From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College
It gives me great pleasure to write my first newsletter to you as Principal of this fine College.
Since arriving in Toowoomba in January, I have experienced a wonderful sense of community and I have enjoyed warmth and well wishes from students, staff and parents. I am looking forward to working with you all to deliver learning and spiritual growth for the students of St Josephs’.
During Week 1, the College experienced both joy and extreme sorrow. On Thursday the 25th, students, staff and parents farewelled 2024 Year 12 student Lucas Ardika who passed during the holidays. During his time at St Joseph’s College, Lucas gave of his very best through his quiet but friendly nature. He forged close friendships with his peers through his classes, especially music. Lucas will be missed immensely, and I take this opportunity on behalf of the College to express our sincere condolences to his parents Lynne, Nyoman and sibling Nicholas and Elizabeth. College staff and Fr Ray Crowley have been supporting both family and students during this distressing time and support structures are in place for both the family and students. “Eternal rest grant unto him, Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him”.
The College welcomed 164 eager Year 7 and 25 students in Year 8-12 last week. I am happy to report that all our new students have transitioned exceptionally well into the school, thanks to the wonderful transition program implemented by staff and the Year 12 buddies. Many Year 7 students commented on their positive experiences starting school and made mention of the care afforded by Year 12 students. This speaks volumes of the culture that exits in the College and reaffirms the College Motto “Serve Him in Others”.
To our new families, welcome to St Joseph's. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you during our Information Evenings. I trust your time with us will be rewarding and fulfilling. To all our returning students and families, welcome back.
I am looking forward to commencing a year full of learning and new experiences. At St Joseph’s there is a wonderful array of curricular, co-curricular and spiritual learning experiences on offer. I trust all learners will take full advantage of the opportunities afforded.
We also welcome new staff to St Joseph’s College for 2024:
Jay Hansen (Math, Science)
Jacinta Morriss (English, Religious Education)
Tarah-Lea Rival (English, Religious Education, Humanities)
Joel Farrell (Science, Math, Physical Education)
Ron Brennan (Design Technology)
John Condon (Arts, Religious Education, English)
Pamela Pedernal (Math, Science)
Anthea Holborn (Humanities, Religious Education)
Sam Simpson (Design Technology, Science, Physical Education)
Cate Jackman (Careers Support Officer)
Beth Woodhauson (School Officer Food Technology)
The following staff members have moved into new roles or returned to the College in 2024:
Ben Gehrmann (Acting Curriculum Leader Technology T1)
Rosanne Pietch (Program Leader Mission & Identity)
Bill Whiting (Program Leader Student Engagement Leader)
Amanda Crouch (Program Leader Year 7) – returning from leave.
Kirstie Andrews (Program Leader Middle School Learning)- returning from leave.
Renee Robinson (School Officer Project Support)
Karyn Morrison (Acting Program Leader Enhanced Learning) from week 5 Term 1
Each staff member is an excellent practitioner in their respective area/s, and we look forward to the contributions they will make within the College in 2024. A warm welcome to you all, may your time with us be rewarding.
Student Achievements
As a school we would like to acknowledge the achievements of our recently graduated Year 12 students. Twenty-five percent of our ATAR eligible students achieved above 90, whilst the average ATAR score was 85. Equally impressive sixty-seven per cent of students achieved a vocational education qualification, whilst all students have graduated with a clear pathway. These results are a wonderful reflection of the myriad of opportunities available to all students.
St Joseph’s College was also recently celebrated by ACARA (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) and local media for being a high performing school in NAPLAN against similar schools. These results are the culmination of successive years of work by the College to skill staff in delivering literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills to students.
As I write to you, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution my predecessor, Principal Kort Goodman has made to the St Joseph’s College Community. Over the previous four years, Kort’s stewardship of St Joseph’s has been exemplary, and students, staff and parents have been the beneficiaries. We look forward to a connection with Kort in his role as Senior Education Leader at Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.
As a College, we have much to be proud of. As Principal, I will be continuing a focus on staff professional learning and student wellbeing to ensure every student can flourish. Central to this is ensuring that our Catholic identity is understood, lived and articulated, through an Edmund Rice charism. Our school facilities are on an upward trajectory, with the new staff carpark and student drop areas completed whilst the Mary Rice classroom extension project has commenced.
At a time of considerable global, national and local political and social division and upheaval, a Catholic education at St Joseph’s College has never been more relevant. I look forward to leading this vibrant community and working alongside staff, students, parents and community.
God bless,
Jim Brennan - Principal - jbrennan@sjc.qld.edu.au