Newsletter - Term 1 - Week 10 - Issue 139

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

In a fortnight Christians around the world will celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the coming Easter and holiday period, families will reunite and rejoice. We have much to be grateful and joyous about in our community when we consider the current plight of others who are enduring hardship in the world. One only needs to cast their eyes towards Myanmar and Thailand where the recent earthquake has resulted in so much suffering. In the remaining Lenten period, I encourage all to find time for prayer, to be mindful and grateful and in doing so deepen our relationship with God.

As the term draws to a close, we farewell Ms Amanda Crouch who takes maternity leave for the remainder of 2025. We wish Amanda and the Crouch family the very best and eagerly await news of their new arrival. Ms Bridget Kenny steps into the role of Year 7 Coordinator and Mrs Daisy Cryle joins the St Joseph’s College team in a part-time capacity. Daisy is well known to our community as a relief teacher and has extensive teaching experience in the areas of English and Humanities.

I also advise that Ms Nadia Spain has taken up a teaching position in Ipswich commencing from the beginning of Week 4 Term 2. She has made this decision for personal reasons. Nadia has served the St Joseph’s Community for the last nine years and we wish her the very best with her future plans. A recruitment process has commenced to fill Ms Spain’s teaching position.

Landscaping of the old Murphy building site has concluded recently. The area has been turfed, and sandstone seating has also been included. As part of the refurbishment of the area the service road has been re-laid. The College is also looking to provide tables that will provide alternate green space for students to gather.

In our last newsletter, there was an error with regard to the naming of members of the executive of the Parent Engagement Network.

The Coordinator of Events positions should have read Jodie Upton and Lauren Heggie.

Report cards will be issued during the first week of the Easter holidays. The reports provide valuable feedback to parents and carers on the progress of your children. I encourage parents to discuss the achievements of your children and plan and how they can build upon their work. Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will take place on Wednesday 23 April from 1:50pm. Interviews can be booked through the Sentral Parent Portal from Friday 4 April and will close on Tuesday 22 April at 9:00am

I take this opportunity to wish all our families a very holy Easter break and trust that you will all experience the loving presence of Jesus together in your family. I look forward to seeing all our students back on Wednesday 23 April.

God Bless

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

From the Deputy Principal

Learning: The Ultimate Prize

Learning is the ultimate prize. It’s the quiet satisfaction of understanding a complex equation, the joy of mastering a musical instrument, or the thrill of expressing oneself through art. It’s the sum of countless small victories—the stepping stones that lead to greatness.

So, let’s celebrate progress—the unsung hero of achievement. Let’s applaud the effort, the persistence, and the determination. Because in the grand tapestry of life, it’s the threads of progress that weave the most beautiful stories.

As teachers we are always encouraged by all of our students who have shown progress over the term – that is what learning is all about.

New Netflix Series Adolescents

As we navigate the complexities of raising teenagers in today's digital age, it's crucial to stay informed about the media they consume. The new Netflix series Adolescents has recently garnered significant attention. This gripping crime drama centers on a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The series delves into the impact of chronic bullying via social media and the subsequent fallout for Jamie and his family

While the series takes toxic masculinity, loneliness and the gender divide to its extreme, psychologists and parenting experts say it has sparked "a valuable conversation" for Australian households. Adolescents offers a stark portrayal of the pressures and challenges our young people face, particularly in the realm of social media. The series highlights how online interactions can profoundly affect a teenager's mental health and behaviour. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fostering open communication and providing support to our children as they navigate these turbulent years.

Some Advice for Parents:

1. Engage in Open Conversations: Talk to your children openly about the themes presented in Adolescents. Discuss the impact of bullying and the importance of empathy and kindness online. This article may assist with some conversation starters - Netflix series Adolescence raises tough questions for parents. Let's unpack them - ABC News
2. Monitor Social Media Use: Keep an eye on your child's social media activity. Encourage positive interactions and be vigilant for signs of cyberbullying.
3. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Ensure your children know they can come to you with their problems. Consider professional support if they show signs of distress.
4. Educate on Digital Citizenship: Teach your children about responsible online behaviour and the potential consequences of their actions on social media.

