Newsletter - Term 3 - Week 2 - Issue 145

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

Last Sunday’s gospel from Matthew 13:31-34 reminded us of the importance of hospitality. In this parable, much like the parable about the “good Samaritan “, Mary and Martha were called to be neighbours to Jesus. Welcome is a major part of hospitality. When we make ourselves available to others, we show our willingness to listen and learn about the things that are important to them. The story of Martha and Mary expresses that both hospitality and listening teach us how to welcome Jesus. In our relationship with Jesus, we seek to find ways to be more present to him.

We were delighted to host over 270 of our students' grandparents to the College on Friday to experience the St Joseph’s Community by attending a mass, followed by a concert and morning tea. Grandparents play a vital role in the educational journey of children by encouraging and promoting the value of learning and validating the self-worth of each young person. I am grateful to all our grandparents who choose to be part of their grandchildren’s education.

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By now, parents and carers will have received the latest report cards of your children’s progress for the first six months of the year. I was pleased with the efforts that our students have demonstrated during this period. When reviewing report cards, my attention is always first drawn towards the child’s learning attributes, behaviour, and attendance as these are the drivers of success. Every child can demonstrate very good effort and behaviour and be at school in front of their teachers every day unless sick. When these attributes are being demonstrated, the child can achieve to their potential. The beginning of a new semester allows a learner to reflect and set their respective goals. I thank all staff, students and parents who engaged in interviews last week. These meetings are an excellent example of the partnerships we seek with every family to work towards every student reaching their full potential. This week, Academic Care interviews have been conducted for all Year 12 students, and it was pleasing to see so many parents take the opportunity to attend. College staff use this opportunity to review each student’s learning program progress to ensure that they are on track to achieve their goals and Queensland Certificate of Education.

On Monday 21 July, many of our students and parents took the opportunity to engage in information sessions regarding our curriculum programs offered in Year 9, 10 and 11. Firstly, our current Year 10 students engaged in the “Welcome to your Future Day”, which connected students, Academic and Careers staff and various education and training providers to discuss pathways into the next phase of learning. I thank Ms Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg and Maree Harman for organising this wonderful opportunity in which students engaged exceptionally well. During that same evening, large numbers of students from Year 8, 9 and 10, along with their parents, attended subject selection information sessions. The agency of students, parents, and carers to seek advice and information was a wonderful example of the positive partnerships which exist between college staff, students, and families.

Congratulations to our Open Years Confraternity (Rugby League) and QISSN (Netball) teams who competed in Rockhampton and Bundaberg respectively during the first week of the holidays. I was delighted to be present with students and staff for the week to observe a truly rich and rewarding experience for everyone involved. I thank our families and sponsors who invested financially to allow our young people to attend. I make special mention of our staff who gave willingly of their time during the holiday period including Col Speed, Ashley Steel, Mitch Koina, Cam Love, Bridget Kenny, Jess Lawrence, Tom Moore, Mitch Wheeldon Deb Newton, and Natalie Wright. A special thanks to Mr Paul Canning who drove one of our buses to and from Rockhampton.

Next week (July 21-27), we celebrate Catholic Education Week. The theme this year is “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.” Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 312 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. St Joseph’s College strives to have influence in the lives of our students and in the wider community by challenging our young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

Part of the Catholic week celebrations are the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards, which acknowledge the significant achievements of staff in our 32 schools and Office. I am pleased to announce the following St Joseph’s College staff as finalists:

• Peter Keightley – Secondary Expert Teacher
• Abbey Orbansen-Thew – Early Career Teacher

We are proud of the contributions that Peter and Abbey have made to the College and wish them the best at the awards next week.

As part of these celebrations, the College will conduct a liturgy on Thursday morning, 31 July, to acknowledge our distinctly Catholic identity. A number of students and staff will be recognised with awards for their contributions towards the religious life of the school. Staff will also participate in the Bishop’s Inservice Day on Friday 1 August at St Mary’s College. This will be a student-free day and there will not be any classes or supervision of students at school.

