The final weeks of Semester 1 have certainly gone quickly, with students working positively towards completing assessment requirements. I congratulate all students on an excellent Semester and the strong academic results that are evident in the Semester reports. In relation to Semester reports, these will be mailed out towards the end of Week 10. Please take the time to work through the feedback within these reports, and as always, I encourage parents to contact the relevant staff or myself if you wish to discuss anything contained within these reports. For secondary parents, Parent Teacher Consultations will occur in early Term 3, providing an excellent opportunity for parents, students and teachers to discuss Semester 1 and collaborate to set academic goals for Semester 2. Further information relating to the online booking system for Parent Teacher Consultations will be sent in a broadcast shortly.

In Week 9, Andrew Kendall and myself spoke with the Year 5 and 6 students in relation to secondary schooling at St Joseph’s School. We emphasised the strong academic history of our school, the supportive and nurturing learning environment offered, and the quality teaching and learning. In particular, we presented the improved and diverse curriculum offerings that are planned for 2020 and beyond. In early Term 3, we will present to all parents the expanded subject offerings in secondary at the upcoming Year 6 into Year 7 Parent Information Night. Below is a summary of the expanded offerings planned for the Senior School (Year 11 and 12) in 2020.

In Week 10, a variety of important and valuable experiences have taken place. The Year 9 students, under the care of Mr Stone and Mrs Rhymer, attended camp at Mt Tamborine. Year 10 students completed three days of work experience across various industry sectors. This experience will provide some useful real-world experience in careers of interest as we lead into the Senior Education and Training plan meetings in early Term 3. A huge thank you to all the employers who have provided this support to our Year 10 students during this placement.

The Year 11 students participated in a First Aid qualification and commenced the formal leadership program as they transition into the Year 12 leaders for 2020. The Year 12 non-OP students completed work experience or structured work placement with their School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBA) employer. Again, we thank the various employers who have kindly provided this opportunity to our students. The Year 12 Queensland Core Skills (QCS) students completed intensive workshops at the Queensland College of Wine and Tourism (QCWT) and on-site at St Joseph’s School. The first two days, at QCWT, involved specific sessions focusing on each of the three different test formats. Following these practical sessions, practice test sessions were undertaken to reinforce the strategies developed in the workshops.

Finally, I wish all students, parents, families and staff a safe and happy mid-year break. I hope everyone returns fresh and ready to engage in a busy and productive Semester 2.

Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal (Acting)