Newsletter Term 3, Week 8 2020

Dear SJC Families and Friends

Last Sunday (August 31), the Church celebrated Social Justice Sunday. The foundation of our faith is based on the example and words of Jesus Christ and His desire for us to put others before ourselves. The core principle relates to the Golden Rule (Mt 7:12) of "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you".

For many of us involved in the SJC community, not all, but many of us, we are not in a position that we require the help of others. My hope, should I ever find myself on the fringes of society is that a caring fellow sister or brother would put me above themselves and offer a helping hand. This is what we strive to instil in all students who spend time with us at the College. 

Sadly, last Friday, a poor gentleman is currently experiencing tough times was involved in a bike accident on Doyle Drive at about 3.25pm. A number of staff members, students and family members witnessed the accident and the state of distress the gentleman was subsequently in. I think it spoke volumes for our community that so many people displayed a sense of compassion for the gentleman who was eventually taken to Tweed Hospital by paramedics. 

As I have stated previously in this newsletter, "Others before self" (Hanly House motto) is a great mantra to live by and one highly applicable during these times. 

Year 12 Celebrations

I have provided information for our Year 12 students and families last week regarding the changes to the traditional graduation celebrations in 2020. It is very disappointing for our 75,000 HSC students in NSW that they will not have their parents and loved ones present at their graduation. There is no denying that this pandemic has had an adverse effect on many in our society and our Year 12 students are part of this group. There are certain rights of passage that one looks back on in later life and the time around graduation is for many, one that is accompanied with joy and fond memories. 

Although this year's events will be very different, our hope is that the students still are able to enjoy the last few weeks of school and that they find the graduation a lovely event. 

Part of the communication outlined the plan to have the ceremony webcast. This will ensure that all who would like to view the ceremony can do so, without being present at the traditional venues. It is very important that all students attend school on Wednesday, September 23 (Graduation Ceremony) as they will form an important part of the farewell to our departing Year 12 students. Please support the College and ensure this occurs. 

More details, including links to the online event, will be shared over the next fortnight. 

COVID Restrictions

Please be reminded that a number of restrictions have been implemented and mean that certain practices are now either not accepted or take a very different form. This includes parents being present on campus. Please ensure you note the new procedures and protocols that can be found here. 

Student Leaders 2020-2021

Being at the service of others is at the core of our Student Leaders. These students take on roles and give generously of their time to ensure that there is a direct link between student needs and requests and the staff. I have congratulated all students who nominated to be part of the process and am very proud to announce the following as our Student Leaders for 2020-2021:

College Captains

Senior Leaders

Indigenous Representatives Student Council

Student Representative Council

Year 10

Year 9

Year 8

Year 7

They will be celebrated at our virtual Leadership Ceremony which will be held this coming Thursday, 10 September, commencing at 11:00am. Obviously, and sadly due to current restrictions, we are unable to celebrate the installation of the SRC in the usual manner, that being a whole school liturgy and ceremony. Details to follow on how to view this very special event.

Kind regards

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal

Reminder of Vaccinations for Year 7 & Catch-ups for Year 8 and Year 10, Term 3 Week 8

A reminder to our Year 7 families about the vaccinations taking place tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September (Term 3, Week 8). This is for the second dose of HPV.

In addition to this, NSW Health has also advised that there are some Year 8 and Year 10 students to receive catch-up vaccinations. These will also take place tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. NSW Health has informed the relevant families of these students.

Should you wish to withdraw your child from receiving these vaccinations, please do so in writing to the College.

NSW Health would like to remind families to ensure that students have breakfast on vaccination day to help avoid faints.

Jersey Day 2020

The Jersey Day campaign is an annual event on the Australian calendar, which took place this year on Friday 4 September. Jersey Day is all about raising awareness and starting conversations around organ donation. Students and staff at St Joseph’s College were invited to be involved in this day by wearing a jersey, or similar, of their favourite sporting team to school.

