Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 2 - Issue 121

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

Recent events In Sydney involving knife crime have rocked our nation and caused us to wonder how such events occur. The impacts of these events have ripple effects in our communities and call for a response from faith- based groups to express a Christian response to events like this. Our faith beliefs and values are seen as one of our strengths during such distressing times.

O God, who is healer and comforter, protector, and refuge,

you, whose son promised his presence among those gathered in his name,

awaken us to Jesus’ presence among us as we gather with troubled hearts.

May we be filled with grace and mercy, justice and compassion, consolation and 

peace.

It was pleasing to see parents and students meet with staff to review students’ progress last week. Such meetings provide opportunities for families to hear the success of their children and how they can work in partnership with the College to ensure continued growth. Central to learning in any partnership is the establishment and maintenance of strong relationships between teacher, parent/carer, and student. I thank everyone who attended and invested time. If any parent /carer was unable to attend and is seeking feedback on their child, please contact your relevant teacher or the College reception to organise a time to meet.

One focus area I have been discussing with our students has been the topic of attendance. High attendance is one of the corner stones for success in any schooling environment. The learning programs delivered at St Joseph’s are based around explicit teaching in a face-to-face environment. The benchmark for all students to achieve their absolute best is 95% which equates to ten days of missed schooling during the year. Every day of missed schooling has an impact on student learning, and we seek with parents and carers to minimise absences outside of the expected reasons of illness, bereavement, and family emergencies. I request that families seek to avoid where possible taking early holidays. It is important to note that the school is unable to reschedule assessment for students in Year 11 and 12 due to assessment protocols determined by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to travel with students and staff to Roma. Students competed for the Mercy Shield in netball and rugby league fixtures against five other Catholic schools. Such experiences provide opportunities for students to enhance their skills in preparation for Confraternity and QISSN competitions in the June /July holidays, but also foster relationships and school identity. Our students conducted themselves extremely well both on and off the field. Our footballers developed well over the five games they played, whilst the netballers where undefeated taking out the Mercy Shield. I thank Mr Wheeldon, Ms Newton, Mr Steel and Mr Moore for their time and commitment over the long weekend.

St Joseph’s College is scheduled for a School Renewal and Improvement quadrennial school review from May 28- 30

The Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office has a school renewal and improvement framework in place which has as a key element, a quadrennial school review. In this review a panel consisting of senior staff from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) Teaching and Learning Directorate and a peer principal from another school in the Diocese visit the school for three days.

Through a process of appreciative inquiry, panel members interview staff, parents/carers, students, and community members. The questions asked are “In your opinion, what is going well at the school?” and “What could be done better?” The purpose is for the panel to report to the school community its findings and suggested improvement strategies. These inform the process of strategic plan development and the annual action plans which are also linked to the TCS Strategic Plan.

The aim is to assist schools to strategically plan to improve teaching and learning and these reviews occur in all TCS schools.

The review team would like to hear from the school community, and I encourage anyone who is interested to have their say. Your feedback is important and will help us to continue to achieve the two pillars of TCS: that all students will come to personally know Jesus and that all students will achieve academic success.

Feedback can be provided to the review panel in person or by telephone. All feedback remains confidential.

Please contact the school office if you are interested in speaking to a reviewer. You may also register your interest by emailing my assistant Emily Rigg ERigg@sjc.qld.edu.au to arrange an appointment.

Our new Parent Engagement Network (PEN) meeting scheduled for Wednesday 1^st May has been moved to Tuesday 14^th May (5.30-6.30pm). This is to allow parents the opportunity to listen to invited guest Adair Donaldson to speak on the legal issue surrounding the topic of consent. Adair is a well- respected local solicitor who has gained a notable reputation with national groups in relation to the above topic. Adair will be providing appropriate sessions to Year 9-12 students and staff during the day prior to parent evening session.

