Last week was a particularly memorable one for our older primary students, filled with adventure, growth, and celebration.

Our recent Year 5 and 6 camps were a fantastic opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. Whether it was navigating outdoor activities, working as a team, or simply being away from home, our students showed incredible persistence and resilience. These experiences are invaluable in helping young learners develop leadership skills and personal confidence—qualities that will serve them well both in and out of the classroom. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff - Sarah Day, Will Creagh-Barry, Johanna Campbell, Nakita Garland, Jane Clarke, Wendy Miller, Tracey Cullinan and Kaylah Locke - who gave up their time to supervise and support our students throughout the camp. 

We also celebrated sporting excellence and community spirit at the Granite Belt Athletics Carnival. Our students represented the school with pride, demonstrating outstanding behaviour and sportsmanship throughout the day. We had many winners across various events and particular congratulations are extended to those students who were recognised as age champions or runners up. However, what stood out most was the way our children encouraged one another and upheld the values of fair play and respect. Special thanks to Sarah Day, Kitty Kendall, and Kim Badcock for supervising and supporting our students during the carnival. Their presence and encouragement helped make the day a great success.

Additionally, the Year 6 students were treated to a Japanese cultural experience last Friday, facilitated by Ms Kendall.  This included making origami KABUTO ( Samurai Helmets), NINJA STRESS BALLS, SUMO MEN and HACHIMAKI( Headbands) as well as a chopstick activity where they learnt about chopstick etiquette and how to use chopsticks. They also had the opportunity to sample some Japanese Teriyaki Chicken and rice and NORI (seaweed).

These experiences enhance our curriculum significantly and I thank all the staff for their commitment to supporting the children in all aspects of their development.

With God's blessings

We were blessed to have Bishop Ken visit recently. Bishop Ken officially blessed our 150-Year Celebration stone (in some typically chilly conditions), visited classrooms and shared meals with staff and community members. His presence was a great reminder of our rich Catholic heritage and the vibrant faith life that continues to flourish at St Joseph’s.

We were also delighted to have Sister Maureen Keenan rsm join us once again. Sister Maureen was our last Sister of Mercy Principal and she spent time visiting classes, reliving past memories and sharing in the celebrations.

A heartfelt thank you to all students and families who contributed so generously to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Your kindness has made a real difference to those in need. We also extend our gratitude to those involved in the Meals on Wheels program – this service is a lived reminder of our faith in action.

In exciting news, our Vinnies team has purchased a brand-new snow cone machine to support their fundraising efforts! Keep an eye out for it at upcoming events. Speaking of which, the Year 10, 11, and 12 Trivia Night is happening this Friday - a fun evening not to be missed! And for our younger students, stay tuned for details about an upcoming Movie Night. Thank you, St Joey’s Vinnies, for your hard work and commitment to serving others.

Looking ahead, all community members are invited to a consultation meeting with representatives from the Diocesan Personnel Board regarding the appointment of our new Parish Priest. This will take place on Wednesday, 27 August at 6:30pm in the Mary Agnes Centre (Convent). We encourage you to attend.

Finally, congratulations to our Year 4 students who celebrated their Confirmation with Bishop Ken on Friday, 8 August. We are proud of your continued faith journey and pray for your preparation for First Holy Communion in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support in making St Joseph’s a place of faith, learning, and community.

With God's blessings,

Mary Roberts
Acting Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity

To celebrate our School's incredible 150th anniversary, we're offering a limited edition cooler!

Pop into the office to grab yours before they're all gone.

Anxiety & Young People

Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.

The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media, can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.

When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

This edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.

Here is the link to the Edition https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/anxiety-young-people-au

In a heartfelt and brisk morning service on Friday 8 August, Bishop Ken Howell blessed our newly installed “150 Celebration Stone”, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy to Stanthorpe on 9 February 1875. Despite the chilly weather, the occasion was warm with community spirit and historical reverence.

The stone stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and their foundational role in our school’s history. The front of the granite piece features a beautifully etched image designed by Mrs Sue Fleming, a respected past parent and long-time member of our community. Inspired by archival photographs from the 1950s and 60s, Sue sketched a touching scene of a nun accompanied by two students. This sketch was then masterfully brought to life by J.H. Wagner & Sons, renowned stone masons who used the same granite and style as the Last Supper piece located on our secondary campus.

On the reverse side of the stone is a quote from Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, serving as a timeless reminder of the values that continue to shape our school.

We were honoured to welcome Sister Maureen Keenan rsm, the last Sister of Mercy to serve as principal at our school, and Mr Michael Letters, Chair of the School Advisory Council, who played a pivotal role in the design and production of the stone. Their presence added a special significance to the blessing ceremony.

Gratitude is extended to the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation for their generous contribution towards the stone’s creation, and to Bishop Ken, Father Nathan Webb, our dedicated staff, and students for their participation in the service.

