Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 10 - Issue 125

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

As we draw towards the mid-year holiday break, I draw on the biblical concept of heart. The word “heart” is referenced over a thousand times in the bible. In the context of scripture, the meaning of heart is a metaphor of “inner self.”

An open heart, compassion and passion for justice go together. An open heart feels the suffering of others and responds to it and draws out the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Christian life is to become more compassionate beings. I trust that the time we spend with family this break allows us time to reflect on the importance of expressing our hearts within our families and communities.

On Monday we celebrated our First Nations people and cultures at our assembly in anticipation of NAIDOC week (July 7-14). Our guest speakers Paul Carmody (UniSQ) and Tawana Carmody (Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office) shared stories of the significance of native plants and animals but also the pathways that their family members have pursued. Their stories brought to life this year’s NAIDOC theme of “'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” which encourages all to stand tall in their heritage. Staff and students were then treated to Nguluwa dhiyaan Aboriginal Arts dancers who depicted significant cultural stories.

This week we farewell staff members Joel Farrell and Greg Webb. Both staff members were replacing existing staff on leave, and I am pleased that they have secured teaching positions within the Toowoomba area. I thank Joel and Greg for their respective contributions this year and the College wishes them well in their new positions. We also farewell Ms Jacinta Morriss who commences maternity leave at the conclusion of this term, and we look forward to news of her family’s new arrival next semester.

We also welcome returning staff members Candice Brazier and Angela Harris to the St Joseph’s College Team for semester 2. Both staff members are well known to our community for their professional expertise and manner. Candice resumes her position as Curriculum Leader of the Mathematics Faculty, whilst Angela will also join the Mathematics and Science Teams. I also thank Mr Peter Keightley for his leadership as Curriculum Leader of Mathematics whilst Candice was on leave. Peter remains with us in a teaching capacity.

Last week we acknowledged the contributions our school officers and non-teaching staff make towards supporting student learning at St Joseph’s College. Whether it is the wonderful presentation of our school facilities, care for parents and students at reception or the support of students and teachers in classrooms, these staff embrace the Joey’s Way. It was a delight to share lunch with them, whilst our student leaders presented gratitude cards to each member acknowledging their valued contributions.

Parent/Student/ Teacher interviews will be held on Wednesday 10th July. This day provides an opportunity for parents to discuss their child/ children’s progress with respective teachers. The interviews provide a more detailed and personalised report of Semester 1 report cards which will be released (Year 7-10) to parents this Friday 25th June through the Sentral Parent Portal. Year 11 and 12 reports were issued earlier this term. Additionally, Year 12 academic care interviews are scheduled for Monday 15th July and Tuesday 16th July.

I encourage all parents to take the opportunity to meet with staff especially if your child has not experience educational success. Additionally, I encourage parents to bring their children to the interviews.
Interviews for Year 7 (2025) undertaken by members of the Senior Leadership Team concluded this week. Applications have well exceeded the number of positions that we are able to offer, which is a wonderful endorsement of the collective work of the school community. Offers for enrolment will occur at the conclusion of the semester.

Finally, I wish our Open Years Confraternity (Rugby League) and QISSAN (Netball) teams the absolute best in their respective carnivals which will be held in Townsville during the first week of the holidays. Many staff, parents and businesses have contributed to facilitating this wonderful opportunity which has developed a rich tradition within the St Joseph’s Community. I thank everyone involved for your efforts and look forward to witnessing the students in action next week. I make special of our staff who give willingly of their time during the holiday period including Col Speed, Ashley Steel, Mitch Koina, Cam Love, Bridget Kenny, Kellie Marie Ford, Deb Newton, and Mark Fells.

On behalf of all staff, I take this opportunity to wish all families and enjoyable time with your children over the mid-year break and look forward to seeing you for the commencement of school on Tuesday 9th July.

God Bless

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

From the Deputy Principal

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Merit Trip Eligibility in 2024 

As Term 2 draws to a close, the College looks forward to acknowledging the excellent efforts of the vast majority of our students. Once again in 2024, the College looks forward to arranging the annual merit trip to Dreamworld for students in Years 7-11.  

Year 10 & 11: Friday 29 November (Term 4, Week 9) 

Year 8 & 9: Monday 2 December (Term 4, Week 10) 

Year 7: Tuesday 3 December (Term 4, Week 10) 

Please note that the College is happy to cover the cost of bus transport, but we would ask students and their families to cover the cost of admission to the park on the day. Some students may have their own pass which they are also welcome to use. 

