Newsletter Term 1, Week 10 2023

Dear Members of the St Joseph's College Family,

The first term has all but evaporated before us.  This coming Friday, April 7, is Good Friday.  It is part of the Sacred Paschal Triduum of the Passion and the Resurrection which shines forth as the high point of the Catholic Church’s entire liturgical year.  The Sacred Pascal Triduum begins the coming Thursday evening (April 6) with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, has its centre in the Easter Vigil (Saturday), and closes with evening prayer (Vespers) of the Resurrection (Easter Sunday).  We have now begun Holy Week.

Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection are the central events of our Catholic Christian faith.  Jesus chose this path … for us.  All of us.  So that our sins (failings) would be forgiven.

It’s an act of sacrifice.  The ultimate sacrifice.

Vincent Sherlock wrote the following in Celebrating Holy Week:

Jesus, it seems to me, lived his life in borrowed places.

Born in a borrowed stable, early life lived in a borrowed country, hospitality borrowed from people like Martha, Mary and Lazarus, Passover meal in a borrowed room and death saw him rest in a borrowed tomb.  As we reflect on Holy Week, could it be the case he wants to borrow something from you?  Something precious and totally your gift to share with him?  I think so.  He is borrowing not anything you have but all that you are.  He is borrowing you!  Borrowing you, that like the stable, the foreign country, the friend’s home, the Upper Room and the tomb, he may bring something of himself to you in these most sacred days.

I repeat what I wrote earlier, the ultimate sacrifice.  As stated in John’s Gospel, “The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them.” 15:13

At the end of the school holidays, our country commemorates ANZAC Day.  Is it a celebration?  No.  It is a day for remembering the sacrifice of so many across many world conflicts dating back to April 25, 1915 when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landed in Gallipoli, Türkiye.  From a military perspective it was a disaster.  Yet it stands today as a national holiday where we gather to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, in both times of war and peacekeeping.  As the words of the Ode of Remembrance remind us:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

May we remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus this Easter.

Yours in Jesus, Mary and St Joseph

Peter McLoughlin
College Principal

3 April 2023

Principal's Notes

ANZAC Day March – Tuesday 25 April

St Joseph’s College has a rich history of participation in the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL ANZAC Day March.  We assemble in full winter formal uniform at 9:45am in the Jack Evans boat harbour car park.  Assembly point is at the BBQs, near the children’s playground.  Many Australian service personnel chose to wake early and answer the call.  Here at SJC, the call is to participate.  The senior class, it is hoped, will lead by example.

Urgent alert to families regarding the dispensing non-prescription medication to students – change to procedure

When a student who is experiencing significant or acute pain presents to the school office/administration/sick bay, staff are NOT PERMITTED to administer any form of non-prescription medication, including pain relief (eg. paracetamol) without verbal consent from the student’s parent/guardian immediately prior to the administration of the non-prescription medication. [Record of the verbal consent (phone call) must be recorded in Compass.]

Previous consent granted, by way of form or verbal, prior to this notification is no longer considered as consent for future administration of non-prescription medication.  This applies to all students including those over 18 years of age.

Consistent Classroom Climate

I have introduced a “same” way of doing classroom etiquette.  The reason?  It’s easier for the students and the staff.  It creates a unified (consistent) approach to lesson structure here at St Joseph’s College.

(also here as a downloadable PDF)

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Many thanks to parents and students who took advantage of the opportunity of speaking with teachers.  Many thanks also to staff who are committed to the process of providing feedback.

Staff Farewell

Please join with me in thanking Ms Jackie Hassett who has been on contract here as a counsellor.  Her term concludes on April 6.

Staff Leave Term 2

Please join with me in wishing the following staff well for their leave in Term 2:  Mr Scott McDermott, Mrs Renee Burns, Mr Shane Burns, Ms Monique Burns.

Term 2 Uniform

In addition to the reminders from Mr Brown and Mr Lynch, boys are to wear their long socks to the base of their knees as of 26 April 2023.  They will be informed of this at assembly on April 4.

