Term 2 – Issue 17 Week 7 – Newsletter

Dear Parents, Students and Caregivers,

When we work with our students, there should be excitement; ideally this would mean the staff, parents and students have a life that has energy and an edge. It is life with a sense of responsibility to the rest of the world and to ourselves.

Bloom where you are Planted, the poster reads, but the poster does not tell the whole story. “Plant yourself where you know you can bloom” may well be the poster we all need to see, or better yet, “work the arid soil however long it takes until something that fulfils the rest of you finally makes the desert within you bloom”.

Other words of wisdom are: “Remember, you can’t ever really run away from anything, in the end, you only take yourself with you”.

Our Passion Projects work within our “You Will Never Walk Alone” project to further present and develop meaningful opportunities to grow as a person.

NATURE OF PASSION PROJECTS

PASSION PROJECTS

Community Project

This project focuses on Community and Service encouraging students to explore their rights and responsibilities to implement service as action.

A community project gives students the opportunity to develop awareness of needs in our community address those needs through service learning.

The community project engages in a sustained in-depth inquiry leading to service as action in the community.

Personal Project

Students work on an area of interest; they produce a creative outcome and demonstrate a consolidation of their learning.  It may be subject specific. It offers many opportunities for differentiation of learning and expression, it revolves around a challenge that motivates the interests of an individual or group of students.

It encourages and enables students to:

• participate in a sustained, self-directed inquiry using Design Thinking within a community context.
• generate creative new insights and develop deeper understanding through in-depth investigation.
• demonstrate the skills, attitude and knowledge required to complete the project.
• communicate effectively with others.
• demonstrate responsible action through, or as a result of, learning.
• appreciate the process of learning and taking pride in their ideas.
• explore a range of ideas to respond to a challenge.

Interest Areas to choose from

1. Yrs 10-11 Cognitive Verbs (study)
2. Yr 12 High Impact Strategies (study)
3. Project-Based Learning teacher – student design project
4. Pallet challenge
5. Welding
6. Design Thinking
7. Media Group: Photography focus
8. Feeding our community – designing simple meals
9. Introduction to Leather Craft
10. Excellence in Basketball
11. T.E.A.M
12. School Magazine
13. Life Skills
14. Knitting, crocheting
15. Rock & Water Leadership for young men

Reflection

If we look constantly to the gospels we can recognise that Jesus is someone who:

• Experienced solitude as a source of strength
• Opened his heart to the unwanted
• Moved beyond the comfortable and took risks
• Listened to and took notice of the concerns in others’ lives
• Offered peace and healing to wounded ones
• Shared a love that stretched far beyond himself
• Lived the life of a suffering servant for the sake of the kingdom
• Acknowledged and praised the faith of others
• Extended forgiveness readily and constantly
• Desired and sought the truth for himself and for others

Loving God, may we be Christ-like in all we do. Amen.

Year 12 Retreat

I am so privileged to have the opportunity to be with our young people in their journey. Last week, it was a pleasure to be with the Year 12s on their retreat.

This retreat was an opportunity for the Year 12s to spend time with one another, to break bread, ie sharing their lives. They laughed and cried with one another. They asked forgiveness and were forgiven. They told those they loved that they loved them and they heard from those who loved them.

We spent time in prayer. We were given the opportunity to listen for the voice of God.

In essence, this is what the journey of life is about and what Yahweh asks of us – to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.

We were very fortunate to have staff member Dan O’Neill join us for a morning. Students took the opportunity to thank Dan for his presence in their lives. Brad Davies who was in Dan’s PC presented him with a folder full of affirmation notes.

Thank you to Tamika Robinson, Nicole Davies, Chris Fitzpatrick, Beth Moloney, Megan Puhakka, Jenny Stead, Paul Canning, Bruce Cook, Andrew Keighran, Peter Keightley, Rodney Spain and Debra Nettle. Without these generous, creative and faith-filled staff members, retreat could not happen.

Rite of Candidacy

On Wednesday at our College assembly, Bryana McGowan began her journey to full initiation into the Catholic community. During her Rite of Candidacy, Bryana was asked by Fr Ray what she wanted of the Catholic community. Her response was for a ‘deepened awareness of the love of God.’ And so as a community we pray that we can support Bryana in this quest.