It was great to see those students and staff who chose to support this cause. In particular, thanks to Mrs Maria Van Vliet who bravely shared some of her personal story with the College regarding her experiences with organ donation. Thanks also to Mr Yager and the Year 12 students who were involved in the organisation of, and participated in, the Year 12 code versus code competition at lunch.

For further information about Jersey Day and organ donation please visit jerseyday.com.au.

Mr Eamon Brown
Leader of Pastoral Care and Student Welfare

Vote for our 'Trainee of the Year' Monique Burns in the People's Choice Award

As our school community would no doubt be aware, Monique Burns has been selected as a finalist for the 2020 NSW Training Awards 'Trainee of the Year' award.

Due to the current restrictions, NSW Training has introduced a new category this year, the 'People's Choice Award' where family, friends and the general public will have the opportunity to vote online in support of the finalist.

Lets all get behind our very own Monique in the 'Trainee of the Year' category of the 'People's Choice Award'! Voting closes on 28 September 2020.

Vote now!

Congratulations, Industrial Technology Multimedia!

A very big ‘Congratulations!’ to the Industrial Technology Multimedia students who recently completed and submitted their Major Project for 2020.  The work these students have put in over the last 12 months creating products of their own choice and documenting the process has been a real credit to them.  This year the students submitted a fantastically creative mix of short films, hand drawn animations and computer games as part of their external HSC assessment. Some of the products will be uploaded to our social media sites for the College community to view, once they have been marked.

Well done everyone, I'm very proud of you all.

Mr Dean Robinson
Industrial Technology-Multimedia Teacher

Well done, Year 11 Marine Studies!

As part of the Year 11 Marine Studies course, the students were required to complete an Aquarium Construction and Research task. The task involved them researching the physical and chemical requirements of plants and animals in an aquarium and how these conditions can be maintained to support life in the tank. 

They were also required to build a small glass fish tank, choose plants and animals to inhabit the tank and justify their choices.

The students will be taking their tanks home with them and setting them up with a filter and their chosen organisms. They enjoyed this task with some students commenting that “It was good that we could do a practical activity as it allowed us to produce something we could take home and use,” “We now get to observe the life in the tank at home” and “It was a good task with different parts, like research and practical to cater to different interests.”

Mr Brad Watson and Ms Katie John
Marine Studies Teachers

Artist of the Week

Artist: Taylor Breeze Reid

Year 11 Drama student

Title: “Jasper Jones Set Design”

Media: Wooden Model, Papier Mache and Paint

My set design for my individual project was inspired by the play Jasper Jones. From my reading of the play and watching the movie, this is how I imagined the set to look. I also enjoyed the challenge of working in a sculptural way; it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am hoping to continue with set design for my project in year 12 drama.

Mrs Nicole Taylor
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

Junior Science Olympiad

The Junior Science Olympiad Exam is designed to take science students in years 7 to 10 to the next level.

Recently the Year 9 accelerated Maths and Science students participated in the Junior Science Olympiad which was held online over a 2-hour period and involved answering multiple choice questions. The exam was based on general science content in biology, chemistry and physics and assumes students have a good knowledge of the Australian Curriculum – Science up to a Year 10 level. Some questions in the exam also involved higher-level content with a range of analysis questions.

Here are a few comments from participating students:

“The Junior Olympiad was quite difficult but was a good chance for us to experience what longer exams will feel like in future years.

-The Olympiad was very challenging but prepares me for future tests.

-It was actually really hard but was good in a sense because it was a challenge. I liked how we had a pizza party after as a reward though :)

-It was quite challenging.

-I thought the Junior Olympiad was fun to partake in and a great experience. Although it was challenging to complete and involved a lot of different topics. I would definitely, given the chance, do it again.

-It was a very challenging test that really made your mind think about all the things we have been learning this year.

-The Junior Olympiad was a great way to challenge us and show us what longer exams will be like in the future.

-It was a good environment when taking the test, the room was quiet and everyone was concentrating. It really challenged all of us and we tried our best so that's all that matters.