Tell Them From Me Survey

Commencing in Term 2, St Joseph’s College will be participating in an online survey for students – Tell Them From Me® (TTFM®).  This survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. 

The attached letter further explains the survey process.

Tell Them From Me Survey Letter to Parents Carers 2023

St Joseph's Parish

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

Holy Thursday – 6 April:
6:00pm The Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – 7 April:
10:00am Stations of the Cross
3:00pm The Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday – 8 April:
7:00pm Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday – 9 April:
7:00am Mass and 9am Mass
9:00am Mass St Camillus (36 Urliup Road, Bilambil)

St Joseph's Parish Mass Times (outside of Holy Week and Easter)

St Anthony's Parish

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

Holy Thursday – 6 April:
7:00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – 7 April:
10:30am Stations of the Cross
3:00pm Celebration of the Passion of the Lord

Holy Saturday – 8 April:
7:00pm Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday – 9 April:
9:00am Mass

Sts Mary and Ambrose Catholic Church
1 Charles Street, Pottsville 

Good Friday – 7 April:
9:00am Stations of the Cross

Easter Sunday – 9 April:
7:30am Mass

St Anthony's Parish Mass Times (outside of Holy Week and Easter)

Free Parent/Carer Online Headspace Workshops

Youth mental health outreach service, headspace is hosting free webinars for parents and carers who are supporting young people with their mental health during the school holidays.  The session aims to:

• Identify challenges and opportunities of the school holiday period
• Offer practical ideas for parents and carers
• Provide information about additional support services
• Highlight the importance of self-care

Click the link below to register for this free webinar.

Register here

Family Community Forums

We have received the following letter from the Tweed/Byron Police District Commander and Crime Prevention Officer, offering parents the opportunity to attend either of two upcoming family community forums.

The Tweed Byron Police District (PD) and Youth Command, in conjunction with the Tweed Shire Council, NSW Department of Education, NSW Health and other local non-government organisations will be presenting at the two Information nights on the following dates:

8 May 2023
6-8pm
Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre,
Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah (Auditorium) 

15 May 2023
6-8pm
Tweed Civic and Cultural Centre,
Brett Street, Tweed Heads (Auditorium)

These information nights will provide families and parents information regarding the increasing level of sexual related incidents such as Sexting and image-based abuse being reported within our schools and ways we can open communications and bring awareness of these issues to our young people to try and curb this kind of behaviour.

We hope that many SJC parents attend one of these forums (see the community forums poster for more information).

Vaping: Take a Stand Against Vaping

Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks.  It is never too late to have the conversation.

Watch this short clip by Professor Adam Jaffé, Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Head of Paediatrics at the University of New South Wales.

Start the conversation with your child in a relaxed, easy-going way, perhaps using a cue from around you, such as this message from school, a news story about vaping, or seeing people vaping on the street.

If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them. Help them to explore other ways to fit in with their peers.  But also give the message that it is important to think and act independently. 

Family Connect School Service

In our Week 4 newsletter, we provided an introduction to the new Family Connect Service available to SJC families.  This service connects families who need a helping hand to the right support services and resources (see the attached Family Connect Service flyer for more information).

The Family Connect Service worker assisting SJC is Vanessa Shand (Contact Vanessa on 0436 016 194 or email vanessa.shand@socialfutures.org.au). 

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

ANZAC Day March 2023

ANZAC Day (25 April) this year falls at the end of the holidays on the Tuesday before the commencement of school.  For many years now St Joseph’s College has participated in the Twin Towns March.  We march to remember those who have served our country and acknowledge those who continue to do so.  This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate and experience the values of citizenship, community awareness and school spirit.

There is an expectation that all members of the STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL will attend and represent the College at the march.

