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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY & TEACHING & LEARNING
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- PREP OPEN DAYS
- SCHOOL PHOTOS
- EXPLORING LONDON, PARIS AND THE WESTERN FRONT
- SJS ARTS FESTIVAL
- VISITING FIJIAN PRINCIPAL
- STUDENTS COMPETE IN CHESS COMPETITIONS
- HISTORY
- MATHS
- DEBATING SUCCESS
- SCHOOL PLAY
- ST JOSEPH'S SUCCESS IN GO FOR GOLD FUNDING
- IT'S NOT TOO LATE - BOOK YOUR TABLE FOR TRIVIA NOW !
- NEWS FROM THE P & F ASSOCIATION
- QISSN
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
At St Joseph’s School we strive to provide as many opportunities as possible outside the normal classroom setting to develop the cultural and intellectual experiences for our students. The following outlines some of these opportunities.
Over the next week, on Friday 10 May and Thursday 16 May, we have our Arts Festival which will involve workshops and performances in Music, Musical Theatre and Drama. They will be delivered by some of our current teachers and external specialist tutors. The festival will culminate in a concert on Thursday 16 May at 1.45pm in the Bathersby Centre. Special guests for the concert will include Mayor Melissa Hamilton, Cr Morwenna Harslett and Cr Russell Wantling from the Southern Downs Regional Council; Mrs Mary Findlay and Mr Dan McArthur from the Stanthorpe Art Gallery; and Fr Gonzo, St Joseph's Parish Priest. Thanks to Dr James Cuskelly OAM and Mrs Amelia Wiltshire for their organisation of the festival.
We have had a run of nominations from students keen to be involved in our school play – The Snow White Variety Show. The play will give students across the school the chance to display their acting, stage management and design talents. Auditions will commence shortly. We are looking forward to watching the performances in August.
The Secondary debating is the strongest it has ever been with teams in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 and the Seniors competing strongly in the Toowoomba Region of the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) competition. Our students have consistently proven themselves a match for the other schools from Toowoomba and our region. This year we are pleased to be involved in a pilot of the online version of the debates. This allows for rural and remote schools to take part in this wonderful competition more easily. Our thanks to QDU for their support and vision to expend the competition to more isolated schools. Each time I watch our students debating I marvel at their speaking skills and ability to present strong arguments on topical and challenging issues.
Our Primary and Secondary students also have opportunities to take part in competitive Chess, a one of the oldest strategy games in the world which develops skills such as tactics, strategy and visual memory. It was good to see so many students enjoying themselves and performing well in the recent Toowoomba Catholic Schools Chess Competition.
Well done to all students involved in these activities and thanks to the staff and parents who support them.
God Bless
A belated welcome back to Term 2! As you will be aware, I was absent across Weeks 1&2 attending the International Study Tour in London, Paris, Northern France and Belgium. It was a fantastic trip and I thank Mary Roberts for her work in coordinating the opportunity. Without her leadership here, the idea would never have got off the ground. Thanks also to Hayley Pfeiffer, Angie Sims, Kayelene O’Dea and Jacob Steele for attending the trip as staff supervisors.
Term 1 Academic reports were distributed electronically to the Parent Portal during the holidays. Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the Secondary Parent Teacher consultations in Week 3 as a follow up to these reports being issued. Parent Teacher Consultations are an important opportunity for parents, staff and students to have collaborative conversations to reflect on the students’ academic performance in Term 1 and refine future directions to build upon this success, as well as seek improvement. If you were unable to attend on the night, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers to seek feedback on the academic progress.
In Years 6-8, elective rotations finished at the end of Week 3. Students, in Week 4, will begin new electives as part of this year long rotation. Students have worked to finalise all summative assessment across the last week in preparation for these changes, and the first elective rotation will be fully reported on in the Semester 1 reporting period.
Call to be… Christ-Like
Called to live… Mercy
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
The deadline for writing these newsletter articles seems to come around very quickly each fortnight and I think that has much to do with the pace of life on the Primary campus. There is always so much happening to keep everyone engaged.
