Newsletter - Term 1 - Week 4 - Issue 136

From the Principal

In Luke’s Gospel last Sunday, we heard his version of the Beatitudes, which describes the qualities particular to those belonging to the kingdom of heaven. One of those beatitudes, states “blessed are the poor for the Kingdom of God is yours. What Luke is suggesting is that material goods don’t satisfy our true hunger and desire, so it is tempting to seek out more things such as cars, homes, the latest game, holiday destinations, etc. I wonder how lucky we could all be if we were unattached to material goods.

The last two weeks have seen several community-building events within the College. Last week students participated in the annual swimming carnival at Milne Bay Swimming Pool. I was delighted to witness the enthusiasm of students in both competitive and non-competitive events whilst being cheered on by peers and staff. Thank you to Ms Deb Newton for leading the event. Our Year 7 students travelled to Kindilin Camp Redland Bay last week to participate in their three-day camp. Despite the humid conditions staff reported students enjoyed the learning experiences immensely, which have bonded the student cohort. I was able to visit students and staff with Mr Tom Moore and witness first-hand the immersion of our Year 7’s into the Joey’s Way. I thank Ms Amanda Crouch (Year 7 Coordinator) and the many staff who made this wonderful opportunity possible. Finally, on Tuesday of this week, the College greeted our Year 7 students and new families at a welcome liturgy and BBQ. It was a truly enriching experience to mingle with and embrace our newest community members.

This Friday evening our Year 12 students will participate in their Inauguration Ball. This formation tradition within the College holds a deep symbolic meaning. It represents the first time since their induction as leaders that the Year 12 cohort are presented to our community. Whilst gowns, suits and accessories are artifacts of such an occasion, the evening captures our young men and women on the precipice of adulthood and the responsibility they undertake to live the Joey’s Way in a contemporary Catholic manner. Their acknowledgment in front of their families and staff is a testament to their success, growth and we wish them every success.

The College recently conducted a recruitment process of the position of Career Development Officer recently vacated by Ms Cate Jackman. There was an exceptionally large and quality pool of applicants. The College looks forward to announcing the successful candidate in due course with a commencement in March. St Joseph’s College is currently recruiting to backfill the position of Year 7 Coordinator from term 2 until the end of 2025, whilst Ms Amanda Crouch takes maternity leave.
In other recent staffing changes, I wish to advise that Kylie Van Der Linden has resigned from her position as School Officer, Administration at St Joseph’s College. Kylie has resigned for personal reasons, and we wish her the best with future plans. On behalf of the St Joseph’s College community, we extend our sincere gratitude to Kylie for her work in the Administration Team. The College has commenced a recruitment process for this position.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit a several classes and witness learning in action. Ms Abbey Orbansen-Thew’s Year 11 Biology class was busy preparing plant slides for observation under microscopes. Ms Kenny’s and Ms Prasad’s Year 7 Mathematics classes were discussing the differences between continuous and discrete data, whilst Mr Gehrmann’s Construction class was building outdoor tables. This week I visited Ms Price’s Year 8 English class and observed their learning on how to construct persuasive responses. Students were taught a framework for writing paragraphs and the literacy features required to convince the reader.  All classes that I visited were applying numeracy and literacy skills in real-world contexts.

Next week I will be attending the Toowoomba Catholic Leadership Forum (Monday to Wednesday) which is being held in Toowoomba. This forum brings together the thirty-two principals from the diocese with Toowoomba Catholic Education Office leaders. During this time Deputy Principal Brendon Willocks will assume day to day running of the College.
Finally, I request parents and carers please utilize the drop-off and pick-up facilities located around and within the college grounds and avoid either parking or picking up in the allocated staff car parks. This ensures the safety of all and allows staff to exit the College site in timely manner.

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

From the Deputy Principal

Term 1 is in full swing and in a perfect world, all our students should be settling into a routine that helps them achieve academic growth, success and ‘aspire to excellence’.  Sometimes, adolescents can find it difficult to establish a balanced routine that works for them, but there are some general tips that can be useful.

