Newsletter 6: Wednesday 3 July 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Members of the St Joseph’s College Family,

What a wonderful term it has been and it is hard to believe we are at the mid way point of another school year.  With the last two days of this term being a Staff Development Day (Thursday 4 July) and a Staff Spirituality Day (Friday 5 July), families are no doubt aware that all formal lessons for Term 2 are ending on Wednesday 3 July.

Our students continue to thrive and strive for excellence across the school in both areas of passion and academics.  It has been an absolute pleasure to acknowledge so many wonderful students at our assemblies and to celebrate the achievements, dedication and hard work of students across a range of fields. This term has also seen many of our whole-school events, such as St Joseph’s Day, as well as the College’s Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnival.  Thank you to those students who continue to embrace these events and participate with amazing commitment and energy.  Schools are much more than educational institutions, they are also each an individual living, working, growing - and hopefully thriving - community.  When you see everyone coming together to make the most of these events, you see people taking the opportunity to develop and strengthen bonds, these are largely what schooling is about: a feeling of belonging and a sense of community.  As we say in our Year 12 Farewell Yearbook, May your time at St Joseph’s College be the beginning of the best years of your life - and we really mean it!

To our parents, I appreciate your support in all that we are trying to achieve at St Joseph’s College.  You have entrusted us with your children and while it is our mission to give every child who comes here a good Catholic education, it is also our vocation to encourage all students to be great global citizens, and I feel we are doing this every day.  

Thank you to the dedicated teachers and staff of the College.  Each plays a vital role in supporting our young people to develop into great global citizens.  I hope that all students, teachers and staff can have a well earned break, refresh and be ready for another exciting term.

As always, I thank you for your continued support in all that we do.

Gospel of Mark 4:35-41 

With the coming of evening that same day, he said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side’.  And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him.  Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped.  But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep.  They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care?  We are going down!’  And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now!  Be calm!’  And the wind dropped, and all was calm again.  Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’  They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be?  Even the wind and the sea obey him.’

It's very much a human reaction to be fearful of the storm, and it's also natural to seek reassurance that all will be well.  In this scripture, Jesus was as surprised by the fear displayed by the apostles, as they were shocked by his calmness in the midst of a storm that they felt threatened them all.  Who doesn’t need reassurance in a storm?  And so he calmed the seas and the skies, and reminded them again about having faith.

I was reading something one day that went, ‘We might be in the same storm, but we're not all in the same boat,’ and it made me think that while we might want to believe that equally ‘we’re all in this together,’ (maybe a hope that we would have a similar perspective, or with an equal footing/starting place) we do come from different experiences and we react differently based on those experiences.

There’s some interesting things happening in the scripture: Jesus had insisted, with night coming upon them, that they cross the waters.  He made no promises of a safe journey, only an insistence on them going with him.  And not only were they in the boat with Jesus, other boats were on the water with them.  When the storm struck, the disciples (with fishermen among that group) saw only one possible outcome from their own experiences and were deeply afraid.  And every single one of them turned to Jesus (and he alone) for help.  Their faith, though shaken, was ultimately in him, and he delivered them safely to the opposite shore.  He was building on, one experience after another, a foundation for his disciples that they could have faith in him.  Another reminder to ‘Be not afraid.’

How often, in difficult times, do we turn to prayer?  For comfort, for solace, for encouragement, or for any number of reasons.  Someone told me of these words just the other day, “We too can rest in faith during the storm. Our boat isn't going down, because Jesus is on board.”

A number of years ago, posters were placed about the College of, “What would Jesus do?”  If his actions are our ideal of how to treat others, it's my understanding that these signs were to encourage everyone to think about what we could do individually within this school community, as well as the world at large.

How do we grow in faith and humanity focusing only on ourselves, or only on our own needs and wants?  It’s not possible!  We can only grow in faith by expressing that outwardly, by showing humanity to others in our relationships and our dealings with others.  To grow into a more mature faith, as Jesus encouraged the apostles to do, and as exemplified in Mark’s Gospel, the scripture quoted today.

