The resurrection fills our hearts with joy and hope. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the promise of new beginnings. Just as Jesus emerged from the tomb, Easter invites us to embrace renewal in our own lives; a time for spiritual rebirth, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Easter, let us remember the true meaning of this day. Let us rejoice in the hope that springs from Christ's resurrection and share that joy with others. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and service, may we embody the spirit of Easter and reflect God's love to the world.

May this Easter season be filled with the joy of resurrection and the blessings of faith, hope, and love.

Happy Easter.

Megan Mahoney
Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity

Celebrating St Joseph's Day on March 19th is a significant event for many students and staff around the world, particularly those with a connection to the Catholic faith. St Joseph holds a special place as the protector of the family, the patron of the universal Church, and of workers. It's a day to honor his role and seek his intercession for guidance, protection, and blessings.

This principal feast day of Saint Joseph often involves various traditions, including special prayers, Mass services, feasts, and community gatherings. It's a time for reflection on the values St Joseph represents, such as humility, dedication, and service to others. For students and staff, it can be an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection, foster a sense of unity within the community, and recognise the importance of faith in their lives.

Year 10 students had an enriching excursion to Brisbane on Tuesday 26th March as part of their Religious Education & Humanities studies. Visiting places like the Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Buddhist Temple, the Brisbane Holocaust Museum, the Brisbane Synagogue, and St Stephen's Cathedral provided invaluable opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of religious practices and historical events.

By immersing themselves in these diverse religious and historical contexts, students gain empathy, broaden their perspectives, and develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the world around them. This type of experiential learning is incredibly valuable in fostering open-mindedness and critical thinking among students.

The excursion provided students with valuable insights into different religious traditions and historical events. Such experiences are integral to their holistic education and personal development.

Our final meeting for the International Study Tour took place last Monday night with staff and students receiving their back packs and tour uniforms. Once again, we thank our generous sponsors, the Stanthorpe Lions Club, Rotary Club of Stanthorpe, Jamworks and Stanthorpe Bendigo Community Bank, whose generosity and support has helped make this tour possible.

The tour group depart on Sunday 14th April for two weeks visiting the UK, France and Belgium.

St Joseph's School's debaters did exceptionally well in their Round 2 debates on Wednesday 20th March, especially considering it was their first time using an online platform.

Congratulations to the Year 10 team for securing a win against Toowoomba Grammar, and well done to one of the Year 8 teams for their victory against Downlands.

Even though the second Year 8 team narrowly lost to Mary Mackillop Catholic College, participating and giving their best effort is commendable. 

Thank you to the dedicated coaches for their support and guidance, and of course, great work to all the students involved!

It's evident that St Joseph's School is fostering a strong debating culture with such impressive performances.

Celebrating Math and its importance in our lives is crucial for encouraging interest and proficiency in the subject.

Students celebrated and participated in a variety of events for World Maths Day of Friday 22nd March.  The focus on mental math problems through online competitive games is an engaging way to promote mathematical skills among students globally. It not only fosters healthy competition but also highlights the practical applications of math in our everyday lives. Such initiatives play a vital role in inspiring a love for mathematics and nurturing future generations of mathematicians and problem solvers.

As a component of their Year 8 Humanities curriculum, Ms. Cronin orchestrated a Medieval day for her students on Wednesday, March 27th. The event encompassed various activities such as crafting shields and headpieces, constructing catapults, engaging in a medieval dance performance, and culminated in an exciting tournament.

Former student Bella Evans presented a powerful presentation to Year 10 students about her experiences in the refugee camps in Austria. Understanding the refugee experience can be eye-opening and can help students appreciate the privileges and comforts they might take for granted in their own lives.

When discussing her time in Austria, Bella shared insights into what it means to be a refugee and the challenges faced by individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other reasons. This can include limited access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and safety.

Comparing life in Austria's refugee camps to the comforts and conveniences students have in Australia is a poignant lesson in gratitude and perspective. Simple tasks like walking to the shops or buying groceries take on a new significance when contrasted with the struggles faced by refugees.

Bella's presentation provided a valuable opportunity for students to learn about empathy, global issues, and the importance of appreciating what they have while also considering the experiences of others less fortunate. It's commendable that such discussions are being facilitated in the classroom.

In a state-first, high school students from Stanthorpe are part of a new regional, rural and remote cadetship program in the transformative energy industry, through a partnership between Ergon Energy Network and Energex and TAFE Queensland.

This year, eighteen students from across South West Queensland have been selected to participate in the program offered at five TAFE Queensland campuses. Students will also attend work experience placements at Ergon Energy Network and Energex depots located in Stanthorpe and Warwick to as far west as Charleville, north to Yarraman and Kilkivan and east to Boonah.

St Joseph’s School Year 12 students, Dustin Alldrdge and Patrick Brown have been accepted into the inaugural program delivered across south western Queensland, including depots in Warwick, Kilkivan, Millmerran and Charleville.