In order to attend, students need to meet College expectations around attendance, behaviour, application to learning and uniform. An outline of the eligibility criteria is below: 

Furthermore, it has been emphasised to students that there is no eligibility criteria around achievement or meeting a particular standard of excellence. Put simply, meeting these expectations is easy. 

We look forward to acknowledging the great many of our students who are well on track to attending this year’s trip.  

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

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Education

NAIDOC Ceremony  

On Monday, we celebrated the commencement of NAIDOC Week, with our NAIDOC Ceremony. This launch was put together by Mr Speed and the First Nations Voice Group.  
We were blessed with wisdom and sharing from our guests, Mr Paul Carmody – Lecturer at UniSQ, Mrs Tawana Carmody – Education Officer for First Nations Toowoomba Catholic Schools, and Mr Damon Anderson and the Nguluwa dhiyaan (Nagulwa thiyan) aboriginal arts.  

It was a pleasure to hear Mr Carmody speak about the connection to the land and to nature that epitomises what it means to be a First Australian to him. He shared with us the impressive ways in which First Nations people have used the resources of the land to make a range of different things from weaving and baskets to resins and medicines. He also carefully explained to the community the importance of understanding that there is not one First Nations culture but many that were present and continue to be kept alive across the vast lands of Australia. Mrs Carmody shared with us a great wisdom about the theme of this year’s NAIDOC – Blak, Loud and Proud. She pointed out that this was not a spelling mistake, but instead a conscious choice to recognise that the identity of our First Nations people is not tied to the colour and so the ‘c’ is dropped to signify this. She lovingly shared photos of her family who are all proud and loud indigenous folk who are striving for success, but who have varying skin colours. This powerful reflection helped our community understand the significance of this year’s theme for the many generations of First Nations people.  

As always, it was a treat to witness the song and dance of the Nguluwa dhiyaan aboriginal arts group. Damon shared with students his knowledge of the didgeridoo and the important cultural information connected to it. He explained how it is played and demonstrated his impressive talent.  

We also welcomed our parents of our First Nations student. Thank you for your attendance, your presence is symbol of the important partnership we have to enable our young people to explore and develop their identity.   

Indigenous Games with SWIN  

Poppie Collins of South West Indigenous Network was at the College across the week to teach indigenous games to students in PE classes and at lunchtime. Students had a great time learning games connected to different cultural groups of Australia. They also had the chance to score some awesome NAIDOC Week socks!    

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Joey’s Way – Keep the fire burning.

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Fire has been used in various ways by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Many ceremonies involving fire have been performed by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Smoking ceremonies are used in many parts of Australia, and involve gathering guests around a smokey fire so they are protected while visiting their hosts’ country. These are unique to each region and use local plants and materials. 

Fire has been central to many aspects of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life, including cooking, storytelling, providing warmth, as a ceremonial and ritual device, and is also used in medicinal practices. Aboriginal people on mainland Australia also used fire extensively for land management to promote productive ecosystems. 

To recognise this important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life, representative students from each JW group had the chance to try their hand at starting fires using traditional methods. The events from the oval were then livestreamed back to the students in classes across the College. It was a challenging task that truly showed students how innovative and skilled our First Australians were and are today.

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Prayer

Creator Spirit,
We come together in the spirit of NAIDOC Week, to honour the enduring heritage and vibrant cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

May we celebrate the vibrant living cultures of First Nations people, and let their voices lead us towards a future of reconciliation and togetherness.

As we embrace the 2024 NAIDOC theme, "Keep the Fire Burning: Black, Loud, and Proud,"
Let us remember the resilience that has kept the flame of culture and identity alight through adversity.

Let us acknowledge the land beneath our feet, which has been cared for by the world's oldest living cultures.

May this fire ignite within us a passion for justice and truth,
And a commitment to amplify the voices that have been silenced for too long.

May we listen with open hearts to the stories of the past, and learn from the wisdom that has nurtured this land for generations.

Help us to celebrate the strength and pride of First Nations people,
Their loud stories, their proud hearts, and the black depth of their ancient wisdom.

May we keep the fires alive and let them burn with pride, with stories that soar and wisdom that guides.

