Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 8 - Issue 105

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

On Wednesday of this week, I had the opportunity to speak to the students and staff as a whole for the first time since I have returned from my professional renewal leave. As part of this address, I covered the following points, and I would very much like to share them with our SJC community.

Thank you!

A sincere thank you to our Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese Executive Director Dr Patrick Coughlan for the opportunity and the support to participate in professional renewal leave. The undertaking of the Camino de Santiago was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it already has had a great impact upon the way I view and will engage with my professional and personal life.

Thank you so very much to Mr Willocks, Mr Cryle, Mr Logan, Ms Moss who so graciously undertook acting positions during my leave. I highlighted on assembly that whilst it is never easy to be away from the college, having such amazingly generous and capable people, who are willing to take on the responsibility of leading the college is a God send.

I also want to thank the wider SJC community for their support of the college during my leave and finally a massive thank you to the staff and students for the very warm welcome back I have received.

Congratulations SJC Community

Whilst on my professional renewal leave one of my goals, which I failed at miserably, was to completely disconnect from work. The reason I failed was that one of the most life-giving elements of being part of a community like St Joseph’s College is the joy you see in the faces of the students and staff when they are engaging with the so many amazing learning opportunities occurring every day in classrooms, faith, cultural, community and sporting activities. This is something that I could not forgo on my journey, and I loved observing the weekly events from a distance through social media and the newsletter. Congratulations SJC community on another amazingly jam-packed term.

During assembly I congratulated the vast majority of our students who constantly pay attention to all aspects of the high expectations that we have at St Joseph’s College, and we want the young people to have of themselves. We are blessed to be part of a community that agrees high expectations are good for young people and that our students do understand the need for this – even though at times they may not agree with it.

This congratulations and thanks is extended to you, our parents and carers, who share support the understanding of aiming for our young people to be upholding the ‘Joey’s Way’, 100% of the time.

Time

Finally, during my address, I asked the students and staff to indulge me by allowing me to share a reflection that I had on my leave about the concept of time.

Time as we all know is something that we can never get back once it has passed. It is something that as an adolescent we don’t really measure or consider its importance. However, as you enter the stage of life that I am in I highlighted to the students that you do very much look at time in a different manner. Whilst walking the Camino I reflected heavily upon the concept of time, and this posed the following questions that I asked the students to reflect upon.  

How as individuals do we use our time? How do we prioritise the use of time? Do we prioritise family, friends, schoolwork, employment, recreation, sport, socialising etc.

How as a college do we use and prioritise the time available over the year? What time is dedicated to liturgical celebrations, masses, teaching and learning in classrooms, cultural events, sporting events, wellbeing and pastoral activities, camps etc.

As a college how much time is spent dealing with situations where students are not meeting expectations? How much do these situations take away from the time available that staff and students have to prepare and participate in all the amazing learning opportunities on offer? 

After posing these questions I then thanked the great majority of our students who are meeting the expectations and who are not being a drain on the available time.

Finally, I then challenged the students who are not meeting the expectations of the college and who are being a drain on the available time. I asked them to consider these two questions. Is this fair on their peers and their teachers? What can they do as an individual and what support do they need to address this unfairness to their peers and teachers so that the precious time we have each day at school can be used more effectively?

It is my hope that the students considered these questions honestly, and that they will continue to consider these questions over the remainder of this term and the break. The time that is available for us as a school to achieve our goal of working in partnership with our community to assist the students to become the best people and the best learners they can be is so very precious.

This week we pray for our community that our Lord Christ will be with us all during the times that face challenges.

Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do.

As we go through the trials of life, help us to realise that you are with us at all times and in all things.

That we have secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for eternity.

In the security of your embrace, we pray.

