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- CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PRIMARY & TEACHING & LEARNING
- ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MISSION & IDENTITY
- WELCOME TO ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL
- KICKSTARTING THE 150 YEAR CELEBTRATIONS
- GENERAL ADMINISTRATION REMINDERS
- SCHOOL FEES
- VOLUNTEERING AT ST JOSEPH'S
- 2025 TUCKSHOP ORDERING
- RE ROAMINGS WITH MISS BROWN & YEAR 12 - PRAXIS PROGRAM
- PREP HAT PRESENTATION & RINGING OF THE SCHOOL BELL
- STANTHORPE SHOW SUCCESS
- SCHOOL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
I hope all students and families have settled well into the start of the school year. There is a really positive vibe around school, indicating to me that it has been a good start.
This week we celebrate our 150-year anniversary with a number of celebratory events. We are looking forward to many special people joining us, including our Bishop, Ken Howell; Dr Patrick Coughlan, Executive Director Toowoomba Catholic Schools; Sister Peta Goldberg rsm, Congregation Leader Sisters of Mercy Brisbane; Sr Maureen Keenan rsm, past principal of St Joseph’s School; and other past principals, staff and students.
The story of St Joseph’s School is a long and rich one. With a humble and challenging beginning, the school has evolved into a highly successful Catholic school catering for the educational and spiritual needs of students in the Granite Region.
We are all proud of who we are now and all who have shared in the journey to get us here.
The beginning of St Joseph’s Convent School Stanthorpe
The first tin mining claim was pegged at Four Mile Creek on 2 February 1972, and within a short time Stanthorpe was established. With the miners, came the Catholic Church.
At the time, Father Stephen McDonough was the Parish Priest of Allora, Warwick and Stanthorpe.
Much of the current land the Secondary Campus and Parish exist on now, were purchased during the government land sales on 5 August 1872. St Joseph’s Catholic Church was officially opened on 8 December 1872. Further land was purchased in April 1875.
(St Joseph’s Church Stanthorpe – erected 1872)
Father McDonough opened a Catholic school in October 1872 and although he tried to secure nuns for his school, he was unsuccessful. This school, St Joseph’s Parish School, was originally known as “The Old Globe School’, because it was located in the old Globe Hotel building which was acquired for the purpose.
In June 1973, Father Jerome Davadi was appointed as curate to assist Fr McDonough. Shortly afterwards, the growth in population in Stanthorpe lead to Fr Davadi being appointed resident priest in July 1974.
Father Davadi and local parishioners put forward a petition to Bishop Quinn for a religious order of nuns to be permanently appointed at Stanthorpe and take charge of the existing Catholic school. Although Quinn was hard pressed for nuns at the time, he agreed to send four Sisters of Mercy to Stanthorpe. This welcome news created an urgency to find adequate permanent accommodation in Stanthorpe for the arriving nuns.
Father Davadi's humility and charity came to the fore. He volunteered to vacate the presbytery at the back of the school and pay for his own rental accommodation at one of the nearby hotels. The building had originally been used as the over-night sleeping place by the Warwick priest when visiting the Stanthorpe Parish. Arrangements were then made for the transformation of the rustic cottage presbytery into a suitable convent building. External improvements were also made to the convent, which included a verandah, front paling fence and gate. The work was undertaken diligently to ensure that the convent accommodation was ready upon the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy.
Towards the end January 1875, three professed Sisters of Mercy and a young novice left All Hallows Convent, Brisbane and proceeded by train to Stanthorpe. On Monday, 25 January, they were aboard the steam train heading for Warwick when a disastrous hurricane interrupted their travel. They had left Toowoomba at 4.25pm and were due to arrive in Warwick at 7.45pm when, about three miles south of Cambooya railway siding, the train was struck by a blast of wind of hurricane force. The fierce wind gust was accompanied by a deluge of rain and hail.
The railway train 'comprised the engine and tender, four carriages containing 45 passengers, five goods trucks and break van'. The wind struck the train with such intensity that it derailed the carriages turning the saloon and adjoining carriage on their side. Miraculously, no passengers were killed.
