From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

As we draw towards the mid-year holiday break, I draw on the biblical concept of heart. The word “heart” is referenced over a thousand times in the bible. In the context of scripture, the meaning of heart is a metaphor of “inner self.” An open heart, compassion and passion for justice go together. An open heart feels the suffering of others and responds to it and draws out the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Christian life is to become more compassionate beings. I trust that the time we spend with family this break allows us time to reflect on the importance of expressing our hearts within our families and communities.

On Monday, we celebrated First Nations people and cultures at our assembly in anticipation of NAIDOC week (July 6-13). Our First Nations students led our college liturgy before Mr Kieren Gibbs from the South West Indigenous Network. He spoke to students regarding his proud story as a Cooma man from west of St George. Kieren then shared traditional Indigenous games with the students during the lunch break and physical education lessons, which was appreciated by all. This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week activities and St Joseph’s College is proud to celebrate not only this event and milestone but the recognition of the rich contributions our First Nation students and families bring to our community.

What a delight it was to witness the talent on show at Wednesday evening's Skits and Semiquavers Showcase at the Armitage Centre. From individual instrumental performances and monologues to group ensembles, bands, dance troupes and dramatic skits, there was a vast array of talent on display. Congratulations to all the student performers and their teachers for the wonderful evening of entertainment. 

This week we farewelled staff members Adam Watts and Keely McCullough who have taken up leadership and teaching positions within Toowoomba. Adam has been successful in securing his first Curriculum Leadership position at St Saviour's College, whilst Keely has successfully transitioned from the role of School Officer to teacher. We are proud of their respective journeys of development at St Joseph’s College, and we wish them well in the next stage of their professional careers.

We welcome Mr Nathaniel McGovern to our teaching team for Semester 2. Nathaniel will be filling in for several staff during the next six months and we are pleased to see him graduate through our Pathways to Teach program into the teaching ranks.

Last week we acknowledged the contributions our school officers and non-teaching staff make towards supporting student learning at St Joseph’s College. Whether it is the wonderful presentation of our school facilities, care for parents and students at reception or the support of students and teachers in classrooms, these staff embrace the Joey’s Way. It was a delight to share lunch with them, whilst our student leaders presented gratitude cards to each member acknowledging their valued contributions.

Parent-Student-Teacher conferences will be held on Wednesday 16 July. This day provides an opportunity for parents to discuss their child/ children’s progress with their respective teachers. These conferences provide a more detailed and personalised report of Semester 1 report cards which will be released (Year 7-10) to parents this Friday 27th June through the Sentral Parent Portal. Year 11 and 12 reports were issued earlier this term. Additionally, Year 12 academic care interviews are scheduled for the week beginning Tuesday 15 July.
I encourage all parents to take the opportunity to meet with staff especially if your child has not experienced educational success. Additionally, I encourage parents to bring their children to these meetings.

Interviews for Year 7 (2026) undertaken by members of the Senior Leadership Team have concluded this week. Applications have well exceeded the number of positions that we are able to offer, which is a wonderful endorsement of the collective work of the school community. Offers for enrolment will occur at the conclusion of the semester.

Finally, I wish our Open Boys and Girls Confraternity (Rugby League) teams and Girls QISSN (Netball) team the absolute best in their respective carnivals which will be held in Rockhampton and Bundaberg during the first week of the holidays. Many staff, parents and businesses have contributed to facilitating this wonderful opportunity which has developed a rich tradition within the St Joseph’s Community. I thank everyone involved for your efforts and look forward to witnessing the students in action next week. I make special of our staff who give willingly of their time during the holiday period including Tom Moore, Col Speed, Ashley Steel, Mitch Koina, Cam Love, Bridget Kenny, Jess Lawrence, Blake Cullen, and Deb Newton. 

Thank you to the sponsors of our CONFRO and QISSN teams: 
Gold Sponsor - Nolan's Interstate Transport
Silvers Sponsors - Bryant Building Contractors and Ranford Electrical

On behalf of all staff, I take this opportunity to wish all families and enjoyable time with your children over the mid-year break and look forward to seeing you for the commencement of school on Tuesday 15th July. 

God Bless,

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