Newsletter 11: Monday 9 December 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Members of the St Joseph’s College Family,

Advent

Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or “advent,” of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King.

Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St Andrew the Apostle (30 November this year) and embracing four Sundays, concluding on Christmas Eve, 24 December.  It also marks the beginning of the new liturgical year in the Catholic Church, which started on Sunday, 1 December.

In the Catholic Church, the Advent season reminds us about the importance of Christ in our lives, prepares us to celebrate Christ's birth at Christmas, and refers to his second coming at a future time.  Essentially, this season is a bridge between the past, present, and future.  On this first Advent Sunday, hope grows from the manger, symbolising that where Jesus is, hope is found.  

Heavenly Father, as once again we prepare for Christmas, help us to find time in our busy lives for quiet and thought and prayer, that we may reflect upon the wonder of your love and allow the story of the Saviour's birth to penetrate our hearts and minds.

I hope that every member of our school community can find some time in the coming weeks to say a special prayer to especially mark this season.  Through prayer, we have the opportunity to encounter God and to see Him in all the people with whom we engage each and every day of our lives.

This is also the time to light the four candles of the Advent wreath.  Each one - Hope - Faith - Joy - Peace - represent a specific meaning and relevance as they correspond to the four respective Sundays through Advent:

In the first week, Catholics will light the first candle of the Advent wreath.  This signifies Hope as it is commonly known as the “Prophet’s candle” and signals that Jesus is coming.

On the second Sunday, a candle is lit to celebrate Faith.  This is based on the everlasting love of God, and it is also commonly referred to as the “Bethlehem” candle.  This reminds everyone that Mary and Joseph undertook the journey to Bethlehem.

On the third Sunday of Advent, it is traditional to celebrate Joy with the “Shepherds” candle. This third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and a literal translation here is to “rejoice.”  It is a Sunday to remember Mary as the mother of Jesus.

On the fourth Sunday, the candle symbolises Peace and is known as the “Angels” candle.  The simple message here from the angels is “peace on earth and goodwill towards men.”

Yearly Exams and Assessment

I am most grateful for the good attitude towards this process by our students this year. Exam periods at the end of the school year can be challenging, but the feedback that we receive during the marking period really helps inform individual strengths and weaknesses that reveal where more work is needed.  Never let this be a setback for your child.  Learning where improvements can be made is just as important to the educator as it is to the student.  Let’s all stay the course!

Year 11 students have their assessment week this week, and I use an old-fashioned expression here:  The Five Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.  Continue to use your time well in the lead up to this please.  Never doubt for a moment that your focus and all your efforts will not be rewarded.

Kairos Retreat - Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 December 

We pray for our students who will be attending this retreat - the first time since Covid restrictions took place and the event couldn’t go ahead.  We are most grateful to St John’s College, Woodlawn, for their collaboration in making the 2024 Kairos Retreat possible.

Thank you also to Bianca and Jacob for accompanying our students.  I look forward to hearing how positive this experience was for all who attended.

End of Year Presentation - Monday 16 December 

As our families would be aware, the College holds the annual End of Year Awards Presentation and Advent Liturgy for all students in Years 7-11 in the last week of the school year, and an invitation is extended to all to witness this final award presentation, particularly to the parents and carers of the recipients of these student awards.

While staff prepare for this event, to be held on Monday 16 December in the Doyle Centre, once finalised, further details will be sent out via a Compass.  I hope that you can attend.

Term 4 Week 4 College Assembly

At the College Assembly held on Tuesday 5 November, we recognised the following students for their efforts and achievements:

College Values Award:

‘Sincerity – Humility – Courage – Wisdom’

🥇 Jordyn Kennedy - for Humility

🥇 Caleb Matheson - for Humility

🥇 Katie McCracken - for Humility

🥇 Cody Scott - for Humility

🥇 Sukhman Sidhu - for Humility

🥇 Savannah Walton - for Humility

🥇 Lewis Carter - for Humility

🥇 Jack Francis - for Humility

🥇 Liam Francis - for Humility

🥇 Aleigha Irvine - for Humility

🥇 Jarah Irvine - for Humility

College House Award:

Term 4 Week 6 College Assembly

At the College Assembly held on Tuesday 19 November, we recognised the following students for their efforts and achievements:

College House Award:

Outstanding achievements across the board - Congratulations to you all!

