Newsletter #8 2025: Thursday 28 August 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Members of the St Joseph’s College Family,

It has been a relatively mild winter this year, filled with mostly unremarkable weather post-ex-TC Alfred, except for last week’s lashing rain.  The first day of Spring, 1 September, approaches and the collective psyche recognises a change of season and therefore a season of change.  The Term 3 calendar relentlessly reminds you of the imminent arrival of our Year 12 students - by leaving SJC - finally becoming the Graduating Class of 2025. 

I congratulate those Year 12 students having successfully completed their recent Trial HSC exams, and I also commend all Year 12 for their continuing focus on final studies, classes, and all the requirements each of you as individuals will need to complete in the coming weeks.  

Term 3 is a time that requires much preparation.  Prior to the Year 12 Graduation Mass on Wednesday 24 September, and our school’s Year 12 Farewell Assembly on Thursday 25 September, for this cohort these are your final weeks of schooling.  Now is the time to take stock of where you are, acknowledge your achievements, but don’t stop there - don't be distracted by the goals already reached - as you will need to focus on those goals you still need to attain.

Please stay the course.  You have every opportunity to still make a difference in your remaining time here, to the present and to your future. 

As the saying goes, as one door closes another one opens, so we acknowledge our departing senior student representatives and prepare to vote for a new group equally keen to fulfill the various roles of student representation.  To our departing reps, I thank you all for your dedication and commend your sense of purpose in taking on these responsibilities.  To those who have put their names and ideas forward, I commend you for taking the time to stand up for consideration.

Getting involved in school life at this level is to be applauded and I appreciate your initiative in doing so.  Every day we have the opportunity to make it a good day not only for ourselves but for everyone else around us, because what we ultimately make of it is what we choose to do.  Others have stood where you are now, and being open to ideas, showing a willingness to support and speak for others, is an opportunity given to all students.  

I look forward to sharing news of our 2026 Student Leaders with you all in the coming weeks.

Catholic Life August 2025 and Alumni News

It is always a joy to share stories of Alumni success and today I make mention of a former St Joseph’s College student.

The August issue of Catholic Life honoured the life of the late Pope, Francis, and at the same time celebrated the announcement of the new Pope, Leo.

Present in Rome at the time of this historic moment was our very own Jessica Millward, no doubt familiar to many from the local news bulletins on Channel 9, now a regular presence on our television screens reporting news from around the world, and a graduate of St Joseph’s College (Class of 2007).

While in Rome, Jessica brought us all the latest news as it was happening, and she also managed to relay her own personal experience of witnessing such an historical event.  She met the demands with her customary professionalism and dedication, and I found it personally touching how she related to so many people as it all unfolded.  More of this is included in the August issue of Catholic Life.

Father’s Day, Sunday 7 September

On the heels of mentioning “Il Papà" (an Italian phrase for “The Pope”), I’ll simply remind you that Father’s Day is fast approaching.  Next Sunday, 7 September - the first Sunday in September when Australians celebrate Father's Day - is a special day dedicated to honouring and appreciating fathers and father figures.  Our school's namesake - Saint Joseph - was seen by many as the foster father of Jesus, and this recognition of all those who act as fathers in our lives, comes from a special place in the hearts and minds of our school community.

I’d like to share with you a Father’s Day prayer I read recently:

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus,
the child of Mary,
to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all fathers
as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom,
tenderness and patience;
support them in the work they have to do,
protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.
Amen.

As an earthly father, Joseph showed up in a modern way; he was accepting and generous in his care, choosing to offer every protection to his new family.  Obedient to the call of God to look after His child, Joseph took charge of his most blessed family.  He must have recognised his part as something bigger than what he could see, and put his faith in God.  We’re most grateful for this kind of role model, one that any of us might aspire to become in our lives with our own families and loved ones.  We can also look around and see that we are also one big extended family who try to look out for each other.