God Bless

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

From the Deputy Principal

Communication Protocols

We would like to take a moment to explain the importance of our communication guidelines. As educators, we believe in fostering a healthy balance for our dedicated teachers, while ensuring effective and timely communication with parents and students alike. By setting a 2-business day turnaround for communication, we aim to provide thorough and thoughtful responses to inquiries. This timeframe allows teachers to provide careful consideration to queries and provide well-rounded solutions. Additionally, we have established the hours of 6am to 6pm as the designated communication window for staff to respond to queries. We kindly request that teachers refrain from emailing students and parents outside of these hours as it fosters a sustainable and healthy teaching environment. Thank you for your understanding and support in upholding these communication expectations. Together, we can create an environment where effective communication thrives, while respecting the personal boundaries of our dedicated educators.

Upcoming Events

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

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Assessment Dates – Term 3
Assessment dates for Term 3 were shared with students and families in Week 1.

Please note that assessments cannot be rescheduled for family holidays or personal events. We encourage parents and carers to speak with their child to ensure they are aware of their scheduled assessments for the term.

Semester One 2025 Academic Awards

Congratulations to the students who will receive an Academic Award at assembly on

Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze Badges may be worn as part of the student’s uniform.

It is a symbol to be proud of wearing and something for all to aspire towards.

The Criteria to obtain an Academic Award is:

* Year 9 & 10 English – Extension & Mathematics – Extension and Year 10 Science - General students who receive a B or higher are included in the above criteria to obtain an Academic Award.

*Photos of all award recipients who were present at the assembly will be available to be viewed on the College's Facebook page within the coming days.

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

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

Locker Security

All our students 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

Grandparents Day  

Today as a College, we celebrated Grandparents Day. It was great to see so many parents, grandparents and great grandparents join our Community for Mass.

2025 is the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In February this year, the late Pope Francis, decreed the theme “Blessed are those who have not lost hope”. The theme expresses “the blessedness of the elderly and points to the hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age,”

In this Jubilee year when we are called to be pilgrims of hope, this day “seeks to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and elderly people can become a sign of hope in every family and ecclesial community,”.

Pope Leo in his message for the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly highlights that in the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates his providential care by turning to people in their later years. This was the case not only with Abraham, Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, but also with Moses, who was called to set his people free when he was already eighty years old (cf. Ex 7:7). God thus teaches us that, in his eyes, old age is a time of blessing and grace, and that the elderly are, for him, the first witnesses of hope. You can read his full message here.

This morning, we added another page to our story book, in celebrating our grandparents, we recognised that our family story is not told by one person alone, but by many voices—each adding richness, depth, and meaning. Whether through stories told at bedtime, recipes passed down through generations, or quiet moments of support, our grandparents help shape the narrative of who we are.

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Catholic Education Week

Next week, Catholic Schools across Queensland will celebrate Catholic Education Week. With the theme of “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love”.

Faith ignites growth. Hope fuels support. Love welcomes all. Together, these pillars nurture students’ spirits, empower teachers, and embrace families, creating a vibrant learning community where everyone thrives.

Next week there are many events occurring to celebrate Catholic Schools in Queensland.

On Thursday, we will celebrate with a Liturgy and acknowledge students in our college who exemplify the spirit of Catholic Education with our annual awards. A delegation of students will also join Mr Brennan and I at the 150-year anniversary of Christian Brother Education in Australia with Mass at the Cathedral in Brisbane, presided by Archbishop Coleridge and Bishop Ken Howell of Toowoomba.

Friday is the annual Bishops Inservice Day which is a pupil-free day for all students. Staff from across the eastern schools in the Toowoomba diocese will gather at St Mary’s College for Mass, and presentations from Dr Pat Coughlan and Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO. Fr Frank is a Jesuit priest, legal scholar, and human rights advocate, currently serving as superior of the Alberto Hurtado Jesuit Community in Brisbane. He is an Adjunct Professor at ACU’s Thomas More Law School and a Research Professor at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. Known for his advocacy on Indigenous rights, asylum seekers, and social justice, he has advised multiple Australian governments on human rights and religious freedom.