Finally, this term we welcome Ms Sue Franceschini (English/Humanities) and Gregg Webb (Science/Mathematics) to St Joseph’s College. They replace Taylah Waldron and Pam Pedernal respectively and bring a wealth of experience to our students. Sue has taught in Toowoomba previously and her most recent teaching was with Cairns Diocese whilst Greg has come from Griffith in New South Wales. I wish them a most enriching experience in their time with our community.

God Bless,

Jim Brennan - Principal - jbrennan@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Deputy Principal

Welcome back to Term 2

Welcome back to Term 2! We are very much looking forward to another full and exciting term of learning and positive interactions with your learners. I trust that you, as parents, will encourage your son/daughter to be fully involved in the many and varied opportunities available throughout the term. These opportunities may present through academic endeavours, arts, extra-curricular activities, on the sporting fields, spiritually or socially. A busy learner with a varied and balanced life can be healthier and lead to better learning outcomes. Do encourage your son/daughter to be involved in the many and various opportunities Term 2 presents.

Reflecting on Term 1

Academic Reports were sent home at the end of last term. Yr 7 students also received a report of the Standardised Testing results. When having conversations with your children, I would suggest that you focus on the improvement comments and talk with them about how far they have moved forward, what they have learned and improved and what is next in the learning process. This conversation sets them up to be successful learners for the next part of their learning program and into the future.

You can use the learning behaviour (application, behaviour, participation, organisation, punctuality) ratings to strong effect. If your child has very good (VG) or good (G) learning behaviours, it is possible that they are achieving their best in the achievement rating. Similarly, if learning behaviours are lower, then there is a real chance that some simple steps and goals will aid improvement.

Over the coming weeks we will be encouraging students to set raised goals for both performance and learning for the new term. They will need to be very specific about ways to improve. Then their learning is quite targeted on improvement.

Encounter to Revelation

The Lord is Risen indeed. The tomb is empty, inviting us inside, into this mystery of faith. It is in entering the tomb that we experience an encounter. Encounters are being present to the moment in faith – the God given moments. We are invited to the experience and encounter every day – the good, exciting, exhilarating and compassionate moments and in the opposite - the extreme, the difficult, treacherous and suffering moments of our lives which Christ endured too. But all in all, the reason for Christ’s death and resurrection, the symbol of the empty tomb, that we are invited to enter, is to encounter Christ and be lead to revelation. The revelation of Christ’s unencumbered and unconditional love for each one of us is to be known by name - called, created and chosen. Let us all accept the invitation, entering the tomb of Christ, to experience the encounter and his revelation.

Teacher Emails

If you need to contact a staff member at SJC all of our email addresses have the same format. For example, Brendon Willocks – bwillocks@sjc.qld.edu.au.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Academic Integrity

As students progress through their academic journey, it's important to remember the value of academic integrity. Simply put, academic integrity means being honest in all of your academic work, and giving credit where credit is due.

One area where academic integrity is becoming increasingly important is in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. AI can be incredibly helpful in a variety of academic tasks, from generating ideas to checking for grammar and spelling errors. However, it's crucial that you use AI tools ethically and responsibly.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when using AI tools:

1. Don't rely on AI. AI tools may be helpful, but they should never be a replacement for your own thinking and research.
2. Give credit where credit is due. If you use an AI tool to generate ideas or text, make sure to clearly indicate that in your work.
3. Avoid plagiarism at all costs. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, and using AI tools does not exempt you from the rules against it. Always make sure that you are using your own words and ideas, and that you are giving credit to any sources that you use.

How parents and carers can promote academic integrity

Parents and carers and others who support students ― along with schools, teachers and the Queensland Curriculum Authority QCAA — have a responsibility to promote and maintain academic integrity.

As parents/carers, you can promote academic integrity by:

• encouraging students to complete the Academic Integrity QCAA course.
• emphasising the importance of ethical conduct and study practices
• supporting students to understand your expectations and those of their school
• ensuring students understand the consequences for academic misconduct
• encouraging students to seek additional information and/or advice from their school if they have further questions after completing the course
• discussing any concerns you may have with the school.

The Academic Integrity QCAA course

All Year 10 students at St Joseph’s College complete this course online in Term 3.