Joseph’s absolute and unconditional care of his family has been recognised by the Church for many years and I’m very proud that our College is named in his honour, and further that the school chapel is called the Holy Family Chapel.  So whenever we gather there for masses and liturgies, and whenever we speak the College prayer, we acknowledge Joseph’s characteristics and at the end of the prayer, we ask for an additional blessing … 

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Week 4 Term 3 College Assembly, 12 August

Student Recognition

At the College Assembly held on Tuesday 12 August, we recognised the following students for their efforts and achievements:

• College Semester One Academic Excellence Award:

Year 10:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for ONE (1) subject:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for TWO (2) subjects:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for THREE (3) subjects:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for FOUR (4) subjects:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for FIVE (5) subjects:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for SIX (6) subjects:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for SEVEN (7) subjects:

The following students are awarded Semester One Academic Excellence for EIGHT (8) subjects:

• College House Award:

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

Outstanding achievements across the board - Congratulations to you all!

Parent / Teacher / Student Meetings

Thank you to those of you who made time this week to meet with your child/ren’s teachers.  The feedback gained by the teaching staff and you as parents and carers is invaluable, and leads to building stronger relationships between home and school.

We have one more night for these kinds of meetings this year, which will take place on Monday 1 September, first giving opportunities to senior students and their families prior to `junior students and their parents.  If at the end you were unable to make a booking, please be aware that while this is an opportunity to meet face-to-face with your child's teacher, outside of these parent/teacher nights you can always contact teachers via their College email (staff email addresses are listed on the College website).

Please be aware that a teacher’s first duty is teaching and attending to the students in their care.  This may mean at times that staff are teaching all day, assisting students or in meetings.  We ask you to be mindful of this as there should be no expectation to receive an immediate response.  Teachers will endeavour to respond to you between 8:00am and 4:00pm and within 3 days.

Upcoming important events in Term 3

Week 6:

• Thursday 28 August  – NAIDOC Celebrations (12noon - 3:15pm)
  

Week 7:

• Monday 1 September – Parent/Teacher/Student meetings night - final for 2025
• Tuesday 2 September – Diocesan Athletics
• Wednesday 3 September – Socktober Relay
• Thursday 4 September – HSC Drama Exam Rehearsal Day
• Friday 5 September – HSC Drama exam; Jersey Day

Week 8:

• Tuesday 9 September – † Leadership Liturgy, P2 Holy Family Chapel (an invitation to the parents and carers of the successful candidates will be issued once the SRC process is completed)
• Thursday 11 September – RUOK Day
• Friday 12 September – † ‘Catch the Wave’ Retreat
• Friday 12 September – Year 10 Geography Sem 2 Excursion (10A, B & C) / History Incursion (10D & E)

Week 9:

• Wednesday 17 September – Year 11 End of Course Exams commence (Wednesday 17 September to Tuesday 23 September)
• Thursday 18 September – Vaccination Catch-up Day (final for 2025)
• Friday 19 September – Final day of formal lessons for Year 12

Week 10:

• Monday 22 September – Year 12 Service and Community Day
• Tuesday 23 September – Year 12 Breakfast; Year 11 End of Course exams conclude
• Wednesday 24 September – Year 12 Farewell Practice; † Year 12 Graduation Mass, 6pm St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Tweed Heads; and Year 11 Vietnam Immersion Program commences (24 September-4 October)
• Thursday 25 September – Year 12 Graduation Ceremony (Farewell Assembly); † Ignite Conference (Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 September)
• Friday 26 September – Final day of classes for Years 7 to 11 (Term 3 concludes)

Finishing the Term Well

As a staff, everyone at the College wants to see all our students do well, and I would go further and say we actually want you all to excel.  So much of how a student copes in high school determines their path moving beyond the secondary level.  So much is on the individual, but I really believe that if you can find some purpose to your work, it will undoubtedly show in your results.

I ask everyone in the school community to pray for our Year 12 students as they finish their formal lessons and head towards their ‘lasts’ at the College including readying themselves for the HSC exams prior to that period, and finally their graduation farewell and their formal; for our Year 11 students as they prepare for exams this term and start their HSC course in Term 4, as well as taking on the roles of our new senior leaders; and for our junior students as they too look towards student leadership roles, as well as finalising their learnings in preparation for their exams next term. 

I include a link to the Year 12 2025 EOY preparations letter issued to our 2025 Seniors and their families last week.

To help you at whatever stage your child is at, 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 the conclusion of this 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.

I thank you for your continued support for all that we do and strive to achieve at St Joseph's College.

Saint Joseph.  Pray for us.

God Bless

Mr Ryan Campbell
Principal

Principal's Notes

Leaving St Joseph’s College

During the second semester of a school year, families tend to make decisions about moving to a new area because of employment changes, etc.

