College Newsletter Term 3 Week 3 31 Jul 2026
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August | |
| 1 – 7 | Northern Territory / Tiwi Islands Immersion |
| 3 – 7 | International Study Tour |
| 5 | Career’s Expo |
| 7 | Jimmies Ekka Day |
| 11 | Year 11 Semi Formal |
| 12 | Ekka Holiday |
| 13 | Student Free Day - Collaboration Day |
| 14 | Year 10 Retreat Interhouse Sports Day Year 5-9 (S3&4) |
| 17 – 21 | International Study Tour |
| 21 | Year 12 Retreat |
| 27 | BCE ATSI Graduation Ceremony |
| 28 (to 2 Sept) | Year 12 Mock Exams |
| 31 (to 2 Sept) | National All Schools Netball Challenge |
| September | |
| 1 – 3 | Year 11 Outdoor Rec Camp |
| 3 | Stand for Justice Day |
| 4 | Student Free Day |
| 9 – 11 | Year 12 Outdoor Rec Camp |
| 10 | Year 9 Practice Mass |
| 11 | Year 9 Retreat |
| 14 – 18 | Year 9 Camp (1 class per night) |
| 15 | Blue Edge Award Ceremony |
| 15 – 16 | Year 12 Mock Exams |
| 16 – 18 | CBSQ Basketball |
| 19 – 26 | Kiribati Immersion |
Principal’s Update and Welcome Back
Andrée Rice
As we conclude Week 3 of Term 3, I am feeling incredibly proud and energised by the strong and positive start we have made. Students returned from the holidays uplifted by both our wonderful Cultural Night and the outstanding Confraternity results, and there has been a real sense of momentum across the College.
I am also delighted to share that students’ correct wearing of the College uniform has improved significantly this year, alongside marked improvements in punctuality and attendance. This is important progress for St James and reflects our commitment to nurturing a safe, inclusive community with high expectations, where every student is known, engaged and supported to thrive.
How have we achieved this? One of the deliberate and strategic decisions we made this year was to move Homeroom from the start of the day to between Sessions 1 and 2, and we are now seeing the positive impact of that change. Attendance increased from 88.65% in Term 3, 2025 to 91.75% in Term 1, 2026. Average daily lates have decreased by 18.1%, while homeroom absences have reduced by 65.9%. Improved punctuality and increased homeroom attendance create more opportunities for meaningful check-ins, early identification of wellbeing concerns, celebration of success and timely support for students. Thank you to our families for embracing this change and supporting students to arrive on time, ready to engage in their learning from the very first session. It was also wonderful to share these encouraging results with the more than 20 parents and carers who attended our Parent Engagement Meeting this week.
There is also exciting progress on our Junior School Project, currently known as Warren St. We held our first site meeting this week, with Melrose Construction undertaking the build under the guidance of Macksey Rush Architects. Enrolments are now open for Years 5 and 6 in 2027, and I encourage you to share this opportunity with family and friends who may be interested. More than 80 people attended our recent Principal’s Tour, and it was heartening to hear parents speak so positively about the strong reputation and distinctive identity St James continues to build within the wider Brisbane community.
This weekend, 15 students and five staff members will travel to the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory for a First Nations immersion program hosted by Xavier Catholic College, Wurrumiyanga, my former school. As we celebrate St James Feast Day with a beautiful Mass led by Fr Michael Tran, we reflect on the pilgrim spirit of St James and pray that our group experiences a rich and meaningful cultural and spiritual journey. May they return inspired, enriched and motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of First Nations Australians. All of these events are special markers of being a Catholic school and are timely as we celebrate Catholic Education Week this week, a week in which we Share Our Light and Inspire Others!
I also ask you to keep two members of our College Leadership Team in your prayers as they navigate a period of ill health: Ms Kristina Johnson, Deputy Principal, and Ms Kaitlyn Downey, Assistant Principal Students. During Ms Johnson’s absence, Mr Nick Hurley will serve as Acting Deputy Principal. For any student wellbeing matters during Ms Downey’s absence, please contact Mr Yacob Kial, Director of Student Wellbeing. We thank them for their ongoing dedication to our community and wish them both a smooth recovery.