1. Create a study timetable. Understand what commitments you may have over the course of a week - work, family time, training, rehearsals, performances, games, socialising. Your study time is just as important as all the other activities that you commit to. Commit to blocks of time where you will study.
2. Set a goal/s for each session. Know what you would like to achieve in the dedicated study session and start working toward that. Some students might like to make this time bound and work in blocks of time. A useful strategy here is the Pomodoro method.
3. Avoid distractions. There are many obvious distractions in any household but the most difficult one to remove is a mobile phone. According to recent research (Ward et al., 2017) the mere presence of a mobile phone, even if turned off, reduces available cognitive capacity. Mobile phones should be completely removed from the room for the most effective study to occur.
4. Start with the most difficult topics first. It can be tempting to start with the subjects you are confident in but in doing this you run the risk of tackling the challenging subject when you are more fatigued or worse, run out of time altogether.

By being organised and focussed in your studies, you are able to keep on top of the workload and reduce the stress that often accompanies assessment time. Good habits, great sleep, social contact (not social media contact!), exercise and a healthy diet pave the way to success.

Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain drain: The mere presence of one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), 140-154.

Social Media

As we continue to navigate a world where social media is constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep up with the many and varied platforms our children have access to.

If you are struggling to keep up, you are not alone; however, there are some signs to look out for that may be cause for concern. First and foremost is whether your child will “allow” you to friend them on their varied social media platforms. Being friends doesn’t mean that you have to like or comment on every post, but you should be able to see what your child is doing on the platform. If they do not want you to be friends, then a regular check through should not be out of the question. Obviously, the amount of checking-in should depend on your child’s age.

The joy of being on social media can quickly become something some people find very difficult to manage.  What starts as an amusement can rapidly turn into something that is all consuming. Should you be worried about your child’s social media use (including whether they can live without being connected to their phone or computer), you may wish to explore the St Joseph’s College SchoolTV site where you will find more information on young people and social media:  https://sjc.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/social-media-and-digital-reputation

Upcoming

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

University Showcase

Last week, the College welcomed the UniSQ Toowoomba University Showcase showcasing the value of higher education and the range of post-school pathways available. Year 11 and 12 students received engaging and entertaining presentations that covered student life, raising aspirations and how to apply, uni costs, and accommodation. We also warmly welcomed local businesses and Registered Training Organisations who provided valuable insights into post-school career opportunities. The event concluded with a career expo-style session where students spoke to each representative, asked questions, and collected information.

Year 12 ATAR Session

Following the Uni Showcase and Vet Expo, Mrs Tobin and I had the pleasure of engaging with our Year 12 ATAR-eligible students. We discussed goal setting, academic care interviews, and provided an informative session on how the ATAR system works in preparation for their upcoming academic care interviews. The sessions were incredibly valuable, and we were thoroughly impressed by the students' engagement during this crucial phase of their educational journey.

Congratulations to Sarah Ellis: Recipient of The Harvard Book Prize

We are thrilled to announce that our Year 12 Academic Captain, Sarah Ellis, has been awarded the prestigious Harvard Book Prize. This accolade is a testament to Sarah's exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to her studies.

The Harvard Club of Australia adopted the program in 2018, aiming to attract talented students to opportunities to undertake undergraduate degrees at Harvard University. As part of the club's philanthropic mission, the book prize program seeks to honour schools that encourage their students to: "respect ideas and their free expression; rejoice in discovery and critical thought; pursue excellence in a spirit of productive cooperation; and assume responsibility for themselves and others."

Sarah's commitment to her education and her ability to inspire her peers have made her a deserving recipient of this honour. She has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a drive to excel in all her endeavours. Her achievements extend beyond the classroom, as she has also been actively involved in various extracurricular activities, showcasing her well-rounded abilities and leadership skills.

We are incredibly proud of Sarah and her accomplishments. Her hard work, determination, and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to all students. We look forward to seeing her continue to achieve great things in the future.

Warmest congratulations, Sarah!

Assessment Calendars – Semester 1, 2025

Assessment Calendars

Teachers are currently planning assessment for the Semester.  All students and parents & carers have access to the Semester One Assessment Calendar for 2024 via an Edsmart broadcast sent last Friday and also by accessing the College Intranet & Website. 