Students can access the course via the Student Portal on the myQCE website at  https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au .

The whole course takes approximately one hour to complete. Once all parts of the course are completed successfully, students can print a certificate of completion.  The 2024 Year 10 cohort will require this course to be completed to be eligible to graduate with a QCE.

The St Joseph’s College Academic Procedures Handbook relies on the QCE and QCIA policy and procedures handbook v5.0 | Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (qcaa.qld.edu.au)

Please note the section of Plagiarism within our procedures.  A students result will be negatively impacted by plagiarism whether they are in Year 7 to 12.

Students in the Senior School risk a Not-Rated result which will impact on their QCE and ATAR results. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, Curriculum Leader, Mrs Andrews (Year 7 – 9 ) , Mrs Karen Tobin (Year 10 -12 ) or myself to discuss further.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Merit Trip Eligibility in 2024

Once again in 2024, the College looks forward to arranging the annual merit trip to Dreamworld for students in Year 7-11. This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the vast majority of our students who consistently live out the Joey’s Way. The College has made a booking on the following dates:

Yr 10 & 11: Friday 29 November (Term 4 , Week 9)

Yr 8 & 9: Monday 2 December (Term 4, Week 10)

Yr 7: Tuesday 3 December (Term 4, Week 10)

Please note that the College is happy to cover the cost of bus transport, but we would ask students and their families to cover the cost of admission to the park on the day. Some students may have their own pass which they are also welcome to use.

In order to attend, students need to meet College expectations around attendance, behaviour, application to learning and uniform. An outline of the eligibility criteria is below:

You will note that, for all criteria, only Terms Two, Three and Four are included, not Term One. What this means for all our students is that, as of the beginning of this term, every single student in the College is eligible to attend this trip.

Furthermore, it has been emphasised to students that there is no eligibility criteria around achievement or meeting a particular standard of excellence. Put simply, meeting these expectations is easy.

We look forward to acknowledging the great many of our students who are well on track to attending this year’s trip.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

ANZAC Day Ceremony

On Wednesday, the College gathered to remember and honour the bravery and sacrifice of the people who have served generations of Australians in wars and associated causes.​

One hundred and seven years ago, on 25 April, 1915, Australian soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli under a deadly hail of enemy fire.​

I extend my utmost gratitude to Year 12 student, Brayden Keen, who coordinated our Catafalque Party consisting of:

Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron:

• Brayden Keen
• Briony Ormsby
• Cheyenne Zirbel
• Carter Black
• Jacob Pinwill
• Archie Smith
• Matthew Marasinhage

TS Toowoomba Australian Navy Cadets:

• Lilly Wiemers
• Charlotte Ballard
• Mia Ballard

Toowoomba Australian Army Cadets:

• Jack Tebbitt
• Caelan Bliss
• William Schwerin

I also thank our Year 11 Liturgy Group who led this ceremony with dignity and respect, setting a great example for the College.

With these hands, they create hope.

ANZAC Day is a day that transcends time, uniting past and present in a shared moment of remembrance. On the 25th of April, we honour the valour and sacrifice of the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli campaign, marking their first engagement in the First World War.

ANZAC Day is not just about remembering those who fought and fell; it’s about striving for the peace and justice they believed in. It’s a commitment to carry forward the legacy of courage and camaraderie they left behind. The day serves as a poignant reminder that the freedom and peace we enjoy today were hard-won by the bravery of those who came before us. No one goes to war with a love of conflict, instead they go to conflict in the hope of creating a better world.

Ceremonial gloves in the armed forces are a symbol of this legacy. They represent discipline, respect for tradition, and a sense of duty that is the hallmark of military service. Worn during formal occasions, these gloves are a sign of the professionalism and the polished presentation that the military is known for. 

As we added a pair of ceremonial gloves to our canvas, we remembered the hopeful hands that once wore them—hands that held weapons in defence of our nations, that offered aid to comrades, and that ultimately worked towards the restoration of peace. These gloves stand for all those that served our country to create peace and justice – to create hope for a better, more just world. They represent times of service, but also importantly times of peace and ceremony where we stop to honour those who serve and reflect on the hope our world needs.