Amen

Student Protection at St Joseph’s College Toowoomba

The most important daily concerns for our school community is the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. St Joseph’s College has a number of specific child protection responsibilities which are detailed in the Student Protection Processes and Guidelines, available on the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Website along with other information for parents and caregivers. Student protection | Parents and community | Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools (twb.catholic.edu.au)

At our school, we have 7 staff members who can assist with student protection concerns. These staff members are called School Student Protection Contacts (SSPC’s) and you will see their names and photographs on posters around the school. Our current SSPC’s are Mr Thomas Moore (Rice House Leader), Ms Shauna Green (School Counsellor), Ms Kate Stenhouse (School Counsellor). Ms Aleesha Degan (Murphy House Leader), Mr Brendon Willocks (Deputy Principal), Mr Joe Cryle (Assistant Principal Student Engagement) and as College Principal I am also a SSPC. Students can speak to any of these 7 staff members if they have any worries about their own safety or wellbeing, or that of a friend or classmate. We thank these staff members for undertaking this important role in our school.

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

From the Deputy Principal

Vaping

In the news recently have been numerous articles relating to vaping and the trends of school age students engaging in this dangerous practice across Australia. Often, those involved make ill-informed statements like “its not harmful ‘or ‘its better than smoking real cigarettes’. These statements are not only inaccurate, they are dangerous in that they not only normalise the behaviour but significantly downplay the real risks associated with this practice.

I would encourage families to watch the below feature recently aired on Channel 7.

Below also in a useful Factsheet from the Lung Foundation Australia in relation to vaping.

The College will continue to support Queensland Government laws which clearly state that it is illegal for retail stores to sell vapes. We continue to remind students that the use of vapes is illegal and not condoned. Any student caught using vapes at St Jospeh’s College will be disciplined accordingly. The College will continue to educate the students on the harmful effects of vaping, smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Positivity, Girt and Determination

As we navigate the challenges of the academic journey, let us not forget the power of positivity, grit, and determination. It's easy to get discouraged when faced with difficult assignments or exams, but remember the story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Despite facing adversity and even risking her life for the right to education, Malala never lost sight of her goals. Her unwavering determination and positive mindset propelled her forward, inspiring millions around the world. Let her courage and resilience serve as a reminder that with the right study practices, a positive outlook, and unyielding determination, we can overcome any obstacle. Believe in yourselves, embrace the challenges, and let your determination be the driving force behind your success.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Year 7 to 12 Assessment

Please check with your son or daughter about upcoming assessment.  The Assessment Calendars can be accessed via the College Intranet and was emailed to all students and families earlier in the year.

Most Year 7 to 10 students will be completing assessment in class time, except for some longer cohort exams.

Year 11 and 12’s do not have an exam block and are required at school each day as normal lessons will be continuing until the end of term. Exams are scheduled on the assessment calendar and further details about rooming and supervisors will be provided to students via sentral and their teachers.

Senior Exams

If your son or daughter is in Year 11 or 12 and they are away for an exam, please contact Mrs Tobin or myself 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.

Phones and Smart Watches - Exam Conditions and Equipment:

Parents and students need to be aware that they are not to bring a mobile phone or a smart watch into an exam.

They may bring only permitted (i.e. essential and optional) equipment into the test room as outlined by their classroom teacher.

Please note that equipment may be inspected by a teacher at any time before, during and after a test session and all equipment should be placed in a clear plastic container.

If a student does have a phone or smart watch on during an exam they will be asked to hand this into the office to be collected possibly by a parent.

Academic Care Interviews

We look forward to our Year 12’s having their academic care interviews next term. Please discuss with your son or daughter their progress in Unit 3 and we would encourage you ask your child to access their  myQCE account where they will be able to see their confirmed IA1 results for General Subjects in their account.  myQCE (qcaa.qld.edu.au)

QCAA Year 12 External Examination Timetable has been released!

Please refer here for the latest published QCAA External Examination timetable

QCAA external assessment timetable 2023

The timetable will be updated in Term 3 to include language and non-language Senior External Examinations (SEEs). SEEs are 100% external examinations and are different from the mainstream General subjects. They are offered to adult learners and a small number of school students.

The external assessment timetable is designed to:

• minimise clashes for students across the examination period. Where there is a clash within a morning or afternoon session, students will be allocated to the alternative session on the same day
• ensure most students sit no more than two external assessments on one day
• provide sufficient breaks between external assessments for popular courses and frequently combined courses
• enable all external assessments to be marked in time for students to receive their final Year 12 results.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Since the commencement of Term 2, 2023, the College has implemented 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.  

