Newsletter - Term 3 - Week 6 - Issue 109

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Firstly, I want to acknowledge my bias in that I’m unashamedly a Pope Francis groupie and because of my bias I have a particularly strong opinion on the validity of his comments and thoughts. As is evident across the media not all people share my views as Pope Francis cops plenty of criticism, both within the Church and outside because he often talks about topics that some people think are outside his and the Church’s expertise. Despite this, Francis keeps talking about things like Climate Change, Immigration, the War in Ukraine, the growing disparity between rich and poor and the extraordinary amount of money spent on weapons – amongst many other things.

Critics exhort Francis to just keep his attention on ‘religion’ and leave social issues to those who know better. If Jesus had accepted advice like that, he probably wouldn’t have got crucified. In the recent Gospel story where Jesus told the story of the Mustard Seed, Jesus likens the Kingdom of God to a Mustard Tree which would shelter all. Never having seen a Mustard Tree, I thought for a long time that it must be a tree big, tall, and strong like one of our native eucalypts. A Mustard Tree, however, is more like a bush than a tree and anything or anyone using a Mustard Tree for shelter won’t get much protection from predators as it is very much a part of the world at ground level. In using the Mustard Tree as a symbol for the Kingdom, Jesus may have been reminding those wanting to be a part of the Kingdom that we have to be alert and aware and engaged with the world around us. This is what Francis is also doing. Francis is calling the Church and its people to be authentic witnesses and to get into the rough and tumble of life as Jesus did and engage with the world and community on all sorts of issues.

With this in mind I wonder what political party in Australia Francis or Jesus would vote for? I wonder if they would vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the Voice Referendum. I wonder what stance they would take on how tax is being gathered and spent? These issues right now are very important in how our community is creating the Kingdom of God. Francis gets involved in these issues and is very much prepared to wear the criticism that comes with doing so. One of our goals as educators at St Joseph's College is to partner with our parents and cares so that together we are empowering our students to also engage in the rough and tumble of life. By developing their critical thinking skills and social conscience we can all contribute to making our small part of the world a better place for all.  

This week I share a prayer for Pope Francis.

Lord, we ask that you watch over

Pope Francis and grant him the

courage, strength, and healing he needs.

Continue to grant wisdom, compassion, and

empathy to those who care for him.

In Jesus’ holy name we pray.

AMEN

Freaky Friday Musical

Congratulations to the students and staff on an amazing opening night performance last night. Your dedication and commitment to the preparation for your performances have ensured that you were so well prepared, and this was clearly evident last night. Good luck for your remaining performances. We are so very proud of you all, and the manner in which you have demonstrated and lived the ‘Joey’s Way’ over the last eight months. We are looking forward to the next two performances, and I encourage our families who have not yet purchased tickets to come along and support these wonderfully talented young members of our community.

SSI Red Lion Open Soccer Final

Congratulations to the Open boys’ soccer team who yesterday participated in the final of the DD SSI Red Lion Soccer Competition against Centenary SHS.

The competition was incredibly close, resulting in the match going into extra time and then shoot-outs. Unfortunately, Centenary SHS just managed to find the back of the net more than SJC, finishing the shoot-outs 3-1 to Centenary.

Well done to our boys who showed excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout this competition.   

SJC Towards 2024 Strategic Plan

As I indicated in last fortnight’s newsletter it is my intent to update the community on how we are progressing toward achieving the strategic intents of the St Joseph’s College Towards 2024 Strategic Plan over the upcoming newsletters.

The intent of sharing this information is to provide the community with appropriate information of the growth that we have achieved over the last three years and areas for further development. This information also celebrates and acknowledges the outstanding efforts of the students, teachers, ancillary staff and wider community who have led, engaged with and contributed to this growth over the last three years.

This week I will share the second and third sections of Domain 1 Teaching and Learning – Curriculum Structure and Provision and Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing.

Domain - Teaching and Learning – Curriculum Structure and Provision

Strategic Intent: St Joseph’s College is delivering a rigorous, diverse, and inspiring curriculum that challenges our students to pursue their passions and aspire to excellence.