As we reach the middle part of the term, let us take a moment to pray for the health, happiness and wellbeing of every member of our College community. May God bless our students, families and staff with strength, hope and joy, and continue to guide us as we learn, grow and support one another.
Jimmies Ekka Day
Cultural Night Showcase 2026
One Room, Many Cultures
Josateki Tora
The St James College community came together in spectacular fashion at the end of Term 2 for the annual Cultural Night Showcase at ERPAC, South Brisbane. The evening was a vibrant celebration of the cultures, traditions and identities that make our College such a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community.
From the moment the curtains opened, the audience was captivated by an incredible display of talent, pride and cultural expression. Students confidently took to the stage to share traditional dances, music, storytelling and performances that celebrated their heritage. This year was particularly special, with Tuvalu, South Sudan and Tokelau making their debut in the showcase, further highlighting the ever-growing diversity of our College family.
More than a performance, Cultural Night embodied the spirit of Yoonthalla (Unity), bringing together students, families, staff and the wider community to celebrate what makes St James College so unique. The evening was a powerful reminder that while our backgrounds may be different, it is our shared respect, understanding and appreciation of one another that strengthens our community. It was a joyful celebration of belonging, where every culture was recognized and embraced.
A particularly heartfelt moment during the evening was the acknowledgement and farewell of Mr Isikeli Kubunameca, a much-loved and highly respected member of the St James College community. Throughout his time at the College, Isikeli has been a passionate advocate for students and families, creating opportunities for young people to connect with and celebrate their cultural identities. His leadership, kindness and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on our community. We sincerely thank Isikeli for his years of dedicated service and wish him every blessing as he begins this new chapter.
The success of Cultural Night would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity, teamwork and dedication of so many people working behind the scenes. On behalf of the Cultural Night Team, we extend our sincere gratitude to every member of staff who contributed their time, energy and expertise to ensure the evening was such a resounding success.
Whether you were part of the Car Park Crew, Supervision, Security, Markets, Media, Ticketing, Food Production, VIP, Ushering, Teacher Supervision or Productions teams, your willingness to serve in a variety of roles before, during and after the event ensured everything ran smoothly, safely and successfully. From the earliest preparations to the final pack-up, your commitment and flexibility were evident throughout the day and played an essential role in creating such a memorable experience for everyone involved.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our students, performers, cultural leaders, families, volunteers and supporters. Your enthusiasm, dedication and pride transformed the evening into a true celebration of culture and community. Every performance, every conversation and every act of service contributed to an atmosphere of warmth, inclusion and joy that will be remembered for years to come.
Cultural Night Showcase 2026 was more than an event—it was a celebration of who we are as a College community. It reflected the values we hold dear and the strength we find in embracing our diversity. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this year’s Cultural Night such an outstanding success. We look forward to continuing this proud tradition and celebrating our rich cultural tapestry together for many years to come.
Catholic Education Week 2026 – Sharing Our Light
Mathew Silao
This week, St James College proudly celebrated Catholic Education Week 2026, embracing this year's theme, "Share Your Light, Inspire Others." Throughout the week, our College community paused each morning 5 - 10min during Homeroom to reflect on how we are called to be people of faith, hope and service.
Each day, students engaged in a short prayer experience featuring readings, reflection, prayer and short clips, encouraging them to recognise the many ways they can be the light of Christ within our College and the wider community. These moments reminded us that Catholic education is not only about academic success but also about forming young people who lead with compassion, integrity and a commitment to justice.
Our celebrations also reflected the vibrant life of St James College, as we prepared for our St James College Feast Day Mass and celebrated the richness of our diverse community. Together, these experiences highlighted the values that define who we are as a community where every person is known, valued and encouraged to use their gifts in the service of others.
As we conclude Catholic Education Week, we thank our staff, students and families for embracing the spirit of the week. May we continue to share our light and inspire others, not only during this special celebration but in our words, actions and relationships every day.
Excellence Awards Assembly
Karen Lindsey, Assistant Principal: Learning & Pathways
This week, St James College celebrated over 150 students' incredible success in their Semester One Report Card by honouring them in our Excellence Awards Assembly. We were blessed to have over 100 parents join us also; we are incredibly grateful for their support and time.
