Newsletter Term 2, Week 10 2021

Dear SJC Families and Friends

We find ourselves at the conclusion of the second term of 2021 and it is another term to be very proud of where myself and staff have witnessed many examples of students doing their best and showcasing the tenacity and talent they possess.  I would like to thank the SJC staff for what they have done during Term 2 to facilitate all that has been achieved by our students and also thank the families who have supported helping us to help our students achieve the fullness of life. 

This week offers more opportunities for families to be engaged in the lives of our students with Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:00pm a workshop being run on the hard-hitting topics that are of vital importance including respectful relationships, raising a teen in hypersexualised world and the damning effects of pornography.  Please see the flyer in this newsletter for details or the app alert. 

Wednesday evening will see the running of our annual Talent Show that features the incredible skills and abilities of our performing arts students on display.  This event is always a highlight on the College calendar and this year's event is shaping to be even better.  Of even more importance is that all proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Jensen family as they journey with Beau (Year 11) on his recovery to health.  Further information can be found in the newsletter and I look forward to seeing as many families as possible in attendance. 

Staffing Announcement

Following the announcement last week that Mrs Kathy McAlister and Mrs Shellae Boss will be taking extended leave for the entirety of Term 3, I am pleased to announce that Mr Matthew Hall has been appointed to the role of Acting Leader of Curriculum, and Ms Amie Nugent has been appointed to the role of Acting Leader of Student Support.  Moving into the role of additional needs teacher for Term 3 is Ms Molly Furtchman.  I would like to wish Matthew, Amie and Molly all the best for Term 3 as they take on these new and very important roles. 

We are currently seeking applicants to fill the teaching roles left vacant following these appointments and further announcements will be made in due course. 

SEAA Reports

A decision has recently been made that there will be no SEAA report for Cycle 4 of the year (second report in Term 2) due to the proximity to Semester Reports being issued for all grades.  The same will also occur for Term 4, the second SEAA report as this is when families are issued with their final reports of the year.  Please ensure that you are accessing the Parent Portal where instructions can be found relating to attaining your child's report for Semester 1. 

Vaping at the College

Following my communication over three weeks ago relating to changes in our approach to vaping at the College, I am pleased to announce that we have not issued a single suspension to any student during that time.  Given the low level of tolerance other students have shown to those who have been partaking in the practice, I am confident that this lack of punitive action means that students have taken the message on board that the school will not tolerate such poor choices. 

I would like to thank the parents and carers who reached out to me in support of our attempts to educate our students in making wise and healthy choices. 

Finally, I wish all families a very relaxing, enjoyable, and most importantly, safe break.  I hope that our students return in Term 3 full of enthusiasm and motivation to continue their learning journey at SJC. 

Kind regards

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal

Student Engagement and Application Report (SEAAR)

Included in today's newsletter is the list of students who achieved a perfect grade average of 5.0 in the SEAA Reports in Term 2.

Congratulations to the following students on their extraordinary achievement:

Cycle Three (Term 2, Cycle 1):

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

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

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

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

        Year 7       -     Tuesday 13 July
        Year 9       -     Wednesday 14 July
        Year 8       -     Thursday 15 July
        Year 10     -     Friday 16 July

ALL STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO WEAR MUFTI (CASUAL CLOTHING) ON THEIR RESPECTIVE REFLECTION DAY – OR WEAR THEIR FULL SPORTS UNIFORM.

Wearing Mufti will incur a gold coin donation, which will be collected to support the Parish Pantry; this is a food service that supports families in need in our community.  We encourage students to participate in the community building aspects of this day as well as the social justice opportunity to help those in need.

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

Mrs Hannah Ardrey
Leader of School Evangelisation

Respectful Relationships and Raising Teens - 22 June 2021, 6pm COLA Space

For the fourth year running, our school is again working with Your Choicez, run by Katie and David Kobler.  Whilst Katie and David will be working with our Year 10 students on Tuesday and Year 8 and 9 students on Wednesday, there will be a parent information session on Tuesday evening. 

David Kobler will be running the session that will cover vitally important topics such as

• How to parent your child through a sexually saturated society
  
• Sexting, apps, and the online world; the secrets parents need to know
  
• Pornography; what you need to know as a parent
  
• The major challenges teenage boys and girls are facing

Tea and coffee will be available for this one-hour workshop in the College COLA and if you could please register at https://bit.ly/35nJmmf that would be greatly appreciated.  More information can be found in the attached flyer. 

YourChoicez_Workshop_Flyer_1_.pdf

Please enjoy the student report from India Reed and Billy Flynn after returing from camp at Lake Moogerah.

Mrs Louise McLaughlin
Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 11

Year 11 Camp 2021

Recently, the Year 11 student body had the opportunity to experience an immersive and uniting camp at Camp Laurence on the shores of Lake Moogerah.  This three-day getaway was filled with exciting although challenging activities- which forced us to, as our camp leader said: ‘think smarter, not harder’ and work together collaboratively in our activity groups.

