From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

Today we celebrated the Feast of St Joseph, patron saint of our college. St Joseph, the step-father 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. We were pleased to have Fr Ray celebrate mass with our community. As is customary the Senior Liturgy Group performed the role of Eucharistic Ministers for the Mass and along with the choir enriched the experience for everyone gathered.

The College also celebrated Harmony Day and the wonderful diversity of our community. Our college value of Compassion captures the imperatives of embracing diversity, using empathy, and leading through service. Food is often used to bring people together and students and staff enjoyed the cultural culinary delights on offer from food vans including kangaroo sausages cooked by our First Nations students.

On Thursday I had the pleasure of accompanying our senior student leaders to the annual Mayoral School Leaders Morning Tea. Our leaders received an address from Mayor Geoff McDonald which called upon each leader to strive to serve others in their respective schools. This event also provided an opportunity for our leaders to share their hopes, ideas, and aspirations with their peers.

Last week we celebrated a delayed International Women’s Day due to the recent closure of the college. Scripture clearly demonstrates Jesus’ high regard for women during his time on earth. The foundational cornerstone of his attitudes towards women was his vision of them as persons to whom and from whom he had come. Jesus recognised the intrinsic equality of both women and men and continually showed the worth and dignity of women. Thank you to our Interact students and staff who facilitated activities which acknowledged the contributions that women make to our communities. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action” which calls on our governments and communities to make timely decisions that close the gender gap.

NAPLAN concluded recently for Year 7 and 9 students. They have been assessed on grammar and punctuation, reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy. 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 2 and then communicated to parents. I thank Mr Willocks, Ms Andrews, Ms Chalmers, Ms Brazier, and the staff who organised and prepared our students so well to engage in the assessments. Students were provided strategies, mind models and fruit prior to the commencement of each session.

Our new Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Executive was recently confirmed for the next twelve months. Congratulations to our appointed PEN.

2025 PEN Executive:

Chairperson:  Cath Condon

Secretary:  Rachel Thomas

Diocese Representatives:  Cath Condon

Co-ordinators of Events:  Jodie Upton and Lauren Heggie 

Recently the PEN had the opportunity to explore the magnificent new Mary Rice extension and Health Hub facilities. Everyone was extremely impressed with the wonderful addition to our learning environment and many commented how they would have loved to experience school in such classrooms.

As Principal I actively encourage all parents to consider coming along to our gatherings. There is no requirement for parents to commit to organising activities or fundraising. The PEN facilitates a wonderful opportunity for parents to provide voice, perspective, and talents to the St Joseph’s Community. The group meets once a term, and this year the PEN is looking to provide more opportunities for parents and carers to meet socially and immerse in the college community. Our next event is scheduled for Wednesday 14th May.

There are many opportunities available to students at St Joseph’s College both in curriculum and extra-curricular areas. This week our Year 10 Drama students attended an excursion “Come from Away” whilst Year 12 Biology students travelled to Stradbroke Island for field studies learning experiences which form part of their assessment. Both activities enrich the learning of our young people, and I am appreciative of the staff who give of their time to organise and attend these excursions and the families who financially invest in such opportunities.

As the draw towards the end of term, parents and carers should be aware that students are completing multiple assessments. I encourage all parents to check assessment calendars with their children to ensure that they are managing their time and the assessment demands. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance or relevant curriculum leader. I look forward to viewing the successes of all students in the upcoming report cards.

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