By staying engaged and informed, we can help our children navigate the challenges of adolescence more safely and confidently.

Parenting Expert Justin Coulson speaks to A Current Affair about TV Series Adolescents. Recommendations for parents are made at 15:45 - https://youtu.be/uM-tg63khII?si=-iFg63nOwQx2Eotr

Student Leader Spotlight

Name:
Emalia Brocherie

House:
Rice

What do you want to do when you leave school?
When I leave school, I plan to pursue a degree in Secondary Education. For much of my schooling, I was torn between pursuing a career in Medicine, with the goal of becoming a paediatrician, or following my passion for teaching. After a great deal of thought and reflection, I’ve decided to follow the path of Secondary Education. I’ve always had a strong passion for helping others learn and grow, and I believe that teaching will allow me to inspire and make a positive impact on young people’s lives!

What does the College motto of ‘Serve Him in Others’ mean to you?
The College motto “Serve Him in Others” carries a deep meaning for me. While it generally suggests helping, supporting, and caring for others, I see it as a call to go beyond the basic act of assistance. It’s about taking that extra step – offering the same care, kindness, and compassion that you would for your closest friend. From a Catholic perspective, it mirrors the way Jesus taught us to love and serve our neighbours. Just as Jesus demonstrated unconditional love and service, it’s a powerful reminder that in every act of kindness, we can reflect Christ’s love and make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Best study tip you use?
The best study tip I can suggest is to complete practice exams under real exam conditions. This technique has been incredibly effective for me, especially in senior years. It helps me not only gauge me level of understanding and confidence in different topics but also pinpoints areas that need further attention. I also recommend scheduling regular breaks to avoid burnout – staying refreshed is key to maintaining focus.

What would be your tip for new students to St Jospeh’s College?
Don’t be afraid to ever ask questions! Starting in a new school can be intimidating, but both teachers and fellow students understand that, and they’re there to help. Whether it’s asking for directions or seeking advice, don’t hesitate – people are always willing to lend a hand. 

When and where do you most like to study?
I prefer to study in a calm environment with just a bit of background noise, as it helps me focus. This could be in a library, a café, or most commonly in my room while listening to music. The key for me is finding a space where I can concentrate without distractions, yet still feel a bit of energy around me. 

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m most looking forward to making the most of every opportunity and creating lasting memories with my friends, family, teachers, and fellow classmates. It’s a time to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished, take on new challenges, and cherish the moments that will shape the end of this chapter. 

What would you spend your last $20 on?
While $20 might not seem like much at first, it holds the potential to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s donating it to a non-profitable organisation that could be used to support a cause I believe in, or giving it to someone I know would truly appreciate it. Sometimes, even a small act of generosity can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Careers Team - Year 10 Work Experience

Thank you to Mrs Harman (Careers Practitioner) and Ms Ruhle (Careers Support Officer) for their tireless efforts in supporting our Year 10 cohort on their current work experience program. I have had the privilege to work with our Year 10’s this term and it is always an exciting and challenging opportunity that would not happen without the dedication of the careers team, school staff and supportive parents and carers.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

School TV 

We would like to take the opportunity to draw your attention to School TV, this is a resource we provide to parents to help navigate the various challenges that come with parenting teenagers. All resources provided by School TV are research informed, we hope they will be helpful to parents in our community. 

At St Joseph’s College, we are particularly aware of the fairly recent challenges that come with managing mental health. 

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

From the Acting Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

Holy Week

Holy Week is named “Holy” because it is an intense week of re-focussing on the most sacred story of our Christian belief. It is a time of invitation to open a space into the heart and soul of our deepest search for meaning.

The suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus is the central belief of all Christians. Every year, leading into Easter, Christians remember by placing themselves alongside Jesus as he walked towards Calvary, the place of his self-sacrificing love. The torture, injustice, betrayal and derision that Jesus endured is experienced in different ways by too many people today and by our planet.

God’s love broke through for Jesus by his resurrection on the third day. Love can have the last word if we unite in our efforts for justice, inclusion, service and compassion.

This morning, we gathered as a College for our Holy Week Liturgy in the Mackillop Centre. My thanks to the talented Year 12 Liturgy group for their leadership of this event this morning.

Walk Against Domestic Violence

Last Friday we had several of our senior students brave the wet weather and attend the Toowoomba Rotary Walk Against Domestic Violence.

Students heard speeches from Dr Curtis Rayment and Dr Jack Bryant, founders of the It’s A Man’s Issue Foundation, along with members of the executive of the Toowoomba Branch of Rotary.

Project Compassion / Compassion Cup

This week our House Captains have been running fundraising events for Project Compassion. In 2025 the theme for Project Compassion is to ‘Unite against Poverty!’.  

Michael McGirr (Mission Facilitator, Caritas Australia) has written extensively around the profound link to this call and Pope Francis’ call for us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in 2025. McGirr writes

“A Jubilee year only comes around once every quarter of a century, and it brings with it a special invitation for each one of us. That invitation is close to the heart of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. The theme of Jubilee 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope. It is hope which calls us to come together and Unite Against Poverty.

During Lent, we are called to be good news for the poor. Project Compassion is a wonderful way to do this. This year, as always, we will be sharing several stories. They represent just a fraction of the work you support through Project Compassion. We will meet Toefuata’iga in Samoa, Lam from rural Vietnam, and Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am sure you will find them challenging and inspiring”.

Students have engaged in these stories through JW with lessons co-written by Adam Watts and the Year 10 Just Joeys group. My thanks for their organisation and advocacy in their work to create the learning opportunities for our JW’s.

The 2025 Compassion Cup will be determined by the House which can raise the most funds for in the Lenten period. Donations can still be made via the QR Codes below.

Project Compassion Lenten Prayer

God of our journey we are all pilgrims of hope brought together by your love and your wish that we may all be one.

We pray that in this Year of Jubilee when we are called to greater justice and care for our common home that we may Unite Against Poverty.

May we work in unity for the freedom of the oppressed and the renewal of creation. May our compassionate minds and generous hearts help bring about a world where all can live in peace.

May our Lenten pilgrimage of fasting, almsgiving and prayer bring us closer to your loving heart. We ask this in the name of Jesus.

Amen

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

Cultural Captains

Hey SJC Community!

We're Piper and Christian, and we're so excited to be your Cultural Captains for 2025! We're looking forward to a year filled with amazing arts experiences, and we can't wait to share them with you. Our goal this year is to increase participation in the arts and to show our SJC community how enjoyable it can be to play an instrument, sing in a choir, create masterpieces, or act in a play. We want to encourage the college to think differently about the Arts and give it a go! It can be such an enjoyable activity that can become an enriching pastime, or help us to express thoughts, feelings, stories—become an outlet.  

Term 1 Highlights

Term 1 has already been packed with fun events, like Immersion Try-outs, Music Camp, SHEP (State Honour Ensemble Program), and the Year 10 Drama Excursion. Our music groups have also been busy preparing for awesome performances in Terms 2 and 3. There are many ways to get involved, whether you want to play in a band or ensemble or sing in a choir.

There are lots of musical opportunities on offer at the college. Some bands on offer include the Concert Band (both senior and junior) and the Combined Concert Band. There are smaller groups like the Jazz Ensemble, String Ensemble (senior and junior), and Saxophone Ensemble. If singing is more your thing, we have boys', girls', junior, and combined choirs.

We've been super impressed by how many students from all year levels have jumped in and given things a go this term! We hope everyone keeps that awesome "give it a go" spirit going throughout the year.

