Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 6 - Issue 66

From the Principal

In term three 2019 as the Principal of Assumption College, I had the opportunity to start my newsletter with the following line, and today I have the privilege of using it again.

What else can I say to start this newsletter but, OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD YOU GUYS!!!

Wow, what a superb opening night and what an amazingly talented, dedicated, and inspiring group of students and staff. From the students who played lead roles, to the students who were part of the support crew and everyone in between, your efforts over the last six months, culminating in your performance last night and what I am sure will carry over for the remainder of the shows has been simply sensational. You epitomize the culture that we are constantly endeavouring to embed at St Joseph’s College. Aspiring to Excellence, through application, hard work and dedication. Congratulations to you all! You should be very proud of your efforts, because as a College we are so very proud of you.

To the team of Ms Madeleine Minns, Ms Cathie Barton, Ms Megan Scott and Mrs Nadia Spain and your assistants, Mr Brad Hodges, Mrs Pam Hensler, Miss Aleesha Degen, Mr Gerard Saide, Mr Chris Fitzpatrick. your tireless efforts and generosity to prepare such an event has been phenomenal and on behalf of the St Joseph’s College community I thank you. I have heard comments over the last couple of weeks that the group of staff and students involved refer to themselves as the musical family. This has been very evident in the way that they have interacted, challenged, cared, and supported each other. I believe that I can confidently say that our students who have been part of this musical are better young people for the experience. 

To the numerous other staff members, students and parents who have and will assist in anyway, we thank you so very much. To Ella Taylor in Year 12, who created the costumes for our lead role, thank you. Your amazing skill level and generosity is greatly appreciated.

Finally, I would like to thank the parents of the students who are part of this wonderful production. We are very aware of the fact that we only have to deal with these amazing students when they are on their best behaviour at school, or when they are loving the comradery of their peers and the excitement of the preparation and performances. You have been the ones who have had to deal with the exhausted, irritable teenagers who have been not only juggling school and the musical, but in a lot of cases part time work and sport. For your support of our College and your child we thank you so very much.

Continuing the School Year Well…

Over the term we have held a range of activities that have highlighted and congratulated students on their efforts up until this point of the year. We have acknowledged the efforts of students striving for their best academically by presenting Participate and Persevere, and Aspire to Excellence Certificates, and holding our Academic Excellence morning tea. We have also acknowledged numerous individuals and teams of students who have represented our College outstandingly as tour guides for Open Day, in a range of sports and cultural events, and we will obviously acknowledge the amazing students involved in the school musical in the near future at school.

In order to foster, this spirit of continuing the school year well, I have outlined a few helpful tips below that parents have reported are useful in supporting their children.

1. Be intentional about nurturing belongingness. If a student feels welcomed, valued, trusted and respected at home, there is a high chance that this positivity will enhance the student’s sense of belonging at school. Recent studies show that there is a high correlation between a student’s approach to school, their approach to learning and their sense of belonging.
2. Model and engender attributes of inclusiveness, kindness, courtesy and respect. There are some things that simply cannot be told, but are taught, felt and learnt by example and empowerment. Among these are the vital attributes that allow us to get along with others, such as kindness, courtesy and respect. By coaching our students at home and at school about how to care for others, we allow students to develop bonds with their peers and the College. These bonds are closely linked to developing not only their sense of belongingness but also a student’s sense of empathy and willingness to assist and be assisted in their learning by their peers and teachers.
3. Champion a Growth Mindset. Our students need encouragement (from someone who they trust) to strive for their best, and they need to understand that trying (and sometimes not succeeding) is of higher importance than not striving for your best. To dare to be brave and strive for your best elevates personal growth and eventually our students will see this as being more valuable than the risk of disappointment when they do not succeed at first.
4. Let your child lead. As students become exposed to a myriad of situations and a greater diversity of personalities, they need to learn how to master themselves. This includes developing self-control, self-discipline, self-regulation and self-awareness. Where learning is required guide your child through social stories and invite them to suggest alternative ways that the situation could have been played out. Allowing our students to lead their own self-discovery empowers them to work through the challenges independently.
5. Explain to your child that it is important at times to just breathe. The number one antidote for anxiety and stress is controlled breathing: even one good, deep breath helps. To just breathe is a conscious reminder of an involuntary function. To breathe deeply on purpose injects a boost of oxygen to the brain and vital organs, relaxes muscle tension that impacts our posture and sense of well-being, and takes the brain off high alert to enable clearer thinking in the moment to make the most of each moment.

I hope that these few tips are helpful in assisting with engaging your student for the remainder of the year.

P&F Senior School Study Tips Session

A reminder that next Tuesday June 1 at 7.00pm we will be holding our first P&F promoted information session. The session will cover information on how to support your child prepare for the rigours of senior schooling!

On this evening topics that will be covered include:

• Weekly routines
• Study spaces
• Preparation for exams
• Time management
• Dealing with the stress and anxiety of exams

RSVP to rsvp@sjc.qld.edu.au

Kort Goodman, Principal

From the Deputy Principal

The Learning Pit

Think back to a time when you have struggled to understand something or solve a problem. It can seem like a significant challenge. How resilient and persistent are we when this happens? Do we simply give up or do we use it as an opportunity to learn? These are the discussions we have with learners at SJC.