During the assembly we recognised students who had achieved a majority of As in their Learning Achievement, Application to Learning, or both. We also celebrated the achievements of over 70 students who have undertaken Skills and Training (VET) courses outside of their school studies that has led to them advancing their employability skills. Additionally, 16 St James students were recognised for completing University Headstart programs, which involved them completing a university subject whilst still in high school.
We had two students, Michael Noa Silao, Year 11, and Ari Mueller, Year 12, receive medallions for achieving straight A's across their entire report card. What an incredible achievement.
Congratulations also goes to Amira Ahmat and Sophie Hill who have beat hundreds of applicants across the greater Brisbane region to be selected by a panel of judges as one of the Top 3 in the Metropolitan Region for the Queensland Training Awards! They will attend the awards dinner at Southbank TAFE on Friday 7 August with St James staff there to support them as they seek to win their categories of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander of the Year (Amira) and Equity (Sophie).
The assembly of over 1000 people was thoroughly entertained by a song and dance item by the Asaka Kaisei High School Japanese study tour group, and a Samoan Siva by our own students, Marlee, Fine, Tevania and Losi.
Congratulations to all award-winning students.
St James Feast Day Mass
Mathew Silao
On Thursday 30 July, our St James College community gathered in celebration of our patron saint, St James the Greater, at our annual Feast Day Mass, celebrated by Father Michael Tran. It was a joyful and prayerful occasion that reflected the spirit, faith and diversity of our college community.
The Mass began with a beautiful Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Terika Bonner. Her words were spoken with great respect and sincerity, setting a meaningful tone for our celebration and reminding us of the importance of honouring the First Peoples of this land.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the outstanding singing of Mr David Cantwell. His beautiful rendition of the Responsorial Psalm was both moving and inspiring, earning enthusiastic applause from the congregation. Father Michael Tran jokingly remarked afterwards that he might have to book David to sing at the Cathedral—a compliment that was thoroughly deserved!
Fr. Michael Tran's homily challenged us to reflect on the example of St James and encouraged us to be people of courage, faith and service. His message reminded us that, like St James, we are all called to respond generously to God's invitation and to bring hope to those around us.
This year's Feast Day also marked a special milestone for our College. For the first time, we celebrated a blessing during Mass for the staff and students leaving this Saturday on the Top End Immersion. It was a moving moment as our community prayed for their safety, wellbeing and the relationships they will build throughout their journey. We wish every participant a safe and enriching immersion experience.
Another memorable first was the introduction of our altar server Peter Dang. He carried out his role with confidence and helping the celebration flow beautifully. We look forward to seeing this ministry continue to grow at St James.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our talented choir and beautiful music team, whose accompaniment throughout the Mass created a truly uplifting atmosphere. The choir looked fantastic in their new robes, adding colour and beauty of the liturgy. Their gifts and dedication greatly enriched our celebration.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our student leaders, readers, gift bearers and everyone who contributed to the Mass. The commitment, preparation and willingness to serve helped make this year's Feast Day a memorable celebration of faith and community.
As we continue to walk in the footsteps of St James, may we be inspired to live lives of faith, courage and service, carrying Christ's light into our college and beyond. We keep our Top End Immersion team in our prayers and wish them every blessing for a safe and transformative journey.
Year 11 Leadership Camp
Nicole Christensen – Carey House Dean
From Wednesday 15 July to Friday 17 July, our Year 11 students attended their Leadership Camp at the beautiful Alexandra Park Conference Centre on the Sunshine Coast. Set in a wonderful coastal location, the camp provided the perfect opportunity for students to step away from their usual routines, build new connections and begin preparing for their important role as Year 12 leaders in 2027.
The camp was specifically designed to develop students’ leadership skills while also forming them as individuals, within their Houses and as a Year 11 cohort. Throughout the three days, students were encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another and reflect on the kind of leaders they hope to become.
