Dear Parents and Carers

Across Victoria, students and their families are experiencing challenging times with the state being in various stages of lockdown yet again. However, this second wave of the pandemic is now also beginning to impact other areas of Australia and New Zealand. Riding this corona coaster and navigating the ups and downs of the current reality is proving to be confronting for many people. The coronavirus has turned our lives upside down with some students returning to remote learning and parents continuing to juggle the home environment.

The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen next may have an impact on many students and their families. There is a concern that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse, will increase, especially amongst young people. In the coming weeks, it will be vital for adult carers to reduce the stress levels at home and make life seem more manageable.

As an adult carer, it will also be essential to look after your own wellbeing during this time. Ensure you make time to de-escalate your own nervous system and maintain your sleep routine, healthy eating habits, get some regular exercise and reach out virtually to friends and family.

In this Special Report, families are encouraged to embrace the guidance offered to help minimise the impact of this corona coaster. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://sjc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-riding-corona-coaster

Over the past few months many students have been fundraising for the Leukemia Foundation through the Interact group’s World’s Greatest Shave event. The students involved raised more than $16,000 for the Leukemia Foundation. Nominated students shaved, cut or coloured their hair to help Australian families beat blood cancer. A phenomenal result from all involved.

With tough assignments, full schedules and day to day family responsibilities, life can be challenging for both parents and their children. Just like physical fitness, learning mental fitness activities and practices can help the whole family achieve wellbeing, resilience and optimal functioning. I would recommend the below webinar for families interested in being aware of mental fitness strategies.

Live Webinar: Mental Fitness for Parents & Families
Presenter: Dr Paula Robinson, Applied Positive Psychology Learning Institute (APPLI), Australia
Date: 29 August 2020 Saturday
Time: 10.00am to 11.00am Singapore Time GMT+8

Register for free admission at www.bit.ly/PAI-Parents

Upcoming Events

Brendon Willocks, Deputy Principal   bwillocks@sjc.qld.edu.au

Our Year 11 Leaders returned to Breakfast Club this week.  We were so pleased to be able to serve breakfast to our friends at Clifford Park Special School again.

Rice Pastoral groups will be offered the opportunity to participate in this service activity this term.

Term 4 Roster

Just Joeys Winter Appeal

What is the winter appeal and its importance? 

The SJC winter appeal is a time during term three where PC’s can donate winter items to St Vincent de Paul, for it to be distributed to the homeless and marginalised in our local community. Due to COVID-19 the demand for donations is as high as ever due to many more people losing their jobs or having to remove themselves from troubling households. This period is important for those receiving these winter items to aid in this chilly winter on the streets.

Who are St Vincent de Paul?

St Vincent de Paul (vinnies) is a lay Catholic organisation that Just Joey’s works very close with. Vinnies is an organisation that aspires to live the gospel by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.

This is achieved by being a caring Catholic charity offering “a hand up” to people in need. Vinnies do this by respecting their dignity, sharing their hope and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

How will the winter appeal be running?

Each PC will be given a washing basket to fill. The baskets need to be filled with canned goods and blankets. The winter appeal will run from Week 5 through to Week8.

Kellie-Marie Ford, Acting Assistant Principal – Mission   kford@sjc.qld.edu.au

St Joseph’s College is pleased to partner with School TV who provide resources and information for parents and guardians on maximising the impact of school-based learning through complementary strategies at home. School TV provide evidence-based insights around school refusal, which affects schools throughout Queensland and Australia, including St Joseph’s College.

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Joe Cryle, Assistant Principal – Student Engagement  jcrlye@sjc.qld.edu.au

Thank you to students who have completed their subject selections for 2021.

All information has been explained to students during class time and is available online in their Canvas course including videos, presentations and handbooks.  If you have any questions, please contact me at the College.

Preparing for External Exams

QCAA Invigilators for external assessment

The QCAA appoints members of the Queensland community to observe and report on the administration of external assessment sessions at secondary schools and approved assessment venues throughout Queensland.