Our learning focus across the school continues to engage the students in developing skills and knowledge in so many fields. The new approach to reading and spelling is already showing signs of success and we have been buoyed by some parent feedback about how their children are progressing at home with the new resources. Please feel free to email me or talk to me at school to share your feedback as it is important that we understand how your child is going at home. We are also keen to hear any frustrations you may have because, once we know about them, we can do something about it.
As well as focusing on reading, the teachers are working hard to deliver a new Australian Curriculum across many subject areas including maths, science and PE. We talk about St Joseph's being a community of learners and this is certainly true, as the teachers engage in opportunities to upskill themselves and develop further their knowledge and expertise so that they can offer the most effective learning opportunities for the students.
This week we have the first of two days dedicated to the Arts Festival and this will see the students from P-6 involved in drama and music theatre workshops. We are so fortunate to be able to draw on the talents of experts in these areas to enhance the work that takes place on a weekly basis. My thanks are extended to Dr Cuskelly and Mrs Wilshire for their commitment to bring the Arts Festival to fruition again this year. I would also like to extend an invitation to all families and friends to join us for the concert on 16 May at 1:45pm in the Bathersby Stadium.
Also this week, Prep students pampered the special ladies in their lives on Thursday afternoon, as a prelude to Mothers' Day on Sunday. This is always a such a special occasion.
Congratulations to the students who participated in the TCS Chess competition at the end of April and especially to David Kendall and Ned Robinson who secured places within the top three. Well done also to all those who participated in the Granite Belt Cross Country event last week. A significant amount of our students are eligible to compete at the Darling Downs event on 14 May.
Last week, the first working bee for the second Nature Play space took place and a significant amount of work was completed. A huge thank you to everyone who assisted in any way. Volunteers are still required for the future working bees and details can be sourced from Amelia Wilshire.
Finally, we have the Border District Eisteddfod in a few weeks and the students are busy practising their entries. Later this week we will be sending details of the supervisions for the classes and I urge all parents and carers to check the details. If you are able to join us at the Civic Centre to support the children, I know that the children would be appreciative.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning
The Spiritual Journey of the Ascension
Today, Thursday 9th May we celebrate the Ascension—a moment where Jesus ascended into to be with His heavenly Father.
Imagine standing on a hillside, gazing upward as Jesus, risen from the dead, ascends into the sky. His earthly mission fulfilled, He leaves His disciples with a promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The Ascension marks the culmination of His earthly ministry and the beginning of a new chapter.
The Ascension reminds us that our lives are not confined to the mundane. We, too, can transcend limitations—our doubts, fears, and shortcomings. We can rise above our own struggles, seeking higher purpose and deeper connection. And just as Jesus commissioned his apostles to go and continue His work, we too are asked to share love, kindness, and compassion.
The Ascension isn’t just an account written in to the history books, but a reminder to us that our lives matter. We’re part of a grand narrative. Our call is to live intentionally and trust beyond what we can see, rising above the ordinary, embracing hope, and fulfilling our purpose.
With God's blessings,Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
If you’re looking to enrol or know of someone looking to enrol their child in Prep for 2025, our Prep Open Days are a great opportunity for your family to experience our "Visible Learning School". This is where teachers see learning through the eyes of their students, helping them become their own teachers.
Bring your child to our PREP OPEN MORNINGS on Wednesday 22nd May & Tuesday 28th May at St Joseph's School Stanthorpe.
~ Meet our Staff ~ Talk to Teachers ~Tour our School ~ Let them Play ~
Academy Photography have advised they have completed the Studio process for the Co-Curricular and Mentor Group photos, which are now available for purchase online.
To order any of these photos online-visit ios.academyphoto.com.au and enter the shoot key:
- Co-Curricular: MQPBJY32
- Mentor Groups: XG4EC47E
A group of 36 students and 6 staff members from St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe embarked on an unforgettable educational journey across Europe recently. Their recent school trip took them to iconic landmarks in London, the romantic streets of Paris, and the historic battlefields of the Western Front in France and Belgium.
