10 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Mass and prayers for our Faithful departed

On Wednesday last week on the Feast of all Souls our school community joined with the Parish for Mass and we prayed and lit candles for the members of our families who have passed on during the past year. The students participated in the most reverent and respectful way and it was a fitting way to honour those who have died. November is the month in which the Catholic Church particularly remembers those who have died. At St James our Book of Life records and remembers these each year. You may like to share the following prayer with your family.

A tribute to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart – honouring 120 years of work and mission in Cygnet.

What a busy and joyous day we had on Saturday October 29, 2016. With nearly 100 guests in attendance it was so lovely to appropriately acknowledge the great legacy left to us by the many Sisters of St Joseph who have walked the rooms and grounds of our school. Many of the guests were very keen to see the changes and the new facilities in the school and tours of these facilities were popular.

The high tea was visually and gastronomically delightful and the Hospitality students were an absolute credit to themselves. The support and training provided to them by Cec Katny and Paula Newbon, has been excellent and it showed as they provided an absolutely wonderful afternoon tea and waited on the guests seated at the beautifully laid tables. The celebration cake made by Nikki O'Neill was beautiful to look at and delicious to taste.

The Music students, led by Wayne Neilson did a great job, of providing entertainment. Some of the musicians, Jinju Redding, Ellie Gregory, Monica Robbie and Brody Gregory also contributed speaking roles in the telling of the story of the Sisters that was one of the features of the day.

The blessing of the Chapel and its dedication to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, was of course the highlight and the visitors and locals were impressed with the history wall and the memorabilia arranged there. The driving force behind the creation of this place of prayer and reflection was Kathy Cane who is to be congratulated for her work on this. I would also like to make special mention of Logan Bligh, an ex-student of the College, who came to our aid when we needed some detailed and high quality technical support for the history wall. He did a fantastic job for us under very significant time pressure. Just another example of our quality alumni.

Many thanks to those staff already mentioned but also to Jacqui Lawless, Karen Newbon, Mary Thomas, Sarah Smets, Connie Thomas, Tony Robbie, Jenn Coulson and Rob Hooper, Michael and Louise Rowe and Sharlene Duggan.

But first, foremost and also last, our thanks go out to the many Sisters who have been part of the story here at St James Catholic College, especially including our current residents Sr Joan and Sr Martina, and until very recently Sr Veronica. All of these Sisters shared their faith through good works and prayerful support for our community. They have given witness to their faith through service which is the very living out of the first commandments of Jesus - Love God and your neighbor. Our challenge is to carry on the baton, to live and learn and teach in a loving way and to let our light shine and that of everyone in our community.

We have lots of beautiful photos of the event thanks to the generosity of Paul Redding, a parent who offered his professional photographic services for the day. He is a great photographer if you have need of one professionally.

Staffing announcements for 2017;

I am in a position now to make some announcements regarding staff arrangements for 2017.

Mrs Jo Craddock will be taking up the position of Religious Education Coordinator for 2017 and beyond. Jo has most recently worked as an Education Officer at the Catholic Education Office but prior to this she was a Principal of a Catholic Primary school in the north of Tasmania and has held other Acting Principal positions. Jo will bring a wealth of experience and a full understanding of, and commitment to, our Catholic identity and culture.

We are currently recruiting for replacement teachers for Mr Ian Cantle and Mr Michael Rowland who have both made decisions to move onto different things after the end of this year. They go with our very best wishes and with gratitude for fine service to the College. I will provide details about new staff when the process is complete.

ICAS Success

ICAS Competitions 2016 – Gold Medal Winner!

On the back of Monica Robbie's Gold Medal awards in 2014 and 2015 for being the top Tasmanian performer in ICAS Spelling and English, this year, Maximilliane Taylor has been awarded the Gold Medal in Writing. We are so proud of these two amazing students for the excellent example they model to all the students at SJCC. We are also very proud of the other students from Years 4-10 who had the courage to challenge themselves in these very difficult competitions during Terms 3 and 4.

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are independent skills-based assessments with a competition element. Over one million student entries are accepted from over 6,300 schools in Australia and New Zealand annually. In addition, students from over 20 countries including Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and the USA participate in ICAS each year.

The teachers at St James Catholic College selected the students who participated in the assessments as they were achieving well in that particular subject area. The assessments themselves are extremely challenging and to be selected was a commendable achievement in itself. Each student receives a certificate and a detailed analysis of how they performed. It also gives percentile rankings compared to all of the other high achieving students across Australia that participated in the competition. We congratulate the following students for their participation:

English

Maximillian Taylor, Dylan Game, Luke Ashlin, William Callanan, Will Geeves, Monica Robbie, Reece Scotland, Kaya Reeva, Lilly Greene, Blake Patmore, Ellie Gregory, Maya Bligh, Isaac Leach, Jack Burman Tamzin Direen, Callum Robbie, Thomas Reed, Jack McQueen, Faye Tolhurst, Oscar Wood, Brielle Gordon, Aaliyah Galvin-Clark, Keely Brereton, Holly Bowring, Elijah Cowan, Jaclyn Thorpe, Thomas Clarke, Isabelle Menzies, Max Polley.

