Term 2 Week 8 - 19th June 2020
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care & Staff Support
- Assistant Principal - Curriculum & Administration
- Student Leadership 2021
- SJRC 2019 Yearbook
- SAPSS Marching Band ‘Come and try day’
- Beanies for Brain Cancer Fundraiser
- HSC Minimum Standards Testing
- Evangelisation
- Literacy Enrichment - Get Involved!
- #LITFEST2444
- Humans of SJRC
- Library News
- Word of the Week
- Canteen News
- FREE Parenting Courses - "From Sandpit to Adulthood: Helping Children to Thrive"
Passing of Tom Quinn
This week St Agnes’ Parish celebrated the life of Tom Quinn, former Assistant Principal of St Joseph’s Regional College and Principal of St Joseph’s Vocational College (now Newman Senior Technical College). In the latter role, Tom pioneered a new approach to senior education that focused on helping senior students develop the skills needed to obtain an apprenticeship or other employment. Tom was a true visionary who shared in the responsibility of setting up the great educational system we have today in our Parish. I am aware that Tom taught Mathematics and Computing Applications to many of our current parents at the Vocational College in the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.
No doubt they have fond memories of Mr Quinn’s great teaching style and ability to get the very best out of his students. There are many parents in our community who would attribute a significant part of their success in life to Mr Quinn.
May Tom Rest In Peace.
College Zoom Assembly
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Julie Hickling, Mr Jacob Gaskill and Mr Wayne Hamlin for coordinating this week’s Zoom Assembly. The assembly was most ably chaired by College Captains, Cameron Hunt and Sarah Stewart with Vice Captains, Zac Roach and Ebony Williams concluding with the College Prayer. There were certainly a number of highlights to the virtual gathering. I invite you to view the links below in order to gain greater insight into the occasion.
Congratulations to all staff and students who presented on the day. I would especially commend Caleb Scott, who promoted the Beanies for Brain Cancer initiative.
Beanies 4 Brain Cancer - Caleb Scott Year 8
A big thank you to Caleb Scott in Year 8 who showed tremendous courage in addressing the assembly, speaking about his journey with Brain Cancer.
Please support Caleb and the Mark Hughes Foundation by wearing a beanie with your normal school uniform to school on Friday, 26th June 2020 and donating a gold coin.
All monies raised will be donated to the Mark Hughes Foundation. https://beanie.markhughesfoundation.com.au/
Cooking with Hospitality
This is another great video that has been created by the Year 11 and Year 12 Hospitality students and presented at this week's Zoom Assembly on how to cook an omelette.
Thank you to Hospitality teachers, Mrs Diana Walsh, Mr David Constantine and Ms Tenika Reed, and also to the chefs Emily Burg, Jack Ware, Marlon Dutlow and behind the scenes assistant, Chelsea Beecroft.
Live Band Performance
Our College was privileged to be entertained by Year 12 students, Alexander Knight-Viale who performed Yardbird Suite on the Alto Saxophone and Lachlan Eggert, performing 'Now is the Time'. Both the performances will be a part of Alexander and Lachlan's HSC program.
Well done, boys on a great performance.
Change of Term Dates - Term 3
The first day of Term 3 will commence for both students and staff on Monday 20th July 2020. This day has been gazetted as a normal school day. It is not a pupil free day as advertised in the College diary.
God Bless
Jim Dempsey
Principal
Celebrating Students' Birthdays
Due to Blended Learning, we are catching up on celebrating our monthly 'Birthday Box' draw.
Happy Birthday to Natasha Small and congratulations for being the winner of the April Birthday Box draw.
Happy Birthday to Brooke Instrell and congratulations for being the winner of the May Birthday Box draw.
We hope you enjoy your gift, Natasha and Brooke, and we are really looking forward to wishing more students a Happy Birthday.
Good Luck in the draw.
What is the Birthday Box?
As part of our College goals, (Wellbeing & Unity) the St Joseph's Regional College Office would like to invite students to enter a monthly birthday draw.
What Do Students Need To Do?
On your birthday, come to the College Office and let the office ladies know it's your special day. Your name will then go into the 'Happy Birthday Box' and you will be given a small birthday card.