2. 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 

 Staff at St Joseph’s College have nearly finished accruing all the historical data for our students’ accrual of House Points. As you might be able to appreciate, this is no small task. From the commencement of Term 3, each student who has accrued historical house points will see these on Sentral as ‘Points Accrued prior to term 2, 2023.’ 

Please be aware of the following for students who participate in activities and demonstrate behaviours that might warrant house points: 

• There is now no need to for students to individually track their own house points, this will be managed through Sentral. 
• Students can accrue House Points via any of the activities or achievements listed above. 

• Principal’s Awards will begin to be presented to students in Term 3. These will take place at House Assemblies, Whole College Assemblies and at our Annual Presentation Night in Term 4.  
• Results of the Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country and Compassion Cup will contribute to a House’s overall points tally, but not to an individual’s points tally (expect for a student who places first, second or third in their age championship). However, 
• An individual’s house points will contribute to an overall house tally. The house with the most points will win an overall house cup for the year.  

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Be Proud, Be Humble  

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

And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) 

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

To ‘act justly’ is to do what is right, protect the vulnerable and include everyone. ‘Love mercy’ means to have loyal love or loving-kindness in your actions. Meaning you will be loyal to all people and offer them brotherly love and mercy.  

To ‘walk humbly’ describes our attitude toward God. To walk humbly is the opposite of walking self-righteously or arrogantly or even independently. Instead of focusing on ourselves and boasting about what we do, we must humbly recognise that we can never match the unconditional love and justice of our God. In this relationship, we will always have further work to do to reach the model of Jesus.  

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

Prayer 

Lord, 

We pray for the heart position of humility. Humility in such a way that we do not cheapen our own worth or value within, but that we take the alignment that we are here for a greater purpose than just our own gain. We pray that You will highlight to us what it truly means to live a humble life, and that our own worth will be revealed by Your Light. It is only then that we may truly live in freedom and right standing, for we will hold our own value correctly.  

Lord, we welcome You to mould and secure our hearts in true humility. 

Amen 

Joey’s Pride 

I have been really privileged to be working with the Confraternity Girls and Boys Rugby League and QISSN Netball teams. As part of the upcoming carnival, the teams have participated in singing practice. They came together to practice our favourite hymn ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ as preparation for the opening mass at St Laurence’s College that begins the carnival.  

The intention of our singing practice to remind students of the connection between their performance on the field and the court and our key imperative of being proud and humble. Students show immense pride as they represent Joey’s – they support each other, walk tall despite defeats, and lose their voices cheering and celebrating. But they also show their humility, through their commitment to practice and through their acts of service such as serving a BBQ to the visiting teams after games.  

I am so thankful to the students of each of these teams who have welcomed me and embraced our conversations around being proud and humble. I look forward to cheering them all on over the term break.  

Catholic Education Week Student Awards 

In Term 3 Week 3, we will celebrate Catholic Education Week across Queensland. As part of this week, we intend to recognise students with Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. The intent of these awards is to acknowledge students that are making an outstanding contribution to the life of St Joseph's College and beyond, through:  

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

• being supportive of the faith, spiritual and outreach life of the College. 
• actively live out the Joey's Way in all that they do. 

The process for these awards is: 

1. Staff and students nominate student recipients for Spirit of Catholic Education Award via the nomination form in Joey’s Way (by Monday 19 June, Week 10) 

2. Recipients collated and awardees determined based on nominations and other data sources 

3. Winners of awards are recognised at our Catholic Education Week Liturgy (Thursday 27 July)  

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

McAuley Captains

Hello St Joseph's Community, our names are Alex and Eve, and we are privileged enough to be able to call ourselves this year’s McAuley House Captains! Although it has taken us until Term 2 of the 2023 school year to finally get the chance to properly introduce ourselves, McAuley House has already been achieving some amazing successes over this period. We, as house captains, love the opportunity this role gives us to be able to see firsthand how the house can flourish through the achievements and efforts of the McAuley student body.  

