School has returned and all students and staff have settled very well. We have had a very good start to the year. I thank the staff, families and students for making this happen.

This year we are excited to welcome many new students to the school across Prep to Year 12, especially our 30 Prep students. We now have 470 students at St Joseph’s School, a significant increase in enrolments over recent years and the largest the school has since we opened 1875.

This growth brings significant advantages to the school. Further, I am confident we have the staff, resources and systems in place to continue the success of the school and, very importantly, maintaining our culture and high quality learning.

My key message to all St Joseph’s School students continues to be: 

“Be the best you can be.”

That means, focus on your learning, and live out our Mercy values so that all around you can be successful. I ask that families promote these expectations with their children.

My thanks also to the Parents and Friends Association for their efforts staffing the Can Bar at the Stanthorpe Show. The P&F and school have a strong affiliation with the Stanthorpe Agricultural Society and have run the Can Bar for many years now. Funds raised by the P&F very importantly support projects and activities for the betterment of our students. We look forward to the P & F Welcome BBQ for all families on Friday afternoon.

On Thursday 9 February, St Joseph’s School Foundation Day, we hold our beginning of year Foundation Day Mass and Student Leader Commissioning. Student leadership at St Joseph’s School is based on servant leadership, with Jesus as the role model for leadership and service in our community. All our Year 12s are committed to providing quality servant leadership for all students. That leadership was on display when three of our leaders, Taylah Organ, Belinda McIntyre and Eliza Telfer did a fine job of presenting a vote of thanks at the Stanthorpe Show on Friday.

I congratulate our appointed Student Leaders for 2023 and the Year 12 group as a whole.

Student Leaders 2023 

We all look forward to a great year for all students and families at St Joey’s. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or concerns, or if your child needs extra support in any way.

God Bless