25 June 2021 Vol 20

Dates for Your Diary Dear Parents, Caregivers, Friends, Staff and Students

June This week has seen the end of term and some days of PD for staff including the Berry St Wellbeing Refresher Course – the latter is based on Trauma Informed practices and works well for all students. 24-25 Qld Schools Futsal Cup Student progress reports are being finalised at present. 26-29 Gold Coast Invitational Basketball Tournament CQU QISSN Carnival – Starts Sunday with Opening Ceremony – we are on countdown! 27-2 July CQU QISSN and Confraternity RL Carnivals Nissan Arena is the venue and we will welcome 69 teams on Sunday which will be one of the biggest

school Carnivals in Australai! July At the same time CQU QISSRL Carnival will also have its Opening Ceremony at Iona College. Please 4-16 NAIDOC Week feel welcome to come on Sunday at 3pm to Nissan Arena – our students will be performing in the 11 Bunnings Fundraiser BBQ ceremony and there will be much excitement! If you are unable to attend the Opening Ceremony and 12 Student Free Day whole Carnival will be livestreamed on https://jta.live/. I would suggest downloading the QISSN App 13 Term 3 commences and QISSRL APP or go to websites to see times and draw. 15 Interhouse T&F Carnival 16 Year 12 Senior Formal We are very grateful to our staff and other helpers including students, and to our sponsors EREA, 19 Enrolment Information Higgins Coatings, ITEL7 Pty Ltd, Catholic School Parents Qld, SB Quality Cleaning, Struddy’s, Macksey Evening 6pm College Library Rush Architects, McInnes Wilson Lawyers. 20 Yr 11/12 Career Day We have received wonderful support and if you would like to help further please contact Ms Hannah White or Ms Yolanda Cano.

St James Girls QISSN Netball Team with Ms Romelda Aiken. St James Boys QISSN Netball Teams 1 & 2 with Ms Romelda Aiken. We are also proud of our commissioned design by Kulkarawa Meeanjinu which will be the theme design of our clothing at the Carnival and thank Struddys for their support in this art. The artwork denotes communities coming together as one. The hand symbolises Mirir (Turrbal word for God) reaching down to embrace and bring people, represented by the U shapes, together from different walks of life. The spiritual essence of this artwork is unity with Mirir imparting blessings upon each individual and the gathering of the community.

We were thrilled to have Firebird Player Ms Romelda Aiken come and watch, meet and work with our three Teams on Monday along side Ms Tracey Bruce, past Australian Player. Students were very inspired by Romelda and her background. Romelda was impressed with the skills of our students.

Ms Romelda Aiken with Vicky Wilberforce (left) and Cheyenne Pickering (right).

The Jamaican born athlete Romalda Aiken (6’6”, 1.98 metres) reached Australian shores in 2008 and has since won three ANZ Championship ‘Player of The Year’ titles, as well as representing Jamaica in multiple international tournaments. Not to mention playing a major role in leading the Queensland Firebirds to three premierships across her Australian career to date. The unique 2020 season was notable for Romelda, where she finished first in the league for offensive rebounds (110) and second for goals scored (583) across the whole league. Determined to add another premiership to her resume, the return of her dynamic partner in crime, Gretel Bueta, might just help her do so as she enters her 14th season with the Firebirds. Off the court Romelda has completed a course in both hairdressing and IT, however, has favoured her passion for coaching in the recent years.

Above L-R: Ms Ann Rebgetz, Ms Romelda Aiken

and Ms Tracy Bruce.

Below L-R: Ms Romelda Aiken, Blessing Tukumbane, Baraka Ruhirika and Mr Atem Atem.

ONE IN FOUR CHILDREN Gala Event at St James College – A Great Success! Congratulations to Stephen Kamal, and his team, and thanks to the many who assisted - it was a wonderful evening last Saturday night and our students were very impressive! Well done to Samuel Silver as MC for the evening!

