Newsletter - Term 3 - Week 4 - Issue 108

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Congratulations to our amazingly talented, dedicated, and hardworking musical students on their efforts and outstanding results at the Eisteddfod. A special congratulations to these highly commendable results.

Category - Secondary Brass (unaccompanied) Trio/Quartet – St Joseph’s College Brass – 1^st – Alex Tini, Camillo Lanzafame, Piper Wiemers

Category - Secondary School B Grade Stage Band – St Joseph’s College Jazz Ensemble – 3^rd – Conductor Mr Andy Will

Category - Secondary School Percussion or Orff Ensemble – St Joseph’s College Percussion Ensemble – 3^rd – Sarah Ellis, Rikkie Moon, Gemma Standeaven, Christian Lanzafame

Category - Secondary School B Grade Concert Band – St Joseph’s College Concert Band – 2^nd – Conductor Mrs Rosanne Pietsch

Secondary WOODWIND (unaccompanied) TRO/QUARTET – Highly Commended – St Joseph’s College Clarinets – Isobel Bertram, Jordan Conway, Henry Norris, Amelia Rawson – Tutor: Mr Connor Sharpe

Secondary WOODWIND (unaccompanied) TRO/QUARTET – Highly Commended – St Joseph’s College Flute Trio – Henrietta Cullin-Willy, Mitchell Hunt, Daniel Ooi – Tutor: Mrs Lauren Crighton

On behalf of the students, we would like to congratulate and thank our wonderful music tutors and staff. Your support and encouragement is greatly appreciated and vital in the students development.  

Freaky Friday the Musical

Only a week and a half to go until the opening of the St Joseph's College Freaky Friday Musical. Congratulations to the students and staff on your efforts so far. We know you will be outstanding and we are very much looking forward to enjoying your performances and congratulating you on your efforts after the event.

Tickets are still available for sale via the Empire Theatre here.

SJC Towards 2024 Strategic Plan

Wow how time quickly does time pass by. It seems like only yesterday that we launched the St Joseph’s College Towards 2024 Strategic Plan, but here we are three years into the four-year plan.

As with all organisations, the strategic planning process has been integral to achieving our vision and mission. The development of our plan involved extensive consultation with many stakeholders and resulted in the establishment of the strategic intents and initiatives that have been pursued over the last three years. A copy of the full strategic plan is available to all families at the front office of the College, or on our St Joseph’s College website.

It is my intent to share the success that we have achieved in striving for the strategic intents outlined in the plan over the upcoming newsletters so that our community is fully aware of the outstanding growth and commitment the students and staff have demonstrated over the last three years as we head into the final year of the current plan.

The St Joseph’s College: Towards 2024 strategic plan acknowledges the importance of individual growth for our young people, while setting aspirational targets and benchmarks.  Furthermore, it is clearly in alignment with The Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration, as St Joseph’s College continues to promote excellence and equity in a manner that enables all students to become confident and creative individuals, successful learners, and active and informed community members. 

Domain - Teaching and Learning – Students and their learning 

Strategic Intent: As an aspirational learning community, St Joseph’s College embraces a culture of learning to empower young people to pursue their passions and meet the demands of their future pathways. 

Key Improvement Strategies:  

In relation to Teaching and Learning practices, the College has: 