I look forward to sharing with you the success of CEW in our next edition of the newsletter.

Grandparents Blessing

Loving God, Bless all grandparents and special people in the lives of children. May they heed your call to share their wisdom and faith with us. May they have courage and confidence to hand on your gifts of experience and knowledge, of stories, songs and memories. May they continue to learn and grow with us day by day. Bless them with length of days and joy at the last.

Amen

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

Cultural Captains

Hi SJC Community,

Christian and Piper here! Last term, we celebrated the Feast of Edmund Rice. As part of this day, we held our Joey’s Got Talent - an amazing opportunity seized by the music students to showcase what they have been working on. It was awesome to see how many musically talented students are a part of our college community. The students who participated ranged from Years 7-12—such an array of talent!

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Last term, we also had our annual drama and music showcase, Skits and Semiquavers! This concert was held at the Armitage Centre, and with so many performances from the many choirs, drama groups, concert bands, string ensembles, and rock bands, it was hard not to have a good night. Thank you to our College community for your attendance and fantastic audience participation. It was great to see the support and talent of the Arts Department here at the College.

Coming up this term, we have the Toowoomba Eisteddfod Part 2 – Instrumental. Last term, our Choirs participated in Part 1 with many great results. We have many music groups in this section including the Senior Concert Band, the Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Jazz, Senior String Ensemble, Chamber Strings, as well as many students participating in solos and duets over the weekend into next week. We wish all students luck, and we thank you for your dedication and participation to the Arts program here at the College.

We have many more musical showcases and opportunities throughout the rest of this term, and we can’t wait to share, create and celebrate all of the cultural events, endeavours and performances of our students.

Until next time,

2025 Cultural Captains - Christian Lanzafame and Piper Wiemers

Year 7 Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 3! 

I hope our Year 7 students and families had a wonderful break and are ready for a fantastic term ahead.  I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our three new Year 7 students, Kaeci, Brooklyn and Harper as well as their families.  We hope you have settled into SJC and have felt the warmth of our community already. 

As we look back on Semester 1, we can recognise and appreciate the hard work, resilience and perseverance of our Year 7 students.  This cohort has adapted to new challenges, developed knowledge and skills in new subject areas and have forged new friendships amongst a large cohort of peers.  We as teachers and staff are proud of their efforts and congratulate them on their first semester of high school.

I would also like to personally recognise our students whose success was acknowledged at our Academic Assembly this week. Students were applauded for both their academic success and learning behaviours.  These students have worked hard both in and out of the classroom to achieve success in multiple subject areas. We are extremely proud of their efforts.  

As we approach the end of Week 2, I would like to provide a few reminders and point out some key events for the term ahead.

Curriculum highlights: 

• Students will now be enrolled in their new electives for the semester (many with new teachers)
• Academic calendars are live on the SJC website
• Year 7 Discovery Day in Week 10 with a careers focus

Wellbeing Initiatives: 

• Cohort meetings held in Week 3, 6 and 9 to discuss Year 7 progress and preparation for the transition into Year 8
• R U OK Day, Week 9

Co-curricular opportunities: 

• Catholic Education Week (Week 3)
• Athletics Carnival (Week 5)
• Book Week (Week 6)
• Transition afternoons for our new Year 7’s for 2026 (Week 7)

We thank you for your support as parents and carers and look forward to working in partnership with you for an excellent Semester 2. May it be filled with fun, friendships and fantastic learning opportunities.

