1. education
2. school

25 Mary Street, Cygnet Tasmania 7112
P: (03) 6295 1541 E: stjames@catholic.tas.edu.au W: www.sjcc.tas.edu.au
TERM 1 NEWSLETTER 3
-
12 MARCH 2015
“Have courage, the good seed will grow up in the children’s hearts later on”
Edmund Rice
There is again in today’s newsletter, ample evidence of the busy and rich life that is reflected in our
school each week and indeed each day. This time of the year is characterised by what we might
describe as “interruptions”, whether they be holidays, or Holy Days, carnivals and excursions and for
the teachers additionally many meetings and planning requirements. And while all these things are
very important and often enjoyable they do take us away from another sort of joy. The joy that
comes from calmness and order and having time for reflection and being settled. That was why last
week – our first full week without significant other things happening – was a good marker for the
term. At this half way mark there was a feeling overall across the school of focus and engagement
which made me proud of the school, the students and the staff. Amongst the busy things which
bring such richness to our curriculum, we also are making sure that focus and engagement are not
being lost.
We are also half way through our Lenten season and I pray that you have been able to find time to
embrace the purpose and spiritual messages of this season in your own undoubtedly busy lives.
Below I have shared a prayer and reflection from Pope Francis in his wonderful text – The Joy of the
Gospel.
God of abundant mercy, we come before you,
with open hands and open hearts.
Through your holy wisdom transform us,
so that our lives may give witness
to you loving kindness.
When we see pain and sorrow, move us with compassion.
When we see violence and oppression,
inspire us to respond with justice and mercy.
Grant this through Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God forever and ever. Amen
Now is also an appropriate time to start planning for the great celebration for which we are preparing
for in Lent – Easter. The Holy Week celebrations begin on Palm Sunday – 29 March and full details
of how you and your family can join with the Catholic Church in Tasmania to celebrate this event
follow. It is always a spirit filled day and I encourage you to seriously consider joining in.
Thank you to the wonderful Working Bee helpers
On Saturday 28 March we had a great team of workers assist
with planting nearly 200 plants, mulching and moving mulch,
compacting down walking areas, cutting logs for seating and
stepping stones and generally making significant progress to our
Adventure Playground. We are now ready for more additions
during the next couple of weeks. The Playground looks great
with so many plants now in place. Thank you to Ann Daley and
Rob, Karen Newbon, Louise Rowe and Craig, Sharlene Duggan
and Wayne and Mitch, Damian Burnett, Simon Perigo and Sue
Connor, the Robbie family, Jinju Reeding and her Dad, Paul,
Leah Gardner and her three boys and Rob Foale as well as
yours truly.
!
Secondary student retreat day
Next Wednesday 18 March, all secondary students will be involved in their annual retreat day. This will be held at school and
will be run by the team from Project Hatch in Victoria. The retreat will be held at school this year and we will be utilising the
Multi-purpose Centre and the downstairs area in K block for the sessions. Students are to wear their PE uniform for this day.
Anne Foale, Principal
Dates to Remember:
16-26 March - SJCC Book Fair - College Library
17 March - Huon and Channel Swimming Carnival (Please note change in date)
18 March - Secondary Students Retreat Day
19 March - VET Hospitality Students attend a Masterclass -Guilford Young College
20 March - National Day Against Bullying
23 - 25 March - Student/Parent/Teacher Learning Conferences 3:30pm-6pm
24 March - Year 7 excursion “Water in the World” - Burton’s Reserve
29 March - Palm Sunday Pilgrimage for further information and to register visit: www.cymtas.org.au
30 March - 5 April - Holy Week
31 March - Mass of Oils - St Mary’s Cathedral
2 April - Final Day Term 1
3 April - Good Friday (Holiday)
5 April - Easter Sunday
20 April - Term 2 Commences
24 - 25 April - ANZAC Day / Camp Gallipoli and Dawn Service (More information to follow)
1 May - May Ball
PALM SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE – Sunday 29 March 2015
Every member of our school community – students, staff, families and friends are encouraged to join with
other school and parish communities from right around Tasmania for the sixth Palm Sunday Pilgrimage
event! Filled with energy, hope and faith, this is a celebration of World Youth Day 2015, Palm Sunday and all
Catholic schools, parishes and organisations! This massive celebration includes something for everyone:
Pilgrimage Walk from Lindisfarne to St. David’s Park (Hobart) for Festivities in the Park; Free music, dancing,
giant slide, sumo suits, kid’s activities. Food and Drink available for sale; Street Procession to St. Mary’s
Cathedral for an inspiring celebration of Palm Sunday Mass! Great opportunity to unite as one Archdiocese and have loads of
fun! Please ensure you register! For more information and to register go to: www.cymtas.org.au or contact Rachelle:
rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au or 0400 045 368.
