (like sickness) but we would still like students to reflect on their attendance and discuss with parents and carers how they can continue to engage and improve attendance if needed.

Of course, if you have any questions about your child’s report card, please contact the classroom teacher and I would encourage you to attend the upcoming parent – teacher – student interviews.   We also want students to attend these interviews with parents.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

From the commencement of Term 2, 2023, the College will implement an updated House Points system. The goal behind the update is to create a process that: 

• Allows students to be recognised for contributing positively to the Joey’s Way. 
• Ensures students have clarity about the ways in which they can accrue points. 
• Ensures the system for accruing points is equitable and transparent 
• Allows students to contribute to their house through academic, sporting, cultural or mission activities. 

• Enables a healthy and respectful competition between our four houses that encompasses all aspects of College life.  

House Points can be accrued in two ways… 

1. By an Entire House 

At the conclusion of an interhouse competition (for example Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Compassion Cup) houses will be awarded points depending on where they have placed (see the table below) These points contribute only to an overall house tally, not to individual student tallies.  

1. By an Individual Student. 

Student may accrue individual points through any of the activities or achievements detailed in the table below. These points contribute to both a student’s individual tally and an overall house tally of points.  

 If a student accrues enough individual points, they may become eligible for a Principal’s Award. The table below provides an outline of how many points are required for each level of award, where each is presented and by whom 

Additionally, please note the following: 

• If, as at the conclusion of Term 1, 2023 a student is entitled to a particular principal’s award under the old system, they remain eligible for that award but must contact their house leader in the first two weeks of Term 2, 2023. 
• Any Principal’s awards presented after Friday the 28th of April must have been achieved under the new points system. 
• Under the new system, tracking an individual student’s points is managed by school staff through Sentral, so there is no requirement for students to track their own points.   

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Holy Week – Study the Sunset 

I have been lucky to work over the last week with an enthusiastic group of Year 8 students who volunteered to create and lead our Holy Week Liturgy. They have temporarily named themselves the Year 8 Liturgy Group and I truly hope I can find more opportunities for them to work in this space across the year.  

As we have worked on how to convey the Stations of the Cross to our community they have been reflecting on the symbolism of the sunset. I wanted to share some of my reflections with our community on this important time.  

I think we often move so quickly to the resurrection of Jesus and hope of the morning sunrise when we explore our Easter story. But this year, we are asking our community to take time to think about the sunset and the times in our faith when we are challenged in the darkness to seek out the last of the light. Each sunset is an opportunity to demonstrate our faith – to put our trust in the consistency of our God that the light will return to us.  

In our Easter story, darkness marks Good Friday. It is difficult to see the events of Good Friday as anything but horrific.  

However, it is important as Christians, that we stop and reflect on Christ’s crucifixion. There is a risk in being too preoccupied with our own personal salvation as we experience the Easter story. Rather we need to study the sunset, the dark time, the terrible reality that Christ is crucified. Because without really facing the Good Friday moment we fail to realise that Christ is crucified over and over again in our world – as greed, violence, war and hatred exact their punishment on the innocent victims of the world.  

• Christ is crucified all over again when calls for peace through justice go unanswered. 
• Christ is crucified all over again in the countless lives are put at risk in modern slavery to meet our desire for consumerism.  
• Christ is crucified all over again when creation continues to be mistreated as capitalist agendas ignore climate change.  
• Christ is crucified again and again, when we fail to see the face of God in all people regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or ability/disability.  

Despite this, the Easter story is transformative. Jesus’ life was one of love and connection and, in the resurrection, we experience an emergence of hope and new life in relationship with our God. In death, we see Jesus’ all-embracing love of us. A love that never died and never will.   

The wonder of the crucifixion was its inability to ‘kill’ Jesus. Both in the resurrection and His determined followers and everlasting message. It failed to erase him from memory. It failed to silence his followers. What we learn is that Jesus’ love and our love are stronger than death, stronger than hate, stronger than prejudice and greed and injustice.  

So this Easter evening, as the lengthening shadows move across the earth, I challenge you reflect on the darkness in our world and those who are Christ the crucified – the persecuted, the marginalised, the targets of hate and fear. And in this study of the sunset, search also for the light and the ways love can overcome. Take solace in the knowing that Christ’s love within us can conquer the darkness and the sun will always rise again.  

Prayer 

O God, who grace feels abundant in our sunshine, but far removed in our shadows: We have come today to bear witness to Jesus’ suffering and death upon a cross. 

We are appalled at the injustice and inhumanity — not only of his last day, but of days in our lives when we hear about greed, corruption, discrimination, hatred, violence, and death. 

We mourn for Ukrainian civilians who have been living in forced conflict, for refugees of all countries who are fleeing oppression, and for poverty and sickness that are far too pervasive in our world. 

