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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
- ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
- SchoolTV
- AWARDS NIGHT
- STUDENT LEADERS FOR 2023
- MATH TEAM CHALLENGE
- UNDER 8 DAY
- CONGRATULATIONS
- YEAR 6 EXPLORE MICROBITS
- SBA LUNCHEON
- BLUE TOPAZ PREP ADVENTURE
- CHESS COMPETITION - ROUND 1
- LOUD SHIRT DAY
- DEBATING SUCCESS
- BOOKFAIR IS COMING !
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS

Last week was a very exciting week for St Joseph’s School. We were pleased to celebrate this year’s successes at the Awards Nights on Thursday night and congratulate our School Based Apprentices and Trainees and thank their employers and service providers at a special luncheon earlier in the week.
The Awards Night is a special occasion and my congratulations to all award recipients, and thanks to all the staff for the excellent work they do. A special congratulations to School Dux Caitlin Ellis and Proxime Accessit (Runner-up Dux) Kaelie Doyle. The award of Dux in any school is considered the most prestigious award a student can receive. My thanks also to all our guests and families who attended.
The Year 12s started their External Exam Block this week. The students have worked very hard this year, and indeed over the last 12 ¾ years since they started Prep, in preparation for these exams. We wish them all the best for their exams and final weeks at school, and thank them for their exemplary leadership this year.
For the Year 11s it means they now take over as our Student Leaders. I am confident that they all, under the leadership of our 2023 School Captains Taylah Organ and Hannah Widderick, will do a fine job.
I am very proud of the students and staff at St Joseph’s School. Well done all.
God Bless
Term 4 historically moves very quickly, and this year has been no different. We have flown past the halfway mark for students and over the next few weeks, as the assessment window draws closer, it is important that all students work collaboratively with teachers to meet deadlines and implement the feedback given to continue to improve the quality of responses.
The Year 12 students have engaged in the External Assessment block and the feeling of apprehension, coupled with positive energy, has seen the students perform remarkably well in the exams so far. The journey in preparing for these external exams has been long and challenging, and we as a school community are proud of the effort and commitment that the Year 12’s have shown across the exam block. We wish them continued luck!
Awards Night for Primary and Secondary students was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of our students in all aspects of their schooling. It was pleasing to see so many of our students receive recognition not only for academic success, but for sporting, cultural, religious and leadership success also. As a school community, we congratulate all these students on their excellent efforts across the year. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new student leaders for 2023, in particular the students who have received opportunities to represent the student body as captains, vice captains, prefects and house captains. It is certainly an honour for these students, and I am confident they, along with the senior cohort as a collective group, will lead the school positively in 2023.
On November 7, the Year 6 students transitioning into Year 7 in 2023, including students joining our community from other schools in the region, will enjoy a full day program on the Secondary campus. Details for this day have been sent to parents and we look forward to a fun-filled and engaging day of activities. As a school, we are excited to see the continued growth of the Year 6 students as a collective group as they move into Secondary together, building on the wonderful work done this year in developing their skills, capabilities and leadership qualities as part of the Year 6 hub.
God bless
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
Last week we recognised and celebrated the achievements of the students across the school at our annual Awards Night. Congratulations are extended to all those Primary students who received an award. Much thought went into deciding which students should receive an award and naturally there would have been some disappointed people across Years 3 - 6. I understand this. However, I hope that everyone enjoyed the evening that celebrated our school and all that has been achieved as a community this year.
Awards Night does not mark the end of the school year. Indeed, there is still such a lot on the calendar for Term 4 and many more opportunities for each and every student to make their mark and accomplish great things. In assembly last week, the students were encouraged to keep seeking challenges in their learning as a way of growing and this is the expectation of all in the next few weeks.
In recent weeks we have conducted many enrolment interviews for new students. It makes me very proud to take these families around the school and for them to be greeted in such a welcoming way by our students and I am sure that this community atmosphere, where everyone is concerned about the wellbeing of those around them, is one of the reasons why parents choose to send their children to St Joseph’s School. Thank you to all who contribute to this.
Finally, this week marks World Teachers Day when we recognise the work of teachers everywhere. Thank you to all the teachers at St Joseph's for all that they do for the students here.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL FORMATION & IDENTITY
The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse – a book by Charlie Mackesy
In a recent edition I wrote about the importance of taking time for ourselves, to reflect and consider life’s moments and our daily encounters. Occasionally, we may read a quote, see a phrase or flick through the pages of a book to gain inspiration, insight, or guidance. The book “The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy was one such book which I encountered at a recent professional development. It is a beautiful story of friendship and has a great deal to offer the reader.