Last year we began our captaincy by winning the Athletics Carnival for the first time in several years. This was a huge triumph for us as the newly appointed McAuley leaders as for weeks we’d been rallying our house together, getting almost every member to participate in the events allowing us to rack up points without necessarily doing the events competitively. Unfortunately, when it came to the Swimming Carnival, we weren’t able to snag a second first-place trophy, however, as a house our team spirit was so outstanding that we were able to win the House Spirit Award. We also managed to get runner-up for the annual Compassion Cup fundraising event. Now we know that these events may seem like they were ages away, but we believe the key point they prove is that together we can do anything. By working together as one team, one community we can all triumph, especially for the Athletics and Cross-Country carnivals that are in weeks 4 and 5 of next term. We know they may seem like ages away, but in reality, they aren’t and as the McAuley leaders we would love to take home at least 1 more victory before passing on the torch. 

I’d also like to point out that not only have we had victories as a group, but there have been many outstanding individuals within McAuley house who’ve represented the college across numerous areas including but not limited to sporting, music, and cultural events. Not only, have McAuley students been representing the College, but they’ve also been achieving amazing things across the academic, music, and sporting fields. As the 2023 McAuley House leaders we are so proud of McAuley for all the effort they put into our community, and we hope that later in the year they will get involved in our house activities. 

At St Josephs it has always been a longstanding tradition amongst the house group to each hold their own annual fundraisers for a charity or organisation of their choosing. For McAuley house, this fundraiser in the past has almost always been held in Term 3 being centred around ‘Day for Daniel’ which aims to help raise funds to educate and raise awareness surrounding child safety after the passing of Daniel Morcombe. This year however, due to the number of events occurring in Term 3, McAuley House has had to select a different organisation to support with their fundraiser due to this timing. This new fundraiser will be called Catherine McAuley Day and will aim to help raise funds for the Sisters of Mercy of which Catherine McAuley helped dearly. A date for this event is still to be confirmed, however, at this point in time it will most likely take place during early Term 4. 

Although McAuley has already achieved so much in such little time, there are still plenty of great things to come for the remainder of the school year. We are both so excited to watch McAuley House succeed and grow, and to continue to achieve great things during our time as House Captains. 
Sincerely, 

2023 McAuley Captains - Alex Geissler and Eve Bonell

Rice House

This week we were lucky to have members from the QRL speak to our Rugby League players within the school. Ryan Charles the Wellbeing Manager, spoke explicitly about a growth mindset and attacking challenges in all areas for our students, not just on the field. Speaking to the work of Prof Carol Dweck and her seminal work on Mindset. Small language changes such as “I have to go to Toowoomba today” to “I get to go to Toowoomba today” have framed his mindset and seen him grow in his own personal mental health journey.

Bronco and Qld Origin players Matt Gillett and Shenae Ciesiolka spoke to the students about the importance of framing feedback. Whether that be from a teacher, coach or friend. Quality feedback is about making yourself better in areas of your life. They shared experiences where not actioning feedback or being closed off to feedback was an example of how a closed mindset affected their performance and encouraged the students to engage their growth mindset to improve.

Blessed Edmund Rice, our House Patron, was an exemplary example of an individual with a growth mindset. I have listed some examples below and encourage all students at SJC to engage in a growth mindset, in particular, as we end the term with assessment and report cards being issued.

Commitment to Learning: Edmund Rice demonstrated a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. He recognized the value of education and believed in the transformative power of knowledge. His desire to empower others through education led him to establish schools and educational institutions, particularly for marginalized and impoverished children.

Perseverance: Blessed Edmund Rice faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life, but he persisted in pursuing his vision. He embraced obstacles as opportunities for growth and found ways to overcome them. His resilience and determination to make a positive impact on society reflect a growth mindset.

Embracing Change: Edmund Rice adapted to changing circumstances and needs. He recognized the importance of staying relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of society. By embracing change and adjusting his approach accordingly, he demonstrated a willingness to learn and grow.

Belief in the Potential of Others: One key aspect of a growth mindset is the belief in the potential of oneself and others. Edmund Rice had a deep belief in the inherent worth and potential of every child, especially those who were disadvantaged. He sought to empower them through education, providing them with the tools and opportunities to fulfil their potential.