When the force of the wind had abated, the passengers either made their exit from the train doors, or were assisted out through the windows. The frightened Sisters of Mercy were able to safely leave their carriage. Yet, the ordeal of the passengers was far from over. The rain continued to pour down in torrents as darkness enveloped them. Suddenly, a large flash of lightning followed by a boom splitting sound of broken tree limbs and uprooted trees created pandemonium as the terrified passengers scampered back to the safety of the carriages.
Two railway trollies were dispatched by the Cambooya Station Master to pick up and return the rain soaked and distraught passengers to the small siding station and then a special train was sent to return to safety in Toowoomba.
Once the railway line was cleared of debris, the four Sisters of Mercy recommenced their journey. On Wednesday, 27 January 1875, they departed from Toowoomba on the noon train and upon their arrival in Warwick, they obtained respite at the newly established Warwick Convent. After regaining their strength, the Sisters continued onto Stanthorpe by Cobb & Co coach.
The four founding Sisters of Mercy in Stanthorpe are Sisters M. Agnes (Mary White), M. Emilian (Julia Daly) and M. Malachy (Mary Gracey) and the 24 year old novice, Mary Cecilia Ford, who had taken the religious name of Sister Mary Muredach. They were joyfully welcomed at St Joseph's Parish by Father Davadi and the parish community upon their arrival and were officially received on Tuesday, 9 February 1875.
The 9 February 1875 is recorded as the foundation day for the Sisters of Mercy in Stanthorpe and the foundation day for St Joseph’s School. The school was referred to from thereon at the St Joseph’s Covent School.
(The first school building – “The Old Globe School”)
The Sisters had their work cut out for them when they arrived in Stanthorpe. In Semester 1 1875, 150 students were enrolled at St Joseph's Catholic School. The Sisters of Mercy approached their tasks of catholic education in the town with a quiet dignity and dedication that forms part of their established trademark.
Young Sister Mary Muredach quickly endeared herself with everyone she met. Unfortunately, the cold winter and quite possibly the heavy work toll contributed to her becoming unwell. She began to show signs of recovery before having a relapse one month later. Sister Mary Muredach died on Tuesday 10 August 1875, six months after the foundation of the Convent School. Her body was buried in the Convent ground but in later years her remains were exhumed and interred in the Stanthorpe Cemetery. Today her grave can be visited in the cemetery and is maintained and care for my members of the school.
(The grave of Sister Mary Muredach in Stanthorpe Cemetery)
NB: This material is taken predominately from Ignatius (Ian) Bonaccorso’s book
Davadi: Fruit, Wine and Religion, an expectational story of the life of Father Jerome Davadi and beginning of the Catholic Church in Stanthorpe).
Have a wonderful 2025.
God Bless
Welcome back to another exciting school year! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. As we embark on this new academic journey, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the year ahead.
Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new families joining our school community. We are delighted to have you as part of the St Joey's community and look forward to getting to know you better.
A special welcome goes out to our new Year 7 students coming into the Secondary school for the first time. Transitioning to Secondary school is a significant milestone, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
During Week 1, our Year 7 students participated in a fantastic transition program. They engaged in various activities with key staff members and our Senior Student Leaders, helping them to settle in and make new friends. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and energy they brought to these activities.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in our recent Secondary Swimming Carnival. It was a huge success, and I am incredibly proud of the effort and sportsmanship displayed by all our students. A big thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to organize this event. Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated.
As we move forward, let’s embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can make this school year a memorable and successful one. I encourage all students to strive for excellence, support one another, and make the most of the learning experiences offered.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school community.
Call to be… Christ-Like
Called to live… Mercy
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
Welcome back to a very special academic year where we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our school. As well as our returning families, we have also welcomed a number of new families to our community as well as two new teachers, Mrs Kendall and Mr Creagh-Barry.
The Prep cohort of 2025 were introduced at our assembly last week and they showed great confidence to share their name with the audience. This was followed by the receiving of their yellow hats as a gift from the P&F. We are extremely grateful to them for honouring this special tradition each year. A further tradition of ringing the school bell marked the official start of their schooling journey.
