FAX

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

Last Wednesday evening, over 60 parents and carers were in attendance for an information evening from David Kobler. The title of the session was “Raising Teens in a Hyper-Sexualised World”. He commenced his session with the following quote from Pope Francis:

Have courage to swim against the tide. Pay attention, my young friends: to go against the current; this is good for the heart, but we need courage to swim against the tide.

The content of David’s talk covered an array of issues ranging from addiction to pornography, the pressures of living in an online world, building healthy relationships with children and sexting amongst youth. Whilst the topics were confronting, it was great to see so many families keen to hear tips and insights relating to raising a child in today’s society.

Pope Francis’ quote was used to impress upon parents that students who choose to not be affected by some of the above damaging issues are indeed the exception to the norm. His claims were backed by validated research using extremely large sample sizes from the US, UK and Australia. As a follow-up, we will endeavour to make the focus of one of our SJC Parent Group evenings around schooling parents on the traps of VPNs, In Cognito browsing and the prevalent use of ‘Ghost’ or deception apps.

David’s approach was to ensure that parents are opening their lines of communication with their children so there is an atmosphere of trust. He and his wife also spoke with our Year 10 students last Thursday on some of the same topics.

UNIFORM / APPEARANCE EXPECTATIONS Frustratingly, I again find myself speaking on this topic. Following a meeting with Year Coordinators, they expressed their frustrations at the number of students who are continually arriving at school having either not shaved (for a number of days), not removed nose-studs, wearing make-up or their hair incorrectly or wearing their uniform in the wrong manner.

There has been a concerted effort from staff this year to build positive relationships with students as our school improvement survey indicated this was an area where attention was required. For staff to have to remind a student of the College’s expectations repeatedly and as their first contact with a student is damaging. I know in my experience of either greeting students at the commencement of the school day, or likewise, bidding farewell at the end of the day, all students hear is the reminder of what is expected. Not the polite greeting.

Students have fed-back to staff that they feel all that is important is the how the uniform is worn. As I have pointed out, if all uniform and appearance expectations are met, there is no need for a staff member to even mention the uniform. They can focus on what is important, building a good relationship that will lead to positive and fruitful learning experiences in all facets of College life.

Again, I ask for the support of all families on this matter.

St Joseph’s College Doyle Drive (PO Box 246) Banora Point NSW 2486

(07) 5524.9002 (07) 5524.9272 Email: sjcbanora@lism.catholic.edu.au Website: www.sjctweed.org

Week 8, TERM 1 @ sjc

SJC CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

DAY 6 ~ MONDAY 19 MARCH

St Joseph’s Day Liturgy (9:00am, Holy Family Chapel)

DAY 7 ~ TUESDAY 20 MARCH

Year 9 Cyber Safety Talk

College Open Evening (commencing 6:00pm)

DAY 8 ~ WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH

Diocesan Winter Trials (selected students)

Bill Turner Trophy (selected students)

DAY 9 ~ THURSDAY 22 MARCH

LEAD Conference (22 & 23 Mar) (selected students)

Zeal Theatre Workshop (Year 10-12 Drama)

DAY 10 ~ FRIDAY 23 MARCH

NRCC Hockey (selected students)

White Card Training (selected students)

SUNDAY 25 MARCH

Palm Sunday Youth Group & Youth Mass (St Joseph’s Parish Tweed Heads → see flyer for details)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 9, term 1 @ SJC

DAY 1 ~ MONDAY 26 MARCH

DAY 2 ~ TUESDAY 27 MARCH

NRCC RL/Volleyball Rd 2 (selected students)

DAY 3 ~ WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH

Diocesan Basketball Open Carnival (28 & 29 Mar) (selected students)

DAY 4 ~ THURSDAY 29 MARCH

Easter Liturgy (11:00am, Holy Family Chapel)

FRIDAY 30 MARCH

Good Friday

SATURDAY 31 MARCH

Holy Saturday

SUNDAY 1 APRIL

Easter Sunday

Daylight Savings end (put clocks back 1 hour)

From ‘Opus Justitae Pax’ [Peace is the Fruit of Justice]

Pope Pius XII

Page 2 St Joseph’s College Newsletter | 19 March 2018

The School Newsletter and School Calendar are both available online @ www.sjctweed.org. The School Calendar contains year group events, assessment schedules and term dates.

