Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 4 - Issue 141

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

As a member of the Global Catholic Community, St Joseph’s College expresses our delight at the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo as a former Cardinal from the USA represents the breath of our Catholic community having followed Pope Francis (Argentina), Benedict (Germany) and John Paul II (Poland). His early messages follow those of Francis in calling for a Church that seeks truth, unity and love. Pope Leo has called each member of the Catholic Community to build bridges through dialogue and to always be open to receiving others with open arms.

Last Friday we celebrated Joey’s Day on the Feast of Edmund Rice. As a College community, we celebrated how St Joseph’s is a unique expression of our Edmund Rice Charism which is centred on the tradition of providing a liberating education and being inclusive of all. Edmund Rice used his hands to serve others and share a liberating education with them. His hands were often extended in acts of charity and service to those in need. Whether it was providing food, clothing, or shelter to the poor, his direct involvement in meeting the needs of others helped to forge connections based on compassion and empathy. In that very tradition as a college, we aspire to apply our learnings to make Christ known to others through service.

Our reflections and appreciation of our opportunities were celebrated through mass, a talent concert, rotational activities, a multicultural lunch, and the running of the Dan O’Neill Gift. I thank our hard-working staff and Father Ray Crowley who brought this enriching experience to life. I remind all families that Religious Life of the School events are compulsory school days that students are expected to attend. These days are deliberately structured learning events that are designed to build community connection and a shared sense of the gospel values that St Joseph and Edmund Rice enacted to make Jesus known to others. Participation in our celebration days and whole school sporting carnivals are a condition of enrolment and a criteria for participation in representation of the College in extra-curricular events.

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The College acknowledged and celebrated our mothers on Wednesday last week in the MacKillop Centre. It was an opportunity to express gratitude to those special women who touch our lives, whilst also remembering those who have gone before us and left an indelible imprint on our hearts. This year was the third year the College has run the event, and I was delighted to see many students bring their mothers to celebrate and honour their contributions. After a moving liturgy, our students and mums participated in making gifts, and relationship building activities. I trust that all mothers felt the heart felt love of their children last Sunday. At St Joseph’s we are grateful for the incredible mums who trust us with their children’s education.

This week we welcome Mr Jason Beasley, who joins our Humanities Team. He replaces Ms Jeffrey who is taking maternity leave for Term 2 and 3. Jason is well known amongst our students and staff for his previous work on contracts and relief teaching. Additionally, Mr Thomas Holsworth will join us on May 26th in a permanent capacity teaching Drama and English. Thomas replaces Ms Nadia Spain who concluded her time with the College last week. Thomas has taught previously at Oakey State High School and more recently at Sophia College where he is currently in the midst of running their musical. 

During the first four weeks of Term 2, I have been amazed at the multitude of opportunities afforded to our young people at St Joseph’s. This has included students’ participation at the Mercy Shield in Roma for senior rugby league and netball, Year 9 and 10 students’ involvement in the AFL gala day, our Senior Visual Art student excursion to the Ipswich Art Gallery, Year 7-10 students in the Bill Turner Soccer Cup, Rosies Community Service group and Harry Potter Day celebrating literature. I thank our wonderful staff who share their gifts and time generously and students who engage with the greatest of integrity. When combined with the multiple curriculum pathways on offer, St Joseph’s truly provides a liberating education in the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice.

I request all parents and carers talk with their children regarding the importance of securing their learning materials and personal items in their lockers at the college. Recently we had intruders onto the college grounds and they were able to steal items from unsecured lockers. Each student is provided with a quality combination lock and assigned locker to secure items. It is important for students to understand that they are responsible for their laptop devices and resources supplied by the college in addition to materials supplied by families such as mobile phones and uniforms. The College is unable to cover the costs of replacement where student negligence occurs. The College encourages students to take valuable possessions such as phones and laptops home each night and over the vacation periods.

Next week I travel to Goondiwindi to participate in the Toowoomba Catholic Education Leadership Conference and return for Friday’s College Open Day where I look forward to meeting our next group of prospective students and their families. This event is deliberately positioned to run during the school day so that prospective families are immersed in and get a genuine feel of St Joseph’s College. The college leverages our greatest asset, our people, to promote the college as a place of exceptional learning and spiritual growth.

God Bless
Jim Brennan

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

From the Deputy Principal

Open Day

Next Friday we are hosting our annual Open Day from 8:30 – 11:30pm. The aim of the morning is to provide families with an overview of the way the College provides a holistic education for the students, to give students an opportunity to participate in a range of activities and for all visitors to journey through the College on a normal school day.