Reflective Practice: Edmund Rice engaged in reflective practice, consistently assessing his own actions and seeking ways to improve. He encouraged self-reflection among his followers and promoted a culture of continuous learning and growth.

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

Sport

Another big week of sport.

The Volleyball competition continues each Tuesday Night with 3 girls teams playing at Harristown and a boys team competing at Toowoomba Grammar. If you wish to play in Term 3 please email Miss Jannusch.

The 13, 15 and Open boys’ rugby league teams continue to play their competition each Wednesday night.

Three teams of netball continue playing each week at Glennie.

We are truly grateful to all staff involved in these competitions so that students can be involved and play the sport of their choice. Many hours are spent in after school hours’ time to allow these students to attend and play.

Summer Lindgren

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go out to the showgrounds to watch Summer compete in dressage and show jumping.

Summer was again competing on both of her horses – Bindi and Kingston. It was great to see these beautiful animals in such a tranquil atmosphere.

Junior and Senior Vicki Wilson – Boys and Girls

Senior Boys

Friday was the running of the Vicki Wilson competition, where for the first time we entered an open boys’ team, open girls and junior girls’ team.

The boy’s day was as follows:

SJC V’S PITTSWORTH SHS 9 – 0 WON

SJC V’S MARY MACKILLOP 10 – 3 WON

SJC V’S LDSHS 5 – 11 LOST

SJC V’S STANTHORPE SHS 8 – 7 WON

SJC V’S CENTENARY HEIGHTS SHS 7 – 5 WON

SJC V’S MILLERRAN 12 – 1 WON

SJC V’S OAKEY SHS 12 – 2 WON

SJC V’S ST MARY’S COLLEGE 7 – 4 WON

This then put us in the top four for the semi-finals. Our opponents were TAS again. The game was much closer this time around, but we still could not get over the top of them and lost 7 – 5 goals. We then played off for 3^rd and 4^th place against Stanthorpe State High School. The boys kept their heads for this game and finished in third place winning 10 – 3 goals.

A big thank you to the boys for representing us at this carnival. 

A big thank you to Mr Wheeldon who took control of the boys and coached them for the day. We hope now that we can develop boys’ netball and have a team who will train and travel to Townsville next year for the QISSN carnival.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

Senior Girls

The open girls had a mixed day. Two of our QISSN team members played in the junior competition as this is the last year, they can do this, so we were not at full strength.

The day went as follows:

SJC V’S FAIRHOLME 6 – 19 LOST

SJC V’S DOWNLANDS 3 – 24 LOST

SJC V’S GOONDIWINDI SHS 12 – 13 LOST

SJC V’S ST URSULA’S COLLEGE 12 – 11 WON

SJC V’S OLSCC 16 – 8 WON

SJC V’S DALBY SHS 11 ALL DRAW

SJC V’S GLENNIE 6 – 17 LOST

SJC V’S ROMA 8 – 12 LOST

Junior Girls

The Junior girls were trying for the trifecta into the finals in Brisbane but plenty of height in the opposing teams, really challenged our goal.

The day went as follows:

SJC V’S TAS 10 – 3 WON

SJC V’S CHINCHILLA CC 13 -2 WON

SJC V’S FAIRHOLME 2 – 19 LOST

SJC V’S OLSCC 4 – 3 WON

SJC V’S GLENNIE 8 – 7 WON

SJC V’S ST URSULA’S 7 – 9 LOST

SJC V’S ST JOHN’S 9 – 2 WON

SJC V’S DOWNLANDS 13 – 6 WON

This took us through to the semi finals placed in third position.

Unfortunately, we came up against Fairholme again, with all their height at both ends and lost. This then meant we played off for 3^rd and 4^th place and were not successful in finished in 4^th place.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

Karyn Murphy Cup

Years 7 & 8

In our Year 7 and 8 age group we took away 5 super keen girls who have been committed to training since we started in Term 1. We combined with Toowoomba SHS and Goondiwindi, which created a dynamic group of girls. The team quickly gelled together and achieved great results as a team. Our players led the way with their strong running to break the line and good tackle technique. We are looking forward to getting more numbers in this age group to form our own team in the future. Great work girls!