From the introduction by Charlie Mackesy
“This book is for everyone, whether you are eighty or eight – I feel like I’m both sometimes. I’d like it to be one you can dip into anywhere, anytime.”
“I hope this book encourages you, perhaps, to live courageously with more kindness for yourself and for others. And to ask for help when you need it – which is always a brave thing to do.”
“So, I say spread your wings and follow your dreams.”
And some quotes from the book –
“What do you think success is?” asked the boy.
“To love!” said the mole.
“Tears fall for a reason, and they are your strength not weakness!”
“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up!”
“Nothing beats kindness,” said the horse. “It sits quietly beyond all things!”
“Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can,” said the horse.
Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity
A Guide To Safe Partying
Teenage gatherings provide young people with important opportunities to interact and build on their social skills and experiences. Celebrations, partying and socialising are a fundamental rite of passage and one of the most important aspects of a young person’s life. However, it is possible for the best young person to get carried away with their peers and the euphoria of the moment.
For parents and caregivers, keeping your young person safe can at times feel daunting and is often a compromise and a challenge. Most teenagers try to do the right thing most of the time, but your leadership as a role model is crucial. Your child may appear to be physically large and mature, but this is not necessarily matched by their emotional maturity and responsibility in behaviour.
Every party has the potential to get out-of-hand as sometimes it’s hard for young partygoers to make good decisions. Communication and regular discussions are vital, particularly because young people are often faced with peer pressure to do things they prefer not to engage in. Hosting a celebration at home or at a venue can be a fun and memorable event but it is important to agree on the ground rules well before your event is announced to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on.
If hosting an event, you owe your guests a ‘duty-of-care’ and should ensure all reasonable steps are taken to keep partygoers safe. This Special Report provides caregivers with list of things to consider when planning a celebration. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-guide-safe-partying .
Congratulations and well done to those students who received an award at the Awards Night held on Thursday 20th October.
MCAULEY AWARDS - Primary | |
McAuley Award-Year 3F | Maia Hourigan, William Lister, Hannah Pearce |
Matthew Stefanon, Portia Vedelago | |
McAuley Award-Year 4/5C | Aleese Green, Liliana Morente (Year 4) |
Lana Inch, Sarah Scudamore (Year 5) | |
McAuley Award-Year 4/5PH | Rowan Butson, Sean Lancaster (Year 4) |
Jeremy Lister, Gracie Zanatta (Year 5) | |
McAuley Award-Year 6T | Ashlin Benny, Tiffany Gasparin, Sasha Kendall, Oliver Lahey, Lillian Taylor, Ella Wren |
COMMUNITY AWARDS - The St Vincent De Paul Recognition of Service | |
Mini Vinnies President | Alexander Stefanon |
Teen Vinnies President | Kiara Osborne |
The St Vincent de Paul Living Mercy:Yr5-6 | Alexander Stefanon |
The SVDP Living Mercy Award Yrs 7-11 | Faith Lancaster (Year 7) |
Santina Leonardi Cultural Award | Grace Barker, Amity Buscher, Ned Robinson, Sarah Scudamore, Zayd Buscher, Aryanna Davie, Katie-Lee Jansink, Erin O'Dea, Olivia Page, Grace Roberts, Patricvk Roberts, William Roberts, Chloe Searle |
The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Qld Inc | Cydney McErvale |
Zonta Young Women's Encouragement Awards | Eliza Bonner-Year 9 |
Zonta Young Women's Encouragement Awards | Elizabeth Searle-Year 11 |
LEADERSHIP AWARDS | |
Donna Shannon Leadership Award-Year 6 | Milla Fraguas, Emily Gallaway, Sasha Kendall, Luke Maggiolo, Margaret O'Dea, Kayleb Spiller, Claire Stanford |
