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Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the end of Term 2, I want to extend my sincere thanks to you all for the warm welcome and support you have shown me in my first few weeks as Acting Principal. It has been a privilege to step into this role, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and kindness extended to me by this wonderful school community.
These first four weeks have been a time of rich learning—about the traditions, values, and spirit that make St Joseph’s such a special place. I have been especially heartened by the strong sense of partnership that exists between home and school. It is clear that the success of our students is built on the foundation of this shared commitment.
A powerful and fitting Gospel passage that reflects Jesus’ teaching on humility and the importance of service—especially in the context of adults guiding and nurturing children—comes from Luke 22:26. This is when the disciples were disputing who among them was the greatest:
“The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” (Luke 22:26)
This verse beautifully captures the spirit of servant leadership and the humility required in our shared mission of raising and educating children. It reminds us that greatness in the eyes of Christ is found not in status, but in service—something that both educators and parents live out daily in their care and commitment to our students. It also speaks to the profound influence that both educators and families have in shaping the hearts and minds of our young people.
At St Joseph’s, we believe that open, respectful communication between school and home is essential. It allows us to work together with clarity and purpose, ensuring that each child is supported, challenged, and celebrated in their learning journey.
Looking ahead, next semester will be a busy and exciting time, filled with opportunities for growth, celebration, and continued collaboration. I look forward to working alongside you as we support our students in becoming the best versions of themselves.
As we enter the winter break, I encourage you to take time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the company of loved ones. May this time bring warmth, peace, and renewal to your families.
With gratitude and blessings,
Michael
Acting Principal
PARENT INFORMATION: SCHOOL DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your patience and support during the recent leadership transition from Mrs. Rita Petersen to myself. I understand that change can be challenging, especially following someone as dedicated and uniquely gifted as Mrs. Petersen, whose remarkable memory for student names and vehicle identification made a lasting impact on our community. Your understanding and cooperation during this time have been greatly appreciated.
To continue ensuring the safety of all students and to support a smooth and efficient school drop-off and pick-up process, I have included with this notice a summary of the Stop, Drop and Go procedures. These guidelines reflect the current road and street surroundings of the school and are especially supported by the section titled "How You Can Help."
Stop, Drop and Go Zone (Jack Street)
Operating Hours:
- Morning: 8:00am – 9:00am
- Afternoon: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures:
- Use one of the 5 designated parking spots and proceed to the furthest available space closest to the church.
- Do not leave your vehicle at any time.
- Children must enter and exit from the passenger side only.
- If your child is not ready, please park legally outside the zone (on Jack St, Mabel St, or Alice St) and assist them.
- These spots are not for early arrival or extended parking.
- Outside of peak hours (9:00am – 2:30pm), these spots may be used for short-term parking.
Upper Jack Street and Alice Street (Oval Side)
- Always use the designated school crossing supervised by Crossing Supervisors.
- Do not cross at the corner of Jack and Alice Streets.
- Children must wait within school grounds until a staff member confirms a parent/caregiver is present.
Important Safety Reminders
Please DO NOT:
- Park or leave your vehicle in the Stop, Drop and Go Zone during peak times.
- Double park or stop in the bus zone.
- Park in the church yard.
- Cross roads unsafely or outside designated crossings.
How You Can Help
- Communicate clearly with your child about pick-up times and locations.
- Encourage your child to watch for your vehicle and notify the duty staff.
- Ensure all children are wearing seatbelts before departure.
- Consider arriving slightly later in the afternoon to avoid peak congestion.
- Park a short distance away and enjoy a walk to/from school.
Thank you again for your continued support and commitment to student safety. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.
Sacred Heart of Jesus
This Friday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Our hearts keep us alive. The image of the Sacred Heart with the flaming heart and the crown of thorns is a beautiful and powerful one. It is a heart of love, burning with the light and warmth of God’s love and the love of Jesus.
This love so great that Jesus was prepared to suffer death for us. The heart of Jesus is so full of love that He shares his love and life with everyone, and we should do the same.
Year 6 students will join the Parish for Mass on Friday at 9.30am to celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Everyone is welcome to join.
Catholic Education Week 2025: Communities of Faith, Hope and Love
Celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 313 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos.
Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
The theme for 2025 celebrations is “Communities of Faith, Hope & Love”
Catholic Education Week’s theme works in unity with the 2025 Jubilee Year theme: Pilgrims of Hope. This reminds us of the profound significance of hope and its universal reach.
This year, a scallop shell design has been added to the event materials. The shell is a traditional symbol of pilgrims, highlighting our connection to this journey.