We often call the struggle in learning as ‘being in the learning pit.’ The Learning Pit  was created by James Nottingham. When we are in the pit, we need a growth mindset, grit and a belief in the power of YET. “I can’t do this...YET” “I don’t understand this...YET” “I am not good at this...YET”. The small three letter word can help make the change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. When we are in the pit, we need a positive mindset to keep persisting, persevering and seek strategies to help us get out of the pit. 

Learners are encouraged to think when they are in the pit - think about their mindset, think more deeply about the concepts, think about prior learning and make connections, persist and persevere, what will help me get out of the pit.

The next time you hear your child struggling with their learning, remind them that they are in the pit and with persistence and grit, they will be able to make it out. 

Drafts

We encourage all learners to submit their best possible effort in a ‘draft’. It is a time when teachers can provide students with structured feedback, so that a learner can take that feedback and make the piece stronger as they iteratively make process towards the final submission. It is not just a matter of completing a draft or just the final submission, there is a whole process of improving progress. Please encourage your child to submit their best work during the drafting phase of an assessment task

Not Now, Now Ever

Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and to send a clear message that violence of this sort will not be tolerated.

The Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland in its ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ report recommended that individuals, community groups and the private sector work together to help prevent domestic and family violence and support those affected.

Remember – domestic and family violence is never acceptable and we all have a responsibility to act.

View the End Domestic Family Violence website - https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/end-domestic-family-violence

CyberSafety

As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and our duty of care to ensure students’ safety and wellbeing, this week Year 7 and new families will receive further information relating to Family Zone.

Family Zone is Australia’s leading provider of cyber safety and security services to schools and parental control products for parents.

Family Zone is a cyber safety solution that protects children on the internet wherever they are; at home, at school, and everywhere in between.  Providing parents with visibility, and allowing them to manage their kids’ online activity, with ongoing support from a team of leading Cyber Experts.

You will receive more information regarding Family Zone in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about Family Zone and how it works, please visit the St Joseph's College Cyber Safety Hub here.

Upcoming Event

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

From the Assistant Principal- Religious Education

Celebrating 200 Years of Catholic Education  

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820. 

The first Catholic school in Australia was founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry and run by convict and lay person George Marley. The school, which Catholic historians believe was in Hunter Street, Parramatta, taught 31 students. By 1833, there were 10 Catholic schools in the colony.  

Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school.  This represents 777,000 students in 1,755 schools across the country and employing over 100,000 teachers and staff.  Nearly 40 per cent of Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities. 

A National Mass was celebrated in states and dioceses on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on 24 May 2021. At St Joseph’s, we joined together for a Liturgy of the Word; while our Year 11 Liturgy group represented our College at the Toowoomba Diocese Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Mr Bruce Cook and Emilee Keehn shared their vocal talents in the celebration.  

We look forward to reflecting further on the history of Catholic Education in Australia as we plan for Catholic Education Week, July 26-30.  

Kellie-Marie Ford, Assitant Principal - Religious Education - kford@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Teacher and Learning Framework

Currently we are working on a Teaching and Learning Framework for St Joseph’s College.  One of the collaborative activities we have engaged all staff and students in is collecting feedback on the following questions

• What is an Inspired and Passionate Teacher at St Joseph's College?
• What should our Teachers and Students have in common? (dispositions)
• What do we want our St Joseph's College students to be like?

Our staff and students were given the opportunity to provide feedback.

A very important aspect of this is missing…..

What does our community of parents are carers think of these three important questions?

• As a parent or carer what do you think an Inspired and Passionate Teacher is at St Joseph’s College?
• What should our Teachers and Students have in common?
• What do you want your son or daughter to be like as a learner at St Joseph’s College?

If you are interested in providing feedback to all or some of these questions, could you please send me your feedback to my email (kfellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au) by Friday 28^th May, so we can collate and compare with the data collected from staff and students.  I look forward to your feedback in this important process.

Senior Reporting

Year 11 and 12 teachers are currently completing report cards for the senior school. Please note that for Year 12 this is End of Unit 3 reporting and results are provisional until confirmed by QCAA.  Students should start seeing their confirmed results in their QCAA portal. Please ask your son or daughter to show you their myQCE portal https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/.  At the time of reporting, the results for most subjects were provisional and waiting confirmation.

In Year 12, Unit 3 is paired with Unit 4.  Students are required to pass Unit 3 & 4 (4 pieces of assessment) to achieve 2 credit points for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). For students who are ATAR eligible, their results will be based on the final result from Unit 3 & 4 (3 internal pieces and their external exam) for General subjects.  Students also require a pass in Unit 3 & 4 for English / Literature or Essential English to be ATAR eligible along with the set pattern of study (for example 5 General Subjects or 4 General + 1 Applied subject or 4 General + Certificate III course).  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Tobin (Senior Learning Years) or myself at the College.