Since its foundation by Stephen Kamal (a former refugee from then war torn Nuba Mountains area in Sudan) in October 2019, One in Four, has managed to deliver 50,000 books to Papua New Guinea and Sudan, as well as deliver 20 packs to Papua New Guinea that were generously delivered by the QUT Vice Chancellor. Overall, the foundation has set up 15 schools with books and have affected 750,000 lives. Professor Margaret Sheil Vice Chanceller QUT and QUT Faculty Heads attended and were strongly supportive! Stephen and friends (other Jimmies graduates) graduated from QUT. The other guests involved a range of supporters, but all were impressed by the very entertaining focussed evening and its goals. (Pictured below far left, Prof Margaret Sheil, Mr Stephen Kamal & Ms Ann Rebjetz)

Congratulations to Mr Andrew Ebrington, who received a special award for his role in helping drive the agenda! St James College along with Iona College (Fr Michael Twigg) received a beautiful award trophy for our support. And a big thank you and commendations to Mr Josateki Tora with the two wonderful dance troupes, Assistant Principal Identity & Global Identity Mr Isikeli Kubunameca in facilitating as well, Deputy Principal Mr Marty Wiseman running the door prizes, Ms Janet Beaman for helping with set up, Ms Louise Pope in facilitating student assistance as well, Gregory Terrace students who helped in selling tickets and catering, staff who attended the event, Mr Bruce Bitossi who organised and helped on Saturday, Mr Tony Holloway, Mr Perry Patel and team, Mr Alex Blann in planning, Mr David Cantwell with set up and AV, Ms Maria Young and administration for organising raffle and programs, Mr Atem Atem, Ms Hope Mugalihya and all others for all their support.

Those others who entertained were impressive – beautiful singers. We were all inspired by the speeches of Dr Joseph Yunis, graduate of St James and now a virologist! His story of arriving on Australian shoes as a teenager and being told TAFE was the answer, but then finding St James changed his life as then he completed Year 12 and furthered his studies at UQ. Overall, the event yielded some good funds and awareness, but also saw the incredible outcomes of the Jimmies schooling and its network and the impact of these young people so grateful for their education wanting to help and eradicate the shocking statistic of one in four children world-wide who are illiterate and not receiving an education! We also thank One In Four for their donation towards our College Bursary Fund.

Dr Joseph Yunis

Bursary Fund Donations We thank you for your generous support of our fund and are grateful that our number of donors has doubled from last year and that total fund amount will double. We await to hear the total count!

Student Achievements  On Monday 30 students in Years 7-10 took part in a whole day Debating Clinic at school with external coaches led by Mr Vadim Frolov and Mr Paddy Harten. It was terrific to see the keenness of our students and for them to develop their thinking and speaking skills!  Congratulations to Fund Raisers for Immersion trip, Amir Shirvani and Alireza Bagherishahkhali, who organised a Persian Dinner Experience of Cooking and Dining on Monday evening – thank you to Feizah for teaching us how to cook the beautiful meal and then enjoy it Persian style. It was a fitting acknowledgement of refugee week and the wonderful cultural contribution of refugees to Australian society.  Futsal Teams are competing for two days at Coomera  GCI Basketball Tournament starts tomorrow with our teams along with CQU QISSN and QISSRL on Sunday.  Ms Ariel Chen’s junior classes who have entered the Chinese Public Speaking Competition – they are so impressive!

Coming Events  Gold Coast Invitational Basketball Tournament (26-29 June)  CQU QISSN & Confraternity Rugby League Carnivals (27 June - 2 July)  Bunnings Newstead BBQ Fundraiser (11 July)  Student Leaders’ Inservice (12 July)  Interhouse Track & Field Carnival (15 July)  Year 10 Careers day QUT (16 July0  Year 12 Senior Formal (16 July)  Enrolment Information Evening, 6pm. College Library (19 July)  Year 11/12 Career Day (20 July) Enrolments Enrolment Interviews for 2022 and 2023 are now taking place, with limited vacancies available in all Year Levels. For all enrolment enquiries please contact Mrs Maria Young at the College on 07 3230 8600 or at [email protected]. You are warmly invited to attend our forthcoming Enrolment Information Evening on Monday 19 July commencing at 6pm in the College Library.

Staff News This week we farewell Ms Gabby McCarthy who has been teaching with us over the last 18 months and thank her for valuable contribution as she returns to her home territory in New York. We also wish Ms Gemma Bates-Smith the best in her coming news as she commences Maternity Leave. In addition, congratulations to Ms Renee Thornton on her wedding to take place in the break! A special thank you to all our staff for their committed work with our students – they really work hard to ensure our students are learning to their potential. Special congratulations to Mr Jon Reuben who has been the fastest player to reach 100 tries in the Intrust Cup history.

Take care and blessing for the break!

Prayer

“You, Wisdom, call us body, call us one, To walk together, people from many lands, under this same golden sun, together First Nations Peoples and all of us who have since come.

