FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and All in the St James Community

BISHOP KEN HOWELL

On Wednesday this week, together with two senior students – EJ Diomampo and Jasmine McFadyen - I was a

privileged to attend the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Ken Howell in the Cathedral of St Stephen.

Bishop Howell was educated at St James throughout all his upper primary and secondary years, graduating in

1975. He entered the seminary at Banyo in 1977 and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Brisbane in

1983.

It is truly an honour to have a bishop numbered among the ranks of the students who have passed through our

gates over the past 149 years. Next year, in fact, Bishop Howell will assist Archbishop Mark Coleridge in

celebrating our 150th Anniversary Mass in the Cathedral on May 4th, 2018 – an event that will be eagerly awaited

by the many Brothers, current and former staff members, past and present students and their families who have

had associations with Jimmies over the years.

The College extends its congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Ken together with our prayers and support as he

embarks on this significant journey as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane.

SYMPATHY

This week the College was saddened to learn of the passing away of a former staff member, Mrs Toni Shields. Toni

was a much loved and respected teacher-aide at the College whose gentle and compassionate approach to the

students she assisted was admired by all.

SEMESTER REPORTS

Student Reports for Semester One will be mailed to all families during the first week of the school holiday. It is

important that comments made by teachers are taken very seriously as not only do they identify and describe areas

of achievement, but also more importantly they indicate a way forward in terms of expectations and improvement.

ACTIVITIES OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

Several sporting carnivals are being held over the holiday period and we wish our teams and their coaches every

success. Our Senior Rugby League Team will be competing in the annual Confraternity Carnival at Padua College

during the first week; our Senior Basketball Team will be taking part in the Gold Coast International tournament at

Coomera; and our Senior Soccer Team will be competing in an international football carnival at The Southport

School at the Gold Coast during the second week. I would like to thank in advance our Coordinator of Sport, Mr

Scott Prickett, for all his efforts in providing these opportunities for our students, together with our Director of

Basketball, Mr Kirron Byrne, for his outstanding work with the College’s basketball program.

Live Jesus in our Hearts

Gerry Crooks

Principal

IMPORTANT DATES

Parents and students are asked to note that the last day for students next week is Tuesday, 22 June. Classes will re-

commence for all year levels in Semester Two on Tuesday, 11 July. ABSENTEE LINE

3230 8655

Please clearly state student’s name, Year level

and home room.

16 JUNE 2017 Vol. No.17

Having trouble getting the College Newsletter at home?

Would you like to receive it via email? If so, please send an email to school@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au

and we will add you your mailing list.

1. Listen calmly to get the full story.

2. Reassure your child that they are not to blame.

3. Ask your child what they want to do about it and how you can help.

4. Visit www.bullying.gov.au to find out some strategies.

5. Contact the school.

6. Check-in regularly with your child.

Dates for Your Diary

June

13-20 Yrs 11 & 12 Exam Block 21-23 Student Free Days 21 P&F Meeting 23 Last Day of Term 2 25 P&F BBQ Bunnings Albion 26 Eid-al-Fitr

July

10 Student Leaders’ In-Service 11 Term 3 commences

Deputy Principal Mr Tony McCulkin

A recent conference was addressed by Dr Paula Barrett from the University of Queensland. Dr

Barrett reported on recent research regarding neurological and brain development in young

people and the risk factors and protective factors that apply particularly to young men. The main

risk factors are genetic and/or biological in nature. Up to 25% of boys are born with a

temperament where they are more inclined to physiological sensitivity, creating low thresholds for

stress. This is particularly the case between the ages of 13 and 25 due to rapid neurological and

brain development creating extreme sensitivity, often manifesting in anxiety. Life events trauma

can aggravate the situation particularly when the trauma is chronic.

Boys can be protected from these factors, not surprisingly, through relationships. Seventy percent

of the variance in how young men respond can be attributed to the quality of their attachment,

particularly to parents. At least one high quality unconditional loving relationship is vital. The

manner in which the young man relates to the world is also critical. It is a more protective stance

to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. Extended family contact and friendships

(critical up to age 12) and school are also significant protective factors.

Due to the amount of brain development in adolescence boys have increased vulnerability to the

negative effects of drugs, lack of sleep and traumatic life experiences. Young people must have at

least nine hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep has been strongly linked to poor grades and

mental health. A lack of sleep increases the risk of anxiety and depression, poor immunity and

poor judgment and memory.

Healthy young people are characterized by high self esteem, high empathy, high rates of

contribution, resilience and with many strong, positive friendships.

A reminder that classes for all year levels finish next Tuesday. Wednesday to Friday will be student

free days for staff as they prepare semester reports which will be posted to parents and guardians

over the break. This is the last Newsletter for the term so I would like to take this opportunity to

wish everyone a relaxing and safe break.