Term 1 Coming events

WEEK 10

Monday 2 April

Easter Monday

Tuesday 3 April Staff Development Day

(THIS IS A PUPIL-FREE DAY) NRCC Touch

Thursday 5 April Country Rugby League Opens

Year 7 2019

Enrolments close

WEEK 11

Tuesday 10 April Transitus (10 & 11 Apr)

Northern Country Trials (10 & 11 Apr)

Wednesday 11 April Diocesan Soccer Opens Carnival

Friday 13 April Last day of Term 1

This is a normal school day SEEAR Cycle Two

~ SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ~

~ TERM 2 ~

WEEK 1

Monday 30 April Year 12 HSC Examinations commence

(Monday 30 April to Friday 4 May)

The next College Newsletter (and the final one for this term)

will include the full calendar for Term 4

Year 7 2019 SJC Open Evening TOMORROW NIGHT

Tuesday 20 March 2018

Enrolments close WEEK 10 THIS TERM

Thursday 5 April 2018

Continued from Page 1

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES I thought it important to acknowledge the efforts of staff and students (and parents) who are making our community so vibrant and life-giving by involving themselves in the many activities and groups that are currently active in the College. To name but a few, we currently have our Stage Band practicing on Thursday mornings (Mrs McLaughlin would be happy to accommodate any more budding minstrels who are out there in our school), Fitness Group and Yoga on Wednesday morning, Running Club on Friday morning, Chess on Wednesday lunch times, SJC Environment Club every second Wednesday, our Vinnies group (I hear another charity pancake brekky is pending), English Help at lunch times and Maths Help on Thursday afternoons. In addition to all of these student options, there are many sporting teams training during lunch and after school and we also have the Homework Hub with its every increasing numbers. I encourage all students to become involved to ensure that you get the most out of our great school.

OPEN EVENING Tomorrow evening sees our annual Open Evening at SJC. I must thank in advance the commitment made by staff and students who will ensure that our College is shown in the most positive manner from 6:00-7.30pm.

BULLYING; NO WAY! Last Friday saw the College take part in a national day of action against bullying. There were over 4000 schools in Australia that took part. Our students wore a strip of orange ribbon in recognition of the problematic nature of bullying and the harm that it does. All students, earlier in the week completed the annual bullying survey. The information gathered from this survey will help welfare staff formulate strategies in moving forward to make our school as safe as possible for all students. If your child has not completed the bullying survey, they will have an email awaiting their attention. I ask that all families ensure that when events occur, please ensure the College is informed so that action can be taken. It is very rare that “snitches wear stitches” (as many students name as a reason for not reporting). However, it is very common that those who are the victims of systematic and repeated bullying behaviours suffer tremendously. We ask for courage in reporting and acting on bullying.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY – TUESDAY 3 APRIL As you would no doubt be aware, Easter falls at the end of Week 9 of this term (Good Friday, 31 March - Easter Monday, 2 April). On Tuesday 3 April, all staff members will be taking part in a Staff Development Day. This means that the school will be closed for teaching that day. Normal classes will resume on Wednesday 4 April. Kind regards Mr Scott Thomson Principal (sthomson@lism.catholic.edu.au)

OPEN EVENINGTUESDAY MARCH 20, 6.00PM

SHOWCASE IN THE DOYLE CENTRE FOLLOWED BY SELF-GUIDED TOURS

ENROLLING FOR YEARS 7 - 11, 2019

ST JOSEPH 'S COLLEGEBANORA POINT

"BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF"

PHONE: 0755249002 www.sjctweed.org @sjcBanora

YR 7 2019 ENROLMENTS CLOSE THURSDAY APRIL 5, 2018

Page 4 St Joseph’s College Newsletter | 19 March 2018

Messages to Students: Office staff cannot disrupt teaching in order to deliver messages that are not of an urgent nature. Student’s afternoon home travel plans should be made prior to the student leaving home in the morning.

St Joseph’s College believes …

Missed Homeroom? OR Late to school?

Immediately report to Student Reception.

