Newsletter Term 2, Week 4 2023
Dear Members of the St Joseph's College Family,
Belated sincere best wishes to all mothers for Mother’s Day yesterday. My own mother died in 1990. I remember one of my older cousins telling me my mother had a way too inflated opinion of me … he was right. After being in senior leadership in Catholic schools for over 28 years, one thing I am convinced of is that mothers have an unconditional love of their children. Sometimes that even borders on blind faith! That’s what my cousin thought of my mother’s opinion of me!
Mothers, in 99% of cases, cherish their families. My four children are who they are because of the unconditional love and nurturing they received from my wife. In his book, Now Is The Time, Patrick Lindsay wrote the following with regard to cherishing your family:
They may exasperate and infuriate us.
But they are one of our most precious possessions.
Don’t take them for granted.
We never know how long we will have them,
or they us.
They are our mirror and our anchor.
Treasure your time with them.
Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872) said, “The family is the country of the heart.”
I believe that mothers are the glue that hold families together. They are the nucleus of what happens in families. Mothers, to me, exhibit the love required to enable their children to be the best person they can possibly be. In his book, The Thing You Think You Cannot Do, Gordon Livingstone, M.D., writes about Courage being like love, in that it must have hope to nourish it:
To face the future with courage, we must believe that we have the power, the resolve and the tolerance to contribute to a world that we and our children will want to live in.
From my perspective, this is what mothers do. They have, what our College prayer states, “Courage in our convictions.” It is as if that statement is in the role description for mothers. All this was a part of what Mary, our good mother, did for Jesus. She nurtured him, loved him unconditionally but still prompted him into action. As the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), Jesus’ mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (verse 5), after Jesus had told her, “My time has not yet come” (verse 4). Her faith was the impetus for Jesus revealing that he is the Son of God.
Finally, mothers can achieve unbelievable feats because they are protecting their children. Angela Cavallo in the USA in 1982 lifted a car off her 17 year-old son, Tony. The car had fallen on him and he was unconscious and pinned under it. Angela exhibited what is known as ‘hysterical strength’. She lifted a vehicle that would normally take ten people to lift – all by herself! A combination of adrenalin, cortisol and endorphins increase strength, perceive less pain and boost the muscle’s efforts. Best summed up as a mother protecting her precious child.
Let’s all give thanks for the wonderful commitment of mothers.
Yours in Jesus, Mary and St Joseph
Mr Peter McLoughlin
College Principal
15 May 2023
Principal's Notes
Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement
Please be assurred that your child's safety is at the core of all that we do here at the College. I ask that you take some time to read the following Child Safeguarding Commitment_Statement from the Catholic Schools Office.
St Joseph's Parish
St Joseph's Catholic Church
56 Frances Street, Tweed Heads
Weekday Mass times
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- Monday to Friday – 9:10am
Weekend Mass times
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- Saturday – 9:00am
- Saturday Vigil Mass – 6:00pm
- Sunday – 7:00am & 9:00am
St Camillus Catholic Church
36 Urliup Road, Bilambil
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- Sunday – 9:00am
St Anthony's Parish
St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff
12-14 Pearl Street, Kingscliff
Weekday Mass times
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- Wednesday – 8:00am
- Thursday – 9:00am in the school term and 8:00am in the holiday period
- Friday – 8:00am
Weekend Mass times
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- Saturday – 5:00pm (6pm during DST)
- Sunday – 9:00am
Sts Mary & Ambrose Catholic Church
1 Charles Street, Pottsville
Weekday Mass times
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- Tuesday – 9:15am
Weekend Mass times
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- Sunday – 7:30am
Reconciliation Times
- Kingscliff – Saturday 5:00 – 5:30pm
- Pottsville – Sunday 7:00 – 7:25am
What is a Vape?
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes - often called vapes - are designed to deliver aerosol liquids into the lungs. The biggest misunderstanding about vapes is that there are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. Vapes are not safe.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be providing information for parents and carers from the North Coast Youth Vaping Taskforce, an initiative of the NSW Government.
Please take the time to sit with your child or children and discuss with them this most serious health topic. Start with today with What is a Vape?
Term 2 Webinars from eSafety
Join eSafety’s expert education team for a free live webinar designed for parents and carers. See the attached Term 2 Parent and Carer Webinars Flyer for more information.