We all have had life experiences where things didn’t go to plan, or where you realised the probability of hardships in your life, but how you deal with them (and how you might help others through them), is the time when you learn who you are.  And that takes both kindness and courage.

Life is mostly froth and bubble;
two things stand like stone:
Kindness in another’s trouble,
courage in your own.
(Adam Lindsay Gordon)

I pray for everyone in our school community.  I pray that the relationships we build on today give each of you strength and encouragement into the future as we support one another as a community.

College Chaplain Farewell

After five years with St Joseph’s Parish at Tweed Heads, we recently saw the departure of the Assistant Priest, and College Chaplain, Fr Wilber Tobe.  Prior to taking up his new position at St Mary’s, Casino, Fr Wilber celebrated his final mass at Tweed Heads on Sunday 23 June, following which the Parish held a farewell morning tea. 

Fr Wilber, throughout your ministry and service, you have been a blessing and an inspiration to our school and our parish.  May God bring you joy in your next endeavour.  May God bless you.

Week 10 College Assembly 

At our final Term 2 Assembly, held on Tuesday 2 July, we recognised the following students for their efforts and achievements:

College Mid-Course Academic Excellence Award:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for ONE (1) subject:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for TWO (2) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for THREE (3) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for FOUR (4) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for FIVE (5) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for SIX (6) subjects:

 
College House Award:

College Sports Award (follow-up):

Earlier in June, we had three students travel to Sydney to represent the Lismore Diocese at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Cross Country Championships as a result of their success at our Lismore Diocesan Championships. 

Zara Wescombe competed in the 12 Girls and placed 36th, whilst Jarrah Star-Webb competed in the 14 Boys and placed 18th.  A supper effort from both competitors placing in the top half of competitions in each of their races.

Hailey Pickett competed in the 15 Girls and, with a spectacular run, finished in 4th place. This is an amazing achievement for Hailey, as the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships bring together the best runners from our Catholic Colleges in the state.  

Hailey will now be a part of the NSWCCC team that will compete at the NSW All Schools Championships on Wednesday 24 July.  We wish Hailey all the best for her next run and look forward to hearing about her results.

Outstanding achievements across the board - Congratulations to you all!

School Community Group Meeting 

We held our second School Community Group Meeting for the year on Monday 24 June, and I was delighted to be able to meet with a number of parents and carers to discuss aspects of the school’s future plans.  I hope we continue to build on the good relationships established between the staff and parents in working together to get the best results, whether they be academic, sporting, or whole-student wellbeing, for all students in our care.

Term 3 Important Dates

ALL students return to the College to commence Term 3 on Monday 22 July 2024
- Day 1 of the timetable.  

As our next newsletter is due out in Week 3 of next term, it seems timely to draw your attention to some upcoming events during the first few weeks of Term 3:

Term 3 and Year 12 2024

In Term 3, the focus will shift for many of our staff, especially senior teachers, onto supporting our Year 12 students as they work towards many of their ‘lasts’ as students of St Joseph’s College; last revisions, last lessons, last SRC interactions (passing the baton to the next representatives for the 2024/2025 SRC), as well as all their last times together as a year group, and final rites of passage, including the Year 12 Farewell Breakfast, Year 12 Graduation Mass and Year 12 Farewell Assembly in Week 10 next term.

As our Year 12 students and their families would be aware, a letter was forwarded in Term 1 this year, outlining the College’s expectations of our most senior class for their last year here with us, and how important it is for your child to be focused, organised, and on-time.

I now ask for everyone in our school community to please especially keep our Year 12 students and their families in your prayers.  We want all Year 12 students to finish their final year of high school well, and they can only do this with the support of everyone - with parents, carers, students and staff working together. 

Term 3 Student-Free Days

To assist families with forward planning throughout the upcoming term, please take note of the scheduled student-free day/s below:

• Wednesday 28 August (Week 6):   Staff Professional Learning Day

Please note that Year 12 students will finish their last formal classes on Friday 20 September as they have a number of events planned prior to their Farewell Assembly to be held on Wednesday 25 September.  

