Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 2 - Issue 131

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

As we prepare to receive our new student leaders, I was reminded of the virtues of leadership recently in the writings from Peter 5:2-3 – Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve. True leadership involves serving and caring for those under our responsibility with a genuine heart. Our college motto “serve him in others” captures the essence of leadership so well. Authentic leaders make the face of Jesus known to others by enacting our college motto and embracing our values of Respect, Compassion, Dignity and Endeavour.

At the end of last term, our new college leaders for 2025 were announced after a rigorous selection process. There were over forty-five applicants for the eighteen available positions which speaks volumes about the desire of our senior students to serve our college community. I had the privilege of witnessing many of our Year 11 cohort display leadership attributes at Emu Gully during their Term 3 camp and through the recent leadership interviews. I am extremely confident in the quality of the young men and women that we are raising in partnership with our families, and I look forward to collaborating with them to grow those we serve.

Congratulations to the following students:

Rice Captains: Zahra Rice, Claire Zimmerle

Murphy Captains: Mackenzie Crompton, Lilly Wiemers

McAuley Captains: Finn Bensted, Aleks Bradley

Brennan Captains: Riley Chandler, Mitchell Hunt

Cultural Captains: Christian Lanzafame, Piper Wiemers

Mission Captains: Lillian Hoffman, Eva Madden

Sports Captains:  Matt Lowe, Addyson Jones

Academic Captains: Sarah Ellis, Gabrielle Horton

College Captains: Tim Kist, Emalia Brocherie

Our newly appointed leaders will be inducted this Friday 11th October as part of the Handover Ceremony with our outgoing leaders.

During the September holidays students and staff from the College ventured to Japan to experience everything the country has to offer. The intention of the trip was to deepen student experience in language as well as culture. Feedback from students and staff indicated the tour was an exceptionally rich experience. I thank Ms Maree Nunn and Mr Adam Watts for facilitating the tour and our families who invested financially to provide this experience for their children.

Congratulations to all our participating teams in the CBSQ Basketball and All Schools Touch competitions that were held at the Gold Coast at the end of last term and last weekend, respectively. All teams competed with enthusiasm and displayed wonderful sportsmanship. Such events expose our students to a high standard of competition and provide opportunities to develop college spirit. I thank all our staff who gave their time to attend these two events.

During Week 10 of last term our Year 12 students participated in their final retreat as students at St Joseph’s College. As individuals and a year-level cohort, they reflected on their own personal faith journey and the stories they have created. Each journey is a highly personal experience and allows students to reflect on their achievements, growth and learnings whilst considering their next steps. I was deeply impressed with how our young men and women engaged in the activities especially the Tuesday night liturgy which focussed on the theme of reconciliation. In my address to the students, I asked our students to reflect on their experiences and learnings and how they will use them as an anchor on how to life live and “serve him in others.”

This term we welcome back three staff member – Ms Ashlee Jeffery, Ms Kate Stenhouse, and Ms Pam Pedernal. Ashlee and Kate return from parental leave whilst Pam is replacing Angela Harris who is on secondment to St Mary’s College as Assistant Principal Curriculum.

At the commencement of Week 4, Ms Karen Tobin will commence long service leave for the remainder of term 4. This has meant the backfilling of three positions within the college which include - Bill Whiting (Program Leader Senior Schooling), Tom Moore (Program Leader Student Engagement) and Elle Moss (Middle Leader Student Engagement – Rice House).

Recently long-serving staff member Cathy Barton announced her retirement from St Joseph’s College effective from the end of this year. Cathy has served our college community well through teaching and leadership positions and I take this opportunity to acknowledge her contributions and wish her well with future plans. The College will celebrate Cathy at the conclusion of this term.

Construction of our new building is racing towards completion, and we are most eager to take possession of this amazing facility which will be a wonderful asset for students and staff. The building is scheduled for completion at the end of November, and we will be announcing the name of the building in the next few weeks.

God Bless,

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

From the Deputy Principal

Welcome back and thank you

A warm welcome back to the College. I trust that everyone feels refreshed and ready to resume an important and busy Term 4.

Thank you for ensuring our learners were well-prepared, equipped and ready to start Term 4. We also appreciate the many conversations that parents had with our learners regarding their goals for Term 4 following Term 3 Interim Reports.