Looking Ahead to Term 2

In Term 2, we have many arts events to come. With Joey’s Got Talent in Week 3, Choral Eisteddfod in Week 4, and Arts Week in Week 5, music groups and students will be preparing and working hard to make their best performances yet!

In Week 3 to celebrate Edmund Rice, we have our Joey’s Got Talent; for those who want to perform a dance, a song, or play in a band, nominations are due by the end of this term! To nominate, please email us or Ms Minns.

The AMEB Experience

Hi everyone, my name is Christian Lanzafame, and I am one of your Cultural Captains for 2025, recently I completed my Grade 8 Rockschool Bass and Drums examinations for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) receiving a distinction for drums and a merit for bass. I have completed many exams over my time at the college and I have found that they have helped inspire students like myself to set new goals to further improve my musical abilities, gain feedback about my abilities, and facilitate my rapid development of skills such as sight-reading, technique, and aural recognition. The Australian Music Examinations Board is an internationally recognized institution that offers students graded assessments not just in music but, speech and drama through practical and theoretical examinations across all styles.

If you have ever thought about completing one, feel free to chat with your music tutors, it is an enriching experience! For those preparing to complete their upcoming exams, Piper and I extend our best wishes for your success.

We hope you are looking forward to the new term, and hope you have an awesome holiday!

2025 Cultural Captains - Christian Lanzafame and Piper Wiemers

McAuley House

Catherine McAuley believed in treating everyone equally, emphasising respect regardless of background. In today's divided world, her message reminds us that fulfillment comes from helping others and making a positive impact. Her belief in education's power to break poverty cycles and empower lives is enduring and inspiring. At St. Joseph's College, we follow Catherine McAuley's principles to ensure that each student's unique needs are met. Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive culture that fosters the overall growth of every learner by nurturing their talents and individual requirements. Every student, irrespective of background, can achieve greatness—a belief central to Catherine’s inclusive approach to education.

Catherine McAuley saw education to nurture spiritual, emotional, and social growth in individuals, recognising that true learning happens not just in books and classrooms. Her vision emphasised the importance of developing the whole person to create fulfilled members of society. Catherine McAuley believed in teaching students to help others. She wanted them to learn to be responsible and caring. Catherine encouraged students to get involved in projects that help each other and teach them important life skills. By doing service work, students can become better leaders, more understanding of others, and better at working in teams.

We have the power to create positive change in the world, just like Catherine McAuley did by founding the Sisters of Mercy. Students at St Joseph’s College can embody resilience by facing challenges with courage, showing hope by believing in a better future, and practicing compassion by supporting and uplifting others in the school community. Whether it's lending a listening ear to a friend in need, participating in community service projects, or standing up against injustice, students can make a difference and carry forward Catherine McAuley's legacy of kindness and service. Together, our voices create a shared story of hope, resilience, and compassion.

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

Sport

Celebrating Achievement: New Queensland Representatives Join Our College Wall of Fame

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our college has welcomed two exceptional Queenslanders who will be honoured on the prestigious Wall of Fame in MC21. Congratulations are in order for Evie King and Sienna Wilson, who have been selected to represent the Queensland 13 – 19 years Girls softball team following their outstanding performances at the recent State Championships held from Friday March 28 to Sunday March 30. The Darling Downs team also took out first place at these state championships.

This remarkable achievement not only showcases their exceptional talent and dedication but also highlights the vibrant spirit of our college community. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we look forward to witnessing more of our students reaching new heights and achieving similar successes in the future. Let us continue to support and inspire one another as we strive for excellence together!

Friday Night Basketball

The much-anticipated grand final of the Friday Night Basketball tournament took place, showcasing the talent and determination of our college athletes. In an exhilarating evening of competition, our open girls competed in Division 1, while the open boys took to the court in Division 2.