Bridget Kenny - Acting Program Middle Leader - Year 7 Coordinator - BKenny@sjc.qld.edu.au

Murphy House Beyond Blue Day

Sport

Cross Country

The recent carnival held on the final day of the term was a resounding success, with impressive attendance from students and numerous participants in the events. However, it was somewhat disappointing to note the lower attendance and participation rates among the 14 and 15-year age groups.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following Age Champions:

Congratulations to the following Age Champions for the day:

Now for the points allocated for the House Championship:

4^th Place Rice – 8,938

3^rd Place McAuley – 9,441

2^nd Place Murphy – 9,792

1^st Place Brennan – 10,746

I would like to extend my sincere apologies to Mr. Keightley and Finn Bensted for not adequately recognizing their significant contributions during the carnival. Both served as ‘rabbits’ to lead the first lap of each event, guiding students along the course. I regret this oversight and hope they will accept my heartfelt apology.

To all the students who participated, your enthusiasm and spirit are what made this event truly special. The carnival is designed to celebrate you, and your presence contributed to a memorable day.

The event concluded with a vibrant colour run, where teachers joyfully threw coloured powder on students, adding a festive touch to the end of the term. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement, creating a delightful experience for everyone involved.

A special thank you goes to my fellow staff members for their dedication in supporting students throughout the course. For many, participating in the events was a significant challenge, and your encouragement made all the difference.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Mrs Reeves Mr. Keightley, Miss Jannusch, Lachlan Head, and the grounds staff for their invaluable support in organizing the day and assisting with the set up and cleanup. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for making this carnival a remarkable celebration!

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QISSNC Netball Carnival

Bundaberg

On the morning of June 29, nine enthusiastic players and three dedicated staff members embarked on a journey to Bundaberg for the annual QISSN Netball Carnival. Our adventure began with a delightful stop at a charming café in Goomeri, where we enjoyed an array of delicious pastries before continuing our travels. Upon arrival in Bundaberg, we quickly changed in preparation for the opening ceremony hosted at Shalom College.

Day 1

The tournament commenced bright and early as our first match was scheduled for 8:00am. Arriving at the centre, we engaged in a thorough warm-up to alleviate any stiffness from our lengthy journey.

In our opening game against St Thomas More College from Sunnybank, we faced a physically demanding match. Despite being down 9 to 4 at halftime, our team rallied in the second half, winning it 6 to 5, but ultimately lost the game 14 to 10. Notable performances were recognized with the Player of the Match awards going to Jada Guok and Chloe Qalotaki.

Our second match at 10:00am was against Sunshine Coast Grammar School. This game showcased a spirited contest, with Sunshine Coast taking the first half 8 to 3. We improved in the second half, finishing strong at 10 to 3, but fell short with a final score of 18 to 11. Players of the Match included Sophie Jensen and Chloe Qalotaki.

The final game of the day commenced at noon against Shalom College. Again, we encountered a slow start, trailing 13 to 5 at halftime. Although we won the second half, the early deficit proved too great, resulting in a loss of 24 to 17. Jada Guok and Ava Tierney were awarded Player of the Match for their commendable efforts.

Day 2

Day 2 began with a later start, as our first game was scheduled for 2:00pm against Chanel College from Gladstone. Unfortunately, we struggled in the first half, ending it at 4 to 9. Nevertheless, we displayed resilience by outscoring our opponents 5 to 2 in the second half but ultimately lost 11 to 9. Players of the Match were Jada Guok and Sophie Jensen.

Our final game of the day was at 4:00pm against Clairvaux MacKillop College from Mt Gravatt. Although we started strong, trailing only 8 to 6 at halftime, we lost momentum in the second half, finishing at 16 to 11. Notable performances were recognized in Jada Guok and Abbie Jurd as Players of the Match.

Following our games, we returned to our accommodations to prepare for the Vinnies Celebration at Shalom College. Our team embraced the theme of "Pink Ladies and T-Birds" from the movie Grease, with standout costumes from Danny (Mr. Wheeldon) and Sandy (Ava Tierney). While we did not win in this category, the experience was filled with joy and camaraderie.