Teach us the lessons of peace, justice, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and love that we may respond to our world more wisely and compassionately. 

Let not this day of darkness hinder our resolve to follow in Christ’s ways, and to make our world a better place. 

In the midst of suffering and the callousness of crucifixion, let us hold on to hope in resurrection. 

Amen 

— Rev. Bret S. Myers 

Compassion Cup 

We encourage our community to continue their support for our Compassion Cup.  

There have been some fantastic efforts so far with JW groups organising Easter raffles and exciting tuckshop competition.  

The College has had $829 of donations via the website already. With Rice 5 excelling with $250.  

Click on your child’s Joey's Way group to go to their donation page! Share the link with anyone you want. 

Palms Australia – Supporting Ms Minns as she Serves Him in Others 

Ms Madeliene Minns is currently volunteering in Timor Leste through Palms Australia. Alongside our instrumental teacher, Mr Malcom Gaydon, Ms Minns is serving the community of Atabae as an English teacher and supporting their grant applications for development in their schools and hospital.

She is seeking our support via their Go Fund Me page to help raise much needed funds for their work in the Atabae community.

Follow this link to support Ms Minns and Mr Gaydon as they Serve Him in Others: https://gofund.me/128e655e   

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

Cultural Captains

Hey St Joey’s,

We are Alyssa Young and Amelia Rawson, and we are super excited to be your Cultural Captains for 2023. 

The arts have had a great start to the year with excursions, performances, incursions and other amazing cultural experiences. 

To kick off the musical year, we hosted welcome parties for each of the major music ensembles, with breakfast and Zooper Dooper’s.  We had an amazing time getting to know all of our new musical family members. 

The rehearsals for our 2023 College Musical ‘Freaky Friday’ are in full swing and well underway.  We are so excited to continue working with the amazing cast and crew. It should be an absolutely fantastic performance. 

Looking at the year ahead, the College Arts Department is working towards performances at ‘Skits and Semi-Quavers’ next term, and Eisteddfod in Terms 2 and 3.  In addition to the thriving music and drama programs, a dance troupe is being introduced to the college next term which we hope will be of interest to many. 

In week six, our ensembles headed away to the beautiful Sunshine Coast for our music camp.  It was a wonderful weekend full of fun, sun and, of course, lots of music. 

Last week, to help celebrate harmony day, we, along with Interact, hosted a cultural showcase outside of the art block. This was an amazing opportunity for talented students to show the broader Joey’s community their passions and performances. 

Over the holidays, Amelia will be travelling to Vanuatu to volunteer with a group of other Toowoomba teens.  She will be teaching music and helping in classrooms, as well as performing in a combined flute and recorder ensemble. 

Thank you so much for letting us introduce ourselves.  We are excited for the year ahead, and we can’t wait to join everyone in creating a vibrant community here at Joey’s. 

We encourage everyone to keep participating in what they are passionate about, whether that be academics, the arts, or sport, so that we can all share our amazing achievements and talents together. 

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter break.

2023 Cultural Captains - Alyssa Young and Amelia Rawson

McAuley House

As we come to the end of Term 1, we can look back on the theme "Set Our Hearts on Fire" and the inspiring figure of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Her legacy of compassion, service, and education serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can make on the world.

One of the key aspects of Catherine McAuley's teachings is the importance of compassion. She believed that all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This message is especially relevant in today's world, where there is so much division and polarisation. As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in our own concerns and forget about the needs of others. But Catherine McAuley reminds us that true happiness comes from serving others and making a positive difference in the world.

Another aspect of Catherine McAuley's teachings that has resonated within our College community is the importance of education. Catherine McAuley believed that education was the key to lifting people out of poverty and empowering them to live meaningful lives. This belief has been at the heart of the Mercy tradition since its inception, and it continues to inspire us today. Our College’s commitment to academic excellence is grounded in the belief that every student has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

But Catherine McAuley's legacy goes beyond mere academic achievement. She recognised that education is about more than just acquiring knowledge; it's about developing the whole person. This includes nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of a person's life. At St. Joseph’s, we strive to create a holistic learning environment that supports each student's unique needs and encourages them to grow in all areas of their lives.

One of the ways we embody Catherine McAuley's teachings is through our commitment to service. Our students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of service projects. By serving others, our students not only make a positive impact on the world around them, but they also learn important life skills such as leadership, empathy, and teamwork.

As we look back on the first term of the College year, it's clear that Catherine McAuley's legacy has had a profound impact on our community. Her teachings have inspired us to be more compassionate, more committed to education, and more dedicated to serving others. But her legacy is not just something we reflect on at the end of term; it's a guiding force that shapes our daily actions and decisions.

