Newsletter - Term 1 - Week 8 - Issue 138

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

Today we celebrated the Feast of St Joseph, patron saint of our college. St Joseph, the step-father of Jesus demonstrated faith during very uncertain times. His example demonstrates that even during challenging times faith is a source of great strength for us. We were pleased to have Fr Ray celebrate mass with our community. As is customary the Senior Liturgy Group performed the role of Eucharistic Ministers for the Mass and along with the choir enriched the experience for everyone gathered.

The College also celebrated Harmony Day and the wonderful diversity of our community. Our college value of Compassion captures the imperatives of embracing diversity, using empathy, and leading through service. Food is often used to bring people together and students and staff enjoyed the cultural culinary delights on offer from food vans including kangaroo sausages cooked by our First Nations students.

On Thursday I had the pleasure of accompanying our senior student leaders to the annual Mayoral School Leaders Morning Tea. Our leaders received an address from Mayor Geoff McDonald which called upon each leader to strive to serve others in their respective schools. This event also provided an opportunity for our leaders to share their hopes, ideas, and aspirations with their peers.

Last week we celebrated a delayed International Women’s Day due to the recent closure of the college. Scripture clearly demonstrates Jesus’ high regard for women during his time on earth. The foundational cornerstone of his attitudes towards women was his vision of them as persons to whom and from whom he had come. Jesus recognised the intrinsic equality of both women and men and continually showed the worth and dignity of women. Thank you to our Interact students and staff who facilitated activities which acknowledged the contributions that women make to our communities. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action” which calls on our governments and communities to make timely decisions that close the gender gap.

NAPLAN concluded recently for Year 7 and 9 students. They have been assessed on grammar and punctuation, reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment of a student and compliments school-based assessment of the Australian Curriculum. Results from NAPLAN will be distributed to schools during Term 2 and then communicated to parents. I thank Mr Willocks, Ms Andrews, Ms Chalmers, Ms Brazier, and the staff who organised and prepared our students so well to engage in the assessments. Students were provided strategies, mind models and fruit prior to the commencement of each session.

Our new Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Executive was recently confirmed for the next twelve months. Congratulations to our appointed PEN.

2025 PEN Executive:

Chairperson:  Cath Condon

Secretary:  Rachel Thomas

Diocese Representatives:  Cath Condon

Co-ordinators of Events:  Jodie Upton and Lauren Heggie 

Recently the PEN had the opportunity to explore the magnificent new Mary Rice extension and Health Hub facilities. Everyone was extremely impressed with the wonderful addition to our learning environment and many commented how they would have loved to experience school in such classrooms.

As Principal I actively encourage all parents to consider coming along to our gatherings. There is no requirement for parents to commit to organising activities or fundraising. The PEN facilitates a wonderful opportunity for parents to provide voice, perspective, and talents to the St Joseph’s Community. The group meets once a term, and this year the PEN is looking to provide more opportunities for parents and carers to meet socially and immerse in the college community. Our next event is scheduled for Wednesday 14th May.

There are many opportunities available to students at St Joseph’s College both in curriculum and extra-curricular areas. This week our Year 10 Drama students attended an excursion “Come from Away” whilst Year 12 Biology students travelled to Stradbroke Island for field studies learning experiences which form part of their assessment. Both activities enrich the learning of our young people, and I am appreciative of the staff who give of their time to organise and attend these excursions and the families who financially invest in such opportunities.

As the draw towards the end of term, parents and carers should be aware that students are completing multiple assessments. I encourage all parents to check assessment calendars with their children to ensure that they are managing their time and the assessment demands. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance or relevant curriculum leader. I look forward to viewing the successes of all students in the upcoming report cards.

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

From the Deputy Principal

Social Media & Comparison Culture

Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people's lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights - from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.

For children and adolescents, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety - undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.

It's vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a child's self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a 'like' or comment becomes the measure of their worth.

The good news is, families have a powerful role to play in helping young people navigate these challenges. SchoolTV provides a Special Report to help parents empower your child to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world and embrace their own unique path.

NAPLAN

We congratulate our students for their participation in the NAPLAN testing this week. They have shown resilience, confidence and enthusiasm. We appreciate your support and encouragement at home, and our teachers and staff who have prepared the students well.