Palm Sunday Pilgrimage: TIMETABLE
10.15am: Gather at Church of the Incarnation, 1 Bay Road, Lindisfarne
Meet with hundreds of other Tasmanians as we kick off the day with a bang and make our Pilgrimage Walk (approx. 7km)
from Church of the Incarnation, along the picturesque waterfront, across the Tasman Bridge, and along to the stunning St.
David's Park, Hobart.
12.30pm: Festivities in the Park @ St. David's Park, Hobart
If you are unable to make the 7km pilgrimage walk, please come and join us at St. David's Park, for the festivities happening
here, and most importantly, for the final leg of the pilgrimage - the procession to St. Mary's Cathedral. Festivities in the Park
will include: FREE music, dancing, amusements, sumo suits, face painting, games and more! Fun for big and little kids!
There will be hot food, cold drinks, hot drinks and other yummy goodies both for sale and by donation. 2.00pm: Blessing of Palms and Street Procession
Put your faith into action and be a part of this vibrant display of our Church. We will process, with police escort, and full of
colour, palms, singing, fun and faith through Hobart to St. Mary's Cathedral. The procession culminates in a vibrant
!energy,
and youthful celebration of Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral.
Enrolments for Year 7, 2016
Enrolments for Year 7, 2016 are currently invited. SJCC Year 6 students will receive continuing enrolment
information in the near future. If you have a child currently not at SJCC, who would like to join us for Year 7,
please contact the College office for an enrolment form. Please invite friends or other family members who may
also be interested in enrolling at the College to contact the office on 62 951 541 or email:
stjames@catholic.tas.edu.au for an enrolment form. The system enrolment deadline is 24 April 2015.
Learning Conferences
A reminder that parents/guardians of students and the students themselves are requested to meet with their
child’s Class Teacher during Week 8 (week beginning 23/3/15) for a Learning Conference. A letter will be sent
home next week with more details. In essence, the conference allows for Class Teachers to discuss progress in
key learning areas, as well as work habits, such as organisation with both student and guardian. Goals will be set
so that students can work towards achieving them during the remainder of the year. Please note that this
conference will facilitate the construction of their Personalised Learning Plan (PLP).
Studies throughout Australia (and the rest of the world) indicate that establishing an ongoing process of goal
setting with students is an integral step in empowering them, enhancing their engagement and ultimately
optimising/personalising their learning. To foster this culture of self-directed learners, additional Learning
Conferences will be held throughout the year at the end of Term 2 (after mid-year reports have been issued) and
at the beginning of Term 4. Please make it a priority to attend each time to support your child’s progress.
Brett Tanner Deputy Principal
School Fees
Thank you to families who have made fee payment arrangements and/or paid upfront. Don’t forget you can
receive a 5% fee discount (not levies) if you pay your account in full by the 30 March.
Board Nominations Sought - Closing Friday 27 March 2015
All parent/care givers of students currently enrolled in the school as well as members of the local parish/school
community are eligible to be considered for Board membership.
The principal focus of Board members is to work to improve the capacity of the College as a Catholic school in
order to deliver quality educational outcomes for our students. Nominations for membership should be in writing
and signed by the proposer, seconder and nominee and forwarded to Mrs Anne Foale, Principal by 27 March
2015. A copy of the application form can be found on the reverse, additional nomination forms are available from
the office and from the website (www.sjcc.tas.edu.au).
At the close of nominations, following consultation with Fr Michael Tate, Parish Priest, prioritised
recommendations are submitted to the Director of Catholic Education for decision. The intent is for vacant
positions to be filled prior to the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 20 April, 2015. The inclusion of different
voices, experiences and perspectives that support the Catholic ethos of the school bring an energy and richness
to the College.
