Newsletter 7: Friday 9 August 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Members of the St Joseph’s College Family,

I hope everyone has settled back into the term and into the second semester of 2024.  I trust that everyone enjoyed their recent holidays and that our students’ focus has returned with commitment to achieving their personal schoolwork goals over the coming weeks.

No doubt there are many among us who have watched the Paris Olympics – whether staying up to watch events live, or via catch-up analysis.  It has been a joy to see so many of our country’s athletes do so well, and achieve a tally that has already eclipsed that of the Tokyo games. 

 What has also been joyous to witness is the presence of their parents, families and supporters (including other Olympic competitors!), who were there to cheer them on, and share in the penultimate moment for those who achieve their absolute personal best on the world stage.  We also saw the at-home supporters, the small country towners, our very own locals enjoying the moments with them.

There’s a saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, and you see first-hand that not one of these top athletes is there without support; not one competitor has made their journey to the Olympics without a village around them, and with them all the way.

During the height of the swimming events, while commentating for the Today Show, Cate Campbell was speaking about her own experiences in training and how it had impacted on her life for a number of years.  Her dedication to her sport, whether in her training, exercise regime, diet – maybe even not going to social events due to the need to be in the pool and training – were a broad-stroke outline of the exceptional focus and single-minded purpose it takes to build and work towards the goal of being at the peak of your competition and elevated even more by representing your country. 

Each athlete is there in their own right, to reach a goal that maybe you and I will never understand all the sacrifices they made along the way and what it took them to get there.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

Year 12 2024 Trial HSC Examinations:  5 August to 16 August 2024

This week, our Year 12 Study Ready students commenced their Trial HSC Exams, while the Year 12 Work Ready students commenced their work placements, and I ask for all members of our school community to continue to keep the Senior 2024 group in your prayers as they undertake their examinations and placements. 

I understand that while sitting such a formal exam can sometimes be confronting for any student, the feedback each receives following this process will be instrumental in assessing their current status with each subject, as well as giving them the opportunity to review their learning and revise in time for the actual Higher School Certificate examination to be held next term.

To our Year 12 students please stay focussed.  You’ve worked really hard.  Keep going.  God Bless!

School Community Group Meeting:  Monday 19 August 2024

SJC Parents and carers are cordially invited to attend the next meeting of the School Community Group to be held on Monday 19 August, from 6pm-7pm in the COLA (Week 5).

Our numbers have been growing each meeting, and we are keen to hear more from our parent community, as well as to further strengthen our family-school partnerships.  Refreshments will be supplied.  Please join us!

Term 3 Parent/Teacher/Student In-Person Conferences

As part of our ongoing review process, we will again be holding in-person Parent/Teacher/Student conferences this term, but with a slightly different setup this time in that we will be splitting the two nights into a junior evening and a senior evening.

Therefore, there will be an evening for teachers to meet with the parents/carers and students in Years 7-10 on Wednesday 14 August (Week 4), and then there will be an evening that prioritises parents/carers of students in Year 11 and 12 on Monday 2 September (Week 7).

These will be opportunities for teachers to discuss, for the junior years, the recent school reports.  For the senior years, discussions will be centred around each Year 11 student’s progress in their Stage 6 subjects, and for Year 12 students it will be on their progress post-Trial exams.

I hope our parents and carers will take advantage of the opportunity to meet with each of their child’s class teachers to discuss their progress and to reinforce the school-home relationship in support of our students.  Should you not be able to attend, contact can always be made with your child’s teacher via email to check in with them, outside of the opportunity these face-to-face meetings allow.  Teachers’ emails are listed on the College website (see STAFF list here), however, I’m sure you will understand that replies will only be made during the school day, and that a reply from the relevant teacher will be forthcoming as soon as they are able to respond.

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary:  Thursday 15 August 2024

This significant feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God.  Mary’s greatness comes from her participation in God’s plan and she is portrayed as an image of the Church.