For Year 11, teachers are reporting on End of Unit 1.  This will be graded A to E, however, QCAA requires a final grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory to know whether a student is entitled to bank 1 credit towards their QCE.  If a student has been unsuccessful in Unit 1, then conversations about how your son or daughter can improve their results, what pathways they are interested in and whether this subject is still suitable for them, should be occurring with you.  Consultation with the Careers Practitioner Mrs Harman and the Senior Learning Years Leader – Mrs Tobin is extremely important as there is only a small window of opportunity for students to change classes to start in Year 11,  Unit 2.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

What Does it Mean to be Punctual and Prepared? 

Each Imperative in The Joey’s Way is attached to two things: i) a piece of scripture and ii) The Personal and Social Capabilities as identified by the Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority (ACARA). We connect our imperatives to scripture because they are an essential expression of our Catholic Identity in the Edmund Rice tradition. We also connect our imperatives to the Australian Curriculum because we know that if we live out our imperatives to the best of our ability, we’ll be great learners.  

The gospel of Matthew (13: 1-9) calls us to be punctual and prepared:  

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears[a] listen!’ 

The Parable of the Sower, on the surface, tells us that seeds will grow when they are given the right conditions.  Seeds that find soil that is rich and well-prepared will have great yield, while those that fall in unfavourable conditions will be unable to grow.  

As learners, we must see ourselves as seeds that need the right conditions to grow. We must responsibly ensure that we prepare for our learning, so we see greater yield. We do not wish to waste the seeds like those that fall on the path or the rocky ground.  So rather than wasting the teaching in our classes by not being prepared and punctual to class, our Joey’s Way is to show up ready, organised and prepared to make the most of the opportunities presented to us.  

Blessed Edmund Rice recognised this in his ministry. In offering education to the boys of Waterford, he ensured they were also provided with a tailor and a baker to be well presented and well fed. At St Joseph’s College, we ask that everyone takes collective responsibility to create the best learning environment. The first step to this is being punctual and prepared.  

Being Punctual and Prepared Looks Like: 

• Wearing your full uniform correctly and with pride 
• Being punctual to school each day 

• Being on time to each lesson 
• Lining up outside the classroom ready for the lesson  
• Always having your College diary 
• Bringing the correct equipment to classes 
• Having your device charged and ready to use 

• Changing into your sports uniform on time for physical classes 
• Promptly following teacher instructions  

Being Punctual and Prepared Sounds Like: 

• Sharp start to the lesson 
• Teachers beginning lessons promptly  

• Students being responsible and accountable for where they are at all times 
• Students setting a culture of punctuality  
• ‘The bell is about to go, let’s go get our books.’ 
• ‘Sorry I can’t stop; I need to go to my class.’ 

Being Punctual and Prepared Feels Like: 

• Beginning a lesson with a sense of purpose 
• You are in control of your learning 
• You are responsible 
• A shared purpose of learning 
• Putting our best foot forward  

There are many motivational quotes and memes on social media entitled ‘things that take no skill’. Be punctual and prepared is often at the top of the list, but this is an oversimplification of the issue. On one hand, it takes no skill to be on time, on the other, building a habit of being punctual does take energy commitment, especially at first. Our Joey’s Way lessons each morning hope to provide our students with the necessary skills to build effective learning habits. 

Mr Joe Cryle, Assistant Principal - Student Engagtement   jcryle@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Student Voice

Strategic plan launch

On Monday the 17^th of May the College held a strategic launch to share the direction that the college is taking. It was very exciting for our community to be honoured to share this with important members of the wider community including Dr Pat Coughlan, members from the Toowoomba Regional Council and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. The night was very integral to shaping the direction our college is taking and was put together after much collaboration with the outer community and was endorsed by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. This night also allowed for our 18 student leaders to see the direction that the college is heading towards and what part of it our legacy will be.  Additionally the opportunity to converse with the members of council and gain an insight into what they do and how they got to where they are.

Open day

Another interesting part of the College life in the last week was the Open Day that was held on Wednesday the 19^th of May. This day allowed over 400 students from about 21 various primary schools to come along and see what the College has to offer. This day was a very exciting opportunity for St Joseph's to showcase everything that we have and will have in the coming years. As Mitch and I led the assembly and took people on tours it was very exciting to see how many students are interested in coming to the College. After multiple discussions with some of the parents many said that they were very pleased with all the different opportunities that St Joeph's College provides. This day proved to be a success and really allowed for us to show everything that we have to offer.

Jemma Bradshaw - College Captain

Getting to know our new staff members.

Welcome Carissa Jaworski

Carissa has joined us from Concordia College and will be teaching Mathematics and Science.  Carissa will also be taking Joey's Way Murphy 6.

Welcome Maxine Hetherington

Maxine will be taking Joey's Way McAuley 6 and teaching English and Humanites.

Focus on Brennan House

Cross Country

I am very proud of Brennan House this term especially for their efforts in the school Cross Country.  We have been working for a few years on improving our attendance, participation and efforts at school sporting carnivals and it is really beginning to pay off.  We celebrated a number of students who achieved age champion in their age group, but I am just as proud of each and every member of Brennan House who turned up and tried their best.  Points came down to the wire and I could sense excitement building as Brennan House looked to snag their first, 1st place in a number of years.  Unfortunately, we just missed out, but we are making the other houses nervous.  Congratulations must also go to Brennan 1 for winning the first ever Joey’s Way relay competition 

I am really looking forward to next term and the efforts of Brennan House students at our St Joseph’s Athletics Carnival.