Open Day 2025 - St Joseph's College

Reading

Reading and continuing good reading habits during secondary school is essential. There is nothing like reading to improve achievement in all subjects. Being in high school is not a reason not to read – it is a reason to keep reading. If children stop reading, the gap between the readers and the non-readers widens across all subjects and achievement measures. This is absolutely crucial for our teenagers as they are going into a knowledge economy – those who can read, think, reason and problem-solve will be in the best place for the jobs of the future. Not only that, if you don’t continue to work at your reading, your vocabulary goes backwards – this is not good for achievement across subjects.

Here are some interesting numbers associated with the benefits of reading for 20 minutes outside of school:

Anti-Bullying and Harassment Procedure

Bullying and harassment, in any of their forms, have no place at St Joseph’s College. All members of our school community must be able to enjoy a safe school environment.

At St Joseph’s College, we define bullying and harassment in the following ways:

Bullying is the utilisation of a power imbalance by one person or group of people to oppress another. That power imbalance can be on the basis of age, physical size, capability in a particular activity, perceived social status or number of people. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, physical bullying, emotional bullying, psychological bullying, racism or sexism.

Harassment is behaviour that is offensive, unwanted, repeated and that violates another person’s dignity. A power imbalance is not necessary for a situation to be deemed harassment. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, physical harassment, emotional or psychological harassment, racial harassment or sexual harassment.

If a student believes they or a peer is being bullied or harassed, they can take the following steps:

1. If it is safe to do so, calmly ask the person to stop the behaviour that is making them feel threatened.
2. Report the bullying to a trusted and responsible adult. This could be a parent, guardian or a staff member.
3. Report the bullying via Stymie, an anonymous reporting platform

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

1. Obtain permission from the victim to act. (School staff are required to act if we believe the student may be at risk of significant harm and there is no adult who is willing and able to protect them from harm).
2. Manage the situation discreetly and record it on our database.
3. Offer support to the victim of bullying.
4. Investigate the incident(s) using witness testimony and surveillance cameras where applicable.
5. If necessary, utilise a formal sanction according to our Transgressing The Joey’s Way Compendium
6. If appropriate, the College may invite relevant students to partake in a Restorative Conference.

Upcoming Events

God of the journey, may all members of the St Joseph’s College community listen intently to you with their heart and so, strikingly encounter your love. Amen.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Student Leave

Students who are involved in sporting commitments are expected to discuss with the Program leader for sport in the first place.

Students will receive a Student – Application for Leave (School Representative Sport) form that needs to be completed by the Program Leader for Sport and Signed by the relevant Program Leader for Middle or Senior School or the Assistant Principal Curriculum and the Parent. 

This is important so a discussion is had with the student around upcoming checkpoints, drafts and final assessments.  School sport is approved by the Principal and Program Leader for Sport.  Non-school sport is a decision made in consultation with parents and carers and the Principal, however, assessment may not be able to be adjusted and could impact on student results.

It is important to communicate in advance.

These leave forms help with the discussion about what adjustments might be appropriate and allowed depending on the situation and year level.

Students who do not follow the procedures in place, may find that their results are impacted as adjustments cannot happen after the assessment was already due.

If a student is absent from school for 3 or more days (known absence), no matter what the reason, they must complete a Student Leave Form with their individual teachers so that they know what work they need to cover whilst away.  This is different to the Student – Application for Leave (School Representative Sport) form.

Laptops do not work overseas without this form being completed 5 days in advance as it takes time for the IT staff to be able to accommodate this.  Assessment is still required to be completed on or before the due date, and exams will not be rescheduled for family holidays, family events or overseas trips.

A Student Leave Form can be collected from the Program Leader for Middle and Senior School or the Assistant Principal Curriculum.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Locker Security 

Unfortunately, we have had an incident at the College recently where two individuals have entered College grounds outside school hours and attempted to steal items from student lockers. The individuals are not known to the College, and we are following up with police. However, the individuals have been successful in stealing some student items from locker. 

While unfortunate, this does serve as a timely reminder to all our students that they need to ensure they are securing their locker properly. Specifically, students have been given the following message 

1. Using the locker that has been allocated to you, and no other. If students or families are unsure about which locker is theirs, they can email ignatiusroom@sjc.qld.edu.au for information. 

2. Ensuring that you lock your locker properly, every time. Students need to make sure they toggle each of the four numbered wheels on their combination lock, not just one of them. Students who don’t have a lock should see their House Leader immediately about purchasing a new one.  

