The last week on the Primary Campus has been filled with music and music theatre.  It was wonderful to be able to showcase the many talents of the students across P - 6 at the Arts Festival performance on Tuesday afternoon.  From the pianists to those playing the violins, from the choirs and the soloists to the theatrical performances to music from 'Oliver', we were treated to a spectacle which I am sure the audience appreciated immensely.  I was in awe of the talent I witnessed and writing this now gives me the goosebumps I experienced on Tuesday afternoon. Everyone should be very proud of themselves and we thank Dr Cuskelly OAM for his vision and passion in this area of the curriculum.

In coming weeks, we will be involved in the Border District Eisteddfod across the drama and music sections.  We wish all those students well as they participate on this stage.  Again, we thank Dr Cuskelly as well as Margie Buddle and Maple Egerton for their support in the music space and Amelia Wilshire in the area of drama for nurturing the passion, confidence and ability of the students.

Elsewhere on the campus, our students have been continuing their learning journey across the curriculum areas.  This has included developing a deeper understanding of what it means to be an effective learner. At a recent assembly we explored what it means 'to be like Josie' - what would she say and why? what would she do and why ? what would she think and why? Year 5 students have also used the lion in the jungle as a metaphor for effective learning and learner.  Their insights were profound.   

Parents may have been told by their children that we are continuing with the morning tea and lunch format of playing first and then eating.  From our perspective, we are seeing more engaged learners in the afternoon session, as issues which may have happened on the oval are addressed and have time to dissipate before the children return to class.  If any parents have any particular thoughts around this that they would like to share, we would love to hear your comments.

With God's blessings

This past week, we’ve have been drawn to the global stage as we consider the election of a new Pope, Leo XIV.

The announcement has sparked some interesting conversations within our school community. I had the privilege of discussing the new pope with some of our younger students, and their responses to the question, "What would you do if you were Pope for a day?" were insightful:

• "I'd get 10 bodyguards" (a reminder of the responsibility associated with leadership)
• "I'd do the same as Pope Francis because he was kind" (a testament to the enduring impact of positive role models).
• "I'd be kind to the planet" and  "I'd take all the waste out of the oceans" (a recognition of our responsibility to care for God's creation and environmental stewardship).
• "I'd build more hospitals and care for the sick people" (a reflection of the Church's mission to serve the vulnerable).
• "I'd teach people about how to be kind like Jesus" (a desire to spread the Gospel through action and example).
• "I'd spread Jesus’ message, like Simon and Peter and Mark" (a clear understanding of the apostolic mission).
• "I'd just love everyone" (a simple yet powerful expression of Christ's commandment)

These responses reflect the deep empathy and sense of justice that our students possess. Their desire to make a positive impact on the world, whether through acts of kindness, environmental stewardship or service to the sick, aligns with our Mercy Values.

Interestingly, our conversations also extended to our recent federal elections. When asked what they'd do if they were Prime Minister for a day, students offered equally thoughtful responses, such as:

• "I'd make all the taxes stop" (a simple desire to ease financial burdens).
• "I'd make everyone get a raise and be happy" (a call for fairness and well-being).
• "I'd make the money go into hospitals" (a focus on prioritising healthcare).

These responses highlight our students' awareness of societal issues and their desire for a just and equitable world.

As we reflect on the election of Pope Leo XIV, let’s remember that leadership, whether in the Church or in government, is ultimately about service. Our students' responses remind us that even the youngest among us understands the importance of compassion, service, respect and courage in making the world a better place.

At least we know that if Pope Leo XIV or Prime Minister Albanese are ever in need of advice, all they need to do is give us a call at St Joseph’s, Stanthorpe.

With God's blessings,

Mary Roberts
Acting Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity

To celebrate our School's incredible 150th anniversary, we're offering a limited edition cooler!

Pop into the office to grab yours before they're all gone.

As we continue to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe, we are reaching out to gather stories, memories, and historical treasures that reflect the rich legacy of our school community. A key part of this journey is recognising the many individuals who have shaped our story over the years.

We warmly invite you to share your time, memories, and any memorabilia that may help us capture the spirit of St Joseph’s. Whether it’s a written reflection, a treasured photo, or a special moment from your time at the school, we would love to hear from you.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute—be it a short write-up, photographs, or a memory that stands out—please feel free to email me directly at julie-ann.spiller@twb.catholic.edu.au. Your stories will help us honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations of St Joseph’s students.

