Newsletter 30 – Term 3, Week 10

As you ponder this story consider what it means for you.

In the Gospel story of The Prodigal Son from last Sunday,

the son ventured into the unknown

decisions based on reckless need

living at risk away from the protection of family

living with severed connections.

Seeing the error of ways and lonely, the son wants to return,

Travels the homeward journey with fear and heavy heart.

His father does not hesitate to open arms and heart

Does not require explanation,

Is not punitive or exacting,

Calls for celebration seeing the clear depths of his son’s need.

The older brother angry- not fair

He has been loyal and true

He has continued his rightful role and steady diligence

He is resentful judging his loyalty as now being not enough.

The party prepared, the father joyous and prodigal in his giving

The son received and grateful

The older son not prepared to give up his edge of resentment.

The father aware and says – You are with me always- all I have is yours.

The story does not present us with a conclusion.  It has finished without resolution.

It is a story of the inner drama of the soul and of radical trust. It is a story of generosity beyond perception or expectation. This is a story of family.

How will the elder son face that he is loved beyond measure, that the father also loves his brother without measure, that the measure of love just simply raises? We don’t have the answer. But, we are urged in our turn to be generous, to celebrate when others return and find peace.

The conversion of the one who has stayed home is equal to the conversion of the one who has travelled far. The conversion of the father is abiding, deep as a seam of compassion, understanding pertaining to the nobility of the holy one.

I pray that this holiday period is a time of rest and renewal for all in our St Joseph’s community. I ask that we keep in our prayers our staff and students travelling to Japan on the Languages trip and our staff involved in an immersion experience in the Philippines.

Tania

Reflection

The truth will set you free.

John 8:32

When we hide the truth that is inside of us, we hide part of us that stands the best chance of really contributing something valuable to the rest of the world. To die fully alive, it is surely necessary to claim our own truth in the face of other truths, to stand alone when only standing alone can possibly define the whole breadth of thought on a subject, to be able to speak into the face of one concern the wisdom of another.

It is fear of other, not our doubt of the truth that is most inclined to gag our souls. But it has its limits. Before I was twenty, I worried about what my parents would think of me. When I was thirty, I worried about what my boss would think of me. When I was forty, I worried about what the neighbours would think of me. But when I got to be fifty, I discovered that nobody was standing around thinking of me at all.

Don’t be afraid to speak. Be afraid what will happen to the whole truth if you don’t.

Joan Chittister

Aspects of the Heart

Philippines Immersion

During the September holidays five of our staff members (Brian Cantwell, Megan Puhakka, Jodie Ramage, Shane Ramage and Bridget Hines) will be travelling to the Philippines for a week long immersion. This immersion is an information gathering experience in the hope that students will be able to participate in 2020.

A Catholic Mission Immersion is a three-phase educational program providing staff and students a way of developing an understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture in the Philippines. Participants will spend time being with the local people in their environment. The experience is designed to ‘be with’ rather than ‘do for’ and is not designed around service work in the community.

The actual day to day itinerary is developed by Catholic Mission in partnership with the hosting community and commits to not over burden the local people with our stay. This is NOT a sightseeing tourism holiday. It is an educational, life changing self-development program founded on Catholic principles.

At assembly on Wednesday we presented the staff with a holding cross to take with them as they go forth on this journey as a reminder of the love of God and also of the love and support from the College community.

Rosies

Another successful night at Rosies for the final one of Term 3. Thank you to the students that attended for their assistance. Also, thank you to Michelle Dohle Mother of Taylah, for her assistance in serving the patrons of Rosies. The next Rosies will be held Week Two of next term for anyone who is interested in joining.

All students will receive an Interim Report card posted on the last day of Term 3.  Semester 2 report cards will be sent at the end of the year for students in Years 7 to 11 only.

Year 12 students will receive their Senior Statement and if eligible, their QCE from QCAA in December. It is important that if you have changed address, to update this with me so QCAA has the latest information for sending these certificates to you.

