St Joseph's, Tara - Term 2 Week 8 2025 Newsletter!

Our Vision & Mission Statements

From the Principal

Welcome to the Term 2 Week 8 Newsletter!

Report Cards

Report cards are a crucial component of the educational process, serving as a formal record of a student’s academic progress and achievement at a specific point in time. They provide a clear and structured summary of how well a student is performing in relation to the expected curriculum standards, offering valuable insights for students, parents, and educators. More than just a list of grades, report cards reflect the learning journey, highlighting both strengths and areas for growth. They are a tool for reflection, goal setting, and communication, helping to ensure that everyone involved in a student’s education is aligned and informed. Importantly, report cards signify progress—they capture how far a student has come over a reporting period and help guide the next steps in learning. For a student to receive an “above” or “well above” expected level of achievement, this must be based on consistent performance across multiple assessment opportunities. This means that the student has demonstrated a high level of understanding and skill in various contexts, not just in one-off tasks. Teachers make these professional judgments using a range of evidence, including classwork, projects, tests, and observations, to ensure that the achievement level is both accurate and fair. These judgments are not made lightly; they reflect a comprehensive view of the student’s capabilities over time. Final judgments on a report card represent an overall result for each Key Learning Area (KLA), such as English, Mathematics, Science, or Humanities. Each KLA is further broken down into specific strands. For example, Mathematics includes strands such as Number, Algebra, Measurement, and Statistics and Probability. The overall grade for Mathematics is a synthesis of the student’s performance across all these strands. This structure ensures that the report card provides a balanced and holistic view of student achievement, rather than focusing on isolated skills. It also allows teachers to identify and support specific areas where a student may need additional help or extension. For parents seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s performance in individual strands, it is encouraged that they speak directly with their child’s teacher. Teachers can provide detailed feedback and context that may not be fully captured in the report card itself, helping parents to better support their child’s learning at home. In this way, report cards are not just a summary of past performance—they are a starting point for meaningful conversations about learning, progress, and future goals. They reinforce the importance of consistent effort, resilience, and a growth mindset, and they celebrate the achievements of students in a way that is both informative and motivating. When used effectively, report cards are a powerful tool for fostering student success and strengthening the partnership between home and school. 

Safety Intervention Training

Last Wednesday and Thursday, Tara Fisher (Learning Support Teacher) participated in the Crisis Prevention and Safety Intervention professional development program at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. This training aimed to enhance participants’ ability to recognise, prevent, and manage crisis behaviours through person-centred and trauma-informed approaches. The program included both theoretical and practical components, focusing on de-escalation techniques, risk assessment, and the safe application of physical intervention strategies when there is a significant risk of harm to the student or others. 

As a result of the training, Miss Fisher has developed a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of crisis behaviours and has gained practical skills in implementing proactive and preventative strategies. She is now certified to apply safety interventions when necessary and will be required to renew this certification annually to maintain her accreditation. 

Importantly, this training aligns closely with the principles of the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), which our school implements to support student wellbeing and engagement. The focus on trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation, and relational safety in the Crisis Prevention and Safety Intervention training reinforces the BSEM domains of Body, Relationship, and Engagement. It equips staff with consistent language and strategies to support students in building self-regulation skills and maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. 

Mrs Williams, who is also trained in this area, will be completing her annual renewal at the end of this term to ensure continued compliance with safety protocols and best practices. 

Survey

Coming soon: Your chance to help shape our schools 

Every two years, families from our school communities share their views through the Shaping our future – Perception Survey. It’s a valuable way for us to reflect on how each of our schools are living out Toowoomba Catholic Schools shared purpose: enabling full and flourishing lives. 

This year’s survey will be sent via email on Monday, 21 July. 
Please keep an eye out for it – your feedback helps shape the future of all 32 Toowoomba Catholic schools. 

We will also be asking Years 5 to 12 students from across the diocese to complete a student version of the survey during Catholic Education Week at school. 

