Week 11 - SJC School Website

Principal‟s Message
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of St Joseph‟s College,
In this last newsletter for 2014 I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks
and gratitude to the wonderful staff, students, parents and Parish of St Joseph‟s College,
Banora Point. Something to ponder of Christmas:
St John the Baptist lived simply in the desert. He prayed, did penance, fasted and
eschewed comforts. He reminds us that our Christian faith is distinctly counter-cultural in
so many ways. Indeed, so it should be. Jesus in his time often called into question so
much of what was “taken for granted” as “the way we do things round here”.
Think, for example, of his treatment of lepers, tax collectors, the poor, the disabled, all
those who, in the „taken-for-granted‟; thinking of the time, were outcasts and no-hopers.
 Doyle Drive (PO Box 246)
Banora Point NSW 2486
 (07) 5524.9002
FAX
(07) 5524.9272
 Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.sjctweed.org
DAY 6 ~ MONDAY 15 DECEMBER
DAY 7 ~ TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER
 Annual Christmas Liturgy
(9:00am, Holy Family Chapel)
 Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 Annual Awards
and Prizegiving Ceremony
(10:30am, Doyle Centre)
Moreover, John the Baptist reminds us that there is likely something amiss if our Christian
faith isn‟t prodding us to question “the ways things are” and the “taken for granted” in
our society.
Think, for example, of the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in our day in
Australia.
Advent calls us to be counter-cultural in the practice of our faith. While the world around
us is consumed by frenzied preparations for the summer holiday and frenetic shopping for
the customary gift exchange at Christmastime, we Christians, instead of speeding up and
running faster and feverish buying, are encouraged to slow down, and to focus on the
things that really matter.
Advent, like Lent, calls us to re-examine our lives and our consciences: Are we living in
ways that are really worthy of the name Christian? Are we truly Christian in the way we
treat other people? Are we really heading in the right direction in our lives and in the
choices we make? Have we taken on uncritically the “taken for granted” attitudes and
values of the mass media? Are there areas in our life where we have gone astray and
need to get back on track?
Advent also calls us to practice waiting and hoping. Christians of all people should be
people of hope, quietly confident that God does not desert us even in the most
desperate, shameful or painful situations.
Hope doesn‟t necessarily come naturally. We have to work on it. Just as we have to
practice our faith and love, we also need to practice hope.
 Staff Professional Development
So many things in our life can sorely challenge us, cause us to lose heart and dent our
hopefulness – a friend dying from cancer, a child killed in an accident, a failed business
project, a broken relationship, a friend‟s betrayal.
 Scuba Diving Excursion (selected students)
This Christmas may the Peace and Joy of a God of Hope renew our faith.
DAY 9 ~ THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER
God Bless
DAY 8 ~ WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER
and Teacher Interviews
 Staff Professional Development
and Teacher Interviews
DAY 10 ~ FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER
 Staff Professional Development
 Term 4 ends
Mr Eric Littler
Principal
St Joseph‟s College Newsletter | 15 December 2014
Page 2
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
2015
WEEK 1
Monday 26 January
Australia Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 27 January
Staff Development Day
Wednesday 28 January
School starts Years 7, 11 & 12
and all new students
Thursday 29 January
School starts for Years 8, 9 & 10
TERM DATES
Term 1
Tuesday 27 January to Thursday 2 April
Note: Easter falls
during Term 1 holidays
Friday 3 April – Good Friday
Saturday 4 April – Easter Saturday
Sunday 5 April – Easter Sunday
Monday 6 April – Easter Monday
Term 2
Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June
Term 3
Monday 13 July to Friday 18 September
Term 4
Tuesday 6 October to Friday 18 December
Please note that Pupil Free Days
for 2015 will be advertised
in the College Newsletter
REPORTS FOR END OF YEAR
As parents would be aware, the final school
reports for 2014 will be distributed tomorrow
for students in Years 7 to 10.
Should parents have any concerns regarding
their child‟s progress, an opportunity to
speak with their child‟s teacher(s) exists by
telephoning the College and speaking to the
relevant teacher to make an appointment.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 17
and Thursday 18 December.
ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL AWARDS
As this is our final newsletter for the year
and our awards presentation takes place
tomorrow, the information relating to award
recipients will be included in the first
newsletter for 2015.
PARENT PORTAL
Please note that this WILL NOT be available
during the break due to upgrade of the
service.
THANK YOU
AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
I would like to take this opportunity to wish
everyone a safe, happy and Holy Christmas.