Maths

Taylah Dillon, George O'Neill, Luke Ashlin, Jessica O'Neill, Jordan Drusetta, Kaya Reeves, Monica Robbie, JinJu Redding, Callum Robbie, Thomas Reed, Philip Nichols, Brielle Gordon, Lucy Clifford ,Jayden Richards, Sam O'Neill, Ryan Clark, Leah Polley, Noah Redding, Patrick Robbie, Jay-Jay Harvey, Thomas Clark, Max Polley, Isabelle Menzies, Harry Brereton, Lewis Direen, Craig Leto-Rowe.

Science

Geoffrey Crowe, Maximillian Taylor, Jessica O'Neill, Shade Doyle, William Geeves, George O'Neill, Jinju Redding, Monica Robbie, Kaya Reeva, Blake Patmore, Thomas Reed, Callum Robbie, Oscar Wood, Jack McQueen, Travis Hickey, Mitch Duggan, Tyler Coulson, Patrick Robbie, Seth Gardner, Ambrose Brereton, Brody Gregory, Keeley Brereton, Tiarna Patmore, Georgi Lockley, Jarlu Reynolds, Thomas Clark, Craig Leto-Rowe, Jack Walter.

Writing

Maximilliane Taylor, Will Geeves, Monica Robbie, JinJu Redding, Kaya Reeva, Maya Bligh, Ellie Gregory, Lilly Greene, Blake Patmore, Brielle Gordon, Miles Tolhurst, Faye Tolhurst, Oscar Wood, Callum Robbie, Thomas Reed, Jack McQueen, Patrick Robbie, Phoebe O'Neill, Hannah Brereton, Isabelle Menzies, Jarlu Reynolds, Ivy O'Neill, Georgi Lockley.

Spelling (Years 5-7 only)

Tamzin Direen, Jack McQueen, Callum Robbie, Brielle Gordon, Elijah Cowan, Patrick Robbie, Isabelle Menzies, Meghan Bennett, Max Polley, Cameron Boucher.

I am pleased to announce that a number of our students performed exceptionally well gaining Merits (top 45% in Australia), Credits (top 35% in Australia), Distinctions (top 10% in Australia), High Distinctions (top 1% in Australia) and / or the Gold Medal (top student in Tasmania). Considering that usually only the most gifted students participate in this competition the following results are even more note-worthy. We congratulate:

• Tamzin Direen – Merit Spelling
• Callum Robbie – Merit Spelling, Credit Science, Merit Writing, Credit English
• Georgi Lockley – Merit Science
• Ambrose Brereton – Merit Science
• Jordan Druscetta – Merit Mathematics
• Thomas Reed – Credit Science, Credit Writing, Merit English
• Kaya Reeva – Distinction English. Credit Mathematics
• Jarlu Reynolds – Credit Writing
• Isabelle Menzies – Credit Writing
• Patrick Robbie – Merit Writing
• Luke Ashlin – Merit English, Credit Mathematics
• William Geeves – Credit English
• Monica Robbie – Distinction Science, Credit Writing, High Distinction English, Distinction Mathematics
• Maximilliane Taylor – Distinction English, High Distinction Writing. In addition, Maxi was awarded the Gold Medal Winner in Writing for being the top student in Tasmania.

By any measure, the results by our students are astounding!

An invitation to the Book of Life

The Book of Life has listed in it the people that have passed away from our wider St James Catholic College Community, who we pray for over November. The invitation is to your family to add to our Book of Life. If you have someone you have loved and they have passed away this last year, please let the school office know their details and they will add it to the book for you.

Kindergarten 2017

Do you have a son or daughter wishing to enrol in Kindergarten in 2017? If so, please endeavour to return your enrolment forms to the College as Kinder Orientation will commence this week. If you know of anyone who would be interested in enrolling their child at St James Catholic College, please encourage them to contact the College now. If you need a copy of the enrolment package, please contact the office via phone: 6295 1541 or email: stjames@catholic.tas.edu.au

College Athletics Carnival (Years K to 10)

Athletics Carnival (Years K to 10) is on Friday 18 November 2016 at the Huonville Athletics Ground (weather permitting). Students will depart St James Catholic College at approx. 9.30am. K- 2 will return to the College at approx. 1.30pm, Years 3 to 10 will return at approximately 2.30. Students are to come to school dressed in their full sports uniform, team colours can be brought to wear on the day. NB: A school hat must be worn.