Please consider approaching those within our community that you believe have gifts that would be valued on the
Board. Self-nominations are acceptable. If you would like to discuss a nomination please call me (62 951 541) or
email: anne.foale@catholic.tas.edu.au Anne Foale, Principal
!
BOARD NOMINATION FORM
Please submit to Mrs Anne Foale, Principal by 27 March 2015
anne.foale@catholic.tas.edu.au
25 Mary Street, CYGNET 7112
Full name of nominee:
_____________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________
Email: ___________________________
Occupation: ______________________________________________________________
Religious Affiliation __________________________________________________
Association with College (Please tick)
Parent/Care Giver – children attending St James Catholic College
Parent/Care Giver – children attending other Catholic School/College
School Association (e.g. Parent/P&F Committee etc)
Parish Association
Please attach a brief CV
Name & Signature of Proposer: _______________________________________________
Name & Signature of Seconder:_______________________________________________
Name & Signature of Nominee: _______________________________________________
Date:
!
2015 Swimming Carnival Results
FINAL HOUSE POINTS
• Lovett 372
• Lourdes 348
• MacKillop 276
House Champions
!
Grade 7
Boys RILEY NEWICK – Lourdes – 15 pts
MJ Parbs (Second) – Lourdes – 9 pts
Nickolas Burgess (Third) – Lovett – 8 pts
Grade 8
Boys BAILEY GORDON – Lovett – 15 pts
Luke Ashlin (Second) – Lourdes – 10 pts
Joshua Coad/Geoffrey Crowe (Third) – MacKillop – 7 pts
Girls
Girls
MONICA ROBBIE – Lourdes – 12 pts
Ellie Gregory – Lourdes – 10 pts
Jinju Redding – Lourdes – 9 pts
TAYLAH DILLON – Lovett – 15 pts
Phoebe Denny (Second) – Lourdes – 10 pts
Chloe Sinclair (Third) – MacKillop – 4 pts
Grade 9
Boys LUCAS COWEN – Lourdes – 10 pts
Brock Cordwell (Second) – MacKillop – 7 pts
Nathan McQueen (Third) - MacKillop – 4 pts
Grade 10
Girls
Girls
ABBEY REINMUTH – Lourdes – 15 pts
Bridget Reinmuth (Second) – Lourdes – 8 pts
Boys LACHLAN CROWE – MacKillop – 11 pts (3 events)
Jackson Gordon (Second) – Lovett – 10 pts (2 events)
Isaac Beecroft (Third) – Lourdes – 9 pts
CHLOE DILLON – Lovett – 15 pts
Emily Coad (Second) – MacKillop – 12 pts
Bronte Harris (Third)- Lovett – 3 pts
St James Catholic College is School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) School
As most of you would be aware SWPBS is a systems approach for establishing the social culture and
behavioural support needed for a school to be an effective learning environment for all students. Its features
include:
•
•
•
•
•
Explicit teaching of positive social expectations;
Clarity about what those expectations are;
Acknowledgement and rewards for appropriate behaviour;
Consistent consequences for unacceptable behaviour;
The use of data about behaviour for decision making.
At St James Catholic College our expectations regarding school-wide positive behaviour are contained within our
FLAMES acronym. Students are expected to demonstrate values and attitudes that promote:
F aith; L earning; A ttitude (positive attitudes); M utual Respect; E ncouraging others; S afety
A reward system of diary stamps, house competition and rewards, certificates, postcards, wristbands, and
special morning teas with the Principal underpin the positive behaviour support system.
It is also essential that consistent consequences for unacceptable behaviours are administered. Students who
breach our code of behaviour have the problem behaviour recorded on our database and are required to perform
some form of follow-up to ‘make things right’. The goal is to ensure we maintain positive working relationships
between all members of our community. In essence, it is acknowledged that we all make mistakes; however, it is
important that we learn from those mistakes - it is an opportunity for personal growth.
I am pleased to report that since the middle of 2013, when we began collecting this data, the number of
reportable problem behaviours have decreased by 37%. That is, from an average of 7.2 reportable incidents per
day to 4.5. Incidents can range from minor (for example - lateness, incorrect uniform, ‘talking in class’) through
to major (for example – defiance, physical aggression). Please note that the majority of incidents are of the minor
variety and we are working particularly hard to minimise any major problem behaviours. It is clear that our
processes are working as there has been significant improvement, but we aim to do even better. We are
reviewing our data and looking for areas to focus our efforts.