Bless us with the warmth of community and the light of understanding,
As we stand united, keeping the fire burning for generations to come.

Help us to walk together in solidarity, Seeking justice, truth, and equal rights for all First Nations people.

Amen.

St Joseph’s Tara Returns to SJC

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and shared values, St. Joseph’s School in Tara recently embarked on a special visit to our College. This inter-school gathering celebrated their common Catholic identity, fostering connections that transcended geographical boundaries.

Located in the picturesque town of Tara, Queensland, St. Joseph’s School is a vibrant Catholic institution that provides high-quality education for children from Prep to Year 6. The school’s commitment to faith, community, and excellence shines through its dedicated staff and engaged student body.

As the students and staff of St. Joseph’s School in Tara stepped onto the grounds of St. Joseph’s College in Toowoomba on Monday afternoon, they were greeted with open arms by our QISSRL and QISSN teams. The QISSRL Boys team kicked off their stay by involving the Tara students in their training session and cooking up a delicious barbecue for dinner. The QISSRL Girls team showed their dedication with early starts to join the Tara visitors for breakfast and ensure they started their day with friendly Joey’s faces. On Tuesday afternoon, our QISSN netballers entertained the crew with different games and ball skills. Both our sports representatives and our visitors had an amazing time bonding and rekindling the Joey’s connection we have had for so many years.

In the spirit of St. Joseph, the patron of families and workers, we hope our schools can continue to inspire and uplift one another. Our shared Catholic identity remains a beacon of hope, reminding us that unity and compassion can bridge any divide.

May the bond between St. Joseph’s Schools continue to flourish, nurturing young hearts and minds in the light of faith.

Grandparents’ Day

Each year we celebrate our annual Grandparents’ Day with a Mass and Concert. For many young people, grandparents provide guidance, wisdom and a place where they can be nurtured. We are excited to be able to invite our grandparents to celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, as declared by Pope Francis.

Our Hospitality Department will provide morning tea and our performing arts students will present a concert for our grandparents to enjoy.

We would be pleased to have grandparents from our community in attendance at the event. To RSVP for the Grandparents’ Day Celebrations please complete the Try Booking form (https://www.trybooking.com/CSQLH) by Tuesday 9 July.

Date: Friday 19 July

Venue: St Joseph’s College MacKillop Centre

Commencement Time: 8:30 am

Mass: 8:30-10:00am

Concert: 10:00-10:50am (Morning Tea provided)

Finish Time: 11:00am                              

RSVP: Tuesday 9 July via https://www.trybooking.com/CSQLH

If you have any questions, before the event, please feel free to contact me at kford@sjc.qld.edu.au.

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

Mission Captains

Hello SJC community!

Firstly, we wanted to say a huge congratulations and a big thank you to the whole school for embracing our theme “With these hands, we create”. Without your continued participation and support, we would not have been able to emphasise the importance of service and living out the college motto “Serve Him in Others”.

We also wanted to thank all our amazing service groups for their continued dedication to enriching the lives of those in the community. Further to this, the Just Joey’s Winter Appeal has just concluded, and we thank you all for donating so generously to those in need this winter. The annual Shave for a Cure run by Interact happened on the last day of school – and we commend all those who shaved or cut their hair for important cancer research and support. The First Nations Student Voice group has also worked extremely hard over the term to launch NAIDOC Week in Week 10.

Another big congratulations is also needed for the Year 10 business students, with Mrs Digweed’s class who raised $1000, and are thoughtfully donating 60% to Tony’s Kitchen, 20% to Cancer Council, and 20% to Movember, and Miss Kenny’s class who raised $802.50, with 60% of funds going towards Toowoomba Hospice, 20% to Do it for Dolly and 20% to Save the Children. 

We also welcomed the community from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Tara who visited the college earlier this week for a camp. The children enjoyed breakfast from the Confraternity Girl’s team in the morning, dinner and night activities from the Confraternity Boys’ team and QISSN girls team, and got to see the brilliant culture our school has to offer.

We are so immensely proud of the amazing work of these groups who are consistently living out our motto “Serve Him in Others” and striving to make the community a better place.

Next term, we are running our annual Lead through Service Morning Tea to celebrate the amazing efforts and work of all the SJC service groups.