• Developed and began the journey of implementing the St Joseph’s College Teaching and Learning Framework that incorporates high impact teaching strategies and target teaching to ensure there is impact on every learner. 
• Through a focus on both students and staff being learners and a range of celebratory events we continue to foster a culture of teaching and learning that aspires to excellence and agency for both students and staff. 
• We have continued the highly successful student academic care tracking programs across the school to monitor progress towards measurable improvements. 
• We have at all times utilised evidence to inform targeted programs and track impact of the teaching and learning programs to increase student outcomes. 
• Our Enhanced Learning Team and teachers have demonstrated great commitment and effort in maximising student learning and differentiation through Planning for Personalised Learning. 
• We have begun the process of monitoring and extending high potential learners through differentiation in classes and in the offering of extension subjects at the College. 
• We have enhanced our use of Canvas to improve the learning and continue to respond innovatively to the changing needs of learners through the implementation of the eLearning plan. 
• Over the last two years we have achieved the goal of: 
• 100% of Year 12 students graduating with a QCE and QCIA 
• 100% of Year 12 students graduating with a dedicated pathway
• In 2020 37%, in 2021 87% and 2022 89% of our students have achieved an ATAR above 60 with our goal continuing to be 90% ATAR above 60. 
• In 2020 12%, 2021 23% and 2022 14% of our students have achieved an ATAR of above 90 with our goal continuing to be 28% ATAR above 90. 

In relation to the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy, the College will: 

• At least 3% above the National Mean in all domains in Year 9 of NAPLAN. In 2020 there was no NAPLAN testing due to COVID, in 2021 the students achieved this goal in 2 out of 5 domains and in 2022 the students again achieved this goal in 2 out of 5 domains. Data for 2023 is still to come.
• Show continual growth in all domains from Year 7 to Year 9 NAPLAN.  In 2020 there was no NAPLAN testing due to COVID, in 2021 the students achieved this goal in 4 out of 5 domains and in 2022 this growth is not available due to no NAPLAN in 2020. Data for 2023 is still to come.

Congratulations to all who have contributed to these wonderful achievements. We look forward to further growth and the embedding of these initiatives over the next 18 months.

Dignity and Student Safety

Last year I shared this information with our community around a similar time. I intentionally do so again to ensure this very serious issue is in the front of our minds as we continue to support our young people’s use of technology.

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. More recently though, it has been reported that there has been a higher rate of adolescent males falling victim, but that is not to say that young females are not also targeted.

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. Sadly, even good kids who never make a poor decision elsewhere in their life, can and do make poor choices online.

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 as always, we welcome your feedback. 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 https://sjc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-sextortion

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

From the Deputy Principal

Feast of Mary Mackillop

Next Tuesday 8 August we celebrate the first Australian Saint, Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Better known as the founder of the Australian order - Sisters of St Joseph. Many SJC community members may have been educated by the Sisters of St Joseph in schools throughout Australia. Mary Mackillop paved the way for the education of poor children, especially in the country and a variety of ministries that addressed the needs of 19th-century Australia. Mary MacKillop encourages us to be people of justice, to be courageous, forgiving, compassionate and hopeful, and to have a deep faith in our God who provides. Her legacy continues today in countless ways.

Vaping Conversation Starters

An esteemed colleague highlighted some striking new evidence in relation to vapes. Scientists are now testing vapes for radioactive polonium-210 – the poison Russia used to assassinate ex-KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 – after finding they contained other cancer-causing substances. We could encourage you to review the below video that is only 1:45min in length and perhaps ignite a conversation with your child and their knowledge and use of vapes. 

Below are some possible conversation starters to approach the topic in a constructive and understanding way:

• "Hey, I heard a lot about vapes recently. Do you know what they are and what they do?"
• "I wanted to talk to you about vaping because I care about your health and safety. What do you know about it?"
• "I read an article about the dangers of vaping, and it made me concerned. Have you or your friends ever encountered vapes or talked about them?"
• "I want to make sure you have all the information about vapes. Let's talk about what they are and why some people might use them."
• "Sometimes, things like vaping can be confusing or tempting. If you ever have questions or need guidance about it, I'm here to help."
• "I want to understand your thoughts on vaping. Can you tell me why some young people might choose to try it?"
• "Did you know that vapes can contain nicotine and other harmful substances? Let's talk about why it's crucial to avoid them."
• "How do you handle situations when your friends are vaping, and you don't want to be part of it? I'm here to support you in making the right choices."