However, for the attention of families of students in Years 7 to 11, the school will continue lessons up to, and including, Friday of Week 10.  We ask you to continue sending your child/ren to school until the end of term, fully prepared for classes and lessons as timetabled.

Therefore, Term 3 lessons conclude for students in Years 7 to 11 on Friday 27 September.

Enjoy the break

Again, I thank you for your continued support of all that we do at the College.  It is greatly appreciated.

I ask that you please take the time to read through this newsletter, as you will find more important information that will help you navigate your way through to commencement of the new term.  By keeping up-to-date with all that is happening, it ensures that your child gets the most out of each day at school.

I hope you all enjoy the holiday break, that you have time together with your family, friends or loved ones, and that everyone returns safely to the College on Monday 22 July.

God Bless

Mr Ryan Campbell
Principal

Principal's Notes

*IMPORTANT NOTICE - MUMPS DIAGNOSIS*

The College has been alerted today that an SJC student in Year 8 has been diagnosed with the Mumps.  I have included here a link to the public health information sheet regarding the condition.  Please note the section relating to symptoms and ensure that if your child shows any of these, you take the appropriate action.

Uniform Expectations - Term 3 ‘Winter Uniform’

As Term 2 draws to a close, a reminder that we continue with the Winter Uniform throughout Term 3, and this includes our boys wearing ties.  Please note that only the College jumper or College jacket can be worn as outer garments.  No other jumpers, hoodies, jackets, etc can be worn.

For further information, the College Uniform Policy can be found on the College website.  Parents/carers are asked to positively encourage correct uniform and grooming at all times.  Students should leave home and travel to the College dressed as per expectations here at the College.  Uniform or grooming concerns may result in punitive actions taken until the matter is resolved.

The coming school holidays are the perfect opportunity to rectify any issues regarding dress standards and personal grooming habits.

Release of Information and Digital Technology User Agreement

Dear Parents/Guardians,

A reminder that all students are required to sign the Release of Information and Digital Technology User Agreement with their parent/guardian.  It is a Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office (DLCS) requirement that every child and parent must sign these documents. 

If you have not yet completed the form, please click on this link, read the document carefully, and complete the online consent form with your child/ren by this Friday, 5  July 2024.  If you have more than one child at St Joseph's College, please complete this process with each of them.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding any aspect of the agreement, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Mrs Georgia James
Leader of Learning Technologies

St Joseph's Parish

St Joseph's Catholic Church, 56 Frances Street, Tweed Heads

Weekday Mass times

• Monday to Friday – 9:10am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 9:00am
• Saturday Vigil Mass – 5:00pm
• Sunday – 7:00am & 9:00am

St Camillus Catholic Church, 36 Urliup Road, Bilambil

• Sunday – 9:00am

St Anthony's Parish

St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff, 12-14 Pearl Street, Kingscliff

Weekday Mass times

• Wednesday – 8:00am
• Thursday – 9:00am in the school term and 8:00am in the holiday period
• Friday – 8:00am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 5:00pm (6pm during DST)
• Sunday – 9:00am

Sts Mary & Ambrose Catholic Church, 1 Charles Street, Pottsville

Weekday Mass times

• Tuesday – 9:15am

Weekend Mass times

• Sunday – 7:30am

Reconciliation Times

• Kingscliff – Saturday 5:00 – 5:30pm 
• Pottsville – Sunday 7:00 – 7:25am

THE AFTERNOON LEARNING HUB WILL NOT
BE OPEN ON THURSDAY 4 JULY (Student-free day).

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Learning:  It's not all about the bottom line

One of the great pleasures of my role is being able to visit classrooms and talk to staff and students about the learning that is happening around our school.  These conversations are always interesting, thought-provoking and often inspirational, leading to a deeper understanding of what’s working in the classroom, and what students want their future learning to look like.  Over the past few weeks, with assessment wrapping up for the term, I have been truly impressed with the ‘non-assessable’ learning that has been occurring at St Joseph’s.  It’s what learning really should be: not a chore that is focused on an imminent assessment, but an inquiry into something new, unfamiliar and interesting.  As one of the leaders of learning and teaching at the College, I can honestly tell you that I am really proud to be part of what’s going on here: whilst assessment drives some of the learning, that’s only part of the picture.  The rest is learning for the joy of it.