I’m reminded of something I read in a previous publication of The Catholic Weekly, stating: The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.  While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection.  Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.  For this reason, we use different words to describe each event; one is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.

Hail Mary: Gentle Woman

Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,

And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now,
And at the hour of death, Amen.

Gentle woman, quiet light,
Morning star, so strong and bright,
Gentle mother, peaceful dove,
Teach us wisdom, teach us love.

You were chosen by the Father,
You were chosen for the Son,
You were chosen from all women,
And for woman, shining one.

Gentle woman, quiet light,
Morning star, so strong and bright.
Gentle mother, peaceful dove,
Teach us wisdom, teach us love.

As I outlined in my last newsletter, in the Catholic Church we have Holy Days of Obligation, which are the days where the faithful are obliged to participate in the mass.  On the Australian Catholic calendar, these are every Sunday, as well Christmas Day (25 December), and The Assumption (15 August).

As The Assumption this year falls on a school day (next Thursday), we will be celebrating The Mass of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and I am pleased to advise that our new College Chaplain (and Assistant Priest from St Joseph’s Parish), Fr Nicolas Maurice, will officiate at the mass at the College at 10:00am in the Holy Family Chapel.

If any members of the College community would like to join us on the day, you would be most welcome.

Week 2 College Assembly

At our first College Assembly for Term 3, held on Tuesday 30 July, we recognised the following students for their efforts and achievements:

College Mid-Course Academic Excellence Award:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for ONE (1) subject:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for TWO (2) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for THREE (3) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for FOUR (4) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for FIVE (5) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for SIX (6) subjects:

The following students are awarded Mid-Course Academic Excellence for SEVEN (7) subjects:

College Sports Award:

Outstanding achievements across the board - Congratulations to you all!

Some Important Term 3 Happenings

Our main focus is always on our students and finding ways to support them in their learning journey.  As Term 3 has most definitely started, the shift for Year 12 is on to their final term of schooling, signalling the conclusion of their time here as students at St Joseph’s College.

As I said in my last newsletter article, we want all Year 12 students to finish their final year of high school well, and they can only do this with the support of everyone - with parents, carers, students and staff working together.

Please be aware that it has been standard practice that any outstanding school fees need to be finalised prior to the collection of tickets to the Graduation Formal.  To discuss, or to arrange an agreement, please contact the DCSL Financial Services (phone 02 6616 1303 or 02 6616 1304, or via email bps-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au).

One thing I’d like to say to each Year 12 student is that you will always be a part of our St Joey’s community, just as you will become a part of the history of this school.  But your time with us is not yet over; there are still more things to do, and yet more achievements to be made, more senior class traditions to be honoured.

SRC 2024-2025

One other acknowledgement of the march of time is when we ring in the new SRC while our Year 12 students are still in attendance.  This will see the Senior 2024 student representatives walk into our Holy Family Chapel, parading the school and house flags, at the start of our liturgical celebrations, heralding the official ‘handover’ as they entrust these roles firstly to the incoming senior leader from Senior 2025 representatives, as well as all the other incoming 2024-2025 SRC representatives at our Leadership Liturgy.

It is quite a special celebration and something to which the parents and carers of these students will be invited - SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday 10 September, commencing at 10:00am.

Keeping Up-to-Date

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 commencement of the new term.  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

*IMPORTANT NOTICE - STUDENT ILLNESS*

We are seeing an increase in the number of students presenting to Student Reception each morning who have obviously come to school while already unwell.

No doubt our families are aware that there has been a spike in illnesses of late with the extended 'cold' season.  At present, we have a number of staff and students who are quite unwell with a variety of respiratory illnesses.

Schools are always heavily impacted by these types of illnesses.  It appears that despite being unwell before leaving home, a number of children are still coming to school while very unwell.  We ask that you please keep your child home if they have any symptoms such as nausea, coughing, headache, sore throat, runny nose. 

