Newsletter Term 2, Week 10 2020

Dear SJC Families and Friends

Being the end of Term 2, I would like to thank all our families for the support you have shown throughout what has been a difficult, but also an immensely rewarding and productive term for all. If we are to think back to this time in Term 1, the school was preparing for the near-certain likelihood that we would be locked down for the entire Term 2 and all students and staff would be operating in the blended learning environment. It has been well-documented that the level of flexibility required by all in the SJC community has been of the highest order.

For such a large organisation to change to an on-line format of operation, and then back to a traditional face-to-face way of doing things within a 7 week period speaks wonders for the people who make up this community. This, of course, includes our parents and carers who showed great levels of support and patience in dealing with students learning from home. 

We are by no means back to normal operation at St Joseph's. I have outlined below a summary of some of the limitations and considerations that apply to Term 3 at the College. 

"Do Not Be Afraid" John 14:27

Last Sunday's Gospel by St Matthew (10:26-33) reiterated our College theme for the year on three occasions as Jesus sent His twelve apostles out to spread the word and evangelise. Jesus paints the picture of the many challenges that the disciples will face in doing the work of His Father. 

A number of very big challenges have been faced as a staff, school community and as individuals this year and without implying a level of prophetic wisdom, our senior leaders did very well in choosing the 2020 theme. There have been plenty of concerning moments for all in society and these will continue as the year progresses. You children will encounter challenges throughout this school year and I ask that you encourage them to address any challenge in their life without fear and with earnest determination. 

College Magazine

This wonderful publication was distributed to students last Tuesday and should now hold pride of place in the majority of our SJC homes. Many hours are devoted to the production of this essential and valued SJC item. The whole magazine creation is driven by Mrs Jane Joseph and Mrs Georgia James who work incredibly well together on such a large task. They were ably supported by Ms Leea Kenny, Mrs Janet Crouch, Mr Tony Channell, Mr Guy Davoren, Mr Andrew Chambers and all the staff who wrote pieces or supplied images. 

I am always very interested to view the last couple of pages of the magazine that detail the journey that many of our SJC alumni take following graduation. The stories and life lessons expressed in these pages are of great importance to our students I believe. It is important for all our SJC students to realise that they stand on the shoulders of giants. The uniform they wear with pride has been done so by some amazing achievers, characters and really generous human beings who have gone forth in life to accomplish so much in the last 28 years. Please take some time to go through these stories with your children. 

Term 3 Considerations

As mentioned above, a document was published last week by the Catholic Schools NSW, our peak body. Of most importance is that physical distancing does not relate to students but adults must maintain this. Below are a number of the relevant findings pertaining to the SJC community:

• Masses and Liturgies will commence from Term 3. 
• School assemblies to resume from Term 3. 
• Choirs and performing arts are fine to resume in the school from now.
• All school sport will recommence from Term 3 (including competitions run in accordance with current health advice).
• TAFE students can resume in line with TAFE schedule from now.
• Parent/Student/Teacher meetings on-line where possible (please see below).
• Subject selection evening will move on-line as large adult gatherings cannot guarantee physical distancing. 
• Camps and parent attendance at school events (including graduation) is to be considered during Term 3 (please also see below).
• Internation excursions are cancelled until further notice. 

P/S/T Interviews, Camps and Graduation

I would like to expand on these three important events that have been or could potentially be impacted by the current restrictions. Firstly, the decision was made last week to move our P/S/T Interviews to an on-line environment. These will be conducted via Zoom and the date changes have been made on the SJC Calendar. Booking will occur through the usual channels and then Zoom invites will appear in parent email inboxes. More details will follow.

There have been a number of enquiries regarding camps at the College. 2020 was to be the commencement of our re-engagement with school camps across a number of selected year groups. Whilst we hold out hope that some of the camps go ahead, if this is not possible, refunds to families will be issued. More details will be provided as they come to hand. Our priority is trying to salvage something for our Year 12 students prior to their departure. Our Year 9 camp was scheduled for early August. If it cannot go ahead, we will attempt to reschedule this as we have done with our Year 7 camp. 

