Newsletter #7 2025: Monday 4 August 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Members of the St Joseph’s College Family,

I hope everyone has settled back into the term and into the second semester of 2025.  I trust that everyone enjoyed the holiday break and that our students’ focus has returned with commitment to achieving their personal schoolwork goals over the coming weeks.

Mary and August

In August each year, we find two events on the Catholic calendar that mention ‘Mary’.  8 August is the feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and the following week we recognise the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is celebrated on 15 August.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

The feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was chosen as 8 August – specifically by the Vatican to coincide with the anniversary of her death in 1909.  After her canonisation by Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2010, Mary MacKillop became the first Australian to be recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church.

It's amazing that 2025 marks fifteen years since that event.   Our saint holds a very special place in our hearts and in our country’s history, and I make mention of her today as 8 August is this coming Friday, and to acknowledge the important role she played in making education accessible for children across Australia.

Mary MacKillop co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, an order dedicated to serving the poor and educating children, particularly in rural areas.  By all accounts Mary showed great compassion to those most in need, and was always eager to discover God's will in all things.  She and all the Sisters of St Joseph served so many communities through their ministry in education and their care and support for those most in need.  A woman of action who always trusted in God's providence and “never saw a need without doing something about it".

I include one of the prayers of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop today:

Ever-generous God,

   You inspired St Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy.  We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust, and openness.  Ever-generous God, hear our prayer.  We ask this through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the Catholic Church we have Holy Days of Obligation, which are the days where the faithful are obliged to participate in the mass.  On the Australian Catholic calendar, these are every Sunday, as well Christmas Day (25 December), and The Assumption (15 August).

What is the Assumption?  The Assumption refers to the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven upon the completion of her earthly life, free from original sin.  This is a central teaching of the Catholic Church and is celebrated with great reverence. 

In a previous publication of The Catholic Weekly, it stated: The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.  While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection.  Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.  For this reason, we use different words to describe each event; one is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.

Mary's “yes” to God at the Annunciation, her unwavering faith during Jesus's life and death, and her presence at the crucifixion serve as powerful examples for Catholics to emulate. 

Jesus has given us his Blessed Mother as our great spiritual mother (Rev.12:17), a heavenly advocate who intercedes for us.  Catholics call Mary their mother because Jesus gave her to them as their mother from the cross.

Novena Prayer in Honour of the Assumption of Mary

Mary, full of grace, all generations rejoice to call you blessed and to acknowledge the great things that God your Saviour has done for you.  In preserving you from the stain of sin, God already prepared you to be taken to the place that had been readied for you in heaven.  As we commemorate this Assumption of your body and soul into heaven, we recall that you intercede for us powerfully in your reign as Queen of the Universe and that you remember us tenderly as Mother of the Church.  Seeking the help of your power and the consolation of your gentle compassion, we ask that you join us in praying for the intentions that we now entrust to your loving attention. 

(Mention prayer requests here.)

As you join in presenting these petitions to our Father in heaven, pray too that we may accept God’s response to our petitions with the spirit of joy that marked your life on earth and which now fills your soul in heaven.  Help us to long for our own heavenly inheritance, so that we might join with you in praising God’s goodness forever.  Amen.

As The Assumption this year falls on a school day (next Friday, 15 August), we will be celebrating The Mass of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with College Chaplain, Fr Nicolas Maurice.  It is expected that we will commence mass at 10:10am in the Holy Family Chapel at the College.

If any members of the College community would like to join us on the day, you would be most welcome.  We ask that you be seated in the chapel by 10am.

Some Important Term 3 Happenings

Our main focus is always on our students and finding ways to support them in their learning journey.  With the start of Term 3, the shift for Year 12 is on to their final term of schooling, signalling the conclusion of their time here as students at St Joseph’s College.  We want all Year 12 students to finish their final year of high school well, and they can only do this with the support of everyone - with parents, carers, students and staff working together.

Please be aware that it has been standard practice that any outstanding school fees need to be finalised prior to the collection of tickets to the Graduation Formal.  To discuss, or to arrange an agreement, please contact the DCSL Financial Services (phone 02 6616 1303 or 02 6616 1304, or via email bps-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au).

