Principal‟s Message Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of St Joseph‟s College, Words cannot adequately convey the impact of our attitude towards every aspect of our life. I once heard it said that life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we respond to what happens to us. The single most significant decision we can make on a dayto-day basis is our choice of attitude. It is more important than what other people think about us, or say about us, or our circumstances. Doyle Drive (PO Box 246) Banora Point NSW 2486 (07) 5524.9002 FAX (07) 5524.9272 Email: sjcbanora@lism.catholic.edu.au Website: www.sjctweed.org Our theme this year is “Open up your Heart”. How much more successful would we be if we were to open up our heart to others in whatever we did and to our relationships with those with whom we share our lives. A closed heart is destructive and reacts with blame. We blame others and happenings when things are not going well. We often blame instead of take responsibility for our actions. We need to be open to change and acceptance, to receive help as well as give it. Community is about the head and the heart; we need to be able to live out our beliefs. The story of the Good Samaritan is an excellent example of the head and the heart being open to others. May we all be Good Samaritans in our daily lives in many small ways. ANNUAL SWIMMING CARNIVAL This coming Friday, 21 February, is our Annual Swimming IT IS AN EXPECTATION THAT ALL STUDENTS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE. Carnival. Days such as the Annual Swimming Carnival are great opportunities to build community. Mr McLaughlin, the Sports Coordinator, endeavours to organise many varied activities so that both competitive and non-competitive swimmers can be involved. DAY 6 ~ MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY DAY 7 ~ TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY DAY 8 ~ WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY DAY 9 ~ THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY Year 12 University Showcase (9:00am-10:00am, Doyle Centre) DAY 10 ~ FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY College Swimming Carnival If your child is too ill to attend the carnival, then normal absentee rules apply: parents and caregivers are to telephone the College advising of the absence by 9:30am, and follow up by a letter of explanation to the College on the student‟s return to school. ST JOSEPH‟S PARISH YOUTH MASS This Sunday, 23 February, will be the first Youth Mass for 2014. Father Michael Brady celebrates this special youth mass on the last Sunday of every month from February to November in the Holy Family Chapel commencing at 5:30pm. It would be great to see you all there. God Bless SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY St Joseph‟s Parish Youth Mass (5:30pm, Holy Family Chapel) Mr Eric Littler Principal Friday 28 February 2014 Issue 3 2014 | Term 1 Week 4 Page 3 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL WEEK 5 Monday 24 February Year 7 Vaccinations (Round 1) Year 10 RoSA Information Evening Tuesday 25 February Year 9 Vaccinations (Round 1, Boys only) Friday 28 February College Photo Day WEEK 6 Monday 3 March Year 11 Parent/Student Information Evening Wednesday 5 March Ash Wednesday Mass (11:00am, Holy Family Chapel) Thursday 6 March Diocesan Swimming Carnival WEEK 7 Monday 10 March Study Skills Presentation Saturday 15 March Year 10 Drama Excursion to see „1984‟ at the Gold Coast Arts Centre WEEK 8 SJC CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Tuesday 18 March Diocesan Winter Sports Trials Wednesday 19 March St Joseph‟s Day Liturgy (11:00am, Holy Family Chapel) Year 12 Visual Arts Excursion to Sydney (19 Mar-21 Mar) WEEK 9 Tuesday 25 March College Open Evening (see advert on today‟s back page) Friday 28 March Marine Studies Excursion Sunday 30 March St Joseph‟s Parish Youth Mass (5:30pm, Holy Family Chapel) WEEK 10 Monday 31 March Year 12 Half-Yearly Examinations (31 Mar-11 Apr) Friday 4 April Marine Studies Excursion Sunday 6 April Daylight Savings ends The following letters have been sent home with your child/ren recently: Whilst it has been brought to my attention that this date coincides with a musical event in Brisbane, attendance at school MUST be the priority. (important information about RoSA with parent response form to be returned) Please note that all students are to wear FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM FOR PHOTO DAY. If you have sport on that day you will also need to bring your sports uniform, but you MUST be dressed in normal school uniform when you have your photo taken. Note: Photo envelopes are to be handed to the photographer ON THE DAY. Mr Peter Lyon Deputy Principal PASTORAL CARE / STUDENT WELFARE ROUND 1 OF THE SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM FOR 2014: MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY – ALL YEAR 7 STUDENTS TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY - YEAR 9 BOYS ONLY In our first newsletter for the year, I wrote about the 2014 NSW Health Vaccination program for students at our school. As advised, all Year 7 students