Newsletter - Term 1 - Week 6 - Issue 118

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

In this week’s Sunday Gospel from Mark, the Lord calls out to Moses and shows that he hears and sees the misery of his people. Today too, the cry of so many oppressed brothers and sisters around the world can be heard. The current world situations in Gaza and Ukraine highlight tremendous suffering, whilst locally many in our community struggle to find accommodation and put food on the table. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does that trouble us? Does that move us? The Lenten period provides a time for us when we might consider doing something for others which lets them know that we hear their suffering. Would you consider donating to St Vincent de Paul or another charitable organisation or a financial contribution from the Project Compassion appeal at your local Catholic Church? At St Joseph’s College, our students are engaged in several social justice activities such as Rosies where students assist with feeding those less fortunate in our community and the Breakfast Club at Clifford Park School. As we journey through the Lenten period, I encourage all to think about how we hear the cries of others in our families and communities, find compassion in our hearts, and act with justice.

Last weekend many of our music students and staff led by Ms Minns travelled to Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast to hone their music skills. Students from our ensembles and choirs engaged in workshops and practice sessions whilst also enjoying a trip to the beach and an ice cream. Such events show the richness of opportunities available at the College and I take this opportunity to thank parents for supporting your children to attend this event and staff members Ms Scott, Mr Weeldon, Mr McKenzie, Ms Leigh Price, and Maintenance Staff who generously gave of their time.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit several classes and witness learning in action. Ms Digweed’s Year 10 Business class was busy planning a venture that considered marketing, consumable costs, and research with the ultimate aim of selling a product. Ms Kenny’s Year 10 Business Accounting class learnt about constructing journals to manage cash flow, whilst Mr Wheeldon’s Year 12 General Mathematics class examined the practical applications of latitude and longitude. Importantly, each class was applying numeracy and literacy skills in real-world contexts.

During Week 8 and 9, our Year 7 and 9 students will participate in NAPLAN. These assessments provide a snapshot of a student’s and Year level cohort abilities in numeracy and literacy. Our students are prepared for these assessments through their regular classes where teachers provide explicit instruction in literacies and numeracies relevant to the subject. Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 also receive an extra lesson of instruction in literacy skills in English and Humanities. Our teaching staff have been progressively engaging in a training program called Subject Discipline Literacies which develops their ability to provide the required instruction to students. Each teacher undertakes the equivalent of four days' training.

The most important literacy skill is the ability to read and comprehend what has been read. There are five key pillars that underpin successful readers:

1. Phonemic Awareness – the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds.
2. Phonics – the ability to identify the relationship between letters and sounds to decode words.
3. Fluency – the ability to read text accurately and quickly.
4. Vocabulary – refers to the words learners use to communicate through reading and writing.
5. Comprehension – the ability to make meaning from what has been read.

Some tips for supporting literacy development at home with teenagers:

1. Have regular conversations with your child about a range of topics. This helps increase their oral language and their vocabulary range.
2. Encourage teenagers to read what they are interested in e.g. sports reports, books made into films.
3. Consider reading with your teenager and then asking questions about the text.

Jim Brennan - Principal - jbrennan@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Deputy Principal

 Our Collective ‘Posture’

How would you characterise the ‘posture’ of our SJC community?

In simpler terms, what do we proudly stand for? How do we engage with one another and the world around us?

We could use the metaphor of ‘posture’ to describe the challenge of living in a community with others. The image we project through our actions and behaviours holds significance. It reflects how we embody our values and beliefs. Similar to the reminders we received at the dinner table from our parents to ‘sit up straight, don’t slouch,’ a healthy communal ‘posture’ fosters positive interactions. It emphasizes our commitment to being present and purposeful when sharing with others.

At times, maintaining good ‘posture’ can be exhausting, and we may need reminders or moments of rest. Just like the postural muscles supporting our spine and core, ‘posture’ can be strengthened through dedication and practice. Eventually, a healthy ‘posture’ becomes second nature—we do it without even realising it. Our cultural identity is shaped by this collective stance, and our parents would undoubtedly be proud!