Note: This also includes if you missed Homeroom because you attended a music lesson, were printing at the library, etc. Class rolls are taken each lesson and this will have to be corrected otherwise your parent/carer will receive an SMS advising an absence.

Leaving early today?

Hand your parent/carer’s permission note to your teacher during Homeroom.

If you miss HR, report to Student Reception.

Meet your parent/carer at Parent Reception at the time stipulated in your parent note.

Note: There are NO bookings and there are NO reminder calls!

Incorrect uniform?

Parent/carer to refer to the College uniform policy in the Student/Parent Reference Guide (per Skoolbag app or on the College website.)

Hand parental explanation letter to teacher during Homeroom.

Feeling unwell?

Report to Student Reception with your College Planner (diary) signed by your class teacher, or a teacher on duty during the recess or lunch break.

Do not contact your parent/carer yourself.

A member of the office staff will phone to arrange this as well as to monitor you until a parent/carer can come to the office to collect you.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND APPLICATION REPORT (SEAAR)

Congratulations to the following students on their extraordinary achievement in the first SEAA Report for 2018. These students achieved a perfect grade average of 5.0:

Cycle One (Term 1, Cycle 1):

Year 12 Tahlia Hession Year 9 Allira Fenn

Puttakhun Kaewmechai Kealey Hall

Caitlin Kirsner Amelia Martin

Kyle Macaskill Erin Phelps

Joshua McGuinness Bethany Ryan

Year 11 Blaine Hart Year 8 Herine Antu

Abigail Joyce Regine Cosham

Chloe Palin Leevan Jiang

Minh Nguyen

Bridget Simmons

Stephanie Tait

Zac Van Zuylen

Mr Peter Lyon Deputy Principal

PASTORAL CARE / STUDENT WELFARE

ST JOSEPH’S DAY

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, St Joseph. We will celebrate with a morning Liturgy followed by a range of fundraising activities including BBQ, Sno-cones, drinks as well as music and other events. All students are to wear sports uniform. The Liturgy will take place during our normal Monday morning assembly time, and there will be timetabled lessons from Periods 1 to 3. From Periods 4 to 6, there will be activities and the Holt Bolt. As previously advised, students competing will need a change of clothes (house colours preferable) as there will be water obstacles involved.

STUDENT ILLNESS & THE MOBILE PHONE As parents are aware, the College has a policy regarding mobile phones. This policy advises that students are not to use their mobile phone for personal use whilst at school. This includes contacting a parent when the child feels unwell. It has been made very clear to students that they are not to contact a parent in the event of feeling unwell and wishing to go home. A member of the office staff will contact the parent or carer to make these arrangements. If a parent is contacted by their child, we ask you to direct them to the office please. The student should report to Student Reception with their College Planner signed by their class teacher, or a teacher on duty in the case of it being recess or lunch.

FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER The College Newsletter, distributed fortnightly on the ‘even’ weeks of each term (2, 4, 6, 8, & 10), is the major means of communication between the College and the SJC community. It includes important information regarding excursions, special events, sport, and curriculum developments as well as providing readers with a general understanding of the ‘life’ of the College. The College Newsletter is circulated electronically on a Monday via the Skoolbag app. If you would like an email sent to you, please update your Skoolbag information to include this. Alternatively, you can visit the College website, www.sjctweed.org to view or download the most recent copy of the newsletter. Parents are urged to read these each week. It is another way in which you as parents can show support and interest in your child’s education.

INTERRUPTIONS TO CLASS MUST STOP!

N O T I C E Please be reminded that it is the responsibility of the student to check at Student Reception for any equipment brought in to the College AND/OR when leaving early to meet their parent/carer at Parent Reception at the allotted time. And

Mr Peter Serone Leader of Pastoral Care / Student Welfare

s

Issue 4 2018 | Term 1 Week 8 Page 5

Thinking of Taking Leave during the Term? All student leave must be approved by the College Principal in advance of the leave being taken. Our website includes details of legislative requirements and you can also download the leave application form.