Day 3

As fatigue set in after five games, we faced Good Shepherd Lutheran College from Noosa in our first match at 9:00am. Unfortunately, this was our toughest match, resulting in a loss of 5 to 28. The opposing team ultimately advanced to the Division Grand Final. Players of the Match for this game were Chloe Qalotaki and Jada Guok.

Our subsequent game at 10:30am did not yield better results, as we struggled once again and lost 27 to 10. Players of the Match were Jada Guok and Sophie Jensen.

Day 4

With a shift in competition, we aimed to secure victories in Division 4. Our first match of the day at 9.00am was against Mount Alvernia College from Kedron was critical. Despite feeling confident, we fell behind 11 to 5 at halftime. Although we rallied to win the second half 10 to 6, we lost the semi-final 17 to 15. Jada Guok received two team votes as Player of the Match.

Our final game of the day at 2:00pm was against St Mary’s Catholic College from Cairns. Despite another challenging first half, ending 7 to 13, we matched them 5 all in the second half but ultimately lost 20 to 12. Players of the Match were Sophie Jensen and Jada Guok.

To cap off our tournament experience, we enjoyed a delightful dinner of fish and chips on the beach at Bargara, a perfect way to reflect on our time together.

Day 5

Our final match was once again against Clairvaux MacKillop College, where we hoped to turn the tables but ended up losing 19 to 13.

At the end of day presentations, Jada Guok was awarded our Player of the Tournament from the votes received from each match, both our team nominations and the opposing team.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all parents and students who contributed to making this week possible. Despite facing challenges leading up to the carnival, the team's efforts and support from parents were invaluable.

To our dedicated players, thank you for a week filled with enjoyment. While we didn’t secure any wins, we remained competitive in 90% of our matches, displaying resilience and commitment throughout.

Special thanks to Mr. Wheeldon for his umpiring throughout the week and to Mrs. Wright for meticulously scoring and recording our games.

We look forward to preparing for the next tournament in 2026, which will be held at Nissen Arena in Brisbane. Accommodations have already been secured, and we are eager for another chance to compete.

Rugby League Finals

Last week, the U13 boys' rugby team faced off against Dalby State High School in a critical match to secure a spot in the Wednesday night rugby league grand final. Under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Koina, the team has enjoyed a remarkable season. However, they encountered a tough challenge in this final game.

The match took place in Highfields, where the team found themselves trailing in the first half. Despite the score, Mr. Koina praised the boys for their unwavering spirit and determination as they fought to close the gap. They displayed commendable effort and resilience throughout the game. Unfortunately, as time elapsed, they were unable to reclaim the lead, ultimately concluding the match with a score of 16 to 38.

The boys can take pride in their performance this season, having shown great commitment and skill on the field. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Koina and all those who contributed to the team's success over the past two terms. This includes everyone involved in training, providing transportation, offering first aid support, and delivering water and strategic advice during games. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in allowing the boys to compete and grow as athletes.

This past Wednesday evening, the Open Boys team travelled to Highfields to compete against Our Lady of the Southern Cross in the grand final of the Division 2 Open Boys’ Championships. Despite the inclement weather, characterized by a remarkable winter storm accompanied by persistent rain, the competition proceeded as scheduled.

The boys exhibited exceptional determination and commitment throughout the match. Having faced a previous defeat against this same team earlier in the season, they demonstrated resilience and skill, ultimately securing a decisive victory.

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated teaching staff. We extend our heartfelt gratitude, particularly to Mr. Colin Speed, who not only coached the team but also drove the bus for their transportation. Additionally, we appreciate Mr. Steel for serving as our first aid officer on the grounds, along with the many others who contributed their time and effort to support the boys during this competition.

Their collective support has played an integral role in the team's success, and we are grateful for their commitment to fostering a positive and competitive environment for our students.