A quick preview of our St Joseph’s College Facebook page would showcase the wonderful opportunities and ‘posture’ that we value in our college community ranging from academic, sporting, social, and cultural excellence. A holistic ‘posture’ for our young people where we stand for respect, compassion, endeavour, dignity and shared values. 

Let us continue to reflect on these achievements and consider the following questions:

• How can we further support and uplift one another? Small gestures matter.
• What values and ‘posture’ do we want to personify as a community?
• How can our collective ‘posture’ contribute to a better world?

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Year 11 Academic Assembly focus
Congratulations to the following students who in Year 10, Semester 2, 2023 received all Very Good and Good learning behaviours on their report card. Well done!

Year 11 and 12 students will receive report cards in Week 8. For Year 11 this is an interim report outlining how students are going with their new Unit 1 subjects. For Year 12, we will be reporting on their first Internal Assessment. This will be a provisional result until it is confirmed by QCAA.

At the end of term, all students in Years 7 – 10  will receive an interim report card as below.

As parents and carers, could you please consider asking your child to reflect on their progress by discussing with you where they think they are in their learning. Students should be able to provide feedback on where they are with their academic progress on a 5-point scale (A to E), and their learning behaviours – Application, Participation, Punctuality, Organisation by indicating what they think they will receive from their teachers – Very Good (VG), Good (G), Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N).

We would like students to reflect on their goals for the term and indicate which goals they have achieved and how they have demonstrated this.  Students should be reflecting on their punctuality, cooperation, uniform and participation in Joey’s Way.

Finally, we would like students to review their attendance this term. Obviously, there are often genuine reasons when they are away (like sickness) but we would still like students to reflect on their attendance and discuss with parents and carers how they can continue to engage and improve attendance if needed.

Of course, if you have any questions about your child’s report card, please contact the classroom teacher and I would encourage you to attend the upcoming parent–teacher–student conferences.   A letter will be sent to all families later in the term about the upcoming conferences and you will be able to book appointments via sentral.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

At St Joseph’s College, we pride ourselves on the way we wear our uniform. Of course, to simply say that uniform is our primary or only concern, would be to dangerously diminish the value of teaching and learning, service, sport, the arts, and any number aspects of college life that make this community what it is. Messages about uniform expectations, however, must be circulated widely, clearly, and regularly.

Our identity as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition underpins our approach uniform, specifically around the dignity of each student. When educating poor students in Waterford, Ireland, Edmund Rice ensured that all students had a proper uniform in which they could take pride. Vitally, our uniform expectations can be adhered to be all students, regardless of their families’ financial position. The problems in, for example, uniform-less American high schools where students frantically attempt to keep up with each emerging (and often expensive) trend is well documented. We do not want a similar culture here.

Earrings- What Do We Mean by Discreet?

Our uniform expectations regarding earrings say that students can have no additional jewellery other than a plan watch, small religious symbol and…

One pair of discreet sleepers or studs in each earlobe.

Terms such as ‘one pair’ and ‘in each earlobe’ are very clear- students are not permitted to have any bonus earrings either in their earlobe or elsewhere. The word discreet, however, is much more open to interpretation. We hope the following will provide you with clarity.

For a variety of reasons, including the possibility of loss or damage, the college strongly advises that students refrain from wearing expensive jewellery to school. These include:

We hope that this provides students and their families with clarity of what discreet earrings look like and, vitally, the reason we hold these boundaries for our students.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Compassion  

The sacred season of Lent is a time of reflection, penance, and spiritual growth for the Catholic community worldwide. Lent invites us to journey inward, to examine our lives, and to deepen our relationship with God. One of the most profound lessons Lent teaches us is the value of compassion. 

Compassion lies at the heart of Christianity, echoing the very essence of Christ's teachings. It's more than just feeling sympathy; it's about understanding, empathy, and taking meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of others. In this season of Lent, we are called to emulate Christ's compassion in our daily lives.  

Understanding the Call to Compassion 

In the Gospels, we see numerous instances where Jesus demonstrates profound compassion towards the marginalized, the sick, and the oppressed. He heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and comforts the broken-hearted. Jesus doesn't just preach about compassion; He embodies it in every aspect of His ministry. 