Please remember: You must come on the day of your birthday. Unless, of course, it falls in the holidays or a weekend. If so, just visit the College Office on the first day back to enter your name in the draw.
What do Students Receive?
The prize of a gift card will be drawn on the 1st of each month after your birthday month.
Dropping off forgotten items for students
We understand that on occasions your child may forget school items needed throughout the day. Our lovely office ladies will do their very best to get these forgotten items to students, however, please remember it is the students' responsibility to be organised and ensure that all items needed for their school day are packed.
To avoid cross-contamination, I seek your assistance in ensuring all items being dropped off for student collection are placed in a bag with the student's name clearly written on it. For your convenience, the office does have a supply of plastic bags to be used for this reason.
Thank You!
The Visual Art department would like to thank all those who supplied them with old newspapers. These will be used in a unit of work that was specially designed for students during Blended Learning.
Lost Property
We have a number of unclaimed lost property items. Please ensure your child's name is written on all items of clothing, this also includes sports bags that contain sports clothes, practical equipment and lunchboxes. Clearly labelled items are easily returned when lost.
The photos displayed below DO NOT HAVE ANY NAMES so therefore we can not return them to the rightful owner. Please contact the College Office if you recognise any of the following items. Some of the items pictured are still to be claimed from last week.
Please note: Unclaimed uniform items will be washed and donated to our second-hand uniform store.
St Agnes' Uniform Shop- Normal Trading Hours Resume
The St Agnes' Uniform Store has returned to normal trading hours of
Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday from 9.00am – 12noon
Tanya Daley
Assistant Principal - Staff and Pastoral Care
Year 11 - 2021 Enrolment
Year 10 2020 families have been sent via email the following information in regards to enrolling into Year 11 in 2021.
Dear Parents / Caregivers,
Please find below a timeline for students in Year 10 who intend enrolling in Year 11 at St Joseph's Regional College in 2021.
Handbooks for Newman Senior Technical College will be distributed to students during Week 9 and students will tour the College on Wednesday, 22nd July.
Interviews for both Colleges will be held on Wednesday, 5th August.
I would encourage everyone to view the video link below, outlining the many opportunities available to senior students at St Joseph’s Regional College.
SJRC #aHSC4opportunity
Mr Tim McCosker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum & Administration
The Student Leadership process for College Leaders in 2021 has begun. Please refer to the information below. If you have any further questions, please contact Ms Flanagan.
The Yearbook is a great historical record of the 2019 St Joseph's Regional College school year. It also includes a special common section of events and information about all Parish secondary schools.
Students in Year 8 and 11 have already received their copy of the Yearbook; this cost was included in your enrolment fee.
Students in Year 12 (2019) are now able to collect their copy of the Yearbook from the College Office. Students with siblings at the College have had their Yearbook sent home.
For all other families interested in buying a 2019 Yearbook the cost is $20.
Please send the money to the College Office in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and PC class written on the front.
Due to the disruption created by COVID-19 to rehearsals this year, the SAPSS Marching Band will commence a ‘New Season’ beginning Week 1 of Term 3. As such, ALL students interested in being members of the ensemble for this season are invited to attend a ‘come and try’ open rehearsal on Wednesday, July 1st at MacKillop College Hall from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. Wind, brass musicians, percussionist and colour guard dancers are all welcome!
Sharon Green
Leader of CoCurricular Music
Please note: Beanies are permitted to be worn with normal school uniform on this day.
Families of Year 10 students have been emailed the following letter in regards to HSC Minumum Standard testing.
Kind regards
Mr Cameron McKee, Leader of Literacy
Mrs Lisa Freeman, Leader of Numeracy
Mr Ian Lutton, Leader of Curriculum
Weekly Challenge
As we enter back into normal life, it is important that we are keeping ourselves in a good mental state, and keep consistent with habits we have picked up over the time of quarantine. As we continue to work digitally, it is important that we continue to give consideration to our own mental state. Our weekly challenge will help to keep you sane over this crazy time.