Attendance

Parents please help us provide the best educational opportunities for your child/ren by getting them to school on time each morning.  It is very important that students attend, as any time away from students learning can very quickly add up to a significant amount of missed education over the course of a year.  If there are any concerns around this or reasons why students are struggling to get to school, please let Joey’s Way teachers know and we are very happy to work alongside you in improving school attendance.

Care for everybody

Caring for everybody means not just looking out for yourself and your friends, but everybody in your circle of influence.  This time of the term tends to send stress levels soaring as students, teachers and parents deal with colds and sicknesses, assessment and reporting, as well as the general wear and tear of a term coming slowly towards its end.  I encourage everyone to follow the Brennan motto and remember to look out for and care for everybody; as you never quite know what is going on for someone else, you may just be the support and care they need in that moment (students that includes looking after parents, guardians and staff).

Care for Everybody.

Luke Logan, Brennan House Leader - llogan@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Focus on Performance

St Joseph’s College Musical opens to a sell-out audience!

Show Week 27-29 May
Armitage Centre (Empire Theatre)

As the College Musical opens, (and closes) this week, it is apparent that the ARTS Department at St Joseph’s College is abound with talent across all areas of the Drama and Music. Under the direction of Ms Cathie Barton, the cast of Legally Blonde demonstrated their outstanding command of this professional show to bring to life the story of Elle Woods and her journey to self.

Congratulations to Jordan McLachlan, who led the cast as Elle Woods, for her relentless and outstanding energy and her snazzy, hip and professional delivery of this complex and demanding role. She was supported by several impressive leads including Darby Carroll as Emmett Forrest, Joseph Watson as Warner Huntington III, Charlotte Krause and Madeleine Anderson as Vivienne Kensington and Nelson McDonald as Professor Callahan.

One could only enjoy the humour and audacious confidence of the Sorority queens, Claire Pretorius, Kirra Standeaven and Courtney Dukes, along with Keely Geiger, (perfectly cast as Brooke Wyndham), Prue Gardner as strong-minded Enid, Danicka Humphries as cheerful and social Paulette and Kameron Bein rocked the delivery man, Kyle.

What a marvellous achievement for all involved!

• Lead Cast
• Supporting actors
• Musicians
• Set painters
• Set builders
• Backstage crew

Congratulations to our newest Arts students, our young year 7 and 8 drama students, who experienced not only the excitement of live performance, but also the enormous commitment of time required. These students rose to the occasion with awesome discipline and stage presence.  

The musical band has also worked hard for months to perfect this difficult score – with key signatures of 6 flats and 7 sharps, and tricky vamps and fast entries to the songs. The level of musicianship required was very high. Playing in the musical band is usually reserved for our senior students, including Samantha Krause (clarinet/saxophone), Riley Furse (keyboard), Victoria Treves (keyboard), Andre Fuller (keyboard), but this year we also utilised the rising talents of Year 8 Christian Lanzafame (Bass guitar) and Year 9 Camillo Lanzafame (trumpet). The musical band was also supported by past students, Michael Sheehan (clarinet/sax) and Drew Holzworth (trumpet) and music tutors; Mr Malcolm Gaydon, Mr Ian Dixon and Mr Josh Meppem.  

Thank you also to the students who made up the backstage crew. Moving heavy sets and coordinating the props accurately is the job of this team of students, who work in the background to ensure smooth running of the show. Being part of a show is always exciting and these students have given generously of their time to support the performing arts.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff who have supported the success of our College show, particularly to

• Choral Director – Miss Megan Scott
• Choreographer – Miss Sara McCarthy
• Set Construction – Brad Hodges and Pam Hensler
• Set Painting – Aleesha Degen
• Backstage manager – Nadia Spain
• Photographer – Gerard Saide
• Props – Chris Fitzpatrick
• Backstage Staff – Leigh Price, Janet Reed
• Posters – Alesha Degen
• Program Design - Madeleine Minns
• Lighting - Cathie Barton

From the Director – Cathie Barton

The St Joseph’s College staff and students are very proud to present to you their production of Legally Blonde. The musical explores the characters searching for their place in the world, especially Miss Elle Woods. The challenge of Elle figuring out What You Want without becoming a legal shark and causing Blood in the Water is an obstacle she has to overcome. Emmett makes Elle realise she needs A Chip on My Shoulder to become So Much Better. The legal team defending Brooke are Whipped into Shape by her, as they return to the Scene of the Crime to prove her innocence. Meanwhile, the Delta Nu’s teach Paulette the value of the Bend and Snap to win her own piece of Ireland. Through all of this, Little Miss Woods, Elle can Find her Way and become Legally Blonde!

The students have worked exceptionally hard over the last four months to bring this very well-known musical to life. Their dedication to create their own version of the characters has been impressive. Hundreds of hours have been spent during lunchtimes, before and after school and on weekends, to polish this performance.