Going into Semester 2, our main goal as Mission Captains is to stay consistent with service and continue to create that greater sense of community going forward into the rest of the year. We have many great ideas in the making, so make sure to stay tuned to see what we do for next semester!

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holidays and we look forward to seeing you all in Term 3!

2024 Mission Captains - Kira Standeaven and Tyler Warrener

McAuley House

Catherine McAuley left an indelible mark on the world of education and philanthropy. Her vision, embedded in compassion and service, serves as a guiding light for our College community. Her unwavering commitment to empower women and provide quality education for all resonates with our mission of holistic development.

During Term 2, we strove to emulate Catherine McAuley's values in our daily endeavours. By promoting academic excellence, moral integrity, and compassionate service, we aimed to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of making positive contributions to society. This term presented numerous opportunities for personal growth, intellectual stimulation, and character development. Academically, Term 2 is always a crucial time for students. With half of the academic year behind us, it is an opportune time to assess progress, identify areas of improvement, and set new goals.

Term 2 has not been without its challenges, however, as we approach the midpoint of the academic year, students have encountered increased workloads and pressure. It is crucial to practice self-care and maintain a healthy school-life balance. Our teachers and counsellors are dedicated to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure students feel supported and equipped to navigate any difficulties that may arise. With the ever-evolving landscape of education, it is essential to remain adaptable and embrace innovation.

Catherine McAuley's legacy continues to shape our College community, inspiring us to uphold her values of compassion, excellence, and service. As we embark on Term 3, let us remain dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of our students. Together, we can create an inclusive and empowering educational environment where every student has the opportunity to flourish.

Melissa Zenke - Student Engagement Middle Leader - McAuley House - mzenke@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sport

Final Bill Turner Cup

Wednesday morning, we travelled down to Stanthorpe to play Stanthorpe State High School in the final of the Southwest Queensland Bill Turner Cup. The winner of this match would advance to Brisbane for the next stage of the competition.

We departed around 10:15 am, ready for the challenge ahead. Arriving with plenty of time, we warmed up thoroughly before the game kicked off at 1:15 pm. Stanthorpe scored the first goal about 20 minutes into the match. However, a brilliant corner shot by Taylor Lobwein saw Isabella Feurer net an equalizer.

For the remainder of the first half and most of the second half, we dominated possession, keeping the ball mostly in their half. I truly believed we were the stronger team, but despite our efforts, we couldn't find another goal.

With about 10 minutes left in the game, Stanthorpe managed to score again, ultimately winning 2-1. It was a disappointing result for the girls, but we were incredibly proud of their performance and determination. Our team comprised soccer players, AFL players, and some who were still learning the game. They all gave their best effort, and we couldn't have asked for more.

Talent competing at Darling Downs Events

We congratulate Claire Zimmerle who have been selected as an Umpire for the SSA 15 years and under Hockey National Championships later in the year.

Claire was awarded the 16-19 years Grand finale at the state championships and was then selected from this game to umpire at the nationals at the Gold Coast. Well done, Claire.

Congratulations to Evie King, who after the state championships for 13 – 19 years softball, was chosen in a select 9 to be drafted to other states if required. Evie was successful in be drafted to represent the ACT during the national tournament to be held later in the year.

Evie will also be heading to the AIS in Canberra as part of the Australian under 16 squad to train for a week in July. She will also adventure to Japan as part of a Queensland under 16 team in August. Well done, Evie.

Congratulations to Mason Deakin, Indie Kellie, Darby Reid and Taylor Lobwein who went away for Touch Nationals at Whites Hill in Brisbane.

Congratulations to Jimi King who was selected in the 10 -12 years Darling Downs football team to contest the state champions in Townsville in August.

Congratulations to the two boys’ volleyball teams. The Junior boys finished in second in place to St Mary’s losing by 2 points in the final set. The Open Boys finished in equal third with Concordia after a tense finish to the game.

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

Connecting with Careers

Something to think about   

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca

As we approach the term, we review the events of Term 2 and focus on the specific events of Term 3.

In this newsletter, we are focusing on:

• Term 2 wrap-up
• How do I apply to the defence force?
• 350 careers
• Defence Indigenous University Support Program
• Coming Events

As a reminder, St Joseph’s College has a careers website, sjccareers, that has resources available, not just for students’ career planning, but for parents/carers to help support their child’s career development. 