Getting the Most out of Gaming webinar
- when gaming can be beneficial;
- strategies to promote better in-game experiences;
- how to keep children safe online – using safety and privacy settings in games and platforms;
- strategies to promote more balanced gaming and how to create smoother transitions from game-play to other activities; and
- the key online risks and where to find help for things like bullying and harassment in games.
For more information and to register, click here.
NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) 2024
Recruitment for the 2024 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is now open.
Last year, a diverse and dedicated group of children and young people were appointed to the YAC, who provided feedback to the government over the year.
Membership of the YAC is open to children and young people between 12-24 years of age residing in NSW. Applications are sought from children and young people from diverse backgrounds, life experiences and from different locations around the state. Written or video applications are welcome.
The 12 member YAC provides a direct avenue of communication between young people and the NSW Government. The YAC meets regularly throughout the year to discuss a range of topics and provide feedback on policies, procedures and resources affecting children and young people. Members also provide feedback to government agencies and decision makers, community organisations and the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People on issues concerning children and young people - Applications close 21 May 2023.
Please click on the link below to apply or seek further information about the YAC - 2024 YAC registration information
Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission
Ministry Events
The ministry team has hit the ground running in Term 2, with events fast approaching. We are excited to be able to offer the following events to a variety of year groups within the College.
Encounter Rally
The Encounter Rally was held for the first time in 2022 by the St Joseph’s College Ministry team, and is back and bigger than ever in 2023! The event will be held in the COLA at St Joseph’s College on 9 June from 5:30pm - 8:00pm.
The night will consist of dinner, games, music, prayer and guest speakers. This event invitation is extended to all students. We are excited to see you at Encounter Rally 2023!
*Notes are due back to the College (via compass) on 1 June, 2023.
Street Retreat
Street Retreat is a Lismore Catholic Schools event that will be held in Brisbane from 22-25 June, 2023. This event is specifically for Year 11 students, which St Joseph’s has already selected. Students will be visiting sorting warehouses, nursing homes, disability care services, homeless shelters and more. This retreat focuses on social justice, service and student discipleship, which aims to ignite a passion within the students for social justice and a greater sense of the call from Jesus Christ to serve the poor.
*Notes are due back to the College (via compass) on 19 May, 2023.
SHINE
Shine is a Lismore Catholic Schools event that will be held at St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour from the 24-25 August, 2023. This event is specifically catered to Year 9 and 10 Ministry students from schools all over the Lismore Diocese. The gathering will include games, small groups, keynote speakers, music, rallies and more!
*Notes have been sent out to students and will be due back to the College (via compass) on 17 May, 2023.
Ignite Conference
Ignite Conference is a faith formation event held in Brisbane from the 21-24 September, 2023. It is open to all students from schools over the Lismore Diocese.
The conference offers students the opportunity to participate in workshops, games, music and rallies.
Students will be staying overnight at Nudgee College and will travel to St Laurence’s College each day for the conference.
*Notes will be sent out to those students who demonstrate interest in this event and will be due back to the College (via compass) on 24 May, 2023.
Please do not hesitate to contact the College, or the College Ministry Team, if you have any questions or concerns.
College Ministry team:
Mr Eamon Brown (Assistant Principal - Mission) - eamon.brown@lism.catholic.edu.au
Bianca McInnes (College Youth Minister) - bianca.mcinnes@lism.catholic.edu.au
Jacob Franey (College Youth Minister) - jacob.franey@lism.catholic.edu.au
Tom Nguyen (Ministry Assistant) - minh.nguyen@lism.catholic.edu.au
God bless,
St Joseph’s Ministry Team
Study Skills Tips for May: Resolving conflict around homework
Some of the most common schoolwork arguments at home lead to statements like this:
- “Stop playing computer games and do your homework.”
- “Why haven’t you started your homework yet?”
- “What do you mean you have no schoolwork to do?”
If these are common refrains in your household there are some simple steps that can be taken to deal with this.
Step 1: Family meeting. Both students and parents get a chance to explain what is bugging them.
Step 2: Agree on how much time will be allocated to schoolwork per day or per week. Minimum would be around 1 hour per day.
