Celebrating Catholic Education Week: Communities of Faith, Hope and Love

Next week, we join Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week - a time to reflect on and celebrate the unique mission of Catholic education. This year’s theme, “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love,” invites us to recognise the impact our school community has in nurturing spiritual growth, fostering resilience and cultivating compassion.

At St Joseph’s, we see this theme come to life every day - in the way our students support one another, in the dedication of our staff, and in the partnership we share with families.

To begin our celebrations, we warmly invite all families to join us for the Catholic Education Week Mass on Sunday, 27 July at 8:30am. This special liturgy is a beautiful opportunity to come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the gift of Catholic education. We hope to see many of you there as we celebrate our shared mission and values.

Special Guest: Adair Donaldson - Building Safer Communities

We are honoured to welcome Adair Donaldson to our school next week. Adair is a nationally recognised advocate for respectful relationships and legal literacy, particularly among young people. His work focuses on empowering students to make informed, ethical decisions and to understand the real-world consequences of their online actions.

Adair’s visit will include sessions with students and teachers that explore topics such as consent, social media responsibility, and the importance of respectful behaviour. His engaging and practical approach has made a lasting impact in schools across Australia.

Parent and Community Night - Tuesday 29 July, from 5:30pm

We warmly invite all parents and community members to a special evening with Adair Donaldson on Tuesday 29 July at 5:30pm. This session will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing young people today and offer practical strategies for supporting them in navigating these issues with confidence and integrity.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver or simply a member of our wider community, this evening promises to be informative, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant. We hope to see many of you there as we continue to build a community grounded in faith, hope, and love.

With God's blessings,

Mary Roberts
Acting Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity

During our last assembly, we talked about what we value about being part of the St Joseph's School community.  As well as learning, the children mentioned things like being safe, knowing it is ok to make mistakes if we then learn from them, treating people how we want to be treated, everyone is welcome, respectful behaviour and attitude, being positive and giving everything a go.  We also acknowledged that we value the role model that Jesus provides us. The conversation then moved to the things that prevent us from demonstrating the best version of ourselves.  Some of suggestions were not focusing in class, being a distraction to others, reacting to peer pressure, being disrespectful to adults, thinking negatively and excluding people.  Our students are very astute and generally make good decisions about social behaviours and learning attitudes although on occasions, a lack of self-regulation can mean that poor decisions are made by some.  This semester we are looking forward to again supporting all the students in their academic and social endeavours, helping them to navigate those difficult times to develop their strength and resiliency.  We look forward to working with families to achieve this so that everyone can be the best version of themselves.

A reminder that starting this week and lasting for the coming two weeks, teachers are making themselves available for Parent Teacher Consultations.  These are for 15 mins duration each and provide an opportunity for teachers, parents and students to engage in conversation about progress to date. 

If you have any concerns about anything at all to do with school this term, please do not hesitate to contact us for a chat.  

With God's blessings

Honouring Pamela Sullivan: A Living Legacy in Our 150-Year History

As we celebrate 150 years of St Joseph’s Stanthorpe, we honour the remarkable contributions of Pamela Sullivan—a former student, teacher, and principal whose dedication to our school spans over four decades.

Pamela began her journey at St Joseph’s in 1956 as a Year 1 student. She later returned as a teacher, serving for 28 years, and eventually became principal for 6 years. Her deep connection to the school and its community makes her one of the most enduring figures in our history.

At the recent 150th anniversary celebration, Pamela shared heartfelt memories of her time at St Joseph’s, recalling the days of combined classes, limited resources, and the incredible dedication of the Sisters of Mercy. She spoke fondly of Sr Mary Andrina, who taught every subject to her Year 9 class, and of the musical talents nurtured by Sisters M Gerald and M Valerie.

Pamela’s story is a testament to the spirit of St Joseph’s—resilience, commitment, and a love of learning. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of students and staff.

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.

Sibling Relationships

Sibling relationships are often a child's first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry. It's not uncommon for children to compete for attention, especially during times of change or stress.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgement, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child's individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued. This edition of SchoolTV offers insights to support young people in developing positive, lasting sibling bonds that can remain strong well into adulthood.

