principal’s message - st joseph's college, banora...

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

OPENING SCHOOL MASS This Friday sees our College community celebrate mass for the first time as a whole this year. I extend the warmest of welcomes to any parents, carers or family who would like to attend this very special event. Since commencing at St Joseph’s College, I have been struck by the pride in tradition that all feel. Our Commencement Mass has a number of these traditions on display, particularly for the Year 12 students. There will be a small morning tea on offer for those in attendance. Our theme for the year, as chosen by a number of Year 12 students is “Do all things with love” based on Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. As Pope Francis states, “Love is not words, it is work and service. A humble service, performed in silence and concealed.” Service is a key element for staff and students of SJC and a great way to show love to our fellow human. Mr Lyon, on assembly, recently spoke of the definition of love and what forms it takes and how that relates to our everyday life. Taking some time as a family, or an individual, to discuss how best you can show love in your life is a great activity and one I recommend. I look forward to seeing many of you this Friday at our mass.

YEAR GROUP BREAKFASTS

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Mt 18:20)

One of the key elements of our Catholic faith is the foundational value of community. Our early Church, following the death of Christ, saw small groups come together in ‘communion’ with each other, share scripture and recreate the events of the last supper. The scripture above reminds us of the presence of Christ amongst us. At SJC, one of the great events to look forward to is commencing the year with our Year Group Breakfasts. We have already hosted the Year 7 and 11 families to this point and look forward to welcoming our remaining year groups across the next two weeks. I thank all the families who have attended and particularly, the staff, students and parents/carers who have helped to make them possible.

TWEED VALLEY YOUTH COUNCIL REPS I would like to congratulate our Tweed Valley Youth Council Representatives for 2019 Scarlett Magnus and Jacob Wilson. Giselle McDonald will be our reserve representative for the year. These students will meet once a month in the various locations across the Tweed Valley Shire and be the SJC youth voice for the area. I look forward to hearing of their experience and having them report back to the College with their progress.

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

(07) 5524.9002 (07) 5524.9272 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sjcbanora.catholic.edu.au

Year 8 hosting Breakfast




Week 4, TERM 1 @ sjc

DAY 6 ~ MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY

DAY 7 ~ TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Year 8 Year Group Breakfast (7:30-8:20am, outside the Doyle Centre)

DAY 8 ~ WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY

Marine Studies Pool Excursion (selected students)

DAY 9 ~ THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY


University Showcase

DAY 10 ~ FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Commencement Mass (11:00am, Holy Family Chapel)

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

Week 5, term 1 @ SJC

DAY 1 ~ MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY

DAY 2 ~ TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY


Diocesan Opens/15s Touch

Work Studies Bronze Medallion

DAY 3 ~ WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY

College Photo Day

DAY 4 ~ THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY


DAY 5 ~ FRIDAY 1 MARCH

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

Pope Pius XII

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sjcbanora.catholic.edu.au/

St Joseph’s College Newsletter | 18 February 2019

The School Newsletter and School Calendar are both available online @ www.sjcbanora.catholic.edu.au. The School Calendar contains year group events, assessment schedules and term dates.

Term 1 Coming events

WEEK 6

Tuesday 5 March Year 7 Vaccinations

Zeal Theatre Workshop

Wednesday 6 March Ash Wednesday

Junior QLD AFL Cup

Thursday 7 March Diocesan Swimming Carnival

Senior QLD AFL Cup

WEEK 7

Wednesday 13 March Year 12 Visual Arts Exc (13-15 Mar)

Incitare

Thursday 14 March LEAD Conference (14 & 15 Mar)

WEEK 8

Monday 18 March Open Evening

Tuesday 19 March St Joseph’s Day

Winter Sports Trials Diocesan RL Trials

Friday 22 March NRCC Hockey

WEEK 9

Wednesday 27 March Open Boys/Girls Basketball (27 & 28 Mar)