NAPLAN measures our students’ progress and achievements in literacy and numeracy. It also gives us data to identify areas of strength and development for our school and students. We look forward to celebrating our results and using the data to target our teaching and learning.

Thank you for your partnership in your child’s education.

Student Leader Spotlight

Name: 
Timothy KIST

House: 
I am in the best house... McAuley!

What do you want to do when you leave school? 
When I leave school, I really want to travel and see the world. But in terms of higher education and university, I really want to study engineering and hopefully one day become an aerospace engineer.

What does the College motto of ‘Serve Him in Others’ mean to you?
To me the College motto reminds us that we serve God when we treat other people with kindness and respect. It reminds us that when we offer help or support to others, we make our school community a slightly better place.

Best study tip you use? 
I have two really helpful study tips that I use. The first study tip is to take short five-minute breaks every half an hour or so, I find that this helps me to recharge my focus and energy. The second study tip is to use music strategically. For example, if I’m feeling really motivated to study, I don’t listen to music because it can be distracting. However, if I'm feeling a bit tired and don’t really want to study then I’ll put some music on, and this is usually enough to get me back on track.

What would be your tip for new students to St Jospeh’s College? 
My tip for new students at St Joseph’s would be to get involved in as much as you can. Because you never know, you could find your passion by trying something new, and the cool thing is: if you don’t like it you don’t have to keep doing it. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose when you try new stuff. When I was in grade 7, I joined Boys choir which I am still apart of today.

When and where do you most like to study?
My favourite place to study is the Toowoomba Public Library, I’m really not sure why but every time I study there, I am extremely productive and focused. I like to study during the afternoon and the evening (when I have time) and my favourite day of the week to study is probably Thursday.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
This is a hard question because there is a lot to look forward for my final year of high school. If you would’ve asked me this question at the start of the year, I would’ve said the Inauguration Ball but now I would probably say finishing my external exams and finally getting my Atar results.

What would you spend your last $20 on?
If I only had $20, I would probably use it to buy a football. I really like to play football so even if it was my last $20, I would get lots of enjoyment from it.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Assessment Update

In light of the recent cyclone and the resulting disruptions, we understand that there may be concerns regarding upcoming assessment dates. To accommodate these unforeseen circumstances, we reviewed and adjusted the assessment schedules. These have been emailed to all families and students last week. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to your classroom teacher, Curriculum Leader, or myself.

Parent – Teacher – Student Conferences: Term 2

Date Claimer: As per the College Calendar, these interviews will occur on Wednesday 23 April from 1.50pm to 6pm. Further details will be emailed to families at the end of Term 1 with instructions on how to book appointments through the parent portal.

Report Cards

Currently teachers are writing report cards for all Year 11 and 12 students. Parents and carers will be sent an email indicating that their report cards are available in the Parent Portal for viewing. For Year 12, please note that General Subjects have completed their first Internal Assessment and the result is unconfirmed and provisional until it has gone through the QCAA confirmation process in Term 2.

Years 7 – 10 will receive their Interim report cards at the end of the term.

QCAA Confirmation

Confirmation is a quality assurance process that ensures the comparability of results for summative internal assessment in General and General (Extension) subjects. QCAA-trained assessors review a selected sample of student responses to summative internal assessments to check that schools have applied the instrument-specific marking guide (ISMG) accurately and consistently. In 2025, confirmation of a school’s first summative internal assessment for Units 3 and 4 in General and General (Extension) subjects will occur from April when schools upload provisional results.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Our House Cup and House Points system is a way of recognising students who engage in all areas of College life- sporting, cultural, mission and service and academic. It is a system of awarding points to students that will contribute both to an individual tally and to an overall total. There have been some adjustments to this process in 2025, most notable that students accrue points in a yearly cycle and that all star awards should be achievable for students within one academic year.  

 There are some students who are close to achieving a bronze star. We look forward to presenting these in students’ Joey’s Way groups early next term.  

 Please see the details below as a reminder. 

Purpose 

St Joseph’s College seeks to a holistic learning environment where students can participate and achieve in all areas of College life. 

The House Cup and House Points system is designed to recognise students’ individual contributions to the College community in four areas of College life- Cultural, Mission, Sport and Academic. 

Accruing Individual Points 

The Star System 

Students will be presented stars as they accrue points to meet the following criteria over the course of an academic year. All students begin each academic year with zero points. 