SPEND THIS WEEK AVOIDING GOING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We can continue to get caught up in social media and continue to switch between multiple different platforms. It can be so easy to switch between platforms and spend hours and hours being immersed in not meaningful information. It can sometimes be a burden to carry one around or constantly checking social media pages and such. We can use them to procrastinate on work and to avoid doing things.
This week, try to keep off your phone, try to ignore that impulse to pick up your phone when you are bored. Try to make going on your phone a conscious decision rather than an impulse. It will ensure that you are working and being productive.
BOOST Lunchtime Group
Prayer through Music
Listening to music is a powerful way to relax and manage stress. A slower tempo song can soothe the stress of the day by quieting your mind and relaxing your muscles.
If you are looking for some background music while you are studying or just relaxing at home, I encourage you to check out our focus song on Spotify.
Check out some of the great music featured this week on the SJRC Digital Ministry Blog https://sjrcministry.wixsite.com/digitalministry
These lyrics were written after the musician came out of a really dry season spiritually. But, they are always conscious of the fact that God always encourages us to go higher and deeper. And no matter what he calls us to do, we WILL do it.Prayer through Podcast
Do you want to know more about what is in the bible, take a listen to this week's featured podcast.
CATHOLIC STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW - a lighthearted exploration of various prominent and obscure Catholic topics.
Catholic Stuff - You should know
Digital Ministry
We invite you to click on the links below to see the great resources on the SJRC Digital Ministry Blog and Instagram Page put together by our Youth Ministry Officers, Chloe Nash and Amelia Stennett.
SJRC Digital Ministry Blog https://sjrcministry.wixsite.com/digitalministry
SJRC Digital Ministry Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/sjrcdigitalministry/
Timo Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation
What is ‘Literacy Enrichment’ at SJRC?
It’s opportunities in and out of SJRC that enrich students’ understanding of and experience with media, film, reading, writing, and language in general. It’s excursions, festivals, writing, debating and public speaking competitions, and live performance.
Check us out at - SJRC Literacy Enrichment
Debating
2020 St Joseph's Regional College v MacKillop College Debating and Public Speaking Competition: Thursday, 27th August. Week 6 of Term 3.
Debating coaching has commenced this week across Year 7-10 and we are all excited to see experienced and novice debaters step up to the challenge. Students will be trained first before teams and positions are announced around Week 3 of Term 3.
Students are welcome to come and try debating. Regular attendance after a trial period is a must to be considered for a spot on an SJRC team.
Coaching times and coaches (Week 8-9 Term 2, Week 1-6 Term 3)
Year 7 and 8: Each Wednesday recess in C6 with Mrs Bell and Mrs McKee
Year 9: Each Monday recess with Mrs Mooney
Year 10: Each Thursday recess with Mr McMillan
What Do I Need to Bring to Debating Coaching?
- A pen
- Your device
- Enthusiasm
- Teamwork
Public Speaking:
Coaching will commence for Public Speaking in Term 3. All students interested need to email Mrs McKee to be put onto the SJRC public speaking mailing list.
Still in the Spotlight
ABC’s Heywire and The Dorethea Mackellar Poetry Competition:
1. Heywire puts young Australians at the centre of the conversations that shape their communities. https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/about/
Year 10 English students who have just completed a study of Poetry and Landscape and those students who have a poetry project or lyrics to a song that you may have been writing at home might be interested in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition:
2. Dorethea Mackellar Poetry Competition: In memory of the prominent Australian poet, this is a poetry writing competition for students of all ages and closes on 30th June.
Visit https://www.dorothea.com.au/The-Poetry-of-Dorothea-Mackellar for more information on how to enter.
3. #LITFEST2444: Our own remarkable Literacy festival continues online: https://www.litfest2444.com.au/
And While We’re Talking About Poetry Writing...
Getting Creative for Kids
Having problems getting creative with your work? Some of Australia’s leading writers have been there!
- An Easy Way to Write a Poem by Sally Murphy- author of 'Pearl Verses the World' and 2011 Awards Judge.
- How to Write a Good Poem by Lorraine Marwood - Winner Prime Minister’s Literary Award Children’s Category for 'Star Jumps'. Lorraine was also a 2006 Awards Judge.