Ampol All Rounder-Year 12 | Caitlin Ellis |
Mayor's Medal-Year 12 | Natasha Brierley |
2022 STUDENT LEADER PRESENTATION | |
Principal's Recognition: School Captains | Isabel Kay & Kira St John |
Principal's Recognition: Vice Captains | Kaelie Doyle, Ashley O'Brien & Lucas Wren |
Principal's Recognition: Prefects | Natasha Brierley, Kirra Daddow |
Principal's Recognition: Prefects | Caitlin Ellis, Cydney McErvale |
2023 STUDENT LEADER PRESENTATION | |
School Captains | Taylah Organ |
Hannah Widderick | |
School Vice Captains | Belinda McIntyre |
Eliza Telfer | |
McAuley House Captains | Addison Swan |
Coen Taylor | |
Davadi House Captains | Taryn McCosker |
Elizabeth Searle | |
Prefects | Sophie Day |
Chelsea Debnam | |
Bronte Duff | |
David Nemeth | |
Kiara Osborne | |
ACADEMIC AWARDS | |
Fr Valente Award-Year 3F | Alanna Fox, Patrick Moxham |
Fr Valente Award-Year 4/5C | Boyd Campbell, Ivy Hill (Year 4) |
Lucas Ho, Eloise Verri (Year 5) | |
Fr Valente Award Year 4/5PH | David Kendall, Ned Robinson (Year 4) |
Amity Buscher, Rhys Murdoch (Year 5) | |
Fr Valente Award-Year 6T | George Mason, Roshini Miriyala, Patrick Scudamore, Cheyenne Toohey |
The David Littleproud Endeavour Award - Yr 6 | Kilan Barker |
Year 7 Academic Recognition Award | Bindi Barker, Sophia Giammattei, Faith Lancaster, Kaden Patterson, Thomas Petrie, Lily Simpson |
Year 7 Awards-Distinction Award | Cael Armstrong, Lottie Burke, Olivia Favaro, Natalie Gasparin, Vayda Heads, Lily Hyslop, Luca Pompetti, Jenny-Lee Ridley, William Roberts,Thomas Telfer, Ned Torrens, Flynn Williamson, Charlotte Zanatta |
Year 7 Awards-Excellence Award | Indianna Brown, Emily Doyle, Sage Haakstad, Patrick Roberts, Chloe Searle |
David Littleproud Year 7 Dux | Emily Doyle |
Year 8 Academic Recognition Award | Declan Campbell, Brooke Day, Hunter Hennessey, Thomas Reimers |
Year 8 Awards-Distinction Award | Sienna Berlese, Zayd Buscher, Stephen Ellis, Lillian Kendall, Ellis Lahey, Addison McCosker, Jahnavi Miriyala, Erin O'Dea, Hamish Organ, Annie Skuse, Harry Wren |
Year 8 Awards-Excellence Award | Jack Brown, Aryanna Davie, Jessica Pradella, Eden Shatte |
David Littleproud Year 8 Dux | Aryanna Davie |
Year 9 Academic Recognition Award | Jessica Ellis, Isaac Kay |
Year 9 Awards-Distinction Award | Eliza Bonner, Sophie Brunckhorst, Blake Campbell, Darcy Daddow, Alessia Gasparin, Katie-Lee Jansink, James Mason, Oren Michalski, Mitchell Petrie, Liam Telfer |
Year 9 Awards-Excellence Award | Halley Duff, Heidi Favaro, Grace Roberts, Ashlin Searle |
David Littleproud Year 9 Dux | Grace Roberts |
Year 10 Academic Recognition Award | Maggie Gallaway, Ryan Whiticker |
Year 10 Awards-Distinction Award | Claire Danzey, Samuel Ellis, Erin Healy, Annaliese McCosker, Brigid O'Dea, Laura Richards, Rylee Vedelago |
Year 10 Awards-Excellence Award | Freya Creer, Claire Williamson |
David Littleproud Year 10 Dux | Claire Williamson |
Year 11 Academic Recognition Award | Chelsea Debnam, Amelie Gesch, Taryn McCosker, Kiara Osborne, Joshua Petrie, Mackenzie Weatherley |
Year 11 Awards-Distinction Award | Sophie Day, Bronte Duff, Jeassy Gallego, Belinda McIntyre, Elizabeth Nash, Elizabeth Searle |
Year 11 Awards-Excellence Award | William Mason, Taylah Organ, William Smith, Eliza Telfer, Hannah Widderick |
David Littleproud Year 11 Dux | Taylah Organ & Eliza Telfer |
Year 12 Awards-Recognition Award | Caitlyn Hennoste, Ashley O'Brien |
Year 12 Awards-Distinction Award | Natasha Brierley, Nalannah Hollis |
Year 12 Awards-Excellence Award | Kirra Daddow, Kaelie Doyle, Caitlin Ellis, Isabel Kay, Cydney McErvale, Kira St John |
EXIMIUS AWARDS | |
RSL True Spirit Award - Year 6 | Kayleb Spiller |
RSL True Legends Award-Year 9 (1st prize) | Grace Roberts |
RSL True Legends Award-Year 9 (2nd prize) | Heidi Favaro |
RSL True Legends Award-Year 9 (3rd prize) | Halley Duff |
Archbishop John Bathersby Literature Award | Hannah Petrie |