CATECHESIS

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

We celebrate Catholic Schools Week this week. It is an opportunity to celebrate our community and identity as a Catholic school. Week 8 has been chosen because it includes Open Evening and St Joseph’s day and there will also be links made with our theme for the year, which is ‘Living life to the full’. Students are also encouraged to be really thinking about thanking. It is an opportunity to show heartfelt gratitude to others and respect for what others do to help us grow and be better people. We will have five Appreciation Days where specific groups of the St Joseph’s College community are highlighted. Students and staff can write letters of appreciation and/or help the highlighted group out in some way. The idea of attaching a year group to a group within the community is to ensure that as many members of the community as possible receive at least one letter of appreciation and an act of help or assistance in some way if at all possible. Year 9 students will be provided with additional information about the parish staff that they may not know personally and the Year 7s and 8s will be able to access a list of all the teachers. Years 11 and 12 will get a list of the support staff.

Thursday 22 March- TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY Students from Years 7 and 8 are asked to take the lead by writing notes of thanks to all the teachers and present them to the teachers on this day. All students can be involved by making a super special effort to be on time to class, have the right equipment, and be really well behaved. Friday 23 March- SUPPORT STAFF APPRECIATION DAY Students from Years 11 and 12 are asked to take the lead by writing letters of thanks and volunteering their services to assist: office, library, canteen, learning support, IT support, ancillary and grounds staff. Also included with this group are Cameron O’Toole and Grace Hinchliffe, our Youth Ministry Officers, Joe Shaw, Sports Trainee and Harrison Hunter, TAS Trainee for 2018. If students are able to assist at break time, support staff might have the opportunity to have morning tea together. It is hoped that the activities staged during this week will provide an opportunity for the whole community to be involved and appreciate others. Miss Helen Gooley Leader of Catechesis

Monday 19 March- STUDENT APPRECIATION DAY (ST JOSEPH’S DAY) The Staff are going to be the facilitators of the St Joseph’s Day Liturgy. SRC students run the show with activities after lunch. It is still very important that students realise that their behaviour on this day still needs to be exemplary. We would like to show that they are appreciated for their good work and actions. Tuesday 20 March- PARENT APPRECIATION DAY Students from Year 10 are asked to take the lead by making this day their focus. Letters of thanks can be written to parents and acts of service to parents are to be the focus that day for everyone. It would be great to see heaps of Year 10 students, for example, volunteering to help with Open Evening. Wednesday 21 March- PARISH STAFF AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT APPRECIATION DAY Students from Year 9 will be going to the Wednesday Mass in the Holy Family Chapel and then they are asked to present Fr Gabriel or Fr Michael with notes of thanks for all the parish staff. As well as thanking the priests, there are other parish staff to consider: Deacon Anselm Okeke, Mrs Kathy Twohill (Pastoral Associate), Mrs Donna Neal, Mrs Sue Heffernan, Mrs Kym Lockley, Mr Bob Heffernan, Mr John Klein, Mrs Pam Harlock, Mr Algis Budzinauskas (maintenance) and John Lee (You Have a Friend). It is important that because these people work behind the scenes, we show our appreciation of them.

Dear Lord

Catholic Schools Week is a special time in the year when we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Catholic schools. It is a time to give thanks for the wonderful teaching and learning that takes place each day in every classroom. We acknowledge and thank all who work in the service of Catholic education to create the opportunities for students that allow them to grow and thrive.

We thank you for the wisdom and understanding of teachers the enthusiasm and energy of students the leadership of school Principals and executive staff the skill, care and commitment of administrative and support staff the guidance of our pastors and religious leaders the support and partnership of parents, carers and local communities.

We pray that each student’s learning journey be inspired by a search for your wisdom and truth.

We pray that we never take for granted the learning opportunities that we have all been given, and that we use the gifts of learning wisely and responsibly.

We ask that we use what we have learnt to create a better world for all people, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

Celebrating Catholic Schools

Week @ SJC 19-23 March

2018

ENROLLING NOW

Enrolments for

Year 7 2019 close

in Week 10, Thursday

5 April 2018

Please submit the application form along with the $55 application fee and

copies of the following:

Birth Certificate

Baptism Certificate and other Sacramental Certificates (if applicable)

Two most recent School Reports

NAPLAN results

CSW@SJC

Page 6 St Joseph’s College Newsletter | 19 March 2018

Planner: The student planner should be signed by parents/caregivers each week. Any concerns? Contact the relevant Homeroom Teacher or Year Coordinator (Leader of Pastoral Care).