With these gloves, we remember those who have worn any service uniform – an outward sign of their commitment to uphold the values for which the ANZACs stood. We hope these gloves stand as a reminder for us all to be as hopeful as those ANZACs who have left us this legacy, working towards a world where peace and justice are not just ideals, but realities for all.

A prayer for Anzac Day:
⠀
God of joy and hope,
Thank you for the peace and freedom we enjoy in this country.
These are great blessings, which are from your hand.
Help us not to take these for granted.
Thank you for the men and women who gave themselves to protect it.
Thank you for those in our defence forces who continue to do the same.
Help us today to remember their service and sacrifice.
Amen. 

Upcoming Joey’s Day and Feast of Edmund Rice

Next Friday (3 May), we will celebrate our annual Joey’s Day on the Feast of Edmund Rice.  It is a day to celebrate how our College provides a liberating education in the Edmund Rice tradition.

There are five key parts to our celebration day.

1. Mass – We come together to celebrate the eucharist and be nourished in faith together.
2. ’Joey’s Got Talent’ – We celebrate the excellent talent and gifts of our students in the Arts.
3. Rotational Activities – Our rotational activities call on students to engage in the joy of participation and learning. These experiences highlight our belief in developing learners who have passions and seek learning opportunities as a way to build a better future.
4. Multicultural Lunch – A range of different cultural cuisines will be on offer to celebrate the inclusive community we are building at SJC.
5. Dan O’Neill Gift – We remember our dear friend and past staff member, Dan O’Neill, through the Dan O’Neill Gift. The Gift is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered from MND and to celebrate the life of someone who always served others.

We are excited for this opportunity to celebrate how St Joseph’s excels as a school in the Edmund Rice tradition.

PURPLE AND GOLD DAYS

This year we would like to introduce the concept of Purple and Gold days. These are days on which we have significant events at the College and, because of this, request students ensure they are wearing their formal uniform to the highest standard.

Just as we sing in our College Song, on these days we want to ‘unfurl the purple and gold’ and present ourselves the very best we can for these significant events such as mass, awards ceremonies or special assemblies.

Friday 3 May will be a Purple and Gold day. Students are to wear full formal uniform as we will be celebrating mass.  We ask that students pay particular attention to their presentation on this day.  As students will be participating in different activities later in the day, they may bring along their sports uniform to change into at morning tea.

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

Sport Captains

Hey SJC community! Hayley and Ollie here - your 2024 Sports Captains.

In taking on the role as the College Sport Captains, our main focus was on increasing the participation levels in all sports across the entire College. We are pleased to say that so far this year, Joey's has made us proud, getting in and having a go in all aspects of sport.

The year kicked off with our annual Swimming Carnival, a day full of fun, colour and friendly rivalry. Our goal was to increase participation, and if you were anywhere downtown in the days leading up to the carnival, you would have noticed the empty shelves where grass skirts & flower leis once hung. It's also believed that Lowes reported a 200% profit increase! Well done everyone for your efforts to get into the spirit and embrace this year's theme of Hawaiian Beach. Whether you were a competitive swimmer or were happy floating down the lane on a giant unicorn, you embodied the Joey's Way value of Endeavour. Congratulations to Murphy House for taking home the trophy.

We would also like to thank and congratulate each and every student who is a part of any sporting team at the College. Whether it’s the Friday night Basketball teams or the girl’s Netball team and boys’ Rugby League team who went to Roma last weekend, we would like to congratulate you on all your efforts. You are doing the whole College proud! A special mention to all students who have been selected for Darling Downs teams this year. You are displaying our core value of Endeavour and Aspiring to Excellence, and as your Sports Captains, we couldn’t be prouder. We look forward to the many more representatives across the remainder of the year!