We look forward to welcoming Bryana into full communion at the Grandparent’s Day Mass in July.

Morning  Routine

7.30 to 9.00 am – Entry gate will be closed. Please use new route (as shown in the diagram)

Afternoon Routine

2.30 to 3.30 pm – Entry gate will be closed. Please use new route (as shown in the diagram)

Parked vehicles within Coronet Street are unable to exit until after 3.30 pm each day

Lower eastern carpark will be closed after 2.30 pm

Parents, when using the drop-off and pick-up area you:

• must use the area like a quick moving taxi rank
• need to move forward in the queue of vehicles to the signed area
• can get out of your vehicle to quickly help your children get in and out safely (once in the signed area)—however you must not walk away from your vehicle
• are only allowed very limited time in the assigned area —if your children are not ready to get straight into your vehicle at pick-up time, you will need to drive round the block and queue to enter the area again
• should only let your children out once you have pulled into the assigned area (it is dangerous to let them out while waiting in a queue)
• should teach your children to look out for your vehicle and to get in quickly when you pull up

Hi Parents and Caregivers,

We will be holding a special Grandparent’s Day Mass on Wednesday July 31st at 9.50am at the College.

If you wish to attend this event, please RSVP by the 26th July.

Year 7 to 12 Assessment

Please check with your son or daughter about upcoming assessment.  The Semester One Assessment calendar has been published since Term One and can be accessed via the College Intranet site by students.

In Years 7 to 10 students will be completing assessment in class time, except for Year 9 and 10 Science and Maths tests which will be conducted in the Mackillop Centre as a cohort.

Year 11’s do not have an exam block and are required at school each day as normal lessons will be continuing until the end of term.

Year 12’s are only required at school when they have an exam from Friday 14th June to Friday 21^st June.  The exam block for Year 12’s has been sent to students via email.  Students are required to wear full academic uniform and attend on time.  Students need to sign in at the College and sign out at the end of their exam at the office.

Year 12’s can work quietly during the day in the Reading Area of the library during exam block (14th – 21st June).  Students must do individual study and be in full school uniform. They must also sign into the library.

No student should be seen around town in school uniform. The opportunity to go home is a privilege to allow them to study.  Students who have incomplete work or non-submission will be required to attend school and your son or daughter’s teacher will be in contact if this is necessary.

Year 9 and 10 Elective changes for Semester Two

Please note that Year 9’s received their Semester Two elective lines in PC this week. Year 10’s will receive them when they return from work experience. Some electives are full.

If your son or daughter wishes to make a change this needs to be finalised by Friday 14 June. No other changes will be made after this time. Please contact me via email (kfellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au) outlining the request and ask your son or daughter to see me during break times at the office to see if it is possible.

Senior Exams

If your son or daughter is in Year 11 or 12 and they are away for an exam, please contact me directly at the office. Students require a medical certificate to enable assessment to be rescheduled.

Family Holidays

Please be aware that Family holidays is not a reason QCAA accepts in the Senior school to make changes to exam conditions or assessment deadlines.

Phones and Smart Watches – Exam Conditions and Equipment:

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

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

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

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

What is an Undergraduate degree?

You will become an undergraduate student when you enrol in and complete your first university degree. When you graduate, you will receive a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree could take between three and five years (full-time).

Undergraduate degrees involve:

• core units (compulsory units for all students of a course)
• majors (a series of eight units related to a specific specialist area)
• minors (a series of four related units)
• elective units (units outside of the scheduled program that a student can choose for themselves)
• prerequisites (units that need to be successfully completed before a student can enrol in the next unit in the sequence).

An honours year usually requires one further year of study. This allows a student to study an aspect of their degree in greater depth. Having a specialisation can open up career opportunities and shows to employers a graduate has developed their critical thinking and research skills.

Pathway Programs

Most (if not all) universities offer pathway programs. These are an alternative route to university study if you didn’t get the entry score you need, haven’t completed Year 12 or don’t meet some other requirement.

After you complete a recognised pathway option, such as an associate degree, diploma or certificate, you’ll be able to gain credit for this study. This makes the transition into your desired degree a little easier.  Most universities also offer a Tertiary Preparation Program as an alternative pathway entry to university.