Key Improvement Strategies: 

In relation to curriculum structure and provisions the College has:

• Developed a rigorous and robust Professional Learning Community. A PLC that in my opinion sits at the very top of the ladder of PLCs in our Diocese.
• Continually reviewed the curriculum offerings and structure and made changes to ensure all students have access to subjects that allow them to pursue their chosen pathways.
• Ensured all teaching and learning programs specifically address literacy and numeracy.
• Implemented a quality career education program providing all students with the opportunity to access information and experiences that will allow them to graduate with a pathway.
• Developed strong connections between academic and student engagement teams.
• Embedded impact cycles to provide appropriate data for teachers to work with students to improve their learning outcomes.
• Increased student participation in co-curricular activities through review and flexibility around the approach to providing these experiences.

 Domain - Teaching and Learning – Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing

Strategic Intent: St Joseph’s College continues to strive to maximise engagement in learning and the wellbeing of students to grow as valued members of our community.

Key Improvement Strategies:

The College has enhanced staff understanding and exploration of Relational Pedagogy through:

• Implemented relational pedagogy and the use of the Ignatius Room.
• Developed a number of platforms for gathering student voice on a range of topics across the College.
• Explored and engaged with strategies to assist teachers to know their learners through Student Engagement Data.
• Implemented and reviewed a mentoring program for our at-risk learners.
• Continued to develop, review and implement year level specific programs based around ‘The Joey’s Way’ imperatives.
• Educate teachers in using, The Joey’s Way as a model of pedagogy to maximise student engagement in learning.
• Engaged with and continually reviewed, The Joey’s Way Curriculum, built around the ACARA Personal and Social Capabilities.

As you can see through the review of domain one sections two and three, we have come a long way over the last three years and we have a lot to celebrate in our growth towards achieving our strategic intents across domain one. Congratulations again to all community members who have contributed, we look forward to continuing to engage with and embed these intents over the next twelve months and into the 2024 – 2028 SJC Strategic Plan.

Kort Goodman - Principal - KGoodman@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Deputy Principal

Earlier in the year we challenged all students to self-assess against the Engagement Continuum below. We have also provided students examples of what ‘Investing’ and ‘Driving’ would look like in relation to their Maths studies. I would encourage families to have further conversations regarding engagement, and in particular asking our learners what they are doing to ‘invest’ and ‘drive’ their learning across the subject areas.    

Cross Country, Colour Explosion and Shave for a Cure

Congratulations to all who were involved in the Cross Country, Colour Explosion and Shave for a Cure last week. The significant efforts of the Interact Team for all of their fundraising initiatives and the large quantity of funds raised for the Leukemia Foundation is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion from all students involved.  

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Musical

This week the SJC Musical Freaky Friday has commenced performances. Please see below a a selection of images of this fantastic production.

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There is a final show on Saturday night. Tickets are available via this link - https://empiretheatre.com.au/whats-on/freaky-friday

Upcoming Events

Brendon Willocks - Deputy Principal  -  BWillocks@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

On or Before the due date

With our Year 11 students starting their Unit 3 work in many subjects next term, I cannot stress enough the level of accountability to the QCAA. Unless there is an illness, injury or family emergency, all assessment must be completed on or before the due date. This is the QCAA wording. For submissions in Canvas and hard copies, this means before 3pm on the date the assignment or task is due. Assessment will not be accepted after 3pm.

I can only reschedule an exam based on an illness or injury only if I have a medical certificate that meets the QCAA specifications, but it will be a comparable exam and I must report this to the QCAA. The medical certificate must be dated the day of the exam. It must include a diagnosis or symptoms and include information about how the illness/injury will affect the student’s participation in assessment. The school will be required to write a similar (comparable) paper to the one that was missed. Similarly, I can grant an extension for an assignment if accompanied by a medical certificate. Family emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, but the QCAA suggest a bereavement as a typical example.