Students took part in a wide range of activities, including team-building challenges, raft building, the high ropes course and surfing. Despite the cold water, many students bravely gave surfing a go and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! It was brilliant to see students encouraging each other, working together and celebrating one another’s efforts throughout each activity.
The evening sessions, led by Mr Isikeli Kubunameca, were also a powerful part of the camp experience. These sessions provided meaningful opportunities for reflection, growth and connection.
One of the most pleasing outcomes of the camp was the way students formed new friendships and strengthened their sense of belonging. Some students had initially felt unsure about being placed in groups where they did not know many others; however, by the end of camp, many shared that they had a brilliant time and had become friends with students they had not previously known. One student also commented that, since returning to school, everyone is still talking to one another and that it’s great that they got to meet so many new people.
Both the camp management team and the external activities team made a point of commenting on how well-mannered and well-behaved our students were, as well as how effectively they worked as a team. This was wonderful feedback and a credit to the students who represented the College with maturity, kindness and enthusiasm.
I cannot say thank you enough to the staff team who went above and beyond to make this a successful camp: Mr Sam Stocks, Mr Andrew Ebrington, Mr Xavier O’Halloran, Ms Antonia Lu, Mr Randy Thomann, Mr Jackson Trewick, Ms Gracelyn Lee, Mr Ojas Watve, Mr James Gough, Mr Isikeli Kubunameca, Mr Josateki Tora, Ms Mariedelphi Silao, Ms Hounein Dawood, Ms Toni-Lee Tevita, Mr Oliver Smith and Mr Jerry Almencion. Their care, organisation and encouragement helped create a memorable experience for our Year 11 students as they continue their journey towards leadership in 2027.
First Nations
Krystal Beazley
Acacia Ridge NAIDOC Family Fun Day
Each year, one of the highlights on the St James College calendar is the Acacia Ridge NAIDOC Family Fun Day at The Murri School. This special excursion provides our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the opportunity to celebrate NAIDOC Week alongside families, community members and local organisations in a vibrant and welcoming environment.
The day celebrates culture, connection and community through live performances by First Nations artists, cultural activities, amusement rides, community stalls and local support services. It is a valuable opportunity for our students to strengthen connections, celebrate their identities and enjoy a memorable day with the wider community.
A huge thank you to The Murri School for hosting this wonderful event each year, and to our First Nations Working Group and all staff whose support, encouragement and collaboration helped create such a meaningful and unforgettable experience for our students.
Key Dates of Cultural Significance
Throughout the year, we recognise important First Nations and reconciliation events that celebrate culture, honour history and inspire us to learn, reflect and walk together. Explore the upcoming dates and discover ways our St James community can get involved.
Upcoming Events:
- QATSIF Graduation – Tuesday 28 July (QUT)
- Tiwi Islands Cultural Immersion – 1–7 August
- BCE First Nations Graduation Liturgy 2026 - 27 August
Key Cultural Dates:
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day – Tuesday 4 August
The 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme is Living Our Truth, honouring the power of truth-telling, the sharing of knowledge across generations and the importance of telling our stories.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, held each year on 4 August since 1988. The day is led by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak body representing children, young people and families, and is an opportunity for all Australians to recognise and celebrate the strength, pride and potential of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Join the nationwide celebration on Tuesday, 4 August 2026!
How to get involved:
Children’s Day is a community-led national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Sharing your celebration helps amplify the voices, strengths, joy and experiences of children, families and communities across the country, and contributes to a wider national recognition of the importance of culture in children’s lives.
You can:
- register your event online, so your celebration is visible to others and contributes to the national picture of Children’s Day activities happening across the country,
- share photos, stories or videos on social media from your event to showcase how your community is celebrating children (make sure you tag SNAICC),
- highlight children’s voices, perspectives and experiences, to make sure children are centred in how the celebration is represented and shared, and
- connect with your community and networks by sharing what you did, what you learned and how you came together to celebrate children, culture and community.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, a school activity, a cultural event or a large community celebration, every Children’s Day celebration matters.
Register your event, share your stories and help celebrate the strength, culture and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across the country.
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
As Term 1 drew to a close, the St James College community proudly launched its 2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations, embracing this year's theme, '50 Years of Deadly'.