Remember, the key is to create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings honestly. Listen actively, provide accurate information, and reinforce the importance of making healthy choices. If you're uncertain about certain aspects of vaping, consider researching together or seeking expert advice to clarify any doubts.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Teaching and Learning Framework

We are proudly displaying our Teaching and Learning Framework in each of the classrooms at St Joseph’s College.  At the recent Parent Engagement Network we gathered feedback on how this framework can be successfully implemented at the College and what responsibility all members of our community have in creating an Aspirational learning community for our students.  Recently we celebrated student achievement at the Academic Assembly and again today at the Excellence morning tea awards. It is important that we celebrate academic achievement but also acknowledge that we believe all passions and pathways are important for our students to be successful.

This term, the journey continues with professional development for teaching staff being held at our Twilight on the 15 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 and the continued planning of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum and the introduction of revised Applied syllabuses in the senior school.

Assessment Calendar

Please check with your son or daughter about upcoming assessment.  The Semester Two 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 Mrs Tobi 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.

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.   

Trial 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 Trial 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 expected to attend every trial/mock exam.  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 who remain at school can work quietly during the day in  a supervised classroom.   Students must do individual study and be in full school uniform.

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.

Year 9 and 10, 2024  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 11 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, 2024

On Thursday 17 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.  You would have received information about upcoming interviews via email 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 11 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

This week provides me with the opportunity to provide you with information about the process for appointing our 2024 Student Leaders. There are eighteen positions in total across nine portfolios. A list of positions is detailed below: 

• Two College Captains 
• Two Murphy House Captains 
• Two Brennan House Captains 
• Two Rice House Captains
• Two McAuley House Captains 
• Two Sport Captains 
• Two Cultural Captains 
• Two Academic Captains 
• Two Mission Captains 

 Please also note the following details: 

• Students have been encouraged to apply for leadership positions because: 

• They want to have a positive impact on the College community now and into the future. 
• They believe they have leadership skills. 

• Other people (including staff) have told them they have leadership skills. 

• The appointment of leaders is a challenging process for staff. Staff make informed but difficult decisions and appoint leaders we believe will have a positive impact on the relevant area of College life.  
• Due to the limited number of positions, worthy candidates may miss out. 
• In many cases, there will be a boy and girl in each portfolio. Sometimes, not having a male and female in each category has a negative impact. Many of us are familiar with the maxim: “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” This principle, however, is not absolute. No student leader is appointed because of their gender only.  

 The table below details each step of the application process: 

 We trust that this process will enable us to find leaders who will continue to serve the community and carry on the legacy of our 2023 cohort.  

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Catholic Education Week  

On Thursday 28 July, we celebrated Catholic Education Week and our Spirit of Catholic Education Award Winners in our Catholic Education Week Liturgy.  

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. 

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. 

 This year’s theme is - ‘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. 

Prayer 

May God, whose gift of Faith inspires our community, show us the way to share the light of Christ with all.  

May God, spirit of Hope, continue to inspire us to share all that we have with our neighbours.  

May God, the heart of our faith-filled communities, continue to inspire us to share Jesus’ commandment of Love.  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

All: Amen. 

Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 

Our Spirit of Catholic Education Awards recognise students who contribute to enlivening the mission of our College.  

Students were nominated based on the following criteria:  

• 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 the wider community or other members of the school community. 
• being supportive of the faith, spiritual and outreach life of the College. 
• actively living out the Joey's Way in all that they do. 

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

Sport Captains

Hello St Joseph’s College!

It's Romey and Libby here! It has been a while, so for those who don’t know us, we are your College Sport Captains for 2023. 

We hope that you have had an enjoyable start to Term 3! As a College, we have been super busy since we last wrote to you, so we are excited to share with you what has been happening and what is to come for the college, for the remainder of the year! Back in April was the last recap of the year that has been and there has been a multitude of things that as a College we have participated, persevered, and achieved excellence in.

To wind back the clock, we kicked the year off by having our first carnival, being the swimming carnival, with Murphy House getting the win. It has been a few months since then, with the other houses brewing with anticipation and excitement in the lead-up to the next carnival. 

