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How embarrassing! So embarrassing! Don’t embarrass me!
How often do I hear that in the playground! It can even be directed at parents. Sometimes our humour relies on another party being embarrassed. This then raises the question ‘what do you find funny and why?’
I shared some of my most embarrassing stories with students on assembly. Fashion is a funny thing when it reemerges. Elastic long skirts are back. When I was a young teacher at St Joseph’s (not this century!) I was walking across the COLA and a Year 8 boy was walking with me and he accidently trod on my skirt. The skirt ‘gently fluttered to the ground’ leaving the young man with an open mouth and a bright red face! I moved very rapidly to rectify the situation (quite frankly I have not moved so fast since!) and whipped the skirt back to its original position. I was embarrassed and so was the young man! I don’t think I mentioned this to anyone at the time, as I was too embarrassed to even speak about it. As time moves on, I feel less embarrassed and see more of the funny side of events. My feelings have changed and I can laugh at myself. That young man, ironically, is now the parent of a student at the school; I wonder if he dares to remember the event as clearly as I do?
With time our perception of events change and our feelings also change. The chicken crossing the road joke was extremely funny when you were 3 or 4 years old however now, would you laugh as much? Humour and embarrassment are also dependent on a cultural context. Thus the comedy shows of the UK and USA are different to comedy in Australia, and appeal to different people. My mother is a nurse and cannot watch youtube videos of people falling or having accidents, as she doesn’t see that potential of injury in any way, shape or form as funny.
When our humour can hurt others, we need to review what we are engaging in. If we humiliate, belittle or are just nasty to another person in the name of humour, or ‘it was only a joke’, I think that doesn’t resonate with the concept of kindness. How is humour and joking around viewed in your family? When does a joke become rudeness? Where is the line that shouldn’t be crossed? This changes as children grow and develop. The concept of humour changes as children grow and this needs to be discussed between parents and children. We need to question how we make someone ‘feel’ when we tell a ‘joke’ or ‘joke’ about something. Are there ethical considerations that haven’t been thought about? How does your humour contribute to the type of person you are, and how do you want people to know and remember you?
A sense of humour is a true gift and is part of our human interactions. People are sometimes referred to as having a ‘dry wit’. They are able to have a quick comment that is neither hurtful nor upsetting, to an individual or a group of people. A smile and a laugh make the world a better place, especially if it is done with kindness. Jesus calls us to act with kindness, to find joy in our world and share or joyful experiences with others.
Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal
A Prayer for the Joy and Support we receive from our Community
Grateful for each hand we hold, each individual we mould, gathered here at St Joseph's.
From far and near we travel here, blessed that we are able.
Grateful for this sheltered place, with light in every window, saying welcome, hello, good morning to everyone we can.
Sharing our days together in times of sorrow and joy.
Father, mother, daughter, son, cousin, neighbour, friend and colleagues; we support each other;
All together everyone in the gift of loving-kindness.
Grateful for what's understood, and all that is forgiven; We try so hard to be good, To lead a life worth living.
To pass on values and inspire our students. Father, mother, daughter, son, cousin, neighbour, friend and colleague;
All together everyone, let grateful days be endless.
Grateful for each hand we hold, the chance to inspire and lead,
Gathered round here the community of St Joseph's.
Lord let us be mindful of the support we have and the strength we have in our community.
Amen.
NAPLAN Tests
Thank you to all students who have completed NAPLAN Tests this week. A reminder that make-up tests will be held next week from Monday to Wednesday. Students will be notified on the day of testing. Please ensure that all devices are bought to school fully charged and that you bring headphones/earbuds if you are required to sit a make-up exam.
Year 11 Reports
Students in Year 11 will receive their Semester 1 Report by Wednesday 29th May. Reports will be posted in the portal for parents and students to access. If you have any question or queries regarding your child's report, please contact the class teacher.
Year 11 2020 Subject Information Evening
The Year 11 2020 Subject Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 4th June in the school Gym. Starting time TBA. Please save the date in your diary. This is an important evening for our Year 10 students and we request that all students attend with at least one parent. Important subject information will be communicated along with the expectations and NESA/School requirements of Stage 6. Students and parents will be provided with a digital copy of the Year 11 2020 Subject Information Handbook in the next week. We encourage you to read this information and perhaps make a plan of your chosen pattern of study so that you can make any enquires regarding your subject selections, prior to submitting your preferred pattern of study at selection time. Selection will be an online process which will be fully outlined to all Year 10 students over the coming weeks. If you have any enquiries around subject selection or patterns of study, students are encouraged to speak with KLA Coordinators or the Curriculum Office.