If you have any questions about assessment, please contact your child's classroom teacher or Curriculum Leader.

St Joseph’s College is responsible for gathering evidence of student achievement on or before the due date for internal assessment instruments.

Students and parents can contact teachers and Curriculum Leaders via Phoning or emailing to help with communication. Teachers are not able to grant extensions directly with students and parents/carers.

St Joseph’s College is required to adhere to QCAA policies about due dates accepting assignments only on or before the due date unless an extension through AARA processes has been approved.  For example, a student who is absent due to family holidays will not be granted an extension for an assignment as this doesn’t meet the AARA guidelines set by QCAA.

Academic Support

Each Thursday afternoon from 3.15pm – 4.15pm Academic support will continue in our Library Seminar Rooms.

Teachers may request students attend these sessions if they have not met expectations at checkpoints or drafts for assignments.

This time is an opportunity for students to complete work and receive assistance if required.  It is important that parents support the request for students to attend these sessions as teachers are trying to assist students who are behind in their work.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

No school, including St Joseph’s, could ever reasonably claim that bullying and harassment does not affect its community members. As such, staff, students and parents must continue to work together to ensure the physical and psychological safety of all community members.

School TV has a range of short but highly informative videos for parents. You can access the relevant page here:

https://sjc.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying

In terms of our proactive strategies to ensure right relationships at St Joseph’s College, we have:

• Developed and publicised our Joey’s Way framework and emphasised the importance of imperatives like ‘Respect Unconditionally’, ‘Use Empathy’, ‘Celebrate Diversity’, ‘Practise Honesty and Integrity’ and ‘Speak and Act Safely’.
• A robust and purposeful Joey’s Way Curriculum taught each morning from 8:30-9:00am that covers topics like Restorative Practices, Character Strengths, Mental Health and Relationships and Sexuality Education.

In terms of our responsive strategies to ensure right relationships, we utilise

• Our Student Engagement Guidelines detail our guiding principles and strategies for maximising student engagement in learning. Section 4.9 (page 10) also outlines our anti-bullying processes:

Bullying in any of its forms has no place at St Joseph’s College. All members of our school community must be able to enjoy a safe school environment, free from fear or harassment.

At St Joseph’s College, we define bullying as the utilisation of a power imbalance by one person or group of people to oppress another student. A power imbalance can be on the basis of age, physical size, capability in a particular activity, social status or number of people.  Bullying includes, but is not limited to physical bullying, emotional bullying, psychological bullying, racial harassment or sexual harassment. If a student believes they or a peer is being bullied, they can take the following steps:

1. If it safe to do so, calmly ask the person to stop the behaviour that is making them threatened.
2. Report the bullying to a trusted adult, this can be a parent, guardian or a staff member.
3. Report the bullying via Stymie, an anonymous reporting platform (see section 4.7)

If bullying is reported to the college, we will take the following action:

1. Manage the situation discreetly and recorded on our database.
2. Offer support to the victim of bullying
3. Investigate the incident using witness testimony and surveillance cameras where applicable.
4. If necessary, utilise a formal sanction according to our Transgressing The Joey’s Way Compendium
5. If appropriate, the College may invite relevant students to partake in a Restorative Conference.

All this information, including relevant policies and guidelines, is detailed on the College website under ‘Student Engagement’.

Thank you in anticipation of your support as we continue to ensure that all members of our community are safe and included.

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

From the Acting Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

Inauguration Ball Practice  

Over the past three weeks, our Year 12 students have been preparing for their Inauguration Ball which will be held on Friday 21 February. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of watching our Year 12 students and their parents and guardians practice for what has been a long-standing tradition of the College and a key component of how our Inauguration Ball aligns with our Student Formation Plan.

Not only is the parent/guardian dance an opportunity for our young people to learn some partner dancing and the etiquette that goes along with it; it also holds deep symbolic meaning. Our students are partnered in this journey to the end of their school by those they have at home supporting them. When they dance with one parent/guardian, this represents all those at home they have stepped through this year with them.  