London Adventures
The adventure began in the heart of London, where students marvelled at the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The group stood in awe beneath the towering Big Ben, its clock face ticking away the centuries. Nearby, the Houses of Parliament provided a glimpse into British politics and governance. Students crossed the majestic Tower Bridge, capturing Instagram-worthy photos of the River Thames and the London skyline. At Borough Market students sampled local delicacies and explored the bustling market stalls. The Natural History Museum and the Tower of London offered fascinating insights into science, history, and architecture. Meanwhile, a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre transported them back to the Elizabethan era. The London Eye provided breathtaking views of the city, while a tour of Madame Tussauds allowed students to rub shoulders with wax replicas of celebrities. The group attended an exciting Europa League quarter-final football match and experienced the magic of a West End musical theatre performance. These unforgettable moments left a lasting impression on everyone.
From London, the students hopped on the Eurostar to Paris—the City of Love. Winding streets, charming cafés, and bookshops awaited them in the Latin Quarter. Students soaked up the bohemian atmosphere and practiced their French with locals. The Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre showcased masterpieces by renowned artists and we fought the crowds to catch a glimpse of Mona Lisa’s smile. In Montmartre, students explored the artistic heritage of this hilltop neighbourhood. And of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, a highlight for the entire group. A leisurely cruise along the Seine River allowed students to admire the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective.
Honouring Sacrifice on the Western Front
The journey took a solemn turn as the group travelled to the battlefields of the Western Front. Here, they paid tribute to fallen soldiers who bravely fought during World War I. Students walked the hallowed grounds of Flanders, Passchendaele, Fromelles and Ypres, reflecting on the sacrifices of soldiers. Students performed moving commemoration services at the gravesides of their relatives, laying wreaths on behalf of extended family in Australia. At the Menin Gate, student leaders laid a wreath to honour those who never returned home. The tour culminated in a moving Anzac Day dawn service and wreath laying at Villers-Bretonneux, where students stood in silence, remembering the fallen.
Building Bridges of Friendship
As an integral part of the tour, students also participated in the Amiens Bridge of Friendship opening ceremony, representing their school, community, and country, exchanging national flags with French counterparts, and singing both national anthems. This initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between France and Australia, fostering understanding and goodwill and honouring Australian Army Engineers who were vital in the success of World War I campaigns in the region. As part of this initiative Joey’s students also spent time with French peers, discussing life in Australia and France and sharing interests.
A Spiritual Journey
Amidst historical sites, students visited churches and religious landmarks, including the Sacre Coeur Basilica, Amiens Notre Dame Cathedral, and St. Martin’s Church in Ypres. These sacred spaces served as reminders of courage, service, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
The school trip was more than just sightseeing—it was an opportunity for growth, cultural exchange, and remembrance. As students returned home, they carried with them memories that will last a lifetime.
Mary Roberts
Head of Curriculum
On Friday 10 May and Thursday 16 May 2024, St Joseph’s School will be holding workshops and performances to develop, celebrate and showcase the creative talents of our students and more broadly, the creative pedagogy which underpins the learning experience within the school.
Background
St Joseph’s School provides a rich and stimulating learning experience for our students. This experience is clearly seen in the range of Arts activities on offer—Music, Drama, Visual Art, Choir and Band—but is, more importantly, deeply embedded in the entire curriculum through a range of creative responses to teaching and learning.
As a Lighthouse School for Visible Learning, St Joseph’s School believes that all students can learn, and teacher practice is characterised by a reflective and responsive praxis. Adapting the curriculum to the particular needs, capacities and interests of each student remains a clear pedagogical goal in all classrooms. Success for individuals and the group as a whole requires creative and inventive responses to teaching and learning, and indeed, such an attitude is a constant point of reference for teaching staff.
Learning Experiences
Over the two days all students across P-6 will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the different fields of Arts.
Dr James Cuskelly OAM, our Music teacher, will work with students on their choral performances during their normal classes.
We have invited leading teachers in Music Theatre and Drama to work with the students over the two days and prepare them for a showcase concert.
The Music Theatre tutors will be:
Annie Lower
Peggy Channon
The Drama tutor will be:
Kelly Lazarus
Details about our presenters are attached with the schedule of activities.
