FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and All in the St James Community

Change is a view of the ‘now’ that inspires us to step out; change is inevitable; it cannot be halted. Change is also

uncomfortable; change challenges us to let go; but it also opens new doorways that, in themselves can initially be

challenging, that can bring about a fear of the unknown, but at the same time can excite us towards new

possibilities.

I was excited this week when our recent NAPLAN results showed a significant upward trend, a change in student

performance in Year 7 and Year 9. It was the change that staff had been hoping and even longing for because of

the huge amount of resources that the school had invested in teaching and learning practice over the past few

years. The work the teachers have done and continue to do is inspirational.

I was excited when, at Assembly this week, we acknowledged a host of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who were

selected by Queensland University of Technology as students with potential. These are young people who have

become aware of what change can mean for them and what a difference a bit of encouragement can bring. Such

incentives provide the impetus to move forward in confidence.

I was also excited recently when St James was selected among only a few schools to be invited to participate in the

Wesley Hospital’s Student Internship program, where selected Year 11 students would have the opportunity to

engage in the Health Industry by joining in a week-long internship in November at the hospital and to gain

wonderful experience that might open new pathways for them.

And I was excited, as I always am, when I had the opportunity to interview several young people who just wanted to

come to this place, this rather humble little school that somehow creates change in people’s lives; that offers kids

a new perspective, an inclusive place that totally understands where kids come from; a school that doesn't worry

too much about the past because it places so much emphasis on providing for these young people a different way

of thinking about themselves which can encourage them to unlock their potential.

That’s what young people expect: young people don't dwell on the past, they want to grasp a future in whatever

form it presents itself. Our vocation as teachers and parents is to present a view of the future that inspires them,

that embraces them, that challenges them, and, hopefully, that enables them to grow into the extraordinary human

beings that we and, indeed, our God, wish them to be.

We don't educate our kids for a present world, we educate them for a new and future world - a world where change

is the norm. We have to lead them to a worldview that is never content with drudgery, monotonous routine or

complacency.

But change is not simply about doing things differently because we can or because someone demands it. Change

can adopt a far more positive value. It can create a way of thinking, a way of doing, a way of serving that shifts us

from one position, one level, to a higher level, a richer vision of who we are. It is the reason we study; it is the

reason why we train in sport, why we strive to keep fit and enjoy good health; it is the reason we engage in the arts,

why we treasure the importance of enriching relationships.

Change is about us as human beings being ‘fully alive’, energetic to what can be achieved. It is what we hope our

young people will embrace and then go on to make real in their lives.

Live Jesus in our Hearts

Gerry Crooks

Principal

ABSENTEE LINE

3230 8655

Please clearly state student’s name, Year level and home room.

11 August 2017 Vol. No.25

Having trouble getting the College Newsletter at home? Would you like

to receive it via email? If so, please send an email to

school@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au and we will add you your mailing list.

1. Listen calmly to get the full story.

2. Reassure your child that they are not to blame.

3. Ask your child what they want to do about it and how you can help.

4. Visit www.bullying.gov.au to find out some strategies.

5. Contact the school.

6. Check-in regularly with your child.

Dates for Your Diary

August

14-15 QCS Trial 16 Brisbane Show Holiday 17 Student Free Day 18 Walk for Justice 18 Yr 11 Semi-Formal 22 South District Sports Finals 22-25 Yr 12 Outdoor Education Camp 27 P&F BBQ Stall Bunnings Albion 30 QCS Test

Please note the following in relation to Week 6 of the Term:

• Wednesday 16 August: EKKA public holiday.

• Thursday 17 August: Student-free Day (Staff Retreat).

• Friday 18 August: Annual Walk for Justice and Year 11 Semi-formal.

Because of these series of events, there will be no Newsletter published next week.

Deputy Principal Mr Tony McCulkin

2017 QUT ‘Student with Potential’ Award Program

Congratulations to Zoey Plater, Sean Connor, Rose Passaris, Alexander Abala and Syed Mehdi Alavi

from Year 10 for receiving a special Student with Potential Award from QUT this week. The aim of

these awards is to encourage students to continue to work hard so they can follow their career

goals; whatever they are. The award winners were presented with a certificate, $100 gift voucher

and an invitation to attend a function at QUT to celebrate their award. Well done to our students

for their hard work and for being acknowledged with these awards.

QCS Trial

On Monday and Tuesday next week Year 12 students will be completing a full trial of all QCS tests.

This will give them a chance to experience what the real tests will be like. They will also be provid-

ed with feedback on their responses. The trials will be conducted by Ms Corrie Shand, so students

will need to follow her direction. Regular classes will continue for students not completing the

tests. The real tests will be held on August 29 and 30 when Year 12 students from around the

State will complete the papers at the same time.

