Newsletter Term 4 Week 3

Principal's Report

Dear Community,

During the September holidays, I was blessed with the opportunity to embark on a deeply spiritual pilgrimage to Italy, alongside fellow leaders from Toowoomba Catholic Schools and our Bishop, in celebration of the Jubilee Year. Over two transformative weeks, we journeyed through sacred sites where many Saints once lived, served, and walked faithfully in the footsteps of Jesus.  Our pilgrimage culminated in Rome, where we spent five unforgettable days. We passed through the four Holy Doors, opened only during a Jubilee Year, once every 25 years, and stood in awe within the heart of Vatican City. One of the most moving moments was attending a Papal audience, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the globe. It was a powerful reminder of the unity and strength of our shared faith.

This experience was not only a journey across a beautiful country, but a journey inward, deepening our understanding, renewing our spirit, and strengthening our commitment to serve. I was reminded of Mary MacKillop’s timeless wisdom and one of our school’s learning behaviours: “Service is the best sacrifice we can make.” The Saints we learned about were ordinary people who chose to live extraordinary lives through service, compassion, and unwavering faith. Their legacy inspires us to believe that we too can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. All it takes is the courage to take that first step, the faith to keep going, and the hope that our efforts matter. May this message encourage our students and community to embrace their own journey of service and faith, knowing that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward and transform the world.

Building Upgrades

We’re thrilled to share that several exciting building projects are underway as part of our School Master Plan, each one designed to enhance our learning environment and ensure our facilities continue to meet the needs of our students and staff. Over the Christmas break, our Year 3/4 classroom will undergo a full refurbishment, creating a fresh and modern space for learning. We’re also upgrading our sewage and drainage systems to support the long-term sustainability of our school. Our school hall is currently being repainted, breathing new life into a space that brings our community together. And soon, a brand-new digital sign will be installed at the front of the school, helping us share important messages and celebrate achievements with pride.
These improvements wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our Parents and Friends Forum (PPF). We extend our heartfelt thanks for their generous contributions toward the hall painting and digital sign, and for their tireless fundraising efforts throughout the year. To every volunteer who has given their time, energy, and care, thank you. Your commitment helps shape a vibrant, welcoming, and future-focused school for all.

Staffing Update

As we approach the end of the school year, we would like to share that a few of our staff members will be moving on to new chapters in their lives. While we will formally farewell them later in the term, we want to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate the impact they’ve had on our school community.

• Miss Jessica Brierley will be relocating to a property near Goondiwindi.
• Mrs Jo Fitzgerald is stepping away to focus on her family business, though we’re delighted she will continue to support us in a relief capacity.
• Mrs Ina Winter will be joining a small Christian school in Goondiwindi.
• Mrs Elizabeth Goller is retiring, but we’re grateful she’ll remain connected to us through relief school officer work.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of these staff members for their dedication, care, and service to the students and families of St Joseph’s. We wish them every success and happiness in their new endeavours. Class structures and teacher allocations for 2026 will be shared in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

New Blue Card rules for parent volunteers – an important update

From 20 September 2025, some parent volunteers will now need a Blue Card depending on the type of activity they’re helping with at school. In cases where a Blue Card is required, you will need to show your Blue Card to us prior to volunteering so that we can link it to the school.

When a Blue Card is NOT needed.

If you're helping only in your own child’s classroom eg reading groups, you don’t need a Blue Card.

When a Blue Card IS needed.

1.    Helping with children other than your own eg assisting in the library or other classrooms.

2.    Attending overnight camps or excursions, even if your own child is going, you must have a Blue Card.

3.    Activities involving close personal contact with other children eg helping with toileting, assisting young children to change clothing at swimming lessons, volunteering in the uniform shop where close contact may occur.

4.    If you are a restricted person. A restricted person is a person who either

• has been issued a negative notice
• has a suspended Blue Card
• is a disqualified person
• has been charged with a disqualifying offence that has not been finalised, or
• is the subject of an adverse interstate Working with Children Check decision that is in effect.

God Bless,

Michelle

Date Claimers

Student of the Week - Week 1 Term 4

Student of the Week - Week 3 Term 4

Learning Behaviour - Week 1 Term 4

Learning Behaviour - Week 3 Term 4

Reading Awards - Week 1 Term 4

Reading Awards - Term 4 Week 3

Cricket Gala Day

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Good-Bye Harper

We farewelled Harper at the end of Term 3 and wish her all the best at her new school.

Crazy Sock Day

Road Safety - RACQ

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Dental van Forms

We are still accepting Dental van forms that are located at the Millmerran State School. Please bring them back to the St Joseph's School Office and we will be able to pass them onto the dental van.