Our school is planning several activities during Catholic Education Week and we hope you are able to join in the celebrations with us. More information will be in our next Newsletter at the start of Term 3.
Celebrating Class Liturgies in Term 2
This term all classes have celebrated a class mass or liturgy. These celebrations are such an important part of the religious life of our school, here at St Joseph’s, as we get to sing and pray together as a community. I would like to thank the many parents, grandparents and other family members who have come along to celebrate these masses and liturgies with the children.
God bless,
Mary MacCallum
Congratulations to everyone on a successful 2025 St Joey’s Athletics Carnival! What an amazing two days everyone had.
On Thursday 19 June, the field events for 10 to 12-year-olds were held at Tolga Oval. Fortunately, the weather held, and several records were broken.
New Records
Event |
Name |
House |
New Record |
12 Year Boys 1500m |
Braith Reghenzani |
Cook |
5:59.43 |
12 Year Girls 1500m |
Claire Parker |
Cook |
6:21.99 |
10 Year Boys Discus |
Hudson Stienstra |
Endeavour |
15.25m |
12 Year Boys Discus |
Max Lloyd |
Cook |
18.05m |
12 Year Girls Discus |
Claire Parker |
Cook |
14.82m |
12 Year Girls High Jump |
Claire Parker |
Cook |
1.26m |
Event Highlights
On Friday 20 June, the sprints, relays, and ball games brought the whole school together. Despite grey skies and cold weather, the events continued with great enthusiasm.
The day began with a spirited march past, with Endeavour taking the win.
Teachers, students, and parents showed great resilience to complete the sprints, relays and ball games in the weather, and Crew emerged victorious in the ball games.
After tallying all points, Endeavour was named the winner of the Athletics Shield and the 2025 Sports Aggregate Shield. Go Endeavour!!
The Principals Award was presented to Maurilio Renzende Silva for being a good sport.
Age Champion Results
Age Group |
|
Name |
House |
10 Year Boys |
Age Champion Runner Up |
Mitchell Jacob Miller Holmes |
Endeavour Endeavour
|
10 Year Girls |
Age Champion Runner Up |
Estelle Turner Cleo Costa |
Endeavour Cook |
11 Year Boys |
Age Champion Runner Up |
Thomas Dowling Cameron Barnes |
Crew Crew |
11 Year Girls |
Age Champion Runner Up |
Ava Portelli Chloe Eakin |
Endeavour Cook |
12 Year Boys |
Age Champion Runner Up |
Braith Reghenzani Lex Bauer |
Cook Crew
|
12 Year Girls |
Age Champion Runner Up |
Claire Parker |
Cook Endeavour |
13 Year Boys |
Age Champiom |
Ned Miller |
Cook |
A massive thank you to everyone who came along, participated, cheered and made the event unforgettable. Special appreciation goes to Mrs Henry whose incredible effort and organization brought it all together so seamlessly.
We look forward to doing it all again next year. Keep that team spirit shining!
Adminstration Officer Position at St Joseph's Church
Administration Officer – Atherton
Location: 28 Mabel Street, Atherton
Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time
Hours: 20 hours per week
Hourly Rate: $29.69 – $31.18 (commensurate with skills and experience)
St Joseph’s Church Atherton is seeking a dedicated and organised Administration Officer to join our team on a part-time basis. This role supports the administrative functions of the Atherton Parish and its neighbouring parishes in Ravenshoe and Herberton.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Parish Priest, the Administration Officer will be responsible for:
- Coordinating church bookings and maintaining parish databases
- Preparing weekly bulletins and liturgical materials
- Managing general office duties and reception tasks
- Supporting parish volunteers and maintaining accurate records
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A high level of discretion and respect for confidentiality
- A sound understanding of the Catholic Church and its Sacraments (e.g., Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Weddings)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email, databases, and web browsers
- A valid Positive Notice Blue Card (No Card, No Start legislation applies).
- Ability to obtain a suitable Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and compassionate individual with the right skills and experience, we invite you to apply. Please submit:
- A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability for the role
- A current resume including references and relevant qualifications
Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 6 July 2025
Apply via: SEEK or the Diocesan Careers Portal only https://cairns.catholic.org.au/about/careers
For further information, please contact our HR department at: hr@cairns.catholic.org.au
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8.15am – 8.45am.
Outside of these times by appointment only.
Online ordering of school uniforms is available via Flexischools. Order online at anytime. Orders will be packed on the next available Tuesday or Thursday morning and given to your child.
For all uniform information please contact:
**Size 14 school jumpers are back in stock**