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 for 2025.  Since the end of 2024, there have been significant additions to the College in facilities which will greatly enhance the learning experiences of all students, whilst next term the College will launch its new Strategic Plan which charts a direction for St Joseph’s over the next four years.

The College recently welcomed 163 eager Year 7 and 20 Year 8-12 students last week. I am happy to report that our new students have transitioned exceptionally well into the school, thanks to the wonderful transition program implemented by staff and the Year 11 and 12 buddies.  Many Year 7 students commented on their positive experiences starting school and mentioned the care afforded by Year 12 students. This speaks volumes of the culture that exists 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 parents and student information sessions and 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 and deepening my knowledge and relationships within the College Community.

At the end of last year, we farewelled several staff members. Mr Darcy Goodall has moved into a new career path undertaking studies in a Master of Psychology. He had been at the College for the previous six years where he held the position of Curriculum Leader Enhanced Student Learning. Laurent Epetahui (School Officer) has taken up a permanent position locally, which focusses on sustainability, whilst Darcy Goodman (Grounds staff) has taken up a position in the construction industry. Cate Jackman (Career Support Officer) has also taken up an opportunity as a Careers Advisor. Mr Brian Cantwell has taken twelve months of well-deserved leave whilst Ms Kellie-Maree Ford has been seconded to Toowoomba Catholic Schools for twelve months.  On behalf of the College, I wish each departing staff member the very best and thank them for their dedicated service to our community and look forward to the return of Brian and Kellie in 2026.

We also welcome new staff to St Joseph’s College for 2025:

• Mr Tim Stone (Math, Science)
• Mr Andrew Fitness (Physical Education and Humanities)
• Ms Charmaine Firkins (Design Technology)
• Mr Cooper Tobin (Grounds Team)
• Ms Merle Watson (Canteen Team)

The following staff members have moved into new roles in the College for 2025:

• Ben Gehrmann (Acting Curriculum Leader Technology 2025)
• Tom Moore (Acting Assistant Principal Mission and Identity 2025)
• Elle Moss (Acting Middle Leader Student Engagement Rice House)
• Trish Darvell (School Officer Student Engagement Team Ignatius Room 1 day per week)

Each of our new staff members and those in new roles are excellent practitioners in their respective area/s, and we look forward to the contributions they will make both within the College in 2025.  A warm welcome to you all, may your time with us be rewarding.

As a school, we would like to acknowledge the achievements of our recently graduated Year 12 students. Twenty-two percent of our ATAR-eligible students achieved above 90. Equally impressive were the sixty-eight percent of students who achieved a vocational education qualification, whilst all students graduated with a clear pathway and either a QCE or QCIA. These results are a wonderful reflection of the myriad of opportunities available to all students. Last week we celebrated Sienna Wagner (College Dux 2024) and the large number of students who achieved academic and endeavour awards.

What a delight it was last week to induct our new Year 12 students as student leaders of the College. Each of our 145 Year 12 students has contributed to the fabric of St Joseph’s College and it was fitting to acknowledge their achievements with the senior badge and tie. Each of our students pledged to make Jesus known within our community by upholding the highest of standards in the spirit of Edmund Rice and St Joseph. We look forward to the senior cohort of 2025 creating a rich and enduring legacy.

Students and staff have moved into the new Mary Rice Extension building. With new science laboratories, flexible learning spaces, student toilet/change rooms and staff offices, students and staff are already benefiting from the significantly enhanced functionality and learning environment. I would like to thank Nathan Harmsworth (HNK Project Management), Byrant Construction led by Mitch Bentley and Daryl Green and College Business Manager Geoff Morgan for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition. EquallyVHD, I acknowledge the financial contributions of previous Parents and Friends Associations (now the Parent Engagement Network) who assisted in positioning the school to self-fund this project.

Murphy Building was demolished during the Christmas vacation and the site cleared for the commencement of the school year. This facility has served the College community well since it’s construction in the mid-1950s and whilst it holds many dear memories the building itself at seventy years old had come to the end of its lifespan. The remaining footprint is being developed into greenspace in the short to medium term.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools recently published the Parent Code of Conduct, which can be found on the College website. This document clearly outlines how parents and guardians of students should conduct themselves when engaging with other members of our community. The Code complements the Staff Code of Conduct and Parent Engagement Charter which positions our school to be a safe and respectful place for all.

The College Eligibility Criteria for student participation in extracurricular activities has been finalised and is now available on the College website. At the College, we believe that extra-curricular activities are a privilege and therefore the right to participate must be earnt, which in turn creates a sense of achievement and self-pride. I encourage all parents, guardians and students to familiarise themselves with the criteria and the process by which students can both remain and return to eligible status.

God Bless

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