Australian Defence Force Up-date

ADFA and Gap Year 2020 Applications Up-date

Students interested in joining Gap Year or ADFA in 2020 – Some jobs are already closed and all others will be closing soon for Gap Year. If the student is 16.5yrs or older they are encouraged to come in for a YOU Session in June.

Students interested in ADFA, applications are open now for 2020. Students can apply for ADFA positions from 16years.

The application process for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process that can take up to 12 months. It is recommended that students start applying in grade 11 for 2021.

For more information on the recruiting process for ADFA, visit ADFA Dual Application Process.

Year 10 Students – Excursion

Parents can expect to receive an email outlining the details of an excursion that has been arranged for their child in Grade 10.

The excursion is career focused and will take place on Wednesday 19 June during Periods 1 and 2.

The purpose of the excursion is to expose students to a university setting while taking part in career conversations which include work and study possibilities, including pathways for the future.

I anticipate this event will assist students in future subject selection conversations.

There will be no cost to the student.

Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO)

Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July

Follow the link for further details: https://www.careersevent.com/event/brisbane-careers-event/

UQ Update

In 2018, UQ introduced a situational judgement test for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).

The situational judgement test used by UQ is called CASPer, which applicants sit online. All applicants applying for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) will have to sit the test. Along with the test, students will still have to meet all other entry requirements for the program.

UQ recognise that skills and attributes such as resilience, critical thinking and communication are essential for veterinarians, but are not always reflected in academic performance alone.

Tests are scheduled in August, October and November 2019. Exact dates will be available on the CASPer website. Registration will open shortly and will remain open until the day before the scheduled November exam date.

https://future-students.uq.edu.au/apply/undergraduate/entry-requirements/bachelor-veterinary-science-honours

Peter Mulcahy designed an exciting workshop for students to learn about cultural awareness, spirituality and identity through art.

As a team effort, the students created two large paintings which will be presented during our NAIDOC week assembly on the last Wednesday of term.

This will be an ideal opportunity for students who may need help in keeping up with the theory aspects of their subjects in the Design Technology area (e.g. Bluedog for Years 11 and 12 Engineering and/or Construction).

As part of their learning and assessment, the students have designed a photo frame from recycled pallet timber. G James Glass offered to supply the glass to the students and show them how to cut the glass to fit their own frames. Safety in the glass industry is of the utmost importance. The students were supplied with special glass cutting gloves , aprons, and arm protectors along with appropriate eye protection.

Following the glass cutting process an elaborate tour of the factory facilities was conducted. The students were able to see the original older machinery, some still in use, to the modern computerised infrastructure. G James glass employs around 80 people and have an industrial area the size of 5 acres. Apprenticeships are not advertised as they generally employ unskilled labour to train in the workshops and then offer apprenticeships from the people they train. One advantage of working with this firm is all employees are paid the same rate of pay regardless of when they start. All apprentices are paid the adult wage.

We would like to thank Mr Michael Walker, the Branch Manager for allowing the excursion and Mr Darren Briese for conducting the training and tour. Both Michael and Darren have served as long term employees of G James Glass. They have a wealth of knowledge of which some was passed on the students (and teacher) during the excursion.

Non-compulsory but highly recommended

One of the major differences about this program to work experience is that the students are gaining competencies at school in a Certificate subject and undertake work placement in a similar field. This means that students are developing skills in an area of interest at school and in the workforce.

For students undertaking Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, SWL will assist in completing required shifts towards the Certificate.

Please see Ms Masters as soon as possible if you would like to undertake SWL. Students do not need to undertake the full week and may choose less days to reduce impact on studies.

Benefits to Students;

• Test your career choices before leaving school
• Gain confidence and improved communication skills
• The experience may lead to casual, part time, school based or even full time work
• Development of skills in a classroom and workplace environment
• Confirm goals to study or gain employment in a particular area

Year 8 Numeracy Day

Back in Term One all Year 8 classes were cancelled and students took part in a Numeracy Day; a full day of Mathematics. The day was broken up into different sessions and involved an outside provider,  ‘The World of Maths’ using seventeen different problem-solving tasks to work through in small groups.

The day was held on March 14^th, Pi (π) Day, being 3.14… and students utilised the Art rooms to create Pi Skylines of a city landscape, estimated the value of π as 3.15 , which was not too bad, using ‘pie trays’ on the oval.