I cannot allow exams to be sat before the rest of the cohort for circumstances that are within the family’s control such as a family holiday or an appointment. If a student misses an exam or misses the deadline on an assignment and it is not supported by a medical certificate (or exceptional family emergency), your son or daughter will receive a Not Rated for that assessment instrument. In the event of an assignment, the teacher will use evidence submitted previously for that assignment to allocate a grade. In most instances that will be the draft or checkpoint submission. The importance of submitting a complete draft is important for teachers to provide feedback and establish evidence of work before the due date. In the event of an exam or if no draft was submitted, there is no recourse for gaining credit for that assessment instrument. If a student receives a Not Rated for any assessment instrument within a subject, they will receive a Not Rated for that subject. In other words, your son or daughter will not receive a subject result, it cannot contribute to their ATAR and they will lose 2 QCE points if it is in Units 3 or 4, or 1QCE credit for Unit 2.

Students must take responsibility for ensuring they are aware of assessments. The assessment calendar is accurate at the time of publication when I send a copy to parents and students. However, it is a live document and I make changes as required on the online version. Students are informed of any changes by their subject teachers and notifications are sent to students and parents. I advise the students to get into the habit of recording their assessments on their computer or phone using an electronic calendar. This way, if you ask them about a suitable time to make an appointment, they will readily have the information to hand and not have to go looking up the assessment planner on the School Intranet and website.

Report Cards

Interim reports will be emailed for Years 7 to 10 during the school holidays. If you have any questions, please contact the classroom teacher directly. Year 12 report cards for IA3 will be emailed next week to parents.

Year 11’s will receive a report card in Term 4, Week 4 at the conclusion of Unit 2.

SET planning Interviews

Thank you to the parents and carers who attended the SET planning interviews for their child in assisting with planning for Year 11, 2024. It is an exciting time for students as they reflect on their pathways for senior and appropriately choose their subjects.

Academic Support

If you receive notification via email that your son or daughter is requested for Thursday afternoon academic support in the library with their teacher, please respond to the letter by clicking on the form embedded in the letter to give permission. 

If your child can not attend, please remember to still let the College know as a roll is taken during the afternoon for attendance purposes.

If you have any questions about the Academic support notice, please contact the teacher concerned directly.

Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg - Assistant Principal - Curriculum - KFellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Last month, Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace announced a ban on all mobile devices in all Queensland State Schools effective from Term 1, 2024. Currently, more than 95% of Queensland State Schools have a ban on mobile phones. 

St Joseph’s College has elected not to follow suit in this regard. We believe our current guidelines, which you can read here, are best placed to meet the needs of our community. Our reasons for continuing our current process and philosophy are as follows: 

• While we do have incidents of device misuse at school, these incidents are relatively uncommon. 
• The vast majority of our students conduct themselves with dignity and integrity when using their devices. 
• Mobile phone misuse is not an all-consuming issue at St Joseph’s College.  

• In some cases, teachers may request that students use their mobile device as a learning tool, for example, taking a photograph of the whiteboard at the end of a lesson. 
• It’s important that our students can travel as safely as possible to and from school, the ability to contact a parent or guardian while in transit increases a child’s safety. 
• Students need to be able to pay for items at the tuckshop. For many people, EFTPOS payment via phone is the most convenient form of payment.   

In order to continue our current good faith arrangement with our students St Joseph’s College, please note the following points regarding our expectations of our students and their use of technology:  

• Use of a mobile devices includes using a mobile phone, smart watch or headphones/airpods. 

• Students may discreetly carry their device with them while at school, but they are not permitted to use it from 8:30am until 3pm on all school days (this includes carnivals, festival days etc).  
• Students may use their device to pay for items at the tuckshop. 
• Students may use their devices with the expressed permission of staff member.  
• Students must present all devices (including mobile phones and smart watches) to the supervisor when completing any type of examination in which the integrity of that assessment may be compromised by the presence of any mobile technology. 
• Students are expected to live out The Joey’s Way at all times, including in their online behaviour.  

 If a student fails to meet these expectations, they will be asked to take their device to student entrance where it will be held for the remainder of the day. 

• Parents will be contacted after the second indiscretion in a term.  
• Parents will be required to meet with the relevant House Leader after the third indiscretion in a term. 

Thank you in anticipation of your support as we teach our students to be responsible and respectful users of technology. 