will receive their first round of vaccinations next Monday 24 February and all boys in Year 9 will receive theirs next Tuesday 25 February 2014. During today‟s morning homeroom, all students in Year 7 and all boys in Year 9 were issued with an envelope from NSW Health with information about the specific vaccinations for their year group: purple for Year 7 and olive green for Year 9 boys. Would parents/carers please familiarise themselves with the contents of the envelope, and if there are any documents missing, would you please contact the College. Parents/carers in Year 7 will note the single consent form for all three vaccinations as well as the instructions on the checklist included. WEEK 11 Friday 11 April Easter Liturgy (11:00am, Holy Family Chapel) Last day of Term 1 This is a normal school day Don‟t forget to visit our website www.sjctweed.org for all the latest at St Joseph‟s College . . . LETTER BOX PHOTO DAY – FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY As families are aware from our calendar, next Friday, 28 February, will be the College Photo Day. Photo envelopes were distributed to students during homeroom last week. For boys in Year 9 and all students in Year 7, your child will only receive his or her vaccination if a signed consent form is returned to the school. Collection of these forms will take place during morning homeroom every day until the vaccination day for your child‟s year group. If the signed consent form is not received the vaccination will not take place. Mr Peter Serone Leader of Pastoral Care/Student Welfare [11 February 2014]: Year 10 RoSA Information Evening for parents and students – Monday 24 February – [13 February 2014]: Year 11 Preliminary HSC Information Evening for parents and students – Monday 3 March – (important information about the Preliminary HSC course with parent response form to be returned) CURRICULUM As parents/carers are no doubt aware, letters were issued last week to all students in Year 10 and all students in Year 11 regarding the upcoming information night for their relevant year group. Each night has been specifically arranged to pass on important information to both the child and their parent/carers, so I ask that you complete the response section on the letter to advise if you can or cannot attend the information night: ATTENTION: YEAR 10 STUDENTS AND FAMILIES The Year 10 2014 RoSA parent/student information evening will be taking place in the Doyle Centre, next Monday night, 24 February, commencing at 6:00pm. ATTENTION: YEAR 11 STUDENTS AND FAMILIES The Year 11 2014 Preliminary HSC parent/ student information evening will be taking place in the Doyle Centre the following Monday night, 3 March, commencing at 6:00pm. Mrs Kathy McAlister Leader of Curriclum College Musical The Creative and Performing Arts Department is excited to announce that this year we will be presenting Disney’s “High School Musical”. The performance dates are June 19 & 20, with a matinee performance on June 18. Auditions have started but there is still room in this Thursday’s (20 February) after-school auditions if interested. Although it is a big commitment, it should be great fun and we look forward to your support. Mrs Loretta Visser Leader of Learning – Creative Arts The School Newsletter and School Calendar are both available online @ www.sjctweed.org. The School Calendar contains year group events, assessment schedules and term dates. St Joseph‟s College Newsletter | 17 February 2014 Page 4 ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC PARISH TWEED HEADS Catholic Presbytery Ph: (07) 5536.7522 St Joseph’s Parish Tweed Heads PARISH YOUTH MASS Our next Youth Mass will be held this Sunday, 23 February, in the Holy Family Chapel, St Joseph‟s College, Doyle Drive, Banora Point commencing at 5:30pm Youth Mass Dates for the remainder of 2014 are as follows: (Note: Our Youth Masses are held on the last Sunday of each month, from February to November) SCHOOL EVANGELISATION 2014 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM If there are any students who are baptised Catholics but have not been confirmed or received their first Holy Communion and would like to do so, would you please contact me at the College. Mr Scott McDermott Leader of School Evangelisation As I sit here, the beating of my heart, the ebb and flow of my breathing, the movements of my mind are all signs of God’s ongoing creation of me. I pause for a moment, and become aware of this presence of God within me. TERM 1: TERM 2: TERM 3: Week 2: Sunday 27 July Week 7: Sunday 31 August Holidays: Sunday 28 September* TERM 4: Week 3: Sunday 26 October Week 8: Sunday 30 November *Note: This date may be subject to change Visit the College website for more information about SJC or for back copies of the Newsletter John 1:29-34 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, „After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.‟ I myself did not know him; but I came baptising with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptise with water said to me, „He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptises with the Holy Spirit.