One thing I’d like to say to each Year 12 student is that you will always be a part of our St Joey’s community, just as you will become a part of the history of this school.  But your time with us is not yet over; there are still more things to do, and yet more achievements to be made, more senior class traditions to be honoured.

Term 3 Week 2 College Assembly, Tuesday 29 July 2025

Student Recognition

• College 100% Attendance Semester One Award:

• College House Award:

• College Sport Award:

• Street Retreat Award:

• Rosies (Friends on the Street) Award:

• Harmony Day 2025 “Moving Forward Together” Songwriting Competition Participation Award:

• Big Science Competition Award:

Shout out to Year 7 students - Cohen Deam and Edward Stanton

Credits:

Distinctions:

• 2025 Kokoda Challenge:

Outstanding effort by the team, led by Mr Mason, on completing the 2025 Kokoda Challenge!  Congratulations to Kelan Hodge, Kaleb Wheeler (Year 12) and Domenic Seckold, Thomas Morris, (Year 11).  Well done, team, and thanks Mr Mason!!  

Outstanding achievements across the board - Congratulations to you all!

Keeping Up-to-date

I ask that you please take the time to read through this newsletter, as you will find more important information that will help you navigate your way through to commencement of the new term.  By keeping up-to-date with all that is happening, it ensures that your child gets the most out of each day at school.

Thank you all for your continued support for all that we do here at the College.

Saint Joseph.  Pray for us.

God Bless

Mr Ryan Campbell
Principal

Principal's Notes

Reminder: Term 3 Student-Free Days

To assist families with forward planning throughout the upcoming term, please take note of the scheduled student-free day/s below:

• Monday 18 August (Week 5):   Staff Professional Learning Day

Please note that Year 12 students will finish their last formal classes on Friday 19 September as they have a number of events planned prior to their Farewell Assembly* to be held on Thursday 25 September (*note change of date).  

However, for the attention of families of students in Years 7 to 11, the school will continue lessons up to, and including, Friday of Week 10.  We ask you to continue sending your child/ren to school until the end of term, fully prepared for classes and lessons as timetabled.

Therefore, Term 3 lessons conclude for students in Years 7 to 11 on Friday 26 September.

Student Illness

*IMPORTANT NOTICE - STUDENT ILLNESS*

We are seeing an increase in the number of students presenting to Student Reception each morning who have obviously come to school while already unwell.

No doubt our families are aware that there has been a spike in illnesses of late with the extended 'cold' season.  At present, we have a number of staff and students who are quite unwell with a variety of respiratory illnesses.

Schools are always heavily impacted by these types of illnesses.  It appears that despite being unwell before leaving home, a number of children are still coming to school while very unwell.  We ask that you please keep your child home if they have any symptoms such as nausea, coughing, headache, sore throat, runny nose. 

A reminder also of viral gastroenteritis that also impacts schools quickly, and whose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches.  Of course, our families are no doubt aware that with gastro symptoms, your child should not come to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

If your child is ill for any reason they should not be at school.  As soon as any student presents with any symptoms, you will be contacted by the office to collect them so that you can care for them at home.

Please accept our thanks in anticipation of your cooperation in this matter, and we pray for those who are unwell.

Uniform Expectations - Term 3 ‘Winter Uniform’

Term 3 has commenced where we continue with the Winter Uniform, and this includes our boys wearing ties.  Please note that only the College jumper or College jacket can be worn as outer garments.  No other jumpers, hoodies, jackets, etc can be worn.

For further information, the College Uniform Policy can be found on the College website.  Parents/carers are asked to positively encourage correct uniform and grooming at all times.  Students should leave home and travel to the College dressed as per expectations here at the College.  Uniform or grooming concerns may result in punitive actions taken until the matter is resolved.

Reminder:  Students Leaving School Early Through the School Day

A quick reminder of the process for when your child is to leave early:

• Parents/carers are to record the early departure in Compass, by the morning of the departure and no later than 10am.
• The student is to meet their parent/carer at Parent Reception at the time stipulated and sign out occurs.
• Due to privacy reasons, paging is very limited, so there will be no paging during the breaks (recess or lunch), and there are to be no calls to the classrooms interrupting lessons to call students to the office.   If your child is leaving early, it is their responsibility to attend the office on time.
• We understand that emergencies arise, however, most of the recent interruptions and arrangements have been due to a lapse in following procedures.  Therefore, some forward planning from home will lessen the current impact at the College and allow student focus to remain on learning.