As we move into the next term, let us continue to be inspired by Catherine McAuley's legacy. Let us strive to be compassionate, dedicated to education, and committed to serving others. Let us embody the Mercy tradition in all that we do, and let us continue to set our hearts on fire with the spirit of Catherine McAuley.

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

Sport

Friday Basketball Semi finals

On Friday March 10, all six of our basketball teams travelled over to Toowoomba Grammar looking for a place in the semi finals.

Unfortunately it didn’t go all our way.

The 7/8 boys were gallant in defeat. We lost the game 58 to 30 but the boys fought hard until the final whistle.

Scorers for the night were:

Kobe Guok 16 points, Riley Woods 6 points, Oliver Foley 4 points and Hunter Smith and Toby Willey 2 points each.

The 9/10 boys were in the final right up until the last quarter. We lost Ryan Richardson in the first half and his loss was hard to cover. The boys did a magnificent job to only lost 45 to 34.

Scorers for the night were:

Oliver Smythe 15 points, Will English 6 points, Mason Deakin 5 points, Kizito Oryem 4 points and Darby Reid and Elvis Mgutu 2 points each.

The Open boys game was a different story. We had lost Sam Moore to a hand injury, Jake Wisely to a knee injury and another student had work, so we were down some troops. The boys continued to play strong even though we were out matched.

Scorers for the night were:

Hugh Tanks 7 points, Charlie Meyers 6 points, Peter Onygandks 5 points and Charlie Jensen and Jayden Campbell 2 points each to make the score 90 to 22 points.

The Year 7/8 girls met Glennie in their semi final. We played strong. The final score was 44 to 19.

Scorers for the night were:

Lara Yaxley 11 points, Erin Richardson, Charlotte Wiedman, Libby Everitt and Amiee Scuhltz all scored 2 points each.

The 9/10 girls advanced to the finals with a strong win over Fairholme College defeating them 45 points to 23.

Scorers for the night were:

Tyla Salmi 14 points, 6 points to both Kaley Markey and Sami Hunter, Emmersyn Ranford, Sienna Hawkins, Akor Bior and Libby Cooke all scored 4 points and Krystal Timms and Jada Guok 2 points each.

The Open girls also won their game to advance to the semi final with a very close win over Highlands 39 to 35 points.

Scorers for the night were:

Tiarnee Smith 18 points, Nancy Daniels 12 points Bec Scott 6 points Holly Nichols 2 points and Abang Ayuel 1 point.

Finals Night

The 9/10 girls met Centenary Heights in the grand final on Friday March at The Glennie School.

It was a nail-biting game with the lead changing several times. We won the first quarter 14 to 11. Centenary then won the next two quarters with them leading us by 30 to 28 going into the final quarter. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off and we only scored 2 points in the final quarter and they defeated us 37 to 30.

Scorers for the night were

Tyla Salmi 10 points, Sami Hunter 9 points, Kaley Markey 7 points and Libby Cooke and Akor Bior 2 points each.

The Open girls also played Centenary Heights in the grand final. What a terrific game which we only lost 41 to 32. It was actually much closer than the final score actually was.

Scorers for the game were:

Tiarnee Smith and Abang Ayuel 9 points each, Bec Scott 7 points, Nancy Daniels 5 points and Abuk Aleer 2 points.

Special mentions

Congratulations to Thomas Cockburn who has been selected to represent South West QLD at the 2023 National School Futsal Championships in September. 

Also congratualtions to Jackson Stewart who has been named as the Under 12 2023 Darling Downs boys cricket captain.

Well done, Thomas and Jackson!

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

Connecting with Careers

On Tuesday, 21 March 2023, we welcomed Karen Browning, Outreach Career Development Practitioner at UniSQ.  In Karen’s presentation, she shared with parents/carers five simple strategies to engage in a conversation with your child/children. 

Strategy 1: Research and discuss ideas

The following websites will help you to locate and use career information effectively:

• sjccareers

Keep updated with the weekly newsletter, Connecting with Careers and the Newsfeeds.  To signup for the Connecting with Careers newsletter, click here.  To subscribe to our Newsfeed, click here.  You will also find a section for Parents.

• myfuture
• Your Career
• Labour Market Insights

These websites can help with:

• Career information
• Self exploration
• Job task information
• Employment information

Research career information and engage in conversation. 

Strategy 2: Assist your child/children to identify and develop their skills

It is important for your son/daughter to grow their enterprise/employability/transferable skills.  It is important to see that post school training and lifelong learning as part of the norm.  The ways that your son/daughter can develop their enterprise/employability/transferable skills is by getting involved in activities including:

• Education
• Sport
• Activities (cultural, extra curricula)
• Employment (part-time work)
• Volunteering
• Babysitting

As parents/carers, you can assist in and enhance the development of Enterprise skills in your son/daughter by encouraging them to try and be involved in different activities while they are studying.