We ask that all parents/carers of students who will not be returning to St Joseph’s College in 2026, to either send in a letter, or to email the College (sjcbanora@lism.catholic.edu.au), confirming when the student will be leaving and the new school or institution they will be attending.

All students who leave St Joseph’s College are required to complete a Clearance Form which includes the return of all College library books and textbooks.

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.

Reminder: Afternoon Learning Hub is open Tuesdays to Thursdays only

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

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal at SJC

I am pleased to share with the school community, the following correspondence received by Head of House-Dalton, Mrs Allison Sands, following Dalton House running a winter appeal last and this term.

Dear Allison, Staff and Students,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to express our sincere gratitude for your school’s generous donations of food and warm blankets to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.

Your support has brought warmth, comfort, and vital assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship during the colder months. These donations are more than just items—they are a reflection of your community’s compassion and commitment to making a meaningful difference.

It’s truly inspiring to see students, staff, and families come together for such an important cause. Your kindness has helped us extend care and dignity to those who need it most.

Thank you once again for your heartfelt contributions and for being part of this impactful initiative.

Warm regards,
Trish O'Keefe
President
St Joseph's Conference Tweed Heads
St Vincent de Paul Society

Congratulations to DALTON for their concerted efforts, and to all students and staff who donated and supported this very worthy cause.

Free Teen Mental Health Matters Parents and Carers Webinar Opportunities

There are a number of free webinars available to parents and carers in our Diocese of Lismore school communities from Black Dog.  Each parent presentation is an opportunity for high-school parents and carers to learn more about adolescent mental health and how to best support and connect with their young person during tough times.

The dates and times are available on the attached flyer.  Sessions are from August through to December.

Free Parent & Carer Webinars - Register here

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission

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

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

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.  Here is another example!

Ms Charmaine Vella
Leader of Learning - English

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Are We If Not Stories After All?

By Steph Wynia

I used to think my reflection in the mirror was just that…

A reflection.

But boy was I wrong. 

Behind the glass, there's always been something else staring back: a story. Growing up, fairy tales were my first encounter with a world of imagination. These weren't just simple bedtime stories, but a reflection of who I was or who I might become. At the time, I didn't realise that Cinderella’s glass slipper was more than just footwear, or that Snow White’s poisoned apple had anything to do with the real world. I mean, how can a pumpkin turning into a carriage possibly be symbolic of something deeper? I was too busy begging my mum to read “just one more page” because that is the true power of stories:

They hook you in.

Make you crave more.

And plant seeds in your imagination, sprouting only years later.

Yet, as I got older, the mirror began to shift. Those magical tales of princesses and palaces were slowly replaced by something far darker. Stories stopped promising a happily ever after. Instead, they warned me. The mirror still reflected, but now, it showed a world twisted, fractured, and uncomfortably real.

Dystopian stories crept in.

Take The Handmaid’s Tale, for example. Suddenly, my English class with Miss Vella felt less like a typical lesson and more like an initiation into a dystopian cult. I remember walking into English class, expecting a typical Tuesday, only for Miss Vella to stare us down until we responded with, “May the Lord open.” At first, I thought she was joking, but nope, she was fully committed to immersing us in the oppressive world of Gilead. And it worked. The room became charged with discomfort.

At first glance, I thought dystopias were just darker versions of fairytales, stories where the princesses wore red robes and the castles were replaced with high-voltage fences. But as we read deeper, something shifted. These weren’t just twisted fantasies. They were warnings. And once again, the mirror reappeared, only this time it wasn’t flattering. It didn’t reflect dreams or desires, but our collective fears of surveillance, oppression and the erasure of individual autonomy.

In these worlds, happy endings were optional, 

if they came at all… 

Dystopian stories have become the new mythology of modern life. Why? Because when reality feels too fractured to comprehend, we turn to fiction to help us make sense of it. According to a recent SBS article, people are drawn to dystopias because they give structure to chaos. It offers “narratives that reflect our deepest fears about the future,” but more importantly, they allow those fears to have meaning. 

We consume stories of destruction not because we want the world to burn, but because we hope someone, somewhere, will stop it from catching fire in the first place.