The celebrations began with a whole college assembly featuring an Acknowledgement of Country, prayer and inspiring student reflections. Laura Mills, Cindy Wylie Coolwell and Kahlani Homer shared thoughtful insights into the importance of recognising and celebrating the strength, resilience, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Staff and students also participated in an interactive Living Library, exploring the history and significance of NAIDOC Week through a roving exhibition, short video and meaningful yarns. These experiences encouraged our community to deepen its understanding of First Nations histories, cultures and perspectives, setting the tone for a memorable week of learning, connection and celebration at St James College.
A heartfelt thank you to our First Nations Working Group, Cultural team, staff, Ambassadors, students and allies whose dedication, collaboration and support made these cultural activities possible. Your commitment created meaningful opportunities for our community to learn, connect and celebrate together.
Welcoming New Students Through First Nations Stories and Culture
St James College recently welcomed both short and long-term international students as part of the Term 3 Orientation Program.
A highlight of the program was the First Nations Living Library session, hosted by the College's Cultural Team, Indigenous Cultural Liaison, Wellbeing, Advocacy Officer Krystal Beazley with the support of First Nations Ambassador DJ Fox and Yr 9 student Johnny Hawkes.
The session provided students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and stories, while learning about significant celebrations and the many ways they can engage with First Nations initiatives and cultural experiences across the College.
By fostering cultural understanding and meaningful connections from the beginning of their journey at St James College, the program helps create a welcoming and inclusive community where every student can learn, grow and belong.
International Immersion Program
Sue Huang, Tiffany Nguyen, Lisha Song & Kaspar Wong
Study tour from Hong Kong and Japan – Sue Huang & Tiffany Nguyen
Our St James community was pleased to welcome students and staff from Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College in Hong Kong and Asaka Kaisei High School in Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan.
Both groups spent a week at St James, experiencing our multicultural and welcoming school community. It was wonderful to see the visiting students build friendships with our St James students, participate in classes, and become part of school life. Students and staff from both schools were impressed of our support, care, and hospitality they received during their stay.
As part of their visit, students from Asaka Kaisei High School performed a J-pop dance for our school community, giving students and families an opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture. We thank our partner schools for their ongoing support of cultural exchange and global citizenship.
The study tour concluded with a farewell party, where students celebrated the friendships and memories they had made during the week. There was plenty of laughter, photos, and a few happy tears as everyone said goodbye. The strong connections formed during the visit made the farewell especially meaningful, and we look forward to welcoming our international friends back to St James in the future.
Bem-vindos! Welcome Students from Brazil, India, China and Taiwan! – Lisha Song & Kaspar Wong
Olá, como estás! Bem-vindos! Our St James community is excited to welcome students from Brazil, India, China and Taiwan.
This semester, a group of Year 11 Brazilian students has joined St James through a Brazilian Government scholarship program. They have come to Australia to improve their English and experience Australian education. Many of the students are from regional areas and are enjoying the opportunity to study in Brisbane and experience life at a multicultural city school.
We have also welcomed 11 short-term students from Taiwan and China, as well as five long-term students from India and China. During their time at St James, they will improve their English, learn about Australian culture, and make new friendships with our students.
To help them settle in, the students took part in a two-day induction program, where they were introduced to the College, met staff and students, and learned about Australian and First Nations cultures. We look forward to seeing them become active members of the St James community and make the most of their time with us.
Year 10 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation Adventure Camp
Darin Coombs
Our Year 10 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation students recently completed another successful adventure assessment camp, putting their outdoor skills, resilience, and teamwork to the test.
The camp began with a 6km canoe paddle across the picturesque Maroon Dam before students tackled a challenging 15km hike carrying full expedition packs to Cronan Creek Falls in Mt Barney National Park. Along the way, students demonstrated excellent navigation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the spectacular scenery of one of South East Queensland's most beautiful national parks.
After setting up camp, students prepared their own meals and spent the night sleeping in swags under the stars, gaining valuable experience in remote camping and self-sufficiency. The camp presented a range of conditions, providing an authentic outdoor experience and reinforcing the importance of planning, adaptability, and perseverance.