Our first week has been a successful one. It has been heartening to see our students settle into their routines with enthusiasm and I have already witnessed evidence of the learning dispositions being used around the classrooms as learning has commenced. Despite the changes to the classes and the way, in some cases, that the curriculum is delivered, the students have adapted well and there is a sense of positivity around the campus. My thanks are extended as always to the staff who work hard to create the climate in which learning can prevail and thrive.
I encourage parents and caregivers to maintain open lines of communication with your child's teachers throughout the year. Should you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your partnership and collaboration are vital to the success of our students and the continued growth of our school community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school. Together, we look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and shared achievements.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning
As we embark on a new school year, filled with promise and opportunity, I pray that this year is one of growth, learning and peace for our school community.
This year holds particular significance as we celebrate a wonderful milestone: 150 years of Catholic education at St Joseph’s, Stanthorpe! This incredible achievement speaks volumes about the dedication, vision and faith of those who have come before us, and we are privileged to carry on their legacy. We have a number of exciting events planned to mark this special year, and we welcome you to be part of them.
A highlight of our sesquicentenary celebrations is our 150th Anniversary Mass with Bishop Ken Howell on Friday 7th February. This special Mass is a time for us to come together as a community, give thanks for the Mercy Sisters vision and service and pray for the future of our school. Our 150-Year celebration Dinner-Dance is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our history and connect with friends. Finally, to complete a big weekend of celebration we’ll join the parish in celebrating mass with Bishop Ken and an ‘old school’ style picnic.
Beyond our 150th anniversary, this year also marks the beginning of a Jubilee Year. A Jubilee Year is a special time of grace and renewal, a time to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. It is an opportunity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to living out our faith. Throughout the year, we will be exploring the themes of the Jubilee and finding ways to integrate them into our school life. We also continue our focus on our school Mercy Values of Service, Respect, Courage and Compassion and explore what this means for us as individuals and as a community.
As we begin this new year, let’s remember the words of Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). May this year be a time filled with joy, learning, and the love of God.
Mary Roberts
Acting Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity
We would like to warmly welcome our existing and new families to the school for 2025 and to welcome our new staff. All of our new staff bring experience, enthusiasm and a passion for teaching to the school. Our community of teachers continues to grow, but our mission remains the same; we are here to serve, teach and help our students.
William Creagh-Barry – Primary Teacher
- William is an experienced primary teacher who has moved to Australia with his wife (Kymberly Webb below) from the United Kingdom.
- His qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts American Studies from University of Leicester, UK; a Master of Arts International Development: Poverty, Conflict and Reconstruction from the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; and a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education with Qualified Teacher Status from the University of Winchester, UK.
- William has taught in a number of schools in the United Kingdom, as well as working in internationally in Nepal, Kenya and Vietnam.
- He has a love of the outdoors and outdoor education.
Therese Earley – School Officer Classroom Support (Primary)
- Therese (Terri) has worked on a casual basis as a School Officer Classroom Support and as a School Officer Administration throughout 2024.
- She is currently studying a Certificate IV Education Support.
Megan Lynch – School Officer Classroom Support
- Megan is a successful dance teacher and has worked as an administrative, media liaison and human resources officer for the Southern Downs Regional Council, as well as doing some paralegal work.
- She has a Bachelor of Communication from Griffith University and is currently studying towards a Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Southern Queensland.
- Megan is a past student of St Joseph’s School and has two children attending the school.
Kitty Kendall – Primary Teacher
- Kitty is a graduate teacher who has had successful practicums in a number of schools during her studies.
- Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Business Management (Human Resource Management) and a Bachelor of Arts (Human Movement Studies) from the University of Queensland, and a Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years) from the University of Southern Queensland.
- Kitty had successful career in human resources having worked in numerous organisations such as the Australian Taxation Office, Bank of Queensland and Southern Downs Regional Council.
- She has represented Queensland in Futsal as a teenager and as an adult and has coached Futsal at state and national level, as well juniors here in Stanthorpe.