Year 11 students will receive an interim report card but many of their subjects will not have completed assessment since the last Semester Report card and may receive OA (On going Assessment).  I draw your attention then to what the teachers have given your son or daughter for their learner attributes.  Final results for Unit 2 (on a 5 point scale A to E) will be on the Semester Two Report card.

It is critical that Year 11 students studying General Subjects act on the feedback provided by their teachers at the end of Unit 2.  If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact your son or daughter’s teacher directly to discuss academic progress in specific subjects.  Should students in Year 11 need to change subjects they will need to do so at the end of Term 3 as students are not permitted to change subjects once they start Unit 3 due to Unit 3 & 4 being paired for both ATAR and QCE results.

A timely reminder regarding student achievement and assessment.

The introduction of the new Senior school Certificate (QCE), which now includes external state exams in Year 12, has meant a flow on effect for the students and teachers at St Joseph’s College and across the state. This means there is a new skill set for students to be assessed on in various subjects. All departments across the College have raised expectations across all year levels to prepare students to meet the requirement of the new, more rigorous senior syllabus and workload expectations.

Students in all subject areas are being given the opportunity to experience more in-class tasks and exam-based assessment rather than take-home assignments and this is new for most students and families. As the program is new this year, students should expect a level of adjustment that may not be in line with expectations from previous years—it does not necessarily mean that student capabilities or work ethic has changed.

To assist with this adjustment for students in some subjects extra support has been offered, for example,

• English students have access to several tutorials throughout the week (run by their own teacher and by others), where they can go for clarification of concepts, and general assistance (please see the newsletter for tutorial times).
• Mathematics students have access to Wednesday afternoon tutorials in the library for general study assistance as well as numerous individual subject tutorials run by teachers as need arises.
• Academic support has been introduced to assist students who have not met deadlines for drafting and assignment work in preparation for the strict guidelines outlined by QCAA (where teachers can only mark work submitted on or before the due date).

I encourage students to take up these opportunities and we ask parents to encourage their children to participate where possible, to develop good study habits and routines.

It is important to remember, the work done now in the junior years will pay dividends in the latter part of their schooling.

みなさん、こんにちは。

As this is being distributed, our biennial tour to Japan is just getting underway, with the group of eight students and three staff flying out from Brisbane Wednesday night. The group will spend the next two weeks of the holidays sightseeing around Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, as well as being immersed in everyday family life during a 6-night homestay. The trip is an excellent way for the students to put their classroom studies in to practice and enables them to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of Japan first-hand.

All language students have been making great use of Education Perfect to reinforce vocabulary and grammar structures introduced in the classroom. Completing the set tasks and activities is a vital part of ensuring success in each student’s language studies, with many expressing just how much easier understanding assessment became with solid knowledge of the vocabulary. The repetition that Ed Perfect provides is the key.

In general classroom news, the Year 10 Japanese class last week celebrated the end of the term exams by creating kanji pancakes – with varying degrees of success. The ability to construct kanji normally is one thing, but to start with the mirror image and work backwards proved an interesting concept for some of the students. Fortunately, the end product still tasted the same.

Year 7 students have now had a taste of both languages offered at the College and hopefully have reflected on their experiences to make an informed language choice for next year. With the introduction of students now choosing their Year 8 language and continuing with that language for the full year, it is hoped that students actively engage in the second instalment of instruction, working towards a more solid understanding of the language as continuity builds and the chance of forgetting what is learnt from one semester to the next is reduced. Ideally, this would then translate into greater numbers for elective languages in Year 9 and beyond.

Please feel free to contact me at the College if you have any concerns or questions regarding your child’s language studies.

ありがとうございました。

This list may be of interest to parents of Year 10, 11 and 12 students. It is a list from the QCAA website which outlines different ways you can achieve QCE points.  This is located at  https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/certificates-and-qualifications/qce/recognised-studies/lists-recognised-studies. If you have any questions please contact myself, Ms Masters, Ms Wilson or a Middle Leader to discuss further.

Lists of recognised studies

Where a course is listed as being in the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Enrichment’ categories, for students in Year 11 2019 onwards, these categories will be called ‘Complementary’.

Recognised studies are courses of study that have been recognised by the QCAA as being eligible to contribute credit to the QCE.