Invigilators play an important role in promoting public confidence in the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system and ensuring that proper and fair administrative procedures are implemented. Information Applications from Queensland community members for invigilator roles are now open.

Role summary Invigilators are required to:

• attend allocated assessment sessions at assessment venues
• observe and report on the administration of assessments and the collection, counting and packing of materials at the end of assessments.

Eligibility:  To be eligible to apply for a QCAA invigilator role, community members must:

• hold a blue card or an exemption card
• be at least 18 years of age
• be eligible to work in Australia
• have photographic identification
• have a personal email address
• have a mobile phone
• have access to a computer, the internet and a printer Memo
• supply names and contact details of two referees.

Note: • Before applying, community members should read the

Position description: Invigilators and Invigilator frequently asked questions available at www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/external-assessment/qcaa-invigilators

Eligible applicants will need to submit their applications via the Assessor Jobs app in the QCAA Portal (www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/logins/qcaa-portal/landing-page)

For any further information, please email eainvigilators@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3074 7574.

Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg, Assistant Principal – Curriculum  kfellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au

If you asked students today what is the most important subject that they learn at school, what would their answer be? What subject do you think is the most important for you child at a high school level?
I’d like to challenge our students to think beyond the old ‘three Rs’ – reading, writing, and arithmetic.  While there is no doubt that literacy and numeracy are absolutely fundamental too often I hear from students, parents and the wider community that those subjects that ignite our passions and engage our senses are not as important as some of the more traditional offerings within the Australian Curriculum.

Let’s run through some real statistics:

– Fewer than 4% of Australians between the age of 5-24 eat enough fruit and vegetables.
– 26% of Australians between the age of 5-14 are overweight or obese.
– 22% of Australians between the age of 15-24 are overweight or obese.
– In 1995, 1-in-5 Australian adults were obese or overweight. In 2018 that number grew to 2-in-3
– 39% of Australians between the age of 15-24 consume alcohol at levels that put them at risk of harm.
– 15% of Australians between the age of 12-17 had a mental health disorder in the last 12 months.

What does this all mean?

Clearly there has been a lack of education in our young Australians about the role that simply being physically active every day plays in not only their physical but also their emotional, social and mental health. If you look through the Health & Physical Education content implemented at St Joseph’s College this year, there is a clear focus on educating our young people of the importance of Life Long health and wellbeing. I encourage you to have discussions with your child and ask them what they are learning in HPE at the moment? Ask them to break down their learning and discuss with you what they are learning. If they understand what they are learning and, more importantly, why then we can do our part to combat a worrying trend of unhealthy and unsustainable living. It is no longer enough to view lifelong physical activity as a want; rather it is something we need, now more than ever, if we are to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

Studies prove that students who participate in daily physical activity show improved academic achievement, behaviour management, cognitive skills and an improved attitude to learning.  So making sure that your child is an active participant in their HPE classes isn’t just about preparing them for that subject, but for life as a whole.

St Joseph’s College students have been published on page 2 of The Chronicle Monday 3 August, highlighting their major achievements in the Australian and New Zealand Storyathon competition. Six students were named finalists for the Lower Secondary division of the Storyathon competition, four students placing in the Top 10 and one of those students taking out National Champion. #TogetherSJC #EndeavourSJC

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/city-students-top-creative-writing-challenge/4069135/

At the end of Term 3, Rice House farewelled Mr Edwards as he left for long service leave. They also welcome Mr Ben Gehrmann into the position of Rice House Pastoral Leader.

The Rice House captains had these meaningful words to say:

What does it mean to lead Rice House?

Anish Kumar:

Leading Rice House means leading with a gentle strength. This gentle strength has been shown by Mr Edwards over the years. It means to guide with a steady and calm nature that helps people up and makes us all free strong. Leading in Rice House means putting others before yourself and providing support for their different needs. It’s about trying your best so others can reach their full potential. But as a leader of Rice house, the whole house will be behind you as well supporting you to reach your own potential as a leader.  And finally, leading Rice House means you are a part of a proud and successful team.

