College Newsletter Term 2 Week 9 19 June 2026
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June | |
| 19 | Last Day of Term 2 |
| 22 | School Futsal Championship Open Girls |
| 22 | Senior & Junior Boys B Sides Titans Competition |
| 24 | National Schools Girls Rugby League Senior A |
| 24 | Open Boys A Side Broncos Competition |
| 24 | Rugby League Gee/DeVere Cup Boys Senior A & 10A |
| 24 | Rugby League Schoolboy Trophy |
| 24 | Yr 9-10 Boys Broncos Competition |
| 25 | St James College Cultural Night, Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre, South Brisbane |
| 28/6-3/7 | QISSN/QISSRL |
| July | |
| 13 | Term 3 Commences |
| 13 | Senior & Junior Boys B Sides Titans Competition |
| 14 | Yr 11 Retreat |
| 15 | National Schools Girls Rugby League Senior A |
| 15 | Open Boys A Side Broncos Competition |
| 15 | Rugby League Gee/DeVere Cup Boys Senior A & 10A |
| 15 | Yr 9-10 Boys Broncos Competition |
| 15 | Yr 9-10 Girls Titans Competition |
| 15-17 | Yr 11 Cert II Outdoor Education Assessment Camp |
| 15-17 | Yr 11 Camp |
| 15-17 | Yr 8 Camp |
| 16 | Junior Girls Rugby League Gala Day Yr 7/8 & Yr 9/10 B |
| 20 | Senior & Junior Boys B Sides Titans Competition |
| 20-29 | International Study Tour |
| 20-22 | Yr 11 Outdoor Camp |
| 21 | Yr 8 Retreat |
| 21 | Blue Edge Program (7am – 8.30am) |
| 21 | Yr 11/12 Drama Theatre Excursion, QPAC |
| 22 | National School Girls Rugby League Senior A |
| 22 | Open Boys A Side Broncos Competition |
| 22 | Rugby League Gee/DeVere Cup Boys Senior A & 10A |
| 22 | Yr 9-10 Boys Broncos Competition |
| 22 | Yr 9-10 Girls Titans Competition |
| 23 | Blue Edge Program (7am – 8.30am) |
| 23 | Interhouse Athletics Carnival (Age Champions) UQ |
| 24 | St James Feast Day Liturgy (9am – 10.10am) |
| 24 | Interhouse Athletics Carnival (All Students 10.10am – 2.50pm) UQ |
| 24-26 | All Schools OzTag |
| 27-31 | Catholic Education Week |
| 27 | Yr 11/12 HSSA Health Incursion |
| 27 | Senior & Junior Boys B Sides Titans Competition |
| 27 | School Advisory Council Meeting |
| 28 | Blue Edge Program (7am – 8.30am) |
| 28 | Griffith Business Schools Program |
| 28 | Yr 9 Wellbeing PCYC Guest Speaker |
| 28 | Parent Engagement Meeting, 6pm |
| 29-31 | Pirlirrpa Camp |
| 29 | National School Girls Rugby League Senior A |
| 29 | Open Boys A Side Broncos Competition |
| 29 | Rugby League Gee/De Vere Cup Boys Senior A & 10A |
| 29 | Yr 9-10 Boys Broncos Competition |
| 29 | Yr 9-10 Girls Titans Competition |
| 29 | College Assembly Semester 1 2026 Excellence Awards |
| 30 | Blue Edge Program (7am – 8.30am) |
| 30 | Parent/Teacher Interviews Online1(1.40pm - 7pm) |
| 31 | Yr 11/12 HSSB Health Incursion |
Leadership Team
Principal
Andrée Rice
As we come to the end of Term 2, we take a moment to acknowledge with gratitude the extraordinary contribution of Mr Isikeli Kubunameca, who will be leaving St James after 21 years of dedicated service to our College community.
Mr K (to use the students’ affectionate term) has been, in every sense, a giant of a person in the life of St James. His presence, vision and conviction have helped us to see further and to become better versions of who we can be, both individually and as a community.