Students from the College who wish to participate, are required to meet at Jack Evans Boat Harbour (next to the Children’s Playground) Boundary Street, Tweed Heads, by 9:45am.  Students are to report to attending staff members so that their names can be marked off and height order can be arranged prior to 10:10 am.  The assistance of Senior students in this organisation would be greatly appreciated.

Students must wear their full school uniform, including their school cap and ties for boys.  It is important that students make every effort to look their best and are groomed in the manner required by the College uniform policy (hair tied back, no excess jewellery/make-up, boys clean shaven, etc).  We will be marching to the Cenotaph in Wharf Street as usual for the main service.

At the conclusion of the service, all students attending are invited to have a light snack and soft drink in the Twin Towns Services Carpark courtesy of the Twin Towns RSL.

Students will need to organise their own transport to and from the ANZAC March.  Students are free to leave at the end of the service (approx. 11:30am).

If you wish for your child to attend and participate in the march, please CLICK THIS LINK TO COMPLETE A REGISTRATION AND PERMISSION FORM FOR THE DAY

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the College

Mr Mathew Lynch
Leader of Pastoral Care

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign.  It mobilises Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most marginalised communities in the world.  The theme of Project Compassion is For All Future Generations.  Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to stand in solidarity with people living in vulnerable communities across Asia, Africa, the Pacific and with First Nations people in Australia. 

Over the last few weeks, we have shared some of the stories presented to us by Caritas Australia to make us more aware of the inspirational work we can support through Project Compassion.  There have been stories from Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Nepal and First Australians.  Through your generosity, Caritas Australia is able to support partners in 18 different countries.  These are all people who, not unlike Lazarus, are longing to be unbound and set free. The Gospel calls us to believe in the Life to which Jesus invites us; that Life is built on justice and compassion.

Thank you all for your support.

Mr Jonathon Visser
Leader of Catechesis

Prayer

God of all generations,
We thank you for those who have gone before us,
especially those who have cared for your earth and
who inspire us to help respect your creation
and contribute to its healing.

We thank you for those with whom we share our lives today,
especially those who work for justice and peace.
May we welcome the opportunity that Lent brings
to walk more closely with you,
especially through fasting, almsgiving and prayer.

We thank you for the challenge of the future.
May the cross of Jesus remind us that only love finds the way forward.
As we work with big hearts, may we join with Mary in her hope
that from now on all generations will experience
the great things you will do through us.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Jingi Walla - Hello SJC community 

It has been a very busy start to the school year and we are getting close to the end of term. Hopefully the students have settled into the 2023 school year and are feeling accomplished with their learning for term 1. 

A lot has happened over the past weeks, with our Year 12s attending retreat at Tyalgum

We've  also had our year 7 students go on camp, this was their first camp of  high school and they had a great time. I got to hear from a few of the students and this is what they had to say “the camp was so fun, I am quite scared of heights but by the help of my peers and teachers on the camp I was able to overcome my fears by taking on the giant swing, which was amazing I can't wait for next year's camp”

We as a school acknowledged the anniversary of National Apology Day on February the 13th where we reflected on Australia's history and recognised the significance of this day in our nation's reconciliation journey. Our students have also been a part of this year's National Mother Language day and more recently ‘Harmony Week’ where throughout the week students had an opportunity to share and learn some of the different cultures,languages and customs that  are represented in our SJC school community.

A note for Parents/Carers of our Indigenous students, we have  a wonderful opportunity for our senior students to receive tutoring in certain subjects. if any parents/carers have any questions or would like further information please contact lexene.busbridge@lism.catholic.edu.au or jack.field@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Also in the past few weeks many of our senior students have been busy applying for tertiary experiences and scholarships, we wish them well and also congratulations to Noah, Jake & Thomas, all from year 11 who have been selected to nominate for the 2023 NRL Indigenous youth leadership summit.

In other exciting news, we look forward to taking the SJC staff for a ‘Walk on Country’ at Fingal (Booningbah), as part of our professional learning day on the first day back next term, Monday 24 April. 

We hope that all of our St Joey’s students and families have a blessed Easter break.

