Newsletter Term 1, Week 4 2023

Dear Members of the St Joseph's College Family,

The earthquake tragedy that struck Türkiye and Syria has been catastrophic.  With over 40,000 known casualties and the death toll to be much, much higher, one can only wonder how much catastrophe people of this region can cope with?! 

The Syrian people have particularly suffered much in recent years with its worst drought in modern history (2006-2010) that was the catalyst for the civil war (2011-present).  The civil war has resulted in the deaths of over half a million people and displaced half of Syria’s pre-war population.  So the people have been victims.  How does one survive all this?  The Syrian city of Aleppo has been described as catastrophic.  People are on the streets or in shelters.  Buildings have collapsed.  It’s winter – freezing temperatures and no electricity sees people huddling around fires in the streets because buildings have had to be emptied to save people.  Sadly it was stated by an aid worker who lives in Aleppo that people have lost all hope because of the civil war and now the earthquake.  He said, “You cannot imagine the catastrophic situation in which the city finds itself . . . people were in complete darkness (when the earthquake occurred), without heating and in fear . . . it’s a very terrible trauma for the people.”

How do these people recover?  Difficult if not catastrophic circumstances but a need to be resilient and invest heavily in hope.

Two years ago, a book was recommended to me.  Its title is, The Happiest Man on Earth.  The author is Eddie Jaku.  He states,

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful.  It is up to you.

Great words, but how can this resonate for the people of Türkiye and Syria?  Well, Eddie is a Holocaust survivor who shares his story about how he found gratitude, kindness and hope in the darkest of places.  He writes,

Auschwitz was a death camp.

You never knew when you got up in the morning if you would come back to your bed – not that we had beds.  We slept on crude bunks made of hard wooden planks . . . We slept through freezing nights, ten men to a row, without mattresses, without blankets . . . Every night, ten to twenty people died.  Every night. (page 77)

The liberation of Auschwitz . . . I knew I was in bad shape.  I was sick with cholera and typhoid, and malnourished, weighing only 28 kg.  One day a nurse named Emma came by.  She put her head on my blanket to check if I was breathing and I grabbed her arm and said, Emma, I’m not letting your arm go before you tell me what the doctor told you.  I started to cry.  She whispered in my year, ‘You have a 65% chance of dying.’  In that moment I made a promise to God that if I lived, I would become an entirely new person . . . I promised that I would dedicate the rest of my life to putting right the hurt that had been done to the world by the Nazis, and that I would live every day to the fullest.

I have a belief that if you have good morale, if you can hang onto hope, your body can do miraculous things . . . but where there is life, there is hope.

And, my friend, I lived. (pages 131-132)

Eddie and his wife came to Australia in 1950 and settled in Sydney.  He opened a service station in Mascot, a suburb of Sydney, in the mid-1950s.

The book ends with a very poignant statement . . .  Please, every day, remember to be happy, and to make others happy too.  Make yourself a friend to the world.  Do this for your new friend, Eddie. (page 189)

Eddie died on October 12, 2021, aged 101.  He was honoured with a state funeral.  He dedicated himself to spreading goodwill and understanding.  Incredible!  He had every reason to be bitter and hate, yet he refused.  An inspiration of gargantuan proportions.  One can only pray that the earthquake victims can adopt Eddie’s “hang on to hope” belief.  Let’s all practice hanging on to hope in the coming weeks.

Yours in Jesus, Mary and St Joseph

Peter McLoughlin
College Principal

Have you downloaded Compass?

Compass is our new parent communication tool and one-stop shop for daily updates, upcoming events, and notifications about your child's learning. Download the app below:

• Google Play Store
• Apple Store

Can't find SJC?  Search for Banora Point, and we'll appear!  Select St Joseph’s College - Banora Point.  Then, use your provided login details to access your parent portal.  You received these details on 16 January, and again on 6 February.

If you have any questions, please email us at sjcbanora@lism.catholic.edu.au or phone (07) 5524 9002.

Per the attached '2023 Student Residential Address and Other Information' Collection Notice from the Australian Government, our school is required to provide the Department of Education with certain information.  Please read the information contained therein as this is a legal requirement of all Australian schools.

2023 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection Notice

School Photo Day - Friday 3 March

The College will be having its Photo Day on Friday 3 March (Week 5, Term 1).

Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the details in the attached flyer or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.  Please be mindful that if you complete the online order, an order envelope does not need to be returned.  Photo order envelopes will be given out during AWC.  Please note regarding sibling photos, that these can only take place with siblings from St Joseph's College. 

AdvancedLife Online code for St Joseph's College:
QD5 7H5 CW3

We will commence our student photos with the Year 12 cohort photo.  Year 12 are required to assemble on the hardcourts by 8:30am for the group photo to be taken. We will then continue with our individual photos for all students. 

This year, the Year 12 cohort photos (and staff photo) will be taken as usual on the stands on the hardcourts.  All students (Year 7 to 12) will take a full length seated photo.  This photo will then be used to generate the individual portrait photos and also virtual groups.  This year, families will be able to purchase Year group photos, which will be generated using the virtual groups mentioned above.  The Year 12 muck-up photo and AWC photos will be able to be purchased after the initial photos have been distributed, should families choose to do so.  The College will inform families when the photo company is ready to take these additional orders.  Sibling photos will continue to be taken in person, not virtually using individual photos.

As is the case for any school photo day, please also ensure that your child/ren comes to school appropriately groomed and dressed according to the College Uniform Policy.  In particular, please note that boys need to be clean shaven and wearing their belt. All students are required to wear their College tie for school photos, and long hair (on the collar) needs to be tied up.  Students are required to take their photos without jumpers, jackets or the senior jersey.  If your child(ren) has a practical PE/Sport lesson on Photo Day, please ensure they come to school dressed in their full school uniform and that they bring their sports uniform with them to get changed.

Healthy Online Behaviour and Navigating Online Friendships

In our last newsletter, we provided information regarding online safety.  In conjunction with the eSafety Commissioner, the Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) will present a number of webinars during 2023, the first of which is happening this coming Thursday, 23 February, Navigating Online Friendships.

This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.  It will cover:

• how to support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships
• what to do when something happens at school and ends up on social media or private messaging apps
• how to report to social media platforms and eSafety.

This is a great opportunity for parents and carers to start (or continue) a family conversation about their child's (or children's) online behaviour.  Today we have Starting Secondary School - Healthy Online Behaviour, which also connects with subject matter in the abovementioned parent webinar. 

Family Connect and Support in School Service

The Family Connect and Support in School Service, is a social transformation partnership between the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited and Social Futures. The service was originally piloted to test the efficacy of situating a Family Connect Worker (FCW) within a school community to support families.  The FCW connects families into support services available in the community.  Key staff within the school work closely with the FCW to ensure that there is a holistic approach to supporting the family and the students at the same time.  The College is pleased to be offering this service and is very fortunate to have Vaneesa Shand as our FCW, who has introduced herself below.

Hi, my name is Vanessa Shand, and I will be your Social Futures Family Connect in Schools Program Worker.  I have worked as a caseworker for the past 7 years, in Out of Home Care and Family Support for non-government organisations.  Prior to this I was a Primary Teacher in various schools across the New England region while raising my 3 children.  I am passionate about supporting families, children and young people to overcome challenges by identifying and addressing their needs and goals.

I am very much looking forward to working with the St Joseph's College community and offering my support and services to the families and students within your school community.

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

Ministry Matters 

On Tuesday 7 February, St Joseph’s held its Commencement Mass to mark the beginning of the school year.  The College gathered in the Holy Family Chapel as a community, with the College Chaplain, Fr Wilber, as our mass celebrant.  This was a moment of unity and pride for our College as we celebrated the start of a new year in unity with each other and God, with our theme being 'Strive Together' (from Romans 15:30-33) for 2023. 

One of our traditions at St Joseph’s is our journey candle blessing ceremony, which served as a memorable moment for our Year 12 students.  Each student was called upon to receive their journey candle and have it lit by a member of staff.  The students were then blessed by Fr Wilber and then made their final pledge to serve and lead our school community.  With their candles lit, they proceeded out of the Doyle Centre, a beautiful symbol of God’s light shining through them. 

Being a student-led mass, we show our appreciation and gratitude to the students who were at the heart of aspects including eucharistic ministers, first readers, prayers of the faithful, choir/music team, lighting and sound.