Planning for 2025

As a school, our focus will always be on classroom learning, however, as part of their function, schools also provide opportunities for learning outside of the classroom, while also meeting all their official and legal obligations.

Every attempt is made to provide these opportunities for our students to help them find their pathway in life.  In establishing a calendar for the new school year, this requires the coordination of many moving parts, and I’m most grateful for the many staff who have supported me this year in my first principalship, and I look forward to adding to the achievements we’ve already made together.

I’m sure this behind-the-scenes work will make it easier in the coming year to keep our students and their families aware in advance of events, which will also - hopefully - keep class disruptions to a minimum.

Again, I thank you for your continued support of all that we do at the College.  It is greatly appreciated.

I ask that you please take the time to read through this newsletter, as you will find more important information that will help you navigate your way through to the end of this term, and the end of this school year.  By keeping up-to-date with all that is happening, it ensures that your child gets the most out of each day at school.

God Bless

Mr Ryan Campbell
Principal

Principal's Notes

School Administered Medication

As we approach the end of the school year, here are some reminders for students with medications here at school.

ALL medication kept at school (including Epi-Pens) is to be collected and taken home by the student/parent on their last day of attendance this school year.  Parents/ students are responsible for picking up all student medication directly from the parent reception.  Medication not picked up by the last day of school will be discarded as Pharmaceutical Waste.

My child requires medication at school for 2025. What should I do?

New consent to ‘Administer Medication Form’ is required for each new school year.  We recommend you make your doctor appointments early as doctors get very busy over the summer.

Please ensure the following steps have been completed in preparation for the 2025 school year (medication should be handed to the office on day one):

1. Complete the ‘Administer Medication Form’.  (Note: This is still being finalised by CSO and will be a digital form sent out to all families once completed.)
2. Provide the school with the medication in the original packaging with a pharmacy label.
3. Provide the supporting documentation/medical authorisation via email or hard copy to the school office (e.g. medication order, action plan, Doctor letter outlining dosage and administration time required) this must be completed and signed by the prescribing health practitioner.

N.B. If your child requires more than one medication, you will need to complete a form for each medication.

If your child has asthma or a severe allergy, a current Action and/or Anaphylaxis Plan and up-to-date medication is mandatory.

Whooping Cough

We recently received from North Coast NSW Health important information on the alarming increase of the incidence of whooping cough this year.  They have advised that 2024 has seen an exceptionally high number of cases (from 875 reported in 2023, to 21,032 so far this year), and that the highest rate of notifications are in children aged 5-14 years.

With this in mind, NSW Health are seeking the support of all parents and carers to further prevent its spread.  Please take a moment here to read the Whooping Cough information for parents and carers as well as a Whooping Cough Pertussis Factsheet.

Remember to always follow the appropriate medical advice to reduce the risk of spreading this disease, as well as treatment protocols to reduce the severity of the infection.

Leaving St Joseph’s College

During the second semester of a school year, families tend to make decisions about moving to a new area because of employment changes, etc.

We ask that all parents/carers of students who will not be returning to St Joseph’s College in 2025, to either send in a letter or to email the College (sjcbanora@lism.catholic.edu.au) confirming when the student will be leaving and the new school or institution they will be attending.

All students who leave St Joseph’s College are required to complete a Clearance Form which includes the return of all College library books and textbooks.

ACARA’s My School website has been updated for 2024 with the latest school-level NAPLAN data and new profile information on schools.

 My School gives parents and carers information about schools in their area, including on student and teacher numbers, attendance rates, income and expenditure, and NAPLAN results. It also provides principals and teachers with important insights into school performance.

 ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel said: “ACARA’s My School has detailed information on around 10,000 schools right across Australia. It’s the only website that provides parents, carers and the broader community with clear and transparent information on every Australian school.”

Visit myschool.edu.au for more details.

St Joseph's Parish

St Joseph's Catholic Church, 56 Frances Street, Tweed Heads

Weekday Mass times

• Monday to Friday – 9:10am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 9:00am
• Saturday Vigil Mass – 5:00pm
• Sunday – 7:00am & 9:00am

St Camillus Catholic Church, 36 Urliup Road, Bilambil

• Sunday – 9:00am

St Anthony's Parish

St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff, 12-14 Pearl Street, Kingscliff

Weekday Mass times

• Wednesday – 8:00am
• Thursday – 9:00am in the school term and 8:00am in the holiday period
• Friday – 8:00am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 5:00pm (6pm during DST)
• Sunday – 9:00am

Sts Mary & Ambrose Catholic Church, 1 Charles Street, Pottsville

Weekday Mass times

• Tuesday – 9:15am

Weekend Mass times

• Sunday – 7:30am

Reconciliation Times

• Kingscliff – Saturday 5:00 – 5:30pm 
• Pottsville – Sunday 7:00 – 7:25am

Assistant Principal-Mission

Student Engagement and Application Reports (SEAAR)

As you would be aware, St Joseph’s College provides Student Engagement and Application Reports (SEAAR) periodically throughout the year.  SEAAR is a system that monitors and acknowledges students' individual effort and application in each subject.  Scores are based on each student’s effort in completing classwork and homework to the best of their ability; being punctual and organised for class; and behaviour in the learning environment.  SEAAR Cycle 6 was released on the afternoon of Friday 15 November. 

Please view this video if you need support in how to access and view your child’s SEAAR.  Students will be asked to complete a SEAAR reflection in AWC.  Please have a conversation with your child about how they went in SEAAR, and more specifically, areas of strength and areas for growth.

Please note that those students who receive a ‘Gold SEAAR’ across all cycles throughout the year will be invited to attend the Rewards Day at Wet ‘n’ Wild at the end of the year.

Congratulations to the students below who received a perfect SEAAR average of 5.0 for Cycle 6:

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

St Joseph's College is proud to announce the 2024 Christmas appeal.  It’s that time of year where we get to enjoy the festive season and all the joy that comes with Christmas. 

Unfortunately, not everyone in our community is able to enjoy the kind of Christmas that most of us enjoy.  That’s why this year we will be partnering with local charities to donate items for Christmas hampers and to raise money to support local families that are doing it tough.  The charities that we are supporting this year are St Vincent de Paul, Fred's Place, You Have A Friend and Parish Pantry.  These are local charities that work to support families in the Tweed Parish directly.  

In AWC classes, students have nominated to bring in 1-2 items from a class list to add to the class hamper.  These items are relatively inexpensive and non-perishable.  Students should know what they have nominated to bring, but if you have any questions please contact your child’s AWC teachers for more information.  

We thank you in advance and appreciate your support with this worthy cause.

Leader of Curriculum

* * Resources for Year 12 School Leavers * *

Information about leaving school

The Services Australia website has some great information to support students finishing secondary school, whether they are interested in working, doing an apprenticeship or traineeship, or doing further study.  Youth Allowance for students and apprentices and ABSTUDY are the main payments students may get.  There are also other payments for students who need to move away from a regional or remote area to study. 

Students can find out more at servicesaustralia.gov.au/leavingschool.  In particular, the interactive school leavers video that can be found on this web page is a fun way to find out about student payments, Medicare and more.

Medicare benefits

Year 12 students need to add a bank account to their Medicare account to get Medicare benefits, regardless of having their own Medicare card or staying on their parents' card.  Find out more at getting Medicare benefits.

Resources schools can pass on to their students

The School Leavers Resource eKit on the Services Australia website has been updated for this year, and we encourage all secondary schools to download and use this.  It contains many different resources that explain Centrelink payments and how to get started with myGov.

Download the eKit at servicesaustralia.gov.au/schoolleaversekit.