Term 2 Wrap-Up

It’s been a fast and furious term, with several students completing their Certificates and others signing their school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. Lunch and Learn sessions have re-commenced and students have heard from Griffith University and had tutorials on resume writing and job seeking. Senior students interested in Health enjoyed a day in Brisbane at the Go Health expo last week to explore the plethora of careers opportunities available in the Allied Health field. The Careers department have also delivered Careers Day to our Year 7s and Year 9s.

How do I apply for the Defence Force?

The ADF recruitment process is designed to ensure you have the qualities needed, while helping you identify the ideal role in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Visit the Defence Recruitment website to find out if you are eligible to join and to access the six steps in the recruitment process. Each step has a video that explains what happens during the step. The six steps are:

1. Apply online 
2. Complete a Job Opportunities Assessment
3. Attend your YOU Session (Your Opportunities Unlimited Session) 
4. Attend assessment and Officer Selection (if you are wanting this pathway)
5. Take a Fitness Test
6. Attend Enlistment and Appointment day

On the site you will also find information videos that will answer many of your questions, along with information on:

• Do I need written references of just listed references on my application?
• When do ADFA applications close?
• What happens after I submit my application?
• Is the application process the same for Officer entry and General entry?
• My application is due soon, but I don't have all the required paperwork. What should I do?

Find out about over 350 careers

SkillsRoad.com.au has put together information on over 350 jobs. Information they have included covers:

• Weekly pay
• Prospects
• Employed in Australia
• Growth 
• Work cluster most suited to
• Tasks
• Training and qualifications
• Related careers

Click here to check them out

QTAC and Tertiary Entry

Term 3 is very important and busy for Year 12 students. If you haven’t already decided what you are going to do in 2025, this is the time to access information about your options. The following is a selection of events and activities that will assist you with your decision-making.

QTAC Guide – Your QTAC Guide has been distributed this week to Year 12 ATAR students. or you can access/download it off the QTAC website. It contains information about the application process and the courses you can apply for in 2025. Don’t lose this book as you may need it after you leave school to change course preferences on your QTAC application when Year 12 results are released and during QTAC offer rounds. You need to regularly check the QTAC website to ensure the information is up to date as information can change throughout the year.

Institution open days - Most of the University open days occur in Term 3. Open days provide an opportunity to learn more about the institutions and courses you are interested in. Attend the Open Days and be prepared with questions for the representatives. See Open day dates on the QTAC website and in the Open Day and Career Expos section of the fortnightly Bulletins. 

QTAC applications open - QTAC applications for Semester 1 2025 courses open on 1 August. Closing dates for some courses and some scholarship applications can vary so read your QTAC book carefully. You can find information about the application process and offer process in the guide and on the QTAC website.

ATAR application portal - You need to apply to QTAC to get your ATAR calculated by them. The ATAR portal opens on 1 August. You will need your LUI number (Learning Unique Identifier)

Scholarships - Most university scholarship applications open in Term 3 and close in October, November or December. An exception is Bond University, which has its scholarship applications open now and each scholarship can have a different closing date. It is best to check the closing date on the Bond website under each scholarship entry. Every university has a scholarship section on its website. Find out the application process and due date early, to avoid missing out on a scholarship. If in doubt about your chances, apply anyway.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Marcus Oldham College is a private tertiary institution in Geelong, Victoria. It offers FEE-HELP for approved degree courses and diploma courses in agriculture, agribusiness and equine studies. The College is offering scholarships for students commencing their studies in 2025. Visit the College website for more information about their scholarships, closing dates (July and September) and how to apply.

UQ - What you can do if you can't afford uni!

Interested in higher education but worried about the costs? Don’t dismiss university as a pipedream. There are a range of scholarship opportunities, financial assistance schemes, bursaries and grants available for future and current students who think they can’t afford university. If you’re worried about the cos, it’s worth investigating which scholarships you might be eligible for. Click here to read about the many scholarships offered at UQ that will assist you in planning for life after school.

UniSQ Scholarships

If you are thinking of applying to UniSQ, explore what scholarships are available and those coming soon. You can apply for more than one scholarship at a time, so be sure to apply for all that you’re eligible for. Click here (click scholarship search) for answers to some of the following frequently asked questions:

• How do I get a scholarship?
• What is an Australian Commonwealth Government Research Training Program Scholarship?
• What documents should I attach to my scholarship application to show financial hardship?
• For scholarship applications, what category of student am I (New, Commencing or Continuing?)
• Is my scholarship considered income by the Australian Government?