I thank all the parents and guardians who were able to join us on Sunday and congratulate the 2025 cohort on their ability to pick up the dances so quickly. They have been excellently coached and encouraged by Mrs Gayle Ward.

The Inauguration Ball is a date that many look forward to in our College and is certainly an event which doesn’t get organised overnight. My immense thanks to Mrs Rosanne Pietsch and Mrs Jan Lengren for their tireless work in organising this event. As well as Mrs Mandy Goodman who has organised and will supervise the Year 11 and 10 students who will take on the role of severs for the evening.

A reminder that our arrivals will be livestreamed, and a link will be made available on our College Social Media pages as soon as is it live.

Year 7 Welcome Liturgy and BBQ 

On Tuesday evening we formally inducted our Year 7 students into the College for the presentation of their House badges and to share a meal together. 

Forming along with our Liturgical Theme this year, we added another page to our College Story Book. The Heroes Journey

Arriving at St Joseph’s College and starting the adventure of high school is much like the start of the hero's journey. For a Year 7 student, this transition marks the start of a common story, leaving behind the comforts of primary school and stepping into the unknown world of high school.

Just as a hero receives a call to adventure, a Year 7 student faces new challenges and opportunities. They encounter unfamiliar faces, navigate complex hallways, and adapt to a more demanding academic environment. This phase is akin to the "Departure" stage in the hero's journey, where the hero leaves their ordinary world.

In high school, students meet mentors—teachers, older students, and even new friends—who guide and support them, much like the wise mentors in heroic tales. These mentors provide the knowledge and encouragement needed to face trials and tribulations.

As the journey progresses, the student confronts various tests, from mastering new subjects to managing social dynamics. These challenges help them grow, build resilience, and develop a sense of identity, mirroring the "Initiation" phase of the hero's journey.

Ultimately, the Year 7 student, like the hero, emerges transformed. They gain confidence, new skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This transformation is the essence of the hero's journey, where the hero returns home, forever changed by their experiences.

Prayer

This last Sunday our Gospel was from Luke - 6:17, 20-26, ‘Jesus Teaches and Heals’.

Throughout history, the Church has frequently cited Matthew’s Beatitudes more than those found in Luke. However, in recent times, Catholic Social Teaching and theological discussions have increasingly referenced Luke, particularly in the context of social justice. Latin American Liberation Theology has utilized the Beatitudes and Woes, along with the Gospel of Luke, to advocate a ‘preferential option for the poor.’ This concept has been embraced and further developed in the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II and his successors.

There may not be a Gospel passage more challenging than this. It raises the question of our ultimate goal in life. We naturally and rightly desire success, comfort and wellbeing but Jesus states that these are secondary to self-giving to others. The rich are not condemned for their success and comfort but because they are indifferent to the poor and do not share their good fortune. Following Jesus requires a change in perspective and action from self-sufficiency to awareness of our dependence on God and to our co-responsibility for others, especially the poor and marginalised.

Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.

Amen

Thomas Moore - Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity - tmoore@sjc.qld.edu.au

Academic Captains

Hello SJC Community!

Once again, we would like to extend our congratulations to all the 2024 Semester 2 Academic Award winners, and special congratulations to Sienna Wagner, the 2024 College Dux. As academic captains, this year we have some exciting plans to support every student in their individual learning journey. We hope to implement a tutoring and mentorship program, as well as creating a useful guide of study habits, techniques and organising an SJC spelling bee.

We encourage every student at Joey’s to set personal academic goals and will do our best to support and encourage the fulfilment of these goals. We hope that all students will continue to live out the Joey’s Way by endeavouring to succeed at their chosen academic pathway. Endeavour to attain excellence – whether in traditional academia, in a trade or in a specialist subject – and success is guaranteed.

We are so honoured to be your 2025 Academic Captains, and we cannot wait to see where this year takes us.