Today marks the second carnival of our school year. That being the Athletics Carnival. The theme for this year’s Athletics Carnival is ICONS. With this theme, we are super keen to see all the houses bring out their best levels of creativity and spirit, with the ultimate winners being crowned the spirit award.

Following today, this coming Wednesday 9 August is the Colour Explosion and Cross Country. As a reminder, by participating in the Cross Country, you will automatically be able to participate in the Colour Explosion. By giving back to your house and giving it your 100%, whether you choose to competitively run or have a walk and jog with your friends, you will still be earning points for your house. Everyone can then enjoy and have fun with their mates in the colour run. We are so excited to see all the smiles and laughs, mainly from the teachers, when the students are being decorated with colours.   

One of our goals during our time as College Sport Captains was that we wanted to be able to improve the level of participation of all year levels, particularly at our major three carnivals. With only a few days turn around for these last two events, it is the perfect time to get involved and keep the spirit and anticipation going! With all houses having a meeting over these past few days, they have hopefully provided you with the motivation and cheer practice to tackle the next few carnivals with pride and excitement. 

Throughout the last term, students in sports have been living out one of the many schools' imperatives of being 'proud and humble'. We would both like to congratulate all the students that have been achieving great results in their sporting endeavours. You guys are smashing it! These students are demonstrating and continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication and commitment to their sporting endeavours, and we congratulate you on your achievements.  

We would like to also say a big thank you to our teachers, coaches, parents, and support staff for their ongoing commitment to sports at the college. Sporting events don’t happen overnight, and they take lots of time, finances and commitment and it doesn’t go unseen. Without your dedication to our sporting pathways in and outside the college, we wouldn’t be the high-achieving individuals that we are today. Thank you!

2023 Sport Captains - Libby Ganly and Romey Wiemers

Student Voice

Hello, St Joey’s community!

If you don’t know already Student Voice is a fortnightly student-led initiative group that gives everyone a safe platform to raise concerns and issues within our community and has recently sent out a school-wide survey. We want to hear fresh perspectives on our school and what can be done to improve it. The survey is brief and was sent out via email but can also be accessed from the school’s website.

If you're interested in discussing your ideas or issues further, then feel free to come along to our next meeting! Held every day 9 on the timetable, in the seminar rooms. New members are always welcome, and we hope to see you there!

Until next time from the student voice team!

Murphy House

Embarking on a Journey: Unleash Your Academic Adventure

Dear Adventurous Students,

Welcome aboard as we set sail on a new academic journey! Just like embarking on an exciting adventure, the start of a new term is an opportunity to discover uncharted territories of knowledge, chart new courses, and conquer academic challenges. In this newsletter article, explore the importance of embracing a new term and making the most of this thrilling journey.

A Ship Sets Sail: Setting Course for Growth

Imagine a magnificent ship setting sail, leaving the familiar shores behind, and venturing into unexplored waters. Similarly, the beginning of a new term is our chance to leave behind any past disappointments or missed opportunities. It's time to hoist the sails of growth, adjusting our course towards success. As the famous sailor John A. Shedd once said, "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for”. Embrace this fresh start as you set sail toward new horizons, ready to learn, grow, and achieve remarkable feats.

Navigating the Map: Charting Goals and Intentions

Just like seasoned sailors navigate by charts and maps, it's crucial for us to set clear goals and intentions for our academic journey. Picture the map of your ambitions and dreams, highlighting the destinations you wish to reach. What do you want to achieve academically and personally during this term? Create a compass of determination and use it to chart your course. As the visionary Walt Disney once said, "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”. So, chart your goals, adjust your sails, and let the winds of determination carry you towards your dreams.

Preparing the Ship: Establishing Supportive Habits

Before setting sail, a crew ensures that the ship is in top shape. Similarly, you must prepare yourself for the academic voyage ahead. Create a supportive environment by organising your study space, establishing a routine, and adopting healthy habits. Just as a ship needs regular maintenance, your mind and body require care and nourishment. As the Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”. Cultivate habits that fuel your success and keep your ship steady on the journey to greatness.