“

2018 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM If there are any students who are

baptised Catholics but have not been confirmed or received their first Holy Communion and would like

to do so, would you please contact me at the College

Mr Scott McDermott Leader of School Evangelisation

“

Mission is never the fruit of a perfectly planned program or a well-organised

manual. Mission is always the fruit of a life which knows what it is to be found and healed, encountered and forgiven.

For all the obstacles we see before us,

gratitude and appreciation should prevail over concerns and complaints.

Life is a journey, along different roads,

different paths, which leave their mark on us.

Today we want to keep dreaming.

We celebrate all the opportunities which enable you, and us adults too, not to lose the hope of a better world with

greater possibilities.

Working for a just distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labour

is not mere philanthropy. It is a moral obligation.

The family is a community of love where each of us learns to relate to others and

to the world around us.

True charity requires courage: let us overcome the fear of getting our hands

dirty so as to help those in need.

Pope Francis

What we say and how we say it, our

every word and gesture, ought to express God's compassion, tenderness

and forgiveness for all.

We must meet one another doing good.

Division of hearts cannot overcome a difficulty; only love can overcome.

The joy of the Gospel is for all people:

no one can be excluded.

…authentic dialogue also demands a capacity for empathy. For dialogue to

take place, there has to be this empathy.

None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for

social justice.

We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future,

spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and

preach peace.

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

Matthew invites us to ponder the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Joseph, the husband of Mary. He finds himself in a moral dilemma when he learns of Mary’s pregnancy, which had come about “before they lived together.” He is a righteous man who wants to do what is best for everyone and what is in harmony with the will of God. An angel is sent to enlighten him.

Not all the decisions we are faced with in life are clearly between right and wrong. We may have to operate in morally grey areas, or in so called “no-win” situations (where we will be misunderstood no matter what choice we make). We need to tap into the experience of others and pray for the wisdom of God’s Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus, today I call on you, but not to ask for anything. I’d like only to dwell in your presence. May my heart respond to your love.

WEEKEND MASS TIMES

St Joseph’s Parish St Anthony’s Parish

Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm

Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm (Kingscliff)

Sunday: 7:00am & 9:00am

Sunday: 7:30am (Pottsville)

Sunday: 9:00am (Bilambil)

Sunday: 9:00am (Kingscliff)

Fr Michael Brady Fr Paul McDonald Parish Priest Parish Priest

We celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Joseph today. We celebrate this day because in a real ‘life-changing’ moment, Joseph heard a special calling from the angel to be the earthbound father-guardian to the Son of God. Every child needs someone who will be their champion, their provider and their role model. Joseph had such traits – character – in abundance by choosing the life to come. It was his choice and, even though he seemed to settle into the background, he provided care and protection for his whole family. In that, he is a role model to us all. He is also a favourite of Pope Francis. If a problem comes up, the Pope has said he writes it down on a piece of paper and puts it underneath a statue of a sleeping St Joseph which he has in his room. “Now he sleeps on a mattress of notes!” the Pope said, explaining that this is why “I sleep well: it is the grace of God.” Joseph lived his life to the full. His life was about making good choices and supporting his family. As we pray to him, we say, Saint Joseph, Pray for us.

Mr Scott McDermott Leader of School Evangelisation

SCHOOL EVANGELISATION

Reading of the Week

SCHOOL EVANGELISATION

Issue 4 2018 | Term 1 Week 8 Page 7

Before School Supervision: Student supervision is available prior to the commencement of the school day, from 8:20am until 8:45am.

“

“

“

“

A JUST FUTURE STARTS WITH EDUCATION. The weekly Project Compassion Lenten story from Caritas Australia this week revisits Ditosa’s story from 2013. With your contributions to Project Compassion, Caritas Australia was supporting the Matuba Children’s Centre in Mozambique which provided vulnerable children with study help, food, and training in activities such as sewing and growing vegetables. Five years on, Ditosa is now 17 and has completed her education and is looking forward to a bright and just future.