Sam Roddick – Secondary Teacher (Health & Physical Education)
- Sam is a young, enthusiastic teacher who comes to from Faith Lutheran College Redeemer in Brisbane and has had a successful start to his teaching career, including experience as a year level coordinator.
- He has a Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education (Honours) from the University of Queensland.
- Sam is a passionate sports coach, including experience in rugby league and touch football.
Danni Thompson – Secondary Teacher (English & Humanities)
- Danni is a highly recommended graduate teacher who has had successful practicums at various school including St Joesph’s School during her studies.
- She has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Teaching (Secondary) from the University of Queensland, as well as a Diploma of Design.
- Danni has a keen interest in the Arts.
Chelsea Vedelago – Tuckshop Convenor
- Chelsea has extensive experience as an accountant and account and administration manager, and has worked to support the school tuckshop over a number of years.
- She has a Bachelor of Commerce (Major Accounting & Business Law) from the University of Southern Queensland.
- Chelsea has three children at the school.
Kymberly Webb – Secondary Teacher (Mathematics)
- Kymberly is a very capable Mathematics teacher with extensive experience in schools in Queensland and the UK. She also is significant middle leadership experience in education.
- She has a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Mathematics and English) and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from the University of Queensland.
- Kymberly has recently moved a back to Australia with her husband (William Creagh-Barry above) from the United Kingdom.
Please make them all welcome to St Joey’s. We look forward to watching the good work they do with our students and around the school in 2025.
This weekend, we are thrilled to commence our 150-year celebrations with our 150 Dinner Dance. It's set to be a magnificent evening where past students, parents, teachers, and staff will come together to reminisce and commemorate this historic milestone.
In addition to the Dinner Dance, our celebrations will begin with the Beginning of Year Mass on Friday. During this special service, our student leaders will be inducted, marking the official start of the school year for our entire community.
Following the Dinner Dance, we will gather again on Sunday for a special 150 Sesquicentenary Mass conducted by Bishop Ken. This significant event will take place at 10:30am. Please note that there will not be a Vigil Mass on Saturday, 8 February.
This Dinner Dance is not just a celebration of the past 150 years; it's also an opportunity to look forward to the future and strengthen the bonds within our school community. We invite everyone to join us in this joyous occasion, to dance, laugh, and create new memories together.
Let us celebrate 150 years of excellence, friendship, and shared success, making this night an unforgettable beginning to our year-long festivities.
As part of our year-long celebration for our school's 150th anniversary, we are offering limited edition coolers for sale. If you would like to purchase one, please visit our School Office.
Early departure & late arrival slips
A friendly reminder regarding correct procedures for late arrivals, early departures and visitors as follows:
- All late students MUST report to the School Office prior to proceeding to class.
- For early departures, the usual parental permission is required, however, the students sign out at the School Office kiosk. Returning students MUST present this printed slip to the office before heading back to class. Should the student not return to the office with the slip prior to returning to class, they will be marked as absent for the remainder of the day. All students in Prep to Year 11 leaving early, must be collected by a parent / caregiver. Parents are asked to wait at the office - we will have the child come to the office.
- All contractors, parents and visitors must sign in and out at the School Office kiosk if they are visiting classrooms or coming into other parts of the school. This does not apply to parents dropping students off before school and collecting them after school.
- Call ahead to the office if you wish to make an appointment with the Principal, Principal's Assistant or the Bursar.
If your child is absent from school, please advise the school office by :
- using the Sentral for Parents app
- calling the office on 07 4681 5900 and leaving a message. Please clearly state your child's name and their class.
- emailing stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au
Please do not ask your other children to advise the office as often these messages are not passed on. If no advice is received, an SMS will be sent seeking confirmation, followed by a phone call if required.
Change of details
If you have recently changed address, phone number or any other details have changed, please make these changes by using the Sentral for Parents app or advise the school office so we can ensure our records are up to date and we can update any systems that may be impacted.
Primary carpark
Parents are reminded that the carpark at the Primary office is strictly for teachers and staff only during school hours. Please do not use the car park to collect your children.