2025 Academic Captains - Gabrielle Horton and Sarah Ellis

Murphy House

Keeping Your Family Safe Online: A Guide to Internet Safety

In today's digital age, the internet is an integral part of our daily lives. It offers countless opportunities for learning, entertainment, and communication. However, it also presents various risks, especially for children and teenagers. As a family, it's crucial to understand these risks and take proactive steps to ensure everyone's safety online. Here are some essential tips to help your family navigate the digital world safely.

1. Educate Your Children About Online Risks

The first step in ensuring internet safety is education. Talk to your children about the potential dangers they might encounter online, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Make sure they understand the importance of not sharing personal information, such as their full name, address, phone number, or school name, with strangers online.

2. Set Clear Rules and Boundaries

Establish clear rules and boundaries for internet use. This includes setting time limits on screen time, specifying which websites and apps are allowed, and discussing what types of online behavior are acceptable. Make sure your children understand the consequences of breaking these rules.

3. Use Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools

Take advantage of parental controls and monitoring tools available on most devices and internet services. These tools can help you restrict access to inappropriate content, monitor your children's online activities, and set time limits on device usage. Regularly review these settings to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.

4. Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where your children feel comfortable talking to you about their online experiences. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable or if they are unsure about a situation. Open communication can help you address potential issues before they escalate.

5. Teach Responsible Online Behaviour

Help your children understand the importance of responsible online behaviour. This includes being respectful to others, not engaging in cyberbullying, and thinking twice before posting or sharing anything online. Remind them that once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove and can have long-lasting consequences.

6. Stay Informed About the Latest Trends and Threats

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new apps, games, and social media platforms emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest trends and potential threats by reading articles, attending workshops, and joining online communities focused on internet safety. This knowledge will help you better guide your children and protect them from new risks.

7. Lead by Example

Children often mimic the behaviour of their parents. Set a good example by practicing safe and responsible internet use yourself. Be mindful of the information you share online, the amount of time you spend on devices, and how you interact with others in the digital world.

8. Create a Family Internet Safety Plan

Develop a family internet safety plan that outlines your rules, expectations, and strategies for staying safe online. Review and update this plan regularly to address new challenges and ensure it remains relevant. Involve your children in the process to help them understand the importance of internet safety and to encourage their cooperation.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your family enjoys the benefits of the internet while minimizing the risks. Remember, internet safety is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, communication, and education. Together, you can create a safer online environment for everyone in your family.

Our College website also has useful resources to guide helpful conversations at home. Visit Home Page SchoolTV | St Joseph's College - Toowoomba

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

Sport

Friday Night Basketball Report

The 2025 Friday Night Basketball competition commenced with our team traveling to Harristown for the inaugural week of play.

Due to scheduling conflicts, game times were adjusted as the school needed to vacate the courts early to accommodate volleyball setup; however, we anticipate a return to regular timings next week.

In an exciting matchup, both the 9/10 Girls and the Open Girls teams played simultaneously, achieving significant victories. A special thanks goes to Hayden for stepping in as coach for the 9/10 Girls this week in the absence of their regular coaches.

9/10 Girls Performance

The 9/10 Girls exhibited a strong start right from the opening tip-off. Their defence was particularly impressive, limiting Harristown to just 9 points. Offensively, the team excelled, racking up an impressive 62 points.

Despite the sweltering conditions in the Harristown gym, the girls demonstrated their enthusiasm for the game. Notable individual performances included Lara Yaxley, who scored 33 points, and Athena Wirihana, who contributed 17 points. Erin Richardson and Charlotte Wiedman each added 4 points, while Hayley Keller and Sophia Kmita chipped in with 2 points apiece.

Overall, it was a successful night for our teams, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.

9/10 Boys

The 9/10 Boys team faced a challenging game, with the score fluctuating throughout. The first quarter ended in a tie at 5 points each. By halftime, Harristown had secured the lead. They maintained their advantage at the conclusion of the third quarter. However, the boys rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring Harristown 12 to 4. A series of successful three-pointers played a crucial role in keeping the team competitive.

In the end, the final score was 29 to 26 in favour of our team. This victory marks a commendable achievement for the boys and Mr Stone. Moving forward, it is essential for the team to enhance their collaboration on the court, as they demonstrated improvement in teamwork as the game progressed.