During Lent, we are invited to walk in His footsteps, to actively seek out opportunities to show compassion to those around us. It might be through acts of kindness, volunteering our time and resources, or simply lending a listening ear to someone in need. Lent reminds us that compassion isn't just a virtue; it's a way of life. 

Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life 

As members of the Catholic community, we are called to be beacons of compassion in our families, schools, and communities. Lent provides us with a structured time to examine how we can live out this call in practical ways. It's a time to cultivate a compassionate heart through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 

Prayer: Use this time of Lent to pray for those who are suffering, for those who are marginalized, and for the strength to be instruments of God's compassion in the world. 

Fasting: While fasting traditionally involves abstaining from food, it can also mean abstaining from negative behaviours or attitudes that hinder our ability to show compassion. Let go of anger, judgment, and selfishness, and instead, cultivate a spirit of love and understanding. 

Almsgiving: Generosity is a tangible expression of compassion. Consider donating to charitable organisations like our Compassion Cup, volunteering your time to serve the less fortunate through Breakfast Club and Rosies, or reaching out to those who may be lonely or struggling. 

As we journey through Lent, let us embrace the transformative power of compassion. Let us heed the call to love one another as Christ loves us, and to be instruments of His peace and mercy in the world. May this season be a time of spiritual renewal, deepening our commitment to living lives of compassion, justice, and mercy. 

Prayer 

Lord, help me to have a heart filled with compassion and love for others. Guide me through the Spirit to anyone who needs your love, compassion, and encouragement. Lord, you know every heart and I need your guidance to identify people that need you. Help me to be Christ-like with my thoughts, words, and actions today. In Jesus name, Amen. 

COMPASSION CUP – Project Compassion  

As part of Lent, we are calling upon each Joey's Way group to give to Caritas.  

Around the world, people are coming together to make the world a better place. Whether it is ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe water supplies or a sustainable income source or adequate health care for their families. Please donate and help provide hope for a better future. Let's go further, together. 

Each JW group has the opportunity to gain house points. At the end of the term, you will be allocated points based on how much money you have raised. All points will then be combined in your house to find the ULTIMATE HOUSE COMPASSION CUP WINNER!  

Go to:  https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-josephs-college-toowoomba and use the drop-down box to select the JW Group you wish to support. 

Or use the direct link to each JW donation page:  



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

Mission Captains

Hi! We are Kira and Tyler, the 2024 SJC Mission Captains. We are super excited to be in this role and have so many great things planned for the year. This year, we particularly want to focus on increasing the hands-on participation in service around the school, which manifests in a variety of different ways.

Liturgical Theme – 

The 2024 liturgical theme “With these hands, we create…” focuses on many aspects of college life, particularly the hands-on learning experience provided and our College motto, “Serve Him in Others”. 

We wanted to focus on the hands-on expression of our faith. Throughout the past years, the liturgical themes have focused on the heart and the head imperatives, so we thought it was time to focus on hands. “With these hands, we create…” means so many things to so many people, but to us, we believe it means to encourage action and involvement in all the ways we live out our faith in the Joey’s community. We believe this theme will motivate the community to get involved, be creative, share ideas and work together to achieve goals and live out our motto, ‘Serve Him in Others.' 

Compassion Cup – 

Starting this week, JW groups will each have their own Caritas fundraising portal online. Every dollar raised through the portal contributes a point towards the House total for the Compassion Cup. At the end of Lent – in Week 10 – we will determine which house has raised the most money for Caritas’ project compassion campaign.

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign. It mobilises Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world.

The house that comes in first will receive 200 points towards the House Cup, 2nd – 150 points, 3rd -100 points and 4th place – 50 points.

You can find your donation page on the JW Canvas page and in upcoming Newsletters. We hope we can raise much-needed funds for the work of Caritas.

Their work enables us to reach out with compassion to communities in need, such as the most vulnerable communities in Africa impacted by the food crisis, families in Türkiye and Syria affected by the 2023 earthquake, as well as other projects across Asia, the Pacific, Africa and here in Australia.