AP Pastoral Mr Martin Wiseman

Last Friday evening I was lucky enough to accompany some of our students to the MDA Lantern

Parade for Refugees and Asylum Seekers at Southbank. There were a number of EREA schools

there and the atmosphere was very festive and collegial. One of the things that impressed me

most was the engagement of the students in the evening. Most were Year 12s who were very

proudly holding the lanterns and they expressed that pride by chanting the chorus of the College

Song, "Faithful Forever - We Will Be!" They did this throughout the march. It was terrific to see and

hear this outward sign of their pride for their school.

Finalisation Forms

Please ensure that you help your child complete this form, contained in the Diary, before they

finish school next week. It is part of our end of term routine and gets students into the habit of

fulfilling all their commitments before enjoying their holiday.

EREA Gender in Leadership Conference

As I write this article I am in Melbourne listening to some wonderfully inspiring and intelligent

women who are challenging our organisation to be more diverse, particularly in leadership roles.

We of course celebrate the school's diversity everyday but we certainly need to challenge

ourselves when it comes to having more women in leadership roles in our schools.

Changes in Mary Rice House

On that note, we farewell a fantastic female leader in our community, Miss Erin Johnston, who is

off to explore opportunities in India - a place very dear to her heart. Miss Johnston will be sorely

missed by the students she teaches and of course by Mary Riceans. Indeed I will miss her keenly

as she has been an extraordinary House Dean and a profound role model for all students but

particularly for our girls. We are blessed to have many strong women in our community but Miss

Johnston's unique creativity, comforting presence and gentle strength will be sorely missed.

Fortunately, Miss Jessica Whelan has emerged from Mary Rice House to take over the Dean's role

and in her we have an outstanding woman to fill those large shoes.

Holidays

As this is the last Newsletter this term, I wish all the St James students a refreshing and restful

break. A number of students will be engaged with representing the school in sports over the break

and I thank them in advance for representing our school with such great spirit.

AP Identity Mrs Tricia Parry

This week on Tuesday and Wednesday I have had the opportunity to attend an "Accelerating and

Unlocking Talent Through Diversity in Leadership" Conference which was run by EREA in

Melbourne.

One of the quotes which really spoke to me was the following:

"The inspiration of Jesus must be translated from the ideal through to the idea." So, what does

that mean for us at St James College in Brisbane?

It is easy to sit and talk these things through, however, in a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice

tradition, we also show how we can offer an authentic education within our current context.

Ordination of Bishop Ken Howell

Photos courtesy of EJ Diomampo

MDA Lantern Parade

The world has changed a lot across a very brief period of time. Whilst we are a very important part

of society, religion and faith is not always a centre point where each family use this to aid them in

holding it together. We need to really work within our Catholic School context to reinsure that both

the spiritual and ritual leads us in parts of our family and school lives ... so, what do we try to do to

the Religious Life of the School and our Religious Education Curriculum relevant to our students?

I believe that the sheer number of students who represented St James College at the recent MDA

Luminous Parade at Southbank last week shows us that the values which we are teaching in our

College's Catholic Identity are being translated into the active demonstration of what we believe

this to be. There is a feeling of belonging where we reshape the way that the Church responds to

the current world climate.

This demonstration of beliefs into a practical sense was also seen by the large number of students

who partook in such a respectful way, the Detention for Detention whereby the students stood in

solidarity, in silence, to say that "One child in detention is one child too many." On this day they

joined with hundreds of other students from EREA Schools across Australia where young people in

a relevant context showed their true feelings about this issue.

Audrey Brien, one of the guest speakers at the conference believes that as a Catholic School we

can offer a hope and optimism of the world which is a great privilege as we need to always

embrace all members of our community in relevant and contemporary issues within the world we

live. I believe that last week was a shining example of St James living out these values and

sincerely thank all of the staff and students who made these events such an amazing experience

of what it means to live in the Catholic Church for today.

Ministry Coordinator Miss Jessica Whelan

Detention for Detention

On Friday of last week around 100 students within our school community participated in Detention

for Detention. This was an opportunity for students to spend their lunchtime in silence, to stand in

solidarity for those in our community who are living in detention. Statistics show that there are

currently 65 children who are held in immigration detention facilities within the Australian

mainland, 50 children that are held in detention in Nauru and 289 children detained in community

detention. This issue is very complex but the message from the students was simple – One child

in detention is one too many.

Luminous Lantern Parade

On Friday evening, 23 students from various year levels across the school joined myself, Mr

Wiseman, Miss Chapman and Mrs Moss at the Annual MDA Lantern Parade in South Bank. This

event celebrates the diversity of Brisbane and welcomes new Queenslanders, including refugees,

international students, people seeking asylum and migrants. There was a sizzling array of over

400 lanterns and 15,000 people. This parade was absolutely spectacular and I would recommend

families in the school community to join us next year. The diversity within our school is often

highlighted so well, and it was wonderful to see the wider community celebrating cultural diversity

just as proudly as we do here at St James.

