From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,
This weekend, Christians around the world will celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the coming Easter and holiday period, families will reunite and rejoice. We have much to be grateful and joyous about in our community when we consider current the plight of others who are enduring hardship in the world. One only needs to cast their eyes towards Gaza, Ukraine, Russia and the streets of our towns and cities where many struggle merely to exist in safety. In the remaining Lenten period, I encourage all to find time for prayer, to be mindful and grateful and in doing so deepen our relationship with God.
Last week we celebrated the Feast of St Joseph, patron saint of our college. St Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus demonstrated faith during very uncertain times. His example demonstrates that even during challenging times faith is a source of great strength for us. A large group of Year 12 students from the Liturgy Group performed the role of Eucharistic Ministers for the Mass and along with the choir enriched the experience for everyone gathered.
Harmony week was celebrated recently with a range of activities showcasing the amazing diversity within our community. Students performed traditional African dances with exceptional pride, whilst Crimmins Court became a culinary mecca with cuisines from India, Afghanistan, Italy, Japan, and First Nations cultures. Diversity is a strength at St Jospeh’s and the collective acceptance of difference positions our community to think, feel and act in a way that creates a sense of belonging for all.
NAPLAN concluded last week for Year 7 and 9 students. Students have been assessed on literacies, including grammar and punctuation, reading, writing, and spelling. Additionally, students' numeracy knowledge and skills have been assessed. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment of a student and compliments school-based assessment of the Australian Curriculum. Results from NAPLAN will be distributed to schools during term two and then posted to parents.
Our new Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Executive was recently elected for the next twelve months. Congratulations to our appointed PEN.
Election of 2024 Executive:
- Chairperson: Cath Condon
- Secretary: Rachel Thomas
- Diocese Representatives: Cath Condon and Toni Burton
- Co-ordinators of Events: Jodie Upton, Toni Burton
We also welcome Shontelle Petrie and Donna Shi as working party members. The PEN provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to provide voice, perspective, and talents to the St Joseph’s Community. Recent examples of the PEN contributions have been provision of air conditioning in the school and the running of Mother’s and Father’s Day activities. The group meets once a term and combines with staff to provide activities that inform parents on the schooling experiences their children are receiving.
As the term draws to a close, we farewell several staff members including Ron Brennan, Celine O’Sullivan and Taylah Waldron. Ron and Celine have provided wonderful service whilst covering for Brian Cantwell and Maxine Hetherington who have been on leave, and I am grateful for the significant contributions they have made during term 1. Taylah Waldron is travelling overseas with her partner to pursue opportunity and we wish Taylah the very best in her pursuits. Taylah will be replaced by Sue Franceschini. Sue has extensive experience as an English and Humanities teacher and has taught in Toowoomba Catholic school previously and is currently teaching in the Cairns Diocese. I also wish to acknowledge Mr Ben Gehrmann who has led the Technology Team admirably during the absence of Brian Cantwell.
The new Mary Rice extension building project is taking shape quickly. Recently the ground floor slab was poured and over the next two weeks the first-floor suspended slab will be added. When completed this facility will comprise of additional general classrooms, science laboratories, student toilets and change rooms and staff offices. These facilities spread over three floors will provide state-of-the-art experiences for our school community. The building project is scheduled for completion by the end of the school year. The addition of this facility will mean students and staff will move from the Murphy building located on the northern side of the school. This building constructed in the 1950s has reached the end of its life.
Report card will be issued during the first week of the Easter holidays. The reports provide valuable feedback to parents and carers on the progress of your children. I encourage parents to discuss the achievements of your children and plan and how they can build upon their work. Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will take place on Wednesday 17th April from 1.50pm. Interviews can be booked through the Sentral Parent Portal from 3pm Thursday 28th March and will close on Monday 15th April.
I take this opportunity to wish all our families a very holy Easter break and trust that you will all experience the loving presence of Jesus together in your family. I look forward to seeing all our students back on Tuesday 16th April.
God Bless
Jim Brennan - Principal - jbrennan@sjc.qld.edu.au