Bugalwan (good blessings)

Mr Jack Field and Mrs Lexe Busbridge
Indigenous Education Workers

Harmony Week 2023

Everyone Belongs was the 2023 Harmony Week theme, reminding us all that our sense of belonging and identity enable us all to feel settled and balanced in our lives.

The diversity of languages and cultures continue to grow at St Joseph's.  The recent google form sent out to students suggests that over 20% of our students speak another language other than English at home.

This year we continued our Food Fiesta from around the world, and a big thank you to Beatriz Wynia-Caprio for her continued support and contributions.  The pop-up language workshops were popular too, with students choosing to learn: Italian, Aboriginal, German, Spanish, Filipino and Portuguese.  Lastly, the introduction of cultural games saw students engage in some Pétanque and Finska.

Thank you to all the students that participated in these important celebrations.

We also hope to establish our Language Club monthly at school, this will run on the first Monday of each month (lunchtimes in 01C).

Mrs Jo Scotcher
Teacher of French

Save the Date - Proposed Creative Arts French Trip in 2024

Year 10 Geography Coastal Excursion

Recently, Year 10 Geography students undertook fieldwork, studying coastal issues and management strategies occurring along our local Tweed beaches.

At Kingscliff, students were able to evaluate the effectiveness of beach replenishment, the seawall and parkland facilities, in creating a space for passive and active recreation and revitalising tourism.

At Fingal, Mrs Busbridge (pictured) shared traditional stories of how local landforms were created. Students tasted bush foods and learned how to use local plants for food, tools and fibre. Fingal Coastcare representatives then guided students (pictured) around the dunes and headland, demonstrating the methods and success of their revegetation activities.

At Point Danger, students gained an understanding of the scale and importance of the Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypass in creating safe navigation and ensuring the northward supply of moving sand to nourish our southern Gold Coast beaches.  Pictured are Kasey Cook (at left) and Kiara Davis completing their field booklets on a blustery afternoon.

Thanks are extended to Mrs Busbridge, Mrs Green, Mrs Schroeder, Mr Shaw and Mr Coverdale who accompanied students during the fieldwork.

Mr Bryson Coverdale
HSIE Teacher

I'd like to share with the SJC community, the following student report about this year's "Experience at Year 7 Camp".

Mr Mark Yager

Experience at Year 7 Camp

School camps are the perfect environment for making friends and fun memories!  This was the exact thing that happened at our school camp.  We arrived at Tamborine Mountain after an hour and a half of driving in the bus, talking about what we were about to participate in.  We dropped our luggage and set off for our first activity.

We were all so eager to participate for the first time instead of doing school work.  Most people were a bit worried about the harness activities but there were a range of enjoyable activities, including making huge bon-fires, survival challenges, and the GPS scavenger hunt! Spirits were high, and so were our harnessed bodies swinging on the treacherous ‘Giant Swing’.

The craziest thing that happened at camp was how much they fed us; every meal was about an hour apart.  We had breakfast, then morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and dessert, then supper.  Oh my, the food was delicious, we ate so much it was easy for us to crash at bed time.

All in all, it was the best experience to test our limits, fears and create relationships.  Even though we had an amazing time at our camp we were all ready to go home and sleep in our own beds.  Thanks to the awesome teachers that put up with us, and provided us with a fun excursion.

By Kaia Samuels, Year 7

Last week our College Cross Country Carnival was held on Friday afternoon.  It was great to see the number of students who stepped up and took on the challenge of running our 4km Championship course. 

Congratulations to HANLY House who were crowned house champions.  Congratulations also go to our students who placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their races.  The final results of the carnival are below.  The top six in each age group have qualified for the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival; communication will be sent out next term to these students.

Ms Madeline Ilic
Leader of Sport

It is good to see some senior students working together on assessments during Homework Hub which will be available again next term: Monday to Thursday, from 3:15-5:00pm in the College Library.

Mrs Fin & Mrs Williams