PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Welcome back for Semester 2.
QISSN & Confraternity Shield
Congratulations to our QISSN netball team who were awarded the ‘Captain Vivian Bullwinkel’ Perpetual Trophy - awarded to the team of the 2019 tournament that best embodied the Australian Army values of Courage, Initiative, Respect and Teamwork. Thanks to Mrs Mary Roberts, Mrs Bernadette Brunckhorst, Mrs Sandra Ellis and Mr Jacob Steele for their wonderful work with the QISSN team in Bundaberg (and Ms Aimee Coulston prior to the carnival).
Well done as well to Mick Mahoney, father of Lachlan Mahoney in Year 11 and husband of Megan, who was selected as honorary manager of the QISSRL (Confraternity) rugby league team. It is a great honour for Mick who has supported the St Joseph’s/Assumption College team over many years.
2020 Information Sessions and Open Day
On Wednesday 7 August we have a Year 7 2020 Open Day/Information Evening for current Year 6 students and their parents to present what the Secondary has to offer in 2020 and beyond. Please come along to see and hear what is on offer and learn about the new curriculum offerings and facilities students will have access to for 2020.
The opportunity is also available for 2020 Prep students and parents to come along to a morning information session on either 1 and 15 August.
Agricultural Science Facilities
As part of the school’s Masterplan we are planning to develop our Agriculture Science facilities. This will consist of two parts:
- A greenhouse, a butterfly house and mini-orchard on our vacant block on Corundum Street, and;
- A livestock and small teaching facility on 3.5 acres at Applethorpe
Agricultural Science students in Secondary in 2020 will conduct their lessons in these spaces.
Catholic Education Week
On Sunday we commence Catholic Education Week with a Mass in St Joseph’s Church at 8.30am. All students are encouraged to come along in full uniform to celebrate all that is good about being in a Catholic school like St Joseph’s School.
Whilst we are a “Catholic” school as such, I want all in our community to know that St Joseph’s School exists for all students and their families regardless of whether they are Catholic or not, church goers or not. The Mass this Sunday and our school liturgy on Tuesday at 11.30am are opportunities for us to all celebrate together as a community. Regardless of your faiths or beliefs, all are welcome.
Staff Change
Mr Dwain Macnamara has resigned from St Joseph’s School having been a Physics, Mathematics and Science teacher here for a number of years. We thank Mr Macnamara for his service and wish him well for the future.
Mr Brian Carey has commenced this week as our Senior Mathematics teacher. Mr Carey is a very experienced and well-liked Mathematics teacher who will do great work with the students. We welcome him to St Joseph’s School.
I would also like to welcome Mr John Mahoney to role of Campus Minister. Mr Mahoney will be working closely with all students as part of our spiritual development team.
Life Membership for Mr Mick Grew
Congratulations to Mr Mick Grew who was awarded life membership of Queensland Primary Schools Rugby League recently. Mr Mick Grew has given outstanding service and commitment to young rugby league players and the rugby league community over a long period of time. An outstanding and well-deserved award.
Toowoomba Catholic Schools Awards Nomination
Congratulations also goes to Mrs Angelina Sims who has been shortlisted for a Toowoomba Catholic School Excellence Award for her exceptional contributions to the school over many years. The awards ceremony will be held on 1 August in Toowoomba.
Financial Pressure
I appreciate that in the current financial climate some families might be suffering financial stress. If that is the case, the school would be more than willing to consider a request for a fee concession.
My belief is that no family should be denied an opportunity to attend St Joseph’s School for financial reasons. Families are encouraged to arrange a confidential meeting with me if you are affected.
Have a great semester.