One of the highlights of the experience was the camp out – where we travelled from base camp to spend the night on the scenic Lake Moogerah.  The destination was at the end of an 18km bike ride; in which we rode single file along both roads and dirt paths – passing picturesque landmarks such as Mount Greville.  Although the numerous hills were strenuous and we were definitely bruised the next day – at the conclusion of the three hours, the group felt a collective sense of achievement. 

Following arrival at the campsite, the group was tasked with setting up their own tents for the night.  Others were responsible for cooking the group’s dinner on the barbeque- which was surprisingly yum! We spent the rest of the night by the campfire, before an early (albeit sleepless) night in the freezing cold.

We woke early in the morning (6:00am!!) to take down our tents and prepare to canoe back to base camp.  After waterproofing our belongings, we set out on the gorgeous Lake Moogerah.  While most of us arrived dry, there were a few unlucky sailors.  This was a memorable experience – as we journeyed across the river singing aloud to plenty of late 2000s pop hits.

Back at base camp, we participated in many testing activities such as archery, orienteering, high ropes and problem solving (including setting up a tent blindfolded!).  These challenges allowed us to bond and taught important lessons about leadership, initiative and thinking outside the box.  As a cohort, we also engaged in leadership exercises – involving brainstorming the attributes of an effective leader and working together to represent and share these.  We ended with an insightful and personal meditation, where we reflected upon ourselves as we prepare to enter Year 12 – evoking a powerful sense of connectedness. 

Overall, this camp was an amazing experience; we were able to learn more about ourselves and each other, in a fun, adventurous environment.  Thanks to the wonderful group leaders and staff who accompanied us – this camp was one to remember! 

By India Reed and Billy Flynn

In English this term, Year 10 students have been studying a poetry based unit looking at a variety of texts depicting humanity’s relationship with the environment, both natural and man-made, across different contexts and time periods.  Students have engaged with Romantic poetry by William Wordsworth, John Keats and William Blake, Modernist poetry by poets such as Langston Hughes, Ezra Pound and Kenneth Slessor, and contemporary poets such as Colin Thiele, Robert Gray, Judith Wright, Omar Muser and Oodgeroo Noonuccal.

As a result of their research, analysing and responses to the poems studied, students in Mrs Yager’s English class were given the opportunity to then create their own poems which sought to explore their own relationship and understanding of our connection with our environment.

Mrs Charmaine Vella-Fox
Leader of Learning – English

Lunar Eclipse Photography Competition

The results are in! Savannah Walton of 8F, John Haeusler of 11D and Maya Parker of 11C shared first place in our recent Lunar Eclipse Photography Competition.  Their photographs highlighted the beautiful detail of such a rare natural occurrence.

Honorary mentions go to Mr Chambers, Mr De Giorgio, Joceline Wilson 7E, Mia Holt 8D, Stephanie Wynia 7E and Taylor Hinton 11D.

Could all of these people see Mr Hall today or tomorrow to receive their prizes!!!!

Well done to all who braved the cold that evening and observed the lunar eclipse.

Mr Matthew Hall
Leader of Learning - Science

2021 Hasting Point Rocky Shore Biology Excursion

Earlier this month, the two Year 11 Biology classes and the Year 10 Accelerated Biology class undertook their mandatory excursion to the rocky shore at Hastings Point.  This excursion then formed the basis of further research. 

The students spent the morning completing a transect study investigating the distribution and abundance of the organisms that live in the intertidal zone.  The students then went to the newly renovated Marine Discovery Centre at the North Star Holiday Park, Hastings Point.  Students were able to observe more closely the specimens from the rocky shore as well as discuss their specific adaptations and niche within that habitat.

Thanks goes to Mrs Jo Burnett, Mrs Renee Burns for attending the excursion as well as Rhett from the MDC who guided us through the day.

The whole experience is best summed up by the students themselves:

‘The excursion was probably the best I have been on.  It was very educational yet fun and laid-back.  It was easy-going and adventurous and I really enjoyed it.’

‘The excursion was very good because we were able to get up close and personal to the natural ecosystem of all the living organisms. Definitely the best excursion I have been on due to the fact we were able to be independent.’ 

‘The biology excursion to the Rock Shore was very educational and enjoyable.  I specifically liked doing the quadrants and photographing the animals.’ 

‘The excursion was very fun and educational.  It was good to get out of the classroom.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about Hastings, an area I've lived near for so long.’

‘The excursion was a great experience and was really helpful with getting information for the assignment.  I had a lot of fun hanging out with some friends and seeing and learning about some animals I have never seen before.’ 

‘I discovered so many new things about our surrounding rocky shores and all the organisms that live within them!!’

‘I enjoyed being able to explore the rocky shore freely and observe all the living organisms’

Ms Fiona Murray
Biology Teacher 

The results are in for the 2021 Big Science Competition!

Earlier this term many of the Years 7 and 8 junior science classes as well as the accelerated science classes participated in the 2021 Big Science Competition. The test was a 50-minute online competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Congratulations to the following students who received a Credit:

Also congratulations and well done to those who received a Distinction:

• Felix Loughran and Harrison Lucas – Year 10
• Thomas Mills and Madison Peisley – Year 9
• Cheyne Mollard, Annabel Kermode, Mia Holt, Ryan Gilmore and Zack Andrewartha – Year 8

A special mention to James Petherbridge in Year 8, and Seana Connolly in Year 10, who both received a High Distinction.