Dustin and Patrick will gain practical work experience at Ergon Energy Network’s Warwick depot, through in-community placements during the program.

“I’m hoping to get better knowledge and understanding on the topic so that in the future when I apply for a job employers will see I have the basic knowledge and understanding of the job,” said Dustin.

Keen to pursue an electrical apprenticeship in the future, Patrick is also looking forward to gaining hands-on skills and knowledge in the field.

“I have a keen interest in becoming an electrician. I am hopeful that this opportunity through Ergon and TAFE to complete this Certificate II in Electrotechnology, as well the on-site work experience opportunities, will give the experience and fundamental skills and knowledge to progress into a full-time apprenticeship post-school,” said Patrick.

The cadetship participants complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE2201) over four terms, with a combination of weekly online workshops, on-campus practical days led by TAFE Queensland teachers, and depot work experience guided by Ergon Energy Network and Energex experts.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex spokesperson, Dan McGaw said: “It’s great to partner with TAFE Queensland and spark interest in career opportunities in the industry.”

“This program will provide foundational electrotechnology skills and a clear pathway towards an energy sector-related apprenticeship for young people.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Jenni Butler, said that the organisation was proud to work together with Australia’s largest electricity company to help equip the next generation of energy tradespeople.

“Working with Ergon Energy Network and Energex ensures our training programs are tailored to the specific needs of the industry,” said Ms Butler.

“The program participants will gain the confidence, the capabilities, and are ready to help drive a bright future for the industry and their communities.”

Find out more about TAFE at School and pre-apprenticeship courses at tafeqld.edu.au/tafe-at-school.

From left to right: Ergon Energy Network and Energex Apprentice Manager, Brad Rigby, Dominic Clarke from Pittsworth State High School, Dustin Alldridge and Patrick Brown from St Joseph's School (Stanthorpe), Ergon Energy Network and Energex Apprentice Program Development Coordinator, Dan McGaw, Clare Parry from Clifton State High School student, Cameron Betts from Warwick State High School and Ergon Energy Network and Energex Area Manager, Jason Rowe.

St Joseph's School extends a heartfelt thank you to Sam Giacca from Sam's Farm Fresh Fruit and Veg for his generous weekly donations of fresh fruit.

Sam's contributions provide nourishment and enjoyment for the students, enhancing their overall experience at the school. Such acts of kindness and generosity contribute significantly to the well-being of the school community, and St Joseph's School is truly grateful for Sam's ongoing support and dedication to the students' welfare.

After the successful completion of the Prep – Year 2 area, the P&F Nature Play Committee is pleased to announce the next stage of the project. We have an exciting new play area planned for the Year 3-6 students which will involve a log fort, mud kitchen, sandpit, bush tucker/native garden, yarning circle, and dry creek rock bed. We will be creating this new space on the primary oval next to the green tank. Students and staff have been consulted about the space, we have school sign off for the design, and now we begin!

Earth works will be commencing over the Easter holidays and working bees will be organized in Term 2. We will be asking for your support so look out for the emails and working bee sign-up sheets, along with our Hamburger Day fundraisers which will occur again next term in Primary and Secondary.

If you have any questions or you would like to be involved please contact either Amelia Wilshire amelia@leadingladies.com.au or Lisa Sunderland sunderlandlisa@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support of the Nature Play Project.

St Joseph's P&F has established an account with Containers for Change to promote recycling in the community and as a means to raise funds for the various P&F events and initiatives, like the Nature Play areas. Parents can nominate the St Joseph's P&F account (member number C11395296) when they drop cans and bottles off directly at the Containers for Change depot at 2-6 Walsh Drive (near Washpool).

To support this initiative, the P&F will leave a trailer at the back of the teacher's parking lot by the gate to the Anglican church for parents to drop off their containers on the first Tuesday (16 April) back to school after the Easter holidays. This trailer will be available every 1^st Monday of the month after that for drop-off donations of containers. Please consider dropping off your containers to the school on these days or alternatively taking them to the depot yourself and donating them to the St Joseph's P&F account.

We appreciate your support.

The Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with no internet at home a free National Broadband (NBN) service. 

Eligible families can nominate to receive a free service up until 31 December 2024 and the duration of the free service will continue until 31 December 2025 for all existing and new families.

To be eligible a family must: 

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school
• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network
• Live in a premises where they can access a standard NBN service
• Not have had an active NBN service during the previous 14 days 

For families to check eligibility they must contact the National Referral Centre, operated by Anglicare Victoria on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, between 10am and 6pm AEDT) whereby eligibility will be assessed.

For further details and information visit:

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

We're excited to announce that the 2023 St Joseph's Yearbooks will soon be available for collection early in Term 2! We appreciate your patience throughout the process and assure you that you won't be disappointed when you receive yours.

A broadcast will be sent out once the yearbooks are ready for collection. If you haven't ordered one yet and would like to secure your copy, please place your order along with payment through the Qkr! app.

Thank you for your continued support.