Strategy 3: There are options

There are options at school and after school.  There is always more than one pathway to get them to where they want to go.  The options at school include:

• ATAR pathway
• Applied pathway
• Traineeship
• School-based Apprenticeship (SBA)
• Certificate courses/Diploma courses – there are opportunities at school including in the Enrichment Program.
• Head Start courses – some universities offer Year 10, 11 and 12 students the opportunity to study a university course while they are still at school. This saves time and money for the students, as well as, students see and experience what university is like.  To apply for a Head Start course, students need permi8ssion from parent/carer and the school (Mrs Harman) and be achieving an average of a B result.

Strategy 4: Understand that moving from school to work or post-school studies is a transition

Transition is about moving from one environment to another.  Transition can cause stress and anxiety, especially in the first few weeks of University or TAFE or work as students negotiate:

• New, often large, unfamiliar environments
• New social contacts
• A less structured and more self-managed environment
• What to wear as there are no uniforms
• Have to cope with possibly their first time out of home.

Transition can make young adults feel excited but vulnerable so support from parents and carers is essential, especially in the first few weeks/months.​

Understand that your young person is in a new environment and needs to make new friends, which takes time, so they may be feeling a little isolated early on.​

It is important for parents and carers to be a sounding board for their students. Ask and listen!

Strategy 5: Stories are powerful

As parents/carers, share your career journey with your child/children.  Stories are powerful!

Tips

For Years 7-9, encourage your child’s ideas and imagination and help them to explore self and the world around them.

For Year 10, in relation to selecting subjects for Senior, check the prerequisites for any courses that your son/daughter would like to do post school.

For Year 11 and 12, help your child to maintain balance between study and other activities.  Always remember, that it is okay if your son/daughter changes their mind, as there is always another alternative.  Please encourage your son/daughter to seek assistance from school or TAFE or University if they have any questions or need anything.  Encourage your son/daughter to ask questions and actively ask for help.

A reminder that you can access career information from the St Joseph’s College Careers website.

For more information please contact the Careers Team.

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

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

Library

The library space has been a hive of energy and activity this term with students visiting to take part in our regular activities, just catching up for a game of chess, a chat, or grabbing the next book in that series (gauging by the Term 1 borrowing statistics displayed in the graphic below our most popular genre has undoubtedly been Manga). Both students and staff have enjoyed getting together to investigate and learn green screen technology in Tech Tuesday, taking on various building challenges in Tinker Thursday and exploring their crafty side on Fun Friday. A Knitting Club has been a welcome addition this term which has proven to be quite popular. The Knitting Club takes place at lunchtime on Mondays and Thursdays. All activities are free and open to all ages - new students are always very welcome.  

In Term 2 we welcome our junior school to take part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Stay tuned for more information next term. Finally, don’t forget to borrow books to read on the holidays! 

Rebecca Bastion - Curriculum Leader - Literacy Improvement  - RBastion@sjc.qld.edu.au

Farewell Fusuke!

Our Japanese exchange student, Fusuke Nakano, returns to Japan at the end of the term. Fusuke has been part of our Yr 10 cohort for Term 1 and he has joined the Yr 9 cohort on camp this week to experience the great outdoors. Fusuke has been a wonderful ambassador for his school – our sister school in Osaka, Shijonawate Gakuen. He addressed our students and staff on Assembly last week with a fantastic speech which was warmly received by all. We wish Fusuke all the best as he returns to his normal school life and hopefully we will have the chance to meet again when we take our senior students to Japan next year.

また会える日を楽しみにしている。さようなら！！

SJC - Community News

Our Parent Business Directory has begun and you may see some of our parents business in our column 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

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Tracksuit Jackets are now back in store in all sizes.

Winter uniform is available at all times to be purchased, stock up before the cold hits.

• Long Sleeve Boy Shirts
• Trousers both male and female
• Tights and stockings
• Jumpers
• Tracksuit pants and jacket
• Scarves

Reminder formal hat bands are available for purchase $12.

Shop will open Friday 14^th April 9.00am – 4.00pm, in the school holidays for any term 2 uniform requirements.

Orders can be made online, paid for over the phone and all orders can be delivered to student entrance for your child to collect from there.

Online orders can also be delivered to your home for a fee.

Online ordering is available at all times and will only be packed during shop trading hours.

Out of stock:

Tracksuit Pants Size L

Senior Blouse Sz 10A

Female Sport Shirt/Polo  XS and 14

Please contact the uniform shop on the below details:

Phone:           07 4631 8514

Email:             sjct@midford.com.au

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.