Reports:  Know the dangers

As the first academic semester wraps up, all students have received, or will shortly receive, their Semester 1 academic report.  The danger of a school report is that it can support and validate a fixed mindset.  Dr. Carol Dweck writes about fixed/growth mindsets, arguing that if children believe their brain can grow they behave differently.  In a nutshell, her research suggests that if students believe they can improve, then they will.  They may not all become astronauts, but they can all learn and improve.  The danger of the school report is that kids allow them to define their academic lives and they begin to tell themselves the narrative, “I’m a C-kid”.  Equally as dangerous is the narrative, “I’m an A-kid”.

As adults in their lives, it is critical that we sit with our kids and debrief their report, focusing on both strengths and weaknesses.  We need to ask them how they achieved their best grades, and similarly, discuss their worst grades.  We need to focus on the learning behaviours that have achieved success as well as the learning behaviours that have led to disappointment.   As parents, the single best thing you can do with your child’s school report is calmly go through it with your child and set some goals for Semester 2.  Praise them for the processes and behaviours associated with success - not the success itself.  Reflect on grades as a result of behaviours and habits, not as a reflection of the person. 

'Tell Them From Me' Data

Thank you to the many families who took the time to provide feedback via the Tell Them From Me surveys.  The data has provided many interesting ideas for us to reflect on as a school, and we began discussing this with parents at the most recent parent forum.

Some of the things that caught my eye from a learning perspective were the data around homework, sleep and part-time work. In short, our TTFM data from parents and students suggests that students are not doing enough homework, not getting enough sleep, and working a LOT of hours in part-time jobs. This data flags an opportunity to open discussions about life balance, discipline and sleep.  Sleep is probably the most important thing for us to look at.  The data from students tells us that less than half of our juniors are getting the recommended amount of nightly sleep, and less than a quarter of our seniors are sleeping enough.  This article is a simple summary of the importance of sleep for teenagers.  Regarding part-time work, we fully support the notion of kids learning to be meaningful, team-based members of the working world. But hours are critical.  This article draws on 20 years of research about a healthy balance for our kids, and reports that “Working for longer than five hours per week was associated with work-life interference in all domains.” 

Subject Selection

It is a great blessing to be able to offer so many wonderful study options to our students at St Joseph's.  This term we have offered elective choices to our Year 8, 9 and 10 students.  Over the final weeks, all Year 10 students will attend a 1-1 interview with a nominated staff member to discuss their career plan and select the pathway and subject choices that will best support that future.  Mr Hall and Ms Mason have done a wonderful job of organising and supporting our students to make the most informed decisions possible.  We thank them for their work.

Trial HSC

The Trial HSC examination commences in Week 3 (Monday, August 5).  All Year 12 students who are sitting examinations should be spending some time during the holidays consolidating their notes, practising past HSC questions, and reviewing study guides that have been provided by their teachers.  Research suggests that it is far more effective to space practise out over a sustained period rather than cram.  For example, it is proven that 12 hours study on a single subject is far more effective when executed as 3 hours per week over 4 weeks as opposed to 12 hours in a single week.  Similarly, 3 x 45 minute chunks of specific goal-oriented study, with a 15 minute break after each chunk is proven to be far more effective that a single 3-hour sitting.

Holiday Workshops 

To support Trial examination preparation, several teachers have chosen to run workshops and study sessions during the holidays.  I have created a Compass event for these workshops and, being in the holidays, they do require parent consent.

Mentor Texts

One of our key goals at St Joseph’s is to improve all students’ literacy.  One of the ways we are doing this is by integrating ‘mentor texts’ into our programs in all KLAs.  A mentor text is a piece of written text that is much more complex than students would usually encounter.  It is used to model language, content and writing processes.  Teachers explicitly discuss the key knowledge as well as analysing the way that sentence structure can be used to present ideas in an increasingly complex manner.  The more you discuss reading and writing with your kids, the more you support our work and the better our young people get at accessing and creating written text.