Joseph Cryle - Assistant Principal - Student Engagement -  JCryle@sjc.qld.edu.au 

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

 Set our Hearts on Fire – Wear it Purple Day 

‘Set our Hearts on Fire’ calls us all to use our gifts and talents to create a better future for all. We can draw on the strengths given to us by the Holy Spirit to create inclusion, to offer support to others and to challenge injustice. It also reminds us of all the reasons we have to celebrate and how our diversity should spark joy in us.  

A group of staff and students whose hearts have been set on fire by the opportunity to celebrate Wear It Purple Day, have worked together to mark this occasion at the College in a simple but meaningful way.  

What is Wear it Purple Day? 

Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their very real responses. In 2010, several rainbow young people took their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity. As the world saw the faces of precious young lives lost, some young people found a new sense of conviction and purpose to ensure that young people everywhere would know that there were people who did support and love them.  

‘Write Your Story’.  

Each year, Wear It Purple’s Youth Action Council (YAC) brainstorms a theme relevant to them. Their task is to come up with the day’s focus based on how they’re feeling and the rhetoric in the LGBTQIA+ youth community. This year the theme they have decided for Wear It Purple Day 2023 is ‘Write Your Story’. This theme places emphasis on the importance of personal expression and individuality. In a world where social media and system structures often create pressure to conform to norms and certain expectations, this theme hopes to encourage young people to embrace their unique perspectives and to share their stories with others.  

Event Details 

Friday 25 August 2023 

Dress 

Students have the option to wear sports uniform on this day in order to ‘wear it purple’. 

Lunch time 

At lunch there will be an opportunity to decorate a purple door with messages of inclusion. The door represents our invitation to step into a more inclusive and welcoming future for all. 

We will also have social workers, Cody and Leah, from Inclusive Counselling Collective with us to celebrate the event and talk about their services.  

Celebrate Diversity & Respect Unconditionally 

Our insistence that each human being is an image of God should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. 

Pope Francis, Laudato si’ (2015) 

Like many religious schools, St Joseph’s College requires our community to commit to our College Values and imperatives. These values and imperatives are grounded in scripture and connected to the life and example of Edmund Rice. We believe the Joey’s Way is our unique contextualised way of expressing our Catholic identity and living our charism.  

As part of our Joey’s Way, we call on our community to recognise the dignity in every person as each person is made in the image and likeness of our loving God. Two of our imperatives – Respect Unconditionally and Celebrate Diversity – are of particular importance when we consider how we respond to people’s differences or uniqueness.  

Being created in the image and likeness of God accords everyone an equal and inherent dignity. We believe in an innate original goodness and a universally shared dignity. This belief shapes a hope-filled and life-giving outlook on life for self, others and the created world. 

(Toowoomba Catholic School’s Catholic Identity Position Paper, 2019) 

At St Joseph’s College we firmly believe that all are welcome at our table, and we stand for unconditional respect and dignity. This means that no matter a person’s race, gender or sexual identity they have a place in our community.   

Unconditional respect is easy…until it’s not. Some subjects are highly emotive for many people and this is particularly true of issues around gender and sexuality. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are committed to providing a liberating education for our community. This requires us to lean into the educational opportunities that come through dialogue on challenging and emerging topics.  

True inclusion is about ongoing respectful dialogue, even when it’s not easy. Diversity in this community comes on the basis of ethnicity, language, religion, gender and sexuality. However, it also comes from differing perspectives, experiences and opinions on issues that are, at times, difficult. In simple terms, dialogue is the only answer.  

We want everyone in our community to feel safe, included and respected. This is a powerful starting point for a dialogue about this topic. 

CONVERSATION STARTERS: 

• Why is it important to let everyone know they can tell their story? 
• How can hearing someone else’s story create visibility, community and acceptance?  
• What are some practical ways we can create a positive environment? 
• How can we include people more in simple practical ways each day?  
• How can we learn more about the issues impacting young people?  

• How do you challenge language or jokes that are perpetuating exclusion for groups of society?  
• How has our understanding of identity changed over time?  

Kellie-Marie Ford - Assistant Principal - Religious Education  -  KFord@sjc.qld.edu.au 

Academic Captains

The end of the school year is fast approaching which can be incredibly stressful for everyone, so don’t forget to look after yourself during this time.