3. If students fail to secure their belongings properly, this may have implications for any insurance claims for stolen property. 

Hat Bands 

Hat bands can now be purchased from the College uniform shop for a price of $12.50. The Uniform shop is open at the following times: 

• Tuesdays: 8am-12pm 

• Wednesdays: 8am-4pm 

• Thursdays 8am-12pm. 

If your child is missing a hat band and is able to rectify the issue quickly, they will not incur any uniform infringements.  Alternatively, please contact your child’s House Leader to make a plan to have the issue rectified. 

Thank you in anticipation of your support and assistance as we work to maintain high uniform standards for all our students.   

Re-establishing Eligibility to Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities   

 While a student’s number of uniform infringements or Ignatius Room referrals may reset at the beginning of each term, their path to re-establishing eligibility does not.  

If a student accrues four or more uniform infringements in a term, they must still complete their Uniform Monitoring Plan (UMP) or UMP+ for the set number of school days. 

If a student accrues thee or more Ignatius Room Referrals in a Term, they must have a discussion with their Joey’s Way teacher, House Leader (for five referrals) or Assistant Principal (for seven referrals) in order to re-establish their eligibility. 

Thank you in anticipation of your support as we support our students to be agentic and engaged learners.   

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

From the Acting Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

Pope Leo XIV

Catholics around the world have rejoiced in the announcement of the 267^th Leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. Hailing from the United States, Pope Leo, served the poor and marginalised in Peru for 11 years, returning to Chicago to serve the Augustinian Province which supported him when he entered the priesthood.

Paul Skippen, prominent Catholic author shared some poignant words about our new Pontiff. Below is an excerpt from his article “Hope Has a New Name: Leo XIV – Fresh Faith, Bold Future”

Pope Leo XIV brings with him a spirit of humility, deep wisdom, and a clear passion for the Gospel. While firmly grounded in the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Church, his approach will echo what so many young people are yearning for: authenticity, compassion, and courage.

He’s known for walking alongside the marginalised, for his quiet strength in the face of global challenges, and for speaking to the heart with kindness and clarity.

At a time when the world is grappling with complex issues – from climate change and inequality to conflict and spiritual searching – Pope Leo XIV steps in with a steady hand and a listening ear. His earthly words from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, spoke of unity, peace, and walking together, reminding us that “the Church is young when her people awake to grace.” There’s something incredibly moving about hearing those words as a school community. They call us to be awake. Awake to our calling. Awake to one another. Awake to the presence of God in our daily lives.

Joeys Day and the Feast of Edmund Rice Celebration

Last Friday we gathered in the Mackillop Centre to celebrate the Founder of the Christian Brothers Blessed Edmund Rice. St Joseph’s College is proud of our history and Ricean Charism, and this day allows us to gather as a College Community to share and celebrate this important part of who we are.

We reflected on the many stories which surrounded Edmund. Our theme in 2025, One Story, Many Voices, speaks volume to the influence and connection that his life and ministry had, even after his passing. On Friday we heard stories about the connection between Edmund, his step-sister Joan Murphy, John Thomas and Brother Ambrose Tracey. You can read these reflections here.

Edmund Rice's life highlights his profound commitment to serving others, both through direct action and through advocacy.

Joey’s Day is an opportunity to for us to celebrate how our College is a unique expression of our Edmund Rice Charism. We celebrated all that Joey’s has to offer as a school centred on the tradition of provided a liberating education and being inclusive of all.

In true spirit of Service, it was wonderful to gather again at the end of the Day for the Dan O’Neill Gift. We were truly grateful to have Dan’s son Ben join us to present alongside Fr Ray the Crowley Cup.

Prayer

Faithful God,
You guide us on the path of life
and your goodness is our constant companion.

Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV,
in his service of the Church.
Fill him with the power of your Spirit,
the peace of your presence
and the compassion of Christ.

May he walk with you,
in wisdom and humility,
and lead us, together with all God’s people,
to embody your love for the world.

Amen.

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

College Captains

Hello SJC Community!

Welcome back! It’s great to see the college buzzing with energy as we kick off another exciting term. We hope you all enjoyed a restful and joyful Easter break, and that you’re returning refreshed and ready for the term ahead. 

A particularly warm welcome to our new staff members, Ms Ruhle and Mr Beasley! We hope you’ve had a wonderful start of your journey at St Joseph’s, and we’re thrilled to have you join our community!