Social Justice & Service Groups:

For anyone looking at joining a service group, Joey’s offers a wide range of opportunities to “Serve him in others”:

2024 Mission Captains - Kira Standeaven and Tyler Warrener

Brennan House

Welcome back to Brennan house for 2024. This year we are capably led by our 2024 Captains Maddison Skuse and Cooper Van Der Linden.  Our elected captains have set themselves some great goals to lead Brennan to even greater heights through a real focus on student involvement and participation in everything St Joseph’s has to offer.  I look forward to seeing the results of their admirable goals for 2024.

Swimming Carnival

At the Swimming Carnival Brennan students were seen in the pool displaying some incredible efforts no matter if they were swimming champions or could hardly keep their heads above the water.  I would like to acknowledge and celebrate all the Brennan students who turned up to the carnival and supported the House; whether it was in the water, swimming, or in the stands, chanting war cries.  Special mention needs to go to all the Brennan students who received Age Champion for the carnival including:

• Kyanna Lance
• Chloe Shaw
• Michael Willett
• Eloise Janke
• Eliza Hunter
• Riley Bryant
• Lydia Dull
• Chase Deurloo
• Will Gillies
• Bec Scott
• Oscar Meara
  

Attendance

At the end of Week 4 we reviewed Brennan attendance data and sent some reminder letters out to parents about our school attendance target of 95%.  With some students I am frequently having conversations around the importance of getting to school every day.  As a school we acknowledge that students will be sick on occasion but, through conversation, I have challenged students to reflect on those days when they may be ‘chucking a sickie’, having a ‘lazy day’ or ‘doona day’ at home and for them to strive to be at school and be the best that they can be.

Below is information shared with students.  We celebrate those students who are at 95% attendance and above while also laying down the challenge for those students in the 80 – 95% attendance to see if they could improve their attendance record and strive for 95% by the end of the term.

Brennan Average Attendance 90.4%​

37 students          100%​

65 students          95% - 100%​

107 students        80% - 95%​ - Challenged to improve

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

Upcoming NAPLAN

Once again, this year, students in Years 7 and 9 will participate in a National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN is designed to test numeracy and literacy at the appropriate year levels. The results of these tests are released to the community on the website www.myschool.edu.au.

NAPLAN Online

Federal, state and territory education ministers agreed that NAPLAN would move online from 2017 – over a two-to-three-year period. St Joseph’s College has engaged with the online platform since 2021 and will continue to in 2024.

Student Preparation

As a school we will continue to prepare students for the rigors of NAPLAN Online. Students have been working on a variety of Literacy & Numeracy activities and, in the coming weeks, will become familiar with the strategies in undertaking an online test. The various departments have been and will be undertaking the following preparation with the Year 7 & 9 students:

• Whole school Strategic Grammar and Punctuation Program
• Whole School Literacy focus
• Whole School Writing focus
• English Department – Writing (Persuasive and Narrative genre), Spelling, Guided Reading techniques, Grammar and Punctuation, Literacy Improvement English guided reading lessons.
• Mathematics Department – Numeracy (both with calculator and without calculator)
• Humanities Department – Literacy Improvement Humanities guided reading lessons.
• Science Department – Vocabulary

Literacy and numeracy are crucial to success, and as such are considered fundamental in education. Completion of this preparation program may assist your learner’s performance in these examinations as well as their academic studies.

Key Dates

• Wednesday 13 – Monday 18 March - Year 7 and 9 students will complete the NAPLAN Online Test over four days
• Monday 18 – Monday 25 March - Catch up testing window for students who were unable to complete one or more of the tests during the scheduled testing window

If you do not want your learner to undertake one or all of the NAPLAN tests, please contact the College for more information regarding withdrawal.

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming NAPLAN testing, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Mrs Kirstie Andrews - Middle Years Learning Leader/NAPLAN Co-Ordinator - kandrews@sjc.qld.edu.au          

Sport

Friday Night Basketball

Last week the teams travelled over to St Mary's to play Wilsonton State High School in the junior grades and Concordia in the Open girls and boys.