A reminder also of viral gastroenteritis that also impacts schools quickly, and whose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches.  Of course, our families are no doubt aware that with gastro symptoms, your child should not come to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

If your child is ill for any reason they should not be at school.  As soon as any student presents with any symptoms, you will be contacted by the office to collect them so that you can care for them at home.

Please accept our thanks in anticipation of your cooperation in this matter, and we pray for those who are unwell.

Uniform Expectations - Term 3 ‘Winter Uniform’

Term 3 has commenced where we continue with the Winter Uniform, and this includes our boys wearing ties.  Please note that only the College jumper or College jacket can be worn as outer garments.  No other jumpers, hoodies, jackets, etc can be worn.

For further information, the College Uniform Policy can be found on the College website.  Parents/carers are asked to positively encourage correct uniform and grooming at all times.  Students should leave home and travel to the College dressed as per expectations here at the College.  Uniform or grooming concerns may result in punitive actions taken until the matter is resolved.

Term 3 Student-Free Days

To assist families with forward planning throughout the upcoming term, please take note of the scheduled student-free day/s below:

• Wednesday 28 August (Week 6):   Staff Professional Learning Day

Please also note that Year 12 students will finish their last formal classes on Friday 20 September as they have a number of events planned prior to their Farewell Assembly to be held at the College on the morning of Wednesday 25 September.  

A reminder to our families of students in Years 7 to 11, that the school will continue lessons up to, and including, Friday of Week 10.  We ask you to continue sending your child/ren to school until the end of term, fully prepared for classes and lessons as timetabled.

Therefore, Term 3 lessons conclude for students in Years 7 to 11 on Friday 27 September.

Import Reminder - ROI and Digital Technology User Agreement

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This is a final reminder that all students must sign the Digital Technology User Agreement with their parent/guardian. 

A list of students who still need to sign the agreement is the student notices.  The remaining families were emailed a reminder on Thursday 1 August and Thursday 8 August.  You can access the agreement using this link.

It is a Diocese of Lismore requirement that this agreement is signed.  Please ensure that the agreement is signed by Friday, this week.  Students will not have the ability to connect to the internet at school until the agreement is signed. 

Mrs Georgia James
Leader of Learning Technologies

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

Reminder:  Keeping Our Kids Safe on Social Media Presentation to Parents and Carers, Monday 26 August 2024

Further to the Compass alert send to parents and carers on 25 July, this is a friendly reminder about this presentation.  As advised, this is taking place on the evening of Monday 26 August at St Anthony's Primary School Kingscliff, with light refreshments at 5:15pm, followed by the one hour presentation commencing at 5:30pm.

See the flyer for more information and to register.

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools

Parent Engagement Workshops for Parents and Teachers

Catholic School Parents Australia has developed free resources to strengthen the home-school partnership!  The new video workshops help guide primary and secondary parents, principals, and school staff to take a holistic approach to their children’s well-being and educational experience.

The resources also include guides for local facilitators to run through the video workshops in collaborative sessions with principals, staff and families.  Insights from experts like Andrew Fuller, John Hattie and Donna Cross inform the workshop’s research-backed strategies.

The resources can be found on the Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website.

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

I had the great privilege of attending Year 9 camp at Redland Bay this week, and it was another reminder of what a wonderful community we enjoy at St Joseph's. The energy and engagement of our students, the generosity and commitment of our staff, and the opportunity to attend such a depth of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are not to be taken for granted. Truly, we are blessed. 

Nonetheless, Term 3 can be a frantic and stressful time as the academic year comes to an end for our Stage 6 students: Year 12 students sit the Trial HSC, complete work placement, have their final weeks of classes and then they graduate.  It happens in a blur; Year 11 finish their courses and prepare to begin their HSC year.  Years 8-10 receive offers for elective courses that will begin to shape their future at the school, and so the wheel turns.  Below are some of the things in the Learning & Teaching space that you should be aware of in upcoming weeks:

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews are an opportunity to debrief your child’s Semester 1 report and set some goals around academic growth in Semester 2. 