I hope you all have a most enjoyable break
with your family and loved ones. Thank you
for your support of the College in 2014.
Mr Peter Lyon
Deputy Principal
This next newsletter will also provide details
on Semester 2 Gold SEEAR Award winners.
PASTORAL CARE / STUDENT WELFARE
THE COLLEGE UNIFORM AND
WEARING THE UNIFORM CORRECTLY
A uniform worn correctly makes a strong
statement not only about the individual but
also the organisation it represents. As the
name suggests, „uniform‟ is about a common
standard for everyone.
As such students and parents need to be
aware of the following common standards:
Boys‟ Hair: Length – to the collar, just on the
ears and above the eyebrows.
UNIFORM MATTERS – SCHOOL SHOES 2015
When purchasing school shoes for 2015,
please be aware of the College uniform code:
1.
Shoes are to be traditional hard-leather
lace-up style.
2.
Sport shoes are to be traditional lace-up
style. Skate shoes, canvas style
(including Dunlop Volleys) are not
acceptable as they are not suitable for
all sports or PDHPE.
Boys‟ Shorts: Worn on or above the hips with
a plain black leather belt.
Girls‟ Hair: Long hair tied back. Ribbons to
be white, grey or maroon.
Girls‟ Skirts: Knee length or below and waist
button fastened and worn above the hips.
Girls‟ Ties: Length to be at waistband of
blouse.
It is the College‟s preference that no
jewellery be worn. When students choose to
wear jewellery it is to be plain and simple.
 Earrings are to be simple, small, plain,
gold or silver sleepers or studs.
 Neck jewellery may not be worn. If a
student chooses to wear a religious
medallion, the chain and the medallion
must be worn below the shirt/blouse.
Don‟t forget to visit our
website www.sjctweed.org
for all the latest at
St Joseph‟s College . . .
At St Joseph‟s College, the correct wearing of
the school uniform is important, especially
when in public.
The Athlete‟s Foot Tweed City and Pacific
Fair is a recommended supplier of school and
sports shoes. $5 from every pair of shoes
purchased at either of these two stores is
donated back to our school. Note: This
applies to your whole family across their
range of school, sports, work and casual
shoes.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
Wishing everyone a very merry, safe, happy
and Holy Christmas. Please accept my thanks
for your support of the College this year and I
look forward to working together again in
2015. Best wishes for every success.
Mr Peter Serone
Leader of Pastoral Care/Student Welfare
The approaching school holidays might be the
perfect opportunity for our families to rectify
uniform standards.
The School Newsletter and School Calendar are both available online @ www.sjctweed.org.
The School Calendar contains year group events, assessment schedules and term dates.
Issue 38 2014 | Term 4 Week 11
Page 3
SCHOOL EVANGELISATION
What is present to me
is what has a hold
on my becoming.
I reflect on the
presence of God
always there in love,
amidst the many things
that have a hold on me.

CHRISTMAS MASS &
RECONCILIATION TIMES
“
Joy is the infallible sign
of the presence of God.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
It is a fine seasoning for joy
to think of those we love.
Moliere
ST JOSEPH’S PARISH
All times shown are NSW times
(one hour ahead of QLD)
MASS TIMES PHONE NUMBER IS: (07) 5536.7800
OFFICE PHONE: (07) 5536.7522
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Service of Forgiveness (Includes 1st Rite)
19 December:
7:00-8:00pm
I pause and pray
that I may let God affect my becoming
in this precise moment.
Monday 22 December:
9:40-10:00am
Tuesday 23 December:
9:40-10:00am
Wednesday 24 December:
9:40-10:00am
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah
took place in this way. When his
mother Mary had been engaged to
Joseph, but before they lived
together, she was found to be with
child from the Holy Spirit. Her
husband Joseph, being a righteous
man and unwilling to expose her to
public disgrace, planned to dismiss
her quietly. But just when he had
resolved to do this, an angel of the
Lord appeared to him in a dream and
said, “Joseph, son of David, do not
be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for the child conceived in her is from
the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son,
and you are to name him Jesus, for
he will save his people from their
sins.” All this took place to fulfill
what had been spoken by the Lord
through the prophet: “Look, the
virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he
did as the angel of the Lord
commanded him; he took her as his
wife, but had no marital relations
with her until she had borne a son;
and he named him Jesus.

The Spirit (or Breath) of God was
seen as the source of all creation
and of all human life. So, just as
God created all that exists in the
heavens and the earth, now,
through the power of God‟s Spirit,
Jesus is conceived in Mary‟s womb
by a particular, concrete, and
special case of God‟s creativity.