Thursday 28 March Girls League Tag

WEEK 10

Tuesday 2 April Northern Country RL Trials (2 & 3 Apr)

Wednesday 3 April Parent/Teacher/Student Evening

Friday 5 April NRCC Rugby League

NRCC Volleyball

WEEK 11

Monday 8 April Parent/Teacher/Student Evening

Friday 12 April Last day of Term 1

This is a normal school day

ON-CAMPUS UNIFORM SHOP (MANAGED BY LOWES)

07 5523 9300 only during shop hours

Tuesdays: 12:00pm to 3:30pm

Thursdays: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only

NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED

Continued from Page 1

COMMUNICATION SEQUENCE

Last week I described how communication from home should occur to the College. I came upon this very succinct diagram a colleague published recently in their newsletter. Please make use of this system when an issue may arise. Regarding communication, all teachers should now have sent emails to families introducing themselves. Please use these emails when you have feedback, queries or affirmations for teachers of your child’s subject. If you have not received emails, please contact the College Office to confirm we have your correct email address on file.

SJC HOMEWORK HUB We have already had very good numbers of students attending the SJC Homework Hub. This year, students will be based in the Library (as opposed to 04C) and are able to attend from 3:15pm to 5:00pm. All attendees must sign in upon arrival and sign out at their predetermined departure time. It is not necessary for parents to come and collect students from the Library, but please be aware that all students must be collected by 5:00pm. There are a number of staff who supervise students in the Homework Hub and are available to help with any assignments, homework or personal study. This is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on learning they have to complete. If you have any queries regarding the Homework Hub, please contact the office. I trust you will enjoy the fortnight ahead. Kind regards Mr Scott Thomson Principal ([email protected])

http://www.sjcbanora.catholic.edu.au/



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

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

BYOD STUDENT AGREEMENT

This week your child/children will receive a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Student Agreement which will need to be completed by every student enrolled at the College. We ask you – as parents and carers - to sit with your child/children to read together the Agreement as there is a responsibility involved in ‘bringing your own device’ to the College. We also ask for your child to sign the Agreement in your presence, for you to sign to confirm this, and for your child to return the Agreement to their Homeroom teacher during morning homeroom.

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY – NEXT WEDNESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY

School photographs are scheduled to be taken by advancedlife next Wednesday, 27 February. Envelopes and flyers have been distributed, however, advancedlife prefer that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day. Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advancedorder code (see

below). Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed. Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please direct them via email to [email protected]. A reminder that students will be required to wear full formal school uniform. This includes ties for the boys. All students with long hair must have it tied up. Students who have sport on the day will need to bring their sports uniform to change into.

ORDER NOW go to www.advancedlife.com.au

and enter the code QD5 7H5 CW3

Mr Peter Lyon Deputy Principal

STUDENT WELLBEING /

PASTORAL CARE

NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM 2019 The first vaccinations for this year will take place on Tuesday 5 March (Week 6):

Year 7 – Gardasil (Dose 1) and Boostrix Year 7 students will have brought home an envelope explaining this year’s vaccination program and requirements. Please note that no vaccination will take place without an original signed consent form (no faxes/ emails). IMPORTANT: As a special request from North Area Health Service, all Year 7 students are asked to wear the College sports uniform that day.

YEAR GROUP BREAKFASTS The first two of our year group breakfasts were a huge success, and we hope parents and carers of students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 12 are able to attend an upcoming event: Week 4:

Tuesday 19 February – Year 8

Thursday 21 February - Year 9 Week 5:

Tuesday 26 February - Year 10

Thursday 28 February – Year 12 Invitations will come home with students (handed out during morning HR) and will this week be issued for Years 8 and 9, and next week for Years 10 and 12. On behalf of the College leadership team, we look forward to seeing you there.

KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAMS Included in today’s newsletter is a brief overview of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Programs. The Kokoda Youth Foundation (KYF) was born in 2004 when Founder and Chairman, Doug Henderson, OAM and his wife Anna heard the remarkable story about the Australian Diggers who stopped the world in Kokoda in 1942 and the profound impact that campaign had on Australia. They felt compelled to start the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) to teach the next generation about the values and important life skills that our brave Australian diggers displayed: Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. We have had a number of students take part in one of these programs and if your child is interested, please see me or visit the website included in the flyer attached. Mr Peter Serone Leader of Pastoral Care/Student Welfare

CURRICULUM

ATTENTION: YEAR 10, NEW YEAR 11

& YEAR 9 ACCELERATED COURSE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

A reminder that the Year 10 Parent/Student Information Session will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 19 February, commencing at 6:00pm in the Doyle Centre. All students in one of the following categories should attend, and should be accompanied by at least one parent or carer:

All Year 10 students (other than those in Accelerated courses who attended last year);

All new Year 11 students; and

All Year 9 students in an Accelerated course.

Mrs Kathy McAlister Leader of Curriculum

Payment in

an envelope If you are sending your child in to school

with money, we ask that you please:

Put it in an envelope, together with

any paperwork/permission form

Include your child’s name (first name

and surname) and homeroom on the

front

Write on the envelope what it is for

Send your child in to Student

Reception and hand to the

receptionist (not to HR teacher or

class teacher)

For example:

Joe Bloggs 11B

Year 11 Leadership Camp

$260

Correct change would be helpful

If you don’t have an envelope, we’ll happily accept a plastic ziplock

(lunch) bag.

Your assistance is appreciated.

http://www.advancedlife.com.au/


http://www.advancedlife.com.au/

KCYP is a life skills program for 15-17 year olds from all walks of life, affectionately known as our ‘Kokoda Kids’ (KK). As young adults you all have unique needs and are at an impressionable stage in life, being faced with real life choices that will shape your future. Many teenagers in this day and age are experiencing anxiety, depression or low self-esteem and figuring out that high-pressured question that schools and society can sometimes force upon them… What do I want to do with my life? KCYP helps bridge the gap between what you learn in school and the critical life skills and qualities that will help propel you forward for life after school. KCYP teaches you about making positive choices, resilience, tolerance, self-worth, teamwork, hard work, good nutrition, exercise and leadership.

WHAT KCYP INVOLVES KCYP uses a strength and values based approach and teaches you about the Spirit of the WW2 Kokoda Campaign and its values: COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP AND SACRIFICE. This is done through a 14-month program that involves:

Weekly training sessions (20wks) designed to develop physical + mental capabilities

Peak experiences including the 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge + PNG Kokoda Tack

Two Day Camp designed to help improve self-confidence, worth and social skills

Ten months Community Service designed to teach the value of giving back

Education on the Kokoda campaign fought by our Australian soldiers, which undoubtedly saved Australia from the Japanese invasion during WWII in 1942

Regular activities which encourage team work, cooperation and leadership skills

THE TYPE OF KOKODA KIDS WE’RE LOOKING FOR Anyone who...

Wants an opportunity to improve confidence, self-belief and find the best version of themselves in a supportive environment

Wants to go on a life changing adventure, learn valuable life skills, make new friends and belong in a team

Wants a physical & mental challenge, push their boundaries and go beyond their comfort zone

Wants to walk in the footsteps of our Australian soldiers, visit famous battle sites and honour the legacy of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign

VISIT THE KOKODA CHALLENGE FACEBOOK PAGE AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO WATCH STORIES AND ADVICE FROM CURRENT AND PREVIOUS KOKODA

KIDS. @TheKokodaChallenge

APPLY TODAY!