The Stage 4 and 5 Parent Teacher interviews are being conducted next Wednesday, August 14.  Bookings are currently open on Compass.

Stage 6 Parent-Teacher interviews will be on Monday September 2.  After bookings have been open for a week, any remaining places can be filled by the parents of Stage 4 or 5 students who missed out in Week 4.  Please bring your child to the interviews; it is important that they are an active part of the learning conversation.

Trial HSC

The Trial HSC has begun smoothly and will continue into Week 4.  In many cases it is the first-length exam that students will sit.  The results and feedback from the Trial should shape each student’s focus for their final weeks at school.  It is remarkable how much growth can be achieved in the final weeks before the HSC exams if students are reflective, focused and disciplined.

 Pupil free day, 28 August

Wednesday of Week 6 (28 August 28) will be a pupil-free day as our teachers continue to write programs for the new curriculum.  This is essential work in response to the biggest curriculum reform that NSW schools have seen in 50 years.

Subject Selections

This year’s subject selection process has been rigorous and comprehensive.  After each student and their parents attended their interview, all selections were reviewed by a panel of senior leaders and teachers, lines were determined and offers will shortly be made for appropriate patterns of study to each student. 

Study Skills 

On August 21 and 22, our Year 11 and 12 students will attend study sessions hosted by Elevate Education in which they will be coached on research-backed processes of study, revision and exam technique.  Junior students will also do some sessions on study skills with Leaders of Learning and AWC teachers as the junior exam blocks get closer.

As always, partnership with you, our students’ parents, is crucial to our effectiveness.  If you have concerns, or need clarification, or want to share successes, please do contact your child’s teacher, AWC teacher, or the relevant school leader.  We are all here to support your child.

Mr Chris Mason
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

SJC Ministry

Youth Mass + Youth Group:  Sunday 17 August 2024

We are excited to announce that the first Youth Mass for 2024 will be held next Saturday, 17 August, at the St Joseph's Church, Tweed Heads.  Youth Mass will begin at 5:00pm and conclude at approximately 6:00pm and is open to all students and parents of St Joseph's College and any students, parents and members of the St Joseph's Parish community. 

Once Youth Mass finishes, Youth Group will begin at 6:00pm and conclude at 7:30pm.  It is open to any high school students from St Joseph's College and the St Joseph's Parish community.  Youth Group will be run by the College Youth Ministers of St Joseph's College (Jacob and Bianca) and will include a pizza dinner (students need to bring $5), games, prayer and activities!  Come along and enjoy this fantastic night for our community! 

If you have any questions, please email Jacob Franey, College Youth Minister, jacob.franey@lism.catholic.edu.au).

Term 3 Reflection Days

Our junior year groups (Years 7-10) each started off their third term for 2024 with a year group-based reflection day at the College.  These days are important opportunities that promote healthy relationships between peers, understanding self and others, and the importance of working together as a cohort to build a positive schooling experience for one another.

In the second week of this term, many of our students attended the second Encounter Rally, held after hours on Friday 2 August.  Attendees were 

We include photos from these events in today's newsletter.

SJC Ministry Team

Year 7 Reflection Day:  Tuesday 23 July 2024

Year 7 students had fun today connecting over games and activities with the Passionist retreat team.  We explored topics that helped us reflect on our values, our gifts and talents and how we can better connect with others to form healthy relationships.  Thank you to Year 7 for the enthusiasm and respect with which they participated in the day, it was a great experience for staff and students. 