In my many years of involvement with musicals, particularly in the role of director, I have not encountered such dedication and talent from a whole cast. The lead characters have helped guide and nurture the young chorus and it has been lovely to watch the students come together to work as an ensemble. It has been my utmost privilege to direct this amazing cast.

Cathie Barton

SHEP – State Honours Ensemble Program

Congratulations to the music students who were selected to perform in the recent State Honours Ensemble Program held here in Toowoomba. Students join the best of student musicians across Toowoomba schools and performed in Concert band, string ensemble and choir. Under the directorship of expert conductor, the ensembles then presented their new music works in a concert.

Toowoomba Vocal Eisteddfod

Congratulations to our College Choirs for their recent performances at the Toowoomba Vocal Eisteddfod. All the choirs - Boys, Girls, Chamber, and Combined Choir, presented highly polished songs which the school community can be very proud of. The Eisteddfod Choral competition demands an extremely high standard and is entered by most schools and Colleges in Toowoomba. Girls’ Choir did exceptionally well and earned a Highly Commended with 90 points (of 100). This is a wonderful accomplishment. Thank you to our Choral Directors, Mr Jon Maskell and Mrs Cherie Runciman, for their energy and work, to our accompanists, Mrs Laura Davies and  Miss Megan Scott and to all the Choral students for their passion and commitment. 

Madeleine Minns, Musical Director and Middle Leader - Performance  mminns@sjc.qld.edu.au

St Joseph's College Musical

No Access to Keyhole

To protect students while they move around the College, we ask that you reframe from driving up into the top of the cul-de-sac during school hours. 

Please dont move the orange gate or drive around it.

Where do I park if I need to pick up a student from Sick Bay?

Please use the designated parking outside the Finance building or the Uniform Shop.

Sports

Darling Downs Results

15 of our runners travelled to Kearneys Spring on May 17 to compete for a position in the Darling Downs team for 2021. The results of their achievements are as follows:

12 Years Girls 3kms

     Taylor Lobwein finished 18^th place in a time of 14:46.40

12 Years Boys 3kms

     Hunter Evans finished in 14^th place in a time of 13:05.09
     Xavier Davey was a DNF as he hurt his ankle during the race.

13 Years Girls 3kms

     Abbi Jones finished in 26^th place in a time of 15:28.01
     Rheanna Hart finished in 33^rd place in a time of 15:05.27
     Tameka Dyne finished in 35^th place in a time of 16:14.10

14 Years Girls 4kms

     Lilly-May Krause finished in 11^th place in a time of 20:22.71

14 Years Boys 4kms

     Darby Reid finished in 5^th place in a time of 16:41.66 and has accepted a place in the DD team.
     James Darvall finished in 22^nd place in a time of 19:22.54.

15 Years Boys 4kms

     Sunnie Tunstead finished in 6^th place in a time of 16:15.47 and has accepted a place in the DD team.
     Ethan Stagg finished in 10^th place in a time of 16:57.52.

16 Years Girls 4kms

     Sienna Deurloo finished in 3^rd place in a time of 18:52.90 and has accepted a place in the DD team.

16 Years Boys 6kms

      Oliver Jackwitz finished in 13^th place in a time of 26:56.15 (running with a broken arm).
     Jayden Pile finished in 23^rd place in a time of 38:12.42

17 Years Boys 6kms

      Xander Jackwitz finished in 4^th place in a time of 24:23.77 and has accepted a place in the DD team.

Equestrian News

A couple of weekends ago Emily Duggan and Heidi Hoopert proudly represented the school and had a successful 3 days at the Interschool Qld Darling Downs & SWQ Regional Equestrian Championships. 

Emily Duggan rode Rules to Break, winning a 2nd and a 4th and coming 4th overall in this division. This also qualified her for states.

Emily also rode Gully Command, winning 5th in each of her classes and 6th overall in this division. 

 Heidi Hoopert rode Sovereign winning a 2nd and a 6th and 5th overall in this division.

Queensland School Sport

Natasha and Dominque Henningsen were given the privilege of travelling away with the Darling Downs netball teams to the State Championships. They were selected after helping to officiate at the Darling Downs trials.

Both girls said it was a great experience and were thankful of the chance to achieve something like this in a sport they both like.

Golden Glove – Softball

This year we sent off a team to compete in the Golden Glove competition for the first time in a few years. We had some very keen girls who play a lot of softball get themselves a team together and on Tuesday they ventured out to Kearneys Spring to play.

There first game was against Wilsonton State High School which they won. Next up was Glennie who they managed to defeat 8 runs to 4. Next game was against Centenary Heights for a place in the final.

Unfortunately, we went down 9 runs to 8 leaving us in third place for the day. The girls can be very proud of themselves as they were a young team but had big hearts and strong determination.

Congratulations to Katie Beasley, Dominique Henningsen, Bronte Higgs, Samantha Hunter, Addyson Jones, Lilly-May Krause, Sienna Lockwood, Bridie Nicol and Tyla-Jo Salmi.