Year 12 Final Studies

Best wishes are extended to the Year 12 students who are now completing their final studies, masterclasses and preparation for the external ATAR examinations to be held from Monday 21 October.  Students not completing an ATAR are finalising their assessments in Week 1 to 3, engaging in Work Experience, commencing additional work or undertaking their school-based apprenticeships. Teachers are available to assist the students with their subject-specific studies right up to their actual external examinations with Masterclasses. All the best to the Year 12 students as they are preparing for these important final exams.

2024 Presentation Night – Save the Date

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Year 12 - Accessing myQCE

Has your child logged into their myQCE account so they can check their Year 12 results?

https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/your-qce-pathway/student-portal-and-learning-account

A reminder to check with your son or daughter about accessing their myQCE site.  Can they show you their LUI number? Do they remember how to log in?

Students log in with their email and password they have set for their account. Remember the email must not be the school email as students won’t have access to this email once they graduate.

If students have any questions, they are most welcome to see me for help.

Join the myQCE Student Reference Group

Want to have your voice heard? Apply to become a member of the myQCE Student Reference Group.

We’re recruiting new members for 2025 and applications are now open.

Who can apply?

Queensland students who will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 (in 2025) are eligible to apply — the myQCE Student Reference Group members will reflect the diversity of students from schools across the state.

So, regardless of where you live, the school you attend, or the subjects or courses you're studying, you can apply to become a member.

You will need to be a good communicator (or willing to work on your skills) and actively participate in group meetings and discussions.

You will also have to be dedicated, as your membership will continue until you graduate from Year 12.

What are the benefits?

The myQCE Student Reference Group will let you tell us your thoughts about the QCE system and senior schooling.

Not only will you help us to shape QCE system processes and resources, you'll also:

• hear insights from students around the state
• gain valuable networking skills
• gain 'soft skills' to help you communicate with others and broaden your life experience
• learn how to collaborate and work as a team
• get practical experience within a 'virtual' workplace setting
• be able to list your membership on your resume.

What will I need to do?

The group meets after school four times per year, so you'll need to make yourself available for approximately one hour each term.

Meetings are online, so a good internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone will be essential. We discuss lots of different topics at the meetings and sometimes ask you to do some pre-meeting work, such as completing a survey or collecting feedback from classmates.

And you'll also need to tell us a little bit about yourself, so we can tell others about you (if you're ok with that).

How do I apply?

To apply, complete the myQCE Student Reference Group application form and tell us why you want to be involved.

A couple of things before you start:

• Ask someone at your school (a teacher or other staff member) if they are happy to be your referee. You will need to include their name and email address on the application form.
• Ask your school principal to endorse your application. You will need to include their name and email address on the application form.
• You will need consent from your parent/carer, so you may like to complete the form while you are at home.

Applications close on Friday 25 October 2024.

Year 11 Exam Block

Year 11 Exam Block – Monday, 18 November – Thursday 21 November

The purpose of this letter is to outline information regarding the Year 11 Exam Block in Week 8. To support Year 11 students to best prepare for their first pieces of summative assessment for Unit 3, an exam block during Week 8 of Term 4 is indicated in the Assessment Calendar provided to students and parents. Students should approach these examinations with a determination to ‘aspire to excellence’ and therefore prepare thoroughly. Please note Year 11 English students need to book a time with their teacher for their IA2 oral presentation.  

Year 11 students are required to attend school from Monday, 18 November until Thursday, 21 November only when they have scheduled examinations as indicated their assessment schedule. 

Parents and caregivers may be contacted by individual teachers if students are required to attend school in a supervised classroom to complete outstanding work for them from Monday, 18 November until Thursday, 21 November.

Please note:

• All students are required to wear their full school uniform whenever they are at school.
• When not on campus, students are not to be in school uniform or carrying the College bag.
• Student must travel directly to and from home.
• Students who choose to remain at school after an exam for private study must sign into the College via Student Entrance. Additionally, these students will be completing silent, supervised study. Students will complete their work individually under supervision.
• If there is a reason as to why an examination cannot be sat at the scheduled time (illness or extenuating circumstances), it is essential that contact be made with Mr Bill Whiting (Acting Senior School Learning Leader) or Mrs Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg (Assistant Principal Curriculum) by contacting the College on 4631 8500. 
• College examinations cannot be rescheduled without appropriate and accompanying documentation as per QCAA guidelines and the St Joseph’s College Assessment Procedures.