The following contains the lists of courses currently recognised by the QCAA as eligible to contribute credit to the QCE. These have been grouped by learning topic to assist with viewing information. Each group includes the providers and courses related to each area. Providers may appear in more than one group if they offer courses of study across areas. Open the attachment to view the provider’s list of recognised studies, the category of learning, standard required, QCE credit and recognition period.

Business

• ABW Enterprise Education — Australian Business Week Ltd. (ABW) (PDF, 30.8 KB)

Citizenship

• AAFC Non-Commissioned Officer Promotion Course — Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) (PDF, 31.0 KB)
• Boys’ Brigade Leadership Development Program (Stage 1 to 3) — The Boys’ Brigade Queensland (PDF, 29.7 KB)
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Queensland — Gold, Silver, Bronze award (PDF, 75.3 KB)
• YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament — Queensland Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) State Council (PDF, 125.1 KB)

Languages

• Advanced Modern Chinese — Asia Language Centre of Queensland (PDF, 85.4 KB)
• Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch Language Proficiency Preparation Program and Examination – Goethe-Institut Australia(PDF, 151.0 KB)
• HSK Chinese Language Proficiency Course and Test — Confucius Institute, University of Queensland (PDF, 72.1 KB)
• Japanese Language Proficiency Test Preparatory Course — The Japan Foundation (PDF, 70.4 KB)

Life skills

• ASDAN Silver/Gold Award — Award Scheme Development & Accreditation Network (ASDAN) (PDF, 154.9 KB)
• BRAKE Driver Awareness Ltd. — BRAKE Driver Awareness Program (PDF, 68.7 KB)
• Independent Living Skills — Edmund Rice Education Australia (PDF, 132.6 KB)
• Mighty Minds — Links to Life (PDF, 71.3 KB)
• Can Do Kids — Abacus Group (PDF, 75.6 KB)
• Schools plus Vocational Education and Training leads to Employment (SVETE) Structured Workplace Learning — Department of Education and Training, Training and Skills Division – Metropolitan Region (PDF, 31.5 KB)
• Employability Skills Development — Worklinks Inc. (PDF, 69.8 KB)

Mathematics

• ^QMEA Science Maths and Related Technologies for Engineering and Electrical School-based Apprentices (PDF, 137.9 KB)

Science

• Senior Astronomy / Senior Astrophysics — Atherton State High School (PDF, 125.4 KB)
• Young Winemakers Program — Gateway Schools to the Wine Tourism Industry (PDF, 28.7 KB)

Technologies

• Adobe Systems Incorporated — Certiport (Pearson Australia) (PDF, 132.9 KB)
• Autodesk Certification – Certiport (Pearson Australia) (PDF, 134.2 KB)
• UPDATED Cisco IT Essentials / Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Discovery 1 to 4 — Cisco Systems Australia Pty Ltd. (PDF, 133.6 KB)
• International Computer Driving Licence Certification (ICDL) — ICDL Asia Pte Ltd. (PDF, 73.6 KB)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) / Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Certiport (Pearson Australia) (PDF, 165.5 KB)
• Gateway to Industry — Manufacturing and Engineering (PDF, 155.2 KB)

The Arts

• Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) (PDF, 111.2 KB)
• Australasian Dance Association (ADA) (PDF, 135.5 KB)
• Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Ltd. (ANZCA) (PDF, 220.7 KB)
• Australian College of Music (ACM) (PDF, 124.8 KB)
• Australian Guild of Music Education System (PDF, 170.0 KB)
• Australian Institute of Classical Dance: Borovanksy Classical Ballet Syllabus (PDF, 74.1 KB)
• Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) (PDF, 329.3 KB)
• Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) (PDF, 79.3 KB)
• Australian Teachers of Dancing Ltd. (ATOD) (PDF, 141.7 KB)
• Ballet Australasia Ltd (PDF, 144.3 KB)
• Cecchetti Ballet Australia Inc (PDF, 75.7 KB)
• Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (COMDANCE) (PDF, 82.1 KB)
• Education in Dance and Theatre Arts Inc. (EDTA) (PDF, 78.3 KB)
• Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidyalaya (PRSSV) — Indian Music and Dance (PDF, 145.9 KB)
• Queensland Scottish Dancing Association (QSDA) (PDF, 135.5 KB)
• Rockschool Ltd (PDF, 156.0 KB)
• UPDATED Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) (PDF, 142.1 KB)
• St Cecilia School of Music (PDF, 186.3 KB)
• State Schools – Performance, Department of Education – Instrumental Music Curriculum (PDF, 161.5 KB)
• Tapatak Oz (PDF, 73.7 KB)
• Trinity College London (TCL) (PDF, 262.1 KB)