Communication and Partnership

Finally, thank you to all the parents who have engaged with us in the important work of raising excellent young people this term.  It is a great blessing to be able to pick up the phone and have an honest (even if sometimes difficult) conversation about your children.  At Joey’s we expect teenagers to make mistakes.  We don’t hold on to them and we don’t allow mistakes to define the individual.  Being able to talk things over with a supportive parent makes all the difference.  Thank you.  Wishing you a safe and happy holiday if you are lucky enough to get one.  God bless.

Mr Chris Mason
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Assistant Principal - Mission

Term 3 Reflection Days for Years 7, 8, 9 & 10

St Joseph’s College will be holding Retreat days for all students in Years 7-10 in Week 1 of Term 3.  Reflection Days at St Joseph’s College are a compulsory event, as they are important opportunities that promote healthy relationships between peers, understanding self and others, and the importance of working together as a cohort to build a positive schooling experience for one another. 

The schedule for the week is as follows:

• Tuesday 23 July:  Year 7 Reflection Day
• Wednesday 24 July:  Year 9 Reflection Day
• Thursday 25 July:  Year 8 Reflection Day
• Friday 26 July:  Year 10 Reflection Day

As a part of the day, students will be provided with a BBQ lunch.  Alternatively, students can bring their own lunch on the day.  Please fill out the google form below by using the link allocated to your child’s year level. 

*Note: We ask you to please fill in this google form whether your child has any dietary requirements or not, as this will ensure their needs are catered for on the day. 

Year 7 students:  https://forms.gle/fejSK4mBCVX1nhkX7

Year 8 students:  https://forms.gle/sXXCEc9VcAVPhtCf6

Year 9 students:  https://forms.gle/AboCXuXhdqtcNiLS8

Year 10 students:  https://forms.gle/K5Yp3C9xDvgQ6H7o7

Students are permitted to wear appropriate casual clothes in line with the mufti expectations of the College providing they bring in a gold coin donation (Vinnies Winter Appeal). Alternatively students are permitted to wear their full sport uniform on the day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the College or send the Ministry team an email using the following contact information:

Mr Eamon Brown (Assistant Principal-Mission) - eamon.brown@lism.catholic.edu.au

Bianca McInnes (College Youth Minister) - bianca.mcinnes@lism.catholic.edu.au

Jacob Franey (College Youth Minister) - jacob.franey@lism.catholic.edu.au

Encounter Rally:  Friday 2 August 2024

As parents would be aware from Compass, we recently announced that we will be holding a second Encounter Rally for 2024, on Friday 2 August in the COLA, from 5:30pm-8:00pm.

Encounter Rally is a high energy faith event, the praise and worship line up will include Wildfire and the College Ministry band.  We will begin with dinner, followed by games, music and keynote speakers.  Encounter Rally is a community building event designed to involve students in a night of contemporary and dynamic faith formation.

The cost for Encounter Rally is $5 which will cover the cost of dinner and a drink.  This cost will need to be paid via the Compass permission note.  A reminder that consent and payment are required by Sunday, 28 July 2024.

A reminder that this is NOT a compulsory event, however, any student from Years 7-12 are most welcome. 

As previously advised, students are welcome to stay at the College after the school day is over, or they can go home and be dropped off at the College in time for a 5:30pm start.  Students will need to be picked up by 8:00pm.

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

We have some wonderful news to share with the College community:

Congratulations to Sierra Stephens, who is currently a Finalist in the 2024 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize - Let’s Hang It!  This is an amazing achievement given she is one of 60 finalists, and there were 553 art entries this year from 46 schools.  Sierra was selected as a finalist in the 13-15 years age category. 

The winners will be announced at the Official Opening and Awards Ceremony on Friday 26 July at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale.