The QCAA preferred medical certificate can be downloaded from the QCAA website here:
AARA resources | Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (qcaa.qld.edu.au

• Students must attend on time for their assessment and bring appropriate equipment.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this internal exam block, please do not hesitate to contact the College. 

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Eligibility for Participation in Co-Curricular Activities

By the beginning of 2025, the College will implement a system of co-curricular eligibility for all students.

At the next Parent Engagement Network Meeting (PEN), next Wednesday the 16^th of October, I will present information about

1. the proposed extra-curricular eligibility criteria and
2. the process for a student to re-establish their eligibility.

All parents are welcome to attend this meeting to provide feedback.

Purpose

Student participation in co-curricular activities is an important part of the holistic learning that takes place at the College. At the same time, participation in these experiences is a privilege. In order to be eligible to represent the College in this broad range of activities, it is important that students are living out College in everyday school life.

All of the criteria listed below are achievable by all students, provided they consistently make positive, safe and learning-focussed choices that live out The Joey’s Way.

Co-Curricular Activities

The following provides a list of co-curricular activities available to students:

Eligibility to Participate in Co-Curricular Activities

In order to be eligible to participate in the activities listed above, students, without support from their families, must be in the GREEN or YELLOW zones across all the following five areas

*Alternative Learning Days are school days where students will undertake a variety of learning opportunities outside their classroom curriculum. These days play an essential role in building the culture of the College, and in the holistic learning of our students. They include but are not limited to:

- Feast days and Celebrations

- Camps

- Retreats

*ALDs (Alternative learning Days) include but are not limited to Carnivals, feast days, Retreats and Camps.

The following table details the co-curricular implications if students do not meet any of the criteria listed above:

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

From the Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

Leadership Transition Ceremony 

Today we marked the changeover of our Student Senior Leadership Teams from 2024 to 2025. The symbols of leadership were entrusted into the care of our 2025 leaders and they made their pledge to the College.  

The Student Leaders of 2025 shall strive to uphold the St Joseph’s College motto of ‘Serve Him in Others’. They commit themselves to doing all they can to enrich and deepen the Joey’s Way through living out the core values of Respect, Endeavour, Dignity and Compassion. In front of our community, they promise to embrace enthusiastically the opportunities and challenges of this year. We pray that our 2025 leaders may remain eager, hopeful and light-hearted in the service of God and this community. 

Lead Through Service 

As they journey, we hope that they draw on the example of Jesus washing his Disciples' feet from John’s Gospel (13:1-17), as in it we see the embodiment of leadership at St Joseph’s College.  

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 

When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he was doing two things. Firstly, he was saying that no one person is better, or more deserving of love than any other. Secondly, he was demonstrating that no act is too big, or too small, to change a situation. 

Edmund Rice said, “the poor were the chief object of [my] attention - in fact this wonderful sympathy for Gods poor was one of [my] most distinctive characteristics”. There is a plethora of ways that Edmund Rice demonstrated servant leadership, no act was too big or too small to make a difference to someone else’s life. Leading Through Service is even in our school motto: “Serve Him in Others”. By helping out those in need, we are doing God’s work in our own unique way.  

As a College, we look forward to working with and walking alongside our 2025 Student Leadership Team in their newly inducted roles as they strive to lead just like Jesus and Blessed Edmund did.  

College Captains’ First Address 

The following is a copy of the excellent first address of our 2025 College Captains, Emalia Brocherie and Timothy Kist.  

Good morning staff, students, parents and esteemed guests. For those who don’t know, my name is Timothy, and this is Emalia, and together we are honoured to stand before you as your college Captains for 2025!  

Before we begin, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the school community for placing their trust in us. We’re incredibly excited to embrace this leadership role and are dedicated to serving SJC. Together, we will strive to make a positive impact and uphold the values that make our community so special.  

We would also like to acknowledge the other sixteen student leaders. We believe that our team is strong and committed, and we look forward to working closely with them.  

Now, a little bit about each of us, starting with me. I love to play football and guitar. For university, I am aspiring to study aerospace engineering. I decided to apply for the College Captain position for a few reasons. One of them being that I was inspired by the former college captain, Riley Furse, who was a role model for me during my first few years at the college. My goal as college Captain is to make a genuine impact in our community and hopefully leave somewhat of a lasting legacy on the college.  