A huge thank you to Mrs King and Mr Jones who took control of the team. They did all the coaching and umpired on the day for us. We are eternally grateful to them for offering their services to the College. I also know that there were plenty of other parents in support of this wonderful little out there on Tuesday – so thank you for all your support.

To Mr Garside who went as the College representative teacher to support the parents and the students – your support was gratefully appreciated.

Darling Downs Success

Congratulations to Taylor Lobwein, who after a mammoth trip to Stanthorpe for 10 – 12 years football trials, was successful in being selected in the 10 -12 years Darling Downs team. The championships are being held here in Toowoomba in July.

SJC outstanding in AFL

Senior Boys are now Senior AFL Darling Downs Champion after a very tough Grand final win against CHHS.

There was nothing in the game to half time, however, we were able to get on top of our gallant opposition in the second half and ran out comfortable winners.

Can I just say that CHHS were a worthy competitor, fought hard and conducted themselves very well.

Our Senior Boys played 6 games with great determination, spirit and despite injuries to key players, they were able to come home with the bickies.

The aspect I was most proud of was that they were all wonderful ambassadors for the College.

Our Junior Boys combined with Concordia and came third. A wonderful effort as well.

The AFL Junior Girls competed in the Darling Downs Championship. They played 6 games (Titanic effort)…. However, unlike the Titanic that went down – we were unsinkable and never lost a game.

So now they progress to Brisbane in July to take on the top Brisbane school.

The girls played like warrior poets.

They were – Simply the best!

The senior Girls also played also won a few and lost a few. They to were fantastic ambassadors for the College.

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

Library News

Library and Information Week- Adventures in Space and Time.

Last week was Library and Information Services week and the theme was: Adventures in Space and time. In our Library, this saw our visiting Library Assistant, Mrs Roche, create a display showcasing Fiction and Non-fiction books related to adventure, space and time. Such titles included: Life in outer space, A galaxy too far and The 20^th Century- year by year.   

In addition to our displays, Mrs Garrahy and I ran a paper plan design and throw challenge. We had a lot of fun watching and assisting the students who took part.

Prizes were awarded to the students whose planes flew the farthest with Anton Zull (Year 9) receiving first prize and Hamish Denny (Year 8) coming in second. Both boys received a voucher to local bookstore, The Book Tree, for their efforts.

We hope the participants enjoyed the activity as much as we did!

Community Puzzle

As a part of our Joey’s Way, we value learning in community, and participation and perseverance. One way that staff and students demonstrate this in the Library is through their contributions to our community puzzle. It has been an absolute joy watching a range of students and staff members work together to complete our first St Joseph’s puzzle (pictured below). With all of the colourful pieces, it was certainly a challenge and took perseverance to complete, but the outcome was worth it. Once it has been secured, it will take pride of place on one of the Library walls.

Now that we have completed our first puzzle, we have moved onto our second. As time goes on and word gets around, we seem to have more and more of our community contributing to the activity so I wouldn’t be surprised if this one was finished even more quickly than the last!

International Arts Education Week

This week was International Arts Education Week. To support the celebration of Arts Education, the Library staff engaged students in a discussion about what they believe is the value of the arts, using our Conversation Wall to host the conversation.

Additionally, we have a number of Arts related books on display and would encourage students to take a look and borrow some. Many of the books are ‘how-to’ styled books where students can learn a new arts related skill like macrame, sewing, photography, drawing, graphic novel illustration, woodwork, metal jewellery making, and makeup artistry.

Open Day

It was lovely to welcome all of our prospective families into the library space as a part of the Open Day tours. In speaking with these families about all we offer as a part of our service, I was reminded how fortunate we are as a school community to have such a wonderful library space, that is full of great resources and operated by passionate, caring staff. Many of the families that toured the library commented on what a fabulous space we have and how welcoming it is. It was lovely to hear that our new furniture and re-organisation has been of benefit and was noticed by our visitors. Additionally, the students who came to see the College on Open Day were impressed by the range of books we have in our collection and also, by the variety of activities we offer to our students. 

Given this, I thought it timely to remind our current families of these regular activities that the following run during the lunch breaks.

Monday - Anime Club, Seminar Room 2.

Tuesday - Chess Club with local beloved Chess Coach, Mr. Les Lord, Seminar Room 2.

Thursday - Tinker Thursdays, Maker Space.

Overdue Emails and Charges

Please be aware that we often communicate with parents about their student’s overdue library books using email. Before we explore charges for lost books with our finance department, students will have received four emails to their school account and parents will have received two emails to the primary email address that the College has listed on file, requesting the return of the resource and providing details about its cost. As such, could we ask that you ensure that the email address you have provided to the College is correct and that you keep an eye out for communication from the library.  

From the Counsellors

Support Services for Parents and Carers

The following resources are available for parents or carers supporting young people with mental health concerns.

ReachOut Parents

https://parents.au.reachout.com/

ReachOut Parents provides information, discussion forums, resources, and parent coaching to help parents and carers support children from 12 - 18 years. Through their website, users can access support for common concerns, skill building and personal challenges.

Parentline

Ph:  1300 30 1300

https://parentline.com.au

Parentline is a confidential telephone service providing professional counselling and support in Queensland and the NT.  The phones are open from 8am – 10pm, seven days a week.