The spotlight first shone on our remarkable girls' team, who played against Fairholme College at 6:30 PM. From the outset, the girls exhibited exceptional skill and teamwork, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they clinched the gold medal, a triumph they have eagerly awaited for many years. The joy and excitement among the players were palpable as they celebrated this significant achievement.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Stone for his unwavering support and commitment to training our girls, as well as his guidance during the games. His dedication played a crucial role in their success.

Following the girls' victory, our boys’ team faced a formidable opponent in Highfields. Despite their relentless effort and determination, they ultimately fell short, earning a commendable silver medal. The boys demonstrated incredible spirit and resilience, fighting valiantly until the final whistle.

A special thank you goes to Mr Maripa for his invaluable training and meticulous game preparation. His dedication and mentorship have been instrumental in developing our athletes' skills and confidence.

Without the generous support of our coaches and the commitment of our players, participation in these competitive events would not be possible. We are immensely proud of both teams and look forward to their continued success in future tournaments!

Tuesday, March 24th

Our Under 13 Boys’ futsal team ventured to the UNISQ venue to compete in the South-West Futsal Titles. Under the expert guidance of Mr Fitness, the boys displayed commendable competitiveness, although they faced challenges in securing victories.

The boys encountered a tough pool, experiencing defeats with scores of 3 – 0 against Mary Mackillop, 2 – 0 against St. Peter Claver College from Ipswich, and a 4 – 1 loss to St. Mary’s. Despite the setbacks, this experience served as a valuable learning opportunity, and we are confident that as they continue to compete, they will develop their skills as they grow older.

Later that evening, we celebrated the finals of our volleyball competition for this term. Our program featured three girls’ teams in Term 1, and we are eagerly seeking three more boys to join us in Term 2 to ensure that we can field four teams. Interested individuals should reach out to Miss Newton.

In the Year 11/12 competition, the “Pink” team played for 5th and 6th place. Despite a challenging night, they finished in 6th place, with Charlotte Wiedman earning the title of Player of the Tournament for our team.

Simultaneously, the “Shockwave” team, also competing in the Year 11/12 category, fought for the bronze medal. We are thrilled to report that they played exceptionally well, bringing home the bronze. Rachel Bonel was recognized as the Player of the Tournament for their team.

In the gold medal match, the Hustlers faced off against Harristown. Unfortunately, due to the absence of two key players and Coach Ms Jannusch, who were attending state titles for softball, the Hustlers were down to five players. Harristown capitalized on this, but the Hustlers’ effort in securing the silver medal is commendable. We look forward to their performance in Term 2!

Wednesday, March 25th

Futsal Titles under the coaching of Mr Hansen.

Their first match against Harristown was a nail-biter, ending in a narrow 2 – 1 loss in the final seconds. However, they bounced back with strong victories against TCC (2 – 1) and Wilsonton SHS (3 – 0). The boys then faced Highlands team in the quarterfinals, securing a decisive 4 – 1 win, which advanced them to the finals against St. Marys college, beating them to advance to the semifinals.

After defeating St. Mary’s in the semifinals, they reached the grand final against St. Peter’s College. It was a tough contest, but St. Peter’s claimed victory this time. The boys have now earned the opportunity to compete in the State Titles in Brisbane later this year.

Well done to one of the best performing teams I have seen. For the boys to come together, after not playing or training together to make the finals on the day, is simply incredible. 

I could not be prouder to be their coach. Stay tuned for more news as they take on the Brisbane competition! 

In the afternoon, Mount Maria travelled from Brisbane for a trial match against our QISSRL girls’ team. Despite the rainy conditions, our dedicated groundsmen prepared the field, ensuring it was ready for play. The girls showcased their skills brilliantly, outscoring Mount Maria, who unfortunately could not put any points on the board. With only 13 players available and under Mr Love’s expert preparation, the girls displayed an outstanding performance.

