Newsletter Term 1, Week 4 2021

Dear SJC Families and Friends

This coming week, we enter what is for Christians, and particularly Catholics the world over, the most important of times on our calendar. Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the commencement of the Lenten season. Whilst, like many things, the distribution of ashes this year will look very different, the focus, premise and sentiment surround Lent will remain the same. 

During our Commencement Mass last Thursday (my speech can be read here), we were lucky enough to have a visit from our Bishop who addressed the community at the conclusion of the mass. Bishop Greg always speaks with such a quiet authority that it is difficult not to be inspired each time he speaks. He touched on a number of issues that pertain to what we are called to do during Lent when he spoke of seeking inner happiness and that this comes from making a positive difference in the lives of others. 

There are three areas of Christian life we are called to focus on during Lent; almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Whilst in a traditional sense, this would mean giving money to the poor, praying more than usual and abstaining from certain food types and lessening portions. In the contemporary world, priests will often give more liberal interpretations of these focus areas. One particularly, almsgiving, can be interpreted as the gestures and tasks we complete for others. And it is this that falls into line with Bishop Greg's challenge. On a daily basis, how can each one of us make a positive difference in the life of others? 

I encourage a discussion with your family relating to this point. Set some targets or goals and assess each other's progress as Lenten weeks approach Easter. 

Communication with the College

In my last newsletter, I provided a guideline to families of how communication should occur and the expectations that relate to effective communication. At the core of communication at the College is a desire to be in genuine and authentic partnership with our families. Schools, where parent partnership and engagement are highly effective, more often have higher levels of student outcomes in the fields of academics, spirituality and wellbeing. Effective partnerships rely heavily on effective communication. 

Whilst the overwhelming majority of interactions between families and College staff are done so with a level of mutual respect and decorum, there are times where parents or carers can become over-emotional. Our Office Staff members are present to ensure that our family members, and members of the public, are directed to the relevant staff member who may be able to deal with any enquiries. Whilst our office staff will have answers to many questions relating to the daily running of the College, if there are concerns to be raised, they re-direct the discussion to the appropriate staff member. 

I would ask that all family members have read through and are aware of the document released by the CSO regarding appropriate communication between home and school. By ensuring protocols are followed, we can ensure that the best outcomes for students are attained. 

New Students to the College

Next week, I will be hosting a luncheon for new students (Years 8 - 11) and one of their friends from the College. I hope that our new students and families are finding the transition smooth and are enjoying their time with us. If any families have any concerns, please be sure to contact our staff sooner rather than later. 

Child Protection Matters

Please note the places you can view the updated Child Protection Policy and regulations relating to mandatory reporting. These pieces of information can be found on the College website and at the College Parent Hub.

Community Events

It has also been wonderful to see so many families at our Year Group breakfasts that were held last week. This week will see our Year 9 and 10 Breakfast held on Thursday, followed by our Year 11 and 12 Breakfast the following Thursday. All are welcome and I ask that you RSVP. 

I also look forward to witnessing one of the highlights of the year; our College Swimming Carnival this Friday. This is always a great occasion and the last two years have seen a vastly improved percentage of students in attendance. Please remember that the expectation is that students are present for the whole day. As I constantly remind students, those who put more into their time at the College will have the most positive and affirming experiences. I look forward to seeing all of our students on Friday at the Oasis Pool. 

Kind regards

Scott Thomson

St Anthony's Parish has provided a link to their latest (14 February) Parish Newsletter, or for a specific item, click on any of the following links provided:

Bishop Greg’s Lenten talks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxOjNyku4JCI08vfeTq-fQ

Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion

World Day of Social Justice: https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day

Palms Australia: https://palms.org.au

St. Anthony’s Parish website: https://stanthonysparishkingscliff.org/

Catholic Leader: https://catholicleader.com.au/people

Catholic Weekly: https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/

Cath News: https://cathnews.com/

Mass for you at Home: www.mfyah.com

Lismore Diocese YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxOjNyku4JCI08vfeTq-fQ

Cathnews YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRq7AjVimr-hcHFJD_HVaQ

Dow daily Mass readings: https://www.dow.org.au/media-resources/daily-mass-readings/

Photo day - Friday 5 March (Week 6, Term 1)

School photography day is coming up soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by your child handing the order envelope with payment to the advancedlife photographer on school photo day.