The birth of any child brings with it
a sense of awe and wonderment.
Can I share a sense of awe and
wonderment at the incredible fact
that God becomes human in a
baby boy?
Mr Scott McDermott
Leader of School Evangelisation
Christmas Eve:
6:00pm and 8:00pm
(Please note: there is NO Midnight Mass)
Christmas Day:
8:00am at St Joseph‟s, Tweed Heads
9:00am at St Camillus, Bilambil
We wish you all a very Happy
and Holy Christmas
Fr Michael Brady & Fr Des Holm
ST ANTHONY’S PARISH
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
& RECONCILIATION
Parish 2ND Rite of Reconciliation
(with several Priests available)
Wednesday 17 December: 6:30am
KINGSCLIFF
Wednesday 17 December: 8:30am–9:00am
Thursday 18 December: 8:30am–9:00am
Friday 19 December: 5:30pm–6:00pm
Saturday 20 December: 5:00pm–5:30pm
Wednesday 24 December: 8:00am–8:30am
POTTSVILLE
Tuesday 23 December: 5:00pm–5:25pm
Happiness is a gift
and the trick is not to expect it,
but to delight in it when it comes.
Charles Dickens
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
Let no one ever come to you
without leaving better and happier.
Mother Teresa
KINGSCLIFF
Christmas Eve Vigil – Wednesday 24 December
6:00pm
Christmas Day – Thursday 25 December
7:30am and 9:00am
Do not judge men by mere appearances;
for the light laughter that bubbles
on the lip often mantles over the depths
of sadness, and the serious look
may be the sober veil that covers
a divine peace and joy.
Edward Chapin
POTTSVILLE
Christmas Eve Vigil – Wednesday 24 December
6:00pm
Christmas Day – Thursday 25 December
7:30am
“

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
Fr Paul McDonald
Parish Priest
Students Absences: Please telephone the College between 7:45am and 9:30am on the day of the absence.
A signed parental note is also required within seven days.
\
Congratulations and thank you to
the following students who assisted
in setting up and serving on the
night of the Access and Inclusion
Awards on December 2nd:
Emilly Evans
Cameron O’Toole
Libby Newman Alexis Briggs
Kyle Hill
Abby Goodwin
Sarah Nuttall
Kailey Brennan
Jewel Punter
Keely Neish
These awards were established to
celebrate and acknowledge those
individuals, organisations, and
businesses who promote an
accessible community to all in the
Tweed. The above students
mentored and worked with
disabled adults from Lifebridge East
Incorporated on the evening. Their
efforts were highly praised by the
organisers of the event, and I am
extremely proud of them!
Best wishes to all Year 10s as they
embark on the Christmas holidays.
Good luck to those students who
are leaving St Joseph’s – I hope you
find great success and happiness in
everything you do.
I look forward to seeing our
returning students in their first year
as Senior students next year.
Merry Christmas and have a great
holiday!
Mrs Louise McLaughlin
Leader of Pastoral Care – Year 10
St Joseph‟s College Newsletter | 15 December 2014
Page 6
TECHNOLOGICAL & APPLIED
STUDIES (TAS)
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Ms Parker and Ms Scott‟s Year 9 Food
Technology classes have been learning about
trends in food this term. For their
assignment, they were asked to design new
trendy dining spot. They designed their cafes
and created trendy menus for their
customers, they then cooked one of the
dishes from their cafe.
HUMAN SOCIETY & ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)
Year 8 students have been learning about climate change in their HSIE classes. Their research
culminated in the writing of persuasive letters to the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott, sharing
their concerns about the sustainability of our planet and offering suggestions as to how this
important global issue might be better addressed by our government.
With all the talk of climate change in the media and by world leaders, it was a very timely and
topical task and demonstrated the importance for all of us to display active citizenship.
After all, we only have ONE planet, so let‟s look after it.
Mr Tom Nethery
HSIE Teacher
This photograph shows Sophie, Bianca and
Ashleigh dressed in their waitress uniforms
serving their lovely practical work. To see
more
of
their
trendy
cafe
visit
http://biancafisher.wix.com/sbacafe
Ms Carrianne Scott
TAS Teacher
YEAR 9
Thank you to all the students and parents of
year 9 for their efforts in 2014. There have
been plenty of positives for the year and I
wish you all a very happy, holy and safe
Christmas and New Year with your family and
friends and look forward to seeing you all
next year.