Of equal concern is the reality that currently under consideration is the running of graduations in schools. Our graduation events at SJC are steeped in tradition and provide a wonderful farewell to our Year 12 graduands. We usually see close to 500 adults gathered in close proximity and would require current restrictions to be eased significantly. Like all thinking currently, decisions will be made with health advice first and foremost. Contingencies are being worked on and updates will be provided as they are devised.

Parking at the College

Last week, the College and Primary School changed the way that parking occurs on the grounds. Staff parking has been reorganised and as a result, there are now a number of visitor parking spaces available at the northern end of the grounds. If the spaces marked "Visitor" are free, students or parents are free to use these. 

As always, please be patient and safe when driving in our grounds. Please also take time to read the joint letter from Nic McTaggart (St James Principal) and me regarding recent incidents in the car park. 

Alcohol and Illegal Substance Policy

Recently, there was an incident involving illegal substances at the College. The College, with the support of Fr Michael and the CSO, have dealt with the student at the centre of this. This was the first time in over a decade and a half that a student had been found to be involved in such an incident. I applaud the students who reported the matter and thank them for their courage to stand against something that is unwelcome and unwanted in the SJC community. 

College documents and clear messages have always indicated that there is no tolerance for the use or possession of illegal substances at school, whilst representing the school or travelling to school. The use of or association with these substances is not a wise lifestyle choice at any age. When made aware of such behaviours, the College will always address such matters with students who indulge in such practices in their own time. Our curriculum and pastoral care programme address these matters across a number of years and events. 

However, when brought into the school setting, the safety of students and staff cannot be guaranteed. As a result of this latest incident, a new policy has been drafted which combines the sentiments of a number of documents that have historically been in place. Please take some time to read this document and know that if your child chooses to bring such substances onto College grounds, the consequences will be severe. If you have concerns around this area, please take some time to engage with the content found on SchoolTV.me, a programme we subscribe annually to. 

Uniform and Grooming

Thank you to all of the students and families who have supported our College by ensuring students are wearing the correct uniform and groomed appropriately. Mr Eamon Brown outlines a number of areas the College has some concerns about amongst a few students. Please take some time to read through this and address any issues that may pertain to your child. 

Kind regards and I hope all students have a safe and relaxing break.

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal

What a semester it has been! One with many changes and periods of unknown. It has been a joy to have students at school and reminds teachers and students of the privilege we both have to be members of the SJC community. I would like to thank all the parents and students for their support and kindness during this semester. For each student to ‘achieve the fullness of life’, a strong partnership between parents, students and staff is essential. 

I have been fortunate enough to spend time visiting classes and seeing learning in action across the SJC campus. The picture above captures just a small amount of learning that takes place at our College. I would invite parents to speak to their child about their learning to gain an understanding of the wonderful experience they are sharing at SJC. It has also been rewarding to see a large number of students appreciating our beautiful oval during lunchtime. It has been a hive of activity with students enjoying the warm winter sunshine. 

Next term we are fortunate to be able to hold our Year 7-10 reflection days in the first week. These days provide students with the opportunity to build a stronger community within their year level and also reflect on their own personal life. We hope that these days are rewarding for students. Also at the beginning of the term, Year 7 Catholic Studies teachers will be completing professional development on Project Based Learning (PBL). This approach to learning allows students to develop 21st-century skills of critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Through projects, students apply their learning to a relevant, real-life context. We look forward to sharing this learning with parents next term.

Finally, I would like to wish all the students a wonderful, restful and safe holiday period. It has certainly been earnt. We look forward to seeing everyone back next term.

Mr Ryan Campbell
Assistant Principal - Mission

Term 3 Reflection Days for Years 7, 8, 9 & 10

As part of Proclaim Lismore – Students, and in conjunction with the School Evangelisation Program, each year group has a Reflection Day.

The aim of a Reflection Day is to involve the students in activities designed to develop their self-esteem and participation in decision-making. The underlying theme is to develop a positive and active sense of community. As a Catholic College these Reflection Days allow the students to participate in prayer and aim to develop peer relationships.