Here is the link to this report: https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/sibling-relationships-au

School fee statements are currently being sent out to all families. If you haven’t received yours within the next week, please contact our School Bursar, Megan Hines, on (07) 4681 5903 or via email at Megan.Hines@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Payment Options:

• Direct Deposit
  BSB: 064-431 (Commonwealth Bank, Stanthorpe)
  Account Number: 1018-4376
  Account Name: St Joseph’s School
  Reference: Fee payer code, full name, and purpose (e.g., STA001 SMITH Fees)

• In Person
  Cash or EFTPOS payments can be made at the school office.

• By Phone
  EFTPOS payments are accepted over the phone.

If you require copies of invoices or statements, please reach out to the Bursar directly.

In addition to regular school fees, please remember that all extra-curricular activities—including camps, excursions, and special events—must be paid in full before your child can attend. Once you accept an invitation via EdSmart, it confirms your child’s attendance and secures their place. These numbers are used to finalise bookings, and most providers do not offer refunds for cancellations.

Costs for transport, accommodation, and activities are calculated based on confirmed numbers to help keep expenses as low as possible for families. To avoid unnecessary charges, please only accept invitations if your child is definitely attending, and ensure payment is made promptly to secure their participation.

Next week, we join Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week—a time to reflect on and honour the unique mission of Catholic education in nurturing students academically, spiritually, and socially.

This year’s theme, “Communities of Faith, Hope & Love,” reminds us of the vital role our school plays in shaping a community where every child is known, valued, and inspired to grow. It also connects with the broader Church’s Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope, encouraging us all to walk together in faith and compassion.

To kick off the week, we invite all students and families to join us for Mass at St Joseph’s Church on Sunday 27 July at 8:30am.
Students are asked to wear their formal school uniform (Secondary) or school uniform (Primary).

Throughout the week, students will take part in a variety of activities that celebrate:

• Our shared faith and values
• The importance of kindness and service
• The joy of learning and growing together

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s education.

Our Year 8 students have once again demonstrated their community spirit by taking part in the Meals on Wheels program.

This meaningful initiative allows students to connect with and support local residents by assisting with meal deliveries and offering friendly conversation. Their involvement not only helps those in need but also fosters empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back.

We’re proud of their continued commitment to making a positive impact in our community.

Year 10 students recently attended the Stanthorpe Careers Market, where they explored a range of career pathways through conversations with representatives from tertiary institutions, local businesses, and government organisations.

The event offered valuable insights to support students in their upcoming SET planning meetings. We extend our sincere thanks to Stanthorpe State High School and all participating organisations for their time and effort in making the event a success.

On Thursday 31 July, the St Joey’s Vinnies group will be holding a Beanies for Brain Cancer Awareness Day.

All students Prep to Year 12 are invited to wear a beanie to school to help raise awareness about brain cancer and show support for those impacted by this disease.

Please note, this is not a fundraiser, it is purely an awareness initiative.

We ask that all beanies worn on the day are school-appropriate, with no offensive words, images, or slogans.

Thank you for your support in helping promote kindness, awareness, and empathy within our school community.

On the final day of Term 2, staff and students came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to Mrs Lina Scalora as she retired from her role as our beloved school crossing supervisor — or as we all fondly know her, our lollipop lady.

For the past 10 years, Mrs Scalora has been a warm and familiar presence at our school gates, greeting everyone with kindness, care, and a cheerful smile. Rain or shine, she ensured our students crossed safely each day, becoming a cherished part of our St Joseph’s community.

We thank you, Mrs Scalora, for your unwavering dedication and the joy you brought to our school. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you all the very best for a happy and fulfilling retirement!

Last weekend, our students took on one of the most demanding endurance events in the country — the Kokoda Challenge — and delivered an incredible performance across all three teams!

Our 96km team demonstrated incredible resilience and teamwork, completing the course in an impressive 21 hours and placing 3rd out of over 200 schools in the competition.

This phenomenal achievement is a true testament to their preparation, determination, and team spirit.

Two teams also competed in the 48 km event, crossing the finish line in just over 9 hours and 10 hours respectively. These times reflect the grit and spirit our students brought to the challenge, navigating tough terrain and pushing through fatigue with courage and camaraderie.

A huge thank you to Ms Katrina Hawira for her exceptional leadership and support of the 96 km team. We also extend our gratitude to Mrs Mary Roberts for her guidance with the 48 km teams, and to Mr Alun Roberts and Dr James Telfer who walked alongside the students, offering encouragement and support throughout the journey.