Futsal Champion of Champions Competition

Following their participation in the annual futsal competition in Toowoomba, both the Open Girls and Open Boys teams received invitations to compete in the prestigious Champion of Champions competition, held at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane.

On Tuesday, July 22, the teams embarked on their journey, boarding the bus with anticipation and determination to secure a spot in the next phase of the competition.

Boys Results:

9:30am           SJC vs. Kawana Waters State College – Lost 4 – 1

10:30am         SJC vs. Robina State High School – Lost 2 – 0

11:30am         SJC vs. James Nash State High School – Won 6 – 0

The boys were set to compete against another team at 1:30pm; however, that team departed early, leaving SJC without an additional game.

Girls’ Results:

9:30am           SJC v’s Robina State High School – Lost 2 – 1

10:30am         SJC v’s St Mary’s College Maryborough – Won 5 – 1

12:00pm         SJC v’s St Thomas More College – Lost 4 – 0

Following the group stage, the girls advanced to the elimination final, where they faced Mary MacKillop College from Highfields. In a commendable performance, they secured victory, propelling them into the quarter-finals against Kawana Waters State College.

This match was a highlight of the day, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill of both teams. The score remained level until late in the second half when a powerful shot from one of Kawana's players ricocheted off an SJC player’s head, resulting in an unfortunate own goal. Despite numerous opportunities to score, the girls were unable to find the back of the net in this tightly contested match. Ultimately, they fell just one game short of advancing to the next stage of the competition.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hansen for his coaching and for accompanying the boys on this journey to Brisbane.

AFL StreetSmarts Regional Finals – Joeys Show True Grit and Team Spirit

Joeys proudly fielded four teams in the recent AFL StreetSmarts Regional Finals, with all sides showing incredible heart, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Year 9/10 Boys

Our senior boys battled hard in a tough and physical contest. After a competitive first half, they were narrowly overrun in the second half by a strong opposition. Despite the result, the team showed real grit and never gave up.

Year 7/8 Girls

The girls brought energy, teamwork, and plenty of smiles to the field. Their strong effort and commitment kept the game close, eventually falling short by just one goal. A fantastic game that highlighted their growth and potential.

Year 7/8 Boys

Playing their first match together as a team after progressing through the gala day via forfeit, the boys impressed with their cohesion and competitiveness. They gave it everything and went down by only a couple of goals in a great debut outing.

Year 9/10 Girls

With no interchanges available, this determined group dug deep to play out the full game and came away with a well-deserved 20-point win. A brilliant effort that demonstrated endurance, teamwork, and focus from start to finish. The 9/10 female team will now go through to the SEQ finals in Yeronga in two weeks. 

Across all games, Joeys teams played with passion, determination, and great respect — for their school, their opponents, and the umpires. A huge congratulations to all players for proudly representing SJC with spirit and pride.

- Mrs Lawrence

Again many thanks to the collective support from teaching staff that has played an integral role in the team's success, and we are grateful for their commitment to fostering a positive and competitive environment for our students – Mrs Lawrence, Mr Fellenberg, Mr Morgan, Mrs Simpson and Mr Speed.

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

Connecting with Careers

We hope you had a restful break and are ready for an exciting new term. The Careers team is thrilled to continue supporting students and families as we begin a busy Term 3.

This term, we have started with the Year 9 Pathfinder Day, helping students to explore occupations and future possible pathways. Coming up, Year 12 families are invited to our QTAC Information Evening on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, where we will unpack the application process for applying to QTAC and the key dates. The Careers team will also be working closely with Year 12 students to assist them with QTAC applications and registration for the ATAR portal.