Volunteers
We always welcome volunteers in our library, tuckshop or at out-of-class activities. If you would like to become a volunteer please undertake the Student Protection and Code of Conduct for 2025.
If you wish to volunteer at St Joseph's School this year, it is a requirement that you READ the relevant material and VIEW the induction module, then complete the Student Protection and Code of Conduct for 2025. The link is provided:
Volunteers and Visiting Service Providers
Once completed, you will be required to print and return the Volunteer Declaration form to the School office or email it to stanthorpe@twb.catholic.edu.au. Please note that Parents/Caregivers cannot volunteer in any capacity without completing the Declaration.
Uniform
We believe a clean, neat, uniformed appearance reflects a pride in the individual as well as reflecting well upon his/her family and school. The expectation is that all students are wearing the correct uniform and groomed as per the policy every day.
Please also ensure you print your child’s name on their school uniforms with a permanent marker. There is a lost property box located in in the Multipurpose room at Primary and in the staffroom at Secondary – lost or unnamed articles are placed here to await collection. We encourage parents to check these boxes regularly for lost clothing.
Your assistance and understanding of the above procedures is greatly appreciated.
School fees will be issued within the next fortnight from email address accounts@stjosephs.qld.edu.au and may go to your junk/spam folder, especially to new families. Please ensure you keep an eye out for this email.
Repayments can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly to cover the Term fees. Payments can continue to be made or commenced now to apply to this years fees by either paying by cash, cheque or card at the office or direct transfer to the following account :
| Account Name | St Joseph’s School |
| Bank/Branch | 064-431 Commonwealth Stanthorpe |
| Account No | 1018-4376 |
| Reference (e.g.) | STA001 Smith |
Please note that all camps and excursions must be paid for in full before your child can attend. This policy ensures that all necessary arrangements and bookings can be made in advance.
A 5% discount is applied to tuition fees only if all of 2025 school fees are paid in full within a month of fees have been issued. If you wish to be billed the annual fee with the discount please email Megan.Hines@twb.catholic.edu.au with this request.
If you currently are having financial difficulties and want to arrange a payment plan, please discuss with the school's Bursar, Mrs Megan Hines on 4681 5903 or if a concession is needed, please contact the Principal's Assistant, Mrs Angelina Sims on 4681 5904 to make an appointment with Andrew Kendall to review and grant. If a concession has been given previously this must be reviewed and re-approved.
At one time or another, most families volunteer their time in support of the school. This is an important and valued part of the operation of our school, and your support is greatly appreciated.
Working together we aim to create and maintain safe environments for our students, staff and families. If you wish to volunteer at St Joseph's School this year, you must complete the Student Protection and Code of Conduct for 2025. It is a requirement that you read the relevant material and view the induction module, then complete the application declaration form and return to the office.
Please note that on completion of viewing the video, you and our school will be sent a confirmation email for compliance records.
The link is provided below:
Volunteers and Visiting Service Providers
The Student Protection Contacts for 2025 are:
- Mrs Jennifer Fenn (Counsellor)
- Mr Matthew Brown (Deputy Principal)
- Mr Andrew Kendall OAM (Principal)
Please be aware that parents/caregivers cannot volunteer in any capacity such as the tuckshop, reading groups etc, without completing this requirement.
We appreciate your co-operation and thank you for your ongoing support of St Joseph's School.
As we prepare for the 2025 school year, we would like to remind you that all tuckshop orders will continue to be managed through the Qkr! app. We appreciate your ongoing support and familiarity with this system, which has proven to be a convenient and efficient way to handle tuckshop orders.
How to Ensure a Smooth Experience
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Update Your App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Qkr! app installed.
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Review Your Account: Double-check your account details and ensure you have entered the correct year level and grade for your child for 2025 to avoid any delivery issues.
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Place Your Order: Browse the menu, select items, and complete your order as usual.
Important Reminders
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Year Level and Grade: Please ensure you have entered the correct year level and grade for your child for 2025 to avoid any delivery issues.
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Primary and Secondary Orders: Please note that your child can only order from their respective tuckshop, i.e., Primary students from the Primary tuckshop and Secondary students from the Secondary tuckshop.