SICK BAY
- Provide detailed and accurate information
- Check in with Office staff on arrival
- Place school bag on the floor
- Office staff will contact family members
- Mobile phones only used with prior permission of Office staff
- Keep feet on the floor when seated
- Place rubbish in the bin
- Permission needed to eat or drink.
YEAR 11 & 12 HOSPITALITY
Year 11 Hospitality have started the practical component of their course in Term 2. Week 2 they produced an old French classic Pear Conde, poached pears glazed with apricot jam, served with a vanilla bean flavoured rice pudding, garnished with strawberries and chocolate. We are making a sorbet this week from the pear poaching liquid. This week they made lasagne, served with a green salad and garlic bread. The classes have also started their second competency assessment task and are preparing to complete their mandatory work placements in the areas surrounding cafes and restaurants.
Year 12 Hospitality have also been cooking up a storm, producing more complicated desserts this term. A lemongrass flavoured creme brulee, with pineapple crisps. This week they made fruit fritters served with a butterscotch sauce and chocolate ice cream. the icecream was made using liquid nitrogen to freeze it quickly so no ice crystals were formed, resulting in a very smooth icecream.
WOODIWILD FUNDRAISER
St Joseph’s Catholic High School are committed to sustaining a healthy ecosystem for the future. This is part of the School Environment Management Plan, in caring for our common home.
This fundraiser will not only help protect our unique and vulnerable wildlife, it will provide our students with a direct link to their own tree within the Great Aussie Schools’ Forest where they will learn about the importance of conserving these threatened species AND our school will raise funds, with $2.00 from each tree going to the school.
Please click on the attached link to take you to St Joey's tree fundraising page. Thank you for your support.
https://woodiwild.org/st-josephs-high-albion-park/
St Joseph’s Catholic High School will be hosting a small group of co-ed Japanese high school students in Term 3, from 1 to 12 August. They will be here to improve their conversational English and also to experience our Aussie culture and natural beauty.
We are seeking an expression of interest from families & individuals who might be interested in hosting a student during their time at St Joseph’s. Home stay hosts will be paid a tax free allowance for each student which will more than defray the costs of hosting.
Why not consider hosting a student in your home & enjoy this great experience?
CONTACT: Bill and Margaret Clark on 0418 215 990 or 0488 777 886 or
Email: Hosting a Japanese Student
School contact: Nicole Hensman –hensmann01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Diocesan Cross Country 2019
Thank you to the students who represented St Joseph’s at the Diocesan Cross Country Championships at Willandra Farm. The course is renowned for its hills and our students ran exceptionally well, especially in the hot conditions.
There were many outstanding results with 12 of our students finishing in the top ten.
Congratulations to the following students:
Tayissa Buchanan 1st, Grace Pomery 1st, Emily Allen 3rd, Ruby Sawtell 3rd,
Tegan O’Connor-Byrne 3rd, Bailey Sacco 5th, Tahlia Dole 6th, Matt Leembruggen 8th
Jaiden Allen 9th, Rome McGrath 9th, Jessica Pateman 10th, Adam Giudice 10th.
Best of luck to the students who finished in the top 6 as they will represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek on Friday 14th June.
Thank you to Mr and Mrs Sutton for their valuable assistance at the recording desk and to the parents, grandparents, siblings and running coaches for cheering on our team.
CONGRATULATIONS
Please click on the attached link to the Illawarra Mercury to read about the success of our Year 8 student, Tayissa Buchanan. Well done!
CAREERS EXPO
Students in Year 10 and Year 12 gained valuable information and made contacts with employers and training institutions last week at the Careers Expo. There were over 120 exhibitors and students were busy throughout the session gathering viatal information to help with their career planning.
UOW Learning Labs Year 7-10
Learning Labs Applications open now. This is an academic enrichment holiday program. UOW are targeting students from Year 7 to 10 during 2019, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Dates: 10th- 12th July, 2019
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus)
Applications close: 29th May 2019
For further information about workshops and the application process please visit the website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au or phone on (02) 4221 5557.
Extract from Study Work Grow which we subscribe to weekly…
UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG - OPEN DAY
Saturday 3 August | 10.00am – 4.00pm | UOW Wollongong Campus
Join one or more of 100+ info sessions, talk to students and staff in the expo hall, jump on a tour, get hands-on at one of the many exhibitions or just chill out on the duck pond lawn. This is your chance to see what it’s like being a student at one of Australia’s best modern universities.
Find out more and register: https://openday.uow.edu.au/
Year 11 Science Seminars – UNSW Sydney
LEARN FROM SOMEONE WHO ACHIEVED A 99.80 ATAR:
- Put you miles ahead of your cohort for upcoming assessments & exams
- Make the rest of 2019 easier and less stressful
- Give you access to a science legend who has aced their HSC and excelled at uni.