In addition, we are delivering bespoke career education lessons to Year 8 and Year 11 students this term, helping them build awareness and confidence as they plan their pathways.  Currently, Year 8 are consolidating their learning on Transferrable Skills or Soft Skills.  Think of transferrable/soft skills as doorways to new career paths.  Click here and find out about the following soft skills including short videos:

• What are soft skills?
• Soft skills for the future
• Hobbies to hone your soft skills
• How to improve your soft skills
• Work readiness workbooks

Head Start 

The UniSQ Head Start program is a learning opportunity for high-achieving Year 11 and 12 students. This academic extension initiative allows students to get a taste of university life by enrolling in one university subject per trimester, all while they continue to work towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). It's a unique chance for students to challenge themself and gain valuable experience that will benefit their future studies and career. 

Congratulations to Piper Wiemers who successfully completed BIO1108 Human Anatomy and Physiology A, a Head Start course through The University of Southern Queensland: 

Year 9 Pathfinder Day

Last week, Year 9 students embarked on an exciting day of exploration and discovery in the Pathfinder Day led by the SJC Careers Team.

The Pathfinder Day is designed to inspire and guide Year 9 students as they explore their future pathways and gain a deeper understanding of career journeys. We welcomed Russell Crank from UniSQ to deliver a session on RIASEC to help students explore their interests and potential career pathways. Developed by psychologist John Holland, RIASEC stands for six personality and interest types.

The Six ‘Personalities’

Realistic – Independent, practical and down-to-earth. Enjoys hands on work and getting things done.

Social –  Kind and caring. Values social activities that help people through teaching, guiding and being of service.

Investigative – Enjoys complex ideas and problem solving. Thinks critically and is curious about how things.

Enterprising – Confident and persuasive. Natural leaders who are charismatic, outgoing enjoy challenges.

Artistic – Seeks opportunities for self-expression, writing, music, drama, dance. Enjoys freedom and a lack of structure.

Conventional – Organised, detail-oriented and responsible. Likes planning events, following procedures and working with data.

By identifying their RIASEC type, students gain insight into careers that align with their interests and strengths. It is a valuable tool that supports self-awareness and informed decision-making as they plan for the future.

As part of the discussion on forging their futures, the students heard from Chris Black and Lachlan Stuart.

Chris is a Toowoomba local who has been named as one of Australia’s most influential advisers and is passionate about helping businesses and businesspeople find their purpose.

Lachlan Stuart is a high-performance coach, ultra-endurance athlete, and the first person to complete 58 marathons in 58 days across 58 states (USA and AUS) to raise funds and awareness for mental health.

Work Experience

Over the holidays, we had some students who engaged in work experience. The students demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and commitment to exploring the world of work, as well as, living out the imperative of learning in community. These experiences provide valuable insights into the world of work and help build confidence, skills, and connections for the future.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the employers, Combined Trades Group, Tilly’s Crawler Parts, RDO Equipment, Storeys Auto Electrical, Somerfields Constructions, Oasis Health and Beauty Spa, The Brow Bar, FTA Queensland, Wideland Group Toowoomba, Sigmars Electrical, Top Electrical and Sunpine Furniture who generously hosted our students.

Stay Informed with the Options Careers

Looking for the latest updates on career events, university open days, industry insights, and student opportunities? The Option Careers Newsletter is your go-to resource! Packed with helpful articles, upcoming dates, and practical advice, it’s designed to support students and families in making informed career decisions.

You can access the latest edition anytime at sjccareers.com.au.  To access the latest edition, please click here.

App access to Options Career Information 

As a member of our school community, we remind you that you exclusive access to the Options Career App.  This user-friendly application is readily available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. 

To get started download the Options Career Information from the App Store for iphone or Android.  The unique school access code – Joeysway2024  

The App gives you convenient access to a wealth of career information and key calendar dates.  Stay informed and empowered as you navigate the exciting journey of career exploration alongside your child. 

Upcoming events

University Open Days

University open days are a fantastic opportunity for students to step onto campus, meet current students and lecturers, and get a real feel for university life. Whether students are still exploring their options or have a clear path in mind, attending an open day can help students make informed decisions.

We encourage all students—especially those in Years 11 and 12—to take advantage of these events. Students will gain insights into courses, facilities, support services, and the overall student experience. It is also a great chance to ask questions and start picturing yourself in a university environment.