Stories like ‘Fahrenheit 451’ aren’t meant to reassure us or tuck us in at night.
They act as warped mirrors, reflecting our present society, twisted just enough to make us question.
In Bradbury’s world, books are burned not just to destroy knowledge, but to control thought.
It sounds extreme, until you realise how easily we trade critical thinking for convenience, depth for distraction.

Scroll through TikTok for five minutes and you’ll see what Bradbury feared:
a society numbed not by fire, but by overstimulation, where algorithms trump awareness.

Bradbury wasn’t writing about a distant dystopia.
He was warning us about what happens when a society chooses comfort over truth.
And that’s the thing—dystopias don’t predict the future…
They diagnose the present.

They ask us not what if, but what now? 

With dystopias, we’re not imagining an apocalypse; we’re squinting into the mirror and noticing the cracks in today’s society. Cracks like reproductive control, authoritarian regimes, and digital surveillance. The monsters are already here; they just wear nicer clothes.

And what’s more unsettling? Sometimes we need the monsters. We need them to shake us from apathy. Dystopian stories act like warped funhouse mirrors, exaggerated reflections that show us the consequences of our choices. Just like fairy tales once warned children not to wander into the woods alone, dystopias warn humanity not to give up their rights, their voices, or their sense of self. Gilead is just a more grown-up version of the Big Bad Wolf. 

So yes, stories are mirrors. But they don’t always reflect who we are. Sometimes, they reflect who we’re becoming… or who we’re trying not to be.

And here’s the catch: the stories we tell don’t just reflect reality, they shape it. When we look into the mirror of narratives, we must ask ourselves: Are we recognising a warning, or are we becoming the reflection? Because if we ignore the cracks, the monsters, the dystopias, they might just become our reality.

Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee – School Round

In Week 5, our students proudly took part in the school round of the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, a nationwide competition that celebrates literacy, vocabulary, and a love of words.

The competition challenges students to think quickly, spell accurately, and rise to the occasion under pressure. Congratulations to Thomas, who correctly spelled an impressive 26 out of 30 words!  We also acknowledge Parker, Clement, Claire, Ella, Jade, Levi, and Ethan for their effort and determination. 🐝✨

We are so proud of all our students for their courage and dedication.  Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning shone through as they represented our school with pride.  Well done to each of them for making this school round such a memorable event! 🎉

Mrs Gabby Yager
Assistant Leader of Learning - English

SJC Indigenous Yarns

Jingi Walla SJC Community

As we approach the back half of Term 3, we celebrate the powerful ways our students and community are connecting with culture, leadership, and each other.  From national NAIDOC Week which took place during the July school holidays to our own upcoming celebrations, we walk proudly with the theme for 2025: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

This week on Thursday 28 August, our annual Ngalingah Ngurrilah NAIDOC Day will take place beginning with a whole-school assembly and the official launch of our new school commissioned artwork by local Bundjalung artist Christine Slabb, this piece tells the story of our school recognising special connections we have to Bundjalung stories and place as well as our schools ethos and pillars. 

Staff and students will then move onto an afternoon of festivities and cultural activities including live local music, dance, weaving, painting, language workshops, seeded jewellery, spear throwing, and native foods talks.  Our canteen will be closed at lunch on Thursday, but students can pre-order canteen orders along with sausage sizzles, drinks, and snow cones during recess this week.  The afternoon will close with the much-anticipated annual Allstars Indigenous vs Non-Indigenous Touch Footy Match, where the whole school will gather to watch and cheer together.  Throughout Week 6, students will also be engaging in daily Bundjalung Words of the Day, a Deadly Doors competition during AWC, and special displays and activities around the school.

These celebrations are a chance for us to honour the leadership of Elders, celebrate culture, and acknowledge the voice and actions of our young leaders — the next generation of strength, vision, and legacy and we feel very grateful for this opportunity to share culture together as a school community.

Also earlier this month, one of our Year 11 students, Kyrone, travelled to Sydney to represent St Joseph’s College and the Gold Coast Titans at the NRL Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit.  The week-long camp gathered young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across the country to take part in cultural activities, leadership workshops, and team challenges – all while building life-long friendships and valuable skills.  We are so proud of Kyrone for his commitment and representation of our school, and we look forward to seeing him share these learnings within our Joeys community. 🖤💛❤️

Last but not least, thank you to our amazing students, staff and families for your continued support.  We look forward to a joyful week of celebration, learning, and connection.