Year 8 Reflection Day:  Thursday 25 July 2024

Today our Year 8 students enjoyed their reflection day with Chris Doyle, which involved games, music, dancing, small groups, reflections, meditations and addressing some challenging questions.  These activities assisted in providing students with the opportunity to explore what 'Life to the Full' means and encouraged them to break down the walls of fear of judgement.  Chris shared that all people are of equal value and that acts of selfless love are important in all of the relationships we have in our lives.  The cohort demonstrated incredible insight and maturity when given the task to create their own 10 commandments for how we should live our lives in today's world. 

Year 9 Reflection Day:  Wednesday 24 July 2024 

Today St Joseph's College held a reflection day for its Year 9 students, facilitated by the Passionists Youth Retreat team from Brisbane.  The day was full of games, activities and reflections all surrounding the theme of unity.  Students were encouraged to reflect on the dynamic of their year group, consider the masks each of them may wear in different situations, how they can promote trust and respect between peers and how faith positively impacts the ways they view and treat each other.  Overall the students got a lot out of the day and are feeling more positive about their future as a year group. 

Year 10 Reflection Day:  Friday 26 July 2024

Today it was St Joseph's last Reflection Day for 2024, finishing the week with our Year 10 cohort.  The day was facilitated by Chris Doyle, and involved activities, reflective questions, music, singing and fun.  All of these elements assisted in providing the students with an opportunity to take a break from their busy academic lives and take a moment to think on a deeper level.  Students reflected briefly on their pasts and were encouraged to leave their mistakes behind and focus on a brighter, more positive future for themselves and the various communities they may find themselves in.  Chris used comedy and dance to break down fear and provide a safe space for our students to be their true selves for the day.  Students were able to become more aware of their peers and understand that they are all responsible for building a stronger and more successful school journey.

Encounter Rally:  Friday 2 August 2024

Encounter Rally is a high energy faith event, the praise and worship line up will include Wildfire and the College Ministry band.  We will begin with dinner, followed by games, music and keynote speakers.  Encounter Rally is a community building event designed to involve students in a night of contemporary and dynamic faith formation.

We held out second rally for the year on Friday 2 August, and students across the whole College (Years 7 to 12) attended in good numbers.  Today's newsletter includes photos from the event:

Leader of Curriculum

2024 HSC Study Guide

The NSW Education Standards Authority, in partnership with The Sydney Morning Herald, has released the 2024 HSC Study Guide, which is packed with everything students need to reach their HSC exam goals.

Students can find tips to help their study routine, access the HSC quiz and read advice from past students and markers.

The guide also includes advice from mental health and wellbeing experts at ReachOut on how to support students, as well as tailored tips for parents and families on how to support their children in the lead-up to exams.

This year’s HSC Study Guide busts some of the common misconceptions about the HSC, including how marks are calculated, the disability provisions program, and illness misadventures. It also provides specific information regarding vocational education and training (VET) courses as part of the HSC and advice on finding the right course that fits different career goals.

To access the study guide click here.

Mr Matthew Hall
Leader of Curriculum

Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

Congratulations to Ruby Reid from Year 8 Visual Arts, who joins the group of SJC Finalists in this year's Wollumbin Youth Art Award at Murwillumbah’s Tweed Regional Gallery (as reported in our last newsletter).  We wish all our students well, with the winners being announced at the Official Opening and Awards Ceremony, on Saturday 7 September.

Mrs Nicole Taylor
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

Year 12 HSC Music Performance Evening

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Last Thursday evening the Year 12 Music students showcased their hard work at the Performance Evening for parents and friends.  Part of the night incorporated their final assessment.  It was an excellent and varied programme, exhibiting the fantastic talents of these students.  We are very proud of them, and they too should be extremely proud of their achievements!!

Mrs Louise McLaughlin
Music Teacher

Leader of Learning - Science

Science Week 2024

The school theme for National Science Week in 2024 is Species Survival - More Than Just Sustainability.  The theme aims to highlight the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and thriving of different species in an ever-changing world.

Students in Year 7 and 8 will participate in an Escape Room Challenge during a Science lesson based on species survival.