Overall, our commencement mass started the year off perfectly, as we aim to continue to ‘Strive Together’ for the 2023 school year. 

SJC Ministry Team

St Joseph's Parish Mass Times

Weekday Mass times

St Joseph's, Tweed Heads – 56 Frances Street, Tweed Heads

• Monday – Friday – 9:10am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 9:00am
• Saturday Vigil Mass – 6:00pm
• Sunday – 7:00am & 9:00am

St Camillus Bilambil – 36 Urliup Road, Bilambil

• Sunday – 9:00am

St Anthony's Parish Mass Times

Weekday Mass times

Sts Mary & Ambrose Church, Pottsville – 1 Charles Street, Pottsville

• Tuesday – 9:15am

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

• Wednesday – 8:00am
• Thursday – 9:00am in the school term and 8:00am in the holiday period.
• Friday – 8:00am

Weekend Mass times

St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff

• Saturday – 6:00pm 
• Sunday – 9:00am

Sts Mary & Ambrose Church, Pottsville

• Sunday – 7:30am

Reconciliation Times

• Kingscliff – Saturday 5:00 – 5:30pm
• Pottsville – Sunday 7:00 – 7:25am

There is no doubt that it has been a busy start to 2023.  It is very encouraging to walk the playground and see so many happy faces who are willing to work with teachers to make SJC the best place it can be.

2023 has started very well for SJC off the back of some very pleasing HSC results.  Not only did many students perform well compared to the state but student growth (what teachers know as Comparative Learning Gain) was the best for quite some years.  Overall, the results were our best since 2015 and our sixth best overall which is testament to the hard work from students, their parents and, of course, the teaching staff who have taught those students across their high school years (particularly the teachers who had them in Years 11 and 12).  We will be acknowledging our high achievers at an upcoming assembly.

On the teaching front, teachers have been busy continuing their learning from 2022.  Our major Learning & Teaching goal has not changed and that is for each student to achieve at least one year of growth each year.  We know we are getting there when we have students who are able to drive their own learning.  We call this being assessment-capable learners.

By now, you would know that Compass is our new Learning Management System and is key for communication between the College and home.  Please, ensure you have downloaded the app and are checking emails for communication from the College regarding your child’s learning.  Teachers are learning how to use many of the features of Compass including the issuing of homework.

Regarding homework, the College has revamped its homework policy this year.  This is in response to feedback from families in last year’s Tell Them From Me survey which indicated that we had low rates of homework compared to other schools.  The data on homework for Secondary students is clear - that schools where homework is given produce more high achieving learners.  Please, keep an eye out for communication via Compass on an upcoming parent event that aims to inform and support families with the new Learning at Home (Homework) Policy.

Year 7 families were notified a bit over a week ago of a parent evening that will occur on Tuesday 21st February.  The evening is an annual event to welcome parents of Year 7 students and to get to know what we stand for as a College and how we can work in partnership with families for the best student outcomes.  If you are a Year 7 parent wishing to attend, please complete this form.

As always, I would love to talk more with you about learning and teaching at the College so feel free to contact me.

Carlo Trimboli
Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Commitment, diligence and a desire to improve, are all qualities that two of the College Year 12 students have shown by entering the Lions Youth of the Year competition.  The competition emphasises students' academic and sporting skills as well as cultural and community engagement.

Congratulations to both Christopher Preston and Seana Connolly for representing the College and the Kingscliff Lions Club branch on Thursday 9 February.  Both students presented themselves admirably and spoke with passion on heartfelt topics.  The judges were very impressed by all competitors relaying that the school, teachers and the students’ parents should all be very proud.

Seana was recognised as the Public Speaker Winner and was also equal overall winner alongside a competitor from Lindisfarne.  Seana will now go on to represent the district at the regional level to be held in Ballina.

Both students acknowledged the wonderful opportunity the competition offered to hone their leadership skills through interview and public speaking.

Madeline Smith from Year 11 will be competing at the Tweed Heads Lions Club tomorrow, Tuesday 21 February.  We wish her well.

Mrs Rebecca Green
Acting Assistant Leader of Learning – HSIE

NAPLAN Tests moved to Term 1 in 2023 - Years 7 & 9

From this year on, the NAPLAN Tests will be held in Term 1 of the school year.