Secondary Students
Secondary students will be involved prior to the Arts Festival in developing materials which can be used to explain the role of creativity in the school environment and these materials will be used as part of the narration on the day of the performance.
Concert
On Thursday 16 May, we will be hosting a concert for families to experience the wonderful work the students will be doing and already do at St Joseph’s School. All families are invited to attend the event which will held in the Bathersby Centre from 1:45pm – 3:00pm.
We are all looking forward to this opportunity to develop and highlight the creative talents of our students and showcase the learning that happens at St Joseph’s School.
On Wednesday, May 1st, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Emosi Kuli, a secondary principal from Fiji, to our shores. His visit promises to be an enriching experience as he embarks on a Rotary Scholarship journey in Australia.
Here’s a glimpse into Emosi’s itinerary:
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Theory Work with Australian Institute of Management: Over the past three weeks in Brisbane, Emosi has delved into theoretical aspects related to management. The Australian Institute of Management has been his guide in this pursuit.
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Practical Work in Schools: Emosi’s journey extends beyond theory. He is actively participating in practical work across various schools—spanning the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Stanthorpe, and Tenterfield. His insights and interactions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Emosi’s connection with Stanthorpe dates back a decade. In 2014, he, along with three Fijian students, received assistance from Rotary to visit Stanthorpe and St. Joseph’s School. Since then, their paths have diverged, leading to remarkable achievements:
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Emosi’s Rise: After holding several senior roles, Emosi now serves as the principal of a prominent city school in Suva, the capital of Fiji.
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Student Success: One of the students who accompanied Emosi in 2014 has recently graduated as a doctor—a testament to the transformative power of education and cross-cultural experiences.
Emosi, captured in a photo alongside Oliver and Elliot Tuvukica and their father, radiates excitement as he returns to Stanthorpe. His journey embodies the spirit of learning, growth, and global connections. We celebrate their success and look forward to more inspiring stories. Welcome back, Emosi!
On Friday, April 26th, 12 students from our Chess Club participated in the annual TCS Chess Competition. They engaged in an online tournament, overcoming initial challenges while attempting to play against students from Toowoomba. Ultimately, they played seven games against opponents from Cunnamulla, Inglewood, and Dalby. The experience was enjoyable, and their skills showed improvement.
Our top-rated players were:
- David Kendall, who secured third place with a rating of 1140.
- Bellarose Gordan, with a rating of 1050.
- Ned Robinson, rated at 1017.
Mr David Fleming, who accompanied the students, expressed immense pride in their patience and resilience as they dealt with the ongoing frustrations caused by tournament glitches. His support was invaluable in ensuring a successful event.
St Joseph’s School also had 12 secondary students compete in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Chess Tournament on Monday 29th April.
The St Joseph’s team performed exceptionally well on the day and received second place in our Diocese. Congratulations to Archie George, Ned Torrens, Patrick Roberts, William Roberts, Jackson Pillar, Harry Wren, Zayd Buscher, Thomas Telfer and Flynn Williamson for their excellent talent and sportsmanship.
A special mention to Harry Wren for receiving the highest points for a Year 10 student and for Will Roberts for receiving the highest points for a Year 9 student.
YEAR 10
Year 10 History students last week completed a walking tour to view dedications to local notable Italian migrants as part of their Human Rights & Migration unit.
Students viewed a mural dedicated to Angelo Valiante, an outstanding Italian migrant with extensive impact and connections within our community, notably the farming industry.
They also visited the memorial of Father Jerome Davadi, former parish priest of St Joseph's Catholic Church and 'Father of the Fruit and Wine Industry' in the Granite Belt. Father Davadi is a respected person within our school community, and one of our sports houses is named in his honour.
Special thanks to Mr Jim Armstrong who provided the students with a great deal of historical and local commentary during our walk.
YEAR 7
Year 7 students have been participating in a virtual excursion of Ancient Roman buildings as part of their History unit.
Students used Google Earth to match famous Roman infrastructures with their descriptions to create a set of postcards.