In the first week of Term 3, there will be a Reflection Day for each year group in Years 7 to 10. These days are compulsory for all students at the College. The Reflection Days will be held at the College on the following days:

Year 8        -     Tuesday 21 July
Year 10      -     Wednesday 22 July
Year 7        -     Thursday 23 July
Year 9        -     Friday 24 July

ALL STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO WEAR MUFTI (CASUAL CLOTHING) ON THEIR RESPECTIVE REFLECTION DAY – OR WEAR THEIR FULL SPORTS UNIFORM. Wearing Mufti will incur a gold coin donation.

All students are asked to bring their own morning tea, however, a BBQ (sausage sizzle) lunch and drink will be provided on the day.

Ms Sara Reynolds
Acting Leader of School Evangelisation

Uniform

Thank you for your continued support regarding uniform and grooming. The College has continued to implement regular uniform and grooming checks as a part of our school-wide approach to maintain high standards. Should your child have any concerns with their uniform or grooming, please provide a note in the College diary outlining the concerns and when it will be rectified.

As you would be aware, the school holidays are fast approaching and will certainly be an opportunity for a well-deserved break from an unprecedented semester of learning. Can families please be mindful to ensure that their child(ren) will return to school suitably attired and groomed according to the College Uniform Policy. In particular, could families please consider the following:

• Any hair cuts and/or styling are in line with the uniform policy;
• A reminder that Converse Chuck Taylor’s and any other canvas, skate-style shoe do not fulfil uniform requirements. If new shoes are required, please purchase a suitable pair.

A reminder that when students recommence for Term 3, the Winter Uniform will still be required to be worn. If your family is experiencing financial hardship which is impacting on your child’s uniform, please contact the College.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation regarding the College uniform and grooming expectations.

Reminder of Vaccinations for Year 10, Week 2 Term 3

A reminder to our Year 10 families about the vaccinations taking place on Tuesday 28 July (Term 3, Week 2).

Forms will be issued to Year 10 students on the first day of next term, and we would appreciate their return by the end of Week 1 of Term 3.

Mr Eamon Brown
Leader of Pastoral Care and Student Welfare

School Reports

The Mid-Year reports for Years 7-10 will be available to students Friday 3 July.

To access the Parent Portal please follow the instruction sheet provided (link below).

This can also be obtained from the College website under the ‘Parents’ tab where you will find a link to the Parent Portal information.

Mrs Kathy McAlister
Leader of Curriculum

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

This week our SJC school community would normally be celebrating NAIDOC week which on any given year falls in the first full week of July, It's a wonderful week of sharing, celebrating and experiencing the richness of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture however this year due to the uncertainty of Covid 19 restrictions and for the safety of everyone in our local Bundjalung area and nationwide, it has officially been postponed until the 8th to 15th November. 

In light of this, we have decided as a school community we will acknowledge and celebrate the significance and beauty of our country's Indigenous culture in the early weeks of Term 3 to be able to include our seniors in these celebrations. 

We look forward to sharing these NAIDOC celebrations, together as a school community soon.

Mrs Lexene Busbridge
Indigenous Education Worker

Kickstart in the Holidays for Students

The following is for the attention of Year 12 students enrolled in HSC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics from the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney:

Kickstart in the Holidays for Students - 15 July 2020 - HSC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Ext 1 and Physics

$5-15 (inc GST) per workshop, discounts for multiple workshops

Want to get a little study done in the July holidays? Join us for your chosen subject on our Kickstart in the Holidays on the 15 July 2020. Our experienced science and mathematics communicators will go through background theory, videos and demonstrations, and engaging questions and activities for you to do with them in real-time. In this online format, you can type questions to our team as much as you like. Resources and worksheets included.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/industry-and-community/community-engagement/kickstart-in-the-holidays.html

Mr Matthew Hall
Leader of Learning - Science

Digital Technology Competitions and Events for Students

The Academy for Enterprising Girls offers an exciting and fun course for girls aged 10 to 18 years to learn about entrepreneurship, design thinking, and how to start up your own business. You’ll learn new skills, see a bunch of success stories, gain the confidence and ability to bring your own ideas to life, and much much more.