Mr Matthew Hall
Leader of Curriculum

HSIE News

ASX School Sharemarket Game

Year 9 and Year 10 Commerce students recently participated in the ASX School Sharemarket Game.  Students were given a virtual $50,000 to invest over a 10-week period in more than 300 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).  The game simulates share price movements in the domestic market, with prices on the ASX reflected in real-time.  Students buy and sell shares at the same prices as those in the live market, making the experience as close to real-world trading as possible.  Additionally, the game offers exposure to 55 Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and 5 Listed Investment Companies (LICs), enabling students to diversify their portfolios.  Over 18,000 students participated in this national competition, and 75% of St Joseph’s College students finished the game with a profit.

The following students finished in the top five across Year 9 and Year 10 at SJC:

1st Hailey Pickett – $57,343 (Top 1% nationwide)

2nd Sebastian Trimboli – $56,218 (Top 3% nationwide)

3rd Jenna Walker – $54,789 (Top 5% nationwide)

4th Evan Godinez-Purchase – $54,612 (Top 6% nationwide)

5th Orla Harvey – $54,057 (Top 8% nationwide)

Hailey's outstanding result earned her a portfolio worth $57,343, securing her place in the top 1% of participants nationwide.  Sebastian followed closely behind with a portfolio value of $56,218, placing him in the top 3%.  Jenna's portfolio totalled $54,789.05, earning her a spot in the top 5%.

The students all employed a variety of strategies and what they learnt or enjoyed is summarised below:

"The Schools Sharemarket Game, driven by ASX, provided powerful insights into real-world stock trading scenarios. By reviewing past profit/loss charts, I was able to predict the trajectory of certain shares and maximise my profits."  (Hailey)

“My strategy was to diversify my shares by choosing stocks not necessarily with the highest rises in recent weeks and months, but those with a steadier and more consistent climb over a longer period, giving me more security in their potential to rise in value.”  (Seb)

"The ASX Sharemarket Game taught me the importance of investing and how blue-chip shares can fluctuate dramatically in a short period of time.  I enjoyed being able to buy and sell shares throughout the game, which helped me better understand real-life investment scenarios."  (Olivia)

"The ASX Schools Sharemarket Game educated me on real-life investing situations, giving me a thorough understanding of the investment market.  This experience will help guide my future investment decisions."  (Ruby)

"The ASX Sharemarket Game showed me how much the sharemarket can fluctuate even in a short period of time, giving me a realistic perspective on stock trading."  (Charlotte)

"Playing the ASX Sharemarket Game showed me how $50,000 can be quickly lost or turned into profit depending on strategy, companies, and a bit of luck.  Throughout the game, I saw many blue-chip companies spike rapidly.  I jumped on a few of them, making a few hundred dollars, but then sold them quickly as their value didn’t last long.  I also had some luck with a company gaining 20% in one day, only to lose it all and more the next day—proving just how unpredictable the stock market is.  Overall, I enjoyed the competitive nature of the game."  (Evan)

"The ASX Sharemarket Game allowed me to learn how to properly read market trends and the benefits of investing in the sharemarket."  (Ella)

"The ASX Sharemarket Game gave me an insight into how investing works and offered an opportunity to try and make a profit. I really enjoyed learning how to invest in markets."  (Hina)

"The ASX Sharemarket Game taught me about different investment options and how the stock market functions.  I enjoyed learning about diversification and market-to-limit rules, while also making some profit in my investment portfolio."  (Harriet)

Congratulations to our winners and to everyone who participated in the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game!

I hope you all had fun and gained valuable first-hand experience of how the sharemarket works, learning essential real-life investment skills along the way.

Mrs Georgia James
Leader of Learning Technologies / Commerce Teacher

Careers News

Year 10 Statim Yaga Excursion

On Wednesday, 20 November, nine Year 10 students participated in the Hutchinson Builders Statim Yaga Trade Pathways workshop.  Statim Yaga translates into “Start Work” and has been designed to give students a taste of the building and construction industry.  This workshop aimed to foster meaningful connections between local industries and schools, while also exposing students to various career opportunities in construction.