Navigational Aids: Seeking Support and Resources

During your academic voyage, you'll encounter challenging waters and unknown territories. Fear not! Just as sailors rely on navigational aids like compasses and charts, you have a vast array of resources and support available. Seek guidance from your teachers, mentors, and peers when you encounter obstacles. They can provide invaluable advice and help you navigate uncharted waters. In addition, explore online resources and educational platforms that offer supplemental materials and interactive learning experiences. These resources are like lighthouses, guiding you toward deeper knowledge and understanding.

The Captain's Mindset: Sailing with Positivity

Every successful voyage requires a captain with a positive mindset and unwavering belief in the crew and the ship. Similarly, as you embark on your academic journey, cultivate a captain's mindset of optimism, resilience, and perseverance. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and approach each day with a can-do spirit. As the renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated”. Let your positive mindset be the wind in your sails, propelling you forward even when the seas get rough.

For Parents: If you're a parent or guardian joining this seafaring adventure, we encourage you to support your young explorer's journey by creating a nurturing and empowering environment. Here are some insightful resources for you:

• Video: "The Power of a Growth Mindset: A Captain's Perspective" - Link
• Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
• Poster: Navigating your learning using the 7 C’s

As we set sail on this new academic voyage, let us seize the helm of our education, explore new knowledge, and conquer the challenges that come our way. Remember, it's not just about reaching the destination—it's about embracing the journey, the growth, and the discoveries along the way.

May your sails be filled with curiosity, your minds open to new possibilities, and your hearts brimming with determination!

Smooth sailing and bon voyage!

Best regards,

Aleesah Degen - Student Engagement Middle Leader – Murphy House - adegen@sjc.qld.edu.au

References:

1. Shedd, J. A. (1928). Salt from my Attic. Quote referenced from Goodreads: Link
2. Disney, W. (n.d.). BrainyQuote. Quote referenced from BrainyQuote: Link
3. (n.d.). BrainyQuote. Quote referenced from BrainyQuote: Link
4. Angelou, M. (n.d.). BrainyQuote. Quote referenced from BrainyQuote: Link
5. The Power of a Growth Mindset: A Captain's Perspective. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved from Link
6. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

Sport

Queenslander!

Congratulations to Maddox Jackson who was named in the Queensland Under 12 Hockey side after the State Championships just before the holidays.

We have Maddox’s father Terry on the Wall of Fame when he made the Australian School Boys team in 2004. This got me going back and checking some of his history and found a few photo of him in the Under 21 Queensland teams in 2005 and 2006.

We congratulate Maddox on his achievement which I think beats his fathers’ achievements all those years ago. He obviously comes from good stock and fingers are crossed he does well at the National titles to be held from Sunday, July 30 to Friday, August 4 in New Town, Tasmania.

Futsal Final

On Monday July 24, nine very excited girls boarded the bus to Brisbane at 6.30am to contest the finals of the 15 years girls futsal.

After winning the local competition, the girls were invited to attend the finals in Brisbane to be played at the Nissan Arena.

Our games were as follows:

9.00am Peregian Beach lost 2 to 1

11.30am Trinity College lost 3 to 1

12.30pm Robina SHS lost 3 to 0

The games were very close and could have gone either way. The girls played hard against some rough competition. Some of the opposition girls were very disrespectful and I am so pleased that we have students who play with dignity and respect for their opposition. It is a pleasure to coach girls who play sport for what it represents.

SSI Red Lion Competition

Tuesday, July 25 the Open boys and girl’s teams travelled to Captain Cook Oval to play in this competition.

As the girls won the Plate competition last year, we were placed in the Cup competition. We only had one senior girl playing with us, so we knew it was going to be a tough assignment.