Year 7/8 girls

The girls had a comfortable win defeating Wilsonton 42 to 16. The girls played well together with Hayley Keller and Emily Harch standing out for their hard work on defence, consistently gaining possession of the ball for their team by picking up numerous free balls. Lara Yaxley and Athena Wirihana were notable for their strong offensive play, with Lara scoring 15 points and Athena scoring 10. Erin Richardson put up 6 points, Hayley 5, Sophia Kmita 4, and Emily Harch 2 points to the scoreboard.

Overall, it was like a well-rounded team effort, with both defence and offense playing crucial roles in securing the win.

Year 7/8 Boys

This was a very exciting and intense game with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the game before the team emerged victorious with a final score of 49 to 41 points. Despite Wilsonton's strong performance, the team managed to maintain composure, particularly shining in the final quarter to secure the win.

Judd Taylor had an outstanding performance, leading the team with an impressive 22 points. His sharp shooting undoubtedly played a significant role in the victory. Tyce Fraser provided valuable support with 10 points, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Hunter Smith stood out not only for his 9 points but also for his prowess in rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Additionally, Allen Kwitonda, Wad Rampling, Sam Jones, and Jonathon Skuse each contributed 2 points, demonstrating a collective team effort in securing the win.

Overall, it was a thrilling game with standout performances from multiple players, ultimately resulting in a well-deserved victory for our team.

Year 9/10 Girls

 Congratulations to the girls on their impressive victory! They played exceptionally well as a team, showcasing their cohesion and basketball skills.

The team demonstrated their dominance on the court with a commanding win, finishing with a score of 76 to 15 against Wilsonton.

Krystal Timms led the scoring charge with an impressive 19 points, followed closely by Sami Hunter with 17 points and Kaley Markey with 16 points, highlighting the team's strong shooting ability.

Lara Yaxley contributed 10 points to the scoreboard, while Athena Wirihana added 8 points, and Charlotte Wiedman scored 4 points, further bolstering the team's offensive output.

Additionally, Jada Guok managed to secure 2 points, making her mark on the scoreboard, while Emmersyn Ranford's significant contributions off the boards and strong defensive play were invaluable to the team's success, despite not scoring herself.

Year 9/10 Boys

The boys also had a successful game, demonstrating their individual talents and teamwork on the basketball court. The boys also demonstrated their prowess with a convincing win, defeating Wilsonton 61 to 30 points.

Dean Sowry stood out with a strong performance, leading the team in scoring with 17 points, closely followed by Jamison Brown, who contributed 16 points to the scoreboard. Elvis Mgutu also made a significant impact with 12 points, showcasing his scoring ability during the game.

Jacob Wirihana added 6 points to the team's total, while Kobe Guok and Oliver Foley contributed 4 and 2 points respectively. Tobias Willey and Ryan Richardson each scored 1 point, contributing to the team's overall offensive output.

Unfortunately, Ryan Richardson faced a setback with a reinjured left shoulder just 5 minutes into the game, preventing him from participating further.

Overall, the boys put on a strong display of skill and teamwork, securing a well-deserved victory. Their efforts both individually and collectively contributed to the team's success on the court.

Open Girls 

The open girls also had an impressive performance, particularly in the second half, to secure a strong win against Concordia. Despite a fairly close first half, the girls found their rhythm and clicked, leading to a convincing victory with a final score of 51 to 23.

Rebecca Scott overcame a slow start to the game, eventually leading the team in scoring with an impressive 23 points, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. Kaley Markey continued her excellent form from the previous game, contributing 15 points to the scoreboard, and showcasing her consistency and skill on the court. Sami Hunter also made a notable contribution with 9 points, further bolstering the team's offensive output.

Nancy Daniel, while scoring 4 points, made a significant impact on the defensive end of the game, demonstrating her defensive prowess and overall contribution to the team's success.

It was a well-rounded performance from the open girls, with each player making important contributions to secure the victory. Their ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan effectively in the second half was key to their success against a competitive opponent like Concordia.

Open Boys

Unfortunately, this week there was no last-minute buzzer beater, but we have to acknowledge the strengths of the opposing team and recognize areas for improvement within our own team. We suffered and experienced a tough loss with a final score of 55 to 35.