Students also were ‘Playing with Numbers’ to investigate the link between number and algebra to verify algorithms for multiplying, without the use of a calculator, 312,456 x 11  or 312,456 x 12 and be able to give an answer in a short period of time, along with other activities such as ‘The Four 4’s.

Thank you to all the Year 8 Mathematics teachers and support staff for making the day successful. I hope the students had an enjoyable day of working with mathematical concepts, problem solving, collaboration and creativity which all form part of cross curricula 21^st century skills.

Parents’ Beliefs about Math Change Their Children’s Achievement

(The following article contains excerpts from Jo Boaler’s new book, Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching)

https://www.youcubed.org/resources/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/

We now know that the messages we give students can change their performance dramatically, and that students need to know that the adults in their lives believe in them. Researchers are learning that students’ ideas about their ability and potential are extremely important, much more than previously understood. As well as the messages we give students about their potential, brain research is now showing that messages students pick up from their parents about maths and their parents’ relationships with maths can also change students’ math learning and achievement.

In an important study, researchers found that when mothers told their daughters they were not good at maths in school, their daughter’s achievement declined almost immediately (Eccles & Jacobs, 1986). In a new study neuroscientists Erin Maloney and colleagues found that parents’ maths anxiety reduced their children’s learning of math across grades 1 and 2, but only if parents helped their children on math homework (Maloney, Ramirez, Gunderson, Levine, & Beilock, 2015) If they did not help them on homework, the parents’ maths anxiety did not detract from their children’s learning.

The parents’ maths knowledge did not turn out to have any impact, only their level of maths anxiety.

Both studies, again, communicate the importance of the messages students receive, as it was not maths knowledge that harmed the students’ performance but the parents’ anxiety. We do not know what parents with maths anxiety say to their children but it is likely they communicate the negative messages we know to be harmful, such as “maths is hard” or “I was never good at maths in school.” It is critical that when parents interact with children about maths they communicate positive messages, saying that maths is exciting and it is an open subject that anyone can learn with hard work, that it is not about being “smart” or not and that mathematics is all around us in the world.

Teachers also need to give positive messages to students at all times. Many teachers try to be comforting and sympathetic about math, telling students not to worry, that they can do well in other subjects. We now know such messages are extremely damaging. Teachers and parents need to replace sympathetic messages such as “Don’t worry, maths isn’t your thing” with positive messages such as “You can do this, I believe in you, mathematics is an open, beautiful subject that is all about effort and hard work.”

Click here to download the Mathematics Parental Advice Flyer

Year 12 Exams

Students are asked to sign in and out of the College via the office.  No student should be down town in school uniform. Going home to study is a privilege.

Students who wish to study quietly, can use the library reading area during the day.  All students need to attend school in full academic uniform.

Please check with your son or daughter about their exam schedule. This only applies to Year 12.

Absences due to Family holidays

Please note that the QCAA does not allow changes to assessment schedules in the new Year 11 QCE system for family holidays.  This will apply for all students currently in Year 11 and for future cohorts.

If a student in Year 11 is absent for an exam – a medical certificate is required.  Please also ensure that you make contact with me directly so I am aware of the situation so I am able to properly support your son or daughter.  Students who do not complete assessment on the due date could be given NR (not-rated) which will have an impact on their QCE points.

Year 11 2020 Information Evening

As per the College Calendar, I will be running an Information evening in the Mackillop Centre on Tuesday 25^th June from 6 – 7pm on the new QCE system for our current Year 10 students.  Discussion around subject selection processes and setplanning will also be discussed.  Could you please RSVP by Friday 21^st June by contacting the office or emailing me at kfellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au.

Year 9 and 10 Elective changes for Semester 2

If your son or daughter wishes to make a change to their Semester 2 electives this needs to be finalised by Friday 14 June. No other changes will be made after this time. Please contact me via email (kfellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au) outlining the request and ask your son or daughter to see me during break times at the office to see if it is possible.

Exam Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

Darling Downs Representative

Congratulations to Jada Ferguson who has been selected in the 16 – 18 years Darling Downs Rugby League team. She will compete at the State Championships of this event at Carina in late July. We wish her all the best.