For our fellow grade 12 students, trial exams are just around the corner and external exams are upcoming next term. The bittersweet realisation of graduation is near. For 13 years of our life, schooling has been our main priority, and the place where we would go Monday through Friday, along with spending our afternoons and weekends completing homework and assignments.

So, even though school can seem stressful at times, don’t overlook the moments and time spent with friends, and the memories you will create throughout your schooling. So whether you are in grade 12 or grade 7, cherish the moments you have left, and the memories you are creating.

For Year 12 students, QTAC applications opened on the 1st of August. The Careers Team will meet will all Year 12 students to support them with their pathway. Make sure you make an appointment. Keep an eye on university websites that you are interested in for scholarship applications and other resources that may help you. Lastly, make sure you have checked out the Trial Exam schedule for Week 9, along with the QCAA External exam schedule for 2023, so you are as prepared as you can be, taking the pressure off having to worry about when your exam is.

Last week, the college held an academic morning tea for students in grades 7 to 12 who received outstanding results on their report cards. Additionally, we had our award ceremony for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards based on semester 1 results for 2023. We are pleased to see a large number of students striving for excellence and doing their best in all aspects of college life. Dom and I would like to congratulate everyone again on their determination, perseverance, and outstanding efforts to receive these amazing results.

Our mission as the 2023 Academic captains was to ensure that every student at St Joseph's College was striving for excellence and reaching their potential. Along with these amazing results and everyone’s determination, we could not be more happy and proud of the students at St Joseph’s College. Keep pushing through, we are already halfway through Term 3, and before you know it, the school year will be over. In the future, we challenge each and every one of you to keep striving for excellence and doing your absolute best!

Our last message is one of an enormous thank you to all the teachers, students, staff, parents, and counsellors that have given us the support and courage to try our very best. This will be our last newsletter entry as the 2023 Academic Captains, and we couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity.

For the Year 12 students, we only have a few weeks left of school, so keep pushing through and don’t overlook the little things because the memories will last a lifetime.

2023 Academic Captains - Dominic Rice and Olivia Schuh

Brennan House

This last term I have been privileged to observe the amazing Brennan House and its students and their ongoing determination to always strive to be their best.  In the Athletics Carnival and Cross Country, Brennan House placed 3rd and 2nd accordingly and yet in both these carnivals didn’t have a large representation of Age Champions.  This small amount of representation would normally be a recipe for a wooden spoon thumping and yet in both carnivals, we scored very respectfully.  Ultimately our Age Champions stood up and did the House proud but supporting them was every other Brennan student who actively participated to the best of their ability even if sport, running or athletic pursuits weren’t their passion.  It is to the whole house that I extend my congratulations and thanks for another successful carnival season. 

Below I have included an article on 'Unlocking Success through Active Participation'. 

Unlocking Success Through Active Participation: The Power of Engagement 

In the pursuit of success, one often hears phrases like "hard work," "talent," and "luck" being tossed around. While these factors certainly play a role, there is a crucial element that often goes unnoticed but holds the key to unlocking the full potential of success: active participation. Whether it's in your career, personal relationships, or personal growth, the value of participation cannot be underestimated. In this edition of our newsletter, we delve into the profound impact that engagement can have on achieving success in all areas of life. 

1. Leveraging Opportunities: Active participation means grabbing opportunities by the horns and making the most of them. Successful individuals don't just wait for life to happen to them; they actively seek out opportunities, dive into new experiences, and embrace change as a chance to learn and grow.
2. Cultivating Expertise: Mastery is a product of engagement. Whether you aspire to be a concert pianist, a successful entrepreneur, or an expert scientist, active participation is essential. The more you immerse yourself in your field of interest, the deeper your understanding becomes. Through consistent effort, you gain insights, refine your skills, and become a go-to authority. Remember, expertise isn't an outcome of passive observation but rather the result of persistent engagement.
3. Building Meaningful Connections: Success often thrives in the garden of collaboration. Engaging actively with others opens doors to meaningful relationships and partnerships. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and expand your network. Through participation in workshops, seminars, networking events, and even casual conversations, you gain insights that can spark innovation, provide support, and propel you toward success.
4. Overcoming Fear of Failure: The fear of failure can be paralyzing, preventing us from taking action. Active participation, however, reframes failure as a stepping stone to growth. When you're fully engaged, failure becomes a chance to learn and iterate, rather than a reflection of your worth. Embracing this mindset empowers you to take calculated risks, explore uncharted territories, and overcome obstacles with resilience.
5. Fostering Personal Growth: Success isn't solely about external achievements; it's also about personal growth and fulfillment. Engaging actively with yourself—through self-reflection, continuous learning, and self-care—nurtures your well-being and confidence. The more you engage with your values, passions, and aspirations, the more aligned your path toward success becomes.