Together there is a new song to be sung, as old as time. Hear the yidaki, hear the bilma, the Ancestors call. Wisdom, help us to listen, to follow, to learn, to Ann Rebgetz grow. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.” Principal

The Theme of Naidoc Week is Heal Country, Heal our Nation – July 4th to 11th (to be celebrated at school in Week 1 Term 3)

Healing Country means embracing First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage. That the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders are respected equally to and the cultures and values of all Australians.

The right to protect Country and culture is fundamental.

Destruction and desecration of our sacred lands or ancient sites - some of the oldest human occupation sites on the planet – is an enormous loss for both our nation and the world.

But to truly heal Country we have more to do.

Our lands will continue to burn from bushfires, droughts will continue to destroy our livelihoods, without using traditional practices that have protected this country for centuries.

For generations, our Elders and communities have advocated, marched and fought for substantive institutional, structural and collaborative reform.

The aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the culmination of generations of consultation and discussions among our nations on a range of issues and grievances.

Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of our people. It must be a fair and equitable resolution.

Fundamental grievances will not vanish. In the European settlement of Australia, there were no treaties, no formal settlements, no compacts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people therefore did not cede sovereignty to our land. It was taken from us. That will remain a continuing source of dispute.

To Heal Country, we must properly work towards redressing historical injustice.

While we can’t change history, through telling the truth about our nation’s past we certainly can change the way history is viewed.

After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better.

For generations we have repeatedly called for just recognition of our right to participate on an equal basis in economic and social terms.

Yet such participation cannot be successful unless, first, there is formal recognition that Indigenous people have been dispossessed and, second, definite, specific steps are taken to redress the grave social and economic disadvantage that followed that dispossession.

Healing Country is more than changing a word in our national anthem – it is about the historical, political, and administrative landscapes adapting to successfully empower and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, nations, and heritage.

We are all looking for significant and lasting change.

We cannot afford to let pass the very real opportunity that now presents itself for reform based on a fundamental change in the relationship Australia has with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Deputy Principal Mr Martin Wiseman

I would like to extend my gratitude to all students and their families for the work they have done this term. Reports will be distributed during the holidays and I encourage all families to read and analyse them carefully.

We met with the students on the last day of school and reintroduced them to the College Diary and its myriad of uses. Particularly, we focussed on the generic homework pages. These help families immeasurably. Firstly, they get students organised. Knowing what subjects occur each day prior to the school day commencing allows students to actively prepare for their own learning and be proactive in managing it. As stated to the students, every line should be filled in. Even if no homework is set by teachers, students can revise, prepare for assessment and/or consolidate their learning each day.

The right hand side of the Diary sees the all important communication space. Please peruse this page at least once a week. Here you will see any communication directly from teachers, good/bad notes or even use it yourself to communicate with staff for any concerns or comments you wish to make. It is an important document and we look forward to students utilising the Diary in beneficial ways in Term 3.

I hope all families are able to spend some quality time together during the break and if you get a chance, please come to Nissan Arena or Iona College to watch our St James teams represent us with pride. Or failing that, watch us on livestream!!!

Assistant Principal Learning, Innovation and Pathways Ms Kristina Dolejs

K As we come to the end of semester, we have so much to be grateful for as a school community. There is always so much energy and activity around St James, which is the Jimmies spirit. Amongst the cultural, sporting and arts success, there has also been outstanding achievements and results in the academic and vocational areas of the college. In particular, our Year 12 students nominated for the Queensland training awards and those who have been chosen to attend STEM, public speaking and industry placement days.

A big thank you to Ms Margy Beddows and Ms Brooke Walters for the unenviable task of organising work placement for our whole Year 10 cohort. The students had incredible experiences and based on the feedback from employers were a credit to themselves and the college. Undertaking opportunities in a variety of workplaces from financial firms to health, education, construction and hospitality industries, the students were engaged and given incredible opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of work.

Concurrently, students have been busy finishing off their assessment for the semester. Report Cards based on the whole semester will be emailed and posted to the parent lounge in the second week of the holidays. A notice will be sent via the college app once this has happened.

A very big thank you must go to the incredible teaching and support staff at the college who have ensured learning, that extends and engages students, happens in the classroom. There have been outstanding results this semester, which is due to the amazing dedication, skill and knowledge of our staff. To the St James Staff – thank you for the hours of work, planning, organising, teaching, assisting, scaffolding, marking and marking again to give feedback and support the learning of our students.