Throughout the three-day expedition, students completed practical assessment tasks required for their Certificate II qualification. They approached every challenge with enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to support one another, making the camp a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Congratulations to all students on their outstanding efforts and for representing the school with such maturity and pride. A sincere thank you also goes to Mr H. Mitchell and Ms Nakao for their support and commitment throughout the camp.
Bell Shakespeare Theatre Incursions
Michael Harrop
On Wednesday, 15 July 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting an incursion by the Bell Shakespeare Company. Throughout the day, our Year 5, 6, 7 and 9 students enjoyed two engaging performances that brought Shakespeare's works to life. The productions were outstanding, and the energy and enthusiasm in the theatre were truly inspiring. We look forward to welcoming Bell Shakespeare back to St James College in the future and to continuing to support our students by attending their productions across Brisbane.
Year 10 Griffith University Business Ambassadors Excursion
Selina Liu
In Week 3, our Year 10 Business students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Griffith University Business Ambassadors Program at the Nathan Campus.
Throughout the day, students explored the world of business, finance, and economics through a range of engaging workshops and hands-on activities. They had the chance to experience Griffith University’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Business Trading Room, where they were introduced to professional financial market software used by industry experts. Students also gained valuable insights into careers in business and learned more about the pathways available through university study.
Our students represented St James College exceptionally well. They demonstrated outstanding behaviour, actively participated in discussions and activities, and showed genuine curiosity by asking thoughtful questions throughout the program. It was wonderful to see them embracing new learning opportunities and engaging with university staff and student ambassadors.
Experiences like these help students connect classroom learning with real-world applications, while encouraging them to think about their future education and career aspirations.
We are incredibly proud of how our students represented our school and thank Griffith University for providing such an inspiring and informative experience.
Yr 11 Legal Studies Excursion to Law Firm
Noa Silao (Year 11 Legal Studies student)
Recently a group of Year 11 and 12 legal studies students visited Clayton Utz, one of Australia’s leading commercial law firms, as part of the Beacon Foundation High Impact Program, which helps senior students prepare for life after school.
We began with a panel of lawyers sharing their career journeys and it was reassuring to hear that very few of them followed a straightforward path into law; one even spent time in the army first. Their stories helped many of us realise that the choices we make now don’t have to define the rest of our lives.
We then moved into a networking lunch, where our group got talking to a few lawyers about their day-to-day work. We found it interesting how different their paths and daily routines actually were, even within the same firm.
The day finished with a mock interview, where everyone was one-on-one with a lawyer. Once the formal part finished in my mock interview, the lawyer shared stories from both his career and his life outside of it and I came away knowing him far better than I expected. It completely changed my perception of the profession. I had gone in assuming lawyers were all business, but he revealed a much more human side to the career. I learned that some of the best professionals are simply genuine people.
That conversation stuck with me more than anything else and I realised it wasn’t the job titles I remembered, it was the people who held them. It was a valuable experience that gave many of us a greater insight into the legal profession and the many pathways that can lead there.
Regional WorldSkills Competition - Etta wins bronze
Congratulations to Etta, who has added another impressive achievement to her growing list of successes by winning a bronze medal at the VETiS Regional WorldSkills Competition.
This outstanding result reflects Etta’s dedication, hard work and determination. Her commitment to developing her hospitality skills and performing at a high standard has been rewarded through this fantastic achievement.
The St James College community is incredibly proud of Etta and the way she represented the College. We also thank Ojas, Etta’s Hospitality Trainer, for representing the College and for his encouragement, guidance and support throughout the competition.
Congratulations, Etta.
QUT Future You Summit
Students Explore Their Future at QUT
Year 12 students Rainal N and Sani V represented St James College at the QUT Future You Summit during their school holiday break. They joined more than 300 Year 11 and 12 students from across Queensland to explore university life, meet academics and tackle real-world challenges. Sani’s group pitched an app connecting women in Afghanistan with digital healthcare services. Rainal’s group developed an app responding to demand for electric vehicle charging stations and specialist servicing. The four-day experience helped students build confidence, discover new strengths and imagine future study and career pathways.