Incorporating Active Participation in Your Journey: 

1. Set Clear Goals: Define your vision of success and break it down into achievable goals. These milestones will serve as points of engagement and motivation along your journey. 

1. Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset that seeks to understand, explore, and discover. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and never stop learning. 

1. Embrace Discomfort: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace challenges and unfamiliar situations as opportunities to expand your horizons. 

1. Practice Mindfulness: Engage fully in the present moment, whether you're working on a project, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby. Mindfulness enhances your engagement and enriches your experiences. 

1. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. This positivity reinforces your engagement and fuels your motivation. 

In conclusion, success isn't merely a destination—it's a journey that thrives on active participation. Every step you take, every choice you make, and every effort you invest contributes to your progress. So, embrace engagement in all aspects of your life, and witness the transformative power it has in propelling you toward success. 

Here's to your journey of active participation and the abundance of success it will bring! 

Luke Logan - Student Engagement Middle Leader - Brennan House  -  llogan@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sport

Athletics Carnival

Our Athletics Carnival took place with a twist of déjà vu, as the day began with a familiar overcast and cool atmosphere, reminiscent of last year. However, this time the only element missing was the thick fog that swept in at the start of the day.

Despite the initial weather conditions, the event saw a turnaround with the misty rain eventually clearing and the sun making an appearance. The carnival turned out to be a successful affair, marked by strong attendance and enthusiastic participation.

Students, staff, and parents gathered to support and cheer for the participants, underscoring the sense of community that the event fostered. The students, embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and determination, took to the various track and field events with vigour and showcased their talents competing in the various events. Events were not limited to the seasoned athletes but embraced an opportunity for newcomers and novices to contribute to house points.

The carnival stands as a testament to the unpredictable yet exciting nature of outdoor sport. What began as dreary conditions soon evolved into a day marked by sunshine, cheers, and remarkable athletic performances. (Even the teachers got involved). The costumes, the sense of unity and camaraderie within the house groups and the memories created for years to come.

House points were: 4^th Murphy, 3^rd Rice, 2^nd Brennan, 1^st McAuley

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Cross Country and Colour Explosion

Runners from the 12- and 13-years boys and girls gathered at the starting line, each one eager to participate in the 3 km cross country event, to enter the colour explosion at the end of the day.

The races began with a burst of energy as runners took off in each of the age groups, their feet pounding the grass below them. The course led them around the school grounds, passing teachers as they found their way to the finish line overcoming their personal battles to complete the course. With each step they took, they encouraged each other offering a helping hand to those struggling, emphasizing the spirit of camaraderie that is part of our College values.

As runners crossed the finish line one by one, their expressions ranged from sheer exhaustion to unbridled joy.

Medals were presented to our place getters and the results were as follows:

The final house points were:

4^th Place:     Rice House – 9, 412

3^rd Place:     McAuley – 11,250

2^nd Place:    Brennan – 11, 292

1^st Place:     Murphy House – 11,682

Colour Explosion

Runners all changed into their white or black shirts and the start line was buzzing with energy. This event is not about speed but rather about getting as much paint on you as possible and embracing the spirit of the event.

As students ran around the oval, crawling under hurdles, going through hula hoops there were colour stations where the teachers threw vibrant powders and turned the space into a living rainbow. Laughter echoed through the air and runners and teachers embraced the colourful chaos, turning the event into a joyful and messy spectacle. Faces were streaked with colourful pigments as the students turned on the staff and covered them in powder as well.