Open girl’s results were:

SJC v’s HSHS: lost 2 – 1

SJC v’s Glennie: lost 1 to 0

SJC v’s Stanthorpe SHS: drew 1 all

SJC v’s Lowood: won 1 to 0

SJC v’s St Ursula’s: won 2 to 1

This has placed us in the semifinal against Stanthorpe State High School on Thursday, August 10 in Stanthorpe.

We also decided to place the boys in the Cup competition as we felt we had a team that boasted many Thunder players, and we could do fairly well.

Open boy’s results were:

SJC v’s HSHS: lost 0 -1

SJC v’s St Mary’s: 0 all draw

SJC v’s Lowood: won 2 - 0

SJC v’s CHSHS: 0 all draw

SJC v’s Mt Lofty: won 3 – 2

This has placed us in the semifinal against Mt Lofty on Tuesday August 8 on the St Joseph’s oval at 3.30pm.

Congratulations to Marley Jackwitz who was selected in the Under 15 girls Country team at the FQ State Championships for SWQ Thunder FC. We wish her the best as she advances to the next stage of this exciting development.

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

Connecting with Careers

Lunch and Learn Term 3  

The Career Catch-up Sessions will be held in Room 22b (next to the canteen). All welcome!! Bring your friends and your lunch 😊  

 Year 12 McNab Work Experience Program  

We’re excited to let you know that applications are now open for McNab’s 2023 Pathways Program for Year 12 students.  

 This is an amazing opportunity for students to get their foot in the door with McNab and can lead to real employment outcomes. 

Program structure 

One week. Two paths. Lots of fun! 

1. University path

Perfect for students considering studying Engineering, Construction Management, Property Management or Architecture at university next year. They will learn about McNab’s Cadet program and be able to express their interest for our 2024 intake. 

2. Trade path

Perfect for students who are wanting to pursue a Carpentry or Waterproofing trade. They will be able to try out for one of McNab’s highly sought after apprenticeships and gain hands on experience working within a large construction company.

Send your resume to pathways@mcnab.net.au to apply. Applications close Friday,4 August 2023.  

 2024 TAFE at School program Applications are now open!   

We are excited to announce that the 2024 Darling Downs and South West, TAFE at School applications are now open!  

Eligible courses include:  

 
More information can be found here: Darling Downs and South West Course Guide  

How to Apply  

To apply for the 2024 TAFE at School Programs, students will need to:  

• Go to tafeapply.com  
• Enter the application code TQSW2401    
    

Please note: TAFE are expecting a very high level of interest in this program, and they cannot guarantee that all applicants will receive an offer of place.  

What happens next?  

Offers of Place will be sent to eligible students, parents, and guardians in Term 4. You are encouraged to accept by the deadline.  

 A positive study mindset is essential 

When you know that you have to sit down and do some study, what thoughts go through your head? 

• I hate this and don't want to do it     OR     If I'm going to pass, I will need to get it done 
• I have better things I'd rather be doing     OR     I'd rather be doing something else but if I get started, I'll get it finished 
• I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing     OR     I'll start with a plan for the session, so I don't waste time 

• I'll never get this done     OR     If I get it started at least, it's a step in the right direction 
• Everyone else finds this easy     OR     If I focus on what I'm reading, I'll have a better chance of understanding it 
• I have too much to do and not enough time    OR     It's a hectic time of the term so just focus on one thing at a time 

These are just some of the thoughts that go through our mind when it comes to study but you get the idea I'm sure. Success and happiness in anything you do is all about how we think/talk to ourselves :)  

School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Vacancies 

Check out the latest School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship vacancies here: https://www.sjccareers.com.au/for-students/current-opportunities  

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. 

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

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.

Both our large ensembles received placings in highly competitive sections:

Jazz Ensemble received Third place in the Secondary School B Grade Stage Band section. They played with flair and precision. This award was truly well deserved. Congratulations to the students and Mr Andy Will for his superb work with this group.

Concert Band received Second place in the Secondary School B Grade Concert Band section. They gave an awesome performance with style and pizazz. Congratulations to all students involved.