- What Will I Write About by Dee White - author of 'Letters to Leonardo' and 'Harry’s Goldfield Adventure'.
So, who writes poems these days?
All of your favourite singers who write their own songs are writing poetry set to music! Think Lorde, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Ray, Montaigne, Tom Rosenthal, Ziggy Alberts, Angus and Julia Stone.
The list is endless. And we’d like to see your name up here one day!
But first, a word from our Dorethea:
The Dreamer by Dorethea Mackellar
Over the crest of the Hill of Sleep,
Over the plain where the mists lie deep,
Into a country of wondrous things,
Enter we dreaming, and know we're kings.
Murmur or roar as it may, the stream
Laughs to the youngster who dreams his dream.
Leave him alone till his fool's heart breaks:
Dreams all are real till the dreamer wakes!
Keep reading, writing, reflecting, composing, creating, musing and connecting.
The SJRC Literacy Enrichment Team
This week coming up, we are presenting TWO sessions as part of the #Litfest2444 Online 2020 program, both of them are FREE to access.
On Monday night, we have “Inspiration Bootcamp” – a workshop presented by Tobias Madden.
Tobias Madden presents 'Inspiration Bootcamp'.
Tobias is the Editor of Underdog: #LoveOzYA Short Stories, released in March 2019. Originally from Ballarat, Victoria, Tobias worked for ten years as a performer, touring Australia and New Zealand with musicals such as Mary Poppins, CATS, and Guys and Dolls. In recent times, he rekindled his childhood passion for writing and shifted his attention to the world of publishing.
Underdog is Tobias’s first commercial undertaking as an editor. He hopes it will grow into a platform for unpublished #LoveOzYA writers to showcase their work and have their voices heard.
WORKSHOP PRESENTATION - Inspiration Bootcamp
Tobias will provide some 'inspiration elements' (e.g. image, song, sound) and will request that the students find a couple of stimuli in their own homes (e.g. something from the pantry, an article of clothing). Participants will then use these elements as inspiration for some very short pieces of flash fiction, and then develop one of these options into a longer piece of writing. There would be some time for the students to share their work at the end of the session.
And on Wednesday night, we have “Tell it Like it Is: Writing from Real Life” presented by Holden Sheppard.
Tell It Like It Is: Writing from Real Life
In this one-hour workshop, award-winning Young Adult author Holden Sheppard will talk about the process of writing stories drawn from real-life experiences. Students will experiment with a range of possible events from a timeline, then craft a short piece either depicting a true tale or adapting a grain of truth into a fictionalised account. Discussion will ensue about the implications - ethically and stylistically - for both options.
And don’t forget, if you missed this week’s session with ClickView on Monday night, just click on the hyperlink to work through their workshop.
If you missed MJ Hearle on Wednesday night, you can access his presentation below
Campfire Tales for Social Media
Accessing Livestreamed Events in #LitFest2444
- Go to the #LitFest2444 Facebook page.
- Click on the Presenters 2020 Tab.
- Scroll down the page until you see the presentation you wish to view.
The Presenter will have a Photo and an explanation of what their event is about.
The following is an example.- Click on the Pre-recorded Yellow Button. This will take you to the recording.
(Please note, you can only watch the recorded session on or after the date stated).
If the session you wish to watch has already occurred, you can still access the recording. -
As above - Go to the LITFEST2444 Webpage.
-
Click on the Presenters 2020 Tab.
-
Scroll down the page until you see the presentation you wish to view.
-
The Presenter will have a Photo and an explanation of what their event is about.
The following is an example. -
Click on the watch the Session Video Here Yellow Button.
-
Another Internet Tab - The LitFest2444 Vimeo page will open.
Press the triangle play button and the recording will start.
Karen Bale
#Litfest2444 Organiser
Background
As a school library, we like to think that part of what we do is connect people, ideas and information, and with #LitFest2444 happening across these weeks in a digital format, it was easy to connect the dots, as #LitFest2444 is essentially a festival of ‘story’ in different forms and mediums.
The “Humans of New York” phenomenon was used as a basis for introducing the idea to students in the Library. Historically, the HONY project started out as photography only, but then morphed into people willingly sharing something of their story. The premise is that “everyone has a story”. The project fosters opportunities for active listening, courageous conversations, and empathy. Individual storytelling is celebrated.
We hope to bring you a “Humans of SJRC” story once a week for a little while. We are proud of our ‘humans’ who acknowledge that they have a story to share that is meaningful to them.
Introducing our first Human of SJRC – Andrew Castelletto
St Joseph's Regional College Library
Karen Bale (Mon-Thu)
Tracie Hartley (Fri)
@sjrcexchange
Significant Literary Dates
This week, one of Australia’s formative authors and poets celebrates a birthday. We remember Henry Lawson, born on June 17th, 1867. Henry lived a difficult life plagued by insecurity, poverty and mental illness. However, upon his death in 1922, he became the first Australian writer to be granted a state funeral.
These lines are taken from his poem 'After All'
Rest, for your eyes are weary, girl -- you have driven the worst away --
The ghost of the man that I might have been is gone from my heart to-day;
We'll live for life and the best it brings till our twilight shadows fall;
My heart grows brave, and the world, my girl, is a good world after all.
Free Audiobooks
This week’s free audiobook downloads are: "The Bronte plot" and "The music of what happens".
Visit www.audiobooksync.com to access and download the titles, and then use your Sora app (see setup instructions below) to keep and listen. Too easy!
Any questions or issues, please email pmreg-lib@lism.catholic.edu.au
This Week's FREE Download
The weekly free download of audiobook titles continues this week with
"The Bronte plot" and "The music of what happens".
Visit www.audiobooksync.com to access and download the titles, and then use your Sora app (see setup instructions below) to keep and listen. Too easy!
Any questions or issues, please email pmreg-lib@lism.catholic.edu.au
What is SYNC?
SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. SYNC will give away two complete audiobooks per week - pairs of high-interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at www.audiobooksync.com.
The process to register, access and download titles are outlined below:
First register for SYNC 2020 on our homepage. Then set up Sora.
How do I set up Sora?
- Download Sora from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Open Sora and tap I have a setup code (at the bottom of the screen). - Enter this setup code: audiobooksync.
- Enter the email address you used to sign up for SYNC.
- Tap Explore (at the bottom of the screen) to see the week’s featured titles [SYNC 2020 starts April 30]
- I already use Sora for school. How do I add SYNC titles?
If you already use Sora, you’ll need to add the SYNC program’s library. Here are the steps:
In Sora, open the menu (in the top-right corner).
- Select Add a public library.
- Search for audiobooksync and select the library from the results.
- St Joseph's Regional College Library
St Joseph's Regional College Library
Karen Bale (Mon-Thu)
Tracie Hartley (Fri)
@sjrcexchange
Word of the week:
Weekly Lunch Specials
| Week 9 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Pesto |
| Tuesday | Cheese and Bacon Burgers |
| Wednesday | Mexican Chicken Quesadillas |
| Thursday | Butter Chicken and Rice |
| Friday | Pizza- Vegetarian or Meat Lovers |
The canteen opens at 8.00am every school day.
The Canteen's everyday menu can be found on our College website at the following link.
Volunteering in our Canteen
We cannot run the canteen without you; as the saying goes:
"Many Hands Make Light Work".
If you are able to spare an hour or so of your time, we would love for you to join us.
Please contact Donna Hamlin through the College Office on 5525 4100.
Ms Donna Hamlin
Food Services Manager
The Parent Assembly last week hosted a Webinar for our parents called GameAware by Andrew Kinch. This was a very successful event which was well received by over 100 parents. Thank you to all parents who were able to tune in.
Our next webinar in the series of 3 is with Maggie Dent presenting "From the Sandpit to Adulthood: Helping Today’s Children to Thrive" on 22nd June 2020 at 7.00pm.
22nd June at 7.00pm - Maggie Dent, "From Sandpit to Adulthood: Helping Children to Thrive"
6th August at 7.00pm - Michelle Mitchell, Resilience & Mental Health
Peta Rourke | Parent Assembly Cluster Coordinator
Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Lismore