Following the blessing, Bishop Ken spent time visiting classrooms and sharing morning tea and lunch with staff, fostering a sense of connection and celebration. Sister Maureen also enjoyed revisiting the primary classrooms, reconnecting with the spirit of Mercy that continues to thrive in our school.

This commemorative stone is not just a marker of time—it is a symbol of faith, education, and community that will inspire generations to come.

On Wednesday 30 July, St Joseph’s was thrilled to welcome award-winning children’s author Aleesah Darlison to our school! Aleesah spent the day captivating students with her storytelling magic and sharing valuable writing tips.

Years 3–6 explored the craft of Descriptive & Sensory Writing, discovering how to use words to create vivid imagery and evoke emotion.

Preps–Year 2 had a wonderful time diving into Fun, Fantasy & Fractured Fairytales, sparking imaginations and plenty of giggles!

A few lucky students even received a signed copy of Aleesah’s latest book, Running from the Tiger — a special memento from an inspiring day.

A big thank you to Aleesah for sharing her passion and creativity. You’ve left a lasting impression on our budding young authors!

Congratulations to the 20 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday, 8 August! It was a joyful and meaningful celebration for our school and parish community.

We now look ahead to the next step in the journey—First Holy Communion classes, which will begin on Sunday, 31 August. We keep these students in our prayers as they continue their faith formation.

Recently, our Year 10 Debating team competed in the quarter-finals of the 2025 QDU Toowoomba Finals. In a tightly contested debate, they were narrowly defeated by Fairholme College. This brings our debating season to a close.

Congratulations to all our teams from Years 7 to 11 for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the year. A heartfelt thank you to Ms Katrina Hawira for her excellent coordination, and to Mrs Mary Roberts, Ms Danni Thompson, Ms Georgia Brown, and our Year 12 students for their generous support and coaching.

Debating continues to be a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. We’re excited to see what 2026 will bring!

On 31 July, our school community proudly participated in Beanies for Brain Cancer, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness and support for brain cancer research.

Students arrived at school wearing a vibrant array of beanies—knitted, fluffy, sporty, and fun—each one a symbol of solidarity with those affected by brain cancer. The day was filled with colour and compassion as classrooms and playgrounds became a sea of beanies, reflecting the students’ enthusiasm and empathy.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity to talk about the importance of medical research and the impact brain cancer has on individuals and families. It was heartening to see our students embrace the cause and show that even small gestures can make a big difference.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped raise awareness. Your beanies brought more than just warmth—they brought hope.

Last Thursday, our entire Year 7 cohort had the chance to experience the excitement of the Brisbane Ekka! It was a fantastic day filled with fun, learning, and discovery as students explored everything from agricultural displays and animal encounters to thrilling rides and tasty treats.

The Ekka offers a unique opportunity to connect with Queensland’s rural traditions while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of the state’s most iconic events. Our students represented the school beautifully, showing curiosity, respect, and enthusiasm throughout the day.

We’re proud to support experiences that enrich learning beyond the classroom and create lasting memories for our students.

It’s been an exciting fortnight for our senior primary students, with both Year 6 and Year 5 heading off on camp and returning with big smiles and wonderful memories.

From Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 August, our Year 6 students enjoyed three days of outdoor adventure, team-building activities, and personal growth. Whether it was tackling high ropes, exploring nature trails, or sharing stories around the campfire, students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and courage. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for them to strengthen friendships and develop leadership skills as they prepare for their final term of primary school.

Hot on their heels, our Year 5 students ventured off on Wednesday 13 August, returning on Friday 15 August after their own exciting camp experience. Their days were filled with exploration, creativity, and collaboration, as they took part in activities designed to build confidence and teamwork. It was wonderful to see them step up, support one another, and enjoy the adventure together.

Reflections from Camp

The camp was more than just fun—it was a chance for students to grow, connect, and challenge themselves in new ways. Here's what some of them had to say:

Portia (Year 6) : "Camp Cooby was an amazing experience. I enjoyed every activity we did. We even got to see an echidna that was brought to us by Phil, the groundskeeper!"

Polly (Year 6) : "Camp was a great opportunity to show courage towards all the activities, whether it was climbing a giant playground in the sky, or accidentally dropping a camp mascot down a huge waterslide and having to slide down super fast to go get them. There are lots of great activities that wouldn’t let you sleep. The food was really good and as soon as you arrive you get greeted by two alpacas and a pony."

Noah (Year 5) : "Camp was a great experience because of the fun and challenges we had along the way. I also loved the food because of the effort and thought into it. Putting it all together camp was. Great experience and was a good way to overcome challenges. I would love to go again."

Alina (Year 5) : "Camp was a fun learning and teamwork environment. I reckon the raft-building was my favourite and our group were the “goofy ahhs,” because we based it on our goofy ahh knot: It's where we just tie randomly. I think the reason why we went there is to introduce yourself more to the people you don’t know well."