Step 3: Agree that during this time homework will be the first priority, then assessments and any remaining time should be spent on independent learning (eg. reviewing difficult work, making summaries).
Step 4: Allocate set times for schoolwork and write these out and put them on the fridge eg. Monday 4-5pm, 6-6:30pm.
Step 5: Agree that in these blocks of time, there will be no personal technology use (preferably phones switched off and put out of sight).
Step 6: Decide on rewards and consequences if the agreement is not honoured.
There are many units in www.studyskillshandbook.com.au that can help you specifically with these areas.
For example:
DEALING WITH CONFLICT – strategies for conflict resolution
TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS – find out the recommended amount of time to spend on schoolwork, learn more about independent learning and print weekly planners
DEALING WITH DISTRACTIONS – strategies for managing technology addictions
Log into www.studyskillshandbook.com.au with these details -
Username: sjc
Password: 24results
Mr Carlo Trimboli
Acting Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Jingi Walla - Hello SJC community
We hope that all of our St Joey’s students and families had a blessed Easter break. It has been a very busy start to the school year and we are looking forward to another busy term ahead. Hopefully the students have settled into 2023 and look forward to all that Term 2 has to offer.
A Huge Congratulations to Jake for being selected as a Titan’s representative to attend the 2023 NRL Indigenous Youth Leadership summit in Sydney, we hope you enjoy this experience Jake, well done! Also, a big congratulations to Alysha, Tia, and Tom for all being awarded the Transport for NSW Aboriginal HSC scholarship, this program helps to support our senior students with their learning journey through Years 11 and 12.
In other exciting news, we recently had the opportunity to take the SJC staff for a ‘Walk on Country’ at Fingal (Booningbah), as part of our professional learning day. This was a very special Afternoon on Country being able to share just some of our local Bundjalung culture and despite the weather it was a wonderful finish to the day, with a lot of positive feedback and planting some trees to support our Fingal ecosystem restoration. We thank all the staff for embracing this experience and for our community members and elders for their time, sharing and knowledge.



This Friday we will recognise National Sorry Day, we as a school community, commemorate and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as 'The Stolen Generations'. We recognise the resilience of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families who have strived through their past traumas and continue to heal today.
As always please don't hesitate to contact Mrs Busbridge or myself for any assistance or information you require about any of the Indigenous programs we have at SJC.
Bugalwan (good blessings)
Mr Jack Field
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data - NCCD
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year.
The NCCD is a collection that counts:
- the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability
- the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.
We are once again updating our student records to ensure we have the most up-to-date information and assessments on file for your child/ren.
If you have a Clinical Assessment, Medical Diagnosis, Paediatrician change of medication or Updated Information for your child that the school does not already have on file, please email it to our Administrator for Diversity & Inclusion deborah.pirlo@lism.catholic.edu.au
This also includes Epilepsy Plans, Anaphylaxis Plans (in-date EpiPens) and Diabetic Action & Management Plans.
Our goal is to ensure we have the most up-to-date information on hand to support your child/ren in achieving academically, socially and mentally to the best they can at St Joseph’s College.
The information collected by the NCCD helps teachers, principals, education authorities and governments to better support students at school. The NCCD encourages schools to review their learning and support systems and processes. This helps schools to continually improve education outcomes for all students.
We welcome and encourage parents to communicate openly with our team.
From Classroom to Courtroom: Madeline Smith Shines in Moot Court
Congratulations to Madeline Smith, a Year 11 student, for completing the Criminal Law and Procedure in Queensland Course at Bond University. Through this program, Maddy gained practical insight into the exciting world of criminal law, including court processes and procedures, learning about criminal offences, defences, and the powers exercised by the police.
As part of the course, Maddy completed five online modules and participated in a two-day practical workshop, where she prepared a defence counsel's sentencing submission for an individual who had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence in the District Court. Maddy demonstrated her skills by preparing both a written and oral submission, which she delivered in a moot court before a judge.
The judge was thoroughly impressed with Maddy's submission and expressed his sincere hope that she pursues a career in law. I commend Maddy for her hard work and dedication and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
This is what Maddy had to say about her experience:
"I have plans to study Law and Criminology, so I completed the Criminal Law and Procedure in Queensland course to gain more experience. The highlight of the course for me was being able to gain knowledge from professionals with first-hand experience in the field, and being able to work collaboratively with them in a university environment. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the field of law."