Excellence in Catholic Awards - Year 6 | Luke Maggiolo, Margaret O'Dea, Georgia Petrie, Hannah Petrie |
Excellence in Catholic Awards - Years 7-10 | Yr 7: Vayda Heads & Patrick Roberts |
Yr 8: Jahnavi Miriyala & Hamish Organ | |
Yr 9: Jessica Ellis & Katie-Lee Jansink | |
Yr 10: Freya Creer | |
University of the Third Age - Year 9 | Katie-Lee Jansink |
ADF Leadership Award-Year 10 | Brigid O'Dea |
ADF Leadership Award-Year 12 | Isabel Kay |
Vocational Education & Training Award | Lara Parnell |
TCSO SBA | Nikolas Petrie |
The Sister Ursula Frayne Award-Year 12 | Isobella Evans |
The Betty Yap Excellence Award-Year 12 | Kirra Daddow & Kaelie Doyle |
Proxime Accessit Award-Year 12 | Kaelie Doyle |
St Joseph's Dux-Year 12 | Caitlin Ellis |
SPORTS AWARDS | |
Prin Recog: Sports Captains-Davadi | Natasha Brierley & Lucas Wren |
Prin Recog: Sports Captains-McAuley | Caitlyn Hennoste & Ashley O'Brien |
Crisps Sports Star - Primary | Georgia Petrie |
Crisps Sports Star - Secondary | Thomas Petrie |
Champion House - Primary | Davadi |
Champion House - Secondary | Davadi |
Champion House - Both | Davadi |
Young Winemakers' Award | Luke Webb & Ryan Whiticker |
Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program Award | Eliza Telfer |
Granite Belt representatives 9 years: |
Mia Howard-Athletics |
Granite Belt representatives 10 years: |
Ivy Hill-Swimming & Athletics |
Granite Belt representatives 11 years: |
Emily Gallaway-Basketball |
Granite Belt representatives 12 years: |
Natalie Gasparin-Athletics |
Darling Downs representatives |
Georgia Petrie-Basketball & Netball and Granite Belt representative for Cross Country and Athletics |
Darling Downs representatives 12 years: |
Margaret O’Dea-Orienteering and Granite Belt representative for Netball, Athletics and Cross Country |
Border District representatives 13 years: |
Lillian Kendall-Swimming & Water Polo |
Border District representatives 14 years: |
Eliza Bonner-Cross Country |
Border District representatives 15 years: |
Mia Everson-Football |
Border District representatives 16 years: |
Brigid O’Dea-Cross Country & Netball |
Border District representatives 17 years/Open: |
Bella Everson-Football |
Darling Downs representatives |
Aryanna Davie-Orienteering |
Darling Downs representatives 14 years: |
Alessia Gasparin-Football |
Darling Downs representative 15 years |
Katie-Lee Jansink-Track & Field, Triathlon and Border District representative for Swimming and Cross Country |
Darling Downs representative |
Anika Rossington-Squash |
Congratulations to THOMAS PETRIE, who represented Granite Belt in Shot Put, Darling Downs in Basketball & Cricket and Queensland in Basketball. Congratulations also to LARA PARNELL, who attended Border District Athletics for Discus and was selected in Interschool Queensland Equestrian Team for the National Championships where she was appointed Show Horse Vice Captain for the team. |
Photos from the Awards Night will follow in the next edition of the School Newsletter.
Congratulations and well done to our Student Leaders for 2023.
SCHOOL CAPTAINS
Taylah Organ
Hannah Widderick
SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAINS
Belinda McIntyre
Eliza Telfer
DAVADI HOUSE CAPTAINS
Taryn McCosker
Elizabeth Searle
McAULEY HOUSE CAPTAINS
Addison Swan
Coen Taylor
PREFECTS
Sophie Day
Chelsea Debnam
Bronte Duff
David Nemeth
Kiara Osborne
St Joseph's School entered 7 teams in the Primary and Year 7 Math Team Challenge competitions held at the Stanthorpe State High School on Thursday 13th October.
All students performed extremely well with some very pleasing results.
In the Primary Competition, Year 6 Team 2 achieved 3rd place and in the Year 7 Competition, the four St Joseph's teams made a clean sweep placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Congratulations to all participants for representing their school in a very challenging mathematics competition.