Your support is appreciated.

Afternoon Learning Hub

A reminder that our Afternoon Learning Hub operates from 3:15pm to 5pm in the College Library from Tuesdays to Thursdays only.

St Joseph's Parish

St Joseph's Catholic Church, 56 Frances Street, Tweed Heads

Weekday Mass times

• Monday to Friday – 9:10am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 9:00am
• Saturday Vigil Mass – 5:00pm
• Sunday – 7:00am & 9:00am

St Camillus Catholic Church, 36 Urliup Road, Bilambil

• Sunday – 9:00am

St Anthony's Parish

St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff, 12-14 Pearl Street, Kingscliff

Weekday Mass times

• Wednesday – 8:00am
• Thursday – 9:00am in the school term and 8:00am in the holiday period
• Friday – 8:00am

Weekend Mass times

• Saturday – 5:00pm (6pm during DST)
• Sunday – 9:00am

Sts Mary & Ambrose Catholic Church, 1 Charles Street, Pottsville

Weekday Mass times

• Tuesday – 9:15am

Weekend Mass times

• Sunday – 7:30am

Reconciliation Times

• Kingscliff – Saturday 5:00 – 5:30pm 
• Pottsville – Sunday 7:00 – 7:25am

Assistant Principal - Mission

Free Webinar: Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety

Catholic School Parents Australia is facilitating a free webinar for parents, 'Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety', with Karen Young, Australia's leading expert on child and adolescent anxiety.  You will need to register via the link on this flyer.

For parents and carers of K-12 school students:

Free Webinar from the CCSP (Council of Catholic Schools Parents NSW/ACT) - Please join us for CCSP’S Term 3 Sleep Webinar

Do you know how vital sleep is to your children's health, learning and emotional wellbeing?  Do you know what effects screens are having on the quantity and quality of our sleep?  Don't miss this opportunity to find out strategies you can use to help your children develop healthy sleeping habits for optimal function!

Join Sleep Educator Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection for an insight into how important sleep is for your children - and you - and tips for making sure the whole family gets enough zzzzzzzz.

Wednesday 13 August  I  7pm - 8pm

PRESENTED BY THE SLEEP CONNECTION

Register using the link - See you online!
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/00bfb0c7-19b2-4660-8715-69ffdb2f78c8@43c01865-a091-4ea9-adee-6ba5e69e291f

Click on the link to view the latest newsletter from the Council of Catholic School Parents - Parent Talk Issue 3.

Courses for Parents and Carers: ADHD and Autism

For the information of our parents and carers, the following courses are freely available on the OLT platform:

ADHD: This short course was developed with the help of Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia (PAAA). This course is aimed at supporting the parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.

Autism: This short course is directed at parents and carers of children with autism. Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.

Parents of children who’ve been identified on the autism spectrum have been interviewed to identify the issues that concern them the most. This is reflected in the videos throughout this short course.

Please find more information about the courses on the OLT platform linked here.

20% Discount on Sports & Co-Curricular Group Photos available before 13/08/2025 from AdvancedLife 

Dear Parents,

These school sports and co-curricular groups were photographed on 2/05/2025 and 7/05/2025:

• Year 12 Cohort Fun
• Domain Leaders
• House Captains
• School Captains
• Senior SRC

We are pleased to advise that online ordering is now open for the groups listed above.  If you would like to place your order before 13/08/2025 you will receive a 20% early order discount by simply clicking on the link below.  Please note that whilst we are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days.  The 20% discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

ORDER NOW

Important

• Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school
• If your child's group or team is scheduled to be photographed at a later date, you will receive an additional email notification when the images are ready to be ordered
• Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed
• Past years' photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available at your school's advancedorder and your child's advancedyou photo sites

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St Joseph's College for placing your trust in us.  Please remember we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind.  We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience, to ensure your satisfaction.  If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact.