As we wrapped up last term, some of our student leaders had the privilege of attending the Mayoral School Leaders Morning Tea, an incredible opportunity that brought together young leaders from schools across the region. An inspiring message that stood out among the speeches is that “It’s not about one person doing everything – it’s about everyone doing something.” This is the key to how we can build a community where everyone belongs: each person contributing in their own way, lifting one another up. 

This message also expresses a powerful lesson from a much-loved film, Finding Nemo. Marlin’s journey to find his son is a powerful reminder that no one achieves great things alone. Though he begins his quest driven by personal determination, it’s the kindness, courage, and support of others that truly carry him forward. From Dory’s loyal friendship to the guidance of sea turtles, the help of a pelican, and even the encouragement of a school of fish, Marlin’s path is shaped by a community of unlikely allies. Each step of the way, it’s the collective effort—not individual strength—that brings him closer to Nemo. His story shows us that in life’s most challenging moments, it’s the people who walk beside us, lift us up, and believe in us who make the impossible possible.

We wish you all the best with this term ahead!

2025 College Captains - Timothy Kist and Emalia Brocherie

Murphy House

Dear Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones well. As we approach a new term, we are excited about the opportunities for growth and learning that lie ahead. Your partnership is invaluable to us, and we appreciate the support and encouragement you provide to our students.

Important announcements

• New Term Ahead: With the start of this term, we are focusing on establishing positive learning behaviours and reinforcing our commitment to a safe and respectful school culture, including cyber safety. We encourage families to discuss these important topics at home.
• College Carnival Success: We are thrilled to announce that our students excelled in the recent College Carnival, bringing home the victory in Swimming from Term One. This achievement is a testament to our students' hard work and dedication. We hope that future College Carnivals can also share in the same success.
• Interhouse Points Cup: Congratulations to all students for their fantastic efforts! Our House is leading the Interhouse Points Cup with an impressive total of 763 points so far for the term. This achievement reflects our students' teamwork and spirit.

Celebrations from the recent weeks

We would like to take a moment to celebrate our successful Bronze Award students from Murphy House. Over 10 awards were handed out this week, showcasing the dedication and perseverance of our students. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success! Many of our students are working towards their Silver Awards. Keep up the fantastic work Murphy House.

Additional information

Please mark your calendars for the following important events:

• Open Day: On May 23rd, we will welcome new families to our College. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our community.
• Cross Country Event: Don’t miss our Cross Country on June 27th, which will also feature our annual Colour Explosion and Shave for a Cure Day.
• NAIDOC Week: In Week 10, we will honour NAIDOC Week with various celebrations to recognize the history, culture, and achievements of First Nation peoples.

We are grateful for your ongoing support in helping our students thrive. Your involvement makes a significant difference in our school community.

An important resource for parents that might be of interest is to look at ‘Digital Reputation’ via our SchoolTV tab on the College Website Digital Reputation | St Joseph's College - Toowoomba. Lots of literature and videos to support this growing topic.

As we move forward into this term, we look forward to working together to support our students’ growth and success. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!

A note from Dr Micheal Carr Greg, as featured on the website, “What kids do and post online, the sites they visit and the things they say is permanent. This digital footprint denotes their digital reputation and there’s nothing to stop someone from saving and storing that information about your child”.

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

Sport

Mercy Shield - Netball

On the morning of Friday 2 May, a group of nine enthusiastic girls boarded the bus, excited to travel to Roma for the Mercy Shield. This marked our fifth consecutive year of participation in this esteemed tournament, and we were eager to return the trophy, hoping to bring it back home with us once again.

Upon our arrival in Roma, we settled into our accommodations before heading to St. John’s School for our first match against Roma State College which we were able to win 20 to 14 with Sophie named as player of the match. The game proved to be challenging, as Roma put forth a commendable effort, making it a tough battle on the court.

After a long day, we turned in early to rest, knowing that Saturday would be an even more demanding day. Our schedule commenced with our first game at 9:00am against St. Mary’s College from Kingaroy which we won 42 to 13 with Abbie Jurd named player of the match.

At 11:00am, we faced Marist College Emerald with the win of 18 to 16 and Lucy Smith Lester named player of the match.

This was followed by a match against St. John’s School Roma at 1:00pm with us taking out the match 27 to 14 and Jada Guok named as player of the match.

Our final game of the day at 3:00pm was against Assumption College Warwick, a crucial match that we needed to win to secure our place in the grand final. We won 24 to 10 with Abbie Jurd named as player of the match.

With our victory in that match, we extended our winning streak to ten games, setting up a showdown with Assumption College in the final scheduled for Sunday morning. However, we faced a significant challenge as we would be down to only seven players in the grand final due to the departure of two team members who needed to return home to participate in a touch tournament.