Well done to all those who participated.  All students will receive an email to download their certificate.

Ms Fiona Murray
Assistant Leader of Learning – Science

Year 10 Drama Monologue Night

Congratulations to Year 10 Drama students on their successful Monologue Performance Night on Tuesday 8 June.  It was a great way to showcase and celebrate the growth in performance skills this term.  Thank you to staff, family and friends who supported the class on the night.

Mrs Danielle Young
Drama Teacher

Vivre en France – to live in France 

Both elective French classes have been imagining themselves living in France.  They selected a town that the Tour De france will pass through in the coming weeks, and they were encouraged to research their chosen destination and brainstorm things they might do there.  These included jobs, food delicacies, tourist attractions, modes of transport, useful phrases and a history of the town.

The Year 9 students created a daily routine and the Year 10 students created an A3 poster that included many things they would do/need for their time in France.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with both the language and culture of France, research a specific town and embrace the illusion of living in a foreign country.

Students engaged in both writing and speaking activities, with a focus on day-to-day needs.  As the Tour De France commences on 26 June, look out for these beautiful towns: Lorient, Brest, Tours, Châteauroux, Cluses, Tignes, Valence, Carcassonne, Céret, Pas de la Case, Pau et Saint Emilion.  

Bonne journée à tout le monde!

Mrs Joanne Scotcher
Teacher of French

The 2021 Talent Show is this week!

Welcoming families and friends of the SJC community 

Wednesday 23 June, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Cost: Gold coin at the door

Sausage sizzle and snacks available at intermission 

Proceeds will go to the Jensen family and the Vietnam Immersion Program

Year 10 History Excursion 2021

Recently all of Year 10 went on a History excursion to look at various ways we commemorate war within our region.  We visited three places – Point Danger, Currumbin RSL and Mudgeeraba War Museum.

Each of these places has some type of monument or display that shows respect to those who have gone to war and especially to those who lost their lives.  All three places we visit had some unique way of remembrance.  Point Danger also had the Centaur monument which remembers those who lost their lives not far from where we were standing.

All of the students had workbooks to complete and on their return to school had to complete some questions on the day which went to their assessment task for this part of the course.

It was nice to report that all our students gained positive responses from the public as well as the various places we visited on the day.

Mr Michael Joseph
HSIE Teacher

Just a reminder that, due to WHS laws, skate style shoes or canvas high tops CANNOT be worn in workshops and kitchens – even with a parent note.

Students who come to TAS classes wearing these shoes will be given alternate theory work to complete.

Ms Karen Parker
Leader of Learning – TAS

It’s been a busy wind down (or more like tap dancing to the end) this term in the library.  Following a school visit from slam poetry organisation, 'Poets Out Loud' to Year 9, we had bestselling kids’ author, Tristan Bancks, presenting to all of Year 7 and 8 and then running writing workshops afterwards in a fantastic set-up of rugs and tipis.  After hearing Tristan speak about the experiences and adventures (including as a TV actor), that inspired his books, students clamoured to be part of the workshops, including those who wouldn’t usually consider themselves either readers or writers. So it was great to feel the enthusiasm.

On Tuesday 22 June, we’ll be holding Write a Book in a Day in the library.  Over a hundred students have signed up and are excited about not only contributing to the Kids’ Cancer Project Charity, but about collaborating in their teams to write and illustrate a 3500-5000 word book in the course of a single day and evening!

In the meantime, our volunteers for the Smith Family student2student program, have commenced mentoring their buddies from disadvantaged families.  They are kind and lovely young people, each offering their time twice a week after school to listen to their buddy read and offer support and encouragement. 

The Benjamin Gilmour film groups are also clipping along with students having determined the social justice issue they’d like to focus on and ready to start filming over the holidays.  Their films will be showcased to the school community, including family and friends, in an evening event in late August/early September.

Just reflecting that one of the writing exercises Tristan Bancks offered to our students was a simple five minute brain dump for the words: I remember…

So here goes... I remember being in infants school and being able to order books from a brochure and being so excited when they were delivered to our desks some weeks later.  I remember at nine, being nominated library monitor and the pride I felt in my little enamel badge.  I remember spending my first year of high school in the library next to my best friend and reading our way through what seemed like a vast and marvellous collection after hailing from two tiny rural primary schools.  I remember hiding in that same library for a whole term in Year 9 trying to avoid a violent bully and the librarian being nice to me.  I remember believing authors, (people who actually wrote books!), were mythical beings in dramatic capes living in Parisian garrets and having no idea that I would end up becoming both an author and a librarian… 

I believe by getting real creative practitioners into the schools - we continue to inspire and show our students that to be creative is a viable vocation and that real people are doing it so they can too!

Ms Melaina Faranda
Acting Teacher-Librarian

Homework Hub will run again in Term 3 in the College Library Monday to Thursday from 3:10-5:00pm. It might be a good time to prepare for exams or catch up on school work. Everyone is welcome!

Mrs Fin and Mrs Williams