The House Cup 

The House Cup is awarded annually to the house that has the largest number of total points over the course of the academic year. A house accrues points over the course of the academic year through: 

1. Individual points accrued by its member students, and 

1. House placings in interhouse competitions including Swimming Carnival, Cross Carnival, Athletics Carnival and Compassion Cup.  

*These points are awarded to a house in its entirety but not to individual students.  

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

From the Acting Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

Feast of St Joseph Mass

This morning, we gathered as a college for our annual celebration of our College Patron, St Joseph.

We added an additional page to our SJC story book, and our reflection focussed on the Story of Joseph, how he was represented, who he was and how he is a guiding light for us at SJC. Please find below an excerpt of our reflections from this morning.

St Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, had to trust God and work out his faith in challenging circumstances. He was betrothed to Mary, who was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. He had to decide whether to divorce her quietly or to accept God’s plan for him to be the legal father of the Messiah. He chose to obey God and take Mary as his wife, even though he did not fully understand what was happening.

He also had to protect his family from Herod’s wrath, flee to Egypt, and return to Nazareth. He had to provide for his family as a carpenter, teach Jesus his trade, and raise him in the Jewish faith. He had to face many difficulties and uncertainties, but he trusted God and followed his guidance.

The Gospel of St Matthew describes Joseph as a “just man”, which in the language of the Bible means one who loves and respects the law as the expression of the will of God. Like Mary, Joseph too was visited by an angel, who appeared to him in a dream. And, again like Mary, her spouse, Joseph said “Yes”, when the angel revealed that the Child she bore was conceived of the Holy Spirit.

The special characteristic of Joseph is hiddenness, remaining in the background. No word of his is recorded in the Gospels. He is not mentioned after the finding of Christ in the Temple. Probably by the time Jesus began his public life, at the wedding in Cana, Joseph had already passed to the next life, although we don’t know exactly when or where he died. And the place of his burial remains a mystery.

As we celebrated our Patron today, we keep in our prayers the communities with whom share this connection with us, but specifically those schools in Tara, Chinchilla, Stanthorpe and Millmerran. 

Walk Against Domestic Violence

Next Friday (28^th March), Rotary Toowoomba will host their Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence, in support of the “It’s a Man’s Issue” foundation. St Joseph’s College will have a presence at this walk, if your child would like to participate I ask that they email me to be included in our list.

If you as a family would like to participate, please join us at Queen’s Park from 3:45 next Friday.

Harmony Day

Harmony Week is celebrated annually during March to highlight our diverse cultures and help us better understand each other’s experiences and backgrounds. During this week, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is also acknowledged on the 21 March. Harmony Week is an opportunity to recognise Australia's multiculturalism, which embraces people from all over the world, especially indigenous Australians. As a nation, we are encouraged to promote respect, understanding and appreciation for all cultures.

As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are called to be an “Inclusive Community’ and this aligns beautifully with our imperative of Celebrate Diversity. My thanks to Col Speed and the First Nations and Multicultural groups who worked hard to organise our Taste of Harmony Event which was a huge success.

Prayer

Loving God, you have created each us in your image and likeness and so we are different expressions of your love. Help us to appreciate each other’s difference so that we create in our community, understanding, peace and harmony. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus your Son in whose Spirit we are all one.

Amen

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

Rice Captains

Hello SJC, this is Zahra and Claire - the 2025 Rice House Captains! 

We are honoured to be leading our house through this year and we can’t wait to see the growth and achievements within our house. As captains, our mission is to raise our participation levels and have a closer relationship with our house.  

Although we did not win the swimming carnival earlier this term, you should all be proud of the immense spirit we showed throughout the day in both the senior and junior carnivals which has made us feel as if we took home a trophy. With the upcoming cross country carnival, we hope to keep this level of spirit and move up the podium as well to reflect the amount of talent within our house.  

Friday 21 March is Harmony Day. The theme this year is ‘Everyone Belongs’ and we are excited to have the day to celebrate the diversity and vibrant multiculturalism here at SJC.

2025 Rice Captains - Zahra Rice and Claire Zimmerle

Rice House

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates from Rice House! Our attendance rate is currently at an impressive 93%, reflecting the dedication and commitment of our students.

Our students are making significant strides towards achieving Bronze and Silver awards. Their hard work and perseverance are truly commendable.