For more information please email: Kylie.Williams@twb.catholic.edu.au  

God bless,

Kylie Williams

APMI

Pentecost

Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. This is a significant celebration in the Catholic Church, marking the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to go forth and spread the message of Jesus. For the students of St Joseph’s School, Tara, Pentecost is a powerful reminder of the presence of the Holy Spirit in their own lives and the gifts they have been given to live with purpose, compassion, and courage. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder and awe—are not just abstract concepts; they are tools that students can use every day to grow in faith and character. Wisdom helps them make thoughtful decisions, while understanding allows them to see the needs of others with empathy. Right Judgement guides them to choose what is right, and courage gives them the strength to stand up for their beliefs. Knowledge deepens their learning and curiosity, reverence nurtures their relationship with God and wonder and awe inspires respect for the sacred. At St Joseph’s, these gifts are lived out in the classroom, on the playground, and in the wider community. Whether it’s showing kindness to a friend, helping someone in need, or making responsible choices, students are called to be witnesses of the Spirit’s presence in their actions. Pentecost reminds them that they are never alone—the Holy Spirit is always with them, guiding and inspiring them to be the best they can be. As a school community, Pentecost is a time to celebrate the unity and diversity of the Church, just as the apostles spoke in many languages to people from all nations. It is a joyful occasion that encourages students to embrace their faith and live it boldly, with love and purpose. 

Term 2 School Mass

You're warmly invited to join us for our Term 2 School Mass on Sunday, 15 June at 9am. It is a special occasion for our school and parish community to come together in faith and fellowship. It is always a joy to see families gathering to share in this meaningful time, strengthening the bonds between home, school, and parish. These shared moments help nurture a strong sense of belonging and unity, reminding us of the values we uphold as a Catholic community. 

Our School Mass is a beautiful opportunity to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate the term’s journey so far. It also reinforces the partnership between our school and parish, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all. 

As part of their leadership commitment, all school captains and student leaders are required to attend and represent our school with pride. Their presence is an important part of their role and a reflection of their dedication to our community. 

Following the Mass, we invite all families to stay for morning tea. If you are able, please bring a plate to share—it’s a lovely way to continue the celebration and connect with others. 

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special time together. 

Learning at St Joeys

From PE - Mr Coman

On your marks, get set, GO! It’s Athletics season at St Joey's, and the energy across the school is electric.

Throughout this term, Physical Education classes have focused on developing the fundamental fitness, coordination, and technical skills required for students to confidently participate in a wide range of track and field events. From sprinting and long-distance running to shot put, discus, and high jump, students have been working hard to improve their personal bests and build their confidence in each discipline. Behind the scenes, staff have been equally busy preparing for our much-anticipated Inter-House Athletics Carnival, scheduled for Thursday, 26th June (Week 10). This has included marking out the athletics track, organising event rotations, and finalising all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and successful day. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the progress our students have made over the past seven weeks. Many have shown significant improvement in both skill and sportsmanship, and it’s been especially exciting to see their enthusiasm grow as they’ve been introduced to new events such as high jump and discus. As we head into the final two weeks of preparation, our focus will shift to ensuring that every student feels ready and confident to participate to the best of their ability. We look forward to welcoming our entire school community to come together and cheer on our students as they showcase their talents, determination, and house spirit at the Inter-House Athletics Carnival. It promises to be a fantastic day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition!

From LOTE - Miss Fisher

During LOTE this term students have continued to immerse themselves in the Barunggam culture and language. Students began the term with learning various symbols that represented family members and other important symbols in the Indigenous culture. They used these symbols to create an artwork that told a story. Students have continued practicing having a simple conversation in the Barunggam language which includes greeting their friends, asking how they are feeling and being able to respond to the question describing their emotions. They have also learnt traditional oral stories from the Indigenous culture including Tiddilick the Frog and The Rainbow Serpent, both creation stories from Dreamtime. Students sequenced the stories and explored the deeper meaning behind these traditional oral stories. They have engaged in learning about Reconciliation Day and why we, as a country, recognise and celebrate our Indigenous cultures on this day. Students will also be participating in our NADIOC celebrations at the end of this term.  