‟ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” John‟s mission has reached its completion. His function was to point people in the direction of Jesus, the Lamb of God. With these words John draws back the curtain and Jesus takes centre stage in our human story, inviting us to be with him. John knew “who” Jesus is, but “what” Jesus is was suddenly revealed. He sees the Spirit descend and remain on Jesus. The Spirit takes up permanent abode in him. As I move through today can I be aware that my life is pervaded with the Spirit of God? WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Joseph‟s Parish St Anthony‟s Parish Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm Sunday: 7:00am & 9:00am Sunday: 9:00am (Bilambil) Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm (Kingscliff) Sunday: 7:30am (Pottsville) Sunday: 9:00am (Kingscliff) Fr Michael Brady Parish Priest Fr Paul McDonald Parish Administrator ‘You Have A Friend’ Date Attendees (Accompanying Adult in bold) 17/2/14 T1, W3 Mikayla Hayes, Brent McDonald, Riley Jan and Mr Chris Morrison 24/2/14 T1, W4 Rachelle Joc, Demi Lynch, Bronte O’Donoghue and Miss Lyn Pimm Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Buddha Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul. Mahatma Gandhi Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. Denis Waitley We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Week 9: Sunday 30 March Holidays: Sunday 27 April* Week 4: Sunday 25 May Week 9: Sunday 29 June H Remembering that I am still in God’s presence, I imagine that Jesus himself standing or sitting beside me, and say whatever is on my mind, whatever is in my heart, speaking as one friend to another. Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force - that thoughts rule the world. Ralph Waldo Emerson Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations. Samuel Ullman A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters. Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire. Thomas Merton Physical strength can never permanently withstand the impact of spiritual force. Franklin D. Roosevelt By having a reverence for life, we enter into a spiritual relation with the world. By practicing reverence for life we become good, deep, and alive. Albert Schweitzer Empathy is really the opposite of spiritual meanness. It's the capacity to understand that every war is both won and lost. And that someone else’s pain is as meaningful as your own. Barbara Kingsolver Students Absences: Please telephone the College between 7:45am and 9:30am on the day of the absence. A signed parental note is also required within seven days. Catholic Secondary Education on the Tweed since 1993 Doyle Drive, Banora Point, NSW 2486 Tel: (07) 5524.9002 Fax: (07) 5524.9272 Year 7 Technology Mandatory Year 7 have spent the first weeks of high school learning about the design process in their technology classes. To help understand how an idea is developed into a completed product students were set the challenge to create towers using nothing but drinking straws and sticky tape. The tallest, free standing tower in each class was declared the winner. These proved to be entertaining and engaging lessons that allowed the students to apply what they had learned to a practical situation. Mr Dean Robinson Technology Teacher St Joseph‟s College Newsletter | 17 February 2014 Page 8 ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC PARISH St Joseph’s Parish Tweed Heads TWEED HEADS Catholic Presbytery Ph: (07) 5536.7522 SCHOOL FEES Invoices have been sent out to all families for 2014 school fees. A reminder to families that the full years fees have been raised on the invoice. Contact Kim Lockley (07 5536 3884) should there be an anomalies on the invoice. Families still have the option of paying their fees in the manner that they have in the past ie. weekly, fortnightly, monthly, per term, in full by 28 February to receive the 5% discount off the tuition fee portion. Families have been requested to advise the Parish Schools Board to the method and frequency of payments. To-date, only a small number of families have provided this information. Please email your details to sfm@stjosephs.org.au so school fees records can be updated. CREATIVE ARTS YEAR 10 CHOIR Choir has begun for 2014! Students can be involved in singing in a group in a few ways at St Joseph‟s . . . Year 10 has begun quite smoothly for most students and I am really pleased with how they have positively approached the new school year. Our College choir rehearses every Tuesday morning at 8:00am with a repertoire of Rock/Pop, Jazz, Folk and some traditional part songs. I have stressed to the students that Year 10 is the bridging year between those early, and sometimes difficult, years of high school, and the challenging senior years. I have encouraged the students to take this opportunity to renew focus on schoolwork and to develop mature and positive relationships with all members of the school community. Our Liturgical choir provides music for College liturgies and masses – we rehearse prior to each event during an allocated lesson. Our Youth Mass choir provides music for the monthly Youth Masses in the Holy Family Chapel. We rehearse for each mass by