Commencing on Wednesday March 15 and through to Monday March 27, all students in Years 7 and 9 will complete NAPLAN tests for Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. 

This change will mean that results will be available earlier in the year, allowing schools to more accurately provide the level of support required for all students.

Further information will be emailed to families involved, and students will have access to the test schedule closer to the event.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Mrs Antonia Pratt
Literacy Coach

Swimming Carnival Results 

Congratulations to DALTON who were crowned HOUSE CHAMPIONS at our College Swimming Carnival on Thursday 16 February 2023.  

Dalton - 1596
Hanly - 1334
Reynolds - 1011
Hoade - 891

This year, the College made the journey down the highway to the Murwillumbah Aquatic Centre to ensure that we were able to have our 30th Annual Swimming Carnival.  Students who attended the carnival had a fun-filled time as they embraced the ‘Aussie’ theme and enjoyed the sunshine whilst participating in a variety of events with their friends and housemates. 

I applaud all the students who stepped up and competed in the championship races to ensure they did all they could to contribute to their house points.  The students’ enthusiasm and team spirit are what made the carnival so competitive and enjoyable.  I congratulate and thank them all for their wonderful efforts and cooperation on the day.

A big thank you to the house leaders who worked hard not only throughout the day but also in the lead up to promote participation and create carnival cheer, you did a fantastic job. 

Congratulations to all age champions on their success at the carnival.  A special mention must go to Kye Thompson who now holds the College record in the 16s Male 50m Breaststroke at a time of 35.07 and to Elise Thompson who also claimed a new College record in the Opens Female 50m Breaststroke in a time of 40.25.  Congratulations to both on these outstanding achievements. 

Male Age Champions

12s David Conallin
13s Joshua Preston
14s Liam Reilly
15s Keelan McLaughlin
16s Kye Thomson
Opens Zane Hall

Female Age Champions 

12s Madison Smith & Sophie Madgwick
13s Lyla Wessel
14s Matilda Mison
15s Makayla Floyd
16s Summer Barton
Opens Elise Thompson 

We have a competitive group of students who placed 1st or 2nd in a championship event at our carnival that will be travelling to Kempsey on Thursday 2 March to compete in the Diocesan Carnival.  We wish them all the best at the carnival. 

A reminder that the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Carnival is at Homebush on Friday 31 March 2023. 

Ms Madeline Ilic
Leader of Sport

Year 12 Drama Excursion to Sydney

On Saturday 4 February, our Year 12 drama class flew to Sydney to attend OnSTAGE, a presentation of the best performances and projects in NSW by 2022 HSC Drama students. The day began at Gold Coast Airport at 6:00am when we hopped on a flight to Sydney.  Upon arrival, we caught a train to Circular Quay. 

As a class we walked along the waterfront while taking in the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, snapping plenty of pictures as we went.  A fun highlight was watching the live filming of the breakfast television program ‘Sunrise’.  Before the performances began at the Seymour Centre, we viewed the Year 12 HSC costume designs, and made sure we took plenty of notes and discussed with the teachers what aspects we could incorporate into our own projects.  We then watched a variety of group performances, monologues, and short films, ranging from serious to comedic pieces.  Though a little intimidating to see the amazing standard of last year's exemplary Year 12 performers, it enabled us to discuss and share ideas with our teachers and peers on what we thought we could incorporate into our own group performances. 

This Sydney trip provided us with lots of inspiration and motivation and we would like to thank Mrs Young and Ms Pennay for taking us.

Mai Nuttall
Year 12 Drama

HSIE - SJC students visit Ancient Rome (Dining Roman Style)

To culminate the Year 12 Ancient History class study of Pompeii and Herculaneum, we celebrated with a dinner party Roman style! Donned in fabulous Togas and tunics they made their own evergreen wreaths.  Lazing on cushions, students then enjoyed a variety of foods similar to those enjoyed by Pompeiians before the eruption of Vesuvius engulfed their township.  Breads, soft and hard cheeses, a variety of fruits (of course grapes) olives and imported dates were enjoyed alongside honey, lentils and grape juice.  Marinated octopus was certainly a highlight!  All that was missing were the pomegranates, giraffe legs and flamingoes! Coles is very limited in their stock!

Mrs Rebecca Green
Ancient History Teacher