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

Leader of School Evangelisation

Vocations Week Assembly:  A Journey of Purpose 

As part of Vocations Week, our school community gathered for a presentation during assembly that left many of us inspired and reflective.  We were fortunate to welcome three remarkable guests — Fr Michael Alcock (Priest at St Joseph’s, Tweed Heads), Fr Nicolas Maurice (College Chaplain), and Mr Mick O'Donohue (Former Teacher and Leader of Evangelisation, Mt St Patrick College) — who shared powerful insights from their personal journeys in the priesthood and in teaching.

Each speaker offered a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of purpose.  Fr Michael spoke about the unexpected twists and turns that led him to the priesthood, reminding us that life rarely follows a straight line.  Fr Nicolas shared his love of celebrating the Mass and time in nature.  Mick O'Donohue, a passionate teacher, reflected on the joys and challenges of shaping young lives and how teaching can also be a deeply spiritual vocation.

A common thread in their stories was the idea that it's okay to change direction.  Sometimes we set out on one path, only to find that it leads us somewhere we never expected—and that’s often where the most meaningful growth happens.  These men reminded us that life is short, and that if we feel a pull toward a certain vocation — whether that be priesthood, teaching, or another calling — we should be brave enough to explore it.

Their messages encouraged us not to fear uncertainty, but to see it as part of discovering who we are meant to be.  Taking a chance on a vocation might be the beginning of a lifelong calling, or it might simply open a door to something else that brings deep fulfillment.

We thank Fr Michael, Fr Nicolas, and Mick O'Donohue for their honesty, humour, and wisdom.  Their presence enriched our Vocations Week and gave us much to think about as we reflect on the path God may be calling each of us to walk.

Mrs Hannah Ardrey
Leader of School Evangelisation

Leader of Curriculum

Refer to the link below to view the updated Assessment Handbooks and Assessment Calendars on the College website:

https://sjcbanorapoint.schoolzineplus.com/

Mr Matthew Hall
Leader of Curriculum

Leader of Pastoral Care

Reminder: 2025 Annual School Vaccination Program

We ask all families of students in Years 7 and 8, as well as Years 10 and 11 to please read the following:

There is one final day this year where NSW Health Dept. nurses will be onsite to administer the annual free vaccinations, and that will be in Week 9 this term, on Thursday 18 September 2025.

On that day, NSW Health will offer one final chance for students to receive any missed 2025 vaccinations:

• For students enrolled in Year 7, NSW Health offers human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa), each a single dose vaccine.  This is also extended to any Year 8 student who missed the vaccination in 2024.
• For Year 10 students, NSW Health offers Meningococcal ACWY in a single dose vaccine.  As mentioned, this is also extended to any Year 11 student who missed the vaccination in 2024.

As always, parental/guardian consent must be provided for a vaccination to take place at school, ie. if you do not provide consent, then no vaccination will take place.  The COVID-19 vaccination is not part of the NSW School Vaccination Program.

More information about the program – and to provide online consent – can be found HERE at the NSW Health website.  (This is a link to login to your Service NSW account.  Paper forms can be collected from our student reception should you not have this.)

Please note that NSW Health requires consent to be provided ahead of time (not on the day) to ensure they have with them the appropriate number of vaccinations required.  NSW Health advises that if your child is not at school on vaccination day, you can always arrange to get a free vaccine at your GP or local pharmacy.​​

Mr Mathew Lynch
Leader of Pastoral Care

Leader of Pedagogy

Study Skills Tips for August: Handling Digital Overload

As outlined in my last newsletter article, through our subscription, all College students have free access to the Study Skills Handbook website, www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.  We believe that this website will help your child develop essential skills for academic success.  

Attached is a flyer for this month’s Study Skills Tips on How to Stay Focused in a World Full of Distractions, with ideas on mastering the skill of speed and understanding (click on the link provided, or see the flyer below).

As always, your child can access all the wonderful resources the Study Skills Handbook website has to offer.  To access the handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and login with these details:

username:  sjc
password:  24results

Mr Carlo Trimboli
Leader of Pedagogy

Leader of Learning - English

Year 11 Advanced English students have been learning about the enduring nature of stories and had to write a discursive piece about why storytelling is important to our humanity.

We share one with you today.

