Newsletter - Term 3 - Week 10 - Issue 149

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

This week, our Year 12 students participated in their final retreat as students at St Joseph’s College. As individuals and a year-level cohort, they reflected on their own personal faith journey and the stories they have created. Each journey is a highly personal experience and allows students to reflect on their achievements, growth and learnings whilst considering their next steps. Fr Ray Crowley and I travelled down on Tuesday afternoon to spend time with our young people and staff and participate in the evening liturgy. I was deeply impressed with how our young men and women engaged in the activities, especially the Tuesday night Liturgy, which focused on the theme of reconciliation. Fr Ray spoke of the importance of taking the time to speak with peers whom students may have not treated well or alternatively appreciated during their time at St Joseph’s College. He emphasized that as individuals they would spread in many directions and may not see each other for extended periods of time, hence the importance of saying sorry or thank you. It was a truly moving experience. I thank Mr Tom Moore and Ms Rosanne Pietsch for leading the experience and to Mr Gehrman, Mr Love, Mr Prasad, Ms Wright, and Ms Moloney who attended the retreat to support our young people.

Last week, the Year 8 Resilience Camp was held at Camp Kokoda, located near Boonah. This experience engaged students and staff in a range of experiences ranging from abseiling and canoeing to group problem solving. Each activity challenged the students individually and required them to work as a collective to push beyond what they thought were their limits. Camp Kokoda’s learning program is based on the values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice. Each evening during debriefs conducted by camp facilitators, students heard the stories of how the diggers involved in the Kokoda campaign displayed these values in the face of insurmountable odds and how they were enacting the same values in their activities. Staff commented on how impressed they were at how our students demonstrated personal growth and the College looks forward to witnessing this group apply their learnings while at the college. I also acknowledge Mr Luke Logan, who coordinated the camp and the eleven staff who attended to support the seven student groups, Bruce Cook, Andrew Fitness, Ashley Steele, Deb Newton, Tim Stone, Samantha Simpson, Mitch Wheeldon, Shauna Green, Amanda Ruhle, Hayden Maripa. Each staff member volunteered their time outside of school hours to allow students to have such a rich experience. I am grateful for their generosity.

Recently, St Joseph’s College celebrated Child Protection Week, which focused on the importance of having conversations about keeping children safe. St Joseph’s College has designated officers who students can approach if they feel unsafe either at school or outside. These staff are displayed on posters around the school and on the college website. While students engaged in conversations about safety through the Joey’s Way curriculum, I encourage all parents to talk with your children about how to maintain their safety in a variety of environments, including the digital world.

I am delighted to announce that the College Musical will return to St Joseph’s in 2026, which will showcase student acting, dancing, musical instruments, and technical theatre skills. This production is being led by Mr Thomas Holsworth, assisted by Ms Madeline Minns and a team of motivated and talented staff. The musical is scheduled to be performed at the Empire Theatre from June 11-13. An announcement on the name of the musical will be made at the beginning of next term.

At the end of this term, we farewell Ms Amanda Ruhle (Career Development Officer), who concludes her time with the College. Amanda has made this decision for personal reasons, and we wish her the best. A recruitment process has begun to fill the vacant position.

Blake Cullen, (HPE teacher), begins a nine-month period of leave to travel overseas, where he will play rugby league in Europe. This has been a lifetime ambition for Blake, and we look forward to his return in Semester 2 2026. Mitchell Kilgour (Curriculum Leader HPE) takes four weeks long service leave to spend time with his family after the recent birth of his first child and we welcome Ms Rachael Reen and Chris Beljak to the HPE team for a period next term. I congratulate Mr Tim Stone on his appointment as Acting Curriculum Leader HPE, while Mitch Kilgour is on leave.

Mr Mark Fells, (Facilities Manager), commences a five-week secondment to Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office in the second week of the holidays as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer. This is a wonderful recognition of Mark’s knowledge and skills, and we look forward to his return mid-term 4. Mr Brad Suhr will assume the position of Facilities Manager, and Mr Darcy Goodman will increase his time at the College with the Maintenance Team.