During the event, students engaged in four practical, hands-on activities at the live construction site of the Murwillumbah High School redevelopment.  The activities included:

• Painting
• Tiling
• Carpentry
• Site Tour

These experiences provided students with a glimpse into the building and construction industry.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and demonstrated high standards of engagement and outstanding behaviour throughout the day.

We extend our gratitude to the Regional Industry Education Partnerships and Hutchinson Builders for facilitating such an amazing and interactive learning experience.

Mr Richard Petherbridge
Work Readiness Pathway Industry Teacher 

Resource Centre

Remembrance Day Activities

As we approached Remembrance Day, our Resource Centre ran run meaningful activities designed to honour and remember the sacrifices made by soldiers during wartime. This year, students and staff came together to engage in a range of activities that reflect the importance of Remembrance Day.

The week commenced with a poppy-making session, where participants crafted their own poppies to wear in remembrance. These vibrant symbols, synonymous with Remembrance Day, not only serve as a tribute to those who fought for our freedom but also spark conversations about the impact of war.

Additionally, a series of quizzes and a word search puzzle were set up, both offering a fun yet educational way to test knowledge about Remembrance Day, historical events, and key figures from past conflicts.

One of the highlights of the week was the War Stories Fiction activity.  Students who had been reading Morris Gleitzman’s series Once created Canva posters to promote the series to other students.

Let us continue to remember and honour the legacy of those who came before us.

Mrs Mary Green
Teacher/Librarian

Sport News

Diocesan Netball Carnival

On Tuesday 19 November, three SJC netball teams competed at the Diocese netball carnival in Grafton.  One 7/8 girl team, one 9/10 girl team and one senior girls team competed against other schools, from Tweed through to Coffs and Regional Port.  It was a wet weather day to start but as the courts began to dry the students became more and more enthusiastic.  

The 7/8 girls spent a few games getting used to playing together again, and were up against some tough (and tall!) opponents.  After our pool games, we played a crossover game against the other pool, coming out victorious against McAuley College in a very strong performance.  All the girls represented St Joseph’s exceptionally well. Special mention to Grace O’Connor for her strong performance on the court, and backing up umpiring senior games (with some extra time in the final!). 

The 9/10 girls played 4 pool games, winning against St John Pauls and drawing their three other games.  As a result, they placed 3rd and competed against St Paul's Kempsey in the finals, who they successfully beat despite some unusual positioning. Importantly, all girls were consistent and played as a team.  Jorjie Abric and Grace Gallagher were a standout on the day. 

The senior girls were very excited to play, having less netball events then the juniors throughout the year.  They certainly came together as a team and passed the ball well down the court.  They played against teams from Port Macquarie to Ballina and placed 2nd in the pool.  Heading into finals they met Trinity, who unfortunately were victorious 18-8.  A standout from the day was Jordyn Kennedy for consistent effort and outstanding shooting.

Miss Hannah Toohey

Lowes On-Campus Uniform Shop

The uniform shop hours are as follows: 

Every Tuesday during the school term: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Every Thursday during the school term: 8:00am – 12:00pm

During shop hours: (07) 5523 9300
This shop is managed by Lowes staff only

Click on the link to see the new price list that came into effect this term (as previously provided).

Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only
NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED

Or, if you'd like to make an online purchase, you can use this handy link.

School Student Travel

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card.  If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator . It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.  Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only.  Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct.  The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers.  It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Canteen Notice for All Families

As we did last year, there will be a LIMITED CANTEEN MENU in Week 10 – on Monday 16 December and Tuesday 17 December – and the Canteen will be closed on Wednesday 18 December.
 
The only food items available at recess and lunch will be ice blocks, chips, slushies, and noodles – and only while stocks last.  Therefore, we ask you to make provision for your child/ren's recess and lunch for the last two days of operation of the Canteen this year.
 
Many thanks
The Canteen Ladies