Subject Selection Forms

Year 10 Subject selection forms for Year 11 2018 are due by August 25. It is very important that

students follow the correct processes. Most importantly they must gather recommendations from

Heads of Faculty over their initial choices. Changes are best completed now if the advice is not in

favour of initial choices.

AP Pastoral Mr Martin Wiseman I have the privilege of meeting my colleagues in Edmund Rice schools a few times a year to dis-

cuss issues of a pastoral nature. It is a great way to connect with people who do similar jobs to me

and to tap into the collective wisdom of a group of fine professionals. I would like to share our

prayer from our last meeting out at Nudgee College. It is great!!

I’ve learned That we should be glad God doesn’t give us all we ask for I’ve learned That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular I’ve learned That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved I’ve learned That to ignore that facts does not change the facts I’ve learned That love, not time, heals all wounds I’ve learned That everyone deserves to be greeted with a smile I’ve learned That when you harbour bitterness, love will dock elsewhere I’ve learned That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks I’ve learned That I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it I’ve learned That everyone wants to live on the top of the mountain but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it. Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever!

Walk 4 Justice

Next Friday sees the latest instalment of this Jimmies classic. Here are the details:

Dress Code: Appropriate Free Dress – shirts and good running shoes

Students arrive: 8.25am and meet in the Hall

Walk starts: 9am

Students return: 10.30am – 11.30am

Sausage Sizzle for all students: 11.30am

Lower Yard Activities: 12pm – 2pm

Year 11 Dismissal: 1pm

Dismissal: 2pm

Year 11 Semi Formal

As stated previously, Year 11s will be dismissed at 1pm. All students attending the Semi Formal

must be at the Walk 4 Justice. Students are to meet Mr Wiseman before entering Tattersalls. The

evening finishes at 10pm and all students and their partners must be collected from the venue.

The Dress Code for the occasion is Smart Casual so that means for the boys: dress shoes (No

skates or joggers), pants (No denim allowed) and shirt (No polos). For the girls: appropriate Semi

Formal wear. Please note that any student not fulfilling these expectations will not be permitted

into the Tattersalls Club.

Attendance for next Week

Monday and Tuesday: Normal School Days

Tuesday and Wednesday: Holidays

Friday: Walk 4 Justice and Year 11 Semi Formal.

AP Identity Mrs Tricia Parry

This week celebrates the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop who was named Aus-

tralia's first saint by the Pope not so long ago. Saints play many different roles in our lives and it is

not uncommon for people to attach themselves to a particular saint in times of need. How many

times have we seen a medal of Saint Christopher in a car as a reminder to keep us safe in our

travels?

2017 QUT ‘Student with Potential’

Award Program

Staff and students alike are always

happy with a visit from Stormy!

Within our Religious Education Programs at St James College we do allow students to learn and

research saints. However, we also encourage the students to think about the qualities that make

up a saint as there are many modern-day saints within our contemporary contexts who can give us

ideals to emulate in order to improve the lives of others.

Our Service Learning Programs offer students, staff and members of our community an

opportunity to give of their gifts to assist others within our community and to make a difference. I

would like to thank all of those who contribute to these special activities as they make an

otherwise ordinary day often special for those who they serve.

So this week, let's remember what we can do for others to help them, even by offering a smile to

lighten another's load in the hope that their day is brightened just because of our presence.

I enclose the following Blessing for your consideration this week:

All powerful God,

We thank you for making St Mary MacKillop a woman strong in faith and conviction;

A person for all Australians.

Inspired by her example may we strive to make our country a place free of poverty

and injustice,

A place full of wisdom and learning, And a land where you are praised in peace and love.

Amen

Acting Head of Faculty, English Mrs Karen Lindsey

Interhouse Debating

This week saw our Senior Final between Carey and Long Houses. The topic was That Global

Warming is a Myth and it was an interesting and entertaining debate. Long House took the

negative and had a wealth of information and research about melting polar ice caps and rising

temperatures. Carey House fought back hard with good, solid attempts at constructing their

arguments around ‘fear mongering.’ Both sides made some valid “points of information” (where

debaters interrupt speakers and ask questions about their argument). Long House came out on

top, however, and can now claim bragging rights as being the inaugural winners of the Senior

Interhouse Debating Competition. Congratulations to all speakers – Jacob Forker-Freeman, Riley

McIntosh, Jonathan Lee and Esta Rarere. The Junior Final had to be postponed and will be held in

Week 27.

Head of Faculty, Science Miss Elisabeth Schaefer

ICAS Science Competition Results

In May, approximately 50 students competed in the Australia Wide ICAS Science Competition. This

is a challenging set of questions that assesses the following skills: observing, measuring,

interpreting, predicting, concluding, investigating, reasoning and problem solving. All students are

congratulated on their effort and achievement. The following students achieved awards:

Merits - Holly Barnes, Gibson Gray and Polly McKelvey.

