Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity

In order to streamline the processes and maintain the operation of the tuckshop given the volunteers available, during Term 3 there will be some changes to the operation and menu of the primary tuckshop. Secondary won't change.

From the start of term, the following will apply.

Primary

Monday:

• Morning Tea and Lunch.
• Menu: Foxy’s Bakery items only + Apple Slinky’s + Toasties.

Friday:  

• Lunch only.
• Menu: Sushi + Pasta options + Chicken Tenders & Potato Gems (until stock is sold out and then new items will be added to menu progressively through the term) + Apple Slinky’s.
• Mini Vinnies and P&F may do morning tea fundraisers on special occasions.

Primary tuckshop orders will have to be in by 7.30am on Mondays and Fridays instead of 8.00am.

Secondary

Wednesday:

• Morning Tea and Lunch.
• Menu: No change to the menu (Foxy’s Bakery + Sushi).
• Orders need to be in by 12.00am Tuesday night.

Friday:

• Fundraising Pizza & Subway Day operated by the QISSN team. Money raised goes towards QISSN and other school activities.

Note

• No primary tuckshop; Friday 26 July (Student Free Day) and Friday 30 August (Student Free Day).
• P&F or Mini Vinnies to do tuckshop fundraising on Monday 12 August.

Volunteers Needed

To maintain the services provided by the school tuckshops, volunteers are essential and are most welcome. If you are able to volunteer, please follow the school’s tuckshop Facebook pages.

• St Joseph’s Stanthorpe Secondary Tuckshop
• St Joseph’s Stanthorpe Primary Tuckshop

If you are not on Facebook please contact the office so we can help you.

Our thanks to parents Fiona Fox, Emma Fraguas, Ruth Stefanon & Chelsea Vedelago who have worked with our bursar, Megan Hines, to manage the tuckshops this year.

Congratulations to the St Joseph's students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the end of Term 2.

The Sacrament of Confirmation continues, strengthens, confirms and celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism. During the Sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop/priest lays his hands on the baptised person and prays that the Holy Spirit will fill the person with spiritual gifts. Then, using holy oil, the bishop/priest makes a cross on the person’s forehead. It is usual for the person being confirmed to take on an extra name, that of a particular saint. The saint will be a source of inspiration by the way he/she lived life while on earth, and an intercessor in prayer to God.

A spirited group of nine Year 10 and 11 students embarked on an enriching adventure—the AMSSA (Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association) Student Conference held in the picturesque city of Bendigo, Victoria during the first week of the school holidays. This gathering wasn’t just about geography; it was a convergence of hearts, minds, and shared purpose.

Here’s a glimpse into their remarkable experience:

1. Connecting Across Borders:

   • Our students had the privilege of mingling with teenagers from 19 other Mercy schools across Australia. Imagine the energy in those meeting rooms—the buzz of conversations, the laughter, and the exchange of stories. Bonds formed over shared values and a commitment to making the world a better place.

2. Exploring Bendigo:

   • Beyond the conference halls, Bendigo revealed its secrets. Students explored its historic streets, marveled at its architecture, and soaked in the local culture. The city became a canvas for their curiosity, and every cobblestone held a story.

3. Living Hope and Joy:

   • The heart of the conference lay in personal narratives. Students listened to stories of resilience, compassion, and mercy. These weren’t abstract tales; they were real-life accounts of people who had turned adversity into hope, and joy into action. It left an indelible mark on our young attendees.

4. Workshops with Purpose:

   • Workshops—those vibrant hubs of creativity and learning—were the heartbeat of the conference. In one corner, students assembled welcome packs for those affected by family violence—a tangible expression of care. In another, they crafted birthing kits for communities in need worldwide. These hands-on activities bridged the gap between empathy and action.

5. Mercy People Unite:

   • The days were jam-packed, but they overflowed with memories. Lifelong experiences were etched into the hearts of our students. They discovered that being part of the Mercy community meant more than a school affiliation—it was a shared commitment to compassion, justice, and service.

6. Meeting Sister Sally Bradley RSM:

   • A highlight awaited them: Sister Sally Bradley RSM, a beacon of Mercy. As the Executive Director of Mercy Works—the compassionate arm of the Sisters of Mercy—she embodied the spirit they aspired to. Her presence inspired and affirmed their path.

Now, as they have returned to our school community, these young ambassadors carry more than memories. They bring back ideas, initiatives, and a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you to Mrs Megan Mahoney and Mrs Brooke Butson for their time and dedication in accompanying our students.

The Blue EDGE program started this week on Tuesday morning with 22 students going on a nice brisk walk along the creek with the officers of the Stanthorpe Police Station.

Thanks to Jim Ellis and Mr Jacob Steele who are coordinating this program for the students.

The Year 3 and 4 students are exploring forces in Term 3.

As an introductory experiment, they explored how forces applied can change the way an object moves as a result of push and pull as well as gravity.

Great fun and learning occurred and a shared understanding of forces has been achieved. 

The Stanthorpe Rotary Club host an annual awards night to judge the project completed in Tech by Year 10 students.  This semester long project has been a great initiative for the students as it is their final project. Students have begun their projects, and we look forward to the finished products. Mr Jacob Steele and Mr Matt Patterson look forward to working with the students to produce their best work.

As part of this year's NAIDOC celebrations, a number of students were invited to participate in a morning tea and weaving workshop with Dolly Jerome at the Stanthorpe Community Gardens. 

NAIDOC celebrations are such an important time to honor and recognize the rich culture, history, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a FREE, personalised pocket resource to help you raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, the app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations designed to support your child’s social and emotional wellbeing from birth to age 12. 

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind ? ?