Students can also participate in a Q and A Zoom with Dr Karl based on this year's theme, Tuesday afternoon from 2:00pm in Lab 1.  All students are welcome with expressions of interest to fiona.murray@lism.catholic.edu.au .

There will also be a display in the Library as well as trivia questions to learn more about this important topic.  Stay tuned by reading the daily notices.

Mrs Joanna Burnett and Ms Fiona Murray
Leader of Learning - Science, and Assistant Leader of Learning - Science

Leader of Pedagogy

Study Skills Tips for August:  Proofing Your Assessments

All College students have free access to the Study Skills Handbook website, www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.  We believe that this website will help your child develop essential skills for academic success.  

Attached is a flyer for this month's Study Skills Tips on Proofing Your Assessments, (click on the link provided, or see the flyer below).

As always, your child can access all the wonderful resources the Study Skills Handbook website has to offer.  To access the handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and login with these details:

username:  sjc
password:  24results

Mr Carlo Trimboli
Leader of Pedagogy

SJC NAIDOC Week 2024

Jingi Walla St Joey’s community

Welcome back and we hope you all had an amazing two-week holiday well spent with your family and friends.

We as a school, love to acknowledge and recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.  To finish off last term, we held a ‘Crossing Cultures Hidden History’ day where we got to recognise the significant challenges and changes our people have had to face since the first fleet.  Over the day, our staff learnt the true history of Australia from an Aboriginal perspective and how our people struggled to survive such harsh changes but persevered regardless.

A massive thank you to Aunty Doreen, Aunty Sharon, Victor, Len, Brendan and Bec from the CSO in Lismore for organizing and running such a fantastic day.

Following on from this, our staff then participated in the Bishop’s Retreat Day on the last day of term.  We spent the afternoon On Country at Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre, learning some local knowledge and stories of the Burleigh Headland or traditional name - Jellurgal.  We owe a huge thanks to the team at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre for hosting us for a beautiful and insightful, albeit wet, afternoon.

Furthermore, to start off this term, last week we held our annual NAIDOC celebrations here at Joeys – this year, however, looked a little bit different as we kicked off our inaugural Ngaligah Ngurrilah (coming together celebrating) NAIDOC for 2024.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.  The theme honors the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture, with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the diverse traditions that shape the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

SJC Ngaligah Ngurrilah NAIDOC packed into one day a very special week for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  Last Wednesday, we were fortunate enough to have a whole mob of local Bunjalung musicians, artists, dancers, and knowledge-keepers, along with many more local community people attending to run workshops with our students and staff - and the joy of sharing culture was evident throughout the afternoon.  To finish off the day, we had our annual All-stars touch match between our Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.  Huge congratulations to the Indigenous students winning 4-2 over the non-Indigenous kids, but great fun was had by all with the whole school cheering them on.

Congratulations to Sam Boss for the Indigenous team and Summer Barton for the non-Indigenous team who came away with the Players of the Match and an All-stars footy as prizes.

On behalf of our SJC Indigenous community, we would like to send a very special thank you to all involved in Ngaligah Ngurrilah for 2024, the Gudjinburra Dancers, JK-47, Birren Slabb, Uncle Kyle Slabb, Banahm Slabb, Jarulah Slabb, Lungi Slabb, Nikeah Wyles-Togo, Malachi Urquhart, Katrina Singh, Tommy Byrnes, Ernie Williams and Tommy Phillips from the Tweed Byron LALC, Uncle Clarry, Kyra Togo, Daniel Evans, Joe, Melekai and Denzel from Yunga Arts without these people our NAIDOC Day wouldn't have been as special as it was - much gratitude to you all.  Your time at our school, sharing culture, was very much appreciated and we all cannot wait for next year.