Toby Willey was the standout scorer with 9 points, followed by Kobi Guok with 6 points and Oliver Folley with 5 points. Declan Dening showcased a strong defensive performance while contributing 3 points, alongside Oskar Jenkins, who also scored 3 points. Lucan Byrne added 2 points, and Josuha Tchome completed the scoring with 1 point.

Open Girls

We are pleased to announce the addition of Mr Stone to our coaching staff. The girls certainly put his patience to the test during their first game, securing a narrow victory with a score of 34 to 33.

The match was a true nail-biter, with the team only clinching the win in the final minute. After the first quarter, we found ourselves trailing 9 to 6. However, in a strong second quarter, we managed to outscore our opponents, bringing the score to 16 to 15. Unfortunately, in the third quarter, we struggled, allowing Harristown to outscore us 14 to 4.

Demonstrating resilience, our team made a remarkable comeback in the final quarter, outscoring Harristown 14 to 6, ultimately winning the game by a mere one point.

Kaley Markey delivered an outstanding performance, leading the scoreboard with 16 points, complemented by notable steals. Sami Hunter also contributed significantly, scoring 7 points. Both Chloe Qalotaki and Krystal Timms added 4 points each, while Emmi Ranford and Holly Robinson rounded out the scoring with 2 points each.

Overall, it was an exhilarating game showcasing the determination and skill of our players.

Open Boys

The Open Boys team faced a challenging game against Harristown, ultimately losing with a score of 24 to 46. The boys started strong, trailing by only 8 to 5 at the end of the first quarter and maintaining a 5-point deficit at halftime. However, the team struggled in the fourth quarter, where they experienced a significant downturn, scoring just 5 points compared to Harristown's 18.

Oliver Smythe and Dean Sowry were the standout players, each contributing 7 points to the team's total. Jacob Wirihana added 4 points, while Cayden Phillips and Jackson Gunning both contributed 3 points. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience and determination throughout the match.

Darling Downs Triathlon & Aquathlon

Three of our young athletes travelled to Hervey Bay on the weekend to compete as part of the Darling Downs in the State Championships for Triathlon and Aquathlon.

In the Triathlon 13-19 Years Championships, Taylor Wann placed second in the Darling Downs team and 24th overall out of 73 competitors. Riley Bryant also finished second in the Darling Downs team in the intermediate age group.

In the Aquathlon 10-12 Years Championships, Makayla Wardle had a great day placing second.

Upcoming TSSS and DD events

TSSS AND ZONE TRIALS

Netball - 12 years girls’ and boys’ netball - nominations close Feb 24

Basketball - 13-16 and 17-19-years boys and girls - nominations close Feb 21

Basketball - 12 years Boys - nominations close Feb 29

Hockey - 12 years Boys and Girls - nominations close Feb 28

Rugby League - 12 years boys - nominations close Feb 28

DARLING DOWNS TRIALS

Cricket - 10 - 12 years girls - nominations close Feb 28

Swimming - 13 - 19 years boys and girls - nominations close Feb 24 

Hockey - 13 - 15 and 16 - 19 years boys - nominations close Feb 27

Rugby Union - 17-18 years boys - nominations close March 4

Orienteering - 10-19 years boys and girls - nominations close March 5

Rugby League - 15-16 and 17-18-years Girls - nominations close Feb 28

Volleyball 16-19 years boys and girls - nominations close February 28

Netball 15- and 19-years boys - please see Miss Newton if interested

Cricket - 13 - 14 girls - nominations close March 19

AFL - 13-15 years boys and girls - nominations close March 4

Rugby Union - 17-18 years boys - nominations close March 4

Rugby League - 15/16 and 17/18 girls - nominations close Feb 28

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

Connecting with Careers

As a member of St Joseph’s College, you can access your college’s Options Career Information subscription products through the Options Career Information App. The App is available through Apple Store and Google Play. The App gives you convenient access to career information and key calendar dates. The access code for St Jospeh’s College, Toowoomba is JOEYSWAY2024.