We had a fantastic time at the recent swimming carnival. The participation was outstanding, and the house spirit was unrivalled. We definitely cheered the loudest! Special congratulations to Ellexis Little, Liam McHugh, Conor Buchanan, Taylor Lobwein, Liam McNaughton and Christian Lanzafame, who were crowned age champions for their exceptional performances.

Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating the cross country event in Term 2. Claire and Zahra have some wonderful ideas for Rice House, and we can't wait to implement them next term.

Thank you for your continued support!

Elle Moss - Acting Student Engagement Middle Leader - Rice House - EMoss@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sport

Friday Night Basketball

This week marked the semifinals of the competition, where the Year 9/10 girls faced off against Fairholme College at Toowoomba Grammar. The team appeared well-prepared and ready for action; however, the game did not unfold in their favour. The ball seemed reluctant to find the basket, consistently bouncing back out.

In the first half, Fairholme established a significant lead, finishing at 22 to 6. Despite the challenges, our team demonstrated resilience and managed to secure a win in the second half with a score of 17 to 15. Unfortunately, this effort fell short as the final score concluded at 37 to 23.

We commend the girls for their outstanding journey to this stage of the competition and extend our gratitude to coaches Sami Hunter and Krystal Timms for their dedication and support throughout the Friday Night Competition.

Lara Yaxley emerged as the top scorer for the match, contributing 14 points, followed by Athena Wirihana with 7 points. The only other scorer for the evening was Charlotte Wiedman, who added 2 points to the tally.

Year 9/10 Boys

In a spirited matchup, the boys showcased their determination and skill on the court, giving their all in what can only be described as a thrilling encounter. Despite their hard work and dedication, they faced a challenging opponent in St. Mary’s, ultimately concluding the game with a score of 61 to 22.

Mitch Ryan emerged as the standout performer of the night, leading the scoring with an impressive 8 points. Following closely were Hunter Smith with 5 points and Judd Taylor who contributed 4 points. Lucan Byrne added 3 points to the tally, while Toby Willey rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

A special acknowledgment goes to Ms. Morrison, who ignited the scoring for the boys early in the game, setting a positive tone for the match. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Stone for dedicating his mornings and game time to coach and support the boys. Your commitment and guidance have been invaluable, and the team greatly appreciates your efforts.

While the outcome was not in their favour, the boys demonstrated resilience and teamwork, laying a strong foundation for future games.

Open Girls

In a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, the Open Girls team secured their place in the Division 1 final. The excitement was palpable, though it was challenging to divide attention as their matches coincided with the Open Boys games. However, the energy on the court was infectious, with players visibly enjoying themselves and exhibiting remarkable sportsmanship.

Facing off against Assumption College once again, the team entered the match with heightened confidence, having triumphed over them just a few weeks prior. This previous victory undoubtedly fuelled their performance on the day.

Leading the scoring efforts was Lara Yaxley, who dazzled with an impressive 14 points. Close behind were Kaley Markey, contributing 11 points, and Krystal Timms, who added 6 points to the scoreboard. Sami Hunter's 5 points and Tyla Salmi's 4 points further solidified the team's commanding lead, while Chloe Qalotaki rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

The final score of the match reflected their dominance, ending at 44 to 25. With this impressive win, the Open Girls team is set to face Fairholme College in what promises to be an exhilarating final. The anticipation is building as they aim for victory in the championship showdown!

Open Boys

In a thrilling encounter, the Open Boys team faced off against Concordia Lutheran College, vying for a coveted spot in the Division 2 Grand Final. Under the expert coaching of Mr. Maripa, our boys displayed exceptional determination and resilience throughout the match.

The game unfolded at a rapid pace, characterized by intense action, numerous turnovers, and exhilarating fast breaks that kept the referees on their toes. From the outset, our boys made a remarkable statement, dominating the first quarter and securing a decisive 16-3 lead. This explosive start set the tone for the remainder of the game, fuelled by an adrenaline surge that energized the players.

As the match progressed, each quarter showcased balanced competition, with both teams exhibiting commendable skills. Ultimately, our team emerged victorious, finishing with a final score of 45-24.

Highlighting the performance was Oliver Smythe, who led the scoring with an impressive 11 points. Close behind was Dean Sowry, whose sharpshooting included three pivotal three-pointers. Jacob Wirihana and Will English each contributed 7 points, while Darby Reid and Adam Ladu each added 4 points to the tally. Mason Deakin chipped in with 2 points, and Jackson Gunning rounded out the scoring with a successful free throw.