The College wishes Kate Stenhouse, and her partner Lachlan, the best as they prepare for the arrival of their second child next term. We look forward to their joyous news. Ms Nadine Luhrs returns to St Joseph’s while Kate is on leave for the next 12 months.

Thank you to Mr Josh Richards, who has covered classes for Mr Adam Watts during Term 3 after Adam’s appointment to St Saviour's College. Mrs Taylah Waldron returns from overseas to the College and will teach in the English and Humanities Teams.

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank our staff, students, and families for your efforts during Term 3. Our students have grown holistically through academic, faith, sport, cultural and service experiences, and the upcoming two-week vacation is an appropriate time to recharge the batteries. For our Year 12 students, this will be the last time that they will return to school after vacation, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with you.

I look forward to seeing everyone when school commences on Tuesday, 7th October.

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

From the Deputy Principal

2025 Presentation Night – Save the Date

All students and families are welcome to the 2025 Presentation Night!  The evening will acknowledge the student’s academic, mission, sporting, cultural and engagement & leadership achievements.  As in previous years, we look forward to a range of performances.  We invite all members of the College community to join us for a night of celebration and entertainment as we acknowledge the achievements of our students across SJC in all areas of college life. Tickets will be available during Term 4 via a TryBooking link- stay tuned and save this date.

Congratulations

Congratulations to all on a very successful Term 3. There have been many activities and opportunities for the students to be involved in, from excursions, SET Plans, Academic Care interviews, Grandparents Day Mass, Retreats, Athletics Carnival, Student Leadership voting, Book Week, Science Week, cultural performances and concerts, many sporting competitions all the way through to RUOK Day. Just to mention a few.

The challenge for students is to get the most out of schooling is to be involved in as many activities and opportunities as possible. 

Year 12

The Yr 12 students are currently preparing for their final external exams or assessments in Term 4. Many students in General subjects are involved in the External Exam Preparation Program (EEPP) over the holidays. Our full support is with our Year 12 students as they enter their final passage of studies leading up to the external ATAR exams which commence early in Term 4. Good luck as you approach these important exams.

Preparation for Term 4

Over the holidays your child is encouraged to empty their school bag and pencil case to make note of items they need to replenish before the final school term for 2025.

Students should return to school with an equipped pencil case and workbooks with enough space for Term 4 work.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Academic Support

If you receive notification via email that your son or daughter is requested for Thursday afternoon academic support in the library with their teacher, please respond to the letter by clicking on the form embedded in the letter to give permission.  If your child cannot attend, please remember to still let the College know as a roll is taken during the afternoon for attendance purposes.

Term 3 Report Cards – Years 7 to 10

Term 3 report cards for students in Years 7 to 10 will be distributed shortly. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to speak with their child about their academic progress and learning behaviours. Please support your child in reflecting on what they have achieved this term and identifying areas for improvement as they move into Term 4.

If you have any questions about the Academic support notice, please contact the teacher concerned directly.

Year 11

Students will receive an end of Unit 2 report card indicating whether they have successfully completed Unit 2 (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) in Week 4, Term 4.  Successful completion enables students to bank 1 credit point towards their QCE.  Students need to bank 20 points with 12 coming from completed core.  Academic care interviews for Year 11’s will occur early in 2024. For further information please refer to the QCAA website

 https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_new_qce_system_parent_guide.pdf

Year 12 Trial Exam Block

Year 12 General Students at St Joseph's College celebrated a milestone with the conclusion last week of the Year 12 Trial Exam block. It showcased the dedication and determination of the Year 12 general classes but also underscored the exceptional quality of education and support provided by the school. The students exhibited an exemplary work ethic, demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence. The Trial Exam block served as a crucial stepping stone towards their final exams, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel. The collective effort of both students and staff was evident throughout the rigorous examination period, and it undoubtedly sets a promising precedent for their impending success in the upcoming final exams. This achievement not only reflects the resilience and perseverance of the Year 12 cohort but also stands as a positive way St Joseph's College nurtures and empowers its students.