Bugalbeh (Thank you)

Tom Busbridge and Lexe Busbridge
Indigenous Education Workers

Careers/EVET

Uni Application Season is Here!

The time has come to start seriously thinking about your future and getting your university applications in order.  The application season is in full swing, and it's essential to stay on top of all the important dates and deadlines.

It's time to start thinking about those early entry applications! Institutions like Southern Cross University (SCU) and Griffith University are already accepting them, so don't delay.  Be sure to also check the closing dates for QTAC and UAC applications, as well as specific deadlines for creative and performing arts courses as some of these close early!

This is also the perfect time to explore scholarship opportunities.  Many universities like SCU, Griffith, QUT, and UQ offer a wide range of scholarships, and some residential colleges also have specific scholarships for accommodation.  Taking the time to research these now could really pay off.

Remember, the Senior Careers Google Classroom is your one-stop shop for all things post-school planning!  You'll find valuable resources there, including guides for applying to uni, finding accommodation, navigating open days, and discovering scholarships and gap year options.  Make sure you're using these resources to their full potential to make the application process as smooth as possible.

Women in Defence Kokoda Challenge 

Friday 19 September  I  10:00am - 2:00pm  I  Kokoda Barracks, Canungra QLD 4275

There is still time to register for the Women in Defence Kokoda Challenge.

Transportation by bus charter will be provided from ADF Careers Centre Gold Coast to and from Kokoda Barracks.

RSVP: To register students interested in attending, please complete the attached Submission Form, and email it to events@adfcareers.gov.au by COB Friday 12 September 2025.

Visiting an Army base is an experience like no other. This is an exclusive invitation for your female Year 11-12 students to join ADF Careers Women in Defence Team for our Kokoda Challenge at Kokoda Barracks in Canungra.

Your students will see inside the restricted-access base and take part in the Kokoda Barracks Obstacle Course.  They’ll also get to chat to current serving female members and enjoy a BBQ lunch on base.

As a student, this is your opportunity to experience the Army for yourself.

2025 Clinical Work Experience Program

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and Tweed Valley Hospital are pleased to advise that applications are now open for the 2025 Clinical Work Experience Program.

This is a structured five day program that provides Year 10 and 11 students with the opportunity to observe and gain exposure to a range of clinical environments, including Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health and Medical disciplines.

The program is designed to:

• Provide students with supervised observational experience in a hospital setting.
• Support informed career decision-making.
• Promote awareness of the diverse career pathways within NSW Health.

Program Details:

• Intake 1: 8 – 12 December 2025
• Intake 2: 15 – 19 December 2025
• Location: Tweed Valley Hospital, 771 Cudgen Road, Cudgen NSW 2487
• Eligible Applicants: Year 10 and 11 students from participating schools
• Application Closing Date: Friday, 19 September 2025

Please see Mrs Schroeder in the Careers room for an application package if you are interested in applying!

REMINDERS:

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.

Mrs Tonita Schroeder

Learning Resource Centre

Book Week 2025 - Reading is an Adventure

Throughout the week, students embraced the adventure with a wide range of fun activities:

• Roll-a-Genre: Students rolled the dice to discover a new genre to explore, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and try something different.
• Cryptic Clues: A library treasure hunt had students puzzling over riddles and clues hidden among the shelves, leading them to some fantastic bookish discoveries.
• Poster Competition: Creativity was on full display as students designed posters celebrating the Book Week theme.  The colourful entries brightened our library walls and showed how imaginative our readers truly are.
• Costume Parade: Always a highlight of Book Week! Students and staff came dressed as their favourite characters, filling the school with detectives, adventurers, and a range of characters from a variety of Books. 

The week was full of laughter, creativity, and, of course, lots of reading.  Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make Book Week such a success.  Remember — while Book Week comes once a year, the adventure of reading never ends.  So, keep borrowing, keep exploring, and let your imagination lead the way!

Ms Mary Green
Teacher-Librarian

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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

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

The Canteen Ladies

Lowes On-Campus Uniform Shop

THE 20% OFF SALE CONTINUES THIS WEEK

• On-Campus Shop - 8am to 12noon, Wednesday 27 August to Friday 29 August
• Online through to Midnight, Saturday 30 August

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 year (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. 

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