Mr Damien Quinn
Leader of Pastoral Care – Year 9
Messages to Students: Office staff cannot disrupt teaching in order to deliver messages that are not of an urgent nature.
Student‟s afternoon home travel plans should be made prior to the student leaving home in the morning.
Issue 38 2014 | Term 4 Week 11
Page 7
Choir
Choir will return to its 8:00am Tuesday timeslot next year. I hope to see lots of singers
commit to re-establishing an excellent vocal
ensemble in the College. I will be calling
students to sign on early in Term 1.
Mrs Louise McLaughlin
on behalf of the Music Dept
QUICKSMART
Congratulations to the students who completed QuickSmart in 2014:
Numeracy:
Chanelle Ametoglou
James Castle
Katie Croker
Shamus Curtis
Remy Davey
Jaimie Eastment
Teegan Gates
Lili Godfrey
Dylan Palmer
Joshua Reeves
Brianna Smith
Literacy:
Taylor Baker
Tosh Baker
Billy Beverstock
Will Dawson
Joshua Field
Liam Gee
Bodhi Gilbert
Jai Hosking
Mitch Malone
Zander Paron-Berry
Tallis Ward
Montana Wickert
CANTEEN
MERRY CHRISTMAS & THANK YOU KINDLY
Wishing all families a very Merry Christmas
and Best Wishes for the New Year.
A great big „Thank You‟ to all the wonderful
parents and carers who worked in the
Canteen this year – I couldn‟t have operated
without your help! You have all been so very
kind and generous with your time and always
happy and fun to work with, I can‟t thank you
enough. I hope to see you all again next year
– PLEASE!!
A very special thanks to those parents who
have „retired‟ from the SJC Canteen – I will
miss your smiling faces, your amazing
generosity and willingness to help me help all
our kids! My very best wishes for the future.
You will always have a place in our SJC
community and I‟d love to hear of your
adventures so do please keep in touch.
Mrs Dianne Pinkstone
Canteen Manager
Visit the College website for
more information about
SJC or for back copies
of the Newsletter
Mrs Angela Finkel
Learning Support Coordinator
Tutors Marg Carey, Hayley Mandall and
Anna Fin-Roja with QuickSmart Students
of the Year Joshua Field and Shamus Curtis.
ON-CAMPUS UNIFORM SHOP
(MANAGED BY LOWES)
Just follow the covered walkway down
past the St James MPC and take
a right turn (look out for the signs!)
0407 666 411 or 07 5523 9300
only during shop hours
Tuesdays: 12:00pm to 3:30pm
Thursdays: 8:00am to 12:00pm
Payments:
Cash and EFTPOS Only
NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED
Back to School 2015
Opening Hours
Monday 19 to Friday 23 January
8:00am to 3:00pm
Monday 26 January – Closed
(Australia Day Public Holiday)
Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 January
8:00am to 3:30pm
College Procedures: Unsure of College Procedures or Policies? The student planner contains information.
If you don‟t find the answer, contact the relevant Year Coordinator.
St Joseph‟s College Newsletter | 15 December 2014
Page 8
WEEKEND MASS TIMES
The following mass times apply outside of
the Christmas period:
St Joseph‟s Parish
St Anthony‟s Parish
Saturday Vigil:
6:00pm
Sunday:
7:00am & 9:00am
Sunday:
9:00am (Bilambil)
Saturday Vigil:
6:00pm (Kingscliff)
Sunday:
7:30am (Pottsville)
Sunday:
9:00am (Kingscliff)
Fr Michael Brady
Parish Priest
Fr Paul McDonald
Parish Priest
‘You Have A Friend’
Date
Attendees (Accompanying Adult in bold)
15/12/14
T4, W11
Chelsea Read, Isabella Rope,
Josh Bacon
and Mrs Debbie James
Could this be a picture of you?
CAREERS
You are this week’s ‘Student of the Week’
The Secondary Schools Tax File Number (TFN)
Program will not continue beyond 31
December 2014. This means that School TFN
forms will no longer be processed beyond this
date.
The nominated student is required to present himself/herself to the College Principal
by the end of this week and if he/she does, he/she will receive a voucher to the value
of $5 for purchases at the College Canteen. Look out in upcoming Newsletters for
another „Student of the Week‟ ... the next face that appears might just be yours!
Student Representative Council
How students can apply for a TFN from
1 January 2015:

The Australian Taxation Office in
partnership with Australia Post is making
it easier for individuals to apply for a
TFN.