Much like Tim, I was inspired by incredible people to apply for college captain to give back to our community and motivate others to do the same. For me, this role is more than a title; it’s about inspiring peers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their true potential while becoming the best versions of themselves. My goal is to pursue a career in the medical field while nurturing my passion for creativity. I believe that teamwork, creativity, and resilience are essential for success, and I strive to foster these values within our school community.  

Now that we’ve introduced ourselves, we’d like to share our hopes for 2025. But firstly, I must ask, has anyone here ever felt like they didn’t belong somewhere? Most people have. This question ties into our main goal for the next year. We want to create a school environment where everyone feels like they belong. We realise that this is a massive goal. However, we are confident that we can at least begin to make this a reality.  

But why should we focus on building a strong sense of belonging? Belonging and inclusivity are key to creating a community where everyone feels seen and valued. Envision a future where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated—where differences spark creativity and innovation rather than division. This vision can become a reality by dismantling the barriers that separate us, whether they stem from race, gender, or abilities.  

By promoting open conversations and collaborative projects, we can build empathy and understanding among classmates. Engaging in school clubs, events, and activities that highlight diverse perspectives can make a huge impact. Picture a school environment where everyone can fully embrace who they are while forming deep connections with others. Together, we can create a culture of acceptance and support, making inclusivity not just an ideal but a daily experience.  

With this in mind, we’d like to share ideas for embracing the upcoming year. While diversity shapes who we are, inclusion is a choice we make daily. It’s our responsibility to create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued. Just like you wouldn’t judge a book by its cover—because that plain-looking novel might just have the most thrilling plot—we must avoid making assumptions about others. Taking the time to engage with others and understand their stories can reveal unexpected talents and perspectives. For instance, did you know that Miss Ford has a passion for making jelly, Mr Willocks enjoys water skiing and wakeboarding on the weekends, and Mr Cryle has a passion for music and even has a collection of vinyl records… but if we didn’t take the time to get to know them better we would have never known these characteristics. By embracing inclusion, we foster a sense of belonging that enriches our community. So, let’s challenge ourselves to break down stereotypes, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every person feels like they truly belong in our shared story.  

Building on from what Emilia said, we have two challenges for everyone here today. Firstly, we challenge you to try something new, regardless of what other people might think. Who knows? You could find your passion by stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new. Secondly, strive to find enjoyment in everything you do, whether it's your math class, playing sport for the school or having lunch with friends. Through showing up as your authentic self in all aspects of your life, you will inspire others to do the same. When we all find enjoyment in being ourselves, then we will truly create a community of belonging.  

In closing, we sincerely appreciate your trust in us as college captains. Let’s commit to building a culture of belonging and inclusivity, where every voice is heard and valued. By embracing new experiences and being ourselves, we can transform our school into a place where everyone belongs. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of connection and growth. Thank you!  

Kellie-Marie Ford - Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity - kford@sjc.qld.edu.au

Murphy Captains

This year, Murphy House has created many cherished memories and achieved significant success. We are incredibly proud of the 2024 cohort.

We kicked off the year with a fierce College Swimming Carnival, where Murphy House triumphed, filling the stands with blue and showcasing our House Spirit. It was wonderful to see Year 7 students engage in our War Cries, highlighting our vibrant community. The Year 12 students also made an impression with their fun costumes for their final swimming carnival.

In Term 2, we hosted our annual Cross Country alongside the Explosion of Colour Fun Run and Shave for a Cure event. Many Murphy students contributed to this worthwhile cause, and after our impressive Shave for a Cure, we secured another win for the House. Although we didn’t take home victories at the Athletics Carnival, we remain hopeful for 2025.

On August 8th, Murphy House celebrated its second Beyond Blue Day, focusing on mental health awareness. We organized food stalls and raised $1,200 for the foundation, thanks to generous student donations and significant contributions from mental health organizations like Darling Downs Health and Headspace, who provided valuable insights.

At the beginning of the year, Ally and I set goals to encourage House participation and attendance: winning two carnivals, maintaining over 90% attendance, and minimizing uniform referrals. We’re proud to have achieved these goals and look forward to continual improvement in future years.