Last term, we hosted an Interhouse Touch Competition at lunchtimes for our Year 7-9 students. Students from all skill levels signed up to play and the participation was amazing to see. Congratulations to Rice House for taking out the win! To continue the fantastic participation of students, we have decided to host an Interhouse Netball Carnival which will be held for both senior and junior students in Term 2. Good luck to all students and we hope to see everyone involved.

Sporting events don’t happen overnight, so we would like to thank all teachers and parents for making it possible. Whether it’s getting us out of bed for early morning training or driving us to our games, your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!

We are so excited to celebrate all sporting achievements across the rest of the year. Don’t be afraid to get off the sidelines and have a go at anything that interests you!

2024 Sport Captains - Oliver Gregson and Hayley Utz

Sport

Mercy Shield Roma

As the sun peeked over the horizon on Friday morning, a group of eager Rugby League players embarked on a journey to Roma for the Mercy Shield, an event organized as a substitute for the Confraternity tournament during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the fourth year that St Joseph's College has participated in this tournament, and the students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the teachers who had dedicated a long weekend to make this opportunity possible, especially Mr Moore and Mr Steel.

Despite the slight disappointment of not having a complete Rugby League team for the journey, the students understood the challenges of conflicting events. Similarly, the Netball team faced obstacles, with various commitments making it difficult to field a full team in Roma. However, the team was fortunate to have Torah Zillmann and Kara Spain step in at the last minute, ensuring they had nine players for the weekend. We are so grateful to these two young ladies.

With permission from the organisers, the Netball team was granted a bye game on Friday afternoon, allowing us to travel with the majority of our girls on the Saturday morning. We departed at 6:15 am and played all four of their games that afternoon. The 15-minute halves proved to be a test of endurance and skill, but the team emerged victorious in all four matches:

Game 1: SJC defeated St Mary's College Kingaroy 33 to 7, with Montana Brisbane named Player of the Match.
Game 2: SJC defeated Marist College Emerald 2 to 17, with Hayley Utz earning Player of the Match honours.
Game 3: SJC defeated St John's Roma 23 – 18, with Kenzie Van Zandbergen receiving the Player of the Match award.
Game 4: SJC defeated Assumption College Warwick 19 – 16, with Montana Brisbane once again named Player of the Match.

These impressive results propelled us to the top of the standings, securing us a spot in the grand final on Sunday morning against St John's, who had defeated Marist College to advance. The grand final was a nail-biting affair, with the score 12 to 11 in our favour at halftime. St John's came out firing in the second half, putting away five straight goals. The girls fought back valiantly, and with some brilliant intercepts and a determined spirit, they managed to reclaim the lead and secure the victory.

The Mercy Shield proved to be an unforgettable experience for the SJC students. Not only did they showcase their athletic prowess on the field, but they also forged strong bonds of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The tournament served as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, teamwork, perseverance, and a positive attitude can lead to triumph.

The teachers who accompanied the teams deserve special recognition for their dedication and support, especially Mr Wheeldon who accompanied the girls and umpired for us. They leave their families to ensure the students from our College can enjoin these types of experiences.

Their tireless efforts ensured that the students had a safe, enjoyable, and successful weekend. The Mercy Shield will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the SJC students who participated, and it will undoubtedly inspire them to continue striving for excellence both on and off the field.

Darling Downs Teams

Congratulations to the following students who we have received confirmation have made Darling Downs teams last term or within the last few weeks.

If your student has made a team, and we haven’t mentioned they yet, please let us know so we can celebrate their success!

Riley Bryant – Swimming

Jada Guok – called up into the Open Girl’s Netball team

Will Jensen, Charlie Jensen – Open Boys’ Hockey

Xavier MacDonald, Zander Jackson – 13 – 19 years Boys’ Softball

Harrison Mullins – 13 – 16 years Boys’ Football (soccer)

Hailey Warhurst, Tia Beckmann, Ava Campbell – 16 – 19 years Girls’ Hockey

Tyla-Jo Salmi – 17 – 19 years Girls’ Basketball

Timothy Kist – 17 -1 9 years Boys’ Football (soccer)

Emmersyn Ranford – 16 – 19 years Girls’ Football (soccer)

Darby Reid, Mason Deakin and Indi Kelly – Open Boys’ and Girls’ touch

Xander Jackson – 13 - 15 years Hockey

Maddox Jackson – Softball

Bill Turner Cup

On Monday, April 22, two teams embarked on a memorable journey to Toowoomba Grammar and Captain Cook Ovals for the annual Bill Turner Competition. 