For information about university Open Days, please click here.

UniSQ Open Days are coming up in August Registrations are open now.

Australian Defence Force

The ADF hold information sessions that focus on particular areas of the Defence Force, providing valuable information around life, employment, opportunities and commitment when joining the ADF. For details about the following events visit the Defence Jobs Upcoming Events & Info Sessions.

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

Interact

Hi SJC!

On behalf of Interact, we would like to thank everyone who participated in our annual Shave for a Cure Event. On the day, we had 25 phenomenal students from Years 7-12 who either cut or shaved their hair. This hair was then donated to either the Leukemia Foundation to generate wigs or used to make human hair mats for oil spills. Congratulations to the following students for their amazing sacrifice!

1. Lachlan Head - $671 (shave)
2. Sam Hauser -$871 (shave)
3. Nathan Mitchell - $857 (shave)
4. Xavier Kist - $1,377 (shave)
5. Jamison Brown - $428 (shave)
6. Oban Pearson - $519 (shave)
7. Elijah d'Abadie - $221 (shave)
8. Hayden Watkins - $670 (shave)
9. Isaac Burgess - $920 (shave)
10. Will Hills - $337 (shave)
11. Chelsee Kidd - $378 (cut)
12. Olivia Pickering - $669 (shave)
13. Roilene Yap- $416 (cut)
14. Ash Morrison - $300 (shave)
15. Johann Ferrer - $670 (shave)
16. Lilly Wiemers - $647 (cut)
17. Claire Zimmerle - $1,051(cut)
18. Aleks Bradley - $567 (shave)
19. Brigha love - $665 (cut)
20. Eva Madden - $1,001 (shave)
21. Emalia Brocherie - $1,463 (cut)
22. Piper Wiemers - $560 (cut)
23. Ljay Radke - $ 1,528 (shave)
24. Isobel Bertram - $1,611 (shave)
25. Lily Maher - $1,617 (shave)

We would also like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated. By donating to the Leukemia Foundation, we are supporting families who are currently going through the process of radiation treatment or struggling financially for specialised treatments and accommodation. It will also go to cancer research facilities to assist in providing better research equipment and resources to help find a cure.

And finally, this event would not have been possible without the incredible dedication and support of the following individuals. Your commitment, creativity, and tireless efforts have gone above and beyond to ensure its success and make it truly engaging for everyone involved. We are deeply grateful—thank you so much!

• Hairdressers
• Hair on Russel
• Lisa Brocherie
• Rhyannon Ross
• Hudson McDonald
• Ally Jarred
• Mrs Darvall
• Ms Newton
• Miss Jolley
• Maintenance Staff
• Tuckshop Staff
• IT Department
• Interact Club
• Mr Willocks, Ms Flemming, and Ms Harman
• MC’s: Piper Wiemers, Claire Zimmerle, & Eva Madden

We had a goal of $15,000. Thanks to everyone’s generous contributions and efforts we were able to raise an amazing amount of $27,266! Congratulations!

Once again, thank you so much for the fantastic event!

(If you're interested in supporting meaningful events like Shave for a Cure, come join us! Interact holds meetings every Tuesday at lunchtime in Room R11. All students are welcome—bring your ideas, energy, and enthusiasm!)

Warmest Regards,

The Interact Committee

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SJC - Community News

Shaping our Future Survey

As a community of Catholic schools, we are committed to creating places of work and learning where everyone belongs, feels valued and succeeds.

By taking just 10 minutes to complete the online perception survey, parents and carers can help shape the future direction of our College.

The survey link has been sent via email - please complete it by Wednesday, 6 August 2025 and help make a difference.

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Toowoomba’s weather is very unpredictable are you prepared?

All winter items are available in store and online including:

• Scarves
• All Purpose Jackets
• Woollen Jumpers
• 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:

• 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.