And so Semester 1 comes to a close. With the flurry of activity that fills our school days, time moves quickly. It’s a gentle reminder to savour each day’s experiences and to carry forward the small lessons they offer.  I hope that everyone involved with St Joseph's has managed to do this in the first six months of 2025.

In recent days, I’ve had the pleasure of reading every student’s report card. While the task has been lengthy, it has given me a great opportunity to review the growth and effort demonstrated by the students across the semester. I encourage families to take time with their child's report, to read teacher comments thoughtfully, and to celebrate the achievements—both big and small. Parent - Teacher Consultations will be held at the start of Term 3 and will enable a deeper discussion about your child.  We encourage you to meet with us and details about how to make an appointment will be sent home soon.

In recent weeks, we have held the annual St Vincent de Paul's Winter Appeal.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed so generously to our request for items that would be of benefit to families this winter.  This is just another way of living out our Mercy values in our daily actions.

Looking ahead to Term 3, there is plenty to keep us busy. We’ll host our annual Athletics Carnival, and our Year 5 and 6 students will head to Camp Cooby for their outdoor education program, which is always a much-anticipated highlight.  More details regarding this will be sent to parents in the first few weeks of Term 3. We also have an author visit planned and of course Book Week in Week 6.  

All that remains is to wish everyone - staff, students and families - a safe and rejuvenating holiday.  My thanks are extended to all who have supported the children this semester and I look forward to welcoming everyone back on 15 July to start the second semester of this anniversary year for St Joseph's School.

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning

 

This week I was fortunate to spend time at the Year 9 camp. Watching our students step outside their comfort zones and work together to encourage the best out of each other was a great way to end the term. They showed grit and perseverance in the face of challenge, and even more importantly, they showed each other respect and compassion.

As we close the term, we celebrate academic and sporting achievements through report cards and assemblies. These are important milestones. But equally significant are the quieter, everyday moments of growth we witness across the school:

• Our Year 12 students are beginning to look beyond the gates of school, imagining the world they will soon step into with hope and purpose.
• Year 11 students are starting to consider what leadership means, not just in title, but in action and example.
• Year 9 and 10 students are becoming more thoughtful about the decisions they make each day, recognising how they shape their character and future.
• Year 7 and 8 students are finding their feet, learning to balance independence with responsibility, and discovering who they are in this chapter of their schooling.
• Year 6 students are looking ahead to high school with a mix of excitement and curiosity, ready to take on new challenges.
• Year 5 students are beginning to see themselves as leaders, growing into courageous young people who can influence others positively.
• Year 3 and 4 students are developing confidence in their learning and friendships, showing increasing empathy and resilience.
• And our Preps, Year 1 and 2 students continue to delight us with their wonder, joy, and the simple ways they live out kindness each day.

In all of this, we see the heart of our mission: to form young people of service, respect, compassion and courage. Thank you for your continued support. May the holidays bring rest and renewal.

With God's blessings,

Mary Roberts
Acting Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity

In our last newsletter, we asked if you could guess which of our current staff members are proud St Joseph’s alumni—and what year they graduated. Now, we have the answers for you!

Julie-ann Spiller (Zamprogno) - graduated Year 10, 1989

Courtenay Mason - Graduated Year 12, 2002 – School Vice Captain

Angelina Sims (Sciuto) - Graduated Year 10, 1982

Josie Gangemi – Graduated Year 10, 1973

These four individuals are just a few of the many who have walked the halls of St Joseph’s and gone on to make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions. Their stories are a testament to the enduring spirit and values of our school.

As we celebrate 150 years of St Joseph’s School, we honour not only our past but also the legacy carried forward by our alumni—past, present, and future. 

If you’re a former student of St Joseph’s and would like to be featured in a future alumni spotlight, we’d love to hear from you!

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.

Be sure to read the latest edition of Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Horizons magazine.

You can access the latest edition here: Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba

Thirteen students from both Primary and Secondary levels represented our school at the Allora Chess Tournament on Friday 13th June. 