Ditosa is a young girl from Mozambique who hopes to go to university and become a police officer. Featured in Project Compassion 2013, Ditosa faced a challenging future with food scarcity, little education and few job prospects. Cared for by her grandmother and aunt, after her parents died of AIDS-related illnesses, they also lost their home and livelihoods in severe flooding. Thanks to the support of Project Compassion, Caritas Australia and Caritas Regional Chokwe (CRC) helped Ditosa’s family to build a new house and assisted with transport fees, school materials and fees, to help Ditosa to stay at school. Ditosa attended the Matuba Children’s Centre daily (set up by Caritas in 2007) which provides vulnerable children, like Ditosa, with lunch, study help, and computer and income-generating skills training. In 2018, Ditosa has graduated from school and is ambitious for the future. “Without the support of the people from Australia and Caritas I would not have been given this opportunity to continue my schooling.” Ditosa dreams of going to university to continue studying and secure an even brighter future.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

– Galatians 6:9

Please donate to Project Compassion 2018 and help young women like Ditosa to grow up with an education, confidence and hope, providing them with a just future.

A JUST FUTURE STARTS WITH OPPORTUNITY. As we approach Holy Week and the remembrance of Jesus’ final days, we are reminded of the many women, men and children around the world who are most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice. These are the face of the suffering Christ in our time. One such face is Psyche Mae who when featured in Project Compassion in 2008, was a teenager living with her family in a squatter settlement on the edge of a giant rubbish dump outside Manila in the Philippines. Her family formed part of an extensive, urban poor community, where hundreds of thousands of people struggle to survive – and many are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Her family was forced to pick through the rubbish to sell what they could to survive. In 2018, Psyche Mae is now a young social worker, achieving her dream of helping others struggling to leave poverty behind them – with plans to study a Master’s degree. Thanks to the support of individuals and Caritas Australia through Project Compassion, the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) program helps people like Psyche Mae to learn job and income-generating skills, encourages education, addresses health and runs programs that enable members to save money and take out small, low interest loans. It’s estimated around 5000 people are assisted directly or indirectly by this program. Psyche Mae’s mother has also become a part-time sewing teacher, her father works with the House Repair program, both run by FCJ and her three brothers and sisters are studying hard. With their jobs and the help of a community savings plan – Psyche Mae’s entire family managed to lift themselves out of poverty and build a just future.

Be demanding of the world around you; be demanding first of all with yourselves.

Be children of God; take pride in it! – Pope St John Paul II

Please donate to Project Compassion 2018 and help improve the health and wellbeing of communities in the Philippines so they can work towards eradicating poverty, providing a just future for all.

PROJECT COMPASSION 2018

Page 8 St Joseph’s College Newsletter | 19 March 2018

School Shoes: Parents are reminded that school shoes are to be of the traditional, hard leather lace-up style.

On Friday 9 March, all Year 7 students participated in designing and creating mosaic stepping stones for our Rosary Garden.

Each session was led by Mr McDermott with a prayer and an explanation on why and how we pray the rosary. Mrs Balk then explained the logistics of the activity, we were shown examples, given inspiration, broken up into pairs or threes, given a colour, designed together, then choose our tiles and eventually created our bead. Each stepping stone will take the form of a bead, and all beads will become a set of large Rosary Beads for our garden. Lots of fun was had by all, there were lots of great helpers, most importantly Mr McDermott, Mrs Balk, Mrs Burnett, Kate Nestor (CSO), Cameron, Grace and Year 10 CSYMA students Kasey, Holly, Olivia, Tayla and Tanesha.

Miss Teneille De Luca, Assistant to the Leader of School Evangelisation

Baptism and Sacraments

Every year adults are welcomed into the Catholic Community through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

This year St Joseph’s Parish in conjunction with St Joseph’s College, is running a special Rite of Christian Initiation for students.

If you are interested in your child receiving the Sacrament of Baptism and other Sacraments of Initiation, please contact Scott McDermott, St Joseph’s College at Banora Point.

A warm and respectful welcome to all!

The faith community of St Joseph’s Parish Schools invite you to "Come and See"!

Rosary Garden

CATECHESIS

On Tuesday 13 March, Jewish Rabbi and Professor Jeffrey Cohen spoke to students in Years 11 and 12 about Judaism. Rabbi Cohen, from Sydney, has extensive experience in HSC lecturing. The Catholic Schools Office in Lismore coordinated the visit, and thanks are extended to Kurt Challinor and Joan Lancaster for their assistance in enabling the event.