Oliver Smyth emerged as the top scorer for your team, contributing 14 points to the scoreboard. Dylan Stephens also made a notable effort, securing 7 points for the team. Charlie Jensen and Deng Bol Malek each added 4 points to the team's total, while Thomas Adams rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

While it was a disappointing result, it's important to learn from the experience and use it as motivation to improve for future games.

Losses are a part of sports, and they provide valuable lessons that can help a team grow and develop. It's clear that the team has the resilience and determination to bounce back and be in the next game.

Swimming Carnival

It's always great to see students coming together to participate in activities like swimming, especially when the weather is ideal for it. Congratulations to the winner of the Swimming Carnival! And kudos to all the students who pushed themselves in the 50m events – indeed, stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a testament to one’s character and determination and following our imperatives of Aspiring to Excellence and Participating and Persevering.

A very big thank you to all involved in making the day happen, especially parents, teaching staff, grounds people, and of course all the students who attended.

The Age Champions were presented with their trophies and medals on assembly:

HOUSE SPIRIT POINTS

RELAY POINTS

25M PARTICIPATION POINTS

OVERALL POINTS

1. Murphy – 4099
2. McAuley – 3145
3. Brennan – 3121
4. Rice – 3004

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Fund Raising Date Claimer

The netball team travelling to Townsville for the QISSN netball carnival in June are hoping to do some fundraising on March 16 at the local elections site here at St Joseph’s College. We will have a sausage sizzle, drinks stall and many little stalls with a variety of items for sale as well as raffles.

The girls would ask that you chose the College as your voting site and help them to raise funds to travel to Townsville for our netball challenge.

Darling Downs Swimming

This week, I traveled down to Gatton to watch seven of our students compete for a position in the Darling Downs Swimming team to travel to the State Titles at Chandler in Week 10.

Official results have not come through as yet but I have some photos of some of our students who were medal winners. Lilly Wiemers, Eloise Janke, Riley Bryant, Regan Gardner, Taylor Wann, Liam Applegarth.

Frisbee Golf

Want to see a new sport? Well come to Black Gully Park on Sunday March 3 and watch competitive Frisbee Golf being played.

Our very own Joe Paull will be competing and showing off his magnificent skills on the day. Come cheer him on and learn all about this new sport evolving here in Queensland.

Darling Downs School Sport Selections

We congratulate two more of our students who have been successful in be selected for their respective sports in Darling Downs teams for 2024.

Congratulations to Xavier Macdonald for his selection in the 13 – 19 years boys softball team. This is a brilliant effort considering Xavier doesn’t turn 13 until August. Well done Xavier!

Congratulation also to Leteena Medland for her selection in the 17-19 years Rugby 7’s Darling Downs team. Leteena only arrived back the day before the trials from her successful trip away with the Queensland Rugby 7’s team. Well done Leteena!

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

Connecting with Careers

Something to think about

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” -John Wooden

In this newsletter, we are focusing on: 

• Year 10 Work Experience 2024
• Supporting First Nations kids toward career success: A yar with parents and carers
• How Gen Z look for work – TikTok?
• How to Choose The Right Casual Job in High School.
• How and where will you be working?
• Holiday Programs and Short Courses
  • School Holiday Opportunities
  • UQ school holiday Senior Research Immersion Program
• Australian National University (ANU) Open Day
• SAT Resources on the USA on the College Board website
• University of NSW study opportunities

Year 10 Work Experience 2024 

A gentle reminder Year 10 students that your Work Experience Placement Agreement forms are due. 

You are invited to see Mrs Harman or Ms Jackman if you have any questions.  

For Parents and Carers

Supporting First Nations kids toward career success: A yarn with parents and carers

Wednesday 13 March, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (AEDT)

We all want a good job with a good wage, right? And as parents and carers, that’s what we want for our kids too. But our definitions of ‘good’ aren’t always the same. And who is the ‘we’ referred to by each of us? Unfortunately, First Nations kids often struggle to express their cultural values in their schooling and employment, struggling to balance the values and motivations of themselves and their mob with those expected in their schools, the world of work, and Australian society at large. 