This remarkable victory not only reflects the skill and teamwork of our players but also paves the way for an exciting showdown in the Grand Final. The journey continues, and we look forward to seeing our boys shine on the big stage!

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Darling Downs Teams

With eh information I have received so far, we would like to congratulate the following students for being selected into respective Darling Downs Teams.

13 – 15 years Football – Xander Lucido

16 – 19 years Football – Harrison Mullins

13 – 19 years Softball – Xavier Macdonald

10 – 12 years Swimming – Makayla Wardle

13 – 19 years Swimming Eloise Janke

Futsal

Over the past six weeks, the 13-year-old boys and the Open boys have showcased their skills and sportsmanship in an exhilarating futsal competition held at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). Despite a few interruptions, including a bye week in the second round and the unfortunate impact of Cyclone Alfred that led to the cancellation of several games, the excitement remained palpable throughout the tournament.

Wednesday night marked an electrifying finale, where, due to the rescheduling of matches, both teams competed fiercely for third and fourth place. The 13-year-old boys took to the court first, facing off against a formidable team from Toowoomba State High School. The match was nothing short of thrilling, with both sides demonstrating remarkable talent and determination. After a hard-fought battle, the game concluded in a 4-4 draw—a result that was met with mixed emotions; while the boys were slightly disappointed, they embraced the experience and camaraderie that comes from participation in competitive sports.

Looking ahead, the team is eager to continue their journey as they prepare for the rescheduled South-West Championships next Tuesday at the UniSQ courts. This upcoming event promises to be another opportunity for the boys to shine and demonstrate their growth as athletes.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mr. Fitness, whose dedication and coaching have been invaluable to the boys throughout this competition. His commitment to their development on and off the court has made a significant difference, and the team is grateful for his support.

On a brisk evening at 6:30 PM, the Open Boys' team faced off against Highlands SSC in a match that promised excitement and fierce competition. The atmosphere was electric as the boys, fuelled by determination and a desire for victory, took to the field.

Despite their best efforts and a spirited performance, the team faced a challenging defeat, ending the match with a score of 8 to 4. At halftime, the score stood at a close 4 to 3 in favour of Highlands, showcasing the intense rivalry and competitive spirit of the game. The boys displayed remarkable resilience, fighting relentlessly until the final whistle, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Looking ahead, the team is set to compete in the South-West titles next Wednesday, where they aim to redeem themselves and secure a place on the podium.

Special thanks go to Mr. Hansen for his unwavering dedication and energy in coaching the boys. His commitment has played a crucial role in their development and performance. We would also like to express our gratitude to our loyal band of spectators, whose unwavering support each week encourages the team to strive for greatness.

As the Open Boys prepare for their next challenge, the community stands behind them, eager to see what they will achieve in the upcoming titles.

Laura Geitz Netball

Last Sunday, a spirited team of ten young ladies made their way to Glennie at 7:50 AM to participate in the much-anticipated annual netball tournament. This year, our team opted to compete in Division 2, recognizing that we needed more time on the court to fully develop our skills. Rather than risk humiliation, we made the strategic decision to drop down a division, aiming for a more competitive yet enjoyable experience.

Our journey began with a challenging match against the formidable Mary MacKillop team, comprised largely of the Toowoomba State Age Team. Despite our best efforts, we faced a tough defeat, finishing the game at 18 to 5. However, the spirit of our team remained unbroken.

In our second game against the Glennie 2 School team, we found ourselves in a much tighter contest. With only a few minor errors costing us crucial points, we narrowly lost 7 to 5. After a brief break, we returned to the court with renewed energy, facing off against a team from Chinchilla. This time, our determination paid off as we celebrated our first victory with a score of 9 to 6.

This initial win ignited a newfound confidence within our team. Following this momentum, we continued to dominate our matches, achieving impressive victories against Centenary Heights (14 to 5), Lockyer District High School (13 to 7), and Toowoomba Anglican School (4 to 2). These successes propelled us into third place on the ladder, setting the stage for a crucial semi-final match against Toowoomba Anglican School once more. In a thrilling encounter, we triumphed 6 to 4, earning our place in the grand final against the undefeated Mary MacKillop team.