Chloe (Year 5) : "I was proud of myself about pushing myself at the crate stack, I was really scared.  I learnt how to tie knots and build a raft and how to work as a team and keep tryhing"

Emma (Year 6) : "When I saw Camp Cooby, my jaw dropped in excitement.  I learnt how to overcome fears that I did not know I had, made new friends and made bonds more special.  And we were completely surrounded by nature.  My favourite activity was the vertical playgoround.  I overcame a fear that I did not know I had and it was very heart warming to see everybody cheering you on."

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff who made both camps possible, and to our students for representing our school with such positivity and respect. These experiences are more than just fun—they’re a chance to grow, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Year 5 Camp

On Friday 15 August, our school marked Bullying No Way Day with a powerful message led by our Senior students. They spoke to younger grades about something even more impactful than saying “no” to bullying — the importance of kindness, compassion, and the courage to speak up.

Through thoughtful conversations, they showed how small actions can create big change — like offering a smile, lending a hand, or saying a kind word.

Kindness looks like:

• Noticing when someone is left out
• Helping a friend who’s struggling
• Saying “hello” or “thank you”
• Standing up for someone who needs support

Compassion means:

• Caring about how others feel — even if you don’t know them well

Our Seniors encouraged everyone to:

1. Use kind words — “please,” “thank you,” “are you okay?”
2. Include others — invite someone to join in, even if they’re not a close friend
3. Listen and care — sometimes, listening is the greatest gift
4. Speak up — if you see something wrong, tell a trusted adult
5. Be a role model — kindness inspires kindness

They reminded us that you don’t need superpowers to make a difference — every smile, kind word, and act of compassion matters.

On Friday 15 August, Year 6 students enjoyed a vibrant and hands-on Japanese Cultural Day, also known as Matsuri (Festival). The day was filled with engaging activities that introduced students to various aspects of Japanese culture and traditions.

Students had the opportunity to create origami Kabuto (samurai helmets), ninja stress balls, sumo figures, and Hachimaki (headbands). They also participated in a chopstick challenge, learning proper etiquette and techniques for using chopsticks.

Traditional Japanese toys and martial arts were also part of the fun, with students trying out the Kendama and learning some basic Karate moves. To top off the experience, everyone was invited to sample delicious Teriyaki chicken with rice and Nori (seaweed), which was a highlight for many.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural learning through creativity and play.

A big thank you to Ms Kendall for organising such a memorable and enriching experience for our students!

Our school recently celebrated two much-loved events that brought stories to life and filled our grounds with laughter, creativity, and community spirit.

First up was our Bears, Books and Blankets Picnic, where students, staff, and families gathered under sunny skies to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading and connection. With picnic rugs spread across the lawn, teddy bears in tow, and books in hand, it was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from sharing stories together. The event encouraged a love of reading in a fun and inclusive way, and it was heartwarming to see students of all ages curled up with their favourite books.

Following the picnic, was our Annual Book Week Dress-Up Parade, a highlight of the school calendar and a chance for students to step into the shoes of their favourite literary characters. From adventurous explorers to magical creatures, the creativity on display was truly inspiring! Staff joined in the fun too, making it a whole-school celebration of storytelling.

This year’s Children’s Book Week theme, announced by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, was “Book an Adventure!”—a fitting tribute to the power of books to transport us to new worlds, spark our imaginations, and inspire bold journeys. The theme was beautifully captured in the artwork of Jess McGeachin, whose whimsical illustrations encouraged young readers to explore the endless possibilities that books offer.

As we celebrate 80 years of Children’s Book Week, we’re reminded of the enduring magic of stories and the importance of nurturing a lifelong love of reading. Thank you to everyone who helped make these events so special!

On August 18, our school paused to reflect and pay tribute to the brave Australians who served during the Vietnam War, as part of our observance of Vietnam Veterans Day.

This important day marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, one of the most significant engagements for Australian troops during the conflict. It is a time to honour the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the more than 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam, including the 523 who lost their lives and the thousands more who returned home forever changed.

Students participated in a special assembly where they learned about the history of the Vietnam War, the experiences of veterans, and the importance of remembrance. Through stories, poems, and moments of silence, we acknowledged the legacy of those who served and the impact of war on individuals, families, and communities.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all Vietnam veterans and their families. Your service is remembered, your sacrifices honoured, and your stories cherished.

On Tuesday 6 August, our school hosted a successful Year 7 Open Afternoon and Information Evening, welcoming prospective students and families to explore what Secondary school life has to offer.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors had the opportunity to tour our campus, meet dedicated staff, and experience the vibrant learning environment that awaits in Year 7. The evening session provided valuable insights into curriculum offerings, co-curricular opportunities, and the supportive transition program designed to help students thrive in their first year of high school.

It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with our school community and asking thoughtful questions about the journey ahead.

If you know of anyone considering enrolment for Year 7 in 2026, we encourage them to contact the school on (07) 4681 5904 for more information. We’d love to welcome them into our community!