Sport

Thank you to staff and students for your assistance in the term as we now move into athletics season. Afternoon trainings can now begin on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 3.15 until 4.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, in particular those wishing to flosby flop in high jump.

The two athletic carnival days are July 24^th and August 7^th at O’Quinn Street athletics. More information will follow for these two days as we get closer to the events.

Blaise will now join his sister on the Wall of Fame. I know his parents are very proud of him.

Also, at the state championships were Emma Schuh, Jada Ferguson, Harrison Kelly, Riley Willmot, and Joshua Reid. Jada was named as a shadow player for the open women’s team.

Check Order Status

If you wish to check on the status of your order, please email the uniform shop on sjct@midford.com.au.
Please include the following:

• Your name
• Date you placed the order
• Last 4 numbers of your docket number (found under the date e.g Docket : 100TO100000XXXX)

Out Of Stock

Murphy bucket hat  size S/S & L/XL

Boys formal hat size S & XS

Jnr blouse size 12

Blazer size 4

Pantyhose size Average

Cotton tights size  XTall

Junior ties

Order Online

Online ordering is available at www.midford.com.au

Pass phase StJC1956

Holiday Opening Hours

Please see the following link for holiday opening hours.

Holiday Opening Hours Midford

If you have any questions about opening hours for the Library, please contact the friendly staff in the Library during the week.

Entering into Winter, we are aware that illness (cold, flu etc) may be more prevalent.

If your child needs to take a sick day, please ensure you state your son/daughter’s FULL NAME and their PC when recording an absence through Student Entrance.

This makes the process quicker and easier for all involved.

KMART – Toowoomba Plaza

We are looking for future team members to work in our store with following work times:

Evening shifts & weekend work in the service areas & also Back of House.

If you are interested, please forward your resumes to the service desk  (at the back of the store) and  a cover form will be provided to the student to fill  in (availability etc).

Mon       10           Kristy Reynolds

Tue        11           Paige Marsh

Wed       12           Adau Lual

Thur       13           Sarah Horton

Fri           14           Maureen McIntosh

Hi Parents and Caregivers,

Please be advised that under no circumstances are students are allowed to go home within school hours unless they have a signed note from a parent or a parent physically comes to sign out and collect the student.

Due to legal and child protection reasons, a phone call will no longer be an acceptable form of permission.

Rosies Outreach

Last week, whilst the Year 12 students were on retreat, staff members took over the Rosies roster. Thank you to Janet Reed, Lucy Harris and Jan Lengren who attended Rosies and were kept very busy in spite of the cold weather.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club continues to provide an opportunity for our students to ‘Serve Him in Others’ as they engage with the staff and students of Clifford Park. It is a mutually beneficial activity. Thank you so much to Ms Unsworth and Mr Canning who attend Breakfast Club each week with our Year 11 Leaders. We are so fortunate to have such generous members of staff.

Happy 80^th birthday to our lovely cleaner Lola Egan.

Lola has been a part of the St Joseph’s community since 2012 as a part-time cleaner.  Three of her 8 grandchildren also attended St Joseph’s College.  She loves to have a chat to all, staff and students alike.  When she’s not here fussing over us all, or sharing a yarn, she loves spending time with her 3 children, 8 grandchildren and especially, her 5 great-grandchildren.

Lola also loves watching the football, scratchies and Hungry Jacks double beef and bacon burgers.  If you see her around the grounds wish her a happy day and also ask her about the ducks at Lake Annand.

Happy Birthday Lola.

Name: Shelley Hunt

Teaching areas and year levels: Mathematics, currently teaching Years 7 to 11

What excites you about learning? Learning expands our horizons. It diminishes boredom and sets up opportunities for new ventures and new discussions. Where would I be if I’d never learned to ski, or never moved forward with technology? Because I learned, I have new interests and my life is more complete.

What are you looking forward to as a teacher at St Joseph’s? I want to share my passions with students. I love Maths. I understand its complexities and yet I marvel at its simplicities.  I want my students to develop an understanding and appreciation for the world of Maths.

Favourite inspiring quote: Ben Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

What does this mean to you? Learning happens when we are engaged. It is active. Be involved, question, discuss, be hands on! Develop strong and positive relationships and work together to bring about success.