As we entered the final match, our confidence was palpable, yet fatigue began to take its toll. The girls, who had played valiantly throughout the day, were now battling tired legs and heavy hearts. Despite our efforts, we lost the grand final 12 to 3. However, this outcome was a far cry from our initial match, showcasing the tremendous growth and resilience our team displayed throughout the tournament.

Mya Spain has been recognized with the prestigious Player of the Day award, a testament to her exceptional perseverance and dedication throughout the event. Her consistent effort and unwavering determination on the field were evident, as she continuously sought and applied feedback to enhance her performance. Mya's ability to listen to advice and adapt her gameplay not only set her apart but also inspired her teammates. Her commendable spirit and commitment to improvement played a crucial role in her outstanding performance, making her a deserving recipient of this esteemed accolade.

I am immensely proud of these young ladies and the determination they exhibited. It was a privilege to be part of their journey alongside their supportive parents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who cheered for the team throughout the day. A special thank you goes to Mr. Wheeldon, who represented the College as our umpire. We hope he enjoyed his lunch on us as a token of our appreciation.

This tournament was not just about the scores but about the courage, teamwork, and spirit that these young athletes demonstrated. It’s a day that will surely be remembered as we look forward to future competitions.

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

Connecting with Careers

We welcome Amanda Ruhle to the Career Pathways Team.  Amanda brings a wealth of experience in vocational education and training and is extremely excited about joining our community.  We look forward to working in partnership with you to support your child/children on their career learning journey.

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.  

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 download a careers newsletter that contains

You can find our site at sjccareers. 

Some principles of career decision making

The High Five Principles of Career Development are wise concepts to consider when researching career options and making career decisions. Read the information below and consider discussing them with someone for more insight.

1. Change is constant - The world of work is always changing. You also change as you develop personally and experience life. Don’t be afraid of change; accept it and use it as an opportunity.
2. Know yourself and follow your heart - A most important skill in career management is self-awareness – knowing your interests, abilities, values, aspirations and the things/people that influence you. Start your job ideas list with jobs you would most like (dream jobs) even if they are currently unrealistic. This can get you started and lead to other jobs you hadn’t thought of.
3. Focus on the journey - It's good to have goals, both short and long term. However, you should not be so focused on them that you miss opportunities that may emerge along the way.
4. Learning is ongoing - Learning doesn’t stop just because you finish your course and get a job. Just as change is constant so is the need to keep up to speed with new technologies, new methods of practice and emerging trends in your career field.
5. Access your allies - These are the people who can help and support you during your career journey, your school guidance officer/counsellor, teachers, your family and friends, sport coaches and others within your social network. You can learn much from other people’s experiences.

A job for life ... not anymore!

In a rapidly changing world, the concept of a job for life has become as rare as a dial-up internet connection. This shift from stable, long-term employment and single-employer careers to a world where frequent job changes are the norm comes directly from globalisation, rapid technological advancements and the changing ideas about work. Click here to read more of The Conversation's article including:

• Why such rapid change now?
• Workers’ priorities have been changed by the pandemic
• Does moving jobs equal disloyalty?
• How are employers coping with this shift?

Police on your list of career options?

Queensland Police will be holding recruiting seminars in the coming weeks. Recruiting sessions in March include:

25 Mar - Recruitment Seminar, Toowoomba, 6PM to 7:30PM

• Are you ready for a challenging and rewarding career? Join us beforehand from 5-6pm for a BBQ supplied by Rapid Relief Australia. We will have local Police and Recruiting Officers in attendance to answer all of your questions! They will explain the requirements for entry and share insights into their own experiences.
• Reserve your free ticket today!

Click here to register your attendance and future sessions in April and May.

Upcoming events

Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo
Queensland’s largest Careers & Employment Event is open on June 12 to 14, 2025 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Expo will host over 160 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages. Entry’s Free.

The event is for school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking for courses and workers seeking new training options.

The Expo is packed with Free advice, you can…

• Talk with over 160 Training Organisations & Employers
• Gain Free Career Advice
• Discover Jobs of the Future
• Experience the Free Career Seminars
• Enjoy the WorldSkills National Championships and Try’a Skill Zones
• Find your Ideal Role at the ADF Careers Expo

If you are looking for a job, career change, courses or you are a school student looking for a career path, you can’t afford to miss this event.