The Academy for Enterprising Girls offers an exciting and fun course for girls aged 10 to 18 years to learn about entrepreneurship, design thinking, and how to start up your own business. You’ll learn new skills, see a bunch of success stories, gain the confidence and ability to bring your own ideas to life, and much much more.

Recently they were excited to announce  Virtual Academy for Enterprising Girls workshops. This workshop is being held in the upcoming school holidays and girls can join from anywhere in Australia. 

Young ICT Explorers is a non-profit competition, which has been created by SAP to encourage school students to create their best Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related projects.

Who: Years 3-12
Registration Opens: Now Open (Closes 17 July 2020)
Event dates:  Submission Deadline 26 July 2020
More information:  https://www.youngictexplorers.net.au/ 

The Bebras Australia Computational Thinking Challenge returns from 7–21 September 2020. Free, online and aligned to the Australian Curriculum. Engage students from Years 3-12 in collaborative, creative, and critical thinking. 

The goal of the Bebras Challenge is to promote computational thinking skills in a way that highlights student abilities. The challenge is made up of 15 questions ranging in difficulty. The challenge is open twice a year for two weeks

Who: Years 3-12
Registration Opens: Now Open
Event dates:  7-21 September 2020
More information:  https://digitalcareers.csiro.au/en/Bebras 

Learn computer science. Change the world.

Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event. One-hour tutorials in over 45 languages. No experience needed.

Who: All age levels
Registrations Opens: October 2020
Event dates:  9-15 December 2020
More information: https://hourofcode.com/au  

See Mrs Georgia James for more information on these competitions and events. 

Mrs Georgia James
Leader of eLearning

Desmos Maths Art Prize

In Mathematics we are lucky to have a variety of resources we can use to make the maths we study visible for the students. We can use online calculators, random number generators and have access to websites and youtube videos, apps and online glossaries and dictionaries, all of which help us on our learning journey. All things that we did not have access to as a student. 

The most powerful tool for most of our students, besides the humble calculator, would be the online graphing calculator DESMOS (https://www.desmos.com/calculator). This enables students to more easily apply their understanding of functions and graphs by visualising the effect changes in equations has on the graphs.

2020 has brought many challenges, and one of the positives was the introduction of the inaugural Desmos Globart Art Prize. In this competition students from all over the world were to utilise the graphing software to create works of Art. They would be judged based on several criteria which included things like the complexity of the underlying functions and use of colour and motion. 

We had a group of students begin their projects before we went to the Blended Learning Environment. Two students completed their artwork and were entered into the competition. A snapshot of their projects are included here. These students, Regine (Dawn) Cosham and Leevan Jiang, both from Year 10, are to be commended on their works. 

We will be commencing our entries for next year’s competition in Term 4 this year. Look out for notices or ask your maths teacher if you are interested. There are categories for all ages, and we are on hand to help you develop equations for your work.

Mrs Michelle Delaney & Mrs Loretta Jones
Mathematics Teachers

College Athletics Carnival - Friday 31 July 2020

Paraphrasing some 1985 song lyrics, we're gonna go back in time for the theme for this year's Athletics Carnival to be held on Friday 31 July (Week 2, Term 2). 

The College Captains spoke (via zoom meeting) to all students on Monday morning, providing them with ideas for this sporting event, the first whole-school programme since the return to school. From the decades (70s, 80s, 90s, the 2000s), to other themes (eg. superheroes, cartoon characters), we would love to see our students dress up - in their house colours - arriving in costume - and be here, together, to support their peers on what promises to be a great, fun SJC community day.

Ms Madeline Ilic
Leader of Sport

Have you recenlty ordered online?  If you placed an order online recently, would you please call in at the Lowes On-Campus Uniform Shop to collect your order.  Thank you, kindly!

The 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