On Saturday evening, the school graciously organized a delightful complimentary barbecue, providing us with an opportunity to unwind and enjoy some relaxation before the final.

The championship match took place on Sunday morning at 8:45am. Unfortunately, we were narrowly defeated by Assumption College, with a final score of 15 to 18, thus ending our winning streak. They played exceptionally well and undoubtedly deserved their victory. Jada Guok was named player of the match.

Despite the outcome, we take pride in our accomplishments. We can boast that we have reached the grand finals in every year since the inception of this competition—a remarkable achievement that no other school has yet matched.

A very sincere thank you to Mr Wheeldon who accompanied us and umpired our necessary games. We are grateful for his dedication to the team.

Basketball Wildcard Challenge Report

On Tuesday, May 6, at 5:30am, we boarded the bus to Zillmere in pursuit of a place back in the CBSQ competition for the open girls' team. We believed we had allocated sufficient travel time to reach the courts; however, unexpected traffic congestion along the Ipswich Motorway delayed our arrival.

Out of ten schools scheduled to begin at 8:00am, seven arrived ten minutes late, resulting in our first game being shortened to three quarters and leaving us little time for warm-up. This lack of preparation was evident in the first half, but we quickly adjusted and managed to secure a victory against Grace College with a final score of 34 to 23. The points were scored as follows:

• Tyla Salmi: 10
• Kaley Markey: 8
• Lara Yaxley: 6
• Anthena Wirihana: 4
• Sami Hunter: 4
• Krystal Timms: 2

Our second game at noon was against Clairvaux MacKillop College. Despite our efforts, we struggled to defend against a six-foot player from the opposing team, ultimately losing 42 to 27. The points for this game were:

• Lara Yaxley: 8
• Kaley Markey: 8
• Krystal Timms: 6
• Tyla Salmi: 3
• Sami Hunter: 2

The third game of the day commenced at 2:30pm against North Lakes, but unfortunately, we fell short with a score of 26 to 38. The scoring breakdown was:

• Lara Yaxley: 6
• Sami Hunter: 6
• Athene Wirihana: 5
• Krystal Timms: 5
• Kaley Markey: 2
• Tyla Salmi: 2

On Wednesday morning, we had a later start but departed an additional half hour early to avoid the previous day's travel issues. Our efforts paid off as we achieved a resounding victory against Upper Coomera, winning 65 to 18. Points scored were:

• Sami Hunter: 22
• Lara Yaxley: 20
• Athene Wirihana: 10
• Tyla Salmi: 6
• Krystal Timms: 4
• Holly Robinson: 3

Our final game was scheduled for 1:00pm, but we successfully arranged to play at noon against Suncoast Christian College, who were also eager to head home. Unfortunately, we lost this match 26 to 35, with a total of 17 fouls committed, we seemed to be on the wrong side of the referee. The points scored in this match were:

• Sami Hunter: 8
• Lara Yaxley: 6
• Tyla Salmi: 4
• Krystal Timms: 4
• Holly Robinson: 2
• Athene Wirihana: 2

Some organizational challenges were seen throughout the competition as most games only had 1 referee and this made refereeing a very hard task.

We now await news regarding our acceptance back into the CBSQ competition. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Stone for accompanying us and coaching the girls; we greatly appreciate his time and dedication.

Hockey Gala Day – Girls

On Thursday, May 8, two girls' teams from our college travelled to Clyde Park to participate in the annual Darling Downs Hockey Gala Day. This event serves as the primary opportunity for schools to compete in a hockey tournament throughout the year, making it a highly competitive occasion.

Our college boasts a strong pool of hockey talent, and we have taken two girls' teams to this event over the past couple of years. The formation of a second team is intended to provide valuable experience and insight into the dynamics of this competition. While they may not secure numerous victories, the involvement fosters learning and camaraderie among the players.

Team 2 Results:

• Downlands: Lost 0 - 7
• Harristown 2: Won 2 - 0 (Goals scored by Lilliana Schwerin 1 and Tasmin Duffus 1)
• St Ursula’s College: Won 2 - 1 (Goals scored by Amarni Jackson 1 and Tasmin Duffus 1)
• TSHS/WSHS: Lost 0 - 6
• Glennie 1: Lost 0 - 9
• Highfields SHS: Lost 0 - 6

The girls played for 11th and 12th place but, unfortunately, were defeated by Mary MacKillop, finishing the day in 12th place.