Bugalbeh - Thank you

Mrs Lexe Busbridge and Mr Bailee Nicholls
Indigenous Education Workers

SJC NAIDOC Week Celebrations

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Acting Leader of Learning - PDHPE

This term, in PDHPE theory lessons, our Year 7 and Year 8 students have been diving into some fascinating and important topics. Here's a glimpse into what they've been exploring.

Year 7: How Do I Live to Be 100?

Our Year 7 students have embarked on an enlightening journey to discover the secrets of longevity through the topic "How Do I Live to Be 100?"  This unit will focus on understanding healthy eating habits and how they contribute to a long and healthy life.

Year 8: How Risky Are You?

Our Year 8 students have been engaging in the topic "How Risky Are You?" which focuses on road safety and drug use.  This unit is designed to help students understand the risks associated with certain behaviours and how to make safer choices.

Parents are encouraged to have open conversations with their children about what they have been learning in these units.  Discussing healthy eating habits and road safety can reinforce the importance of these topics and provide an opportunity for children to share their thoughts and experiences.  Ask your child about their health plans, what they learned about in class this week, or how they would handle peer pressure related to drug use.  Engaging in these discussions can help reinforce positive behaviours and support their overall well-being. 

Looking for a healthy, nut-free treat?  Try these Bliss Balls:

Nut Free Bliss Balls

½ cup sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
10-12 pitted dates
5 tablespoons dried apricots or dried cranberries
2 tablespoons desiccated coconut, plus extra for rolling
1 tablespoon cacao or cocoa powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. In a food processor, add the sunflower seeds and chia seeds. Pulse until they are finely ground.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
3. Scoop out small portions and roll into balls.
4. Roll each ball in the extra desiccated coconut to coat.
5. Place the bliss balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Store the bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
   

Ms Sara Reynolds
Acting Leader of Learning - PDHPE

Resource Centre

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.  To mark this year’s theme 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud', the library has been a focal point for the display.

NAIDOC Week theme 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud' is to keep the fire of knowledge, resilience, and the fight for justice.  The purpose of having a display promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders stories and traditions.  The flame is the central aspect of the display and connects the story and all cultural items.  This theme has been promoted in the cultural celebrations on Wednesday during period 4 and 5.  All students had the opportunity to explore art and cultural aspects during a variety of workshops held at the school.

Book Week

Our Resource Centre will celebrate the Children’s Book Council Book week through activities that promote reading and encourage students to take an active interest in the library.

This year the theme is “Reading is Magic".  There will be a range of activities to celebrate this concept.  See the following:

• Monday:  Bookmarks/ Badges / What is your Favourite Book?
• Tuesday:  Create a poster to go with the Reading is Magic Theme
• Wednesday:  Cryptic Clues – using the Shortlisted Books
• Thursday:  Write a Book in a Day
• Friday:  Mini books and create a new cover for your favourite book.

Ms Mary Green
Teacher/Librarian

Work Readiness Pathway

Year 12 2024 WRP - Work Experience

While the Study Ready students are preparing for and completing their trial exams, the Work Ready students are undergoing their own trials by completing two weeks of work experience.  These students have demonstrated their self-management skills by contacting employers, completing paperwork, and showing up every day ready to work and impress.  This experience allows them to explore potential career paths or participate in an extended job interview, impressing employers as they seek post-school employment opportunities.

Initial feedback has been very positive, with students representing St Joseph’s excellently and showcasing the employability skills developed during their time in the Work Readiness Pathway.  This year, there have been a variety of placements, with students taking responsibility for setting their path of discovery.  As a Work Ready team, we would like to thank the employers for hosting the students this year.  We appreciate the time and effort they are investing in the next generation of young workers.

Mr Richard Petherbridge
Work Readiness Pathway Teacher

Community News

Tweed Little Athletics 2024/2025 Sign-On

• Online registrations opened 1 August
• Come and try athletics - Free skill development day are being held on Sundays 11 and 25 August, from 10am
• Season commences 14 September
• SEE FLYER FOR ALL THE INFORMATION