Wellbeing and Recreation

• PADI Open Water Diver Course — Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Asia Pacific (PDF, 70.2 KB)
• Swimming Bronze Licence — Swimming Australia (PDF, 74.1 KB)
• Queensland Health’s Good Start Program (PDF, 74.7 KB)
• Personal Recovery and Community Building – Alta-1 College (Qld) Pty. Ltd. (PDF, 150.1 KB)

General studies

• ^International Baccalaureate Diploma Program — International Baccalaureate Organisation (PDF, 102.8 KB)
• ^TAFE Queensland Brisbane — Unilearn (PDF, 168.4 KB)
• ^Education Queensland International, Unilearn Pathways (PDF, 78.2 KB)

^ These organisations offer some courses of study that contribute towards QCE literacy and/or numeracy requirements. Open each document to view options.

This week was a very special week for Breakfast Club. The year 12s who were members of last year’s Breakfast Club Coordinating group were invited back for what might be one last time to say goodbye and thank you to the friends they had made at Clifford Park Special School. The Year 12s were so grateful to have this opportunity and the Clifford Park students thoroughly appreciated the chance to say goodbye. Thank you Year 12s for your contribution.

This Sunday’s Gospel Reading – Luke 16:1a, [1b-9] 10-13

The right use of money

Reflection on Luke 16:1-13

Summary:

In the shorter form of the reading, Jesus instructs His disciples about trust and money; those who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in large things, and a person can only serve God or money.

[The longer reading includes a parable which has been given a few different titles: the Shrewd Servant, the Dishonest Manager or the Right Use of Money. It’s about a manager who has mis-managed his master’s goods. In being dismissed from his position, the manager tries to gain favour with his master’s business associates by reducing what is owed to the master. The master then commends the shrewdness of the manager.]

The world in front of the text:

The message in this reading is simple and straightforward; what do we allow to be predominant in our lives? Is it God or money/material things. We all need money and material things to survive, but are those things more important to us than our belief of, and faith in, God?

[The inclusion of the parable is somewhat perplexing. It seems that Jesus is praising shrewdness in matters of money.

The parable is also perplexing in that many commentators have differing opinions about the understanding of what was included and the possible implications. Who, in the audience, would have understood the parable, and to whom was the message directed?

It seems that the most important verse is verse 8: …his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of the light. The “children of the light” are those with their heart aimed towards heaven.]

QTAC Update for Year 12 Students

Applications are open and will continue as per Key Dates & Timelines which have been emailed.

I strongly recommend students apply by the end of September.

Preferences can be changed, deleted and new ones added as necessary. Please see me to discuss any questions you may have.

Parents are welcome any time.

Scholarships

USQ School Leaver Scholarships: https://www.usq.edu.au/study/school-leaver/scholarships 

QTAC Course Search

http://course-search.qtac.edu.au/s/search.html?collection=qtac-courses&form=course-search

Griffith Uni Up-date

Griffith has refreshed and streamlined its Guaranteed Admission Scheme for 2020 entry and beyond. The new scheme is expanded from OP 1-6 (ATAR 90+) to include OP 1-10 (ATAR 80+) and a VET Guarantee in selected degrees.

Griffith has designed the new scheme with an eye to the future. It provides certainty for students about their school performance and future study choices and extends our commitment to developing opportunities for students from all walks of life to access a university education.

Students are encouraged to make use of the scheme in applying to study at Griffith for Trimester 1 2020 and beyond. Full details about relevant degrees are available in the University’s degree finder.