The GOSSIP - Student Newspaper

Next fortnight will be from the Sports Captains who will report on the Inter-house Athletics Carnival and the MacKillop Club will be letting us know about what they have been up to around the school and community.

As the younger grades need extra time with their newsletter item, the Year 1's will be starting Term 3 with their classroom topic: Statistics.

From the PEN

From the Parish

St Mary Of The Angels - Tara

Mass Times

Tara: Sunday: 9am

on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Meandarra: Sunday: 11am

on the 3rd Sunday of the month

St Joseph's Student Recognition

Bronze Award

Raymond Stinson, Joseph Cole, Flynn Burgess, Adrian Vines, Bentley Tucker and Nateesha Laird

Certificates of Recognition

Week 7 - Indi Warwick, Isa Hawkins, Eleanore Aylott, Lacey Pepper and Jason French

Week 8 - Malia Adhikary, Deakin Cole, Alayah Laird, Alexia deBoeck

From the Administration Officers

Camp fees have been emailed out, if you did not receive it please let me know. Due Jun 27, last day of term 2.

If you need any financial assistance, be sure to come in and see myself or Kylie to see how we can help. It is completely confidential!

HOW TO PAY YOUR SCHOOL FEES:

*Cash / Cheque, at the office.

*BPoint, in person at the office or over the phone.

*Direct Deposit:
Bank: ADF
Name: St Joseph’s School
BSB: 064-786
ACC: 100-025-583
Reference: Your Name/Customer Code eg. TRA1234             

*Centrelink Centrepay Deduction Payments can be made fortnightly or monthly.

The School’s CRN: 555075545A 

*Direct Debit: Forms are available in the office. Please see me or call the office.

Not Sure how it’s done?  Ask at the office for assistance.

Term Dates

2025

Term 1 2025 – Wed 29 Jan (Public Hol 26 Jan) - Fri 04 April

Term 2 2025 – (Easter Monday, 21 Apr) Wed 23 Apr - Fri 27 Jun

Term 3 2025 - Tue 15 Jul - Fri 19 Sep

Term 4 2025 - Tue 07 Oct (Kings B'day 06 OCT) - Fri 05 Dec

Professional Development and Planning Days (previously called Pupil Free Days)

• Wednesday, 22 January - Friday, 24 January 2025 - Professional Development
• Tuesday, 28 January 2025 - Planning Day
• Tuesday, 22 April 2025 - Planning Day
• Monday, 14 July 2025 - Planning Day
  
• Wednesday, 30 July 2025 - Bishops Inservice Day (BID)
  
• Friday, 5 September 2025 - Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ)

Public holidays

• Australia Day public holiday – Monday, 27 January 2025
• Easter – Friday, 18 April – Monday, 21 April 2025
• Anzac Day – Friday, 25 April 2025
• Labour Day – Monday, 5 May 2025
• King’s Birthday – Monday, 6 October 2025

Wellbeing Matters

Student Safety

EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE

It is a legislative requirement that all non-state schools have at least two nominated staff members to whom a student can report the behaviour of another staff member that the student considers inappropriate.  We call these specially trained staff members School Student Protection Contacts, or SSPCs.  Each SSPC has been nominated by the principal in recognition of their integrity, approachability and knowledge in the area of student protection.  Whilst students are encouraged to speak up to any trusted adult in the school community, it is important that they know they can access these specific staff members at any time should they have worries, queries or concerns. You will have noticed posters throughout the school depicting our current SSPCs.  The SSPCs are also published on our school website along with information about our student protection processes.  In everything we do at St Joseph's Tara student safety is our highest priority, therefore the SSPCs at our school are key personnel in our overall safeguarding processes.  Please see the poster below depicting our current SSPC team.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT