Last week I attended the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Principal’s forum held in Millmerran. The leadership forum opened with a keynote from our Executive Director Dr Pat Coughlan and one key takeaway that aligns with the work we do here at St Joseph’s School was about having a noble purpose. I immediately connected this to the way we work every day to try to create an environment for our students where they feel valued, can be successful and have a sense of belonging within our community. As a Catholic school, this noble purpose is integral to shaping our community and it is not only the safe and nurturing learning environments that help build this. All the little extras, such as the upcoming book week celebrations, P-12 House activities and games, Ekka excursion and many more events like these that help foster those positive relationships in our school community. 

Congratulations to Mary Roberts who has been shortlisted for the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards 2023. 

“The TEACHX Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers in Queensland. Every year, teachers from across Queensland's schooling sectors and early childhood education and care services are nominated to share their stories and inspire colleagues. These awards exemplify the significant contribution to schools and early childhood communities across Queensland, attracting thousands of nominations for registered teachers who have achieved exceptional outcomes. To be nominated for a TEACHX Award is an achievement in itself. Winning a TEACHX category signifies teaching quality and dedication, and is a mark of distinction.” 

This year more than 290 nominations were received detailing the inspirational work of Queensland registered teachers. Mary is one of 87 teachers shortlisted. 

Thirty TEACHX Award recipients will be announced on Thursday the 5th of October, ahead of the award presentation ceremony in Brisbane on the 27th of October, the eve of World Teachers Day celebrations in Queensland. 

Well done and good luck Mary, and thanks to all staff for the wonderful work you do at the school. 

A huge thank you to Brooke Butson and Hayley Pfeiffer who have coordinated the Year 10 SET planning meetings. It has been wonderful to hear the diversity of career aspirations that many of our Year 10 students have. The SET planning process is such an integral part of what we do here at St Joseph’s to ensure that each student is supported in their individual learning journey so they can transition to the chosen post-school pathway. 

Live Jesus in our hearts

Matthew Brown
Acting Principal