Raising children

https://raisingchildren.net.au

All parents need support, including support from family, friends, professionals, and the community.  Get tips and links for parenting support and services on this website.

Healthy Families

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/

Healthy Families is a website developed by Beyond Blue, providing information and moderated forums for parents, guardians, and other adults to support the young people in their life, while taking care of their own mental health and wellbeing.

eSafety Parents

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

The parents’ component of the eSafety Commissioner website provides webinars, advice, and resources to parents and carers for keeping children and teens safe online. The website provides parenting tools on a range of issues relating to keeping young people safe and healthy online including cyberbullying, sexting, and sending nudes.

Triple P Online

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-uken/find-help/triple-p-online/

Triple P Online provides online programs teaching proven strategies for parenting toddlers, pre-teens, and teens. They offer a course for parents of children between the ages of 0 and 12, and for parents of 10 to 16 year olds.

SchoolTV

https://schooltv.me

SchoolTV addresses is an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information and realistic, practical ongoing support strategies.

Career Pathways

Student wellbeing & career resilience in a rapidly changing world: parents & carers webinar

Friday, 4 June 2021, 12 pm AEST

Young people face a future working life which will be marked by constant change. The economic impacts of COVID-19 have caused labour market disruption and job losses for many young people who are over-represented in hard-hit industries such as tourism, hospitality, and arts and culture. Many students have missed important milestones and struggled with the isolation imposed by lockdowns.

In this webinar, Dr Lyn O'Grady, a psychologist specialising in the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their parents, will explore the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student emotional and psychological wellbeing which may create obstacles for students facing complex career decisions and transitions. Lyn will offer practical advice, strategies and resources for parents and carers supporting students in extraordinary times of change. Register now

Top 100 graduate employers in 2021

GradAustralia has developed a new methodology to determine the Top 100 Graduate Employers in 2021, which gives equal weighting to both popularity and program quality.  Click here to view the results by popularity rating as well as by sector. When you click on an employer you can find information about:

• The company
• Graduate review
• Jobs and opportunities
• Graduate success stories
• A day in the life of ...
• Videos
• Advice

Brisbane Aviation Open Day

If you're interested in a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer and looking for study options, TAFE Queensland is presenting an aviation open day on Saturday, 5th June 2021. There will be a morning and afternoon session which will be held at Brisbane Airport. It's a great chance to tour the world-class Technical Training Centre which has a comprehensive range of aircraft, as well as chat to staff about course options and what it's like to work in aviation. It is essential to register for this event as sessions are limited to 80 people per session. To register please click here.

Australian Defence Force: Careers Information Session

Do you want to learn about rewarding careers in the Navy, Army and Air Force?  A Careers Information Session will be held on Saturday, 29th May from 10am-12pm at Toowoomba Defence Force Recruiting, O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba. You can register online by clicking here.

Early Offer Schemes for Year 12 students

Early offer schemes for Year 12 students are now open. Through these schemes, individual institutions will assess students using criteria other than, or in addition to, your ATAR. Use this link to see key dates, assessment criteria and application details for the available early offer schemes. Always contact the institution or check their website to make sure the courses you are applying for are covered by the schemes.

Bond University scholarships for 2022

Bond’s scholarship program offers many full-fee and part-fee scholarships as well as cash bursaries. Most scholarships can be used for any single or combined program (except for the Medical Program). Visit the Scholarship webpage for more information, to download the scholarship brochure and to access the application tips. Scholarship applications for Year 12s must be lodged online using the Bond University application form. Closing dates are varied and are earlier than other universities so start your research now.

CURRENT SCHOOL-BASED
VACANCIES

Certificate III in Painting

If you would like to apply for this position, please advise your SBA Coordinator, who will require an updated resume and completed SBA referral form.

Certificate III in Hospitality

Various Positions from Downs Hospitality and Training – Certificate III in Hospitality FOH.

This is a revised/updated vacancy flyer - with some new businesses added and a few no longer on the flyer.

If you have any Year 10 or 11 students who wish to apply for any of these positions, please forward their SBA referral form and ask students to present into respective business with resume. The contact names and addresses for each business have been listed on flyer.

Positions will remain open until filled, however, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Certificate III in Cabinet Making.

Certificate III in Cabinet Making school-based apprenticeship with Sir Lancelot’s Kitchens Bathrooms and Joinery.

This position is open to any Year 10 students who may be interested and will remain open until filled, so students are encouraged to submit both their SBA referral form and resume as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Looking for a Job!

Best & Less are hiring.

They are looking for new staff members who are keen to experience the retail industry and develop their skills within our friendly team. 

This role must be 15+ year of age. 

If you are interested in becoming a part of this amazing store, then hand your resumes into Management at the Grand Central Best & Less!

Year 10 Trade / Skills / Health Taster Programs 2021
TAFE Queensland South West

Applications Open Now for TERM 3, 2021

The Year 10 Taster Programs allows eligible high school students to try out a trade without needing to commit to a full qualification or apprenticeship.  Students get to see what option is best for them, or test out a potential career path that they’re considering following in the future. 