Despite a 3-2 win/loss record, the boys' squad showcased unwavering determination and a high level of skill throughout the tournament. Their relentless effort and competitive spirit were evident in every game. Although the results may not have fully reflected their performance, the boys played with pride and determination, leaving a lasting impression on their opponents.

The girls' squad, a diverse group of football, AFL, and netball players, displayed an extraordinary level of teamwork and resilience. They dominated the round games, securing victories against Harristown SHS, St Ursula's College, and Toowoomba SHS.

In the cross-over semifinals, the girls faced Lowood in a thrilling match that ended in a nil-all draw. Both teams battled valiantly in extra time, but the deadlock remained. The game advanced to a penalty shootout, where the girls' nerves held strong, and they emerged victorious.

The final game against St Ursula's was a nail-biting affair that ended in a 1-1 draw at full time. Once again, the girls found themselves in extra time and another penalty shootout. Despite exhaustion, they summoned their remaining strength and prevailed, securing the championship title.

The success of both teams was made possible by the exceptional efforts of coaches and referees. Thomas Cockburn provided invaluable guidance and support to the boys' squad, while Kalani Parmenter and Sienna Lockwood tirelessly coached, refereed, and ran the line for the girls' team. Their contributions were instrumental in fostering a positive and competitive environment for all players.

The tournament showcased the incredible talent, determination, and sportsmanship of Bill Turner Squad's teams. The boys' squad played with unwavering spirit, while the girls' squad displayed an unstoppable will to win. The coaches and referees played a vital role in ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience for all participants.

Wednesday Night Rugby League

The Wednesday night competition commenced this week with our three teams travelling to Brothers. The 13- and 15-years boys’ teams both went down narrowly to Wilsonton SHS while the Open boys lost to Assumption College. 

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Volleyball

The Tuesday night volleyball competition also commenced on Tuesday night this week. The girls and immediate boys play all their games at Harristown State High School while the Open boys play at Toowoomba Grammar. The immediate boys’ and girls’ teams will travel away in late May for the Immediate Cup at the Gold Coast.

Again, we are grateful to the staff who have given of their time to allow these teams to compete in these competitions.

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

Connecting with Careers

Something to think about  

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

(B.B. King)

 Welcome back for an exciting Term 2!  I hope that you have all had a restful and enjoyable break. This term we are looking forward to celebrating National Careers Week in Week 5 and Career Days for both Year 7 and Year 9 in Week 10.

In this newsletter, we are focusing on: 

• School subjects and how they relate to job options 
• Thinking of going to uni? Read this first!
• How to improve your concentration
• Looking for information about apprenticeships and traineeships
• Job Spotlight – Urban Planner Nurse
• Upcoming events
  • Toowoomba Anglican School - University Student Accommodation Expo
  • National Careers Week
  • Tertiary Studies & Careers Expo TSXPO - Brisbane

School subjects and how they relate to job options

An early step in career exploration is to develop a list of jobs you are interested in. One way to start is to think about the school subjects you most enjoy. Check out the subject Bullseye Posters from the myfuture website which will help you find jobs that are related to the subjects you like at school. There are over 30 Bullseye Posters and each poster groups jobs into four qualification levels. 

Thinking of going to uni? Read this first!

Job Jumpstart has an interesting article highlighting the reasons why you need to fully investigate your pathway options after school to make sure that the one you choose is a good fit for you and your career ideas. If you are considering a university pathway you might want to read their article Thinking of going to uni? Read this first! The article isn't advocating not to go to university, rather that it is wise to go to university for all the right reasons. The article prompts/helps you to answer the following questions:

1. Why am I going to university?
2. Is this course right for me?
3. Which university is right for me?
4. Will I get a job when I finish?