Thursday June 12, 2025 - 9am to 4pm
Friday June 13, 2025 - 9am to 4pm
Saturday June 14, 2025 - 9am to 4pm

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Further details at Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo

Current Vacancies

For more information, please contact the Careers Team.

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

Amanda Ruhle - Careers Support Officer - ARuhle@sjc.qld.edu.au

Debating

Year 8 – Round 2 

Congratulations go to our Year 8 debaters - Abby Phillips and Xavier Kist who, with the help of Blake Logan from Year 7, managed to win their Short Preparation debate against Fairholme College. Up against a formidable opponent, our team rallied together to come up with a convincing argument in support of the topic, “That schools should use educational TV shows such as ‘Behind the News’ and ‘Horrible Histories’ as a key part of the curriculum. 

The secret to their success was great teamwork, a clear understanding of persuasive devices and an ability to sell their pitch to an adjudicator who had already two other teams by the time our school began at 8pm. Special thanks goes to Blake, who willingly jumped at the opportunity to set up a year level and help out.  

Leigh Price - Teacher - lprice@sjc.qld.edu.au

Student Volunteering

During the recent school closure due to Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Year 12 student Erin McNaughton was volunteering with the Emergency Services Cadets with the SES to fill sandbags bags at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. Erin shovelled many bags for the Toowoomba community over the two days, she also had a little help from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on Thursday! Fantastic work, Erin! 

Art Residency

Two Visual Arts students had the opportunity to attend a 3-day residency in Brisbane at the start of the December holidays last year, Roilene Yap and Hayley Gould, at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA). They partook in a program called, The Visual Field: Art Industry Insights for Teens. The holiday program is for students in Years 10–12 to explore career pathways in the arts. Delivered in partnership with Flying Arts Alliance. They got to meet artists, curators, and arts professionals; build critical and creative thinking skills through the workshops and immerse themselves in contemporary art exhibitions.

Hear more from Roilene’s experience:
My experience was very informative that helped me learn more about the art pathway and the different jobs that I can do. The first day started with an introduction learning about the program and about the people participating in the experience. After exchanging formalities, we were introduced to an artist who does gel prints and we ourselves got to play around with them as well. The images below are some of the works I did. 
Then we had some lunch after was looking at the exhibition they had on at the time which of a trans woman on her identity of her sculptures, painting and videos. We learnt more about being a guide for a gallery on how to explain works and using audience engagement. 
Then on day two we started with a panel with people from different areas of the art industry it helped me understand to take any opportunity, because it helps me in the future and find what my job could be. 
Then we visited an artist who does interactive art and what her process is like and her own journey of what she does now. The experience ended with showing our parents the gallery and taking them on a guide and showing what artworks, we did. They gave us a certificate for the whole experience and more understanding on the art industry on jobs. I would recommend the experience to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge or interest in Art. 

If you have a keen art student currently in Year 10-12 please get in touch with Mrs Dwyer, Curriculum Leader – Arts, who can forward you information later in the year when the program is launched again.   

Year 7 Immunisations

On Monday 1 September, students in Year 7 have immunisations scheduled with OzCare. These immunisations will occur at St Joseph’s College throughout the day. 

Year 7 students are offered vaccinations against: 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): 1 dose
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough): 1 dose

This age group requires these vaccinations because:
• they need a booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
• some immunisations need to be given in early adolescence (human papillomavirus) because the immune response is better at this age for this vaccine.

Please ensure you complete the Vaccination Consent Form making sure you sign and date your consent (yes/no) to each vaccination (in pen). 

Please return the completed and signed Vaccination Consent Form to the school before 17 February 2025. 

If you have any questions regarding immunisations on Tuesday, please don’t hesitate to contact the College on (07) 46 318 500. 

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.

The mornings are starting to get a little cool.

Are you stocked up and ready with your warmer uniforms?

Scarves are popular, selling for $25.00.

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

Water proof and fully lined. Great for rainy cooler days we have had recently.

Why not grab a woollen jumper, to keep you warm.

All winter items are available in store including:

• Long Sleeve Shirts
• Long sleeve Junior Blouses
• Formal trousers for males and females
• Tights and stockings
• Tracksuits for sport – pants and jacket

We will be open in the school holidays on Friday 17^th April 2025, 9am – 3pm.

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

Currently out of stock:

• Girls’ formal skirts – Girls Size 8 and 10.
• Boys Sport Shorts 2XL

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.