The consensus from staff is that the year has started particularly well with many commenting that the ‘feel’ in the
classroom and the playground is as positive as they can remember. It is certainly a joy to come to work each day
to teach these wonderful children without having to worry about classroom management issues!
Brett Tanner
Deputy Principal
SJCC “Night out at the theatre”
On the evening of Wednesday 4 March, 22 year 8, 9 and 10 - students accompanied Mrs Chisholm and Mr
Rowland went to the theatre to see 'The Wedding Singer' performed by 'The Old Nick' theatre company. The
cast were students from many Hobart schools whom have been rehearsing through the summer to bring this to
the stage. It was a very enjoyable night and a good time was had by all.
!
Marian Celebrations & May Ball 2015
When: Friday 1 May 2015
Liturgies: Primary - Daytime, Secondary - Evening (times to be advised)
Location: St James Catholic Church and the SJCC Multi-Purpose Centre
(Kindergarten to Year 10)
Tickets: $5.00 per adult
The focus of the Liturgy is our devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, through a real
recognition and celebration of the importance of mothers and parenthood in general.
As well as focusing on Mary and parenthood, the Liturgy and the Balls which follow, have been part of our College
tradition for a long time. The social aspect of the Ball contributes to the very special nature of school; bringing
young and older students together, publicly introducing our Prep children to the community and presenting our
final year students to peers and families.
Some important points to note:
All Primary students are expected to attend the daytime Liturgy and May Ball (Times to be advised).
All Secondary students (not Preps) are expected to attend the evening Liturgy and May Ball.
At the conclusion of the balls, students must be taken home by parents or an adult. If for some reason, a student is unable to attend, a note of explanation is to be sent to the Principal, Anne Foale.
•
•
!
•
Dress Code: Boys wear a pair of trousers (not denim jeans), a neat open-necked shirt and black shoes
(school shoes would be fine). They may choose to wear a tie. Girls wear a formal dress, or skirt and blouse
and shoes suitable for dancing. Parents of students in Prep or Year 10 will receive a letter outlining the
special procedures for the night. Dress code for parents is normally smart and casual. Please note that
due to the Multi-Purpose Centre surface, girls will not be able to wear stiletto heeled shoes.
Flats, wedges or a similar type of shoe may be worn.
•
Photographs: Photographers will be working at the Ball and prints will be available for viewing at Cygnet
News Agency and Huonville (updates provided by future newsletters).
•
Donations (Supper): Families are asked to supply sandwiches to be brought along on the evening of the
Ball.
•
Flowers: If you are able to assist by supplying flowers for the decoration of the Church and Centre, please
bring along to school before or on the Friday 1 May 2015.
•
Cost: Tickets are $5.00 per adult and if possible should be prepurchased from the College office. Door tickets may also be
purchased on the evening.
•
Decorations: The new Multi-Purpose Centre is the venue for
both the Primary and Secondary balls. Volunteers to help the May
Ball Committee decorate this area will be sought on a date(s) to
be advised.
LOST: School Jumper labelled AMITY WALKER, if found please return to the office.
Loss and Grief
Grief is a normal human reaction to any important loss, moving from a neighbourhood, losing a job, children
leaving home, a divorce, separation or a loved on dying. When there is a significant loss such as a death or
divorce, the grief process must be allowed to happen. It is ignored or ‘buried’ within (pretending everything is
OK), it becomes what is called “unresolved grief” and this has a destructive effect on one’s life.
There are five stages to the grief process:
• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance
It is important to pass through each of the five stages of grief, so that life may go on.
The Five Stages of Grief:
• DENIAL – is a period of rejecting or not believing what is taking place. It is often characterised by a sense
of numbness of all the emotions or shock. “This can’t be happening to me”.
• ANGER – is a deep-seated rage over what is happening. The anger may be projected at random to
parents, family, friends or God. It is essential to experience and express the anger but it must be done in
appropriate ways. “Why me”?
• BARGAINING – is an attempt to exchange something we are willing to do or give up, for something we
want to keep. “If only…..” or “What if…..”?
• DEPRESSION – is the feeling of being unable to cope. Life seems out of control or overwhelming. It
happens when the reality of the situation sets in. “What’s the use”?
• ACCEPTANCE – is learning with the change. It is a time when the past is no longer dwelt upon and the
future holds hope once again.
The stages are not timed or smooth or orderly. This process cannot be rushed. Patience is important. If you think
your child/children may benefit from participating in Rainbows or Spectrum, please contact the Connie to discuss
the programs offered. Connie Thomas – Rainbows Coordinator
What’s been happening in Kindergarten?
The Kindergarten children have been learning all about colour. They have learned that if they mix blue and yellow
they get green, red and yellow make orange, and blue and red make purple!!! Fantastic discoveries and lots of
exciting experiments. We have also been learning about syllables. It has been fun to clap the number of syllables
in really long words and count how many we find. Louise Rowe
!
Option Line 4 – ‘The Mixed Class’
At the end of last year, there were a number of students whose subject choice was difficult to fit into the
timetable – and this class is the result.
The Class has the following make up:
•
French (1 student)
•
German (1 student)
•
Japanese (1 student, second half of the year)
•
Business Studies (1 student) *
•
Design Technology (2 students) *
•
Creative Writing (7 students) *
All course outlines are available on the wiki – 2015stjames.wikispaces.com/ and can be accessed by students
at all times. French is via a textbook and CD with in class marking and worksheets; German is on line,
supplement with in class worksheets. Creative Writing work is supplied and assessed by Mrs Chisholm and Ms
Burnett assesses their work habits and in class activities as well as teaching the Business Studies and Design
Technology. Thanks to technology, and independent workers, this class is working well and students and parents
can see what is expected by looking at the outlines on the wiki. We are looking for a volunteer to come once or
twice a term on a Tuesday afternoon who can have a, beginners, conversation with our French student – do you
know anyone? Cecily Burnett
Book Fair
The 2015 St James Catholic College Book Fair will be held from Monday 16 March to
Thursday 26 March. There will be a variety of books and items available for purchase.
Students will be given the opportunity to view the books and items in Library lessons. They
will be able to make a wish list or purchase items. Parents are welcome to view items and
may come in the mornings or afternoons or by appointment (contact College office 62 951
541). For those students that received a voucher on prize day last year, they may choose to
spend the voucher at this book fair or wait until the next one that will be held in August for
Book Week. Vouchers need to be spent in one order and unfortunately change cannot be given.
Have you thought about a book instead of an Easter egg? Your children benefit from the sales as the Library
will receive a percentage of sales. There are lots of goodies that would make excellent presents. Hope to
see you. Connie Thomas - Library Technician
Old Dogs; A Pod of Dolphins; and the Beauty of Algebra
What is the connection between these three, seemingly random things? I would like to suggest that when we
look at a subject like mathematics and its impossibly hard concepts we forget that life has patterns and routines
just like those that we use in maths problems. I have an old dog, deaf as a doorpost, but otherwise quite healthy.
She’s timid on the steep drop-offs that we get next to the local beach. If she’s run off ahead and can’t get down
to the beach I can’t just whistle and call her back to the steps. She trusts that I will go to the easy way down and
signal to her. She always looks for me and thus the easy way down. There’s nothing more serene than watching
a pod of dolphins, especially if they’ve found a couple of kayakers to follow and play with. Dolphins look for the
fun stuff in life - seeking it out it would seem - whenever they can. So how is this like algebra? Well algebra is
hard, but it’s also fun! You find the easy way into it, learn a couple of tricks and then follow the routines again and
again. After a time there is a beauty to it, patterns emerge and the hard becomes challenging. The challenge
becomes intoxicating and the impossibility becomes, well, not quite as difficult as you first thought. If the algebra
is beyond you, grab some algebra cards from the Maths department and have some fun!!
Ian Cantle
!
You are warmly invited to attend the
Blessing and Opening of the
Multi Purpose Facilities
Monday 30 March 2015
Beginning at 1.45pm
Followed by light refreshments
Please RSVPto the College office by 25 March 2015 via phone or email:
Phone:
03 6295 1541
Email:
stjames@catholic.tas.edu.au
!
!
!
!