Finally, can I remind all parents/carers that in order for your student to achieve, they need to be at school, ready to learn every day – this includes having charged computers, equipment to learn and being in all classes . The best support they can get in their education is encouragement from home. Have a very safe and enjoyable holiday – we look forward to seeing everyone back ready for Semester 2 on Tuesday 13th July.

Assistant Principal Identity & Global Advocacy Mr Isikeli Kubunameca

Refugee Week This week is officially Refugee Week and the theme for 2021 is Unity. The Refugee Week theme has a number of important functions:

 It raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees. The theme aims to highlight aspects of the refugee experience and help the broader community to understand what it is like to be a refugee.  It helps to make Refugee Week a national celebration. The theme provides a focal point for events across Australia, uniting separate activities into a single nationwide celebration.  It promotes harmony and togetherness. The theme unites individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause. The common theme is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity.  It broadens the impact of Refugee Week. The theme provides a common, cohesive message which can be promoted across the country, helping to maximise the effectiveness of awareness- raising activities. https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/refugee-week-theme/

This year as a community we continue to support our communities in the margins. One way is we shared in a meal at The Gardens Club which is connected to the Wise Foundation (https://www.wisefoundation.com.au/what-we-do/the-gardens-club/), who employ and train Refugees and Asylum Seekers for 6 months. This foundation and organisation are doing their part to support our recent arrivals and as a community we wanted to support them. Along with Ms Sue Cameron our Art Therapist, the students enjoyed lunch at the beautiful grounds near the QUT Gardens Campus. Next term we will continue to celebrate Refugee week, with an art project the whole school will participate in. More information on this will come closer to the date.

Art Therapist Ms Sue Cameron Farewells and Cultural Celebrations

arewell Elina and Mohammadamin FThis week, the College hosted a farewell to Elina and Mohammadamin Sayahi who are relocating to the United States with their family. It was an emotional afternoon as we shared stories of their memorable moments at the school. We wish them all the best in their new home.

ook It Persian Sytle COn Monday evening, Year 12 students, Alireza Bagherishakhali and Amir Shirvani hosted a Cook It Persian Style, to raise funds for their Immersion trip. Family friend Feizah, taught us all how to make two delicious Persian dishes and then we all sat together to enjoy the wonderful food and conversations. Thanks to the support of our community, the students have raised a substantial amount of money to cover their trip costs.

efugee Week Celebrations

ROn Thursday lunchtime, as part of our Refugee Week celebrations, some of our senior students participated in a lunch at The Gardens Club in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The Gardens Club is run by the Wise Foundation and provides workplace training for newly arrived refugees and people seeking asylum.

Development Officer Ms Berenice Anzellotti

Paddy Byrne, Year 12, has been creating food inspired ceramic sculptural works. So far Paddy has created a hamburger with cheese, egg, tomato with chips and a pizza. Paddy has a few more pieces he is working on that include a milkshake with a straw and chicken nuggets. Great work Paddy these works are amazing and look good enough to eat! Career, Development and Training Hub Ms Margaret Beddows

Year 10 Work Experience 14-18 June 2021 Last week Jimmies Year 10 students participated in work experience. The program had two streams; some students went to an employer, while others participated in the school-based work readiness program. Many of the students who went to an employer researched and made enquiries themselves which was a great introduction to workplace recruitment practices such as applying for a job and interviewing skills.

The school-based work readiness program was action-packed with ‘virtual’ work experience; a 360 virtual tour across a range of industries, workshops on workplace health and safety, professional presentations from industry experts and workplace taster tours. There was also an intensive “Looking for Work” session where students learned interview skills, resume & cover letter writing and applying for jobs.

Work experience is highly valued, roughly two thirds of all job vacancies require some level of work experience. Even in cases where experience is not essential, many employers will often select an applicant with previous work experience over an applicant who has none. Additionally work experience may be the first time a student visits a workplace and learns about employer expectations and the world of work.

As we head into the holiday break we ask our Year 10 students to reflect on their work experience and consider the following:

• What activities did you enjoy? • What activities were you good at? What did you find easy? • What activities didn't you enjoy? Why? • Did you meet anyone whose job you would like to do? • Did you identify any strengths that you have? What are they? • What did you learn about employer expectations? • What training might you need to do? • Would you like to work in the industry or job you experienced or for that employer? Why? • What other job or industry would you like to investigate?