He spoke to Year 12 about bioethics and marriage with references to Maimonides. He spoke to Year 11 students around the principal beliefs and core ethical teachings of Judaism. He was able to share with students extensive knowledge and showed them examples of a Jewish prayer shawl and Kippah (small cap worn on the head).

We are grateful to Rabbi Cohen for sharing his valuable time with us.

Miss Helen Gooley Leader of Catechesis

Year 10 iSTEM A few weeks ago the Year 10 iSTEM classes of Mrs Thompson and Mr Watson undertook some exploratory dissections of hearts and joints to discover the anatomy and workings of these intricate body parts - animal body parts that is - in a quest to gain a better understanding of their functionality. This was a "joint" effort done to help them gain insight and understanding for the task at "hand", which is to design a Biomechanical product that would assist a person who needed it in either the circulatory or skeletal systems.

On the day of the dissections no one felt queasy, all students were intrigued and enjoyed the activity. We look forward to seeing the solutions to their chosen task.

Mr Brad Watson

Integrated Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

Congratulations to the seventeen enthusiastic swimmers who travelled to Lismore to represent the College at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. Lismore Diocese fields such a high standard of competition and first place (and 2nd place in 50m freestyle) is required to progress to the next level. Most students had a huge program, competing in many events back to back.

Special congratulations to Claudia Annett, Eloise Easterbrook and Reef Somerville who achieved

first place in an event and now progress to NSW Combined Catholic Colleges in Sydney.

Claudia Annett (U12) broke the U12 50m breaststroke recording a time of 39.38... an outstanding achievement! Claudia also placed 2nd in 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke and 3rd in 100m breaststroke (12-14yr)

Eloise Easterbrook (U13) placed first in 50m breaststroke

2nd 50m freestyle, 3rd in 50m freestyle, butterfly and backstroke and 100m freestyle, 5th in 200m IM (12-14yr)

Reef Somerville (U15) placed first in 50m freestyle

Special mention must also go to the junior girls 4x50m relay team who placed 2nd Kealey Hall, Eloise Easterbrook, Chloe Loubet and Elise Thompson

Other fantastic results in the top 6 include:

Cooper Tate (U13) - 3rd 50m freestyle, 6th 50m breaststroke

Chloe Loubet (U13) - 4th in 50m freestyle and breaststroke and 5th in 50m freestyle

Elise Thompson (U13) - 5th in 50m breaststroke and 5th in 100m butterfly (12-14yr) and 100m breaststroke (12-14yr)

Dominic Ball (U14) - 5th 200mIM, 6th 50 butterfly

Kealey Hall (U14) - 4th 50m backstroke

Talyn Hall (U15) - 5th 50m breaststroke, 6th 50m backstroke

Emma Lynch (U15) - 6th 50m backstroke, 6th

100m freestyle

Felix Loughran (U12) - 4th 100m freestyle, 6th 50m backstroke

All team members achieved many other great results in the top 10. Congratulations go to Patrick McLaughlin, Riley McLaughlin, Aiden Holland, Eden Pietraszkiewicz and Christopher Preston.

All students are to be applauded for their cooperation, positive attitude and school spirit. Thanks for making it such a great day! Thank you to all the parents for transporting the students to the carnival and for your support and assistance throughout the day. Mrs Sue Wilson & Mr Peter McLaughlin

Page 12 St Joseph’s College Newsletter | 19 March 2018

Sport: Sport is an important part of the school and students are expected to attend sport each week.

Note: Easter falls during Term 1

Friday 30 March – Good Friday Saturday 31 March – Holy Saturday

Sunday 1 April – Easter Sunday Monday 2 April – Easter Monday

Term 1 concludes on Friday 13 April

ANZAC Day, Wednesday 25 April

Term 2 commences on Monday 30 April Queen’s Birthday, Monday 11 June Term 2 concludes on Friday 6 July

Term 3 commences on Monday 23 July Term 3 concludes on Friday 28 September

Labour Day, Monday 1 October

Term 4 commences on Monday 15 October Term 4 concludes on Friday 21 December

Please refer to College website regarding Pupil Free Days

PEDAGOGY

The needs of today’s children have certainly changed over the past decade or two and teaching has had to adapt to these changes to be relevant and “contemporary”. The following comes from the Lismore Diocese’s webpage on Contemporary Learning and may shed some light on what is happening at St Joseph’s College “these days”.