- Show you the cutting edge facilities UNSW has to offer scientists.
- IT IS COMPLETELY FREE!
Saturday 18 May | 9.30am – 11.40am | UNSW Sydney
Saturday 18 May | 12.30pm – 2.40pm | UNSW Sydney
Saturday 18 May | 3.30pm – 5.40pm | UNSW Sydney
DROP IN AND DRAW: JUNE 2019
Saturday 1 June | 11.00am – 1.00pm | Art Gallery of New South Wales
Whether you’re a first timer or an experienced artist, join us on the first Saturday of each month to celebrate the Gallery’s collection by sketching it.
In June, we’ll be drawing in the Grand Courts on the ground level.
Drop in any time between 11am and 1pm. All ages and abilities welcome. All materials are provided.
Find out more: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/calendar/drop-and-draw-june-2019/
JMC ACADEMY - DIGITAL TV STUDIO WORKSHOP - SYDNEY
Tuesday 2 July | 10.00am – 3.00pm | $50 | JMC Academy Sydney
Tuesday 9 July | 10.00am – 3.00pm | $50 | JMC Academy Sydney
This practical workshop, designed specifically for high school students aims to provide an introduction to the Film & TV studio recording processes.
Find out more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/digital-tv-studio-workshop-jmc-sydney-tickets-59874779076
JCM ACADEMY - DISCOVER AND MANAGE THE NEXT 'BIG THING' WORKSHOP - SYDNEY
Tuesday 2 July | 10.00am – 3.00pm | $50 | JMC Academy Sydney
Ever wondered what it would take to find, manage and promote the next Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish or Ocean Alley? How amazing it would feel to see an artist that you discovered playing on stage at Australia’s next biggest festival?
This workshop will give you a practical insight into the world of talent discovery (also known as A&R) and artist management, revealing how and why some artists ‘make it’. Playing the role of the talent manager, you’ll get to learn the ins and outs of managing a real band from discovery to social media promotion and learning to work with booking agents to get them the biggest and best gigs and festivals spots. You will also spend the afternoon in a real-world recording studio, running the show while your band records a new track.
Find out more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/discover-and-manage-the-next-big-thing-jmc-sydney-tickets-60177278861
Academy of Film, Theatre & Television | The Fundamentals of Filming for Social Media Workshop
Saturday 22 June | 9.30am – 4.30pm | $120 | Academy of Film, Theatre & Television
This 1 day course will provide a solid skill set in content creation that can be used to up your social media game. Whether you’re just starting out or want to take your production value to the next level, you’ll learn valuable skills in creating meaningful social media content that will wow your followers!
You must be 15+ to register for this Short Course.
Find out more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-fundamentals-of-filming-for-social-media-tickets-59360888014
BILLY BLUE COLLEGE OF DESIGN SCOLARSHIP
Value: $10,000
Scholarships are open to high achieving school leavers, those who have worked in design or established professionals ready to return to study for a postgraduate course.
Study in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
Closing dates in May, August and January.
Find out more
JCU ACCESS FUND
Open/Closing Dates: May 1, 2019 – July 31, 2019
Value: $4,000 AUD
The JCU Access Fund could be the answer if money problems stand between you and a higher education at James Cook University (JCU). Your financial circumstances are taken into consideration when awarding these scholarships and bursaries.
The JCU Access Fund consists of three awards as below, you only need to submit one application which will be assessed for all awards you may be eligible for.
There are two rounds, so if you are starting mid-year or missed Round 1 close date you can apply for Round 2.
JCU Access Scholarship
Undergraduate, first year, full time - $4,000 1 year
JCU Access Bursary
Undergraduate, first year, full time - $1,500 1 year
JCU Support Grant
Undergraduate, second year only, full time - $500 e-voucher for the Co-op Bookshop 1 year
For Application dates for 2020 study check with the university.
GRIFFITH SPORTS EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
Closing Date: June 30, 2019
Value: $28,000 AUD
The Griffith Sports Excellence Scholarships enable gifted sportsmen and sportswomen who have the potential to perform at a sound academic level at a tertiary institution, to gain a higher qualification without forfeiting their sporting opportunities.
Please check with the University the application dates if you are planning to commence studies at Griffith in 2020.
BOND UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Bond offers a number of full-fee and part-fee scholarships to the best and brightest applicants each semester and are designed to reward and encourage students who have excelled in the areas of academia, leadership, community and sporting. If you believe you have what it takes, we urge you to apply for one of our scholarships.