Work experience programs would not exist but for the generous support of our host employers. Our partners and colleagues in industry provide a safe workplace, precious time, and supervision of students. We thank all the employers who hosted a student, your support in this valuable program is helping our students to become work ready and discover their passion.

We are always keen to forge meaningful relationships with employers who may be able to host students and encourage all in our school community to promote the work experience program. If you can host a student or know someone who may be able to, please email Margy Beddows at [email protected]. Teacher Mr Darin Coombs

Year 11 and 12 Outdoor Recreation Assessment Camps Over the past few weeks, the Year 11 and 12 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation students have been on assessment camps out at Jimmies on the Dam. The students have been working towards their competencies and completing multiple aspects of their certificate.

Some of the assessments involved canoeing five kilometres, kayaking five kilometres, mountain hiking with full backpacks for four hours and night-time hiking 14 kilometres with full backpacks. The students completed all the activities in 0 - 4 degrees some mornings and in pouring rain at night at times as well.

During the camps the students slept in tents and swags no matter what the weather conditions were, and they learnt about waterproofing their sleeping gear and how to layer clothing for the extreme changes in temperatures that they all faced during their camps.

The students all exceled throughout their camps and completing their assessments and competencies and should all be extremely proud of themselves and everything they achieved.

Until next time go outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Guidance Counsellor Ms Renee Thornton Jimmies Boutique This term we saw the launch of Jimmie’s Boutique. It could not have been such a success without the generosity and support of our St James College community. We were overwhelmed with items and the boutique received over 200 gowns (most of which were new!), two dozen full three-piece suits, dress shirts, dress pants, jewellery, formal shoes, and even offers to provide formal hairstyling and cuts for the boys on the day!

The response to this initiative is a true testament to the Catholic values and EREA spirit to which our school upholds, and on behalf of myself and the students we thank each and every one of you for your support. Many items have already been secured, and we are certain that the donations will be put to good use. Following the commencement of the Year 12 Formal and Year 11 Semi-Formal, Jimmies Boutique will remain accessible for students needing to access formal or dresswear for school related events, job interviews, and more, and a selection of the items will be donated on to rural communities to be used at their formals.

A special thanks to the St James College staff, students, past students, parents, past parents, Nudgee College, All Hallows, St Ignatius, Australian Schools Rugby Union, Yasmina Gower, Mandy Doran, Natalie Berndt, Mandy Cooper, The Berry Family, Monica Florence, Joanne Curry, Jane Crombie, Nerissa Retimana, Trace Woolaston, and the many kind strangers who donated without leaving their details. A big thank you to Jas Cooper, Tia Roberts, Lachey Button-Wright, Frazier Boyer, Patrick Burgess, and Kirt Vakalahi for helping to set up the materials and organise the items.

Teacher Mr Chris Brown

Today was a fantastic opportunity for our fitness students in Year 11 and 12. A long awaited industry visit to one the best CrossFit Boxes in the Australia – CrossFit Torian. CrossFit Torian is located behind the Courier Mail building in Bowen Hills.

The students where privileged to be taken through the basics of CrossFit (Squat, Deadlift & Strict Press) and a 15 minute AMRAP (As many rounds as possible) that included 30 Calories on a Bike or Rower, 30 Burpee’s and 30 Plate floor to sky movements with Head Coach, Royce Dunne and his team. Coach Dunne competed at the 2018 CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. Some of our stronger students maxed out on deadlift at 170Kg’s at which point Coach Royce jumped in and showed our students that it was a warm up weight for the professionals.

Opportunities like these are fantastic for our students. I like to thank Mr James Anderson for helping with the excursion and both Mr James Petaia and Mr Wiseman for supporting this on a student free day.

Finance Manager Ms Genevieve O’Sullivan

Just a friendly reminder that all 2021 FEES are now OVERDUE, unless you are on a regular payment plan or direct debit – if so, please ignore this request and continue with your agreed payments. You can check your current fees account balance at any time via Parent Lounge (via the College website or App, just follow the Network Access link). Should you require a payment extension or wish to have a confidential discussion regarding a possible fees concession due to financial hardship, please don’t hesitate to contact Genevieve or David on 3230 8600 or via email [email protected] English & Communications Teacher Ms Heidi Chapman

Autism and Disability Awareness Learn about the struggles of Keanu Reeves, Whoopi Goldberg, Muhammad Ali and Majic Johnson and how they were able to turn their struggles into strengths!

Workshop details and online ticketing can be accessed directly at https://events.humanitix.com/tours/school-holidays-2021