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Operating Days:
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Primary Tuckshop operates on Fridays, and ordering closes at 7:30am on Friday mornings.
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Secondary Tuckshop operates on Wednesdays, and ordering closes at midnight on Tuesday night.
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We are confident that continuing with the Qkr! app will maintain the smooth and efficient tuckshop experience you have come to expect. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our school office on 4681 5900.
This year I have the pleasure of guiding the Year 12 R&E students in the Praxis Program, a service learning program.
A theme I am hoping to instil in our students is the idea of continuous improvement. This phenomenon is borrowed from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, wherein the improvement of oneself is not through big overarching efforts, but, instead, small “1%” actions that build overtime to create positive habits.While this is a self-help concept, I feel this idea will fall nicely into our school’s Mercy Values.
In our school, we have many opportunities for students to pitch in and help our community, whether it be through Meals on Wheels, or our Vinnies Winter Appeal, to name a few. But I also want our students to reflect on those small 1% ways that they can demonstrate service in our community.
In our Religion and Ethics class this week, this is being demonstrated through helping prepare for our new History rooms in the Convent and tidying up our Parish gardens in preparation for our 150th celebrations this weekend. While these actions seem small, over time they will compile into helping create students who, in the words of Catherine McAuley, “The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.”
Georgia Brown
Secondary Teacher
Thankyou to the P & F Association for purchasing the Prep hats for 2025 Prep students.
All Prep students were presented with their hats on Thursday 30th January by P & F President, Mr Chris Sunderland.
It was also wonderful to start the new tradition of having Prep students ring the school bell at the beginning of their journey, creating a symbolic link with the Year 12 students who traditionally ring it at Graduation. This adds a special touch to the school's culture and fosters a sense of unity among students across all grades.
Secondary Students Shinee at Fruit & Vegetable Display for Stanthorpe Show
On a scorching day at the main pavilion, our dedicated team of Secondary students—Hannah, Lily, Lily, Sophia, Abraham, Ellis, and Zayd—once again worked their magic to create a stunning fruit and vegetable display. Their hard work and creativity truly stood out.
For those who missed it, this year's theme was Treasures of the Granite Belt. Our display featured a vineyard, Red Bridge, the Downs Explorer train, Father Davadi, and a mouthwatering Sutton’s apple pie. After the judges' deliberations, St Joseph's School were neck and neck with the State High School, only missing the top spot by a mere half point. We are incredibly proud of our students’ efforts.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:
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The students: For their dedication and hard work starting in Term 4 last year.
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Mr Matt Patterson: For assisting with the motorised turntable.
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Taylor Family Produce: For donating the lettuce, celery, wombok, cauliflower, cabbage, and silverbeet.
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Sam’s Farm Fresh Fruit & Veg: For the much-talked-about lemons.
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Miss Courtenay Mason: For being the ever-reliable partner in building and beautifying the display.
Your support and commitment make our school community shine. Thank you!
Showcasing Student Talent at the Stanthorpe Show
Our students recently demonstrated their incredible talents at the Stanthorpe Show by entering various categories such as cooking, sewing, LEGO building, and art and crafts. Each entry showcased their dedication, creativity, and hard work, making our school community immensely proud.
In the cooking category, our young chefs impressed the judges with their delicious and beautifully presented dishes. Our sewing enthusiasts displayed their impressive craftsmanship through their meticulously created garments and accessories.
The LEGO category was a standout, with students constructing imaginative and intricate models that captivated the audience. Additionally, the art and crafts entries were a visual delight, reflecting the diverse and unique artistic talents of our students.
We commend all our participants for their outstanding efforts and contributions.
Our school is once again participating in Queensland Health's annual School Immunisation Program.
All Year 7 and Year 10 students will be offered free vaccinations to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Year 7 students will be offered a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and a combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. Year 10 students will be offered vaccines against meningoccal disease.
The clinics will be held at St Joseph's School during school hours. The vaccinations will be conducted by a team of authorised registered nurses from OzCare Toowoomba.