Credits - Isaac Cashman, Timothy O’Brien and Angus Stanes.

Distinctions - Stephen Pham who scored in the top 8% of Australia and Ronan Carter who

scored in the top 3% of Australia.

All certificates will be handed out during class.

Excursions

In Week 2 of this term the Year 12 Biology students went on an excursion to the Queensland

Institute of Medical Research (QIMR). The students completed a practical in a ‘real’ laboratory into

antimicrobial activity, had a talk from a research scientist and toured the facilities. The students

really enjoyed the day and this is used as part of their assessment for this term.

On Thursday August 10, the Year 11 Chemistry students completed studies travelling to various

locations along the Brisbane River and collecting. They will now use this data to complete an

analysis on the overall health of the Brisbane River.

Science Week

Next week is Science week. Students will be participating in activities during class time.

Aurecon Bridge Building Competition

Next Tuesday three teams of students will be competing in the Aurecon Bridge Building

Competition. The students competing are: Plamedi Loko, Angus Stanes, Gabriel Stapleton, Bailey

Stephens, Emilia Watt, Irene Loromo, Andrew Holmes, Chantal Kalunga, and Timothy Kotzur. In

this competition the students are challenged to plan and build a bridge according to a set of

criteria. On Tuesday these bridges will be judged and tested for their ability to support weight. I

wish all of these students well in this challenge.

Head of Faculty, Library & eLearning Ms Nikki Carpenter

Library News

Come along to the Library to see our new display “If You Liked the Movie, You’ll LOVE the Book!”.

Books (that have been turned into movies) that are available to borrow include: Harry Potter and

the Chamber of Secrets; The Hobbit; Twilight; The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas; Atonement and

Watership Down. Ask Library Staff if your favourite movie started as a book – and borrow it!

Interhouse Debating Senior Final

Saint Mary MacKillop

eLearning News

A reminder to all students that it is part of their Laptop User Agreement (signed upon enrolment)

that they transport their College-issued laptop in its protective case at all times. Many students

are presenting to IT with damaged devices, which has been caused by their computer travelling

unprotected inside their school bags. Not using the carry bag provided negates the Accidental

Damage Insurance, and in many cases, families may have to pay for repairs. Parents are asked to

support the College by urging their student to use the bag that has been provided for the laptop.

Acting Mary Rice House Dean Miss Jessica Whelan

Mary Rice Olympics

On Thursday August 3, Mary Rice held its first Annual Mary Rice Olympics. Over 40 students and

numerous parents attended the afternoon in the hope becoming the Mary Rice Olympic

champions. The afternoon was made up of seven rounds which included a pillowcase race,

charades, wheelbarrow race, karaoke round, Homeroom teacher Macarena dance off, mental

challenge and an egg and spoon race.

Our judges Miss Yolanda Cano and Ms Di Riddle had some tough decisions to make when it came

to scoring. Mary Rice 4 won the Olympics with the most points overall, Mr Tooley won the most

enthusiastic award, Emma Lang scored Mary Rice Female Olympian of the Year, Thomas Markwell

scored Mary Rice Male Olympian of the Year, Maree Fielding won best Parent Involvement and the

Wooden Spoon award winner was Mary Rice 3.

Thank you to the House Leaders and Mary Rice staff for their help in the organisation and running

of the event. The afternoon was an absolute success and I can’t wait until we do it all again next

year.

Sport Coordinator Mr Scott Prickett

Mt Gravatt Districts

Two of our junior students represented St James at

the Mt Gravatt District Track and Field. Even though

their results weren’t the outcome they were looking

for, both students competed in all their events to

the best of their ability and represented their school

proudly. Congratulations to Holly Barnes and Isaac

Cashman.

QLD School Sports

On behalf of our College community, I would like to

wish senior students Dut Chol, Chol Guet and

Hussen Kosanda the best of luck as they travel to

Canberra to represent Queensland in Basketball.

These athletes will represent our College and State

proudly and we look forward to seeing the outcome

of their Championship.

Met East Sport Basketball

Congratulations to Yr 10 student Jana Taufua for

her achievements at the U15 State Titles. Met East

came away as champions for the 2017 titles. The

College looks forward to seeing Jana being a part of

the upcoming school championships for St James.

Sport Fundraiser

Next Tuesday there will be a bake sale on during the

lunch break to help raise funds for athletes who are

representing the College at elite levels. Nothing will

be over $5 so please come and help support this

cause. Both sweet and savoury treats will be

available.

If You Liked the Movie,

You’ll LOVE the Book!”.