Years 9 & 10

The 9 and 10 started the day with a game against Harristown. It started as a close game; however, our girls scored a couple of late tries to win the game 4-2. Our defence is what we lacked in our first game. To rectify this we completed some skill related drills prior to our next game against St Ursula’s College. Our defence improved noticeably, and we kept St Ursula’s scoreless, winning 2-0. After topping our pool, we came up against a determined St Saviours team in the semi-final. Our girls ran through St Saviours with strong running and tenacity, defeating them 3-1. This win secured our spot in the Grand Final where we would come up a talented Glennie team. The girls were energetic in the warmup and ready to show Glennie why they were the best Girls Rugby League team in our region. Our strong defence and running with intent got us to 1-0 at half time. The girls showed our Joeys spirit and never gave up, they showed great sportsmanship and represented the College with pride. The years 9 and 10 team won the Karyn Murphy Cup 1-0. Congratulations girls!

Years 11 & 12

Open Girls were getting a nice tune up for Confro in a couple of weeks. Our first game v Harristown was a 3-3 draw which highlighted the importance of starting strong. A great reminder for us before Confro. 2^nd game was v St Savior’s. Some errors in defence cost us early and we went down 5-2. But in the second half of the match we started to find our range. Next up was Dalby SHS a re-match from our trial game in Week 6. Dalby got the spoils this time with a try on the buzzer to win 3-2. Our final match was against Lockyer SHS – the eventual winners. The plan for the day was to build upon skills and tactics in preparation for Confro. This game was a great example of that, the girls running away 6-1 winners.

Past Student - Quinn Croker

One of our staff members came across a function being held at the Toowoomba Golf Club. It was being held as a fundraiser for one of our past students Quinn Croker. Quinn is a golf fanatic and played most of his time while here at St Joseph’s winning awards along the way.

They were raising money to support Quinn in quest to play in many amateur tournaments overseas in the months of June and July.

These included:

Scottish Amateur

St Andrew’s Link Trophy

The Open Regional Qualifier

European Amateur, Estonia

The Open, Final Stage Qualifier

And the Open

We  wish him all the best and hope he has some wins along the way!

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

Connecting with Careers

Lunch and Learn 

The Lunch and Learn Sessions will be held every Thursday during Term 2 in Room 22b (next to the canteen).  

All welcome!! Bring your friends and your lunch 😊 

A reminder that you can visit sjccareers to signup for the newsletter, Connecting with Careers.  To keep up-to-date with upcoming career events, click here.  To subscribe to newsfeeds, click here.

Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force - Is it for you?

Are you thinking Air Traffic Controller may be an option for you but don't think you have the skills. Put your skills to the test with the Australian Defence Force's Step Up Your Game skills test. Give it a go as you may surprise yourself! Click here and scroll down the page to Step Up Your Game. 

Career and QTAC Presentations for Students and Families

QTAC Information Evening for Year 10 Students

State-wide event hosted by QTAC and Toowoomba Catholic Schools

LOCATION: Online (via Microsoft Teams)

DATE: Tuesday, 13 June 2023

TIME: 6:00pm – 6:45pm

COST: Free

If you are a parent or student considering tertiary study, this is your opportunity to engage with QTAC and learn all about the QTAC application process, ATAR, responding, to offers, and how to order course preferences. Please contact your Career Development Practitioner /School for more information.

Join the event here  

QTAC Information Evening for Year 12 Students

State-wide event hosted by QTAC and Toowoomba Catholic Schools

LOCATION: Online (via Microsoft Teams)

DATE: Monday, 12 June 2023

TIME: 6:00pm – 6:45pm

COST: Free

If you are a parent or student considering tertiary study, this is your opportunity to engage with QTAC and learn all about the QTAC application process, ATAR, responding to offers and how to order course preferences. Please contact your Career Development Practitioner /School for more information.

Join the event here 

Applying to NSW and ACT Universities: For students/ parents/ caregivers

Wednesday 12^th July from 6-7 pm

UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) is the NSW‑based organisation that provides a centralised system for applying to world-class universities in NSW and the ACT.  

Students, parents/caregivers are invited to join the UAC’s (Universities Admissions Centre’s) virtual presentation on “Applying to NSW and ACT Universities through UAC” on Wednesday 12^th July from 6-7pm.  UAC will cover topics including:

• the UAC application process,
• Application key dates,
• The Educational Access Schemes,
• Entry Schemes
• The Schools Recommendation Schemes (early entry),
• Equity Scholarships,
• Adjustment Factors & selection ranks,
• Offers

There will be an opportunity to ask UAC your questions afterward. Please join the presentation here:  uac.zoom.us/j/8988951832

Are you a Year 12 student considering studying at University in 2024?

Access the 2023 Scholarship Guides, here: https://www.sjccareers.com.au/for-students/newsfeed

School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Vacancies

• Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade - Condamine Drilling - Year 11 and 12 students
• Certificate III in Carpentry - Revamp Renovations - Year 10 and 11 students
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – Mirambeena Year 10 and 11
• Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining – LineIT Group

For further information, click here.

2024 Full-Time Apprenticeship Vacancies.

We have some incredible opportunities with some of the largest companies in Australia! 

Please find below a copy of the current 2024 Apprenticeship intake opportunities for Year 12 students.

Please apply through the below links before the job close date. Please visit the Career Pathways Office if you have any questions or require assistance.  

Defence 2024 Gap Year opportunities are still available

A gap year with the Airforce, Army or Navy is a great way to trial a career in the ADF and you get paid to do it! Jobs have different closing dates so visit the website for information about available GAP year jobs, closing dates and: 

• Defence Force opportunities 
• Helpful information 
• Eligibility and joining
• Lifestyle, pay and leave
• Life after ADF Gap Year

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

For more information please contact the Careers Team.

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

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

Cultural

SKITS & SEMIQUAVERS

Last Wednesday evening, St Joseph’s College hosted the annual Skits and Semiquavers Concert, showcasing our Music, Drama, Dance, and Visual Art students. It was a wonderful celebration of the Arts at St Joseph’s College. Thank you to all the students for sharing their talents with us. Special congratulations and thanks to our Cultural Captains, Amelia Rawson and Alyssa Young for their MCing of the event in between their own performances.

Please see below the program and some photos from the evening. Thank you to Chrissy Dwyer for the photos. 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

DATE CLAIMERS

Music Recital: NEXT WEEK Monday 12 June

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Arts Fest: Various Events Week 10 including Arts Fest Opening Performances (Chamber Groups) - Monday 19/6 and Massed Instrumental Ensemble (Strings and Band Instrumentalists) – Wednesday 21/6.

Toowoomba Eisteddfod Part 2: Term 3: 27/7 – 6/8.  All instrumental groups. Exact dates and timing of sessions are yet to be released by the Toowoomba Eisteddfod.

Rosanne Pietsch - Program Middle Leader - Cultural  - RPietsch@sjc.qld.edu.au

Enhanced Learning

Dealing with exam anxiety

It’s natural for students to sometimes feel stressed about taking tests and exams, especially if the stakes are high. But when the stress is ongoing, it can lead to exam anxiety.

With exam anxiety, students worry in advance about doing poorly — sometimes to the point of dreading going to school on exam day. Any child can have it, but exam anxiety is common in students who learn and think differently. (So is general anxiety.)

Students with these differences may struggle with skills needed for taking tests or with understanding the material. And if they have a history of not doing well on tests, it can increase their fear of failure.

Exam anxiety may begin days or even weeks before the exam and build as the time gets closer. It can interfere with studying or other schoolwork. And the anxiety itself can affect how well kids do on exams.

Having exam anxiety doesn’t mean kids have an anxiety problem — especially if their worrying is limited to this one area. But it can still take a toll on their well-being and self-esteem.

Signs of exam anxiety

Exam anxiety shows up in different ways and at unexpected times. It can also look different at different ages. Sometimes, it may not be clear that the behaviour is directly tied to exam-taking.

Here are some common signs of exam anxiety:

• Being moody or cranky
• Getting angry or crying over small things
• Avoiding or refusing to study
• Asking to stay home from school
• Complaining about stomach aches and headaches (especially on exam days)
• Talking endlessly about an upcoming exam
• Saying negative things about themselves
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

How to help students with exam anxiety

There are lots of ways to help students learn to manage exam anxiety. And there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of stress around taking exams.

It’s important for parents and teachers to share information about what they’re seeing. Then they can work together to give students the best support.

These tips may help reduce your teen’s worries over exams.

1. Listen to your teen’s concerns about exams — and about the future.

Talk honestly about what your teen is feeling and listen to their concerns. Try to be reassuring but realistic. “I can help be sure you’re prepared for this exam. And however you do on it, don’t be worried. There are so many options for you after high school, and I’ll work with you to find the best ones.”

2. Help them avoid stressful cramming.

Last-minute cramming for an exam is likely to increase anxiety. Part of the problem may be issues with organization and time management.

One way to avoid that is by helping kids create a monthly calendar of tests. From there, help them set up a weekly schedule for review before each test or quiz. Review the test calendar at a set time each week and create the next week’s study plan.

Having a schedule mapped out, and staying on top of it, can help kids feel more in control.

3. Communicate to your teen that setbacks happen — and it’s OK.

Even with good study habits, some students with learning and thinking differences may not do well on exams. They may start dreading tests and become anxious over them because they’re afraid of failing.

Try countering that fear by coming up with an action plan after a disappointing result. Tell your teen: “I know you studied hard for that exam. Now we know what you tried and what didn’t work so well. We can talk about what might work better for you next time. We can discuss it with your teachers too.”

From www.understood.org

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

Arts

How we celebrate Arts Education at SJC

During week 6 of Term 2, the Arts Department facilitated a week full of art activities and events to engage the whole college for International Arts Education Week (May). This international event was started in 2012 by a worldwide organisation called The World Alliance for Arts Education. The week intends to increase our community’s awareness of the importance of arts education by connecting socially within community through the Arts. At St Joseph’s College, we offer Drama, Music and Visual Arts where our students learn to express themselves creatively and in doing so, develop crucial 21st Century Skills (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication) inspiring their imagination through enrichment opportunities such as this one.

The aim was to make the Arts accessible to all students. Activities were planned during the Joey’s Way curriculum such as engaging in mindful digital colouring in, singing to Disney rap songs, engaging in friendly JW/House competition of Kahoot guessing songs, exploring the Arts through a quiz and making links with how the skills learnt in an Arts subject has connections to non-creative careers.

Lunch times were open to participation for practical workshops including being part of a Mission Photography for social justice activity, having a go at drama games, trying a STEAM maker space activity, students could get their face painted by a Senior Art student; trying out free-draw at the easels on display, showcasing their talent by playing an instrument or singing at our music jam.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Overall, the week was well received with feedback from students saying they had fun and enjoyed the activities. Read some testimonials from the students:

“The JW activities were really good and helped everyone in the JW feel connected to each other through the arts.”

“It was a good experience for us all to collectively collaborate with each other. “

“Participating and engaging in these activities and events provided an enriched school experience for me due to the interaction that was involved that allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, which then allowed me to meet new peers.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 'music jam'

Thank you to all the staff involved in helping put this event together, and our amazingly dedicated Arts team that made this week a success by contributing their time to put on activities for our students’ enjoyment.

Arts Opportunities

Staedtler Art Prize

Does your child like to create art at home? Maybe they have already got an artwork they could submit to the Staedtler Art Prize? Maybe they have created something in art class you think would be suitable to enter? 

Conditions:

• Students can enter ANYTHING!  Draw, scribble, sketch, paint – all we ask is that you create in a traditional way.
• *No digital art
• The artwork has to be completed in the last 12 months
• 1 entry per person

Visit the link for more info STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists of the Year Competition! | STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists of the Year Competition!

Entries Due 20 June Wk 10 T2 - it's FREE

Mrs Dwyer is happy to help your child with their submission.

QATSIF 2023 Creative Arts Competition

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

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.

The Uniform Shop will be closed for Stocktake on Thursday 22^nd June 2023.

Winter uniform is available for purchase, stock up before the real cold hits.

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

Reminder formal hat bands are available for purchase $12.

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:

• 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.