-The Junior Olympiad was a great experience for our class. There were many different questions for us to answer and it was a challenge to recollect information that we have learnt from the past few years.

-This was a great opportunity for our class and was a great experience. It gave us a chance to recollect information that we have learnt from over the past few years.

-It was quite a challenging test but one that I enjoyed. There was a lot I didn't understand however I found myself excited when I thought I got an answer.

-This test really challenged me, I enjoyed doing it, it really made me think about what I have learnt throughout the year.

-In my opinion, the Junior Olympiad was fun. I rarely have tests that actually force me to struggle for an answer, but this one did. This would be a great experience for others to experience.

-The Junior Olympiad was an experience that was a rather challenging experience, although it taught us a lot about what is to come in the future for our tasks.

-It was quite a challenging test but I surprised myself at my potential to do hard maths and science.”

Students will receive a certificate indicating their grade based on their exam performance.  Students that perform exceptionally well, and are eligible, may receive invitations to future science extension programs.

Congratulations to all students who participated so well in this activity.

Ms Fiona Murray
Assistant Leader of Learning - Science

St Joseph’s ‘Legal Eagles’ Fly High

Recently, Mr Coverdale’s Year 11 Legal Studies students, participated in a series of ‘Mock Trials’ as part of their ‘Law in Practice’ assessment task.

Students chose to prosecute or defend those charged in either of two cases; firstly, a couple charged with consorting with outlaw motor-cycle gang members or secondly, determining ‘doli incapax’, whether a 12-year old child should be found guilty of repeated break and enter offences. Students entered into spirited debate, culminating in the student jury determining guilt or innocence.

Mr Bryson Coverdale
Legal Studies Teacher

Pictured L-R: Defence team Bailey Saunders, Rekye Baker and Joseph Wearing argue their case to acquit the 12-year old defendant

Congratulations to Bailee Whitehouse in Year 10, she was recently selected to participate in the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre/Kalwun - Indigenous Leadership program.

This is open to Aboriginal or Torres strait Islander Youth aged between 16 and 25 who have been identified as future leaders and want to grow their capabilities in many varied areas.

Congratulations Bailee, we look forward to hearing all about your experiences.

Mrs Lexene Busbridge
Indigenous Education Worker

Here at the library, we've been busy. One of the wonderful things about our library is that it's a heart and hub for all sorts of learning possibilities as well as a place to celebrate our students and display their creative work. With that in mind, Mrs Serone has put up a fantastic Year 12 Farewell display and it's been great welcoming students and staff coming in to view the Year 12 photos (with the contrast of their my-how-they've-grown Year 7 photos beside them).

We also have a Creative Artist of the Week featured by the Art department, with the latest week’s artist being Taylor Breeze Reid and her interpretation of the house featured in the novel, Jasper Jones (see the article in today's newsletter). Year 10 Textiles students have been busy too - creating denim jackets and jeans, some of which we're privileged to have displayed in the library.

It's great to have these splashes of colour and creative endeavour housed here, and on the continued theme of creativity we've added a jigsaw puzzling corner and are hoping to create a Monday Maker space next term for Monday lunchtimes, alongside our regular Friday lunchtime's Fun and Games. We'll be on the look-out for suitable craft materials - scrap-booking paper, stickers etc. as well as any defunct electronic items that can be safely tinkered with and dismantled, so if you have anything suitable please let us know.

During the final week of term, we'll be holding our first ever Write a Book in a Day event. Over seventy students have signed up to participate in the challenge to write and illustrate books in teams for 11 hours straight in support of the Kids' with Cancer Project. Their books will then be printed out and distributed to kids in hospitals throughout Australia. It's truly heartening to see the enthusiasm of so many of our SJC students wanting to support this cause, and hopefully have a lot of fun in the process!

Ms Melaina Faranda
Acting Teacher-Librarian

Study Skills Handbook Tips for September – The Power of Collaborative Learning

Learning with other students can be a very powerful way to improve your learning outcomes. You might be sitting next to each other discussing what you are learning, or working together in a group online and sharing your screens, or giving a friend feedback about an assignment. There are many benefits to learning to work with other students.

Motivation:  Studying together can be much more motivating than studying on your own. Setting targets and working towards them together can help keep you focused on completing assignments. Often study done together is more active and engaging than studying on your own and this is much better for retention.

Deepen Understanding:  Discussing with a friend, being able to bounce ideas off each other, ask each other questions – all of these activities will help strength your neural networks and deepen your understanding of what you are learning. This can help to develop our higher order thinking skills.

Different Perspectives:  Sometimes we don’t realise that we are only looking at things in one particular way and there are different and diverse viewpoints to ours. Learning with a friend can help you see things in a different light and broaden your perspective. This can help develop our critical thinking skills.

Build Teamwork Skills:  Learning to cooperate, negotiate and problem solve with other people is a great skill to have in later life. By learning with other students you will have opportunities to learn to be a more active participant in group work and also develop communication and leadership skills.

Our school’s subscription details are: www.studyskillshandbook.com.au

Username:    sjc
Password:     24results

How to "Un-Limit" your child with a Growth Mindset

One of our goals here at SJC is to develop more growth-minded learners.  You may have heard of a growth mindset but what does this actually mean?  We are very fortunate to have a partnership with renowned educator and speaker James Anderson whose work on supporting schools on their journey of producing more agile and capable learners has formed much of the College's direction over the past 18 months.  We were due to have him speak at the College earlier this year but due to COVID-19 we have had to reschedule this to early 2021.

Recently, James was interviewed by TeenUp Coach Zhanna Shyblalla for her Unleash Their PoTEENtial online summit on the topic of how we develop Growth Mindset in teenagers.  The interview is part of a larger free online summit that goes for two weeks starting the 31 August where two speakers are interviewed each day.  The interview and online summit can be accessed here.  

James' interview is for anyone with a teenager - and let's face it, all our children turn into teenagers eventually - who wants to help their child develop a Growth Mindset and has just been released for you to watch.

Mr Carlo Trimboli
Leader of Pedagogy

Southern Cross Uni STAR Early Offer program will close applications this Friday, 11 September

That’s just days to go – don’t miss out! The STAR program allows you to secure your place in a Southern Cross University degree before your Year 12 results are even released. Be recognised by your school and recommended directly into university study. Take some of the pressure off and apply today! Applications are free and direct to Southern Cross University at www.scu.edu.au/star

SCU Virtual Open Day – High School Students Session – tomorrow night, Tuesday 8 September @ 6:30pm

We’re excited to invite you to Discover Southern Cross University. Tomorrow night – Tuesday 8 September – join our session at 6:30pm just for high school students to have all your questions answered about study at Southern Cross University, how to apply and get your uni study plans sorted. 

You could even win a DJI Mavic Air Drone just by registering! https://discover.scu.edu.au/get-in-touch 

Wellbeing Australia Pathways Event, 22 Sept at 7:00 pm (free)

Sport Lessons

Year 7 students focus has been on foot-eye co-ordination the students have enjoyed experiencing soccer earlier in the term and AFL currently. An external provider has come in to provide coaching alongside the PE staff.

Year 8 students have been working on hand-eye-coordination in a variety of games. They have participated in Tennis, Hockey, Sof-crosse (a modified version of Lacrosse) and Offside touch.

Year 9 students have been experiencing a wide variety of non-traditional sports in their PDHPE Sports lessons. The sports include Skating, Mixed Martial Arts and Cross-fit. The students have thoroughly enjoyed trialling these sports that are new to most of them.

Year 10 students are collaborating in groups to create a short movement performance.

Year 11 students in SLR experienced a primal movement session which combines stretching with strengthening whilst moving the body in non-conventional ways in order to increase the body's range of movement.

Yours in Sport!