As your 2024 Murphy House Captains, we are honoured by what our House has accomplished. Thank you to everybody who has supported us over the past year, we are excited to see what the house will accomplish in the years to come.

2024 McAuley Captains - Indiana Ranford and Ally McMahon

Murphy House

Dear Parents, 
In an ever-changing world, one thing remains constant: the importance of respect. As parents, we understand the significance of teaching our children to respect others, but in today's complex society, respect goes beyond simple manners. It encompasses understanding, empathy, and equality, forming the foundation for healthy relationships and a harmonious community. Teaching students about the value of respect, consent, empathy, and equality is a proactive approach to fostering and maintaining a culture of respect at home and at school.  

As parents, your involvement is crucial in reinforcing these lessons. Engage in conversations with your children about their day, their friends, and their feelings. Encourage them to empathise with others' perspectives and experiences. By modelling respectful behaviour in our own lives, we provide our children with a strong foundation to emulate.
Respectful Relationships is a significant step toward nurturing emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and respectful citizens of the future. By supporting the below values and actively participating in our children's education around these topics, we are shaping a society where every individual is valued and respected. Together, let's continue to foster an environment where our children can thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.

Why Respectful Relationships Education Matters:

1. Preventing Violence and Bullying: By teaching children about respect and empathy, we are fostering a culture of kindness and understanding, which can prevent instances of bullying and violence.
2. Promoting Consent: Understanding consent is crucial in any relationship. Respectful Relationships Education emphasizes the importance of consent, teaching children that it must be freely given, enthusiastic, informed, and reversible.
3. Breaking Gender Stereotypes: This education challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, promoting equality and acceptance for all gender identities.
4. Enhancing Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is vital for building healthy relationships. Through this education, children learn to recognize and manage their emotions, as well as empathize with others.
5. Creating Safe Spaces: Schools become safe spaces where children can express themselves without fear of judgment, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth.

Respectful Relationships Education, from a Catholic lens, emphasises the importance of treating every person with dignity and kindness. It teaches our children to recognize the presence of God in themselves and others, fostering a deep sense of empathy and compassion.

By having regular conversations about what positive, happy, and equal relationships look like, you help your child build self-respect and learn to be respectful to others. They are also less likely to be bystanders of unacceptable behaviours. Young people will be empowered to call out unacceptable behaviour they see at school, at a party, in a workplace or in the community.

Accessing the following link to these valuable resources can be a good starting point to guide your conversations as parents.

Parents and carers | Respectful Relationships Education Hub (eq.edu.au)

I hope the term goes well for students and parents and that these conversations are front and centre as we edge nearer to the end of the year.

Aleesha Degen - Student Engagement Middle Leader - Murphy House - adegen@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sport

All Schools Touch

The annual carnival for St Joseph's College was held during the first weekend of Term 4. Four junior teams from the college travelled down early on Thursday morning to compete over the two-day event. While the results were mixed across the different age groups, all students demonstrated their best efforts throughout the competition.

The two senior teams travelled down on Friday morning to compete Friday afternoon and most of Saturday. Throughout the day, the teams faced enthusiastic opponents that provided strong challenges. All players exhibited impressive teamwork, especially given the diverse age range and the presence of first-time participants at this large event. Several surprising moments showcased the students' growth and determination.

Despite some challenges, the teams showcased their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Keeping fingers crossed for their place in the finals is understandable, but regardless of the outcome, the students should be proud of their efforts and achievements throughout the tournament. Every game is an opportunity for growth and improvement, and they have shown that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The school would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Mr Lobwein, Ms Kenny, Mr Steel, Mrs Lawrence, Mr McKenzie, and Mr Speed for generously giving their time to coach and supervise the students during the event, even after regular school hours.

Also giving support to the students were our student coaches. Indi Kelly, Indie Ranford, Nigella Morgan and Mason Deakin who provided support to the teachers as well and the students in helping to coach the students and pass on their knowledge of years playing touch at the elite level.

Additionally Cheyenne Zirbel came down as our referee. Over the three days she refereed 22 games of touch, which is an incredible effort. Her sister Mikalya also helped us out by being both a player and referee to allow us to make the quota for our referee contributions for the six teams.

Additionally, the school would like to thank all the parents who came to support and cheer on the students. Your presence and encouragement were greatly appreciated.