The College also provides the opportunity for students to work with our dedicated and highly accomplished tutors in small specialist Chamber groups.

Congratulations to all our Chamber groups who proudly represented the College:

• 1^st - Secondary Brass (unaccompanied) Trio/Quartet – St Joseph’s College Brass – Alex Tini, Camillo Lanzafame, Piper Wiemers – Tutor: Mr Andy Will
• 3^rd - Secondary School Percussion or Orff Ensemble – St Joseph’s College Percussion Ensemble – Sarah Ellis, Rikkie Moon, Gemma Standeaven, Christian Lanzafame – Tutor: Mr Ray Johnson
• Highly Commended - Secondary WOODWIND (unaccompanied) TRO/QUARTET St Joseph’s College Clarinets – Isobel Bertram, Jordan Conway, Henry Norris, Amelia Rawson – Tutor: Mr Connor Sharpe
• Highly Commended - Secondary WOODWIND (unaccompanied) TRO/QUARTET - St Joseph’s College Flute Trio – Henrietta Cullin-Willy, Mitchell Hunt, Daniel Ooi – Tutor: Mrs Lauren Crighton
• St Joseph’s College Chamber String Ensemble: Zoe Francis, Olivia Omotosho, Arielle Suhr, Daniel Ooi, Aimee Wilson - Tutor: Miss Felicity Mohr
• St Joseph’s College Saxophone Ensemble: Ben McNamara, Jordan Conway, Briony Ormsby, Lilly Wiemers, Amelia Rawson - Tutor: Mr Connor Sharpe

Many thanks to our tutors for their work with these groups. All groups acquitted themselves well and can be proud of their performances.

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

COLLEGE MUSICAL - Freaky Friday Tickets On Sale Now

Freaky Friday tickets are selling quickly via the Empire Theatres website. Don’t miss out! Link found here: Freaky Friday - Empire Theatre

The whole College community is invited to come along to enjoy and support this exciting production by our students in the Performing Arts.

Library

A reminder that the Premier’s Reading Challenge is still running – entries close 25th of August. So grab a form and a book and add to your English class total for the chance to win a pizza party!  

This term the library will celebrate Book Week with our annual Book Week Parade. This is a chance for students to dress up as their favourite literary characters for the day! A number of prizes will be presented for best costumes and best group costume on the day. So start planning your costumes! 

Don’t forget that the library has clubs and activities that run throughout the week that all students are welcome to participate in.  

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

Arts News - Design Tracks Residency

On Monday the 12th of June, I embarked on a trip to Brisbane for a three-day design residency program called Design Tracks, starting on Tuesday the 13th of June and ending on Thursday the 15th of June. The point of this program is for First Nation students from across Queensland to work alongside established indigenous creative mentors and dive deeper into the career pathways available in creative industries, held at QAGOMA (Queensland art gallery of modern art) and the Queensland Museum. 

Over the course of this program, participants are guided through art activities that work together to equip them with a range of knowledge and skills that can be used in everyday life while also teaching them about their culture. The main activity of the Program is to solve a design question facing the First Nation community. To solve this question, I was put into a group with other students from across Queensland, this group was then given a mentor with whom we would work for the next three days on solving our design question. This solution was presented to the rest of the group and special guest judges at the end of the program.

 I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this trip and learnt a lot about my culture, art practices and myself; I cannot recommend this trip enough to first nations students and hope that they too would get something out of embarking on it. Whether it be making new friends, learning more about art and history or even just using the time to further your own art practices. I truly believe it is a worthwhile experience and I am happy to answer any questions about what I did and my experience.

Izabella Harch - Year 11 Visual Art Student

Madeleine Minns returns from Atabae!

SJC Music teacher Madeleine Minns has returned from a 12 month volunteering placement in Atabae, Timor-Leste with Palms Australia.

At the end of her time there, both Madeleine and her parnter, Malcolm Gaydon, were given a very warm farewell from the community in Atabae. Read about their farewell here: https://palms.org.au/2023/07/24/family-farewells-and-food/

During Ms Minns' time in Timor-Leste, St Joseph's College organised and donated medical equipment and supplies to the Atabae Community Health Clinic. 

Below is the Certificate of Appreciation and a letter thanking the College from the clinic.

SJC - Community News

Interact's Shave for a Cure Raffle

We are getting closer to Interact’s annual Shave for a Cure event which will be taking place in Week 5, Term 3 (August 9th)!

This year our goal is to beat last year’s fundraising amount of $17,675!

Tickets for the multidraw raffle are now on sale! Check out the awesome prizes already up for grabs…

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased online here: https://sjctoowoombainteract.weebly.com/

The raffle will be drawn according to the list on the website at 4pm on Wednesday 9th August 2023.

Thank you to our sponsors who have already donated! If you would like to donate a prize towards the raffle, please reach out!

The Spotted Cow Hotel 
Westy’s Pizza 
Sunset Superbowl 
Zarraffa's Coffee 
Darling Downs Zoo 
Merlo Coffee 
Club Glenvale 
Australian Surfing Adventures 
Adrenaline Sports 
Hair Room On Russell 
Uniplaza Meats QLD 
The Ginger Factory Golden 
West Apprenticeships 
Ivy n Oak Collective 
PharmaSave Harristown (The Tower Shopping Village) 
The Coffee Club Australia 
Kloud9ine 
AquaDuck 
Bou Samra’s 
Nutrimetics 
The Royal 
Westridge Fruit and Veg 
Comtel 
Bull and Barely Inn Cambooya 
Summerland Camels
Galactic Donuts

Shaping our future: TCS perception survey 

Every two years Toowoomba Catholic Schools asks staff, parents and students to share their views, to ‘check in’ on how each school within our community is bringing to life our purpose: to enable full and flourishing lives. We do this by asking you to complete a perception survey.
 
The survey was sent via email on Monday 17 July. This 15-minute survey closes on Sunday, 6 August 2023.
 
St Joseph's encourages everyone in our College community to add their voice to the conversation.

Every drop counts. Can we count on you?

From 1 August to 31 October, St Joseph’s College will be supporting Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s annual QLD & NSW Schools Blood Drive and we’re encouraging all eligible members of our school community aged 18+ to roll up their sleeves and donate.   

Can we count you in?

Every week across our nation, Lifeblood needs to collect 33,000 donations to support patient healthcare needs.  Australia’s donors are lifesavers, they’re indispensable and inspirational.  However, with winter colds and flu having an impact, many regular donors are feeling unwell and are unable to donate.  That’s where people from St Joseph’s College come in!  If you haven’t donated for a while or if you’ve never donated and are keen to give it a try – Lifeblood is counting on you to help fill the gaps.

By giving together, SJC can make a difference.

Schools are at the heart of our communities, they bring people together, foster connection and support others when they need it most.  And this Blood Drive is the perfect opportunity for our school to do just that! 

To be eligible to donate you need to be aged 18+ and feeling healthy and well on the day of your donation.  You can check if you’re able to donate by taking the online Lifeblood Blood Eligibility Quiz.  Blood can be given every 12 weeks, while plasma can be given more often – helping even more people. 

And because this is a Blood Drive, hundreds of schools across Queensland and New South Wales will join together as we aim to give 1,000 donations, which have the potential to save up to 3,000 lives.

St Joseph’s College is aiming to give as many donations as we can! 

You can learn more by visiting the Lifeblood website.

Remember, every drop counts — and we’d love to count you in!

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.

Can you believe it is still winter, such beautiful weather.

But just in case we have a few cold days we still have winter supplies in store:

• Scarves $25.00
• Jumper $75.00
• Ladies Tights/Stockings $15.00
• Tracksuit Jacket $60.00
• Tracksuit Pants $55.00
• Male Trousers $45.00
• Female Pants $50.00
• Missing your hat band $12.00
• Hair Accessories $10-12

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:

Female Sport shorts Sz L

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.