Please note:  These programs are subsidised by the Queensland Government and are offered at no cost.  The programs are only available to Year 10 students, enrolled in a Queensland high school or enrolled with a registered home schooling provider.  The programs do not exhaust a student’s VETiS funding entitlement, however,  Departmental funding rules exclude students who are currently enrolled into a VETiS funded qualification.  This means that if a student is currently enrolled into a VETiS funded qualification, unfortunately they are unable to enrol into the Taster Programs.

How to apply - Applications open

To submit an application for the Year 10 TRADE Taster Program, students will need to:

• Go to tafeapply.com
• Enter the application code of TQSW21TT

To submit an application for the Year 10 SKILLS Taster Program, students will need to:

• Go to tafeapply.com
• Enter the application code of TQSW21ST  

To submit an application for the Year 10 HEALTH Taster Program, students will need to:

• Go to tafeapply.com
• Enter the application code of TQSW21HT

Students will require their USI at time of application (this is mandatory).  To apply for a USI, students need to go to usi.gov.au.

Students will also be required to provide contact details including:

• Email address (student and parent)
• Mobile phone number (student and parent)
• Postal Address

Please note: 

We are expecting a high level of interest in these programs and a large number of applications.  Applications will be dealt with in a first come, first served basis, based on the time that the student’s application was submitted.  Applying for these programs is similar to purchasing tickets to a concert – not all applicants will receive an offer of place. 

How do the Year 10 Taster Programs work?

The Year 10 Trade Taster Program delivers training to small groups of up to 14 students, one day per week for nine weeks. Throughout the program, students get to try four different trade areas as well as having the opportunity to complete their Construction Industry Safety White Card

The Year 10 Skills Taster Program delivers training to small groups of up to 14 students, one day per week for nine weeks. Throughout the program, students get to try three different skills areas as well as having the opportunity to complete their Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate

The Year 10 Health Taster Program delivers training to small groups of up to 14 students, one day per week for nine weeks. Throughout the program, students get to try three different health areas as well as having the opportunity to complete their First Aid Certificate

Students will complete individual competencies from various programs but will not complete a full certificate or obtain any QCE credits.

Please note:  These programs are subsidised by the Queensland Government and are offered at no cost.  These programs are only available to Year 10 students, enrolled in a Queensland high school or enrolled with a registered home schooling provider.  These programs do not exhaust a student’s VETiS funding entitlement but Departmental funding rules exclude students who are currently enrolled into a VETiS funded qualification.  This means that if a student is currently enrolled into a VETiS funded qualification, unfortunately they are unable to enrol into the Taster Programs.

• TAFE Queensland Toowoomba Campus, 100 Bridge Street, Toowoomba

Here is an example of what some of the groups may look like.  This is an example only.

If you have any questions regarding the Year 10 Taster Programs, please contact the TAFE at School Team at TAFE Queensland South West on 07 4694 1324 or email gotafe.southwest@tafeqld.edu.au

For more information please contact the Careers Team

Angela Stafford, Vocational Education Cor-Ordinator - astafford@sjc.qld.edu.au

Leah Millett, Careers Support Officer - lmillett@sjc.qld.edu.au

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

Student Travel Rebate

Parents whose child attends a school outside the Brisbane City Council (BCC) boundary are eligible for Students With Disability (SWD) or Bus Fare (BFAP) rebate.

Student travel rebate applications are only open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2. Please visit SchoolTransport.com.au first to check if you are eligible

More information is also available from the website SchoolTransport.com.au under the “Schools” tab.

P & F Association

NEXT MEETING
June 1 - 7pm - Library

A reminder that next Tuesday June 1 at 7.00pm we will be holding our first P&F promoted information session. The session will cover information on how to support your child prepare for the rigours of senior schooling!

Hope to see you there.  RSVP to rsvp@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Canteen

We need your help!

We are seeking volunteers to help out in the Canteen throughout the year.  Volunteers are required between the hours of 8am and 3pm each school day, however we understand people may not be able to assist for entire day -  if you only have an hour or 2 to lend, it would be a great help as well. We appreciate any time that is given to help out and would appreciate the opportunity to get to know some of the parents in our school community, especially the new families this year.  You do not need experience to volunteer in Tuckshop, we are happy to guide you along the way - it’s a fun day of helping out and your children will enjoy seeing you at school for the day.  Volunteers are required to wear closed in shoes, neat hair and a great smile 😊.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the College  with your availability as soon as possible so we can put together a roster for term 1.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Deb Ditchmen and Michelle Tully, Canteen Convenors

E dditchmen@sjc.qld.edu.au

E mtully@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Uniform Shop

Covid restrictions apply – EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Winter stock is now available.

Blazers are available for the cold weather  - all sizes available.

The uniform shop is currently out of stock of the following and waiting on orders to arrive:-

- Boys Formal Hat, size M                                          ETA 04/06         

- Jumpers, Size 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 & 24         ETA 04/06
(Jumpers have being delayed due to Covid lockdown in Fiji.)

New Ordering Online Process

www.midford.com.au     pass phrase StJC1956

New stock into the shop 

• Formal Girl long pants.
  

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.