Team 1 Results:

• Concordia Lutheran College: Won 8 - 0 (Goals scored by Tia Beckmann 1, Ava Campbell 1, Addy Jones 1, Emma Warhurst 4, Aria Duffus 1)
• The Glennie School 2: Won 4 - 0 (Goals scored by Ava Campbell 2, Addy Jones 1, Issy Jones 1)
• Harristown 1: Won 2 - 0 (Goals scored by Ava Campbell 1 and Emma Warhurst 1)
• Centenary Heights SHS: Won 3 - 0 (Goals scored by Lacey Prior 1, Addy Jones 1, Emma Warhurst 1)
• Mary MacKillop: Won 5 - 0 (Goals scored by Tia Beckmann 1, Charlee Beckmann 1, Addy Jones 1, Sharna Mason 1)
• Fairholme: Won 4 - 0 (Goals scored by Issy Jones 1, Addy Jones 2, Tia Beckmann 1)

Similar to last year, we remained undefeated in all our matches and earned the opportunity to challenge Glennie for the championship. Despite being reduced to only nine players due to one absence from illness and another player needing to leave early, the girls exhibited remarkable determination and courage, resulting in a final score of 0 - 2 in favour of Glennie.

I commend the older girls for their support in coaching and assisting the junior team throughout the day. While some juniors expressed disappointment at their performance and considered not returning, it is essential to remember that our values at St Joseph’s focus on learning and growth. Events like these provide invaluable opportunities for development.

A special thank you goes to Vann Jones, who adeptly officiated game after game until my second umpire arrived. His contributions were invaluable, as were those of Taylor Diprose, who also officiated for us throughout the day.

Hockey Gala Day - Boys

On a bright cool and windy morning at Clyde Park, a dedicated group of 14 boys arrived with high hopes for a successful Hockey Gala Day. However, the day did not unfold as anticipated.

The first match commenced at 8:25am against Harristown. Despite the boys' enthusiasm, Harristown emerged victorious at the end of the 20-minute contest.

Shortly after, at 9:15am, we faced Highfields Secondary College. Unfortunately, they too secured a win, leaving the boys feeling disheartened, as we had expected to perform better in these early games.

At 11:25am, we encountered our next opponent, Toowoomba Grammar. This match marked a turning point, as we celebrated our first victory of the day, lifting the spirits of the team.

Our final match before the playoff for the finals was against St. Mary’s, who were in excellent form that day. Their performance ultimately dashed our hopes of competing in the major final.

The team then played for 3rd and 4th place against Highfields. In a tightly contested game, Highfields had initially beaten us. However, after many changes of scoring a goal and with just two minutes remaining, our team managed to score the only goal of the match, securing a commendable 3rd place finish for the day.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Taylor Diprose, who graciously volunteered as our umpire. Her professionalism and dedication greatly contributed to the smooth running of the event.

Despite the challenges faced, the boys displayed remarkable sportsmanship and resilience throughout the day.

SJC AFL Teams Excel in Recent Matches

Senior Female Team (1st May): Our Senior Female team, competing for the first time in several years, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination during their recent match. Facing formidable opponents, they showcased their heart and dedication, resulting in a mix of outcomes. The resilience and teamwork displayed throughout the game were commendable, instilling a sense of pride within the team. They look forward to building on this experience as they pave the way for future success.

Youth Male Team (8th May): A heartfelt congratulations to our Youth Male team for their remarkable victory in the Grand Final! Their unwavering commitment and hard work culminated in a thrilling win, clinching the championship title with a goal right on the siren. This triumph not only underscores their immense talent but also sets the foundation for their advancement to the next competitive level. Excellent work, team!

Youth Female Team (8th May): Our Youth Female team delivered a commendable performance in their Grand Final match as well. Although they faced a narrow defeat, their tenacity and effort were truly inspiring. This journey is far from over, as they are also set to progress to the next level, ready to embrace new challenges and continue their pursuit of excellence.

Let’s rally behind all our SJC AFL teams as they continue to strive for greatness, bringing pride and excitement to our community! Go SJC!

The Gift: A Tribute to Dan O’Neill

The Gift is an esteemed race dedicated to the memory of our cherished colleague, Dan O’Neill. Father Ray, known for his remarkable sprinting abilities in his prime, inspires this event, which we celebrate on Edmund Rice Day. This occasion beautifully intertwines the legacies of these two prominent figures.

As the race commenced, participants Claire Craig, Harry Winterbottom, Rheanna Hart, Hayden Lobwein, Kiara Milligan, Zac Luder, Olivia McKellar, Ashlyn Melville, and Nathan Fraser gathered at the starting line. Their handicaps, meticulously calculated by the mathematical prowess of Mr. Keightley, added an intriguing layer of strategy to the competition.