Tracy Ryan, Educational Designer (First Nations) invites you to join her in a yarn about how First Nations success is defined and shaped. Tracy will offer some ideas about First Nations cultural values around education and employment, to start a conversation about how parents and carers can support First Nations kids to envision, plan for, and achieve the kind of career that works for them and their community. 

Register via this link.

How Gen Z look for work - TikTok?

Australia’s youngest workers appear to be leading the charge in a major change in how some industries are recruiting staff. It comes as a study reveals young job hunters face many barriers when applying for and securing jobs. So, is TikTok the answer? Click here to read Ash Cant's article outlining the research.

How To Choose The Right Casual Job In High School

Working during high school gives you a level of confidence and people skills that you usually can’t find anywhere else but you have to find the job that’s right for you. With endless options, it can be hard figuring out which path you want to go down. Click here to read year 13's 12 suggested options to kick start your search.

How and where will you be working?

There is a tug-of war between employers and employees that looks likely to continue into 2024, with working from home being the key battleground. Seek job ads data shows 10 per cent of all ads on their job search engine, indicate the role can be done from home, either fully or as part of a hybrid arrangement. Click here to read about the changing job market and where you might be actually working in the future. 

Holiday Programs and Short Courses

School holiday opportunities

You can develop your work skills in many different ways. If you are stuck for something to do during the next school holidays, check out school holiday activities that may give you the opportunity to meet new people, develop your confidence, skills and interests. Always remember that you need to thoroughly check out the activity provider to ensure it will be a safe, enjoyable and engaging experience. Click here for some school holiday options. Click here for further holidays in the Cairns area.

UQ school holiday Senior Research Immersion Program

The Senior Research Immersion Program provides you with an opportunity to work alongside a dynamic group of scientists and like minded peers on pressing biomedical problems facing society. The program is open to students in Year 10, 11 and 12 with an interest in STEM throughout Queensland. Over the 5 day program you will:

• Gain experience using the latest technology and techniques in our state-of-the-art PC2 biomedical research laboratory
• Collaborate with world ranked research teams on a live project
• Attend cutting-edge biomedical science research seminars
• Learn valuable academic research skills
• Showcase your findings in a research forum

Click here to find out more information on how to apply. The next session will be in the June/July school holidays.

Australian National University (ANU) Open Day

Want to know more about ANU? The ANU Open Day is being held on Saturday, 16 March 2024. The Open Day is your chance to tour their beautiful campus and accommodation, learn about their academic colleges, degree programs and support services and chat to current students about campus life and their ANU experiences. Click here to find out more about the day and to register your attendance.

SAT resources on the USA College Board website

The College Board website is important for students wishing to apply for tertiary courses in the United States of America (USA). The Board is where you register to sit for the SAT, a test required for entry to many USA universities and colleges. The following information is available on the website: (the X page is also useful)

• SAT International Test Dates and Deadlines – Click on Registration located in the top right-hand corner of the page.
• Find Test Centres – Select the date that suits you and ‘Australia’ to find centres in Queensland.
• SAT Test Day checklist

University of NSW study opportunities

If you are thinking of moving interstate to study, NSW University could be an option. Find out more about the Uni here including their:

• 7 faculties 
• 47 schools 
• 4 main campus locations
• Student population

Click here to:

• Explore your options and check entry requirements
• Check UAC (NSW's equivalent to QTAC) application and offer round dates
• Start your UAC application

Start your research early so you can make a considered decision

A reminder that you can access career information from the St Joseph’s College Careers website.

For more information please contact the Careers Team.

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

Cate Jackman - Careers Support Officer  -  CJackman@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.

All summer and winter stock are available for purchase.

Scarves are becoming popular again, selling for $25.00 in store or online.

Football shorts, socks and training shirts available in store.

• Shorts - $30.00
• Socks - $10.00
• Training Shirt - $35.00

The new All-Purpose Jackets are available in store for $99.00.

Water proof and fully lined. Great for rainy cooler days.

We have second-hand items in store available for purchase.

We have Female bike shorts for sale, to wear under your skirts and under your sport/footy shorts.

Why not grab a school water bottle for sporting events or everyday use.

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.

Pass Phrase StJC1956

Second hand items and Football items not available to order online.

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.