meeting for two lunchtimes prior to the mass. Mrs Louise McLaughlin Leader of Pastoral Care – Year 10 (Music Teacher) YEAR 11 I would hope by this stage that all students have finally committed to their pattern of study. A big „thank you‟ to Mrs Kathy McAlister for her tireless work with many students who have decided to change from one subject to another. Mr John Klein Schools Finance Manager Term 1 commences on Wednesday 29 January Term 1 concludes on Friday 11 April Term 2 commences on Monday 28 April Term 2 concludes on Friday 27 June Term 3 commences on Monday 14 July Term 3 concludes on Friday 19 September Term 4 commences on Tuesday 7 October Term 4 concludes on Friday 19 December Please refer to College website regarding Pupil Free Days ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE UNIFORMS On-campus store located here at the College – but managed by Lowes – Just follow the covered pathway down past the St James MPC and take a right turn (look out for the signs!) Ph: 0407 666 411 Tuesdays: 12:00pm to 3:30pm Thursdays: 8:00am to 12:00pm Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED At our first assembly a number of past students from 2012 spoke to the students about how they approached their senior studies. A common theme from all who spoke was that there was no hiding from the reality: that you only get back what you put in. I hope by now that all students have begun working in all their subjects. STUDENT ABSENCES It is important that student be at school. To miss lessons is to miss valuable content. The students need to be aware that holidays are to be taken in holiday time and not during school time. Appointments for any reason are best out of school hours. Research has shown that student who are absent often perform at a lower level than those present. BEING INVOLVED There are many opportunities for students at St Joseph‟s College to be involved in a variety of activities whilst at school. Community service, the College musical, swimming carnivals, debating are just a few. It is pleasing to see how well Year 11 have responded to these. STUDENT EXCHANGE WEP Australia provides high school students with international experiences that enhance personal growth. If you or your child are interested, information can be found on http://wep.org.au/info/teachers. I also have information regarding meetings. Mr John Besgrove Leader of Pastoral Care – Year 11 The repeated motif I will use with these students is the notion of “Worthy Women” and “Mindful Men”. In all of their interactions at school and beyond I would hope that their appearance, conduct and language reflect that of fine young men and women who have a positive sense of self-respect, as well as respect for others. Mrs Louise McLaughlin Leader of Pastoral Care – Year 10 RELAY FOR LIFE Saturday 15 March at Cudgen Leagues Club from 3:00pm to 9:00am Sunday 16 March. Donate to our team to help support the Cancer Council in their fight against cancer in all its forms. Go to Tweed Valley Relay for Life 2014 – “Joey’s and Friends” YEAR 9 Thank you to Year 9 for the efforts you have made in starting 2014. Uniform is still a concern and I ask all parents/guardians to ensure your child is dressed according to the school guidelines. It is not difficult to put on a belt and wear only one pair of studs/sleepers in your ears. Students should be settled in their elective classes now, if there is any concerns, please see me about subject changes and we will organise the correct procedure to sign in and out of classes. I would encourage all parents/guardians to log onto the „Parent Portal‟ if they haven't already done so. Congratulations to Taila Gray on her recent rowing achievements and also Max Bryant on his Cricket achievements. Mr Damien Quinn Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 9 If your child is ill and cannot attend school to sit an exam or submit an assessment, the parent or caregiver will need to obtain a doctor‟s certificate to cover the child‟s absence. Issue 3 2014 | Term 1 Week 4 Page 9 SPORT CANTEEN REPRESENTATIVE SPORT Registrations for both Diocesan and CCC sports will now be done on-line. All students will come to school as normal and will walk to Club Banora, following assembly. Entry to the pool is free for students as this cost has been incorporated into school fees. (The only money your child needs to bring is for purchasing food/drink items at the event.) The carnival should start at about 10:00am. All students will have opportunities to earn points for their House in many Novelty Events (both in and out of the water). No student will be forced to do any event. It will be a great College community event and an enjoyable day for all. Sunscreen and shade are available and students are encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Canteen facilities are available. For those swimmers who place 1st or 2nd in a championship event, the Diocesan Carnival is on Thursday 6 March 2014 at Banora Point. The NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Carnival at Homebush is on Tuesday 29 April 2014. Students will be notified through the Daily Notices, Assemblies and the Newsletter as to when particular