Ms Charmaine Vella
Leader of Learning - English

Starved for Stories: Snack on This 
By Evelyn Elias

Everyone assumes that nerds are bookish by default, their noses buried amongst the pages since they could read. As a self-proclaimed nerd, I must say that this stereotype is false, at least for me. If reading were a sport, I’d be warming the bench, holding the halftime oranges. Yet, my hunger for stories remains insatiable, albeit, the stories I find myself consuming rarely come from pages of paper and ink. Rather, flickering on tv screens or sneaking through news headlines that feel like dystopian fiction come to life, and it seems that when life becomes incomprehensible, it is these darker stories that we often reach for when trying to make sense of the world around us.

Why are these stories so crucial to us? Why is it that we keep coming back to these same basic narratives, like moths to a flame? Why do we continue to desperately yearn for meaning in an often chaotic world? Turns out, stories are more than just entertainment, but rather the universal glue that holds us together.

Consider this: across time and culture, we constantly see the same themes in narratives reveal themselves again and again, whether it be love, betrayal, or despair. Why? Because these stories contain universal truths. Little nuggets of the human experience, sandwiched between metaphorical slices of bread. We’re not just entertained by stories, we see ourselves in them and they help us make sense of the messiness of living. If life is spaghetti, stories are the fork (I warned you I was hungry).

Most stories, if you look closely enough, carry these buried truths. They’re not always loud or obvious, but quietly enduring. Waiting to be unearthed.

The classic ‘hero’s journey’

Used everywhere from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to every sports biopic ever produced, not just because it makes for a successful film in the box office, but because it speaks to something elemental. The belief that struggle leads to transformation- a universal truth. The timeless insight that growth requires forging a path through adversity. It reflects our innate desire to overcome, and highlights that even our worst moments have meaning. We’re not just randomly suffering, we are merely encountering tests, as every hero must face challenges before claiming his reward. Take, for instance, the political storms of the last decade, like the rise and fall of leaders like Trump or the ongoing debates about immigration policies and ICE detentions. While it’s these powerful figures that shape the dark headlines we often read, it is the public who face the real challenges; ordinary people thrown into extraordinary challenges, fighting against forces much bigger than themselves.

But sometimes, does it not feel like we’re facing one challenge too many? Does it not feel comical, the way in which things play out? Like we are the universal punchline to a cosmic joke? 

Maybe that's why speculative fiction resonates so deeply with us. Especially dystopian narratives. From ‘1984’ to ‘The Hunger Games’, dystopias exaggerate our deepest anxieties; losing freedom, losing language, losing each other. And in a world where we are constantly asked to update our privacy settings without really knowing what we are agreeing to, and where surveillance is really just a fancy term for ‘we’re always watching,’ these stories don’t seem like fiction. They are just a slightly warped version of our world

Take ‘The Hunger Games’. It dramatises the consequences of extreme inequality and the spectacle of suffering turned into entertainment. In a modern society where social media often amplifies outrage and divides communities, these stories reflect real life battles for justice and dignity, with the dystopian arena a metaphor for how many feel trapped by systems designed to keep them powerless.

And then, of course, there’s Orwell’s ‘1984’. It warns us about the terrifying loss of freedom through constant surveillance and the manipulation of truth, where language itself is twisted to control thought. Does this not sound familiar? This echoes strongly in 2025, with rampant misinformation campaigns on social media and the mass spread of ‘deepfake’ videos that distort reality, undermining trust and invading our privacy. Not only that, but they erode reality itself.

That’s why speculative fiction is so crucial, as it is a lens through which we examine our fears and frustrations. Speculative fiction is like a cultural x-ray, exposing the fractures we’d rather ignore. These narratives invite us to confront hard-to-swallow truths in an uncertain world. As we wrestle with climate crises, political unrest, and rapid technological change, dystopian stories don’t merely entertain, but warn, provoke, and ultimately help us make sense of the chaos that surrounds us. Yet within these dark tales, we also find sparks of hope; reminders that even in the worst of times, human resilience and the possibility of change endure.

But hey, what would I know? Food for thought I guess…

Forensic Science Camp

Zoe Pollock had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Forensic Science Camp at Armidale in the school holidays.  She had an amazing time and wanted to share her experience, and to also encourage other students to apply for next year’s camp (they accept Year 8 and 9 students).