CONTEMPORARY LEARNING A contemporary learning approach is personalised, responding to the learning needs, interests and experiences of each student. Contemporary learning is different to the way many parents of today’s students were taught. It offers teachers and students many more options than the old textbook driven approach to teaching. Contemporary learning aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills and capacities to respond creatively to the challenges of their world. Learners thrive in environments that are safe, supportive and secure. Flexible and intentionally developed learning environ-ments encourage innovation and inquiry and help create a sense of belonging and purpose that strengthens the learning culture. These environments are stimulating and appropriately resourced. They promote high expectations and respect diversity and difference, facilitating learning for all students. Adaptive learning environments have no conventional boundaries because, being ICT rich, they are connected to the world beyond the classroom. Mr Carlo Trimboli Leader of Pedagogy

ON-CAMPUS UNIFORM SHOP (MANAGED BY LOWES)

07 5523 9300 - only during shop hours

Tuesdays: 12:00pm to 3:30pm

Thursdays: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only

NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED

Inspiring Australia’s leading young scientists - Applications

for NYSF 2019 Year 12 Program opened 1 March 2018

Attn: Keen Science students in Year 11

The NYSF Year 12 Program is a 12-day residential program designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage them to continue their studies in these fields. If you are interested, more information can be found at the following link:

https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

SCIENCE

Following on from Leah Kaslar’s talk to students at Monday’s assembly, Tweed Coolangatta Junior AFL Club are holding a Try Out for AFL / Fun Night on Wednesday 21st March at 5pm QLD time at Len Peak Oval, 22 Appel St Coolangatta. It will be a fun night designed so as you can see if you like the game of AFL. There will be a Free BBQ after the training and Leah has organised a 2018 Brisbane Lions Women's jumper [signed by this year’s team] to be given away on the night to one of the new attendees. All girls born in the following years are encouraged to attend (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004). Look forward to seeing you there.

14 March 2018 Dear Parents, ANZAC Day (25 April) this year falls in the second week of the holidays (Wednesday). For many years now St Joseph’s College has participated in the Twin Towns March. We march to remember those who have served our country and acknowledge those who continue to do so. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate and experience the values of citizenship, community awareness and school spirit. There is an expectation that all members of the STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL will attend if possible. Students are required to meet at Jack Evans Boat Harbour (next to the Children’s Playground) Boundary Street, Tweed Heads, by 9:45am. Students are to report to attending staff members so that their names can be marked off and height order can be arranged prior to 10:10am. The assistance of Senior students in this organisation would be greatly appreciated. Students must wear their full school uniform, including their school cap and ties for boys. It is important that students make every effort to look their best and are groomed in the manner required by the College uniform policy (hair tied back, no excess jewellery/make-up, boys clean shaven etc). We will be marching to the Cenotaph in Wharf Street as usual for the main service. At the conclusion of the service, all students attending are invited to have a light snack and soft drink in the Twin Towns Services Carpark courtesy of the Twin Towns RSL. For this reason and as a courtesy to the RSL definite numbers of students attending are needed by the due date. Students will need to organise their own transport to and from the ANZAC March. Students are free to leave at the end of the service (approx 11:30am). Please return the permission slip to Mrs McLaughlin no later than Thursday 29 March 2018. Yours sincerely, Mrs Louise McLaughlin Leader of Pastoral Care – Year 8

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PLEASE RETURN TO STUDENT RECEPTION BY THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018

I give permission for my child/ren (as listed below) to be involved in the ANZAC Day March on Wednesday 25 April 2018. (Please print clearly the Student’s Name and Homeroom) 1. _________________________________ H/R _________ 2. _________________________________ H/R _________

(STUDENT NAME) (STUDENT NAME)

3. _________________________________ H/R _________ 4. _________________________________ H/R _________

(STUDENT NAME) (STUDENT NAME)

Number of students for refreshments (comprising light snack and soft drink) after the Service: __________________________ Parent / Guardian signature: _____________________________________________________________________________

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