Students can now apply for a TFN online
and have their identity verified through
an interview at a participating Australia
Post office.

Applying online is the fastest and most
convenient way for students to get a TFN.
More information on applying online can
be found at ato.gov.au by searching for
'QC27248'.

Forms to apply through the Secondary
Schools Program will continue to be
available from Student Reception and the
Careers Office until the end of this year.
Students wishing to apply are advised to
do so promptly.
SAINTS NETBALL SIGN ON
Attention! Everyone who would like to
join in the fun and play netball
for the Saints in 2015
Sign on will be held at
St Joseph’s College Netball Courts on:
3:30pm-5:00pm Wednesday 28 January &
3:30pm-5:00pm Wednesday 4 February
Age groups will be U8, U9, U10,
U12, U14, U16 and Opens
Please sign on as individuals
Teams will be coordinated by Saints
Management Committee
Ms Frances Stegeman
Leader of Careers / VET / SWS
Visit the College website for
more information about
SJC or for back copies
of the Newsletter
For further information contact
the President, Narelle Chapman,
on 0475 792 599
See you at sign on!
Planner: The student planner should be signed by parents/caregivers each week.
Any concerns? Contact the relevant Homeroom Teacher or Year Coordinator.
ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
Day/Week
TERM 1 2015 CALENDAR
Monday
26/1
Tuesday
27/1
Wednesday
28/1
Australia Day
Public
Holiday
Staff
Development
Day
TERM 1 COMMENCES
FOR ALL NEW
STUDENTS AND
YEARS 7, 11 & 12
TERM 1 COMMENCES
FOR ALL OTHER YEAR
GROUPS (8, 9, 10)
2/2
3/2
4/2
5/2
Day 3
Thursday
29/1
Day 4
Friday
30/1
Sat/Sun
Day 5
31 January
Week 1A
January
26-30
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
1 February
Day 9
6/2
Day 10
7 February
Week 2B
February
2-6
9/2
Day 1
10/2
Day 2
11/2
Day 3
12/2
Day 4
 Commencement Mass
8 February
13/2
14 February
Day 5
Week 3A
February
9-13
Year 7 Breakfast
16/2
Day 6
17/2
Year 11 Breakfast
Day 7
18/2
Day 8
19/2
Day 9
College Swimming Carnival
15 February
20/2
21 February
Day 10
Week 4B
February
16-20
Year 11 Information Evening
Year 8 Breakfast
 Ash Wednesday
22 February
Year 10 Breakfast
 Parish Youth Mass
(5:30pm Holy Family Chapel)
23/2
Day 1
24/2
Day 2
25/2
Day 3
26/2
Day 4
27/2
Day 5
28 February
Week 5A
February
23-27
Year 10 Information Evening
Year 9 Breakfast
Year 12 Breakfast
1 March
College Photo Day
SEAAR Cycle 1
2/3
Day 6
3/3
Day 7
4/3
Day 8
5/3
Day 9
6/3
Day 10
7 March
Week 6B
March
2-6
Year 7 Vaccinations
Year 8 Vaccination Catchups
9/3
Day 1
8 March
Year 7 Digital Citizenship
10/3
Day 2
11/3
Day 3
12/3
Day 4
13/3
Day 5
14 March
Week 7A
March
9-13
16/3
Week 8B
15 March
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Day 6
Catholic Schools Week
17/3
Day 7
Catholic Schools Week
March
16-20
18/3
Day 8
Catholic Schools Week
Day 1
24/3
Day 9
Catholic Schools Week
Open Night
23/3
19/3
20/3
Day 10
Catholic Schools Week
22 March
 St Joseph’s Day
Day 2
25/3
Day 3
26/3
21 March
Day 4
27/3
Day 5
28 March
Week 9A
March
23-27
29 March
7-12 Parent/Teacher Night
 Parish Youth Mass
(5:30pm Holy Family Chapel)
30/3
Day 6
31/3
Day 7
1/4
Day 8
2/4
Day 9
3/4
4 April
Good Friday
5 April
TERM 1 ENDS –
THIS IS A NORMAL
SCHOOL DAY
Week 10B
Mar 30
- Apr 3
7-12 Parent/Teacher Night
 Easter Liturgy
SEAAR Cycle 2
St Joseph‟s College
 (07) 5524.9002
FAX
(07) 5524.9272
Daylight
Savings
ends
 Doyle Drive (PO Box 246) Banora Point NSW 2486
 Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.sjctweed.org