The colour explosion turned into more than just a running event around the oval; it was a journey of shared experiences and unforgettable memories.

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Range Athletics

At the recent Range trials for entry into the Darling Downs trials for 12-year-old student, we would like to congratulate young Hayden Lobwein for his achievements at these events.

Hayden won the 1500 metre event in a time of 5:16.40mins, He placed second in the 200m and third in the 100m.

Play of the Week

Young Archer Klemm won second place at the 'come and try day' at Glennie in Athletics.

He had a brilliant day experiences events he would not normally have opportunities to do.

Well done Archer.

SSI Red Lion Final

Boys

The boys have advanced to the final of this competition. Playing in a grand final is an incredible achievement. It is often the pinnacle of a sport season where the best teams compete for the championship title. It reinforces the sense of camaraderie and unity among teammates.

Yesterday's final was incredibly close, resulting in the match going into extra time and then shoot-outs. Unfortunately, Centenary SHS just managed to find the back of the net more than SJC, finishing the shoot-outs 3-1 to Centenary.

Well done to our boys who showed excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout this competition.   

Girls

The girls had their road trip at last as we travelled down to Stanthorpe to play against Stanthorpe State High School for a place in the grand final.

Unfortunately, we travelled down with an injured goalie, who could not play because of her injury, one of our middle players had rolled her ankle at netball the previous Saturday and was out. One of our backs was still recovering from the flu but took to the field to give us 11 players on the field.

We lost the game 4 goals to nil, but they demonstrated great courage and gave it all on the field. This is an important aspect of sportsmanship and personal growth. Not every game can be won, but the effort and spirit they put into the match is what truly matters. It is these experiences that contribute to the development of both individual players and the team as a whole.

So, despite the loss, we are a young team, and we will continue to be proud of the girls and work towards 2024.

AAG Open Boys and Girls

On Sunday August 13 the Open boys and girls competed in the AAG Cup for Basketball.

The boys didn’t travel very well on the day and some development to do before we travel away to CBSQ at the Gold Coast in about 5 weeks.

The girls had a better competition but unfortunately were still bridesmaids to Centenary Heights who defeated us in both games, one being the grand final. While the result may not have been what we wanted, the team played well, and it was a collective effort. We will continue to encourage and support each other as we move forward for the CBSQ carnival.

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Debbie Newtown - Program Leader - Sport - DNewton@sjc.qld.edu.au

Connecting with Careers

Lunch and Learn Term 3  

The Career Catch-up Sessions will be held in Room 22b (next to the canteen). All welcome!! Bring your friends and your lunch 😊  

 UQ Transition from High School to University Information evening. 

 We invite you to join forces with UQ Ready—an exceptional transition to university information night. This event is designed to empower Year 12 and 11 students as they embark on their higher education journey.  

 The UQ Ready event hopes to offer the following benefits:  

1. Comprehensive ATAR Advice: Equip students with essential strategies to maximise their ATAR potential   
   
2. Expert Guidance in Responding to University Offers: Ensure students have confidence and clarity in responding to university offers.  
3. Streamlined Enrolment and Timetable Planning: Help students navigate the enrolment process and master timetable planning.  
4. Relocation advice and Support Services: Showcase diverse on-campus and off-campus housing choices, and provide valuable guidance and support for students’ transition to a new living environment.   
5. Building a Strong Foundation: Empower students with essential tips for a successful transition from high school to university.  

Secure your spot by registering below. Act promptly as spaces are limited.  

We look forward to welcoming you to UQ Ready—an event that will empower you to thrive in your academic pursuits and successfully transition to university life. 

 Audience: Students, Parents, Carers and Guidance Officers 

 Date: Tuesday 30th August 

 Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm 

 Location: Fairholme College  

  Register here.

Power Tynan Scholarship Program - Open Evening Registration  

The Power Tynan Scholarship Program is an opportunity for ambitious high school leavers to work full-time while studying a Bachelor Degree in Business & Commerce, Finance, IT Engineering or Communications. 

 The Scholarship recipient will receive on-the-job mentoring and development in their chosen field while studying part-time. Power Tynan will provide financial assistance to the selected students through the payment of a generous, above Award salary which can be used to cover a portion of their university fee. 