Congratulations to Dakina-Veila Penola from Year 8 Visual Arts, Nixon Kehr from Year 8 Visual Arts and Jarah Irvine from Year 10 Photography.  These students are Finalists in this year's Wollumbin Youth Art Award at Murwillumbah’s Tweed Regional Gallery.  They were selected as finalists in the 13-15 years age category from a pool of 162 entries. Only 12 entries in the 13-15 year age category were chosen.

The winners will be announced at the Official Opening and Awards Ceremony on Saturday 7 September.

Mrs Nicole Taylor
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

Indigenous News

Jingi Walla St Joey’s community

We hope everyone has had an awesome Term 2 and are looking forward to the break ahead.

We are very excited this week for the opportunity of two days of professional cultural learning for all of our SJC staff and look forward to learning, sharing and spending time together as well as our staff ‘Walk on Country’ at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre on the Burleigh Headland.

Term 2 has kept us very busy with celebrating many personal achievements for our students, commemorating Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.  We are also very close to finishing off our school’s Indigenous yarning circle mural with local Aboriginal artist Katrina Singh, this area will provide another beautiful outdoor learning/reflection space for all of our SJC students.

A lot of organising is happening for our school NAIDOC Day celebration on Wednesday 31 July (Week 2 of Term 3), so stay tuned for that as there will be a lot of wonderful things on offer here at St Joey’s.  We will have local Elders attending, Indigenous musicians, local Aboriginal artists coming along to share their amazing vocal talents, dancers and knowledge and a variety of workshops on offer as well as our Annual Allstars Touch Footy match which is always a crowd-pleaser.

As National NAIDOC celebrations officially take place during our school holidays, we have attached a calendar of events below for both here in Tweed and also the Gold Coast and encourage everyone to go along and experience the fun, excitement and joy of our local Indigenous community celebrations.

This year’s NAIDOC theme Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud resonates strongly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are a strong community.  Throughout the years of adversity and challenge we have stood together with the resistance and courage of our ancestors, fighting for a better future.

We keep the fire burning in our hearts and souls and pass this passion and courage down to our young ones through storytelling, songs, cultures, traditions and ceremonies.  We want all Australians to connect with the beauty of First Nations cultures and for the fire to ignite in them, so they too keep the fire burning and pass it on to the next generations, as we do.

Happy NAIDOC week 2024 everyone!!!

Bugalbeh (Thank you) and good blessings

Mrs Lexe Busbridge and Mr Bailee Nicholls
Indigenous Education Workers

Leader of Pedagogy

Study Skills Tips for July:  Mid-Year Check-Up

As mentioned previously, through our subscription, all College students have free access to the Study Skills Handbook website, www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.  We believe that this website will help your child develop essential skills for academic success.  

Attached is a flyer for this month's Study Skills Tips on Mid-Year Check-Up, (click on the link provided, or see the flyer below).

As always, your child can access all the wonderful resources the Study Skills Handbook website has to offer.  To access the handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and login with these details:

username:  sjc
password:  24results

Mr Carlo Trimboli
Leader of Pedagogy

Leader of Careers

SBAT Evening - Wednesday 31 July 2024

Year 9 and 10 students and parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend the School Based Apprenticeship & Traineeship (SBAT) evening to be held on Wednesday 31 July from 5:15pm-7:00pm.  SBATs are a great opportunity for senior students to combine paid work with their school work and get a head start on their future career.

If you would like to know more, please come along to hear directly from Training Services NSW.  Local employers are also invited to attend.  The event is an initiative of St Joseph's College, Mt St Patrick College and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School and the Regional Industry Education Partnerships and will be held at Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club, 62 Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South.

To assist with organisation and catering, please register your attendance by following the instructions on the attached flyer.  You can use this link.

Ms Frances Mason
Leader of Careers/EVET

Leader of Work Readiness Pathway

Year 12 Work Readiness Pathway:  $20 Boss Project

This term, our Year 12 Work Readiness Pathway students took part in an exciting and educational journey with the $20 Boss program as part of their Work Studies course.  This major HSC project required students to form teams, each consisting of a project manager, finance manager, and marketing manager, and launch a business from scratch.