Farewell and Thank you to Mr Edwards

Sami Carberry:

It’s time to say goodbye to a great legend and a big part of Rice House today. No words could truly express how grateful we are and how much of an impact you have had on us, but I will try my best to do you justice. Eddy, you have made such a big impact on so many people at this school and not only the students but the teachers as well and we appreciate you so much. You’re always up for a good chat, a laugh and you always go out of your way to do anything for someone, even if you don’t have the time – that doesn’t go unnoticed. We will definitely miss listening to your dreadful singing and watching you fumble over your feet and call it dancing (even though you hoped the props would distract us from it) because now we don’t have anyone to make fun of. You always know how to make someone feel so significant because simply changing the colour of a textbox on word for you makes you a hero – I guess that’s what you get for growing up with dinosaurs. You’ve truly turned Rice from just a house to a family and we will cherish that forever Eddy, thank you. We will try our hardest to live out your legacy Eddy, you will be dearly missed but we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Welcome to Mr Ben Gehrmann

Michaela Collins:

Even though there are big shoes to fill, together as a house, we extend our hand out to welcome Mr Gehrmann. Today is not a fresh start or a new era, but rather a passing of the baton. At first the weight of expectation may take hold and the doubt of knowledge may set in. But through the reassurance and encouragement of the community you realise that you were chosen for a reason. Leadership requires the support of the community, for you have the knowledge and we have the tools. You simply can’t have one without the other. Embodying our House colour of yellow, we extend our warmth and often described ‘mellow yellow’ attitudes to your newfound role. Just like Edmund Rice did all those years ago, we offer the hand and hammer that forms the foundation of a united community. Mr Gehrmann, on behalf of the Rice House community we warmly welcome you to your new role at St Joseph’s, and look forward to the future with you at the helm.

The handshake is simple but powerful symbol of Rice House.

Rice House Leaders – Mr Scott Edwards (2002-2020), Mr Ben Gehrmann (present) and Mr John Hodges (1995-2002).

The Ski Trip will once again be running from Saturday 3^rd July to Saturday 10^th July 2021.  The trip will be open to students in Years 10-12 – subject to satisfactory school behaviour.  We will travel by bus overnight to NSW, and ski or snowboard for a week, while staying in accommodation in Jindabyne.  The cost of the trip is yet to be finalised, but will be between $1300-$1500, depending on the number of students.

Please email Mr Wheeldon at mwheeldon@sjc.qld.edu to register your interest.  Specific permission slips will follow soon – it is estimated that a first deposit of $300 will be due by Wednesday 26^th August.

Keep an eye out for further details.

We have been working hard to revive and reinvigorate the College’s social media, in particular through our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with what is happening at St Joseph’s College.

Life can be busy and it’s important that at these times to still maintain a connection with our children.  Positive parent-child relationships are built on quality time.  Quality time together, allows you to give your child positive messages through your smiles, laughter, hugs and gentle touches, which build them up.  Be in the moment with your child, tuning in and thinking about what is going on for your child, listen and notice what your child is doing and saying.  Some simple ways to spend quality time are listed below.

• Read together
• Switch off your phone
• Cuddle up
• Listen to music
• Eat together
• Play games (e.g. board game after dinner) and have a regular ‘family night’ (e.g. watch a family movie together)
• Cook together
• Talk while in the car, ask questions and show interest
• Connect during family holidays

For more ideas see the link below:

Raising Children – Building good parent-child relationships (www.raisingchildren.net.au)

Further support:

Parentline – 1300 301 300; www.parentline.com

Please be aware that some private institutions do not appear on QTAC and that you are able to apply directly to an institution without QTAC. TAFE is a good example. Applicants can apply directly to TAFE or through QTAC. The advantage of applying through QTAC is that an applicant can place multiple preferences which range from most desired program /institution to least desired but easier to get into. If preferences are selected and ordered correctly, an applicant has the best chance of being offered a place and begin their tertiary journey. Students and their families can view the QTAC application process on CANVAS, at the curse titled SJC Applying to QTAC 2020.