Defence Indigenous University Support Program

There’s a wide range of First Nations Peoples Australian Defence Force (ADF) jobs on offer and tailored programs designed to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to start their ADF careers with confidence. There are several First Nations Peoples pathways into the ADF including:

• Indigenous Pre-Recruit Program (IPRP)
• Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP)
• Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP)
• Air Force Indigenous Options

First Nations Peoples university entry schemes

These schemes provide alternative entry pathways for applicants from First Nations Peoples backgrounds. Specific information about these schemes can be obtained from the following links.

• Australian Catholic University’s Special Entry Scheme
• CQUniversity’s Tertiary Entry Program
• Griffith University's Gumurrii
• James Cook University's Pathways
• Queensland University of Technology's Oodgeroo Unit 
• Southern Cross University's Alternative Entry Scheme
• The University of Queensland's Alternative Entry Scheme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
• University of New England Internal Selection Program
• University of Southern Queensland's Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program
• University of the Sunshine Coast's Indigenous Direct Entry 

Note that when applying for courses through QTAC, you need to identify as a First Nations Peoples person as part of your application. You may have to provide the university with a Confirmation of Aboriginality. To obtain this might take time, so organise it early.

QUT Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships

The Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships are for Indigenous students from low-income backgrounds and Indigenous students who face significant financial barriers to studying at university. These scholarships include:

• an Indigenous Bursary (IB) of $1,500 for one semester only, to assist Indigenous students from low-income backgrounds to undertake study at QUT
• an Indigenous Relocation Scholarship (IRS) of $5,000 for one year only, to assist Indigenous students who have relocated from a rural or remote area to study at QUT
• an Indigenous Costs Scholarship (ICS) of $3,500 for one year only, to assist Indigenous students meet the cost of living and studying while at QUT.

These scholarships are subject to federal government funding. Click here to read more about:

• Eligibility
• Available scholarships
• How to apply
• Conditions
• About the scholarship

Career Expos and Career Markets in July

9 July - Toowoomba Careers Expo

13 & 14 July - Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO)

16 July - Sunshine Coast Careers Expo

             - IGNITE Logan Careers Expo

21 July - University of Sunshine Coast - Moreton Bay Open Day

             - Marcus Oldham Open Day

27 July - Bond University Open Day

28 July - QUT Open Day

Coming-up

We look forward to working with all students and families in Term 3 with SET plans commencing in Term 3 and Year 12 preparing for their next steps beyond school. Lunch and Learn sessions will involve guests from Uni SQ, Bond University and other provider

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

Just Joey's

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

Today, I write to extend a sincere thank you to each parent, student, and community member who has contributed to this year’s St Vincent De Paul’s Winter Appeal.

Your generosity has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. It is in these acts of kindness—the coats shared, the meals provided, the blankets knitted—that we see the true spirit of St Joseph’s shine. Your willingness to extend a hand to those in need is a testament to the compassionate ethos that we cherish in our school.

To the parents who have instilled the values of dignity, respect, and compassion in their children, to the students whose optimism and sense of duty have driven this endeavour, and to the wider community members whose generosity seems to know no bounds—you are incredible. Thank you.

Your contributions have ensured that this winter is met with the warmth of community care. Because of you, individuals and families doing it tough will find solace and support during these colder months: fresh and nutritious meals; the dignity of hygiene; the warmth of a soft blanket; the comfort of the gentle words of strangers; the joy of biccies and tea with friends.

I am both awed and humbled by your generosity. It is a privilege to witness a community so dedicated to lifting each other up, so committed to the collective well-being of its members.

Thank you, once again, for your incredible support. Together, we are making a difference.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

The Just Joey’s Team

French Camp

Year 11 French students had the opportunity to visit Maison de Sainte Claire, situated in Crystal Creek NSW, near Springbrook National Park, for a three-day French Immersion camp in Week 9.

Day One:

After leaving the College at 7:30 am, Mr. Wheeldon steered the minibus around the windy roads to our beautiful destination, where the students were straight into their first language lesson!  Students were a little nervous to begin with but began to settle in and, after a delicious Quiche Lorraine with all the trimmings for lunch and a walk around the property and surrounding area (featuring a VERY steep driveway!), they were ready to get stuck in! 