Each team started by developing a comprehensive business plan, outlining their business idea, target market, and strategy for success.  They then carefully calculated the costs involved in their business operations, ensuring their business would be profitable.  To secure initial funding, students pitched their business ideas to a panel, honing their presentation and persuasion skills.  Teams also developed marketing strategies to promote their products to the school community, utilising various channels and techniques.  Finally, the students brought their products to life during a two-week trading period, where they experienced the realities of running a business.

This year, all of our student businesses were food-based.  The students had a lot of fun and gained hands-on experience while further developing their enterprise and employability skills.  We are proud to announce that our students' hard work paid off, and the businesses made a profit of $1225.  This profit will be donated to a charity chosen by the students, reinforcing the importance of community and giving back.

The $20 Boss project not only provided practical business experience but also fostered teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills among our students.  We are incredibly proud of their achievements and hope they will apply these valuable lessons in their future endeavours.

Ms Hannah Lindschau
Leader of Work Readiness Pathway

Resource Centre

Refugee Week 2024

Refugee Week is celebrated across Australia from 16 to 22 June.  The library has had an informative display to promote the issues refugees face contributions refugees are making to the Australian community.

The theme for Refugee Week 2024 is 'Finding Freedom: Family'.  Everyday millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom.  From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love and to dream.  Crucial for many of these journeys is the power of familial bonds and the important role families play in providing solace, support and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.

Term 3 Book Week is coming!

Next term is the biggest week in the College Library.  Book Week is celebrated in Week 5.  The theme is Reading is Magic.  There will be a series of fun activities to promote reading and encourage all students to celebrate Book week.  These will be held in the library at lunchtime.

Mrs Mary Green
Teacher-Librarian

Sport News

NSW All Schools Touch Football 2024

7/8 Girls Report

The NSW All Schools Touch Football State Title Knockout proved to be an exhilarating journey for our Year 7/8 Girls team, showcasing their determination and skill on the field.  Despite facing tough competition, the girls displayed resilience and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The day kicked off on a high note with a thrilling victory in our first game against Kingscliff High School.  The girls showed excellent teamwork and strategy, securing a well-deserved win to start the day.

In the second game, the team faced a formidable opponent in Xavier College.  Despite a hard-fought effort, Xavier College proved to be a challenging match-up, highlighting their strong performance in the competition.

The remaining two games of the day were closely contested battles, with our girls demonstrating their agility and tactical awareness on the field.  Each game was a testament to their perseverance, as they went touchdown for touch down with the opposing teams, never backing down from the challenge.

Throughout the tournament, Peyton Farr stood out as a standout player, earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her exceptional contributions on both offense and defense.  Her leadership and skills were crucial in motivating the team and driving their performance forward.

While the results didn't always go in our favor, the spirit and sportsmanship shown by our Year 7/8 Girls team were commendable.  They represented our school with pride and determination, earning respect from competitors and supporters alike.

As we reflect on their journey in this tournament, we celebrate the achievements and commend the Year 7/8 Girls team for their hard work and dedication.  They have set a benchmark for future teams to aspire to, and we look forward to seeing their continued progress in the world of touch football.

Well done to all the players and coaches involved in the day!

Mrs Nicola Tutt
Coach

7/8 Boys Report

Our 7/8 Boys Touch Football team showed great spirit and determination on the field, and we are proud of their efforts in each game.

In our first match, St Joseph's faced Byron High in a tightly contested game that ended in a 1-0 victory for us.  Our boys displayed excellent defensive skills and teamwork, making it a close and thrilling match.

The team then played against Xavier Catholic College.  Despite a tough game, our team faced a 6-0 loss.  The boys never gave up and continued to put in their best effort until the final whistle, showing true resilience.

In another challenging match against Tweed River, we faced a 7-1 defeat.  Special mention goes to Nathan Wilkie who showcased great skill and determination, earning us a well-deserved goal amidst tough competition.

The team also faced Ballina Coast and ended with a 3-0 loss.  Despite the result, the boys showed resilience and sportsmanship throughout the game, maintaining a positive attitude and strong team spirit.