Students will need a packed lunch and refillable drink bottle for a busy day of activity. Emphasis at SJCC is on participation and enjoyment. Parents and friends are more than welcome to attend the Carnival, and show support for the students. If you are able to help out please leave a message at the College office. Should you be attending the Carnival and wish to take your child home with you at the end of the Carnival can you please write a note for your child's class teacher and email the College office so that each student is accounted for.

Schoolzine

The College has signed up to Schoolzine!

Schoolzine is an online communication platform that will replace Skoolbag, some of the features of Schoolzine include: newsletters distribution, Schoolzine app, e-forms, absentee forms, a new calendar and online parent teacher bookings! The information can be accessed on any device, at any time, but you will need an internet connection!

BYOD iPad Program 2017

Bring Your Own Device Program 2017

Students in the following classes will need an APPLE IPAD for the 2017 school year.

• Students who will be in Years 3 - 9 in 2017
• Students who will be in Year 10 in 2017 will have the option to have a school-issued iPad or bring their own iPad or MacBook.

Please remember that the College has a variety of arrangements to support families in meeting their financial commitment to the school. We ask that you contact Ms Jenny Coulson, Business Manager to discuss in the strictest confidence how we can support your family in ensuring that the BYOD program is realized. Families will receive a letter outlining the program.

iPad 2 compatibility issues

Apple released the final version of their new software update iOS 10 a few weeks ago.

It will be important to note that the following devices are no longer compatible with this software: original iPad, iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad Mini 1.

This means that Apple software updates and newly developed apps are no longer available on these iPads. This may impact your child's device. If you are considering your child's school device for 2017 be aware that the iPads listed above are not viable options.

If you need any assistance or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Miss Armstrong (ICT Officer) at the College via phone: (03) 62 951 541 or email: jaimi.armstrong@catholic.tas.edu.au

No longer publishing a Community Bulletin

As the College is now using Schoolzine we will no longer be publishing a separate Community Bulletin. We still welcome Community Bulletin articles and they will be included with the newsletter at the end of the page.

Facebook Update

Poppies, Wristbands and Bandannas

Poppies and wristbands for Remembrance Day (11 November) can be purchased from Mrs Thomas in the Library this week.

Poppies are $1.00each & wristbands are $3.00 each. There are still some bandannas left, if you wish to purchase one they are $4.00 each.

Poppies and Wristbands

Christmas Hampers

Collecting goods for those in need in our community

Classes are collecting food and non-perishable goods to put together Christmas hampers for those in need in our community. Our local St Vincent de Paul group will distribute the hampers prior to Christmas. Any donations would be gratefully appreciated, the hampers will be put together and taken up during the offertory procession at our Thanksgiving/Graduation Mass on Tuesday 29 November 2016.

Enrol now for 2017

There are still limited vacancies available in Kindergarten to Year 10 available in 2017. Contact the College Office today for a College tour and enrolment package.

Enrol now for 2017

What has been happening at SJCC?

Westpac Rescue Helicopter TV interview

Firebird Productions from Sydney visited the College last week to film a special segment for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter TV Show! A few months ago Mr Cantle was rescued by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter team. Mr Cantle and some students were interviewed today and will appear on Southern Cross at the end of November!

TV Interview

Kitchen and Garden Classes

The College students took advantage of the wonderful weather over the last week to harvest some of the spring produce available in the College Garden! Students have also been creating some delicious meals with the harvested goods!

Adventure Playground fun!

The warmer weather has allowed for more creative play in our adventure playground! Next time you are at the College why not take the opportunity to check out the playground!

Adventure Playground

Building update

The College building works are certainly moving along! The construction areas are starting to be framed ready for plastering and painting! We are looking forward to accessing these new learning spaces in 2017!

Museum in Year 7

The Year 7 students have been studying ancient civilisations! In particular, they have been focusing on ancient Egypt. As part of their studies they have created a museum in their classroom, producing a range of relics with information cards for other classes to explore! As you can see from the photos the Year 3 students had a wonderful time, touching and learning about how these relics were used in the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians! A special mention to the efforts of Thomas Reed, who crafted a Egyptian sword! The sword has been crafted out of metal with a wooden and rope handle!

Early Learning Swimming

Early Years students are participating in swimming lessons this week at Cowen's pool! Students have been trying out different swimming techniques and learning about water safety.

Aboriginal Painting

Reuben Oates will be working with Primary students for the remainder of this week and the next week. Reuben will be working on a variety of projects focused on Aboriginal culture and art.

Huon and Channel Athletics Carnival

Students participated in the Huon and Channel Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 9 November! Students displayed wonderful sportsmanship and encouraged their fellow team members to do their best!

Filming Project

The Year 10 students in-conjunction with the Huon Valley Council Youth program are working together to produce a short film! Over the past few week's students have learnt about scripts and costumes as well as location shots and camera settings! We are very excited to see the outcome!

Community Events