The Forensic Science Camp at The Armidale School (TAS) is a program designed for Year 8 students, although Year 9 students are accepted also, after submitting an application and meeting their selection criteria.  This camp is held annually in the Winter School holidays. 

Running since 1994, the camp has built a strong reputation as Australia’s leading Forensic Science experience for students, attracting over 80 participants each year from a mix of schools across Australia. 

When students arrive at campus, they will go to the Memorial Hall to get their fingerprints and mugshots taken. Then the Camp Controllers will escort a group of students to the dormitory where students will get the choice to pick where they will sleep as well as getting time to get to know each other. 

The camp itself is held over five days. The camp puts students in a realistic crime investigation scenario. Working in teams of four, students apply forensic techniques such as fingerprint analysis, criminology, cryptography, blood testing and fibre examination to solve a fictional crime involving theft, vandalism or even murder. 

There are multiple groups doing the same scenario which will later come together to build the case. The students can ask HQ to interrogate certain suspects, analyse evidence in labs and build a good case against the accused. 

On the last day students will meet up with the rest of the group members doing the same scenario and present their case to a courtroom trial overseen by a real magistrate or police official. 

The camp is largely student-led, with older students acting as “Camp Controllers” who guide and supervise the investigations, fostering leadership and collaboration. The experience challenges students’ critical thinking, teamwork and scientific reasoning while offering a glimpse into forensic science and the justice system. 

All the food is provided by the TAS staff. Students get the chance to meet with new people and make new friends, through the various activities that are held throughout the five days. 

Upon completion, you receive a certificate and a group photo. I would highly recommend this experience to any student looking for a challenge and has an interest in forensic science.

By Zoe Pollock

Learning Resource Centre

Book Week 2025

Get ready to turn the page on an exciting new adventure! 

In Week 5, our school library is transforming into a gateway of imagination, exploration, and discovery during Book Week:  Book an Adventure.  Whether you're diving into deep-sea mysteries, trekking through enchanted forests, or exploring outer space, there’s a story waiting for you!

Throughout the week, students will have the chance to explore books from a wide range of genres—fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, and more.  Special displays and reading corners will be set up to spark curiosity and help students find their next great read.  Our goal?  To show that every book holds a new world just waiting to be explored.

Activities during the week will include the following:  Poster Competitions, Cryptic Clues, reading by genre, Bookmarks and Badges and making your own mini book.  On Friday, there will be a Book Character themed dress up in the Library.  Students are invited to bring a costume.  Students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character on Friday, and prizes will be awarded for the most creative costumes and enthusiastic readers.

Let the adventure begin!

Ms Mary Green
Teacher-Librarian

Leader of Careers/EVET

Saturday 16 August  I  10:00am - 3:00pm

Step inside a real research lab at the Max Planck Queensland Centre Open Day.  Meet scientists, see biomedical research in action, and ask your own questions - from growing bones to what’s happening between your cells.  Free event for students, families, and science lovers.

This event is free, but registration is required. Click on the heading above to register.

Southern Cross University: SCU Open Day

Sunday 24 August  I  9:00am - 2:00pm  I Gold Coast Campus

Situated at the southern end of the Gold Coast, the campus is about 30 minutes’ drive from major shopping, entertainment and beach precincts such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Light rail connects to other points of the city.  To the south of our campus, the coastal and hinterland delights of northern New South Wales are within ready access.  With free parking and only a short stroll to the beach, there's much to love about studying on the GC.

Interested in learning more about the Gold Coast campus?  The upcoming Open Day is the perfect time to check it out.

Attn:  Year 12 students: QUT Advice Night

Tuesday 16 September  I  5:30pm – 7:00pm

An upcoming online session is available for Year 12 students and their parents to explore the five essentials of applying to QUT in 2026. The session will cover entry requirements, the Year 12 Early Offer Scheme (for QCE students), adjustment schemes, upgrading pathways, and scholarships.

Current QUT students will also share insights about their university experience, including the QTAC process, course choices, and campus life.

Attn: Students in Years 9-11 (some early notice):  Discover Creative Arts and Design at QUT

Tuesday 18 November  I  9:00am - 2:30pm  

QUT invites students in Years 9 to 11 to step into the world of creative arts and design through a full day of hands-on workshops that explore future career pathways in these dynamic fields.

Held at QUT’s Creative Industries Precinct, students will get a taste of university life as they work in purpose-built studios and learning spaces.  Guided by current QUT students and staff from the School of Creative Arts and School of Design, participants will explore ideas, develop new skills, and experience the possibilities of a creative future.

Bond University:  Bond University is coming to SJC - check out the flyer attached for details.

See below some useful info and links especially for Course Applications, Scholarships for Bond University.

Step 1 – Apply to Study at Bond University
Choose your preferred degree and apply directly via the Bond University website.
Need help with your application?  Book a personalised meeting with their team for one-on-one support.

Step 2 – Explore and Apply for Scholarships 
Take the time to review all available scholarships and apply for those you’re eligible for. 
Be sure to read the eligibility criteria and application instructions carefully including closing dates.

Application process

Our application process is quick, easy, and fully online.  To ensure you have all the information need, we’ve curated a step-by-step application guide to help you through the process.

Your guide to making your scholarship application shine.

Scholarship frequently asked questions | Bond University | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Learn for Credit Courses - https://bond.edu.au/study/experience-bond-for-yourself/high-school-student-experiences/learn-for-credit

Promo code to register for any Learn for Credit course complimentary is Bond2025.

Mrs Tonita Schroeder

Leader of VET/SBAT

Request for industry employer partners to our parents, caregivers and community members

At St Joseph’s College, our senior Vocational Education and Training (VET) students participate in mandatory Work Placements with a variety of employers relating to their specific frameworks.  During Term 4, 2025 (and beyond), we are seeking more employers for each VET subject so that our Work Ready Pathway students are able to be suitably placed.  We are asking for parents/carers and community members to consider working with the school in this partnership, as we understand there is a wealth of skilled family and community members in the area.

Here are some of the details and industry areas we are seeking:

• During Term 4, 2025, (October 13 to December 16), Term 1, 2026 and Term 2, 2026 the VET subjects listed below require students to be placed with a relevant industry employer on a one-day-per week basis.  This will be each Thursday. 
• As these students are currently studying a VET subject at school, this is not considered to be Work Experience, but Work Placement.  Students are becoming more proficient in their given subjects, therefore work tasks should reflect their VET framework competencies and their overall ability. 
• These positions are unpaid, and students will be covered under our Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited insurance. 
• There is no obligation to have the student continue with the employer beyond the 10 week work placement.  (one-day-per week for a term). 
• Each student will be monitored by their VET framework teacher at school, and you will be able to communicate with the teacher about the student’s progress.  You as the employer will not be required to assess any units of competency, however the specifics of what they have been studying at school will be made available through a school Delivery Plan. 
• As part of the program, employers will need to read and agree to the terms provided in our Catholic Schools NSW Workplace Learning Guide for Employers.  See attached. 

VET Subjects:

• Business Services
• Construction
• Electrotechnology
• Entertainment Industry
• Hospitality
• Fitness 

To express interest, or if you have any further questions, please contact the College via phone or email. 

We look forward to working in partnership with you to offer our students the best possible VET opportunities and workplace learning experiences.

Mr Jesse Carroll 
Leader of Learning VET/SBAT

Run Beyond Project

The 2025 Run Beyond Project is off to a flying start at St Joseph’s College, with 51 students and 15 staff training hard each week toward their chosen goal events.  Our weekly Wednesday lunchtime runs are starting to foster a great sense of team spirit and students have embraced the challenge and are growing in confidence, resilience, and commitment.

Training has included a mix of interval sessions, fartlek runs (such as 1-minute at 7/10 effort, followed by 2 minutes at 4/10 for 6 rounds), and continuous running around Lake Kimberley, where students push themselves to find a sustainable pace over distances ranging from 2.4 km to 5 km.

It was fantastic to see students proudly wearing their brand-new Run Beyond uniforms last week, which they will continue to wear at our weekly Wednesday lunchtime training sessions.