CONTACT: [email protected] 07 5539 4141 kokodachallenge.com



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

WEEKEND MASS TIMES

St Joseph’s Parish St Anthony’s Parish

Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm

Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm (Kingscliff)

Sunday: 7:00am & 9:00am

Sunday: 7:30am (Pottsville)

Sunday: 9:00am (Bilambil)

Sunday: 9:00am (Kingscliff)

Fr Michael Brady Fr Paul McDonald Parish Priest Parish Priest

CANTEEN

Please be aware that the Canteen has sold out (and will no longer be selling) Calculators, as well as Year 7/8 Art books. Mrs Dianne Pinkstone, Canteen Manager

Murwillumbah Library Tuesdays 4pm-5pm

beginning Tuesday 26 February

phone 02 6670 2427

Kingscliff Library Wednesdays 4pm-5pm

beginning Wednesday 27 February

phone 02 66741607

Tweed Heads Library Thursdays 4pm-5pm

beginning Thursday 28 February

phone 07 5569 3150

Drama News

Year 12 Drama flew to Sydney for the ONstage performances and project display. ONstage features exemplar HSC Drama works from around the state. The design projects inspired our students (all have chosen costume as their project) and the performances were entertaining, engaging and generated much discussion about possibilities for their own work. Thank you to Ms Danielle Young for travelling with us and assisting on the weekend. Ms Celia Pennay, Drama Teacher

Drama News

At the first assembly for the school year, we recognised those students who achieved outstanding HSC Results in 2018. To qualify for this award, students have to receive an ATAR score of 90 or above.

The recipients of the 2018 award are (pictured L-R) Joshua McGuinness, Kyle Macaskill, and Maddison Devine.

HUMAN SOCIETY IN ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)

CREATIVE ARTS - DRAMA

Students experienced hands-on sharing and learning about sources of information, from baby shoes and shells to medallions and even a Nintendo Switch controller. It’s amazing how the strangest of artifacts, can reveal so much! Mrs Rebecca Green History Teacher

HISTORIANS AT WORK! Year 9 Elective History has been having fun with artifacts! Students became detectives in the quest for information answering the question, “Who is this person

Surviving year 12Fact sheet for parents

Supporting your Year 12 student

Year 12 is considered by some to be the most important year of schooling. There is an enormous amount of pressure on Year 12 students and it comes from parents, teachers, schools and the students themselves. There are a number of ways parents can support their children as they work through their final year of schooling.

BalanceIt’s important that you make sure your teenager has lots of opportunities to play sport or pursue an artistic activity like drama or music. Also, try to make sure that they spend time with their family, and friends.

RoutineParents can do lots of things to help teenagers develop smart study habits. These skills do not develop automatically and parents will need to be patient while these new habits develop and the old, unhelpful ones are discarded.

A study-friendly home

EnvironmentIt is important to make your home a place where it is easy for your teenager to think.

Help eliminate distractions such as television, radio, MP3 player, talking, noisy younger children, or cluttered work areas. It is impossible to watch TV and study. Show how important schoolwork is by keeping the TV off during study time.

• Keep your conversation to a minimum and encourage younger children to use this time as their study time or quiet time, too.

• Provide physical conditions that help concentration, such as good lighting, cool temperatures and a table or desk with a supportive chair.

• The work area should be neat, have enough space for writing and reading, and should be kept clear of any clutter.

• Remind them to sit with good posture in a comfortable chair. Lying down may be so relaxing that it interferes with concentration.

Making time to study

You can support your teenager by helping him or her focus on their study.

• Schedule study time. Study times should be scheduled for whenever there are the fewest distractions or interruptions. If your teenager needs help to establish a routine, have a chat about which times could be best used for studying. Set that time aside on at least five days a week. Use the afternoon or early evening as study time, as this leaves time later in the evening for relaxing activities.

• Plan study in two 50 minute blocks with a 15 minute break. One 50 minute slab of study is better than several hours full of distractions and interruptions. Use a kitchen timer or an alarm clock to signal breaks and to indicate the end of study time.

At exam timeThe exam results do not represent your teenager’s future. The end of secondary school is the start of the next and usually more exciting time in your teenager’s life. The moment the exams are over, celebrate. Such a celebration is crucial, as the message you will be reinforcing is that the final score is incidental. Getting through high school is a wonderful achievement in itself.