Student Exchange Scholarships – Applications close 15 October

For students in Years 9 to 11

University of the Sunshine Coast – Update

Scholarships: https://www.usc.edu.au/learn/what-will-i-pay/scholarships/how-to-apply-for-a-usc-scholarship?utm_campaign=20190904%20SR%20Schols%20SC%20001&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Thank you to the Food, Wine and Tourism Gateway to Industry Schools Program for organising a great opportunity for our students and schools in the region.

The Program aims to help young people make a successful transition from school into further education or employment in the food, wine and tourism industries.

Students and teachers gained insightful information on getting job ready, the diverse career opportunities in the industry and acquired hands on skills in commercial cookery and barista training.

The Gateway to Industry Schools Program is an initiative of the Queensland Government’s Department of Education and Training. St Joseph’s College is the Gateway Hub school for the Darling Downs region.

Thank you for the wonderful Presenters:

Chef demonstration: Kirk,  Sous Chef from Gips restaurant

Barista training: Kim Gallaway, Queensland College of Wine Tourism

Human Resources: Angela Nielsen, Learning and Development Coordinator from USQ

Tourism: Peter Homan, CEO at Southern Queensland Country Tourism

Certificate III in Roof Plumbing

https://www.sjc.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/41-19-Certificate-III-in-Roof-Plumbing-with-Maxibon-Roofing-002.pdf

POPULAR BOOK PASSAGES

The business of books is seldom about light-hearted virtues such as personal experiences felt when reading a book. Books are about eye and page, about one human brain in conversation with another.

Publishing usually centers on the mass: What do people want? What will most people buy? To what do people respond?

The next few newsletters will showcase some favourites.

Last week’s extract: Little Women

Can you guess where this passage originates?

“But of course we can’t take any credit for our talents.  it’s how we use them that counts.”

NEW BOOKS in the LIBRARY this week.

eBOOKS and AUDIOBOOKS

ACCESS THROUGH SORA

Next Meeting

October 8, 7 pm, Library

Come join the fun.

Friday 20 September

Student Free day
TSSS Cricket 14yrs Boys
CBSQ

Saturday 21 September

Japan Tour
CBSQ

Sunday 22 September

Japan Tour
CBSQ

Have a GREAT break!

Monday 7 October

Public Holiday

Tuesday 8 October

Term 4 Commences

Full 2019 Calendar

Click here to all upcoming events…

https://www.sjc.qld.edu.au/calendar/

Canteen Roster

Monday           7    Queens Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday          8    Toni Burton

Wednesday    9    Fiona Lucas

Thursday       10   Adul Lual

Friday             11   Christina Geldard

New Store Opening Hours as of Term 4

Tuesday & Thursday 8am-12pm.

Wednesday 8am-4pm.

Holiday Trading Hours

https://www.sjc.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Holiday-Closure-Notice-Term-4-2019.jpg

Summer uniform is now available at the Uniform shop.

Online ordering available through the school App, select Uniform Shop (bottom left) and follow the instructions. Your order will be filled when the store is next open.

Second hand uniforms are also available at the Uniform Shop.

If you have used uniform items that would like to donate, please drop off to the Uniform Shop during opening hours.  Donations are greatly appreciated.

If you have used uniform items that you would like us to sell for you, please call into the uniform shop and collect a “Used Clothing” form. Used uniforms items MUST be in good condition, no holes, stains, missing buttons and hems intact. They also need to washed, ironed and be the current uniform.

If you have any questions, please call us on 4631 8514 during opening hours.

Please remember to send a note with your child, to show the classroom teacher, if they need to leave the College early for any reason.  Parent/Guardian are require to be physically present to sign out and collect a student.

Student Absentees

If your Child is absent please notify the College before 8:30am by either phoning, 4631 8500 using the new App or emailing office@sjc.qld.edu.au 

When phoning, please remember to speak clearly and leave the child’s full name and PC class.

Are your details correct in our system?

Is your information up to date?
Will your report card go to the right address?
Don’t miss important messages and updates on excursions send through the email system or App notification.

Please email any changes to office@sjc.qld.edu.au