 We would love to invite you to our Open Evening happening on the 11th of October 2023 at our Toowoomba office to give students, parents, and teachers an insight into working at Power Tynan and to provide further information about the Scholarship opportunity. Please see the information below and the invitation attached. 

• Date    : 11 October 2023 
  Time    : 5:00 PM to 6.30 PM
• Venue : Suite 6, 618 Ruthven Street Toowoomba 

 For those outside of the Toowoomba area, the Open Evening can be attended via ZOOM.  Interested students must register for the event by clicking here by the 6th of October 2023. 

2024 TAFE at School program Applications are now open!   

Eligible courses include:  
 

 
More information can be found here: Darling Downs and South West Course Guide  

How to Apply  

To apply for the 2024 TAFE at School Programs, students will need to:  

• Go to tafeapply.com  
• Enter the application code TQSW2401    
    

Please note: TAFE are expecting a very high level of interest in this program, and they cannot guarantee that all applicants will receive an offer of place.  

What happens next?  

Offers of Place will be sent to eligible students, parents, and guardians in Term 4. You are encouraged to accept by the deadline.  

 School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Vacancies 
Certificate III in Health Administration – Middle Ridge Family Practice – Year 10, 11, 12 students 

• Certificate III in Business – Blooming Gorgeous – Year 10 & 11 

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery – Lily’s Artisan – Year 11 & 12 
• Certificate III Commercial in Cookery or SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality – Rak Thai Kitchen 
• Certificate III in Business – Max & Betty 0 Year 10, 11, 12 
• Certificate III in Business – Subway, Patty smiths, Noodle Box, Pacific Fuels, Bakery Cakery – Year 10, 11 students 

Check out the latest School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship vacancies here: https://www.sjccareers.com.au/for-students/current-opportunities & https://www.sjccareers.com.au/for-students/current-opportunities  

Year 12 opportunities 

• Full time Apprenticeship Opportunity – TMR/RoadTek Toowoomba Based - Certificate III in Engineering – Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic. 

• Apprentice Motor Mechanic – Ultra Tune Toowoomba West 
• QBuild Apprentice Positions –Carpentry, refrigeration mechanic, electrical, painting, and plumbing 
• Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic - Programmed Skilled Workforce.pdf 
• Bizgro Accounting Career Opportunity 

For all current Year 12 opportunities, click here:  https://sjc.instructure.com/courses/4228  
 
A reminder that you can visit sjccareers to signup for the newsletter, Connecting with Careers.  To keep up-to-date with upcoming career events, click here.  To subscribe to newsfeeds, click here. 

For more information please contact the Careers Team.

Maree Harman - Career Development Practitioner  -  mharman@sjc.qld.edu.au

Charlotte Penner - Careers Support Officer  -  cpenner@sjc.qld.edu.au

SJC - Community News

Our Parent Business Directory has begun and you may see some of our parents business in our column beside our newsletter! We would like to include more businesses. If you would like to be featured please send through any deatils and/or business graphics to: marketing@sjc.qld.edu.au

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

“THE NEW ALL WEATHER JACKET IS NOW IN STOCK’

The new jacket is fully lined and waterproof and selling for $99.00

Orders can be made online, paid for over the phone and all orders can be delivered to student entrance for your child to collect from there.

Online orders can also be delivered to your home for a fee.

Online ordering is available at all times and will only be packed during shop trading hours.

Please contact the uniform shop on the below details:

Phone:           07 4631 8514

Email:             sjct@midford.com.au

Ordering Online Process

www.midford.com.au     pass phrase StJC1956

Second hand uniforms are also available at the Uniform Shop.

If you have used uniform items that would like to donate, please drop off to the Uniform Shop during opening hours.  Donations are greatly appreciated.

If you have used uniform items that you would like us to sell for you, please call into the uniform shop and collect a “Used Clothing” form. Used uniforms items MUST be in good condition, hems intact, no holes, stains or missing buttons. They also need to washed, ironed and be the current uniform. 

If you have any questions, please call us on 4631 8514 during opening hours.