St Joseph's School hosted the annual Under 8's day on Friday 14th October 2022 which was kindly sponsored by BUSHkids.
Children enjoyed their ‘Messy Play’ activities as well as craft activites, pet rock decorating, exploring the many emergency vehicles on hand plus much more.
The day was an undisputed success. It was messy and fun. BushKIDS were awesome, thank you!











Congratulations to Year 12 student, Cydney McErvale who recently received a graduation award from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.
Year 6 students have been exploring a small tech device called a Microbits.
Students were set the task to set up a stall aimed at encouraging the use of these devices for their peers.
Lots of fun and engaging uses were uncovered as learners reflected on the topic, audience and purpose of their task. Many even improved their coding skills!


































Thursday 20th October saw our Prep students head on out to the Blue Topaz Diner where they enjoyed some yummy hot chips, nuggets, burgers and milkshakes which filled their little tummies.
As part of their unit in Design Technology, the students have been learning about food and how it is different all over the world. They have also been exploring healthy food in PE.
Prep students paid for the excursion themselves by doing jobs at home and earning money - well done Preppies !
A huge thankyou to Prep student Bonnie’s Mum and Dad, Brendan and Shonel for hosting the Prep students at the Blue Topaz and thank you to Mr Hurtz for driving the bus.
They all had an awesome time !
Our first instalment of St Joseph's interhouse Chess Competition is underway with round one completed during second break on Thursday 20th October.
Some close competition with students from Year 5 to Year 11 competing for their Davadi or McAuley House.


















Friday 21st October was Loud Shirt Day - a day of awareness for children in Australia who are deaf and those with hearing needs.
St Joseph's showed their support with this cause again, with fundraising efforts going towards Hear and Say - a specialist hearing centre for children that some of our students have accessed, and continue to access, to support their needs.












The last round of the Inter-School Debating Competition between St Joseph’s School and Stanthorpe State High School was held today with the St Joey’s Team 1’s competing against the St Joey’s Team 2’s in each age group. The results were as follows:
- Year 7: SJS Team 2 won
- Year 8: SJS Team 2 won
- Year 9: Draw between SJS Teams 1 & 2
The overall results for the closely fought competition across the three rounds of competition were:
- Year 7: SJS Team 2 won overall champion team, on a points count-back SJS Team 1 were runners up
- Year 8: SJS Team 2 won overall champion team, SSHS runners up
- Year 9: SSHS won overall champion team, on a countback SJS Team 1 were runners up
Thanks to Mrs Mary Roberts from St Joseph’s School, Mr Lucian Giles-Duffy from Stanthorpe State High School and the other staff involved for their work coordinating and running the competition. Thanks also to Mr James Lister MP for sponsoring the trophies, medals and certificates.
Well done to all students from both schools!




Do you want the best new children’s books?
Our Scholastic Book Fair is nearly here!
Book Fair will be open from 8am - 8.30am and 3pm - 3.30pm, Monday to Friday from the 7th to the 11th November.
So mark the dates in your diary and be sure to come along to find the best new books and help to earn free books for our library!
Track & Field State Championships
Congratulations to students Darius and Katie-Lee Jansink who attended the Schools State Athletics Championships at the State Athletics Centre in Brisbane from the 13-16 October.
Katie-Lee competed in the Shot Put where she finished 9th in a big, competitive field.
Darius competed in the Shot Put where he claimed a 5th place and also the Discus where he had a 6th place finish.
What wonderful achievements competing against the best students across the State.
Well done Darius and Katie-Lee.




24 Oct - 15 Nov | Year 12 External Assessment Block |
28 October | Day of Daniel |
World Teachers Day | |
31 October | Year 9 2023 Subject Selection Information Night |
1 November | All Saints Day |
2023 Prep Parent Information Evening | |
2 November | All Souls Day |
7 - 11 November | Bookfair |
7 November | Year 7 2023 Transition Day |
9 November | Prep 2023 Prac Morning |
13 - 15 November | Year 12 Retreat |
16 November | Primary Swimming Carnival |
Prep 2023 Prac Morning | |
17 November | Year 12 Graduation Mass & Dinner |
18 November | Year 12 Farewell Assembly |