We’d also like to acknowledge the incredible parent support along the way — your presence and care made a real difference and helped lift the spirits of our teams when they needed it most.

Well done to all involved — students, staff, and families. You’ve made our school proud!

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Book Week celebrations, running from Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August—a joyful time to celebrate stories, imagination, and the magic of reading!

This year is extra special as Children’s Book Week turns 80! Since 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has been inspiring young minds to explore the countless worlds that books offer. The 2025 theme, “Book an Adventure!”, invites readers of all ages to embark on exciting literary journeys.

Our feature artist, Jess McGeachin, has captured this adventurous spirit in his whimsical artwork—a map filled with imaginary characters and fantastical places. Jess, an award-winning Australian picture book illustrator, encourages children to imagine, explore, and create their own adventures through reading.

School Highlights:

• Monday 18 August – We’ll kick off the week with our beloved Bears, Books and Blankets Picnic. Students are invited to bring a favourite book, a cuddly bear, and a blanket for a cozy morning of reading and relaxation.

• Thursday 21 August at 11am – Don’t miss our Book Week Dress-Up Parade! Students can come dressed as their favourite book characters—let creativity and imagination shine!

Let’s celebrate 80 years of storytelling and adventure. We can’t wait to see our school community come together to “Book an Adventure” and make this Book Week one to remember!

As winter deepens, so does the need in our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the Vinnies Winter Appeal – your generosity is truly making a difference.

But the need doesn’t stop here. We’re encouraging everyone to keep the donations coming! Whether it’s warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food items, or a gold coin donation, every contribution helps bring warmth, comfort, and hope to someone doing it tough this winter.

Donations will be accepted until the end of Week 3, Term 3 – so there’s still time to get involved!

Let’s continue to show the power of our school community by supporting those who need it most.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion.

We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming webinar titled "Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety" presented by renowned psychologist and author Karen Young.

Date: Tuesday 5 August 2025
Time: 7pm-8.30pm
Location: Online (Webinar link will be provided upon registration)

Click on the link to register : https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1F2ru7CCQy-Ey1hGpbn-vw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. A recording of the webinar will be available for 3 days to registered participants only.

This insightful session will explore practical strategies to support young people in managing anxiety, building resilience, and developing emotional strength. Karen Young is known for her engaging and compassionate approach, and her work has helped countless families and educators better understand and respond to the emotional needs of children and teens.

Whether your child is currently experiencing anxiety or you simply want to be better equipped to support their mental wellbeing, this webinar offers valuable tools and perspectives for every parent.

Key topics include:

• Understanding anxiety and its impact on young people
• How to respond in ways that build strength and confidence
• Practical strategies for home and school
• Q&A session with Karen Young

We encourage all parents and carers to attend this important event.

As a community of Catholic schools together, we strive to create places of work and learning where everyone belongs, feels valued and succeeds.

Every two years we ask staff, parents and students to share their views on how individual schools within our community, and collectively as a group of 32 schools, are bringing together our purpose: to enable full and flourishing lives. We do this by asking each of you to complete a perception survey.

This 10-minute survey is confidential and collates your responses with others to identify trends and use these to shape the ideas, innovations and quality of our schools and office.

I invite you to complete this survey before Wednesday, 6 August 2025.

Shaping our future survey link

Further information regarding the survey is available on the welcome page within the survey. For all outstanding enquiries, please speak with your school principal, or contact Emily Whiting: Manager, Professional Learning emily.whiting@twb.catholic.edu.au.

We are pleased to invite you to a special event hosted by St Joseph's School: An Evening with Adair Donaldson, taking place on Tuesday 29 July from 5.30pm, for a 6.00pm start, in the Bathersby Centre. 

Adair Donaldson is a nationally recognised speaker and advocate for respectful relationships, legal awareness and youth wellbeing. With a background in law and a passion for education, Adair brings powerful and practical messages that resonate with both parents and students alike.

The evening will provide valuable insights into:

• Navigating challenges facing young people today, particularly with regard to social media and AI use
• Understanding the legal and social responsibilities of adolescents and beyond
• Promoting respectful relationships and safe behaviours
• How we, as a community, can support our children to make informed and respectful choices

More information on the evening can be found in the brocure below.

Please find more information on Adair Donaldson on his website here.

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend this important event. 

We look forward to seeing you there.