Download a copy of the 2020 Scholarship Brochure for domestic high school leavers. Scholarship applications for students currently completing their final year of high school in Australia are now open online.
We’ve listed some of them below:
Bond Uni Leadership Scholarship
The Bond University Leadership Scholarship aims to recognise current Year 12 students who have outstanding leadership experience and community involvement with a partial-fee tuition remission scholarship.
Eligibility is based on applicants meeting a minimum academic requirement as well as providing evidence of outstanding leadership and community achievements.
Transformer Scholarship
The Transformer is a co-curricular program offering at Bond designed to enable students to innovatively tackle real-world problems that matter.
It is a program that attracts motivated, self-directed individuals who want to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams on challenging projects that typically span multiple semesters.
The nature and scope of these projects are limited only by the passions and interests of the participants. Although highly motived and self-directed, Transformer participants are supported throughout the program by dedicated Bond academics and staff, industry experts, mentors, state-of-the-art facilities and other essential resources.
Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship
As a proud partner of AFL Queensland, Bond University is offering two Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarships for students commencing university in January 2020.
Offered in partnership with the Riewoldt Family, these unique full tuition scholarships provide an opportunity for one male and one female to enhance their footballing career whilst also gaining a first class educational experience at Bond University.
ADCO Sports Excellence Scholarship
Bond University looks beyond academic achievement when searching for the next leading business executive, film producer, Olympian or senior legal counsel.
The ADCO Sports Excellence Scholarship celebrates this by awarding sporting scholarships to outstanding sports men and women from around Australia with the chance to help fund their tertiary studies.
These scholarships open the door to applicants with high achievements in the sporting arena to a personalised education, fast-tracked degree options and small classes.
ENGINEERING & TCHNOLOGY CADETSHIPS PROGRAM - NOW OPEN
Applications are open for the Engineering & Technology Cadetships (ETCAD) Program.
If you are a Year 12 student who is interested in studying engineering or technology at university, why not consider applying for an ETCAD Cadetship?
Cadets combine study at the university of their choice with paid work at Cubic Transportation Systems. Cubic is a global leader in devising and running integrated transport management systems. In Sydney, the firm is responsible for the Opal card.
With an ETCAD Cadetship you will be launching your career from the start of university rather than competing with graduates at the end of their degree.
Applications close on 21 June.
Find out more and apply here –http://www.professionalcadets.com.au/engineering-technology-cadetships-how-they-work.asp
SONGMAKERS
SongMakers is all about contemporary music. It’s a program aimed at musically-engaged senior students in schools where there is a strong commitment to music education.
They take Australia’s top songwriters and producers in to schools to work with senior students on creating and recording original songs in a two day workshop.
In the workshop they present the elements of songwriting, co-creation and production and give students access to some of the biggest names in music, right there in the classroom.
Find out more about the SongMakers program and how your school can be involved here.
MACQUARIE LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS – Early Entry program
Macquarie Leaders and Achievers is our new early entry program that recognises a student’s academic performance alongside their extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, community service and personal achievement.
Year 12 students who meet the criteria are offered a place in their preferred degree before the HSC examinations.
HOW TO APPLY
Students complete an online application and have a school representative endorse their application.
KEY DATES:
APPLICATIONS OPEN: JUNE 3
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 26 AUGUST
OFFER ROUND 1: AUGUST 15
OFFER ROUND 2: SEPTEMBER 12
OFFER ROUND 3; OCTOBER 3
W: MQ.EDU.AU/LEADERS-AND-ACHIEVERS
E: futurestudents@mq.edu.au
NIDA COURSES
Do you have a passion for acting and drama? Did you know that the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) hosts courses all across Australia? They have a wide variety of subjects including acting, writing, singing, filmmaking, and more.
You can find the courses currently on offer here:
There is a lot of lost property that has been left in the School Office. If you have lost any reading glasses, jewellery or uniforms, please come to the Office and check if it belongs to you.
Thank you.
School fees should now be paid in full unless arrangements have been made to pay your fees periodically. If you are paying periodically, please ensure you complete a School Fee Agreement Form (available left) and return it to the finance office. A new form is required each school year.
New families to the school experiencing financial hardship may wish to contact the school to organise an appointment with our Principal to discuss financial support.
All students are to be wearing their Winter Uniform. The Uniform Shop has Blazers, Boys Trousers, Ties and Girls long pants all in stock. No appointment required for fittings so please visit the uniform shop to make your winter uniform purchases.
New Uniform Shop phone number is: 0413 441 892
Hours: Monday 12 pm - 4 pm and Thursday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Please click the link below to be directed to the School website for access to current Permission Notes.