Year 10 Work Experience

Work Experience Placement Agreement forms Due: A reminder that the Year 10 Work Experience Placement Agreement forms were due by Friday, 7 February 2025. We kindly ask all families to ensure that these forms are submitted on time to facilitate our planning. The Work Experience Placement Agreement form can be downloaded from the College’s careers website in Workplace Learning. The Work Experience Placement Agreement form is now available as an electronic fillable form.

ADF News

Defence Force work experience program

Try out an ADF job by doing a Defence Force work experience placement. You must be at least 15 years of age at the time of the placement. Click here for more information including:

Information for students
Information for parents
Information for educators
How to apply

Student experiences

Upcoming ADF events and information sessions are listed below:

04/02/2025 Navy Careers Virtual Information Session

05/02/2025 Toowoomba Defence Careers Information Session

06/02/2025 Cairns Defence Careers Information Session

11/02/2025 Toowoomba Army Careers Information Session

SJC Careers website

We have a dedicated school careers website to assist our students with all their career research, portfolio development and post-school planning. Aside from the main website, students have their own secure area to create and store career information and documents which can be accessed at any time.

The site is also designed with you, the parent/carers in mind, to provide you with all the information you need about your child’s career planning and post school options as the information is constantly changing in these areas. We encourage parents/carers to familiarise themselves with the platform and range of communications available to keep informed.

You can find our site at sjccareers.

Emerging Roles in the labour market

The Australian Governments Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) website has valuable information covering current trends in the Australian Jobs Market. Emerging roles refer to those that have appeared in Australian job market data for the first time in recent years or are growing quickly from a small base. JSA has identified 37 emerging roles and four main themes:

• Health, Care and Medical e.g. health tech, medical tech
• Data and Technologies e.g. cybersecurity
• Net Zero e.g. sustainability, clean energy
• Science and Engineering e.g. biological and chemical science, engineering

Click here to read more about these themes and emerging jobs in each of the themed areas.

Labour Force Data - December 2024

From the Australian Bureau of Statistics - In seasonally adjusted terms, in December 2024:

• unemployment rate increased to 4.0%.
• participation rate increased to 67.1%.
• employment increased to 14,584,400.
• employment to population ratio increased to 64.5%.
• underemployment rate decreased to 6.0%.
• monthly hours worked increased to 1,976 million.
• full-time employment decreased by 23,700 to 10,037,600 people.
• part-time employment increased by 80,000 to 4,546,800 people.

Randstad's best jobs in Australia 2025

In 2025, skills are in high demand, with a surge in hiring across the nation. A significant 76% of Australian professionals are contemplating job changes this year, as highlighted by LinkedIn research. The Australian job market in 2025 is set to be defined by technological advancements, sustainability and workforce adaptability. Randstad offers insights on trending roles, necessary qualifications and a personalised job search. Click here to find out more about their predicted jobs in demand.

Law and Justice Career Information Event

The event will be held on Thursday, 27 February commencing at 5.00pm at the Toowoomba Courthouse. There will be a variety of organisations represented and able to engage with students and parents.

For further information about this event, please see the flyer.

Click here or the QR code on the flyer to register for this event.

There is no cost to attend the event

For more information, please contact the Careers Team.

Maree Harman - Career Development Practitioner - mharman@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 details and/or business graphics to: marketing@sjc.qld.edu.au

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Welcome to all new and current families.

The uniform shop is stocked and still has plenty of stock after the back-to-school rush.

With Toowoomba weather been so unpredictable, be prepared for all seasons.

The All-purpose jacket is great for the cool and rainy weather. Finish off the look with a school scarf.

Items you might not know we sell:

• Female Bike Shorts
• Black leather school shoes
• Water bottles
• Hair Accessories
• Hat bands
• Scarves
• Second hand clothing

Currently out of stock:

• Junior Girls blouses - Size 10A (ETA mid feb)
• Girls’ formal skirts – Girls Size 8 and 10.
• All purpose Jacket – Sizes 14 and XS

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 clothing, football shorts, socks and training shirts can not be ordered online, but are available in store and for over the phone payment.

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.