Learning About Australian Democracy
This week, Sara Wallace, Assistant Electorate Officer from Senator Murray Watt’s office, visited St James College to deliver a civics education session for recently arrived students and students from refugee backgrounds. The presentation explored Australian democracy, the Constitution, the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, and the importance of free and fair elections. Students were encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and consider how laws and government affect their lives. This session marked the beginning of a partnership. The next visit will take students to Senator Murray Watt’s office to explore careers in politics, government, policy, communications and the public service.
Women in Engineering (WE) Explore Engineering Day
Catalynne McAllister
Five of our Year 9 and 10 students recently represented St James College at the Women in Engineering (WE) Explore Engineering Day at The University of Queensland on 17 July. Tony and Lauren interviewed students across Year 9 and 10 and selected Eleanor Lucas, Marlee Ah Dar, Caitlin Balbin, Mia Vatu and Cassie Zhao to attend this prestigious event. Our students showcased their creativity, problem-solving skills and teamwork as they collaborated with UQ Engineering Ambassadors through a range of hands-on first-year engineering workshops.
Throughout the day, students explored the six major engineering specialisations offered at UQ—Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechatronic, Mechanical and Software Engineering—while learning about the many exciting pathways available within each field. Highlights included building mechanical hands in the Biomedical Engineering workshop, as well as designing and constructing floating houses during the Civil Engineering workshop. It was a fantastic opportunity to inspire our future female engineers and explore the exciting world of engineering!
Students Discover Future Pathways at UniSQ
St James College students recently participated in UniSQ Discovery Days, an on-campus experience designed for students to explore pathways and careers. Each student selected three hands-on workshops based on their interests. Choices included aviation, rocket science, earthquake engineering, paramedicine, biomedical science, filmmaking, teaching, sport and exercise, share trading, surveying and First Nations STEM. Through these practical sessions, students identified skills, talents and strengths they enjoy using while learning about careers connected to them. The experience encouraged students to think more confidently about their future study options and the pathways that could lead to rewarding careers and work.
Upcoming Tertiary Open Days and Careers Expo
Open days are a great opportunity for students and families to visit campuses, explore courses and facilities, speak with staff and current students, and learn more about university and TAFE pathways.
A comprehensive list of upcoming careers events, including dates, times, locations and registration details, can be found on the St James College Careers Hub: https://stjamescollegecareershub.com/important-information/calendar-of-events
Football
Michael Anderson
Primary School Met East SEQ Football Playoffs
The St James College Year 6 Boys Football Team proudly represented the College at the Met East SEQ Primary School Football Playoffs. Facing a strong Camp Hill State School side, the boys displayed outstanding resilience, teamwork and determination throughout the match. Their commitment was evident as they consistently put their bodies on the line, defended courageously and never gave up despite relentless pressure. While the final score ended in a 4–0 defeat, the team’s effort, sportsmanship and positive attitude were commendable. Congratulations to all players on an impressive performance and for representing St James College with pride, character and respect.
Football Queensland Q-League Boys
The St James College Junior and Senior Boys Football Teams commenced their Football Queensland Q-League Schools Term 3 campaign with an outstanding first match day, demonstrating skill, determination and excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition. Both teams represented the College with pride, competing strongly against quality opposition and embracing the challenges of the day.
The standout performance came from the Junior Boys, who secured a memorable 1–0 victory over Islamic College Brisbane. In a match defined by resilience, discipline and relentless effort, the team produced an exceptional performance, defending courageously while creating opportunities in attack. Every player contributed to a hard-fought win that showcased the group's commitment and teamwork.
This historic victory marks a significant milestone for the Junior Boys program and is one that will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to both teams on an excellent day, and we look forward to their continued success in their final match day later this term.
Fees
Dear Parents and Carers,
Term 3 fees are due in full this Monday August 3rd, however, 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.
Term 3 fees were emailed out on July 20th - if you did not receive an email from us, please check your Junk or Spam email folder. However, all statements are accessible via logging in to Parent Lounge, and clicking 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-students
Should you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at finance@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au or 3230 8600.
All prior fees are now OVERDUE - 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.
Kind regards,
St James College Finance Team