Year 5 students are diving into the fascinating world of area and exploring the concept using standardized units of measure.
Keep exploring, Year 5! Area is all around us, from the classroom floor to the soccer field.
Kudos to the Year 7, 8, 10, and Senior teams for successfully completing the 3rd round of the QDU debating competition on Wednesday 1st May.
The Senior team showcased their prowess by triumphing in Toowoomba during the debate. A well-deserved victory indeed! Meanwhile, the other teams engaged in online debates against Toowoomba opponents over the past two weeks. Their dedication and eloquence have been commendable.
Congratulations Debaters, take a bow! Your articulate arguments and quick thinking have left an indelible mark.
A heartfelt thank you to the coaches who have nurtured these talents. Let’s eagerly await the 4th round later this term—a stage where brilliance meets rhetoric once again.
St Joseph's School is pleased to announce that this year the school will be performing a play called “The Snow White Variety Show”. The show is a funny take on the fairytale, suitable for adults and children alike.
It is all the fun of just about every TV-show genre you can imagine jam-packed into a wild and fast-paced comedy! The audience becomes the live studio audience on a talk show, Real Talk with Fairytale Legends, where the seven dwarves tell the story of Snow White as the Fairytale Players bring it to life.
As each new dwarf takes a turn telling part of Snow White’s famous story in his or her own unique voice, the players’ re-enactment shifts to match the style and personality of that particular dwarf. At any given moment, the story can be anything — romance, comedy, home improvement show, suspense, Western, epic poetry, mystery, cooking show, stand-up routine, or blockbuster action movie! There’s even a “Miss Fairest of Them All” beauty pageant!
It all culminates in a mad-dash ending of fast-changing genres that sets the record straight on Snow White’s happily-ever-after. With extremely flexible casting options, very simple staging, and optional hilarious scripted commercial breaks, this variety show spoof of the fairytale classic literally has something for everyone!
We are planning to perform the show in The Little Theatre on Connor Street over a number of nights in August.
Primary teacher Mrs Kathy Gordon will direct the show, with Year 12 Prefect Olivia Page assisting.
We are looking for students (both primary and secondary) and staff to help produce and perform the show. Volunteers are needed for the following:
- On stage acting
- Back stage work
- Backdrop/prop design
- Costume work/design
- Supervision etc on rehearsal days (teachers only)
- Sound/lighting
Students have been sent details via email over the weekend about the play and how to volunteer.
We also would appreciate help from parents and carers with set creation and custom design and production. If you can help please contact Mrs Kathy Gordon on kathy.gordon@twb.catholic.edu.au or Andrew Kendall on Andrew.Kendall@twb.catholic.edu.au.
The Go for Gold Fund is a targeted strategy aimed at enhancing sports performance preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Queensland Government has allocated $100 million over 4 years to construct and upgrade school sports infrastructure, as well as provide sports equipment to foster student activity and participation across all Queensland schools.
In the first round, the focus was on sports equipment funding. Grants of up to $5,000 were offered for various sports, ranging from athletics to basketball, sport climbing to skateboarding. The goal was to encourage active play and boost sports participation, thereby maximizing the utilization of existing infrastructure.
St Joseph’s School successfully secured funding in this initial round, contributing to the overall goal of promoting sports engagement and excellence!
For more information, you can visit the official Go for Gold Fund page1.
Time is running out - have you secured your spot now for the Annual St Joseph's P & F Trivia Night!
'Favorite TV Shows.'
Get ready for a night filled with fun, excitement, and fantastic costumes!
Book now and make unforgettable memories at this year's event!
St Joseph’s P&F is developing Nature Play areas for students on the Primary campus.
The P&F are seeking individual and business donations to assist in the development of these Nature Play areas. If you would like to make a financial donation, please direct deposit into the St Joseph’s School Building Fund as follows:
BSB: 084-961
Account Number: 65 309 7284
Account Name: CRCDOT – DDF
Bank Name: NAB
Reference: 570S4.1 and surname
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.
The St Joseph’s School Building Fund has been established by the St Joseph’s School P&F Association. The fund is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient.