The race was fiercely contested, culminating in a thrilling finish. Ashlyn Melville emerged victorious, narrowly defeating the rapidly approaching Harry Winterbottom, who started from the back. Had the race continued for just another meter or two, he may well have claimed the title.

Representative Honour

We are pleased to announce that Ava Spain has been extended an invitation to join the National Philippines U20 Mixed Touch Team for the upcoming 2025 Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup. Currently, Ava is competing in a tournament in Redcliffe, where she continues to showcase her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.

This prestigious opportunity not only highlights Ava’s talent and hard work but also represents a significant milestone in her athletic career. We congratulate Ava on this well-deserved recognition and wish her an enriching experience as part of the national team. We hope she enjoys every moment of this journey and makes the most of this exciting opportunity.

Darling Down 13 – 15 years Football in Cairns

The boys' team displayed an impressive performance throughout the tournament, finishing undefeated in the pool games and securing a second-place position. Unfortunately, their journey came to an end in the semi-finals. They entered halftime with a 1-0 lead, but early in the second half, the team faced a significant setback when one of their players received a red card, leaving them with only ten players for the remainder of the match.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the game concluded in a 1-1 draw, necessitating a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In the subsequent playoff for third place, the team faced another tough battle but ultimately fell short, finishing fourth overall and narrowly missing out on a medal.

Nonetheless, this achievement marks one of the highest placements for a DD football team in recent history. The boys should take great pride in their remarkable performance and the progress they have made, showcasing their dedication and skill throughout the tournament.

(Edward Lucido)

16 Years State Titles Rugby League

A remarkable photograph has surfaced, featuring Ava Kelly, Keelie Hilt, and Sophie Delaney, who proudly represented the Darling Downs 16 Years Rugby League team. The matches took place at the Gold Coast, showcasing the talent and dedication of these young athletes in a competitive environment. Their participation highlights not only their individual skills but also the collective effort and spirit of the Darling Downs team in the realm of youth rugby league.

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

Connecting with Careers

Careers Week

National Careers Week 2025 was held from 12-18 May 2025. This week-long event is designed to celebrate career development, provide resources for exploring career paths and connect individuals with industry experts. It's a great time to explore different career options, connect with professionals and learn about careers and jobs.

Celebrating National Careers Week at St Joseph’s College

The College Assembly this week was dedicated to celebrating National Careers Week. This annual event is organised by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA). Career development is a lifelong process that involves managing life, learning, and work to move towards a personally determined and evolving future. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about discovering who you are, what you enjoy, and how you can contribute to the world.

The theme for National Careers Week at St Joseph’s College this year is, "Embrace Change, Pursue Learning, and Value the Journey." Our Career Development Framework is designed to support students at every stage of their learning, helping them make informed decisions about their pathways. The five key messages shared by Mrs Harman were:

1. Change is Constant – Embrace It!

• The world is constantly changing. Be open to change and stay alert to new opportunities. Adapting to change is key to making positive choices and benefiting from it.

• Strive for continuous personal growth. Stay motivated by learning new skills and developing new talents. Remember, finishing school is not the end of your learning journey.

• Don’t focus on one destination only. Recognise that your career journey will span your entire lifetime. Appreciate and value each experience along the way, as they contribute to your growth, learning, and success.

• Pursue what you love and what excites you. Your passion will drive you to excel and find fulfillment in your career.

• Seek support from mentors, teachers, family, and friends. They can provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

Sophie Riseley, a St Joseph’s College alumna, shared her journey since graduating in 2020. Her path towards becoming a primary school teacher was not straightforward, but it taught her resilience and the importance of embracing change. In her speech, Sophie stated that it's normal to have unexpected events impacting your plans and the importance to be adaptable and flexible to new circumstances, emphasising that changes in plans can lead to better suited opportunities. Sophie highlighted that learning extends beyond exams, encouraging us to be curious and seek growth through real-life experiences and challenges. With reference to the theme of value the journey, Sophie spoke about each experience, including setbacks, has meaning and value, contributing to personal growth. Sophie spoke about the importance of building resilience so that you can move forward.

Sophie’s journey included a gap year working in childcare, which confirmed her career choice and provided invaluable hands-on experience. She later transitioned to university through bridging courses and now balances her studies with working as a teacher aide. Her advice to students is to embrace change, value their unique learning journeys, take practical steps towards their goals, and stay open to unexpected opportunities.