sports are “open” for nomination and when the deadline is. Families with students who wish to nominate for representative sports at Diocesan or higher levels should make themselves familiar with the Diocesan Sport Website sport.lism.catholic.edu.au. There is a link here to the CCC site as well. THERE IS A PRIZE! With every lunch order placed this week (Monday to Thursday) each student will be issued with a raffle ticket for a very special prize! At lunchtime on Thursday 20 February, there will be a draw for a $100 City Beach voucher, courtesy of Slush Puppie. Thank you very much Slush Puppie! As always, please remember to get your lunch order in before school. Please note that nomination deadlines will be strictly adhered to. (This is a stipulation from the Diocese and, unfortunately, we cannot assist you if you miss the online deadline.) Mrs Dianne Pinkstone Canteen Manager Sports which are open for nomination now (and close soon) are: Have the time of your life when you spend a summer, semester or year overseas as a WEP exchange student. Diocesan Swimming Carnival 400m freestyle Hockey - Girls Diocesan Selections Golf - Boys and girls CCC selections Tennis – Combined Catholic Colleges Rugby League - U15 and Open Diocesan Selections Rugby Union - U16 and Open Diocesan Selections Soccer - Boys and Girls Open Diocesan Selections AFL - U15 Diocesan Selections CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to three students from our College who took part in the Northern Rivers Rowing (NRRA) Age Championships held on the Tweed River at Murwillumbah, on the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February. The three girls were Aleesha Lenehan (Year 8), Taila Gray (Year 9) and Mikayla Willoughby (Year 7). WEP Student Exchange – Memories & Skills For Life Don't Miss Out! Applications Closing Soon! Applications for long-term programs starting in August/September ’14 to Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain start to close in mid-April. Applications for the USA close earlier. Contact WEP for details. Early Bird Special – Save $500! WEP is currently offering Early Bird discounts for programs starting in January '15 to any of the following countries: Brazil, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Norway, Thailand or the USA. Find Out More! Request an information pack, including WEP’s FREE application form. Visit www.wep.org.au Call 1300 884 733 Email info@wep.org.au These three girls competed in a number of individual events (single sculls) and combined events (double and quad sculls). All three girls are to be congratulated on achieved outstanding results, especially considering it was their first NRRA Age Championship regatta: Aleesha Lenehan Age Champion U15 Women‟s Single Scull Age Champion U15 Women‟s Double Scull Age Champion U17 Women‟s 2000m Quad Scull Silver Women‟s U15 Quad Scull Taila Gray Age Champion U17 Women‟s 200m Quad Scull Mikayla Willoughby Silver Women‟s U15 Quad Scull Our community should be very proud of Aleesha, Taila and Mikayla, as they conducted themselves with pride, representing both their school and their local club. The girls have a number of school regattas coming up in the near future and we wish them well. Keep an eye out in coming newsletters as we will pass on more news of their achievements. Mr Peter McLaughlin Sports Coordinator If you have any news of a student’s achievement, sporting, academic, or otherwise, please let us know, as we’d love to share it with the SJC community, via the weekly College Newsletter. FREE STUDENT EXCHANGE INFORMATION EVENING IN TWEED HEADS Hear from returned students, find out more about discounts and scholarships available and ask questions. Thursday 27 February - 7.30pm South Tweed Sports Club 4 Minjungbal Drive TWEEDS HEADS SOUTH Visit www.studentexchange.org.au or call 1300 135 331 for more information REGISTER NOW Kingscliff District Football Club are currently registering players from U6 through to Seniors both boys and girls. To register go to: www.kingsclifffootball.com.au. Planner: The student planner should be signed by parents/caregivers each week. Any concerns? Contact the relevant Homeroom Teacher or Leader of Pastoral Care (Year Coordinator). An invitation is extended to all families in the district to see and experience the College in action at the Be amazed, be entertained, but most importantly . . . be educated! 5:00-7:00pm Tuesday 25 March 2014 5:00 to 6:00pm (Last tour at 6:00pm) School Tours featuring displays and demonstrations from each of the areas of learning 6:00pm Sausage Sizzle 6:30pm Information Session in the Doyle Centre Year 7 2015 Enrolment Applications Close: Friday 9 May 2014 Completed application forms MUST be accompanied by: Note: the (non-refundable) enrolment application fee of $55.00. photocopies of the last two school reports. photocopy of NAPLAN results. photocopies of sacramental program certificates (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, if applicable). a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate. Prior to the Open Day, enrolment packages will be distributed to students in Year 6 at St James, St Joseph’s and St Anthony’s Primary Schools.