At the heart of Mr Kubunameca’s work has always been his deep and genuine care for young people, coupled with high expectations and a strong belief in everyone’s potential. Students experience him as a passionate and thoughtful teacher who challenged them to think deeply, gave generously of his time, and made them feel known, safe and heard. Former students continue to return to St James seeking him out to say hello!
In his role as Assistant Principal Culture, Identity and Advocacy, Mr Kubunameca has shaped the culture and narratives of St James. He has championed culture, identity and belonging, encouraging every member of our community to take pride in who they are and where they come from. His influence is evident in the growth of Cultural Night and in the way he has enabled our College to become a lighthouse school for equity, diversity and inclusion.
Mr K’s contribution has extended far beyond the school gates. Through initiatives and partnerships such as immersions to Indigenous Australia and Kiribati, the Brekky Van, the Romero Centre, Tech One, ERA for Change and the Kokoda Challenge, he has ensured that Jimmies is visible in the community as a force for compassion, justice and action. In doing so, he has brought the Edmund Rice charism to life, showing our young people what it means to stand with others and use their gifts in service of a better world.
Mr Kubunameca is leaving St James to take up a Deputy Principal position at Victoria International School of Sharjah – Kalba in the UAE. While we will miss him greatly, we are immensely proud of this next step in his leadership journey. We send him on his new journey with every good wish for the next chapter.
As we farewell Mr K, we are also pleased to welcome Ms Elizabeth Readford as Assistant Principal Culture, Identity and Advocacy, and we congratulate Mr Mat Silao on his appointment as Director of Culture, Faith Studies and Advocacy. I know both will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Mr Kubunameca and the Identity and Culture Team.
We are farewelling a couple of other staff this term and wish to acknowledge their significant contribution to the life of the college. Mr Atem Atem leaves us after outstanding service as a Cultural Liaison Officer for students from African cultural backgrounds. Atem is a St James past student and has been a superb role model for countless students throughout his six years at the College. He will continue to coach sport on a casual basis. We also thank and farewell teacher Mr Ryan Mamauag, and wish him every blessing and success for the future.
As we move into the holiday period, I extend my best wishes to our Confraternity and Basketball teams as they prepare to compete. We know they will represent St James College with pride, dignity and character, and we wish them every success.
Wishing all our families a safe, restful and happy holiday period and we look forward to welcoming you back to school on Monday 13 July.
QISSRL/QISSN Sponsorship
The College wishes to acknowledge the following organizations for their generous support of our student athletes competing in the 2026 Confraternity QISSRL and QISSN Carnivals – Higgins, KPMG, McInnes Wilson Lawyers, SB Quality Cleaning, Watmek Services.
St James College – Term 2, 2026 Review
Deputy Principal Kristina Johnson
Term 2 at St James College has been a vibrant and inspiring chapter in our school year, marked by outstanding student achievement, rich cultural celebration, and a strong sense of community.
Our students demonstrated tremendous commitment and sportsmanship across a wide range of competitions. From Rugby League to the QC Cup, Vicki Wilson Netball, Big 6 Basketball, and the Football and Futsal Championships, our teams represented the College with pride, determination, and excellence. We wish our Rugby League and Netball Teams the very best heading into the holidays as they participate in Confraternity QISSRL and QISSN - thank you to the staff who are giving so generously of their holidays to be with the students during this time.
Within the College, the spirit of friendly rivalry came alive this term, through Interhouse Choir and Dance Competition and Interhouse Sports Days. These occasions showcased not only talent but also the unity and enthusiasm that defines our school and the Jimmies Spirit!
Beyond the classroom, students embraced opportunities for challenge and growth. The Brisbane Kokoda Challenge tested our young people in new ways - we could not have been more proud than we were seeing our young students push themselves to extremes in rough terrain and weather - they supported and encouraged each other and showed what it means to resilient and living the ethos of Edmund Rice - saying thank you to our staff seems nowhere near enough but thank you Mr Tan, Ms Mourtiz, Mr Trewick, Mr Damico, Mr Denaro and Ms Cameron.
The Year 7 Camp, Year 9 Retreat, and Outdoor Assessment Camps provided valuable experiences in personal development, reflection, and connection with others.
Our commitment to cultural awareness and inclusivity was evident in a number of significant events. Africa Day, Refugee Week, National Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week offered important moments of learning, respect, and recognition.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our staff. We extend our sincere gratitude to all teachers and support staff for their unwavering commitment throughout the term. In particular, we acknowledge those who generously gave their time beyond the classroom—rehearsing after school, tutoring students, supporting weekend events, staying overnight on camps and retreats, driving buses, and accompanying teams to and from competitions.
Your willingness to go above and beyond, often at the expense of time with your own families, reflects the deep care and passion you bring to our College community. Your efforts make a lasting difference in the lives of our students, and we are profoundly grateful.
As we reflect on a busy and successful Term 2, we celebrate not only the achievements but also the strong sense of community that continues to make St James College such a special place.
I hope your holidays are blessed, restoring and full of love. With gratitude, good spirit and a touch of Edmund Rice courage - thank you for all that we’ve shared and all that lies ahead.
Assistant Principal - Students
Kaitlyn Downey
On Monday 1 June, our Year 12 students marked an exciting milestone as they celebrated 100 days remaining in their schooling journey at St James College. The celebration provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their time at the College, capture memories with photos, and share messages of gratitude, encouragement and inspiration with one another. Of course, no celebration would be complete without some cake, which was enjoyed by all.
As our Year 12 cohort enters the final months of their secondary education, it was wonderful to see them take time to acknowledge how far they have come and the friendships and experiences that have shaped their journey. We look forward to supporting our Year 12 students throughout their final terms at St James and celebrating many more milestones with them along the way. A special thank you to Mr Stocks and our student leaders for their efforts in organising this memorable event.
Around the College
Strengthening Global Connections Through Indonesian Study Tour
Sue Huang
It has been a valuable and rewarding experience for both the St James community and our individual buddy students to host 20 students from Al Azhar 1 Junior High School in South Jakarta, Indonesia, for a five-day Study Tour from 26 May to 1 June 2026.
Throughout their visit, our guests participated in an immersive learning program that provided numerous hands-on educational experiences and opportunities to connect with St James students through our buddy system. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the visiting students and teachers, who greatly appreciated the warm welcome and supportive environment they experienced during their stay.
On their final day, the Indonesian students performed a range of traditional Greeting Dances for our teachers and students. The traditional costumes and dance movements carried special cultural significance, representing the diverse regions from which they come. Indonesia is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, with more than 17,000 islands, over 700 local languages, and more than 300 ethnic groups.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with Indonesian schools.
Sphero Challenge: Students Navigate the World of Coding
James Denaro
Year 7 and 8 Digital Technology students in Mr Denaro's class at St James College have been embarking on an exciting journey into robotics through their Sphero maze project. Students designed and created their own mazes, then challenged themselves to code their Sphero robots to successfully navigate through them. Through this hands-on project, students applied their understanding of interfaces, logic, sequencing and problem-solving, while also testing, debugging and improving their programs along the way. The project encouraged creativity, persistence and collaboration, helping students build the confidence and mindset needed to think like programmers in a rapidly changing digital world.
St James Chess Club
Lino Bartilomo
The Junior Saint James Chess Team recently competed in their first interschool chess tournament. Twelve students in three teams from Year 5 and 6 represented the College with enthusiasm and determination, gaining valuable experience against strong opposition from other schools. While our results were mixed, the teams performed admirably and should be proud of their efforts.
A special thank you goes to the organisers of the Gardiner Chess Tournament for providing such a well-run and enjoyable event. We would also like to commend all team members for the excellent sportsmanship they displayed, showing respect, encouragement and integrity both at the chess boards and throughout the day.
We look forward to building on this experience and seeing our young chess players continue to develop their skills in future competitions.
Celebrating Student Success in State Honours Ensemble Program
Michael Harrop
Year 9 student Ambrose Hall (Alto Voice) and Year 7 student Tessa Brittan (Tenor Saxophone) recently performed as part of the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) at Griffith University Conservatorium.
This is a highly regarded music program that brings together talented young musicians from across the state. Ambrose and Tessa were nominated by our music staff - Brodie McAllister, Chelsea Stutchbury and George Waqairagata in recognition of their musical ability and commitment.
After speaking with both students following the event, it was clear they had an incredible experience. They thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside other talented musicians and found the program both inspiring and rewarding.
Congratulations to Ambrose and Tessa on this outstanding achievement and thank you to our music staff for supporting and encouraging our students to pursue these valuable opportunities.
Living Library Event Inspires Connection and Pride
Krystal Beazley
Staff from the Cultural, Identity and Advocacy Team, Josateki Tora and Krystal Beazley, together with senior students from St James College, recently attended this year’s Living Library event at All Hallows’ School, held in recognition of National Reconciliation Week and its theme, All In.
The experience was both inspiring and thought-provoking, providing a meaningful opportunity for our school community to deepen its understanding of reconciliation. Staff and students engaged with community Elders, leaders and local organisations, while also connecting with peers from neighbouring schools in a shared space of learning and respect.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity to participate in rich cultural experiences, including yarning circles, storytelling with Elders, cultural practices and discussions around future pathways. These moments fostered genuine connection, reflection and learning for all involved.
The event ignited a strong sense of pride and confidence among our students, while also deepening cultural understanding and awareness for our staff. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to listen, learn and walk alongside one another in the spirit of reconciliation.
St James College extends its sincere thanks to the organisers for creating such a meaningful and impactful event. We look forward to continuing these connections and to sharing future opportunities to learn and grow together as a community. This experience stands as a powerful example of Yoonthala, Unity, in action.
A few reflections from the students: - Lennox Vitale, First Nations Senior Student and Ambassador
“I learnt a lot from the living library evening, and I think we can bring back a lot of the things we learnt into our college so other students can expand their knowledge on First Nations history and what Sorry Day means and represents.”
NAIDOC Week 2026 - Theme: 50 Years of Deadly
Dates: 5 - 12 July (same dates annually) | Celebrating: 15 - 19 June
Krystal Beazley
For five decades, NAIDOC Week has provided an opportunity for communities across Australia to recognise and celebrate the strength, culture and voices of First Nations Peoples. Within our school, it is a time to come together in reflection, learning and respect.
The 2026 theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, invites us to acknowledge the leadership, resilience and contributions of those who have shaped the journey over generations. It honours the guidance of Elders, the work of community leaders and organisers, the creativity of artists, and the strength of communities who continue to carry culture forward.
For our students, NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity to deepen understanding and connection. It encourages us to listen, to learn and to reflect on the stories, histories and perspectives that continue to shape our shared future. It also highlights the importance of pride in identity, culture and belonging.
As a school community, we recognise the role we play in supporting this learning. We are committed to creating spaces where culture is respected, where First Nations students feel a strong sense of belonging, and where all students are encouraged to grow in awareness and understanding.
This week also reminds us to look ahead. It is about supporting young people to walk proudly in their identity, strengthening connections to culture and Country, and continuing the journey towards equity and respect.
As we mark Fifty Years of Deadly, we reflect on the past, acknowledge the present and look to the future with a shared commitment to learning, respect and meaningful action.
We encourage all members of our community to engage with NAIDOC Week in ways that are thoughtful, respectful and informed, and to take this opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate together.
For more information or to get involved, please click here: Link
Year 10 Students Explore Future Pathways at Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
Tony Ninasivinche
On 28 May, all Year 10 students attended the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the Year 10 SET Plan process.
During their SET Plan lessons on Tuesday, students prepared for the event by researching exhibitors and creating personalised plans to guide their exploration of career, training, apprenticeship, traineeship and university pathways.
Students met with employers, training organisations, universities and industry representatives from across Queensland.
Year 10 student Kassidy said, "I learnt about roofing and that there are lots of jobs in this area. To become a roofer, I need an apprenticeship. I'll probably choose to study Certificate I in Construction next year."
Thank you to Tim Spina, Lauren Mannion, Jennifer Ashby, Megan Waters, Peter Van Lunn, Hamish Mitchell, Tran Nguyen-Duc, Jacob Poyser, Nicole Johnson, Elisha Ward Couto, Jennifer Couto and Evonne Toloi for supervising and supporting students throughout the day.
St James College Students Celebrate VET Success
Tony Ninasivinche
St James College Year 12 students are celebrating outstanding Vocational Education and Training achievements, with several students completing school-based traineeships that have launched their career journeys.
Imogen completed her Certificate III in Business with the Department of Health, noting that "the most challenging thing was learning how people in the workplace think differently, when presenting new policies, people absorbed information in their own ways." Imogen's plan is to continue into full-time employment with the Department of Health.
Zakius earned his Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance through the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, saying: "I have gained practical skills such as maintaining client medical files, observing and assisting in therapy sessions, and learning how to adjust treatment approaches to meet individual needs. Zakius' plan is to continue his studies into Clinical Exercise Physiology.
The college was also delighted to hear from 2025 graduate Lele, who has continued building on her VET success, progressing from her Certificate II in Salon Assistance into a Certificate III in Hairdressing at TAFE.
Zanetta Okoduwa nominated for VETis World Skills Competition
Lauren Mannion
Year 11 student Zanetta Okoduwa has been nominated for the VETis World Skills Competition in Commercial Cookery, taking place on the June 23. Etta is undertaking TAFE at School and has received glowing feedback from her trainers, each week since she began in February. The competition gives Etta the opportunity to showcase her skills in a battle against other apprentices across Brisbane, all attempting to bring home a medal, armed with spatulas and artistic flair.
Etta says of the competition, ‘I am very excited for World Skills, it’s going to be nerve-wracking and exciting, but I think I’ll crush it.’
We think so too, Etta – best of luck!
Health Students Attend Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Forum
Antonia Liu
Our Health Services students recently attended the Metro North Health and Children’s Health Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Forum. The event highlighted the importance of working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes.
Students gained valuable insights into culturally safe practices, community engagement, and the role that community voices play in shaping health services and priorities. The experience provided a meaningful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of cultural safety and the importance of delivering person-centred care within the healthcare sector.
Trade Skills Centre Activities – Term 2
David Hopper
It has been a busy and rewarding term in the Trade Skills Centre, with students across multiple year levels engaging in hands-on learning experiences.
Year 11 and 12 Construction classes have been working in small groups to build half-size wall frames. They have developed skills in interpreting house plans, measuring and cutting timber using a drop saw, and safely operating power tools. Students have also been introduced to the safe use of nail guns to assemble frames, preparing them for further construction work next term.
Our Year 9 Design and Technologies students have been busy manufacturing wooden fold-up stools. This project involved interpreting plans, measuring, cutting, drilling, and sanding, with students thoroughly enjoying the practical nature of the task. Some also explored creativity by using the laser engraver to personalise their designs.
The college continues its strong partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) as a Gateway School for 2026. This term, CSQ provided valuable opportunities for students in Years 9–12 to learn about future careers in construction.
Students attended a “Try-A-Skill” day hosted by Hutchies in the head office at Milton, where they participated in hands-on activities and gained insight into career pathways, including those requiring university study.
Guest speakers from CMC Engineering and Unity (Cross River Rail) shared their experiences with Year 11 students, offering valuable advice about entering the civil construction industry and highlighting pathways into these in-demand roles.
A Virtual Reality (VR) experience was another highlight, allowing Years 9–11 students to explore construction worksites, interact with tradespeople, and gain insight into different trades in an immersive environment.
Overall, students have shown strong engagement and enthusiasm, making the most of the learning opportunities available in the Trade Skills Centre this term.
Spelling Stars Shine in Round 2 Showdown!
Yacob Kial
The College Spelling Bee continued this week with Round 2, following a highly competitive first round held within each Homeroom. In Round 1, students tested their spelling skills against progressively more challenging words, with the top three spellers from each Homeroom earning a place in the next stage of the competition.
Round 2 saw these talented students come together in the Hall to represent their Homerooms and compete against their peers. Participants faced an even greater challenge as the words increased in difficulty, showcasing their preparation, confidence, and impressive spelling abilities. At the conclusion of the round, the top three spellers from each House were selected.
Congratulations to all students who participated and represented their Homerooms and Houses so well. We now look forward to the Grand Final, where our House finalists will compete at the next College Assembly to determine the 2026 College Spelling Bee Champion.
Year 12 Modern History Excursion
Callan Wiseman
Week 7 was already a busy week for our Year 12s at St James but there was still work to do for our Year 12 Modern History students who recently spent a productive and inspiring day at the State Library of Queensland. Students took part in a specialised research workshop designed to sharpen their academic skills ahead of their IA3 historical essays based on research.
Students were guided by library staff through strategies for locating, evaluating and organising high‑quality sources, both within the library’s physical collections and through its extensive digital databases. This hands‑on session gave students a clearer understanding of how historians work with evidence and offered a valuable taste of the expectations they will encounter at university.
With their new skills in hand, students then spent the remainder of the excursion independently gathering sources for their IA3 investigations. This year’s inquiry focus, fear and paranoia during the Cold War, sparked a diverse range of student topics. From the global significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the domestic anxiety fuelled by McCarthyism, and the psychological impact of the Korean and Vietnam Wars on the American psyche, students have chosen rich and challenging areas of study.
The excursion not only strengthened their research capabilities but also built confidence, curiosity and independence, all essential qualities for success in their final year and beyond.
Year 12 Outdoor Recreation Assessment Camp
Darin Coombs
Last week, our Year 12 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation students completed their assessment camp in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. Over three days, students endured more than 72 hours of continuous rain while successfully completing all practical assessment requirements.
The camp included an 8km kayak paddle on Maroon Dam and a 15km hike along the Western Trail at Lake Wyaralong. Despite the cold, wet weather and difficult conditions underfoot, students demonstrated outstanding determination, resilience, and teamwork throughout the experience.
Each evening, students slept in swags, managing their equipment and personal comfort while adapting to the persistent rain. These challenging conditions provided valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving skills, self-reliance, and a positive attitude in the outdoors.
The students should be commended for their effort, perseverance, and support of one another. They represented St James College exceptionally well and should be proud of the resilience and teamwork they displayed throughout the camp.
2026 Kokoda Challenge
Sarah Mouritz
As the 2026 Kokoda season draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey it has been for both our staff and students. After four months of training, which began in late February, our students finally tackled the 2026 Brisbane Kokoda Challenge on Saturday 13 June.
This year, we had three teams participating in the 48km event and two teams participating in the 18km event, which was a new challenge for St James. Arguably, this year's course was one of the toughest we have faced due to a week of consistent rain leading up to the event. The river crossings were rushing, and the already steep inclines became slippery and muddy, making for extremely challenging conditions.
Our two 18km teams were led by the strong and experienced Mr Tan, the dependable Mr Denaro, and the patient Mrs McCarthy. The teams comprised Lukey Dimech, Kevin Nolan, Hugo Brittain, Ari Dimech, Ronin Harley, Serenity Oakley-Dunning, and the experienced Isabella Stuart-Adams. These students, who are only in Years 6 and 7, should be congratulated on this remarkable achievement. Not only did they complete a physically demanding event, but they also demonstrated patience, resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout the course. We could not be more proud of you all.
For our 48km teams, it was a true adventure. Our students displayed incredible endurance as they navigated steep inclines, rushing rivers, mud, darkness, and rain. As the wise Mr Damico said, "Kokoda is not just about finishing. It is about what happens when things become difficult. It is about how you respond when you are tired, sore, wet, frustrated, nervous, or unsure if you can keep going. It is about whether you continue to support the people around you when you are struggling yourself."
We would like to congratulate Team 1, led by our energetic and incredibly fit Mr Damico and comprising Chris Fowler, Miles Heads, Kaua Prata De Andrade, Patrick Curry, and William Wang. Team 1 was the first St James team across the finish line, arriving just after 9:00 pm. Spending approximately 13 hours on the course, they achieved an outstanding result given the difficult conditions and obstacles they overcame together.
Team 2 was our second team to cross the finish line, arriving shortly after midnight after more than 17 hours on the course. Led by the patient Mr Trewick, who somehow makes it all look easy, the team comprised Riley Nolan, Jacob Jamandijevic, and Cameron Robertson. To hike for such an extended period through darkness, cold, and rain demonstrates an extraordinary level of endurance and the determination to get across the line.
Our final 48km team, Team 3, did not quite make it to the finish line, but they came incredibly close. Led by our dedicated "pacer", Ms Sarah, and comprising of Mia Vatu, Taha (Mohammad) Hosseini, and Archer Dean, the team was forced to withdraw at Checkpoint 5, just 10km from the finish line, due to injuries sustained by two of the walkers. Having spent more than 16 hours on the course, much of it in darkness and heavy rain, their effort was nothing short of remarkable. I could not be prouder of the mental toughness, resilience, and determination shown by this team. While they did not reach the finish line, their achievement should not be measured solely by that outcome. They came incredibly close to their goal and demonstrated everything that Kokoda stands for.
Completing Kokoda would not be possible without our incredible support crew, led by Ms Cameron and assisted by many wonderful parents. They kept us fuelled, encouraged, warm, and motivated throughout the event. Whether it was a kind word, a fresh pair of socks, a hot drink, or a bag full of snacks, their support made all the difference. We are so grateful for the time, energy, and care they invested in helping us reach each checkpoint and, ultimately, the finish line.
Finally, thank you to all the staff at St James for your support and encouragement throughout the season. Special thanks to Ms Rice and Ms Downey for coming to see us off at the start line on a cold and misty Saturday morning, and to our sponsors, TechnologyOne, for their continued support year after year.
We are also proud to have raised close to $5,000 for the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this worthy cause. Your generosity helps make a real difference in the lives of young people and ensures that the values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations. Faithful Forever!
Sport
Big 6 Basketball Tournament
Kirron Byrne
Over the weekend three St James teams qualified for the Big 6 Finals Round at Somerset College. With St James represented in the Open Boys, Open Girls and Sophomore Girls this was a fantastic showcase of school basketball, with St James teams competing strongly across all divisions. The highlight was the Junior Girls, who delivered an outstanding performance to claim the Championship, defeating Somerset in an impressive Grand Final display of teamwork and composure. The Senior Boys fought hard throughout the competition but were ultimately defeated by King’s in their final fixture. Meanwhile, the Senior Girls showed great resilience, going down narrowly to Hillcrest Christian College in a tightly contested game. Overall, it was a highly successful tournament that reflected the strength and spirit of St James basketball.
Netball
Eliza Hoelscher
Vicki Wilson Regionals
On 4 June St James students showcased their talent at the Vicki Wilson Regionals with four teams competing: Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Boys, and Senior Girls. All teams played with enthusiasm and teamwork, making the day exciting for everyone. Although none of the teams qualified for the State Championships this time, their efforts and sportsmanship were commendable. The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain experience and represent our school proudly. We congratulate all players for their hard work and positive attitude. We look forward to more competitions and continued growth in future events!
Indoor Secondary School Championships
St James College made a fantastic debut at the Indoor Secondary School Championships, entering the competition for the very first time. We fielded two mixed teams from Years 9 and 10 — St James Maroon and St James Gold. Both teams performed exceptionally well, making it all the way to the Grand Final. In a thrilling match, St James Gold took the points and claimed victory over St James Maroon, after Maroon had beaten Gold during the round robin stages – a great turnaround! The day was filled with excitement, teamwork, and school spirit. Special congratulations to Kingston Peris, who was awarded Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance. We are incredibly proud of all our players for their effort and sportsmanship. This memorable day has inspired us to continue building on our success in future competitions!
QISSN
The countdown to QISSN has begun! The tournament kicks off on 29 June, with the Opening Ceremony happening on Sunday 28 June at St Laurence’s College. The ceremony will precede the matches at Nissan Arena, where the action will be intense and exciting. St James has two teams entered: our Senior Girls, who are in Division 1 and aiming to go deep in the competition, and our Boys team, who are seeking their 5th straight win! It promises to be a huge week of games, with many matches played across the tournament. Our playing group is well-prepared and focused on representing our school with pride. We wish all our teams the best of luck and thank the staff for their dedication in supporting and looking after our players throughout the event. Go St James!
Strength & Conditioning
Lachlan Taylor
Our Strength & Conditioning program continues to build strong momentum across all sports as we move towards an exciting period of competition.
Our Senior Boys and Girls Rugby League teams have been working exceptionally hard in the gym, showing great commitment as they prepare for the upcoming Confraternity Shield in the first week of the school holidays. Their focus on strength, power, and physical resilience is laying a strong foundation for performance on the field.
The Junior Boys and Girls Rugby League athletes have also been putting in consistent effort, with a strong emphasis on developing their physical qualities. These sessions are aimed at preparing them to transition confidently into the senior programs next year, both physically and mentally.
It has also been great to see our Basketball and Netball athletes regularly attending gym sessions each week. Their dedication to improving strength, movement quality, and overall athleticism will play an important role in meeting the demands of their respective sports.
We are proud of the effort and professionalism shown by all students involved in the program.
St James Volleyball
Hamish Mitchell
Volleyball continues to gain momentum at St James College, with growing numbers of students joining both our Boys' and Girls' programs. Training takes place twice a week, with a strong focus on developing fundamental skills, game sense, teamwork, and confidence, providing students of all experience levels with the opportunity to improve and enjoy the sport.
As the program continues to grow, students will have opportunities to test their skills through local round-robin competitions against other schools. Looking further ahead, our volleyball community is working towards the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast this December, an exciting goal that is helping to drive the development of our players and program.
New players are always welcome, and we encourage any students interested in learning the game to get involved.
Keeping Your Family and Student Information Up to Date
Gabrielle Johnston
Parents and Guardians,
We kindly ask that you keep the College informed of any changes to your family or student’s contact details or circumstances. Having accurate and up‑to‑date information is essential for several important reasons:
· Duty of Care: To support your child’s wellbeing and educational pathway, we must have current details relating to medical needs, learning support, living arrangements, court orders, parenting agreements etc.
· Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, it is vital that we can reach the correct parent/carer and/or nominated emergency contact without delay.
· Government Reporting Requirements: Schools are required to provide accurate information for State and Federal Government census reporting, as well as to governing bodies such as Edmond Rice Education Australia (EREA) and Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL). This includes address details, visa and residency status, and other relevant data.
Please take the time to check your Parent Lounge dashboard and ensure all contact details are current. For all other updates, please email studentservices@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au and provide any relevant supporting documentation (e.g. new visa or residency documents, court orders etc.)
Your cooperation ensures we can provide the highest level of care and meet our legal obligations. Thank you for your ongoing support.
FEES
Genevieve O’Sullivan
Please be advised that all fees are now OVERDUE – unless you are on a regular payment plan via Direct Debit, BPAY or CentrePay, or have an approved plan in place with us. If so, please just continue your regular payments.
To check your current balance, or access your statements, please log in to Parent Lounge and click on the Accounts & Payments tab at the top of the page.
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-student
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.
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.