Thursday, March 26th

The Open Girls' team set out for the UNISQ venue to participate in their futsal competition. The girls kicked off the tournament with impressive wins against Centenary Heights and The Glennie School. However, they faced setbacks with losses to Toowoomba Anglican School and St Peter Claver College. These defeats put them in a precarious position for the finals, but they persevered and managed to qualify as the 2nd highest-ranked third-place team.

This advancement led them to a quarter-final rematch against St Peter Claver, and with determination to avoid a repeat of their earlier defeat, they emerged victorious. Next, they faced St Ursula’s College in the semifinals. After a suspenseful match, they secured a place in the grand final.

In a thrilling rematch of last year’s final against Mary Mackillop, the tension was palpable as the game came down to the final minutes. The girls rallied to score and clinched a narrow victory with a final score of 3 – 2. It was such a nail-biting finish that we might have lost a few nails in the process! The girls will also travel to Brisbane to compete in the state championships later this year.

We are proud of all our athletes and look forward to their continued development and success!

Tuesday April 1

Tuesday, a spirited group of eleven enthusiastic 13-year-old boys from SJC boarded the bus, embarking on an exhilarating journey to Gatton for the highly anticipated Rugby 9's competition. Initially, our team included 20 eager participants; however, due to a scheduling conflict with a Year 7 maths exam, we had to withdraw some players. Additionally, a few students had to step back for personal reasons, ultimately narrowing our squad.

Despite these challenges, the determination and resilience displayed by our boys were nothing short of remarkable. They powered through the tournament undefeated, showcasing their skills and teamwork on the field. As they reached the grand final, the stakes were high. The boys faced the challenge of competing with only nine players, as two of their teammates were unfortunately sidelined due to injuries.

With unwavering commitment and a fighting spirit, they battled fiercely but were met with a tough defeat in the final match. While they may not have claimed the first-place title, their dedication and perseverance throughout the competition were commendable.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Speed for expertly driving the bus and providing unwavering support throughout the day. A special thanks also goes to Coach Mr Koina, who generously volunteered his time to guide and mentor the boys.

This experience not only highlighted the athletic prowess of our students but also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship. We look forward to more thrilling competitions in the future!

Darling Downs Representation

We congratulate the following students on their achievements in being selected in various Darling Downs teams over the past few weeks.

Ava Kelly – 15-16 years Rugby League

Keelie Hilt – 15-16 years Rugby League

Leteena Medland – 16-18 years Rugby League

Maddox Jackson – 13-15 years hockey

Zander Gould – 13-15 years hockey

Zander Jackson – 16-19 years hockey

Will Jensen – 16-19 years hockey

Shantel Chadambuka – 13-15 years AFL

Ellie Sharpe – 13-15years AFL

Bianca Gillespie – 13-15 years AFL

Mikayla Zirbel – 13-15years AFL

William Koelmeyer – 13-15 years AFL

George Wren – 13-15 years AFL

Caleb Upton – 13-15 years AFL

Jada Guok – 16-19 years Netball

Kaley Markey – 17-19 years Basketball

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

Connecting with Careers

Congratulations to our Year 10 students for successfully completing their Work Experience in Week 10.  This invaluable experiential learning opportunity saw our students immerse themselves in a diverse range of industries, such as construction, childcare, hospitality, business administration, mechanics, plumbing, landscaping, electrical work, floristry, education, and many more. Through this experience, Year 10 students not only explored potential career paths but also developed their skills and gained practical insights into the world of work.

18 Years old - it's time to register to vote

If you are 18 years old, you are now eligible to vote in Federal and State elections. With a Federal election scheduled in May 2025, it's time to register to vote. Voting is a right and a privilege. There are many countries in the world where elections just don't happen and citizens don't have a say in what happens. Click here and find the Australian Electoral Commission's guide to enrolling and voting.