Year 12 - Accessing myQCE

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

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

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

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

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

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 

2. 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

This past Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, our Year 12 cohort gathered at PGL Kindilan in Redland Bay for their Year 12 Retreat.

Students completed a number of activities throughout the three days, both physical, reflective and spiritual. The retreat is a special time for the class of 2025 to come together as a cohort to reflect on their time together, reflect personally on their own personal journey – both past and future and finally solidify or give thanks for the relationships that they had throughout their schooling journey.

One of the week’s highlights was a special visit from Fr Ray and Mr Brennan, who joined us for Tuesday afternoon’s activities, shared in our evening meal, and thoughtfully facilitated our evening program. Fr Ray challenged the students to reflect on their relationships with their peers and cherish the ‘days like this’, sharing some personal anecdotes about his experiences with his own friends from school and the challenges and opportunities of maintaining those over time. We concluded the liturgy with the Busby Marou cover of the Van Morrison song Days Like This and a rousing rendition of the school song that those back in Toowoomba most like would have heard.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in and my sincere thanks go to the staff who supported the students whilst there - Mr Gehrmann, Mr Love, Mr McKenzie, Miss Moloney, Mrs Pietsch, Mr Prasad, Mr Ramage and Mrs Wright as well as our wonderful admin staff at SJC and the staff at PGL who were incredibly generous with their skills and time to ensure the retreat was a memorable experience for our class of 2025.

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

McAuley House

Spring is a season that brings everyone happiness. Flowers begin to emerge, and the days grow longer, and warmer.

One of the first signs of Spring is the return of the honeybees. These small creatures emerge from the cold winter and begin their work pollinating, helping plants to grow and ecosystems thrive. They are essential to life. The honeybees' role in pollinating flowers and plants ensures the survival of many species. They work quietly and diligently, often unnoticed. Yet the impact they have is profound. In many ways, the honeybees mirror the legacy of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Her life, like the honeybees, was marked by tireless service, quiet strength, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. She dedicated her life to helping those in need.

Catherine McAuley believed that every person deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Her compassion was active and persistent, working mainly with impoverished women. Catherine responded to poverty, illness and injustice with courage and love. Her work continues to this day, reminding us that service to others is one of the most powerful ways we can make a difference. Just as honeybees adapt to changing seasons and harsh winters, Catherine McAuley showed remarkable resilience throughout her life.

The honeybee and Catherine McAuley both serve as symbols of what it means to live with purpose. Having purpose means living and working in a way where you give and act for others without expecting anything in return. Catherine McAuley once said, “the simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow”. These words invite us to how we might grow in resilience, hope, and compassion. We should use the comparison of the honeybee and Catherine McAuley as a reminder to make meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

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

Sport

New Queenslander

We are thrilled to announce that Amarni Jackson has been selected to represent the 10-12 years Queensland softball team following her outstanding performance at the recent State Titles! Amarni will showcase her talent and determination as she competes at the national championships in Blacktown, Sydney this November. Let’s rally behind her and wish her the very best in this incredible opportunity. We are confident she will shine on the national stage. Go Amarni!

2025 Interschool Shotgun Challenge

Last Friday, four of our talented students journeyed to Clifton to participate in a series of exciting shooting challenges as part of their second year in this competitive event. We are thrilled to commend Sharna Mason, Emily Harch, Claire Wilson, and Travis Bellingham for their impressive efforts on the day.

The students shared that the experience was not only challenging but also incredibly rewarding. They expressed their enthusiasm for returning next year, eager to apply the skills they have developed and to tackle new challenges.

A special shout-out goes to Emily Harch, who achieved an outstanding milestone by finishing second overall for the day. This remarkable accomplishment reflects her dedication and skill, and we are proud to celebrate her success alongside her peers.