The school would also like to acknowledge the generous contributions from the local community. Westridge Fruit and Vegetables donated a box each of bananas, apples, and mandarins for the students to enjoy during their time away. Mr Matthew Boulus and Mr Luke Boulus, both ex-students of St. Joseph's College, were behind this thoughtful gesture.
Furthermore, the school extends its gratitude to Mr Jon and Mrs Annette Edwards of Red Soil Constructions, who kindly donated a $200 Woolworths gift card, which was used to provide meals for the students during the event.

These contributions from the public were invaluable in making the carnival a success, and the school is truly grateful for the community's support.

Overall, the annual carnival was a remarkable event that showcased the dedication and sportsmanship of the St Joseph's College students. The school is proud of their efforts and looks forward to continued success in future competitions.

National Schools Futsal Championships

Sienna Lockwood and Charlotte Condon played in these championships during the first week of school. Their team won the Grand Final in the under 16’s years age group. Sienna was named MVP of the Grand Final and was also named in the Australian Team to tour Malaysia in 2025.

Sienna also played in the Under 19’s age group and this team won the Grand Final.

Marley Jackwitz also competed at this event and was selected in the Under 16 Australian team to tour China in 2025. This is the second year that Marley has achieved this success after she toured Fiji this year.

Also playing at the Nationals was Oliver Kruger. After competing he was also selected in the boys Under 16 Australian team and will also tour China next year.

Wow, what a terrific effort by our Futsal players to achieve such prestigious awards!

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: 

• St Joseph’s College Careers website
• App access to Options Career Information
• Essential life skills every high school student should master
• Upcoming events
  • Career Conversations @ Home – Helping parents have positive career convos!
  • Work Experience Information Evening
  • Toowoomba Jobs, Careers and Skills Expo

Welcome back to Term 4!

Term 3 was a busy term for the Careers Team with some students participating in Work Experience during the first week of the school holidays and completing the Pathway Plan Meetings with the Year 12 students.  This term, I will continue to support Year 12 students to finalise their QTAC applications.  We are pleased to share with you that some of our Year 12 students have received ‘conditional’ early entry offers from universities, subject to completion of Year 12.  We remind students to be aware of the ‘conditional’ offer.   It is a very exciting time, as we continue to work with students as they pursue their passions and pathways. 

St Joseph’s College Careers website

St Joseph’s College has a dedicated website for career information and resources.  The website is a great resource for students to access up-to-date career information and resources.  There is a section for parents, where you can locate career information so that you can support your child with their career aspirations.  Additionally, you can download a comprehensive career newsletter that provides current, timely and informative career information and key calendar dates for students and parents.  To access the SJC careers website, please click here.   You are encouraged to sign up for the Newsfeed and Newsletter.

App access to Options Career Information

As a member of our school community, we are excited to announce that you now have exclusive access to the Options Career App.  This user-friendly application is readily available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. 

To get started download the Options Career Information from the App Store for iphone or Android.  The unique school access code – Joeysway2024  

The App gives you convenient access to a wealth of career information and key calendar dates.  Stay informed and empowered as you navigate the exciting journey of career exploration alongside your child. 

Essential life skills every high school student should master

High school is about more than just acing exams and getting good grades - it's a crucial time to develop life skills that will serve you well beyond graduation. Whether you're heading to university, starting a job, or exploring other options, these skills will help you navigate life's challenges with confidence. Here are some essential life skills every high school student should aim to master:

Time management

Learning to manage your time effectively is crucial for balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Good time management can reduce stress, improve your academic performance, and allow you to pursue interests outside of school. Try these strategies:

• Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and commitments
• Break large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks
• Set realistic goals and prioritise tasks

Financial literacy

Understanding how to manage money is a skill that will benefit you for life. Financial literacy can help you make informed decisions about spending, saving, and investing, setting you up for a more secure financial future. Start by:

• Learning to create and stick to a budget
• Understanding the basics of saving and investing
• Knowing how credit cards and loans work

Effective communication

Being able to express yourself clearly and listen actively is important in all aspects of life. Strong communication skills can help you build better relationships, perform well in job interviews, and collaborate effectively in any setting. Practice:

• Public speaking (join a debate club or volunteer to present in class)
• Writing clear and concise emails
• Active listening skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving

These skills are valuable in any career path. They allow you to analyse situations, make informed decisions, and find innovative solutions to challenges. Develop them by:

• Analysing information from multiple sources before drawing conclusions
• Breaking down complex problems into smaller, solvable parts
• Considering different perspectives when approaching a problem

Emotional intelligence

Understanding and managing your emotions, as well as empathising with others, is crucial for personal and professional relationships. High emotional intelligence can lead to better leadership skills, stronger friendships, and improved mental health. Work on:

• Recognising and naming your emotions
• Practicing empathy and considering others' feelings
• Learning healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety

Digital literacy

In our increasingly digital world, it's important to be tech-savvy. Digital literacy can open up career opportunities and help you navigate online spaces safely and efficiently. Focus on:

• Understanding how to use common software and applications
• Learning basic coding or web design skills
• Being aware of online safety and privacy issues

Study skills

Effective study habits will serve you well in higher education and lifelong learning. Good study skills can help you retain information better, perform well on tests, and manage academic stress. Focus on:

• Finding study techniques that work best for you (e.g., flashcards, mind maps)
• Taking effective notes
• Understanding how to research and cite sources properly

Self-care and health management

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial. Good health habits formed now can set you up for a lifetime of wellbeing. Make sure to:

• Develop a regular sleep schedule
• Learn to cook simple, healthy meals
• Establish an exercise routine

Networking and relationship building

Building and maintaining professional relationships is a valuable skill. A strong network can provide support, open up opportunities, and enhance your personal and professional life. Start by:

• Attending school and community events
• Joining clubs or organisations related to your interests
• Learning how to write a professional email or make a phone call

Adaptability and resilience

Life is full of changes and challenges. Being adaptable and resilient can help you navigate unexpected situations and bounce back from setbacks. Cultivate:

• A growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities to learn
• The ability to adjust to new situations
• Strategies for bouncing back from setbacks

Embracing the journey

Remember, mastering these skills takes time and practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't excel at all of them right away. The key is to keep working on them consistently. As you develop these life skills, you'll be better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await you after high school.

Want to learn more about building essential life skills? Check out our other resources on personal development and career readiness on our website here.

(Study, Work Grow, 2024)

Upcoming Events

Career Conversations @ Home – Helping parents have positive career convos!

October 16, 2024

Come join Tyson Day, the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator of Arrive & Thrive, as he shares the best way to have impactful career conversations in and around your home environment that produce clarity, career discovery, and momentum. Tyson will share concepts and practices that he has learned through his 10+ years of experience in career education and the 85,000 students who have attended Arrive & Thrive workshops since 2019.

In our webinar, you can expect to learn:

• How can you positively influence your young person in their career decisions.
• How can you effectively navigate the future of work and understand your young person's options.
• How to communicate effectively through the GROW model to support your young person in career exploration.

Cost:      $30

We can't wait for you to join us!

All participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit to kick off conversations with their young person as soon as possible!

Find out more

Work Experience Opportunity for Year 10 Students

For Year 9 students and families, the Work Experience Information Evening is being held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Mackillop Centre. The evening will include insights from students and staff about our Work Experience Program.

Toowoomba Jobs, Careers and Skills Expo

When:                    Wednesday, 6 November 2024

                                9am – 3pm

Where:                   The Goods Shed

                                3 Victoria Street

                                TOOWOOMBA  QLD  4350

Free Entry!

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 Season of Giving: St Joseph’s College Community Shines Bright

Dear St Joseph’s College Community,

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible generosity towards the Share the Dignity Campaign for 2024. Thanks to your kindness, we collected seven very large garbage bags filled with period products, dental products, and hygiene products. These donations will make a significant difference in the lives of women suffering from period poverty, providing them with essential items that many of us take for granted.

Your contributions will help women in numerous ways:

• Ensuring dignity and comfort: Access to period products means women can go about their daily lives without fear or shame.
• Promoting health and hygiene: Dental and hygiene products are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing infections.
• Empowering women: By alleviating the financial burden of these necessities, women can focus on other important aspects of their lives, such as education and employment.

This incredible support is directly attributed to each and every one of you who donated. Your kindness and compassion are truly inspiring.

A special vote of thanks goes to the Year 10 Just Joey’s team, who (literally) did a lot of the heavy lifting for the drive. We couldn’t have done it without their hard work and dedication.