QTAC Zoom Session will take place on Thursday 20 August at 6.30pm to 7.30pm with Question & Answer time from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Here is the link to access this Information Evening

https://zoom.us/j/91947345785?pwd=eXlMRHB0RjRtZUd5ZVpsd1dhR2Jwdz09

Early Offer Guarantee Programs – for peace of mind

These programs have always been around but the number of tertiary institutions offering them now has increased. This is another attempt to help reduce potential future-student stress.

The idea of this program is that a Year 12 student can secure a place at university now based on their schools’ recommendation – before ATAR results are released.

This creates a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on ATAR results.

Any subject prerequisites still need to be met & passed with a minimum of a ‘C’ grade.

Other benefits to students include:

If things haven’t gone to plan & a student is worried about their results, uni is still within reach

Non ATAR students wishing to go to university may also consider applying (pathway options may be possible & worth investigating)

Start making plans for 2021 sooner

Access university support services now

Applications vary slightly between institutions but are generally online and straight forward.

Some institutions offering Early Offer include (but there may be others & worth investigating):

University of Southern Queensland

Southern Cross University

University of New England

University of the sunshine Coast

https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/work/2013/12/10/top-jobs-2025/

Students having SET Plan conversations :

Even with the limitless possibilities & uncertainty that lies ahead, we still need to plan for the future.

This planning is the starting point, there is a high chance a young person will change their mind, more than once.

For now focus on where to start?

Jobs are more related than we realise

When a person trains or works in 1 job, they acquire skills for 13 other jobs

V.E.T. for Tertiary Entrance?

Completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses can be used for tertiary entrance in 2 ways:

1. VET incorporation into ATAR and/or (eg 4 General + Cert III)
2. VET as the basis of admission ( eg Cert III +may have prerequisite)

Not all universities accept VET qualifications for entry and rules vary between universities.

As always, it is highly important to check specific institution entry requirements by going on their websites. I can assist with this.

Reminder – EFTPOS – only

Due to health concerns the Uniform Shop will only be accepting EFTPOS payments until further notice.  Online ordering and payment over the phone are also available.

www.midford.com.au

Pass phase          StJC1956

Formal Hats

Boys and Girls are now in stock.  No refunds or exchanges on Hats – please check hat size is correct before leaving the shop.

***SALE***SALE***SALE***SALE***SALE***

• Girls Long Sleeve Junior Blouse – 30% OFF
• Push top Water Bottles – 30% OFF
• School shoes – slightly marked – 20% OFF – (limited sizes)

***SALE***SALE***SALE***SALE***SALE***

TRADING HOURS

TUES & THURS        –        8AM TO 12PM

WED                            –         8AM TO 4PM

EFTPOS only – no cash.

Maximum 4 people in the store at once.

Appointment bookings are still welcomed.    Please book through the school App or by emailing sjct@midford.com.au

Online ordering available at:

www.midford.com.au

Pass phase StJC1956

Midford Retail COID – 19 03 2020

College Uniform Price List 2020

https://www.sjc.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/College-Uniform-price-list-2019-2020.pdf

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, hems intact, no holes, stains or missing buttons. 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.

Term 3 Roster

No one required just yet.

Tuckshop menu Term 2 2020

DAILY SPECIALS AVAILABLE –
SEE BOARD OR ONLINE VIA QKR

Next meeting …

September 1 – 7pm – Library

Hope to see you there.

Information from the August Meeting.

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Meeting 4 August 2020

Treasurers Report

August treasurers report

Property Report

Property Report 23.8.20

Est_665_from_VJAS_July2020

Inspection_188_Mackenzie_St_Rangeville_QLD_202007153491

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 sent through the email system or App notification.

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