We look forward to seeing all of our competitors back in action next year, continuing to represent our school with pride and determination!

Out of College Achievements

With the sporting world wrapping up in Toowoomba, a number of sports have held their end of year presentations.

Many of our students have featured in these awards. The ones I have been informed about.

• Sienna Lockwood – Golden Boot football – 27 goals with Willowburn
• Will Koelmeyer – best and fairest runner-up with Boomers in the AFL and Best and fairest in the AFLQ DD league
• Lael Lawrence – Defender of the Year title with Boomers.
• Mya Spain – rising star AFL with Boomers. Most Valuable Player Netball
• Ellie Sharpe and Bianca Gillespie – recognised for 50 games in the South Toowoomba AFL club. Ellie was also awarded U15 Girls leading goal kicker for the Year.
• Oscar Schultz – selected Best Improved Player for U18 hockey club awards.

I am sure there are plenty more very capable players who I have not mentioned, but please send them in so we can also celebrate their success!

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

Connecting with Careers

Reflecting on Term 3, the Careers Team has worked with the Year 8, consolidating their learning on their strengths and transferable skills.  In Term 3, Year 11 students explored labour market information and locating career information to delve deep to explore various pathways.  Next term, we are excited to working with the Year 7 and Year 9 students.

As we near the end of the term, we farewell Mrs Amanda Ruhle, Career Support Officer.  We thank Amanda for her dedication and commitment to supporting students with their pathways.  We wish Amanda well in her future endeavours.

How to retain information

Ebbinghaus was a German psychologist who studied memory. He discovered the forgetting curve which looks at the decline of memory retention. It showed that forgetting occurs most rapidly shortly after you stop learning a subject. The greatest loss is within a few hours. The speed you forget gradually slows down as time goes on. Visit The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve – And How To Overcome It for more information about the forgetting curve. Two strategies for memory retention are:

• Better memory representation (e.g. mnemonic techniques) – Coming up with a song is a commonly used mnemonic technique. An example is how children remember their ABCs. Other types include names, expressions, models, odes, note organisation, images, connections and spellings. An example of using a name as a mnemonic is Roy G Biv (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) to remember the colours of the rainbow.
• Repetition based on active recall (especially spaced repetition) – When learning new information, spacing out revision sessions over time makes items easier to remember. It is more effective to do your revision over many weeks, rather than the night before the exam. Plan your review of material to start the first day after it is acquired, a second time about a week after that and finally a few weeks later. This is what you do in the revision part of homework. Active recall means that you test yourself following each revision session.

Top Tips to keep cool and mindful at the end of Year 12

You're at the pointy end of the year for Year 12 students (soon to be graduates) so QTAC have put together some top tips to keep a cool headspace. Click here for tips on how to keep your cool including:

• Take a well-deserved break
• Stay busy with hobbies
• Work or volunteer
• Plan a trip with friends or family
• Stay Connected with Friends
• Social media detox
• Practice mindfulness and stress management
• Talk about your feelings
• Remind yourself: results are not everything

Career spotlight: Programmer

Programmers write, test and maintain computer programs to ensure that the computer application meets the needs of the users of the computer system. It’s a job that’s in high demand, meaning future employment prospects are good. If you are logically minded, have a sharp eye for detail and excellent critical thinking skills click here to read five reasons you might want to consider being a programmer:

1. It’s a great way to be creative
2. You can learn a new language
3. It promotes logical thinking
4. It’s a stimulating job
5. It’s the profession of the future

Careers in computer industry

The computer industry is very diverse and growing. The following are jobs that you may not have heard of but find interesting:

• Information Security Analyst
• Web Developer
• Software engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Computer programmer
• Database Administrator
• IT Manager
• Network Architect
• Software developer
• Computer scientist
• Technical support
• Video game developer
• AI Engineer
• Application Analyst
• Applications Developer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Information technology Officer
• Web Designer

Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing Machine Operators

Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture and finish a variety of clay, concrete, glassware and stone products by extruding, shaping, mixing, grinding, cutting and other processes. General tasks include:

• Monitoring the flow of clay and other raw materials and products into machines, and adjusting valves and controls to specifications
• Positioning clay and stone on machines to be cut and worked
• Operating concrete mixing, stacking and splitting machines
• Setting up and installing moulds and other machine fixtures
• Setting up and operating glass-making machines to produce molten glass, and regulating temperature of molten glass
• Pressing and blowing glass into moulds to form glassware products
• Collecting and examining samples for conformity to specifications and adjusting machine settings accordingly
• Setting grinding and cutting edges
• Using hand tools to cut, inscribe and polish roughly hewn stone to finished condition

Click here for more information.

The Difference Between Psychology, Counselling, and Social Work?

Feeling drawn to a career that changes lives but stuck choosing between psychology, social work, or counselling? Each path offers a unique way to help others but the differences can seem a bit obscure. So what is the difference between psychology, counselling, and social work? 

• Psychology delves into understanding complex behaviours and mental health through scientific methods and therapeutic techniques.
• Counselling focuses on providing emotional support and guidance, helping individuals navigate personal challenges and foster emotional growth.
• Social Work aims to advocate for social change, connect people with vital resources, and address broader social issues.

Click here for more information.

Fee-Free TAFE in 2026

New funding has been announced for Fee-Free TAFE courses commencing in 2026. High-priority areas include aged care, blockchain, community services, cyber security, early childhood education and healthcare. With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Click here to see the TAFE courses that are included in the Fee-Free funding package.

Support for young people with disability

The Australian Government has put together a lista guide with information to support students with disabilities who are leaving school. Click here to read about:

• School ends. Ideas for you.
• Do you study. Do you work.
• 0You want to work. Help you can get.
• You want to study. Help you can get.
• 0You feel bad. Who can help you.
• Websites to help you.

School Leaver Information Kit

The Australian Government has put together an information kit that provides you with options after school. Click here to read about:

• Ideas for when school ends
• You want time to think
• You want to learn more
• You learn by study
• You do classes. You learn a job
• Money to study. Help you can get
• Money to live. You can get help
• You want a job
• To get a job. Things you must do
• You feel bad. Who can help you
• Websites to help you

DON'T MISS THE QTAC APPLICATION EARLY BIRD DATE!

30 September is the QTAC Early BIrd application closing date. When you register by this date, your application will cost $70. If you miss this date, your application will cost you $150! If you are paying with a Debit card it is best to pay before 25 September to make sure that QTAC receives your payment by 30 September.

If you are still uncertain about your course preferences, it is best to put in an application even if it is only one preference so you get the Early Bird discount. Your application fee comes with 3 free change sessions so you can always go back into your application and update your preferences. Click here for more information.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

EAS can assist if you have faced challenging circumstances that have affected your most recent schooling or study experience. It supports you by levelling the playing field to give you a better chance to compete for tertiary study. All applicant information is treated with strict confidentiality and care. EAS can assist you with:

• Financial Hardship
• Home Environment and Responsibilities
• English Language Difficulty
• Personal Illness or Disability
• School Environment

If your EAS application is successful, you may receive adjustments to your QTAC selection rank. This can help you compete for tertiary study on a more equal basis. If you are eligible for the Financial Hardship category, you may also get financial assistance from institutions, such as scholarships or bursaries. Click here (scroll down) for more information and individual category cover sheets which need to be completed and uploaded into your QTAC application.

QTAC website has the most up to date course information

It is important to remember that the 2026 QTAC course guide was accurate on the day of publishing. Some courses have been approved since publication and/or were not included in the book at time of publication. The QTAC and university websites are the most accurate source of course information so check, check and double check your facts!

Health Hub

Congratulations to the Health Hub students, who have successfully completed the qualification for the Certificate II in Health Support Services.  The students are living out the College core value of Endeavour through the imperatives of learning in community and aspiring for excellence.