NEW! advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.

3 easy ways to purchase:

• LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
• Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
• Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to the school
• Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
• Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the 'previous years or group photo' tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the 'Order School Photos Here' button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9-digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St Joseph's College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and the first day of the annual Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion campaign for 2021.

Each year Project Compassion brings together thousands of Australians in schools, parishes and the community to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable communities, to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Every year our school collects for this appeal. By seeing the 'faces' of the appeal, we get to see the human side to our collections and what a difference we can all make by supporting this appeal.

A message from Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia:

In challenging times, it is often our instinct to pull back and withdraw into ourselves. It can feel especially hard to help others when we are struggling to satisfy our own needs, unsure what tomorrow might hold. The COVID-19 pandemic has stirred this feeling of unease in many of us and we hope for a more stable and positive 2021.

This year, Caritas Australia takes the theme of “Be More” for Project Compassion 2021. It challenges us to venture into a new experience of compassion, and is taken from the invitation of Saint Oscar Romero, to “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” This message invites us to step up and step out for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival. Those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours.

This year we are showcasing five heroic individuals for whom your support is making a real difference. There’s Jamila, a young Rohingya refugee woman in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, who is facing terrible odds with hope and resilience. Trauma counselling is helping her to deal with the difficulties life has thrown her way and supporting her to be a role model for her young daughter. Margret in the Solomon Islands is empowering students at a vocational school for the deaf to follow in her footsteps, while overcoming the challenges of long-term water shortages. Oliva in Tanzania is breaking down barriers of illiteracy and gender inequality for herself and for her village. Arsad and Halima, from Indonesia and Bangladesh, are striving to improve hygiene and sanitation programs not only for themselves but for the health and wellbeing of their extended communities.

This challenge to “Be More” to our brothers and sisters in need, is at the heart of the Christian message. Jesus, Pope Francis writes, “asks us not to decide who is close enough to be our neighbour, but rather that we ourselves become neighbours to all.” (Fratelli Tutti, No. 80)

The work of Caritas Australia is a light in dark places and your generosity illuminates hope for those in dire circumstances. For over 55 years, our people and partners have listened to and journeyed with those most in need.

Your commitment to marginalised people has been a direct response to the Christian call to ‘act justly, love mercifully, and walk humbly with our God.’ Thank you for “Being More” with Caritas Australia and Project Compassion.

In the coming week’s we’ll be sharing via SZapp the special stories of those five faces of the appeal, and we thank you for your support.

Mrs Hannah Ardrey
Leader of School Evangelisation

2021 NSW School Vaccination Program

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

In 2021 the following vaccines will be offered:

NSW Health provides us with Parent Information Kits which your child will bring home for you, and an SZapp alert will go out to the relevant year group when this occurs. We expect to send the kits home with Year 7 students this week, as the first round of vaccinations take place on Tuesday 6 March (Week 6, Term 1). As Year 10 students won't be receiving their vaccination until 1 June 2021 (Week 7, Term 2), their information kits will go home the fortnight prior to that date. Again, a SZapp alert will happen at that time.

To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:

• read all the information provided
• complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their child to receive
• return the completed consent form to their child’s school
• ensure their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.

Please note that, to improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses during Year 7 and catch-up into Year 8 (for HPV and dTpa vaccination) and during Year 10 and catch-up into Year 11 (for Meningococcal ACWY vaccination) or consent signed in 2020. (Parents will have received a text from NSW Health regarding any of these catch-up vaccinations.)

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school Principal, or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/withdraw_consent.aspx.

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic either as a physical card or a text message sent to the mobile number recorded on the consent form. Details about vaccinations given at school will also be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to support complete vaccination histories.

Mr Mathew Lynch
Leader of Student Wellbeing

As our parents and carers of students from Years 9 to 12 would be aware, we have combined Year Group Breakfasts taking place this week (Years 9 and 10, Thursday 18 Feb), and next week (Years 11 & 12, Thursday 25 Feb).

These breakfasts are an opportunity for you to meet College staff and mingle with other parents in an informal setting. It is hoped that many parents and students will take the opportunity to attend one of this year's group breakfast and enjoy this time together. Breakfast will include tea, coffee, orange juice, fresh fruit and a bacon and egg muffin.

We would be delighted if you could join us! For catering purposes we ask you to complete the online form using the link included in this article (or use your QR reader). Please click on the year group (your child's year group) breakfast to complete your online response:

Thursday 18 February 2021: Year 9 and Year 10 Breakfast (RSVP by Monday 15 February)
Thursday 25 February 2021: Year 11 and Year 12 Breakfast (RSVP by Monday 22 February)

We thank you and look forward to seeing you then!

Support the Learning

The NSW Department of Education has provided a good resource for parents to use to support the learning of their child.  Tips for parents appear in the blue boxes titled, "Check in with your child."

Study Skills Handbook

And don't forget about the Study Skills Handbook website to which the College subscribes. It is yet another way for parents to support their child's learning whilst at school. All parents and students have access to the site using the username: sjc and password: 24results.  A link to the site can be found under the 'Learning" tab of the College website.

Mr Carlo Trimboli
Leader of Pedagogy

Expressions of Interest: MUNA Challenge 2021

St Joseph’s College is once again hoping to enter a number of teams in the annual MUNA challenge. Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is a Rotary District project designed to create an awareness of the role of the United Nations in mediating international issues.

The purpose of MUNA is to encourage young people to learn about other nations and to understand and appreciate the workings of the United Nations while they develop debating skills and gain self confidence in public speaking.

The debates reproduce genuine UN debates often with a fine flow of rhetoric, points of order, motions of dissent and bloc walkouts! Past resolutions have included human rights, global climate challenges and the spread of viruses. MUNA is actually a United Nations initiative and there are a variety of MUNA events held throughout the world.

Teams of three students from Year 11 or Year 12 are preferred, but students from Year 10 may also be considered.

The teams select a country, research its history, politics, economics, peoples, international alignment and policies in current world affairs. Having chosen a country, they then debate selected resolutions from each country’s point of view in a simulated United Nations Assembly.

MUNA 2021 will be conducted at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre on Saturday, 1st May 2021 (end of week 2 Term 2) from 8:30 to approximately 4:30.  Team registrations need to be finalised by Monday February 22. So, if you are interested or would like to find out more, please see Mr Nethery or your HSIE teacher and listen out during morning notices.

Mr Tom Nethery
Leader of Learning – HSIE

Australian Brain Been Challenge

The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) is a competition for high school students in Year 10 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.

There are four rounds, with Round 1 an online quiz through Education Perfect. Round 1 is held during Brain Awareness Week, 15 Mar 2021 to 21 Mar 2021. Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research

The learning content is a series of online modules with content developed by brain science experts from the Australasian Neuroscience Society and implemented by the Education Perfect team.

If you are a student in Year 10 and wish to participate please contact your science teacher or Ms Murray.

Big Science Competition 

To celebrate the 35th year of the International Science Olympiad, entry to the Big Science Competition this year is free. All students from Years 7-10 have the opportunity to enter.

The Big Science Competition is a 50 minute, multiple choice competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Competition questions are aligned with the Australian Curriculum – Science.

Students receive a certificate indicating their performance and those that perform well may be identified for other science enrichment programs such as the Australian Science Olympiads and Curious Minds – girls in STEM.

Students will be able to self-register for the Big Science Competition via the registration portal closer to the competition date. Further information to follow.

Ms Fiona Murray
Assistant Leader of Learning – Science

La Chandeleur - A French celebration of crêpes

This Christian celebration is celebrated on le deux février (2nd February). Year 10 celebrated this French festival last week.

The elective Year 10 French class individually cooked their own crêpes, decorated them with an array of toppings: strawberries, banana, nutella, sugar/lemon and then ate this delicious French delicacy.

Students learned about the history of this Christian celebration, the symbolism of the crêpe and the many, many meanings it holds for French people.

Mrs Joanne Scotcher
French Teacher

Swimming Carnival 

The College Swimming Carnival will take place this coming Friday, 19 February. All students come to school at the normal time dressed in their house colours and costumes and will walk to the Club Banora Pool, after an assembly, with the carnival starting at about 10:00am. 

No money is required for students to enter the pool as this cost is in their school fees. The only money your child needs to bring is for purchasing anything at the pool canteen if they wish to do so. 

Every student has the opportunity to earn points for their House across both Championship and Novelty Events. The swimming carnival is always a great College community event and an enjoyable day for all students and staff. We will have our swimming carnival assembly on the Monday of Week 3 where the theme and all the fun details of the carnival will be shared with students.

Due to COVID restrictions parents/carers/visitors will not be allowed to enter the carnival to allow us to ensure that this event is COVID-safe. Swimmers who place 1st or 2nd in a championship race are eligible to compete at the Diocesan Carnival to be held on Thursday 4 March (Week 6) in Lismore. The NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Carnival is at Homebush on Monday 29 March (Week 10). 

Ms Madeline Ilic
Leader of Sport

Defence Force Recruiting

Embrace adventure! Make the most of your Gap Year with the ADF. Experience a Gap Year like no other in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Travel Australia, gain skills for life and make lifelong friends. Join us for an info session to speak with current serving members about Australian Defence Force Gap Year opportunities. Click on the link below to register:

Gold Coast Gap Year Information Session 

When: Thursday 18 February 2021 (this week!)

Time: 6:00pm AEST

Where: Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215

Ms Frances Stegeman
Leader of Careers and EVET

It’s been all go since school started this year: running introductory sessions for our Year 7 students; recommencing our Friday Fun & Games sessions; and a surge in library popularity at lunchtimes. Whether that’s partly due to the air-conditioning or a rush on our new manga collection, it’s great to see so many students (at one point we counted 130, with a lot more passing through before and after!), across the school years and genders, feeling comfortable enough to share the space and enjoy their leisure time, with nearly all choosing to be polite and respectful. And it’s an especial delight to welcome in our Year 7 students as they explore the space. 

I’m abuzz with plans for this year, with a focus on trying to bring as much inspirational real life creative talent and skills into SJC as possible that are closely aligned with our school motto, ‘Peace through Justice’, and this year’s theme, ‘Walk Humbly and Act Justly’. As such, I’ve been on the lookout for any sponsored programs to bring authors into our school, and have signed up for our school to partner with The Smith Family’s student2student disadvantaged families program, in which up to twenty SJC students will have the opportunity to mentor and encourage younger students from QLD schools, helping them to improve their reading and bolster their self-esteem. 

We’ve applied for a grant which is still a bit of a secret squirrel but, if successful, should give some of our students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be mentored in creating short films for social change. I’ll keep you posted but still crossing fingers.

Creative writing groups will commence in Week 5 of this term, in which we partner eight of our talented Year 7 students with eight talented students from St James to be taken through a creative writing program on a weekly basis. Different groups will be rotated throughout the terms. These programs have been created based on twenty years of teaching creative writing and editing classes as a published author of fifty plus books, so it’s a treat to be able to share some of this knowledge with our students while helping to create more of a sense of connection and belonging with St James’ seniors.

I’m sure there’s more (there’s always more). Write a book in a day, Monday Makers for next term – a bunch of incoming possibilities – but that will have to wait for another newsletter!

Ms Melaina Faranda
Acting Teacher-Librarian

The Instrumental Music programme is 'all systems go' for 2021 with students already having their first lessons for the year!!

This year we are adding to the opportunities for individual music tuition through the school with the addition of piano teacher, Mr Liam Kirk. We also welcome back Mr Errol McDonald (guitar), Ms Jessie Loon (singing), Mr Ben Smith (drums), and Mr Jake Bryant (brass/woodwind - some instruments available for hire).

Please contact Mrs McLaughlin at the College (louise.mclaughlin@lism.catholic.edu.au) if you are interested in lessons for any of the above instruments/voice.

Homework Hub is in the College Library after school from 3:15 - 5:00pm Monday to Thursday each week during the school term.

Students need to sign in and they can access help with school work if required. It is up to each individual student what time they leave. They may just be waiting for a parent to pick them up at a later time or their bus may come later. Others may simply choose to study or use this time for schoolwork in a quiet supervised environment.

Don't forget we operate with a special menu on Ash Wednesday. And don't forget to order early!