In addition to the physical challenge, students have also launched their Grassrootz fundraising pages.  The funds raised support not only our students’ participation in this program, but also give disadvantaged Catholic schools across Australia the resources and opportunity to complete a goal event through The Run Beyond Project.

We’re excited to announce the next major incentive from The Run Beyond Project and their generous sponsor, ON Running.  Any student who raises $250 or more by the end of Week 4 will go into a draw to win a free pair of ON Running shoes.  The best part?  The more students who reach this milestone, the more pairs ON will give away.

Congratulations to Year 7 student Griffin Harper, who was the winner of our first ON Running prize for being the top fundraiser at the end of Week 1, raising close to $1000.  An incredible achievement!

So far, 21 students have registered for the 5km, 34 for the 10km, 7 for the half marathon (21km), and 2 are tackling the 50km ultra.

If you’d like to support one of our participants, please visit Grassrootz – Run Beyond St Joseph’s College Banora Point and donate to a student of your choice.  Every dollar makes a difference.

We’ll continue to keep the College community updated on our progress. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and support!

Mr Mark Yager
Organiser and Head of House - Hanly

Sports Academy News

A busy return to Term 3 for our Sports Academy crew.  Congratulations to Claire Cropp NSWCCC and Summer Barton & Annika Parker WA for their efforts at the Australian Carnival at Coffs Harbour in the second week of the holidays.  Claire scored a nice try for the third placed CCC, Annika was dangerous out of dummy half at all times and Summer defended like a demon all tournament with the Player of the Match Award in game 4 for WA. 

We also had a specialised Netball session for Eva, Lily, Sienna, Keira, Emily & Fallon ('24) coached by former Australian player and Current Gold Coast Titan, Bayley d’Hotman de Villiers.  The session was a great insight into the next level and the skills and drills required to be the best.  A big thanks to Mrs Ward for facilitating and assisting. 

Jamie Stanton from the Suns AFLW also attended and ran an individualised skills session for our AFL players in Indy, Reign, Ava, Levi, Declan, Cohen, Jake, Taylan, Zavier, Jarrah, Nixon and Skooda.  The students were exposed to some sports specific drills and games straight from the Suns.  We look forward to the next session and a big thank you to Mr Bell for his assistance with the session as well.  It was also great to see Mrs Tutt and her new little girl Bonnie and Billy.  Our Sports Academy psychologist, Abra, has completed his second group session with all ages focusing on the mental side of the game.  It is a wonderful addition to our program to be able to have someone like Abra facilitate an essential part of the sports world. 

Tommy Viera returned for his third session on Culture and it was a beauty.  Focusing on the characteristics and traits of elite sports people and what can make the difference between good and great.  Tommy had one activity where students had to select people in our Academy who would be good representatives of SJC at a national leadership conference and good examples on and off the field/court.  Summer and Jarrah were selected by all groups in testament to their leadership qualities.  

On and Up

Mr Damien Quinn
Acting Sports Academy Coordinator

Canteen

A reminder that our school canteen operates during term time, opening at 8:00am for recess and/or lunch orders before the school day commences.  Both cash transactions and EFTPOS facilities are available at the canteen during recess and lunchtime.

Meals are freshly prepared every day, and the choices are diverse and healthy so you can be assured that your child has access to a nutritious lunch whilst at school.  The canteen also offers a variety of gluten-free and other special menu options, so please do not hesitate to contact the canteen staff to discuss these alternatives.

We ask you to please ensure your child places their LUNCH AND/OR RECESS ORDER by 9:00am.

Canteen Price List 2025

Attached please find the specials boards for Weeks 3 and 4 this term:

• Term 3 Week 3 Specials
• Term 3 Week 4 Specials

The Canteen Ladies

Lowes On-Campus Uniform Shop

The uniform shop hours are as follows: 

Every Tuesday during the school term: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Every Thursday during the school term: 8:00am – 12:00pm

During shop hours: (07) 5523 9300
This shop is managed by Lowes staff only

Click on the link to see the new price list that came into effect this term (as previously provided).

Payments: Cash and EFTPOS Only
NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED

Or, if you'd like to make an online purchase, you can use this handy link. 

Community News

Register for Summer Hockey with Hockey Tweed:

Tweed Little Athletics 2025/2026 Season Sign-On: