Key Dates

Date	Event
February
9	Yr 7 & 10 Immunisations Yr 5, 6, 7 and New Students Family Information Evening, 5.30pm–6.30pm
10	Welcome Lunch for Newly Arrived Refugee Students
11-13	Yr 11 Cert II Outdoor Education Assessment Camp
13	Opening School Mass, 10am–12noon
16-18	Yr 12 Retreat
16	Yr 10 Immunisation
18	Ash Wednesday | College Assembly
19	Yr 10 Parent Information Evening 5.30pm – 6.30pm
20	College Interhouse Swimming Carnival, Valley Pool
23	Mary Rice House Breakfast, 7.30am – 8.30am
24	Carey House Breakfast, 7.30am – 8.30am
25	Hogan House Breakfast, 7.30am – 8.30am
26	Long House Breakfast, 7.30am – 8.30am
27	School Clean Up Australia Day Interhouse Sports Day Yr 5-9, Session 3 & 4
March
4-6	Yr 12 Cert II Outdoor Education Assessment Camp
6	International Women’s Day Lunch
10	Yr 6 Bright Future STEM incursion
11	NAPLAN (Writing)
12	NAPLAN (Language)
13	NAPLAN (Reading)
16	NAPLAN (Numeracy)
17	Rugby League SBT Boys Pre-Season Challenge
19-20	Pirlirrpa Camp
20	National Day Against Bullying and Violence
23	International Study Tour (Japan)
24	Rugby League NRL RISE Girls’ Gala Day
25	Sports Assembly YLAA Middle School Leaders Conference
26	Yr 5 & 6 Retreats
27	Harmony Day | Asian Festival
30-31	Yr 5 Camp, Jimmies on the Dam
31	Yr 6 Camp, Jimmies on the Dam
April
1	Yr 6 Camp, Jimmies on the Dam Rugby League League Stars Challenge (Primary)
2	Easter Liturgy St James Taster Day for Browns College Yr 12 Formal Last Day of Term 1
13-15	EREA Football (Nudgee College)

Leadership Team

Principal
Andrée Rice

Welcome to the 2026 school year! Students have settled in very well and there is a wonderful sense of excitement about what lies ahead. We have just welcomed 200 new students and their families to our dynamic, real-world school! I trust new parents and carers will already have experienced the Jimmie’s ‘brand’ of warmth and inclusiveness and are looking forward to partnering with us to support your child/children. We won’t always get everything right, but we will do our best to meet your young person’s needs. My main message to parents/carers is to please let people know if something needs working out or fixing up; if we don’t know about it, we can’t help.

We have all been impacted by the very distressing Australian and world events over the summer holidays and I want to pay my respects to and extend the College’s deepest sympathy to the Australian Jewish community in particular. St James stands against racism and against discrimination in every form and in being part of this College, our young people experience the transformative effect that a culturally diverse school offers. They know their neighbour as they know themselves. What rich social capital we build here; our graduates will be co-creators of a better world for all.

It’s such an incredibly good news story that all 4 of our highest 2025 ATAR recipients come from non-English speaking backgrounds – China, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Pakistan. They have experienced social cohesion at our school, and this has enabled them to flourish in their educational and personal outcomes. I shared with the families at our Excellence Awards that 21% of our ATAR eligible students received an ATAR of 80 or above. Please help us to get the word out there that every student regardless of postcode, gender, cultural background or sexuality can reach their potential at Jimmies!

I wish your families and your young people a settled and peaceful start to the school year.

Deputy Principal
Kristina Johnson

A warm welcome all our families to St James College, especially those joining us for the first time, and we extend a welcome back to our returning community.

To support clear and effective communication, we remind families of the following points of contact. For day-to-day matters, your child’s Homeroom Teacher is the first point of contact via email. For questions related to classroom learning, assessment or subject-specific matters, please contact the relevant Subject Teacher via email. For student wellbeing concerns, families are encouraged to connect with their child’s House Dean or Assistant House Dean via email. For any important queries or concerns not listed above, families are welcome to contact the College directly via phone or email.

As an Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) school, our work is guided by the Touchstones, which shaped how staff commenced the year through Professional Development and Learning. Our focus areas are aligned with the College’s new Strategic Plan, Faith and Transformation, underpinned by our 2026 theme, ‘Yoonthala – Unity’. Staff were deeply engaged in a thought-provoking spirituality day led by Fr Richard Leonard SJ, reinforcing our shared purpose and commitment to community.

A strong emphasis was also placed on Student Wellbeing and Engagement, including a presentation from Wellio, our proactive, whole-school wellbeing program. Additionally, staff continued their work in Impactful Learning for Life, with a focus on our pedagogical framework, Teaching for Thinking, to support deep learning and student voice.

We look forward to working together throughout the year to achieve positive, future-focused outcomes for every student.

Assistant Principal – Identity & Global Advocacy
Isikeli Kubunameca

Year 10 Mass Instruction

Our Year 10 cohort has begun their journey of deepening their understanding of the Mass and their role as leaders within our faith community. During recent Mass and Liturgy preparations held at St Patrick’s Church, Mr Silao and Ms Dawood guided the cohort through format of a Mass to ensure students are ready to participate meaningfully in our upcoming Open School Mass celebration.

This instruction focuses not only on the structure and symbolism of the Mass but also on nurturing a spirit of service, reverence, and leadership. As senior students in our middle years, Year 10s play an increasingly visible part in modelling engagement and respect during communal worship.

Waitangi Day – Honouring Cultural Partnership

This week, we also recognise Waitangi Day, a significant day for Aotearoa New Zealand. For our St James community—including students and families with strong Māori and Pasifika ties—Waitangi Day invites us to reflect on themes of partnership, justice, and reconciliation.

It offers a timely opportunity to deepen our commitment to cultural understanding, celebrate the story and strength of tangata whenua, and enrich our practices of inclusion and respect within our community.

Opening Mass at ERPAC – Friday 13 February, 10:00am

Our school year is officially marked by the Opening Mass and Commissioning Ceremony, held at the Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre (ERPAC) on Friday 13 February at 10:00am. This significant gathering brings together staff, students, and families to entrust the year ahead to God’s guidance. We look forward to welcoming Archbishop Shane Mackinlay as celebrant, joining us in prayer for a year of growth and unity.

Year 10 Camp Reflection

Our Year 10 students recently engaged in their Camp at Emu Gully. It was an opportunity designed to challenge them, build resilience, strengthen friendships, and deepen their sense of identity as young leaders within our St James College community. Following on from their Mass instruction on Tuesday, the camp experience forms an important part of their formation journey.

Over two days, students stepped outside the familiar rhythms of school life and into an environment that encouraged teamwork, courage, and self‑discovery. From physically demanding challenges to moments of stillness and reflection, Year 10s were invited to push beyond comfort zones, support their peers, and recognise the strengths within themselves. Wednesday night as part of their reflection and in line with our liturgical year of Prayer, students, wrote and shared their prayers first for themselves and for others. It was an uplifting and affirming experience for all.

The reflections shared by students expressed gratitude for friendships strengthened, pride in overcoming challenges, and appreciation for the supportive environment created by staff. Many spoke about discovering confidence they didn’t know they had, and others recognised how stepping away from daily routines helped them reset, focus, and prepare for the year ahead.

As we look forward to the continuing formation opportunities for Year 10—including their upcoming retreat days—we celebrate their efforts, growth, and the spirit they bring to the College community. Their camp experience is more than a memory; it is a foundation for the leadership, wellbeing, and faith journey they will continue to build together.

Assistant Principal – Students
Kaitlyn Downey

Thank you for the warm welcome to the St James community over the past few weeks. I am looking forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming school events this term. Please take a moment to read the reminders below and support students in adhering to college expectations.

Structure of the School Day

Please note that the structure of the school day has changed this year. The day now begins with Session 1 at 8:45 am. Students were reminded during last week’s college assembly that they should aim to arrive on campus by 8:30 am to allow for any unexpected delays.

Students whose attendance falls below expectations will work with the Wellbeing Team to address this.

Daily Timetable

• Session 1: 8:45am – 9:55am
• Homeroom: 9:55am – 10:10am
• Session 2: 10:10am – 11:20am
• Break 1: 11:20am – 11:55am
• Session 3: 11:55am – 1:05pm
• Break 2: 1:05pm – 1:40pm
• Session 4: 1:40pm – 2:50pm

Uniform Expectations

Students are expected to wear either the formal school uniform or the sports uniform each day. Hoodies and training shirts are not part of the school uniform and should only be worn during co-curricular training sessions.

Students are also reminded that they must wear a hat during break times if they wish to play in the open courtyards. If your child has misplaced the hat issued last year, replacements are available for purchase from the uniform shop.

Assistant Principal – Learning and Pathways
Karen Lindsey

Celebrating Excellence

This week, our Excellence Awards were a wonderful celebration of student achievement from Semester 2 2025. It was particularly special to welcome back three of our highest ATAR achievers, Mitra Hussaini, Basira Hazara, and Ava Bradshaw, whose presence inspired our current students and reinforced the value of hard work and perseverance. Thank you to the many parents and supporters who made the time to attend and share in this important occasion.

Deeper Learning Through “Teaching for Thinking” in Our Classrooms

This year, teachers across the College are continuing to embed Teaching for Thinking strategies into their classrooms, assisted by Dr Yael Leibovitch from the University of Queensland. Lessons are being designed to incite student engagement at the start, provide more opportunities for students to work collaboratively and share their thinking during the lesson, and a reflection on learning at the conclusion of the class. A strong body of educational research shows that these approaches lead to greater student engagement, improved learning outcomes, and stronger wellbeing.

Research also indicates that when laptops are used as the primary tool for learning, rather than simply a tool, student engagement and outcomes decline. For this reason, technology is being used purposefully and selectively in classrooms. It is very important to note that students who require assistive technology will, of course, continue to be supported to use this whenever it is needed. We appreciate the partnership of parents as we prepare all students for their future worlds of work and social engagement.

Around the College

NAPLAN
Tim Spina

• Writing - Wednesday 11 March
• Language Conventions - Thursday 12 March
• Reading - Friday 13 March
• Numeracy - Monday 16 March

NAPLAN is a national assessment that provides information about students’ literacy and numeracy achievement at a point in time. In Queensland, NAPLAN data supports schools to evaluate teaching and learning programs and monitor student progress in line with the Australian Curriculum. At St James College we expect that all students participate. Please note that reasonable adjustments are available to enable equitable access, and are provided based on individual student needs, consistent with QCAA and ACARA guidelines.

Withdrawals: Parents/carers can withdraw their student from the tests by notifying the school in writing before the test date. Withdrawal is intended as an option to acknowledge religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing.

Exemptions: Students may be exempt from one or more tests if they have a significant disability or are newly arrived from a non-English speaking background.

If you would like to discuss these options for your student please contact the following staff as soon as possible:

• Year 5 - Mr David Tan dtan@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 7 - Ms Sonja Wise swise@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 9 - Ms Megan Waters mwaters@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au

Please note that we will be conducting a practice session during Week 5 (23-27 February) with all students to ensure that they are able to access the online NAPLAN platform and are familiar with the process.

EREA National Young Leaders Gathering
College Captains - Emma Corbett and Khalid Ali Adrisa

The EREA National Young Leaders Gathering took place at Rostrevor College in Adelaide from 19–22 January. We found the experience incredibly eye‑opening and gained invaluable insights into how we can grow and prepare as leaders in 2026.

A key theme of the program was “looking at the world outside our windows,” inspired by Blessed Edmund Rice’s work in Waterford. Just as Edmund Rice looked beyond his own surroundings to recognise and respond to the suffering around him, we learnt that leadership calls us to notice the needs in our community and use our influence to make meaningful change.

During our time in Adelaide, we were welcomed onto the land of the Kaurna people, where Rostrevor College is located. We were privileged to learn from Aboriginal Elder Uncle Tamaru, who emphasised the importance of caring for Country and the responsibility leaders hold in teaching Aboriginal history truthfully and ensuring culture continues to be respected and preserved.

The program also gave us the opportunity to meet inspiring young leaders from EREA schools across Australia. Connecting with like‑minded students was both empowering and humbling. Even among such capable peers, there was a strong sense of support rather than competition. A key personal takeaway was the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones, an essential part of taking action and following the example of Jesus and Edmund Rice.

We are grateful for this opportunity and for the trust placed in us in our leadership roles. We look forward to working with our school community throughout the year and hope to help make 2026 a positive and memorable one.

Yr 12 Students Thrive in UQ WRIT1999 Summer Program
Tony Ninasivinche

Five Year 12 students from our College, Xavier, Yalda, Phoenix, Tharu and Charlotte, recently completed WRIT1999 at the University of Queensland as part of the Enhanced Studies Program (ESP) Summer Semester. Delivered as a one-week intensive from Monday 12 to Friday 16 January 2026, the course immersed students in university-level learning while building their academic writing, critical thinking, and confidence.

Yalda shared, “The program helped me understand how different courses operate, how to manage my workload, and how to approach assignments and exams with more confidence.”

All students spoke highly of the experience and finished the course feeling motivated, supported, and better prepared for their future university studies.

Year 12 Legal Studies Court Excursion
Jacinda Coburn

Year 12 Legal Studies students recently had the valuable opportunity to attend the Supreme and District Courts, gaining first-hand insight into the operation of the criminal justice system. This real-world learning experience allowed students to move beyond the classroom and see the law in action.

While at the courts, students sat in the public gallery in an active courtroom and witnessed key stages of criminal proceedings. Highlights included observing the empanelment of a jury and listening to the Prosecution’s opening address on the first day of a murder trial. These moments gave students a deeper understanding of courtroom procedure, legal roles, and the seriousness of criminal law in practice.

Students also observed the sentencing of a drug trafficking case, providing a clear example of how courts apply legal principles and determine penalties when delivering justice. Seeing sentencing take place helped students connect legal theory with real consequences and outcomes.

Overall, the excursion was a fantastic and engaging experience that strengthened students’ understanding of criminal law and the justice system. It was an invaluable opportunity to see how legal concepts studied in class operate in the real world.

Year 9 Rite Journey
Sophie Conlon

Our Year 9 girls began their journey with a lesson focused on togetherness, connection, and acceptance. We created a Yarning Circle, inspired by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tradition which promotes inclusion, diversity and collaboration, and the College theme for the year, Yoonthala: We are one in one place. This began with one student sharing something about herself, then anyone who related or connected raising their hand and the yarn being passed along. This created a growing web that became a physical representation of the connections within the group.

Students then spent time connecting with themselves by creating “mini-me” figures, representing who they are and what they bring to the journey ahead. These will be proudly displayed in our Rite Journey space as a reminder of identity, belonging, and growth. We are so excited to walk alongside the Year 9’s on this journey and watch them grow in confidence, connection, and self-understanding.

China Study Tour Farewell
Vivienne Ng

We were thrilled to begin Term 1 by welcoming our study tour guests to St James. The week was truly memorable as we hosted 11 wonderful students and two accompanying teachers from China for an enriching three‑day visit from 4-6 February.

Their days with us were filled with engaging experiences, weaving together cultural exchange, immersive programs, and real‑world learning. The tour broadened their understanding of life in Australia and helped create friendships and memories that will stay with them long after they return home.

A heartfelt thank you to all our teachers, study buddies, and students for warmly welcoming our visitors into your classes. Your enthusiasm and support made the experience enjoyable, engaging, and full of laughter for everyone involved.

We look forward to meeting more new friends through upcoming study tours during the year.

Sport

Rugby League Excellence Program
Blake Henley

We are thrilled to kick off the 2026 season with our Rugby League Excellence program, and we're proud to introduce the coaching team that will be guiding our students toward success on and off the field. Our team of coaches brings a wealth of experience, qualifications, and a shared passion for developing our players to reach their full potential:

• Brenko Lee – First XIII Boys Head Coach and Former NRL, Origin and Tonga representative. Brenko’s professional career ensures that our players will receive world-class coaching, focusing on technical skills, mindset, and leadership.
• Ana Fotu – First XIII Girls Head Coach. Ana brings extensive knowledge and experience in women's rugby league, inspiring and developing the next generation of female athletes with a strong focus on teamwork and resilience, having recently returned from touring with the NZ Kiwi Ferns, and winning an NRLW premiership with the Brisbane Broncos.
• Brandon Finnegan – First XIII Girls Assistant Coach. Brandon works alongside Ana, providing invaluable support and guidance to our female athletes, fostering growth both on and off the field. Brandon currently plays for the North Devils in the Hostplus Cup.
• Tahnae Hunter – Year 9/10 Boys Coach and Excellence Development Mentor. Tahnae is dedicated to nurturing both the athletic and personal growth of our young players, ensuring they become strong, well-rounded individuals.
• Blake Henley – Rugby League Coordinator and our Year 9/10 Girls Coach. Blake oversees the program, ensuring that all aspects, from coaching to personal development, align with the high standards we set for our students. He is currently at North Devils assisting the Harvey Norman U19 Girls.
• Bella Satui - Bella, a BMD player for the Brisbane Tigers, is dedicated to developing young female rugby league players. She focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and confidence, creating a positive and inclusive environment where players can grow both on and off the field.
• Lachlan Taylor – Strength and Conditioning Head Coach. Lachlan’s expertise in fitness ensures our athletes are prepared physically to perform at their best. Lachlan is the North Devils Strength and Conditioning coach.

With this exceptional team at the helm, our students are in expert hands. The 2026 season will not only focus on refining rugby league skills, but also on building leadership, discipline, and teamwork. We are excited to see our students thrive and achieve their personal best this year. We also warmly welcome our newest recruits in the Year 7 and 8 Rugby League Excellence class, who were introduced to the strength and conditioning side of Rugby League this week.

Fees

Genevieve O’Sullivan

Please be advised that Term 1 fees will be emailed out at the end of this week. If you do not receive an email from us by the weekend, please check your Junk or Spam email folder. However, all statements will be accessible via logging in to Parent Lounge and clicking on the Accounts & Payments tab at the top of the page.

For those families who have Direct Debit authorities recommencing this year, your first payments have commenced or will commence in the next fortnight (as per the email sent out on 23rd January). If you would prefer your payments to be debited from your account on a different day, please let us know, and we will amend this for you.

For those families on fees concessions or regular payment plans, please just continue your regular payments as arranged – this includes CentrePay, Direct Debit and BPAY.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to apply for a fees concession, please contact us for a confidential discussion and application.

2026 Tuition Fees information can be found on our website here: https://www.stjamescollege.qld.edu.au/enrol/domestic-students

Should you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at finance@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au or 3230 8600.

Please note that non-payment of fees and no contact with the College to discuss a payment plan or fees concession may result in referral to an external debt collection agency. We strongly encourage you to reach out to the Finance Department as soon as possible if you are experiencing difficulties with your payments, so we can assist in finding a solution.

Queensland Government School Transport Assistance

The Queensland Government provides assistance with school transport costs for eligible students travelling to and from school under the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS).

STAS assistance is available for all government funded bus and ferry services (including TransLink and qConnect services). Assistance is also available for rail travel (City Rail and G-Link) and private vehicles travel subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria such as:

General eligibility criteria

Students may be eligible for school transport assistance under certain circumstances if they:

• Have parents/guardians who are residents of Queensland.
• Attend an approved school or alternative program approved by the Department of Education.
• Are younger than 19 years of age.
• Are seeking transport assistance to and from one address only.
• Make a minimum of two trips per week via the nominated transport mode.
• Are in families that possess a Centrelink Pension, Healthcare or Department of Veterans Affairs concession card.

More information and online application can be found here: STAS Application Link

Notices

Reminder for families:

Please ensure your contact details are up to date on Parent Lounge or contact the College on 3230 8600 or school@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au
if you need assistance.