How to improve your concentration

Concentration is the ability to focus and control your attention. Some people seem to be born with it, the rest of us have to learn how to do it. The good news is that anyone can improve their ability to concentrate. The following are strategies to help you get there.

• Make sure you get plenty of sleep. It is difficult to concentrate when you are tired. Regular exercise and healthy eating are also important.
• Set realistic and specific study goals for yourself (e.g. I will go up one grade in English next exam)
• Develop regular habits of study – same desk, same time, etc.
• Work in a place that is free of distractions (in front of the TV is probably not the best place!). De-cluttering your desk will help too.
• When you sit down to study, make a plan of what you want to achieve that session and cross off items as you complete them.
• If you find yourself distracted by something else (e.g. I feel fat; I should do more exercise), jot down the task, idea or problem to deal with later.
• Begin working immediately – don’t wait for inspiration.
• Attend to one thing at a time.
• When you start to lose focus, get up and take a walk.

Looking for information about apprenticeships and traineeships?

Apprenticeship Central is a job search site where apprentices and employers can connect. Its aim is to provide a space for users to search for opportunities and also connects job seekers with employers. If you are looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship you can register and be notified of current vacancies. 

The website has a Resources section where you can find information on creating a resume, videos and blogs, what's the best career fit and frequently asked questions.

Job Spotlight – Urban Planner

Urban planners develop and implement plans and policies surrounding the development and use of land.  They work on a variety of projects, including designing a new neighbourhoods, revitalising existing infrastructure, and even zoning areas of ecological and environmental importance.

About the role

Most urban planners work full-time, with part-time opportunities being very rare. On the flip side, you’re unlikely to have to work on weekends or holidays.  Urban planners typically work for councils, government bodies, or private firms. You’ll be required to attend lots of meetings and occasionally conduct site visits, but some of your work can also be done from remotely from home.

Most urban planners can expect to earn an above average salary.

About you

• Innovative & forward-thinking
• Analytical & thorough
• Good research skills
• Eye for design
• Excellent problem-solver
• Great communicator
• Can work in teams
• Organised & precise

Common tasks

• Collect data on land use factors
• Carry out site surveys & inspections
• Consult with stakeholders
• Create detailed plans & designs
• Present plans to stakeholders
• Mediate planning issues and disputes
• Ensure laws and regulations are followed
• Advise on resource use and planning

(Study, Work, Grow, 2024)

Upcoming events

1 May 2024 – Toowoomba Anglican School University Accommodation Expo

Toowoomba Anglican School invites students and parents/carers to attend the annual Toowoomba Anglican School University Accommodation Expo commencing at 4pm to 6pm.  The following residential colleges will be attending: 

13-19 May 2024 National Careers Week

National Careers Week is an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia and aims to celebrate careers, career development, career development services and career development practitioners. It also promotes the economic, social and personal benefits of career development for all Australians. This year, National Careers Week will be held between 13 and 19 May 2024.  

Career development is a process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life. It includes gaining and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training, and work. Everyday decisions and priorities affect career development.

Ultimately, career development is about much more than jobs – it is about how to live your life.

This year, the theme for Careers Week is Make well informed decisions!

Tertiary Studies & Careers Expo TSXPO

2024 43rd Annual Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo TSXPO

When:  Saturday 13th July & Sunday 14th July 2024
Time:     10am – 4pm Both days
Where: RICC, Brisbane Showgrounds
Cost:      Admission is FREE!

The 43rd annual Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo TSXPO incorporating the QLD Work & Skills Expo will be held on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July 2024 from 10am – 4pm on both days at the RICC, Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane. Admission is FREE!

This event presents an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in education and training or those seeking professional career development and employment opportunities. With exhibitors including Australian-Wide and international universities, private education providers, TAFE institutes, graduate employment, Defence Force recruiting, student support services and employers, TSXPO provides a unique opportunity to find everything related to education and employment, under one roof.