In their second language session of the day, students displayed their writing skills.  They then had the most delicious home-cooked ratatouille for dinner, showcased their pyjama fashion and watched their first French film without English subtitles – “Les Intouchables”.

Day Two:

A delicious breakfast of warm croissants straight from the oven set the tone of the day, which heavily featured food!  Students received feedback on their writing and summarised and reviewed the film from the previous night in their language lesson, before learning how to make traditional crêpes.  Some of the students were brave enough to flip theirs, with varying degrees of success!

The afternoon brought another language lesson, followed by a session with a different native speaker, where students needed to read, translate and execute recipes entirely in French!  They did a great job, so I’m sure parents would like them to recreate their masterpieces at home!  Another delicious dinner was followed by another writing task and another French film: “Donne-moi des Ailes”, which the students followed really well.

Day Three:

Warm pain au chocolats greeted us for our final breakfast, followed by a class answering questions on the film and correcting writing errors.  After a break and a final language class, focusing on grammar, students were ready for their final meal – eating their own cooking creations!  I must admit, it was delicious, so they did a great job! 

Our final activity before leaving was a traditional game of pétanque, which needed quite a bit of skill.  Students paired up and it was a tense battle to victory, ultimately won by Mitchell and Mrs Tolcher!  We returned to the College on Saturday night, after being serenaded beautifully on the bus!

The behaviour of the students was excellent, and we would like to thank Dr Gilles and Zarina Berger for their hospitality and tuition. A big thank you to Mr. Wheeldon for driving and supervising and to Mrs. Tolcher for organising.

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Emma Tolcher - French and English Teacher - etolcher@sjc.qld.edu.au

"Our Egg Named Larry"

Congratulations to SJC student Chelsea Rogers who will be performing with the 2024 Junior IMPACT Ensemble at The Empire Theatre in July!

A small cast of 8 incredible young performers, their brand-new show "Our Egg Named Larry" comes to life for two nights only on the 12th and 13th July on the Armitage Centre stage. 

Art Opportunities

How to build a creative portfolio workshop by Griffith

Griffith University is holding a workshop opportunity in portfolio submission during the school holidays. It would be a valuable opportunity if your child is considering an art or design course post-high school.

Information can be found here QCAD portfolio workshops (griffith.edu.au)  and Griffith University - Products & Services - QCA Southbank - Design and Visual Arts Portfolio Workshops

SJC - Community News

St Mary's College Parent Information Evening - The HopeFULL Institute 

St Mary's College invites the SJC community to attend their Parent Evening with The HopeFULL Institute on Thursday 11^th July 2024.

In this one-hour seminar, Glen shares the five fundamental positive parenting tools, based on positive psychology research. You’ll leave feeling equipped with the skills to better connect with your children and to empower them to tackle a complex world. Our first responsibility as parents is to enjoy our kids. Because how you think about being a parent deeply shapes how your child will see the world. When you are enjoying your children, you are teaching them that the fundamental engine of what makes a family thrive and flourish is joy, not angst, depression, despair, or destitution but joy.

Topics covered include;

• How to help your child find a vision
• The rules of encouragement
• How to be where you are
• Teaching your children how to fail
• How to say you're sorry
• Making the home a refuge

If you are interested in attending this free event, please RSVP via https://www.trybooking.com/CSMJM by Wednesday 10th July 2024.

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.

Have a great holiday and enjoy your time off school duties.

We are not opening in the school holidays but will kick off Term 3 at 7.30am for any of your school uniform needs.

Feel free to order online (details below) and I will have your order packed and ready for you to collect on Tuesday 9^th July.

Are you loving these cold mornings and cooler days? I’m not...

All winter items are available in store including:

• All Purpose Jacket
• Scarves
• Woollen Jumper
• Long Sleeve Shirts
• Long sleeve Junior Blouses
• Formal trousers for males and females
• Tights and stockings
• Tracksuit for sport – pants and jacket

Out of stock:

• All Purpose jacket sizes M, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL (due in July)

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 on the Midford Online Order website and will only be packed during shop trading hours.

Pass Phrase: StJC1956

Second hand items and Football items not available to order online, but are available in store or payment over the phone.

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.