Special recognition goes to the following students for their outstanding achievements:

Secondary Placings:

• 1st Place – Harry Wren
• 3rd Place – Archie George

Primary Placings:

• 3rd Place – Darcy Staley

Top Performers by Year Level:

• Mason Garland – Highest Points in Year 5
• Alex Sunderland – Highest Points in Year 4

Congratulations to all participants for their excellent performance and sportsmanship throughout the day.

A huge congratulations to our St Joseph’s Kokoda team for completing a challenging 16km training hike around the outskirts of Stanthorpe last week!

Their commitment and perseverance are truly inspiring as they prepare for the Kokoda Challenge, now less than four weeks away. The team also tackled the Broadwater State Forest walk on Tuesday, 24 June — another impressive milestone in their training journey.

Keep up the amazing work, team!

We are proud to announce the appointment of our 2025 Student Council representatives from Years 6 to 12. These students have been selected for their leadership, commitment to the school community, and their willingness to be a voice for their peers.

At Thursday’s school assembly, each representative was formally presented with their Student Council badge in front of staff, students, and families. It was a moment of pride and recognition for the important role they will play in shaping student life and contributing to school initiatives throughout the year.

The Student Council provides a valuable platform for students to develop leadership skills, collaborate on school projects, and represent the views of their fellow students. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this group will have in the months ahead.

Congratulations to all our newly appointed Student Council members!

On Tuesday, 24 June, Secondary students once again enjoyed a warm and welcoming start to their day with Hot Chocolate Tuesday, a weekly initiative run by the Vinnies team. This week’s event was made even more special with the addition of pancakes, which were a big hit among students.

Held every Tuesday throughout the Term, Hot Chocolate Day has become a much-loved tradition, bringing students together while supporting the important work of the Vinnies group. It’s a great way to build community spirit and start the day with a smile.

A big thank you to the Vinnies team for their continued efforts and to everyone who supports this initiative each week!

We are incredibly grateful to the Stanthorpe RSL Club for generously facilitating a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course for our Year 11 students on Monday 23 June.

This certification empowers our students with the skills and knowledge required to responsibly serve alcohol in Queensland. It also opens up valuable employment opportunities in venues across the state that serve alcohol.

Well done to all students involved!

Five of our talented students recently took part in the Granite Belt Strings Festival, held in Ballandean on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June. This two-day event brought together young string musicians from across the region for a rich experience of rehearsals, collaboration, and performance.

Congratulations to Patrick Moxham, Archie Reimers, Josiah Blaxland, Ava Stanford, and Georgia Brunckhorst for representing our school with such enthusiasm and dedication.

Throughout the festival, the students worked with experienced conductors and fellow musicians, developing their skills and sharing their love of music. It was a fantastic opportunity for growth, connection, and creativity—and we are incredibly proud of their efforts!

On Tuesday 24 June, a number of courageous students, along with their teacher Ms Danni Thompson, took part in the Ponytail Project, proudly “rocking the chop” to support cancer research and those affected by cancer. With generosity and heart, they each donated their ponytails to be made into wigs for people undergoing treatment.

The event was a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who participated and supported this meaningful cause.

This week, our Year 8 and Year 9 students traded their school uniforms for outdoor gear as they set off on their much-anticipated school camps – and what an adventure it’s been!

Year 9 Camp – Mt Tamborine
On Monday 23 June, our Year 9 students departed for the beautiful surrounds of Mt Tamborine, returning on Wednesday 25 June. Over three days, they took part in a variety of outdoor challenges that encouraged teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. From high ropes to bike riding and evening reflections, students embraced every moment with enthusiasm and courage.

Year 8 Camp – Burleigh Heads
As Year 9 returned, our Year 8 students were just getting started. They headed off to Burleigh Heads on Wednesday 25 June, where they’ll enjoy a coastal camp experience until Friday 27 June. With beach activities, team-building games, and time to connect with nature and each other, it’s shaping up to be a memorable few days.

These camps are more than just a break from routine – they’re a chance for students to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories.

A big thank you to all the staff who made these experiences possible!

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 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 attached brochure. 

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.