A reminder that you can access career information from the St Joseph’s College Careers website.  On the website, you are encouraged to sign up for the Newsfeed and Newsletter.

For more information please contact the Careers Team.

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

Cate Jackman - Careers Support Officer  -  CJackman@sjc.qld.edu.au

Enhanced Learning

The end of term is often busy with exams and assignments and can be stressful for you and your child. It is normal for students to feel anxiety around this time. However, it is also the time when you may notice your child is having more difficulties than others accessing the curriculum. Here are some key points to consider in determining whether your child has an ongoing learning issue.

How do I know when my child needs extra learning support?

Many children will struggle sporadically with various aspects of schooling or paying attention, but if this is a problem that is not resolving over time it's a good idea to investigate whether they might benefit from extra learning support.

How do I know my child is struggling to learn?

It is perfectly normal for a child to struggle with a difficult subject at school or even have trouble paying attention to a topic they aren’t interested in – this does not mean that they automatically have a learning difficulty. It’s only when they are consistently struggling, maybe even in multiple subject areas, for a long period of time that you may want to dive deeper to investigate the cause. An important point to keep in mind during all this is to remember that a learning difficulty does not mean that a child isn’t smart, it just means that their brain has a different way of processing information.

Where are learning difficulties discovered?

More often than not, learning difficulties are uncovered at school, by your child’s teacher. This is a critical time and place, and your child’s teacher is your best resource. Since school is a place of learning, when a child isn’t keeping up with their peers the teacher may be the first to notice and begin to monitor the situation.

What are some signs that I shouldn’t ignore?

If you see your child consistently struggling with the following for longer than a short period of time, it’s important to identify why.  

Signs not to ignore:

• lack of enthusiasm for reading or writing
• trouble recalling information
• working at a slow pace
• trouble staying on task/following directions
• not being able grasp abstract concepts
• either lack of or heightened attention to detail
• poor social skills

Recognising the signs and getting your child the support they need.

Recognising the signs early is key to getting children the support they need. Professionals that specialise in children’s learning will be very helpful in guiding you through the best strategies in supporting your child; however, there are things that you can do to help.  

Step 1: Be proactive. You’ve already identified some signs, trust your gut and contact the Enhanced Learning Team. They can begin to identify areas of strength and weakness and recommend some strategies for school and home. This might also lead to further testing by a professional who can diagnose.

Step 2: Continue to be supportive. Remember that it’s not just you who is worried. Your child is probably aware that they aren’t performing the way they “should”. They will need your support to get them to accept the help and understand that there isn’t anything wrong with them, it’s just a different way of processing information.

Step 3: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, together. Your whole body is connected, so maintaining healthy sleep, nutrition and exercise is vital for your body to function at its peak.

Step 4: Pay attention to any changes. The best way to monitor your child’s learning difficulty is by observing. Note any changes that may concern you (or improvements!) and be sure to discuss these with your child’s specialist.  

Be patient, we know it’s hard for you too. But remember, the more proactive you are, the better you will feel and the sooner your child will get the support they need. 

If you feel that your child may have a learning difficulty and you would like some more information, please contact Enhanced Learning by calling the College on 4631 8500.

Karyn Morrison - Acting Program Middle Leader - Enhanced Learning - KMorrison@sjc.qld.edu.au

SJC - Community News

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

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

The new All-Purpose Jackets are available in store for $99.00.

Water proof and fully lined.

Great for these rainy cooler days, selling fast and limited stock in some sizes.

Scarves are popular, selling for $25.00.

Why not grab a woollen jumper, to keep you warm.

All winter items are available in store including:

Long Sleeve Shirts

Long sleeve Junior Blouses

Formal trousers for males and females

Tights and stockings

Tracksuits for sport – pants and jacket

Out of stock:

All Purpose jacket sizes, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL

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.

Pass Phrase StJC1956

Second hand items and Football items not available to order online. 

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.