Next term, they will be completing the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

Toowoomba ADF Careers Expo

Join the ADF at their upcoming ADF Careers Expo being held on 16 July from 9am to 5pm. You will be able to speak with current serving members to see which Australian Defence Force career is best suited to you. This is your opportunity to discover the range of jobs available in the Navy, Army and Air Force, ranging from (but not limited to) trades, transport, logistics, engineering and combat. Activities on the day will include:

• Augmented reality and flight Simulators
• Weapon and vehicle displays
• Military equipment displays
• ADF Careers Promotions team on hand to answer all your questions

Click here for more information.

Subject selection can feel overwhelming. One minute you’re cruising through school, and the next everyone’s asking about your future, whether you want to go to university, or careers you’ve barely heard of. Before you get caught in a spiral of “what if I choose the wrong thing?”, there’s one simple move that can make everything less stressful: go to subject selection events.

Whether you go to the event your school hosts, an information night at a university, or a webinar or expo run by another organisation, here’s why subject selection events are worth your time.

You don’t know what you don’t know

You might think you have it all figured out: you’re taking advanced maths and physics because you want to study engineering. But then you attend a university information night and discover that some engineering programs actually prioritise design thinking and problem-solving over high-level mathematics. Maybe you discover a job you’ve never heard of before at a careers expo, or the subjects you planned on taking clash on your school timetable.

Subject selection events give you access to valuable information, advice, and options you might not discover just by searching online or chatting to friends.

You’ll have real conversations with real people

You can’t beat hearing things straight from the source.

Teachers can explain exactly what it’s going to be like to take a subject in senior years, including how much coursework and assessment to expect. Knowing you and your past performance, they can also help manage your expectations – for example, if English has never been your strong suit but you plan on selecting extension English, you may need to work extra hard to keep up.

At university events, student advisers, professors, and current students can walk you through prerequisites, course options, and what student life is actually like. Apprenticeship and training providers could give you a clear picture of what study and work commitments involve day-to-day for the pathways you’re considering.

Even chatting with older students or recent graduates could give you a better feel for whether a subject or pathway is going to suit you.

You can bring your family along

Even if your parents or carers encourage independence and support you to make your own choices, bringing them along to a subject selection event could provide a sounding board for ideas.

If you have parents and family members who feel strongly about you pursuing a particular pathway, they might learn more about the workload expected from you and the outcomes you can expect, which might not align with what they had in mind.

They’ll hear the same information, ask different questions (usually the practical ones you haven’t thought of yet), and help you remember the important details later. Plus, it saves you having to go home and explain everything to them.

It helps your future self

The subjects you choose right now won’t lock you into a career forever, but they could keep opportunities open that might be harder to access later.

Subject selection events help you understand how your subject choices connect to different university courses, traineeships, or jobs. With some research and thought, you won’t find yourself in Year 12 wishing you’d chosen different options two years ago.

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

Host Family Needed

Atsumi Imahashi will be joining our Year 11 cohort in Term 1 2026, and we are looking for a wonderful family to host her during her stay. She will arrive on Monday 26 January and depart on Sunday 29 March 2026,

Host families play such an important role in making the student’s experience memorable and are asked to provide all basic living requirements - meals, transport to and from school and a suitable room for the student etc. Payment for these extra costs is provided. The student is expected to join in normal family activities, both after school and of a weekend.

Atsumi is coming to improve her English, so ability to communicate in Japanese is definitely not a requirement of the host family.

If you are interested and feel your family would benefit from this hosting opportunity, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the College.

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

SJC - Community News

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Spring has sprung and the weather is warming up.

The flowers are looking beautiful around Toowoomba.

Are your summer uniforms needing an update, has your child grown over the winter months or are those socks looking a little holey?

We have all summer stock available in store and online.

Has your child lost their hat band, they are available for purchase in store for $13?

The shop will be opening in the school holidays on Thursday 2^nd October 9am – 1pm.

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:

• Boys Trousers Size 102

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.