As we approach the festive season, we would like to remind you about the upcoming St Vincent De Paul’s Christmas Appeal. This year, the calls for aid from struggling families in Toowoomba have increased by 70%, with many of these calls coming from the more than 3000 new Yazidi refugees who have found haven in our community. Your generosity has been a beacon of hope throughout the year, and we hope you can extend your kindness one last time for the Christmas Appeal.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and generosity. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The Just Joey’s Team.

Seeking Exchange Student Host Family

As we move closer to the end of the school year, we are still looking for a wonderful host family for our incoming Japanese exchange student, Kazuma Ozawa, who will join our Year 10 cohort from the beginning of Term 1, 2025 (9 weeks – Kazuma will return to Japan before Year 10s go on work experience in Week 10). Kazuma is interested in history, music and video games and he is very keen to improve his English and learn about Australian culture while here.

Host families are asked to provide all meals, transport to and from school each day and suitable accommodation and will receive generous payment to help with these costs.

If you are interested and would like further information, please contact Ms Nunn at the College.

Maree Nunn - Japanese Teacher - mnunn@sjc.qld.edu.au

Excursion adventures!

Exciting Adventure at Seaworld for Year 12 Tourism Students

Our Year 12 Tourism students recently had the opportunity to visit Seaworld on the Gold Coast as part of their Tourism studies, and it was an unforgettable experience! We were able to see firsthand the incredible rides, animal exhibits, and overall importance of this world-class theme park to the local economy.

The students explored the park's impressive animal habitats, including the Shark Bay exhibit which allowed us to see these magnificent creatures up close as they glided through the water. One of the highlights was the Dolphin Presentation, where we learned about the park's dolphin conservation efforts and witnessed these intelligent marine mammals showcase their incredible agility and natural behaviors. The students were captivated by how the Seaworld trainers have built such strong bonds with the dolphins through positive reinforcement techniques.

Beyond just the rides and animals, our Tourism class gained valuable insights into the significant role Seaworld plays in the Gold Coast's economy. As one of the region's top tourist attractions, Seaworld employs thousands of people and draws millions of visitors each year, providing a major boost to local businesses and the hospitality industry. We discussed how the park's continued success is crucial for maintaining the Gold Coast's reputation as a world-class holiday destination.

Overall, the Seaworld excursion was an incredible learning experience for our Year 12 Tourism students. We came away with a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to operate a large-scale theme park, as well as the far-reaching economic impact that tourism can have on a community. This trip has undoubtedly enhanced our understanding of the Tourism industry and will serve us well as we continue our studies.

Visual Art Excursion

Year 9 and 10 elective Art students finished Term 3 by visiting the local gallery, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, for an enrichment excursion. Students were guided through the exhibitions by listening to a brief curator talk and enjoyed viewing the artworks as an audience with their peers.

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Holiday adventures

Lilly Wiemers - Australian Navy Cadets

Over the last few weeks, Year 11 student Lilly Wiemers was given some incredible opportunities as part of her role as an Australian Navy Cadet.

Lilly attended a week-long musicians camp at Enoggera Army Barracks with the AAFCadets as the very first non-Airforce cadet and participant in the 2wing-band.  

She was then selected to participate in a National Navy Cadet ACT activity held at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria.

She was deployed to spend 2 days and a night on the MV Sycamore, and met Sir Peter Cosgrove. Lilly also completed a 'survival at sea' training task before boarding the ship. 

We're so pleased to hear Lilly had a fantastic time and congratulate her on her selection for the trips. 

Camillo and Christian Lanzafame - SHEP & AHEP

Well done to SJC brothers Christian and Camillo Lanzafame for their excellent representation of the College in the Arts over the holiday break. 

Christian participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) on Percussion. 

Camillo participated in the highly coveted Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) program on Trumpet in the Wind Orchestra. This is the first time the College has been represented in the program!

We're so proud of Camillo and Christian for pursuing their passion for music and living out our JW values of 'Aspire to Excellence' and Participate and Persevere'. 

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.

Welcome to Term 4!

All summer uniform stock is available in store.

All-purpose jackets are available in store in all sizes.

Out of stock:

Tracksuit pants S, M, L, and XL

Boys Sport Shorts XL

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, 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.