St Joseph’s P&F has established an account with Containers for Change to support fundraising, including the Nature Play areas. The P&F will provide a trailer at the back of the Teacher’s parking lot at school on the 1st Monday of the month for people to drop their containers (i.e., 6th May 2024).
Alternatively, when you take them to the depot, please consider donating your containers to the St Joseph’s P&F account (member number C11395296).
Cross Country
On Thursday, May 2nd, a number of students participated in both the Granite Belt and Border District Cross Country events. The primary-age students showcased their athletic prowess at Severnlea State School, while their secondary-aged counterparts competed at Scots PGC Warwick.
To the following Primary students listed below, well done on securing a spot to take their talents one step further. They will be heading to the Darling Downs Cross Country event in Toowoomba on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
|
Name |
Age |
Place |
|
Georgia Robinson |
9Yrs Girls |
1st place |
|
Alanna Fox |
10Yrs Girls |
1st place |
|
Scarlett Inch |
10Yrs Girls |
3rd place |
|
Havanah Torrisi |
11Yrs Girls |
2nd place |
|
Riley Pfeiffer |
11Yrs Girls |
3rd place |
|
Ella Morello |
12Yrs Girls |
2nd place |
|
Sienna Ponzo |
12Yrs Girls |
3rd place |
|
Kai Fox |
9Yrs Boys |
2nd place |
|
Oliver Fraguas |
10Yrs Boys |
3rd place |
|
Patrick Moxham |
11Yrs Boys |
3rd place |
|
Ned Robinson |
12Yrs Boys |
1st place |
Congratulations to Secondary students Liam O’Dea, Kodi Hart, Darcy Daddow, William Roberts, Margaret O’Dea, Stephanie Hart, and Holly Hart who all achieved remarkable placements within their respective age groups at the Border District Cross Country held on Thursday 2nd May held at Scots PGC Warwick.. Their dedication and hard work paid off, and they truly deserve recognition.
A special mention to the following Secondary students on their placings at the Border District Cross Country.
|
Name |
Age |
Place |
|
Hannah Petrie |
13Yrs Girls | Age Champion |
|
Georgia Petrie |
13Yrs Girls | Runner Up Age Champion |
|
Erin O'Dea |
16Yrs Girls | Runner Up Age Champion |
The event was marked by excellent sportsmanship and outstanding representation from our school.
Rugby League
Congratulations to Year 6 students, Jett Hurtz and Benjamin Kerridge, who recently competed in the Darling Downs Rugby League trials held in Dalby on Monday, April 29th.
Although they were not selected for the team, their dedication and enthusiasm deserve commendation!
Soccer
On Tuesday, May 7th, a group of students participated in the annual Bill Turner Soccer Tournament. The games took place throughout the day at both the CF White Oval and Stanthorpe State High School.
The girls’ team achieved an impressive victory against Assumption College, winning 8-0. However, they faced defeat in their second game against SSHS, with a score of 4-2 in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the boys’ team secured a win against Assumption College, experienced a loss against SSHS, and played to a draw with Warwick State High.
All students wholeheartedly embraced the essence of teamwork and deserve commendation for their positive attitude on the field and their hard work.
Thank you to Mr Andrew Kendall, Mr Matthew Brown, and Mrs Katrina Hawira for their expertise and coaching during the event!
| 10 May | Do It For Dolly Day |
| 12 May | Mothers Day |
| 13 - 17 May | Step Into Stories Week |
| National Careers Week | |
| 14 May | Darling Downs Cross Country |
| 15 May | QDB Debating - Yrs 8 & 10 (Round 4) |
| 16 May | Arts Festival |
| 18 May | P & F Trivia Night |
| 19 May | Pentecost Sunday |
| 20 - 29 May | Border District Eisteddfod |
| 20 May | Year 11 QFES RAAP Program |
| 22 May | Prep 2025 Open Mornings |
| National Simultaneous Storytime | |
| QDB Debating - Seniors (Round 4) | |
| 23 May | Broncos Cup - Round 1 (Stanthorpe) |
| Seniors Meet & Greet Morning Tea & Prayer Liturgy | |