Round 1: Monday 9 June 2025, 9am: Year 7 HPV & dTpa and Year 10 MenACWY & MenB
Round 2: Friday 10 October 2025, 9am: Year 10 MenB
The School Immunisation Program has moved to a digital consent form system (Vitavo). Please find attached information regarding this change, and also how to provide consent for your child. The St Joseph's School URL Link is:
https://OzcareDarlingDowns.book.vitavo.com.au/school/StJosephsSchool-uioZIr
If you have any queries or concerns, please contact OzCare Toowoomba at email: sip.toowoomba@ozcare.org.au or Mrs Angelina Sims on 07 46815 904.
QISSN
Secondary Swimming Carnival
Wednesday 5th February saw the sporting calendar get underway with the running of the annual school swimming carnival under the skies of a beautiful Granite Belt day.
Participation rates were high from both houses across all competitive races and novelty events alike, which made separating the teams on points a mighty task.
Davadi clinched both the overall trophy and the Spirit trophy, celebrating their stellar performances. But McAuley won't give up and will keep pushing forward in future events.
Students enjoyed the day of competition as well as the free swim time, making the most of the beautiful weather and the excellent facilities.
Special congratulations go to those students who were awarded both Age Champions and Runners Up, as well as those who broke long-standing records.
Congratulations to all students for their efforts in making the day a success, the teaching staff for allowing the day to run so smoothly, and finally to the YMCA Staff for providing a first-class facility for our school.
|
Age Champion |
Runner Up |
|
|
U12 Girls |
Emma Pradella |
Mia Howard |
|
U12 Boys |
Jordan Pradella |
Alex Miller |
|
U13 Girls |
Amity Buscher |
Olivia Bolten |
|
U13 Boys |
Billy Skuse |
Milton Lemon |
|
U14 Girls |
Ella Wren / Cheyenne Toohey |
Claire Stanford |
|
U14 Boys |
Jack Ebbern |
Will Favaro |
|
U15 Girls |
Zoe Petrie |
Lily Tuvukica |
|
U15 Boys |
Thomas Telfer |
Kobe Shatte |
|
U16 Girls |
Jessica Pradella |
Lillian Kendall |
|
U16 Boys |
Declan Campbell |
Hamish Organ |
|
Open Girls |
Eliza Bonner |
Jessica Ellis |
|
Open Boys |
Mitchell Petrie |
Liam Telfer |
|
Records 2024 |
|||
|
Name |
Event |
Time |
Previous Record Holder |
|
Jessica Pradella |
50m Freestyle |
29.28 |
Elly Petrie 30.94 (2023) |
| 50m Backstroke (16 Years Girls) |
35.31 | Elly Petrie 37.69 (2024) | |
|
|
50m Butterfly |
32.91 |
Isoberl Kay 35.38 (2020) |
|
|
200m Freestyle |
2.26.36 |
Elly Petrie 2.32.22 (2024) |
|
Mitchell Petrie |
50m Freestyle |
29.78 |
S Torrisi 29.93 (2000) |
| Emma Padella | 50m Breastroke (12 Years Girls) |
44.53 | Jessica Pradella 46.21 (2021) |
| 50m Butterfly (12 Years Girls) |
35.34 | Jessica Pradella 37.25 (2021) | |
| Davadi | 50m x 4 Freestyle Relay (16 Years Girls) |
2.29.85 | McAuley 2.37.22 (2013) |
| 7 February | St Joseph's School Foundation Day (Beginning of Year Mass & Student Leader Inductions) |
| P & F Welcome BBQ | |
| 8 February | 150 Dinner Dance |
| 9 February | 150 Year Parish Mass & Picnic - 10.30am |
| 10 - 14 February | Meals on Wheels |
| 11 February | DD Cricket (15-19Yrs Boys) |
| GB Cricket | |
| 12 February | GB Swimming |
| 13 February | BD Swimming (Stanthorpe) |
| 14 February | St Valentine's Day |
| 17 - 19 February | Year 7 Camp |
| 18 February | BD Winter Trials (Warwick) |
| Courage to Care visit | |
| Year 6 Leadership Day |