While the results may not have been in our favor, the boys have demonstrated great sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork.  Each game has been a learning experience, and we are confident that they will continue to improve and grow as a team. Congratulations to MVP Brodie Johnston.

Mr James Everingham
Coach

9/10 Girls Report

On Tuesday 19 June, our school's 9/10 Girls Touch Football team competed at the NSW All Schools Touch Football state knockout.  They showcased their skills in a series of exciting matches.  Here is a summary of the latest results:

St Joseph's faced a challenging match against Lindisfarne and, despite a strong effort, lost with a score of 3-1.  In a thrilling game against Tweed River, our team emerged victorious with a solid 4-2 win.  The players demonstrated excellent teamwork and determination.  The match against Kingscliff High was a nail-biter, ending in a 3-3 draw.  Both teams played well, making for an exciting and balanced game. Our team faced a tough opponent in Xavier and, despite their best efforts, lost the match 3-1.

Congratulations to all our players for their hard work and dedication.  Your sportsmanship and team spirit continue to make St Joseph's proud. We look forward to more exciting tournaments in the future. MVP was Lily Bushell and Players’ Player was Annika Parker.  Well done to both girls.

Mr Josh McCormack
Coach

9/10 Boys Report

Our school’s Year 9/10 Boys touch football team also competed at the NSW All Schools Tournament on Tuesday 19 June.

The day started with a 0-6 loss to Tweed River who ended up runners up for the day.  Despite the loss, it not only showed areas the boys needed to work on, but also highlighted new possible team combinations.  After some position reshuffling, we headed into our next game against Kingscliff High School, ending with a very strong 7-0 win.  Our next game was against Xavier where mistakes and some unlucky tags on the try line resulted in a 4-2 loss.  Our last game was against McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, where they came out strong with a 5-nil lead against us.  However, the team remained determined in the 2nd half and brought the game back to only lose 5-3.

A big congratulations to the team for all the hard work and effort they put into both the early morning training and on the day of the event.  Looking forward to coming back stronger next year.

MVP was George Barton
Players Player being Seth Westall
Archie Shearer ended the day as top try scorer.

Congratulations to these players.

Mr Jordan Attenborough-Doyle
Coach

Touch Football Morning Trainings

Early morning training has been a great addition to our school sporting agenda.  Our touch football squad of approximately 55 students have shown remarkable dedication with early morning training sessions throughout Term 1 and Term 2.  Despite the early hours, our players consistently arrive with enthusiasm and commitment, eager to hone their skills.  Their hard work is paying off, evident in their significant improvements on the field.  The dedication and perseverance displayed by our squad during these rigorous sessions are truly inspiring and set a positive example for the entire school community.  I would like to personally thank all students and staff involved in these sessions, a definite highlight of each week.

Mr Josh McCormack
Head of House - Reynolds

Lowes On-Campus Uniform Shop

The uniform shop hours are as follows: 

Every Tuesday during the school term: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Every Thursday during the school term: 8:00am – 12:00pm

During shop hours: (07) 5523 9300 (This shop is managed by Lowes staff only)

Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only - NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED

Or, if you'd like to make an online purchase, you can use this handy link.

Community News

DATE CLAIMER:  Community Tree Planting Day, Banora Point

Sunday 28 July 2024 is National Tree Day, Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event.

This year, Tweed Shire Council is hosting a community planting day in Banora Point and they would like to invite anyone in our school community to plant a tree to improve the environment and amenity in the local area.

Get your hands dirty here:  8.00 am - 12.00 pm, Sunday 28 July 2024

Planting site:  northern side of stormwater drainage canal at Greenway Drive, Banora Point.  Access via the pathway at Greenway Drive, opposite the Tweed Coolangatta AFL oval.  Includes a sausage sizzle and family activities.  Trees and mulch will be provided.

Participants are asked to bring their own gloves and favourite gardening tools and buckets for mulching and watering their seedling.  Please wear sun smart clothing and closed in shoes.

All participants will need to register on site before planting for safety and insurance reasons.
 https://treeday.planetark.org/site/10030200