When the exam results arriveThis period can be even more uncomfortable than the exams because everyone feels so helpless. There is always the potential that your teenager might fall short of his or her predicted scores, and the goal of achieving a place at his or her chosen university, TAFE or apprenticeship might seem unreachable. This can result in weeks of anxious waiting. Everyone in the family is treading on eggshells, and when the results do finally arrive, quite often the family can be too emotionally drained to celebrate or regroup.

You need to recognise that feeling on-edge or uneasy is a natural response. Talk to your teenager about the way he or she is feeling and the choices and options available. Let him or her know that both you and their school are supportive.

www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636

© Beyond Blue Ltd. BL/1292 12/15

When the results are not what your teenager hopedDon’t be fooled if your teenager appears to be indifferent to his or her results. Almost all students care deeply about their results and about the attitudes of their friends and relatives.

• Encourage your teenager to talk and reassure him or her. Reassure your teenager that failing an exam doesn’t mean he or she is a failure, and that while you may all be disappointed in the results, you are not disappointed in him or her.

• If your teenager was after a score that would allow him or her into a particular university course, reassure him or her that all is not lost, with thousands of university places being offered through the preference process.

• Put things into perspective. Reassure your teenager that everyone loses out at some time or other, and failing an exam isn’t the end of the world. He or she could re-sit and do better; or decide to go a different route next time.

• Encourage your teenager to look for positive ways forward, to consider all the options available. Your teenager may want to consider completing Year 13, working or travelling for a year, or doing an internship. A career counsellor or university advisor may be able to help.

• Tell your teenager that whatever happens, you will be behind him or her 100 per cent.

Do’s and don’ts

Do• guide, support and encourage

your teenager

• encourage healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep

• take your teenager’s efforts seriously

• create an effective work space in the house if your teenager can’t study in their room

• take a whole family approach to supporting your teenager

• remind your teenager of his or her goals

• give your teenager positive feedback whenever possible

• encourage your teenager to take study breaks when necessary

• remember, the final year is about your teenager, not you

• help your teenager put, and keep, the year in perspective

• keep an eye on his or her emotional health – look for changes in sleeping or eating habits, and see your GP if you are worried

• let your teenager know that you’re there when he or she needs you

• encourage your teenager to believe in themself.

Don’t• nag

• overload your teenager with domestic chores

• tell your teenager to work harder or he or she will fail.

The researchAccording to the Mission Australia Youth Survey in 2012, coping with stress and school or study problems remain major concerns for respondents.1 Research has shown that Year 12 can increase rates of depression, anxiety2, suicidal thoughts3 and even suicide.4 In particular, the fear of failure and the apparent lack of prospects as a result of poor results in Year 12 were identified as major stressors for many young people. As well as managing school, many young people were also trying to cope with work, family and social commitments. The cumulative effect of these demands appears to be leaving many young people feeling besieged and struggling to cope.

References1 Mission Australia (2012) Youth Survey 2012; page 5.2 Gough D, Edwards H (2006) Pressure takes big toll on students. The Age Newspaper, April 16 20063 McGraw, K., Moore, S., Fuller, A. and Bates, G. (2008), Family, peer and school connectedness in

final year secondary school students. Australian Psychologist, 43: 27–374 Robotham, J. (2003), Suicide linked to pressure of HSC. Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper,

January 23, 2003

Where to find more information

beyondbluewww.beyondblue.org.auLearn more about anxiety and depression, or talk it through with our Support Service.

1300 22 4636

Email or chat to us online at www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

mindhealthconnectwww.mindhealthconnect.org.au Access to trusted, relevant mental health care services, online programs and resources.

facebook.com/beyondblue @beyondblue

@beyondblueofficial

Donate online www.beyondblue.org.au/donations

www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636

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