Year 10 Work Experience Dr Shannon O’Gorman

This week saw 65 students embrace the opportunity to engage in work experience. This year our

Year 10 students attended upon the Bank of Queensland, Ipswich Magistrates Court, Amart

Sports, Audi Dealership, and Veterinary surgeries – to name a few. It is not an easy task to be

ready for work and at St James work experience relies on a team approach that builds upon the

weekly curriculum taught as part of the work skills subject. We are very grateful to Margaret

Beddows and SCIPS who source our placements, Teaching and Learning support who invest a

large amount of resources into accompanying selected students, various school officers who

ensured the location and well-being of students was accounted for and some 20 plus teaching

staff who allocated time to conduct site visits over these past five days. Teachers have

consistently reported back that these visits are the highlight of their week and that our students

have been flying the Jimmies flag high. Thank you once again to each and every employer who has

accepted the invitation to host one of our students.

Library News Ms Nikki Carpenter

With the holidays approaching, now is a great time to visit the Library and borrow a book from our

vast collection. We have lots of new titles that will appeal to all tastes and reading abilities so

come along and talk to the Library staff for a recommendation. What better way to spend a chilly

morning than curled up under the doona with a good book!

Guidance Counsellor Mr Jim Bartlett

Parent Information Sessions

2018 Programmes for Yr 11 & 12 students in Training and Employment will open next term. The

School and VET Leads to Employment program prepares students for employment while they are

still at school through structured workplace learning and a national certificate. Places are

available in Automotive, Health, Building and Construction, Horticulture, Cabinet making,

Hospitality, Electrical and Hair and beauty. Information Sessions are at 6.00pm-8.00pm on

Wednesday 26 July, Kedron SHS and on Monday 31 July, Corinda SHS. Please email:

metrotransitions@det.qld.gov.au

Year 10 Work Experience

Detention for Detention

2018 QTAC Year 12 Tertiary Courses Guide

This guide has been given to all interested Yr 12 students. Please see me if you did not get a

copy. There will be information sessions next term in application and course selection.

SPORTS NEWS Mr Scott Prickett

Gold Coast Invitational Basketball – St James has three teams entering this Competition which

are hoping to bring back some silverware. Below is the Competition Draw if you would like to

support the teams at Coomera Indoor Stadium, Beattie Road, Upper Coomera. The competition

dates are 24-27 June.

Confraternity — It is that time of the year again, Confraternity Rugby League is here. Our team

has been training hard and playing a lot of preparation games coming into the tournament.

Below is the Draw for the Competition at Padua College playing fields, Elliott Road, Banyo.

Monday 26th June—Game 1 @ 11am Field 5

Monday 26th June—Game 2 @ 3.20pm Field 3

Tuesday 27th June—Game 3 @ 9:20am Field 5

ST JAMES 1 (OPEN BOYS DIVISION 1) Pool B

TIME DAY OPPOSITION COURT SCORES

8:00AM

12:30PM

11:00AM

2:00PM

9:30AM

SAT

SAT

SUN

SUN

MON

Southport SHS

Hillcrest Hurricanes

Varsity College

Ipswich Grammar School

John Paul College

1

1

1

1

1

Cross Over and Playoff Games are on Monday and Tuesday depending on Results

ST JAMES 2 (OPEN BOYS DIVISION 1) Pool A

TIME DAY OPPOSITION COURT SCORES

9:30AM

2:00PM

8:00AM

12:30PM

8:00AM

SAT

SAT

SUN

SUN

MON

St Edmunds College

Hillcrest Hawks

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS

Toowoomba Grammar School

Vilanova College

1

1

1

1

1

Cross Over and Playoff Games are on Monday and Tuesday depending on Results

ST JAMES (OPEN GIRLS DIVISION 1)

TIME DAY OPPOSITION COURT SCORES

8:00AM

3:30PM

8:00AM

12:30PM

3:30PM

3:30PM

8:00AM

11:00AM

SAT

SAT

SUN

SUN

SUN

MON

TUES

TUES

Hillcrest Hawks

Somerset College

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS

Varsity College

Hillcrest Hawks

Somerset College

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS

Varsity College

4

1

5

5

1

1

6

4

St James College Class of 1977

40 Year Reunion Saturday, 22 July 2017.

For all enquiries please contact Enrico Petracci on 0412 987 079 or via email at petraccih@gmail.com OR Brad Kunkel on 0415 154 207 or via email at bfkunkel@gmail.com .

P&F BBQ FUNDRAISER BUNNINGS ALBION

(Corner Hudson Rd & Mill St)

Sunday, 25 June 2017. If you are able to assist at the P&F BBQ between the hours of 8am and 4pm please contact Dawn Moloney at dmoloney72@gmail.com or phone Dawn on 0429 338 040, thank you.