Holiday Programs and Short Courses

Beginner Language Bootcamp

UQ’s Institute of Modern Languages offers a 5-day holiday program for Year 7-8 students to learn new languages beyond the options available to them at school. The program is suitable for students who have not had the chance to experience language learning or who are wanting to learn an alternative language to what is available to them at school. Click here for more information and registration details.

NIDA Holiday programs

NIDA offers several holiday courses for young people interested in acting as a career or a hobby. Click here to check out their holiday programs  making sure that you click on the Location tab and then South Brisbane to see Queensland courses.

Shakespeare's Macbeth: UQ Centre for Western Civilisation 2025 Winter School

Power. Madness. Witchcraft. Revenge. Macbeth explores the depths of human impulses and blurs the boundaries of reality and fantasy, fate and free will, masculinity and femininity. UQ invite you to join the Western Civilisation Winter School’s two-and-a-half-day residence program between 7 and 9 July. You’ll explore Macbeth’s myriad ethical and aesthetic concerns through both discussion and acting. You’ll think about Shakespeare’s influences and what brought him to write this play and also consider how Macbeth has influenced popular culture and performance. Working with UQ experts, you’ll come to understand more fully the relation between stage and page. Expressions of Interest are due in by 4 May and click here for more information.

What to do during the holidays?

Wondering what to do in the holidays? Resting and recharging should be high on the priority list after another busy term of a schoolwork. But there’s plenty of time to find productive things to do during the break too. Taking the time to explore new skills, hobbies or activities will help you narrow down what they want to do when when you leave school: Year 12 and the gateway to adulthood. Click here for some ideas including:

• Taking a short course
• Learn a new skill - cooking sewing, musical instrument, language, computer program etc
• New job or work experience
• Join a local club/project
• Volunteer at a local event

Upcoming events 

TAS University Accommodation Expo 

Toowoomba Anglican School invite you to attend the TAS University Accommodation Expo.  

When:  1 May 2025

Time:    4pm-6pm

Where: Toowoomba Anglican School

The following residential colleges will be attending: 

• St John’s College 
• Cromwell College 
• Women’s College 
• King’s College 
• Emmanuel College
• Bond University
• University of Southern Queensland
• Brisbane International House
• St Leo’s College 
• Union College 
• Iglu
• Raymont College
• University of New England
• Griffith university Village
• Redfrogs Australia

To register, click on the QR code on the flyer. 

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. 

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

Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 

Further details at Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo 

Upcoming events

Upcoming Defence Force Information Sessions

Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events and information sessions by visiting the Defence Jobs website. View the specific event information link for more details including location, times and to book your ticket/s. Further information about these events and Army Reserve Information Sessions can be accessed on the ADF Facebook site. Note that some of these events are during the Easter holidays.

07/04/2025      Brisbane Defence Careers Information Session

16/04/2025      Brisbane Navy Careers Information Session

Current Vacancies 

A reminder that you can access career information from the St Joseph’s College Careers website.  On the website, you are encouraged to sign up for the Newsfeed and Newsletter.

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

French Exchange

One of our Senior French students, Zahra Rice, had the fantastic opportunity of taking part in an exchange program to France over the Summer break. Zahra was staying with a wonderful host family in Charleville-Mézières, in the north of France. As well as settling into French family life and attending a French High School, Zahra also had the opportunity to go skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, and visited Paris and Belgium as part of her trip. Zahra’s favourite part was her visits to the local bakery for some delicious treats however! Zahra said that she spoke lots of French and even started thinking in French! She greatly improved her listening skills, but her main gain was bags of confidence!

If you are interested in doing something similar, there are many exchange programs available with a multitude of host countries to choose from. Zahra used “Student Exchange Australia New Zealand”. If you are interested in taking part in an exchange, please speak to Zahra for a first-hand account, or check in with Mrs Tolcher for further information. 

Emma Tolcher - Teacher - etolcher@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.

The days are still bringing us lots of rain and it is starting to cool off.

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 are having.

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

Have a great Easter Holiday break and see you in Term 2.

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.