Thank you for being part of this special milestone. We look forward to hearing from you.

Shaping Healthy Masculinity

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them. 

Here is the link to the Special Reporthttps://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

Congratulations to our Year 7, 8 and 10 Debating teams for their participation in the Queensland Debating Union competition on Thursday 1st May.  They competed against Fairholme College, Highfields State College and Toowoomba Anglican School, showcasing their skills and dedication.

Well done to all students involved.

On Thursday, 8th May, the Prep students treated their mums and grandmothers to a delightful Mother’s Day Pampering Afternoon filled with spoiling, relaxation, and pampering in celebration of Mother’s Day!

The students set up a variety of stations to ensure their loved ones were thoroughly pampered throughout the afternoon. Parents enjoyed having their nails painted, their hands massaged with lovely scented hand creams, head and back massages, storytime with their child, coloring activities, puzzles, and the ever-popular photo booth!

Everyone was pampered for almost an hour before being served afternoon tea with some delicious treats.

The students were very excited to pamper their loved ones, and the afternoon was filled with lots of laughs, cuddles, and massages.

A very enjoyable and relaxed afternoon was had by all, and we are sure that all the visitors left feeling very spoilt and relaxed from the afternoon’s session!

On Friday, 10th May, our school participated in Do It For Dolly Day, a special day dedicated to spreading kindness and raising awareness about bullying. This day was in honor of Dolly Everett, a young girl whose life was tragically cut short due to bullying. The aim was to create a positive change and promote a culture of kindness and respect within our community.

Students came together as a school community to honor Dolly's memory and make a stand against bullying. By spreading kindness and raising awareness, we helped create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Throughout the day, blue ribbons were handed out for students to wear in their hair or around their wrists in honor of the day.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to St Joseph's Parish for hosting a spectacular Debutante Ball on Saturday 10th May. It was a joy to see family and friends come together to celebrate as 24 stunning debutantes and their partners were presented to Father Nathan Webb and the community.

A special shout-out to our Deb Ball coordinator, Gianna Blaxland, and her dedicated team of helpers for their hard work in organizing such a memorable event. We also appreciate the efforts of our P&F Association volunteers who managed the bar and assisted with the clean-up.

It was a fantastic evening, and we are incredibly proud of the young women and men who participated.

What an incredible showcase of talent! On Tuesday, 13th May, our amazing Primary students lit up the stage at the St Joseph's School Arts Festival Concert.

After two days of inspiring workshops led by the talented Dr James Cuskelly OAM, Annie Lower, Peggy Channon, Margie Buddle, and Maple Egerton, our students wowed the audience with a vibrant mix of instrumental music, choir, and musical theatre performances.

We were honoured to welcome a wonderful audience of families, friends, staff, and special guests including Mayor Melissa Hamilton, Cr Sarah Deane, Cr Morwenna Harslett, Cr Russell Wantling, Mrs Samantha Wantling, Mary Findlay and Dan McArthur from the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, Mrs Amanda Reimers, and Father Nathan Webb.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made these two days so special. Bravo to our young performers – you made us proud! 

Our primary students recently enjoyed a magical day during the Step Into Stories sessions! The event was brimming with creativity, laughter, and learning as students explored storytelling, sketching, and more.

A standout moment was the engaging workshop with the talented Kylie Howarth, who collaborated with our Year 3 and 4 students to bring hammerhead shark characters to life. The students were captivated by the experience and created some truly impressive artwork.

These photos capture our Year 3 and 4 students in action.

A heartfelt thank you to Kylie for sparking inspiration in our young readers and artists.

Get ready for an electrifying evening filled with incredible talent and unforgettable performances at the Battle of the Bands! This is your chance to experience the best local bands as they compete for the top spot.

Date: 24th May 2025
Time: 6pm
Location: Stanthorpe Civic Centre
Entry: $5

Come along and support our Joey's students as they battle it out. Remember to vote for your favorite band in the People's Choice Awards!

Don't miss out on the musical showdown of the year! 

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme assists eligible families with the cost of traveling to school, with applications for Semester 1 2025 now open online and close on 31 May.

Visit SchoolTransport.com.au to check if you are eligable.