We thank Sophie for sharing her inspirational story!

Helping your child with career decisions

Navigating your child's career decisions can be challenging, but the article "Helping Your Child with Career Decisions" offers practical advice and strategies to support them in making informed and confident choices about their future.

Upcoming events 

Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events website and information sessions by visiting the ADF Defence Jobs or the ADF Facebook site. Upcoming events are:

20/05/2025 Toowoomba Army Careers Information Session

Roma Defence Careers Information Session (MACC)

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 

UQ Ready Events

UQ is hitting the road again. Year 12 students and parents are invited to join our tailored information nights to gain invaluable insights and tools for a seamless transition to university life.

Details of the Toowoomba event are:

When: 15 July 2025, 5.30pm to 7pm

Where: Toowoomba Golf Club, Diamond Function Room

235-323 Rowbotham Street, Middle Ridge

To find out more information for this event, click here.

To register for this even, please click here.

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

Debating - Round 3

Year 7 Debate Team

Whilst our Year 7 debates did not win their round against Toowoomba Grammar School, the adjudicator was impressed with the efforts of Avani Subedi, Flynn Trethewie, Blake Logan and Lilly Schwerin who put up a good fight as the negative team arguing against 'The banning of animals in sport'. Valuable learnings were taken from the night as each team learnt from the other when it came to keeping to the required time limit and rebuttal.

Year 8 Debate Team

Congratulations go to our Year 8 debaters -, Xavier Kist, Abby Phillips, Evalyn Althoff and our newest member Lily Kucuku who won their Round 3 debate against St Mary’s College. In a fairly even debate with the team was able to present a convincing argument in support of the topic, 'That toys, books, films, TV and other media targeted towards a specific gender are harmful to children.' Well done team!

Queensland Theatre Student Residency

My name is Mia and last year I applied for a student pathway program hosted by Queensland Theatre. I honestly didn’t think I would get in, but I obtained my recommendation letters and wrote out all my experience, and it seemed that was enough for me to be offered a place for this incredible opportunity. From the 6-10th of May I went down to Brisbane and worked with an incredible group of like-minded students at Queensland Theatre. Each day from 9am to 4pm was filled with informative lectures and activities from all the departments who work together to put on the shows you go and watch every season. We met with the CEO, Criena Gehrke, on the first day and gained some insight into how she got to where she is now. Reading through the technician schedule for Pride and Prejudice, to looking into what it takes to market an original production and even getting our hands on the photography studio to shoot our own poster-worthy pictures. Throughout the 5 days, we dived into what it’s like to be a costume designer, production manager, technician, artistic director, the CEO of Queensland Theatre, marketing director, stage manager, designer, set builder and so many more roles. Throughout the week, we got into groups and created a pitch for one out of five scripts we were given. With only a couple hours of mood boarding and budgeting, all five groups came up with their own unique production designs, costumes, marketing and reasons as to why our ideas should be produced and how they can benefit the community. The most important takeaway from the week was that opportunities like that brought together some of the smartest, most creative people I know. They motivated me, inspired me and helped me figure out what I want to do in career in so many ways. And even though we were working a lot, we had the best time bonding over our love of the Arts and agreeing on its importance in education. If you have this opportunity, take it, because you never know what could come out of it. Thank you Queensland Theatre and thank you to everyone who helped get me here.

- Mia Wilson, Year 12 student 

SJC - Community News

A little about Seamus Evans

Living with non-swearing Tourette Syndrome and ADHD caused Seamus difficulties at school. He didn’t perform as well as expected and was well on the path to failing. With few options ahead of him, Seamus turned a corner and decided to never let ‘setbacks’ stand in the way of his dreams. He went on to become a breakfast radio personality and sought-after TV show presenter with amazing career highlights.

Seamus will talk parents through engaging and entertaining ways to open their child's mind to the endless possibilities for life during and after school. Being neurodivergent, Seamus has first-hand experience in building mental strength from a young age. He has a range of methods to get your students activated and considering ways they can overcome adversity, build resilience, and gain confidence.

Light refreshments will be served, and drinks will be available for purchase. Please RSVP using this link https://www.trybooking.com/DBQTE by Sunday, 8th June.

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 cooler windy days are setting upon us.

Don’t be left in the cold, we have jumpers, trousers, tights, jackets and scarves to keep you warm, all available in store or online.

Scarves are always popular, selling for $25.00.

The All-Purpose Jackets are available for $99.00. Water proof and fully lined.

Why not grab a woollen jumper $75.00, to keep you warm.

All winter items are available in store and online including:

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

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.