This enriching experience is offered by the Faculty of Law at Bond University and is open to high school students in Years 11 and 12. Registration for the next intake will close on Wednesday 28 June, and interested individuals can find more information here.
Mrs Georgia James
Legal Studies Teacher
So many fantastic opportunities for students happening at SJC!!
It has been a very busy and interesting time for careers at SJC so far this term.
Year 10 have been doing some great careers work this term with an introductory lesson in Week 2 and further lessons that will help them with the selection of their senior pathway and subjects for Years 11 and 12 and where they might end up in the workforce.
Year 10 had a great day on Wednesday 10 May, with a Southern Cross University Future Students Officer Ms Jodie-Anne Mak, leading the students through MyCareerMatch profile. Jodie-Anne was accompanied by two Southern Cross student Ambassadors, Ms Naomi Watson and Ms Mrisha Upadhyay. I am positive that the students found this a very interesting activity. It created lots of good conversation amongst the students and hopefully helps them think about the future and the type of career and work they might like to consider. Parents would have received an email copy of the report and it would be a great conversation starter at home. This certainly will be very helpful as we head toward senior school subject selection Information Evening on Wednesday 7 June.
Later in the day seniors students had access to two student Ambassadors from Southern Cross University than stayed for a chat with interested seniors students about SCU courses, early entry and university life. A big thank you to Ms Naomi Watson (studying nursing) and Mi Mrisha Upadhyay (Completing a Master's in IT).
We have also had the Australian Defence Recruiting Centre on the Gold Coast talking to students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
The two defence force staff from the Robina Defence Force Recruiting Centre gave a very engaging and informative presentation to students about the range of careers and jobs available in the Defence Forces.
Year 7 have been introduced to SJC Careers with an introductory lesson in which they have register on the school careers website. Lots of great activities and things for them to explore and start thinking about future jobs and careers.
The College hopes that students take the many opportunities available regarding Careers to develop a positive pathway for the future.
Mr Mark Williams
Acting Leader of Careers/EVET
On Wednesday, 3 May, two junior teams went down to Byron Bay to compete against other schools in the AFL QLD cup. It was a lovely warm day and the students were excited for the day. The under 15 girls had four games, one more than any other team, and came away with a win against Xavier in their first game. After the round results they were fortunate to tie 1st, 2nd on countback, and move into the finals to be played against Lindisfarne. Despite a valiant effort and some injuries, the girls were beaten.
The boys lost the first game of the day in a close battle with Lindisfarne, after a slow start they were unable to make up the difference. Game 2 and 3 saw improved performances and better team work which resulted in victories against Kingscliff and Xavier. The 2-1 win loss was not enough to get the boys into the final, missing out only by for-against percentage. The MVP for the boys (as voted by them) was Darcy Brotherton, with strong performances from Sebastian Trimboli, Tom and Ben Vaughan and Jarrah Star-Webb.
Overall, it was a great day with students representing the school proudly.


The uniform shop hours are as follows:
Every Tuesday during the school term: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Every Thursday during the school term: 8:00am – 12:00pm
During shop hours: (07) 5523 9300
This shop is managed by Lowes staff only
Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only
NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED
Or, if you'd like to make an online purchase, you can use this handy link.
Take the Tweed Shire Council SurveyHelp shape the future of sport and active recreation facilities and services in the Tweed. Complete the Sport and Active Recreation survey before 19 May and be in with a chance to Win a 6 Month Bronze Family Membership for Tweed Regional Aquatic Centres. With demand for sport growing, Council wants to understand what sport and active recreation means to our clubs and associations, individuals and families and how our community wants to be more active. We are developing a new Sport and Active Recreation Strategy to guide investment and decision-making over the next 10 years, and we want to hear from you. The strategy will be an important planning tool to direct future resource priorities, major projects and initiatives that support participation in community sport and active recreation. Have your say by taking the Sport and Active Recreation survey and help shape the future of sports and sports facilities across the Tweed. Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/activerecreation for more information. *Terms and conditions apply. See website for more details |
Gemfest 2023 |