College Events Calendar

Date	Event
August
3-10	Northern Territory/Tiwi Island Immersion
7-8	South District Athletics Carnival
9	UQ Winter Series Athletics Meet
11	P&F Meeting – Postponed, with new date to be confirmed.
11-12	Yrs 10 & 12 Mt Gravatt Athletics Carnival
12	National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
12	‘An Evening of Gratitude’ event
13	Ekka Holiday (Public Holiday)
14	Student Free Day
15	Stand For Justice Day
15	Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival
18	CBSQ Yr 5 & 6
18-22	Book Week
18-19	Yr 11 Class B, Biology Camp
19-20	Yr 11 Class A, Biology Camp
20	Yr 5/6 Reflection Day
20	Yr 12 ‘50 Days Until Graduation Celebration’
22	Carnival 2 – Multiclass Athletics
25-29	VET Skills Week
28-29	Met East Athletics Carnival
30	HEAL Concert
September
4	Yr 9 Outdoor Ed
5	Student Free Day
8	College Advisory Council Meeting
10	Sport Assembly
10-12	Yr 12 Outdoor Ed Camp
13	UQ Winter Series Athletics Meet
17-19	Yr 9 Camp
17-20	CBSQ Seniors
19	St James College Taster Day
19	Last Day Term 3

 

Leadership Team

Deputy Principal

Kristina Johnson

Mid-Term 3 Newsletter Highlights - Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

As we reach the halfway point of Term 3, there is a sense of excitement and pride at St James. The past week has been filled with exceptional achievements, spirited competition, and meaningful experiences, showcasing the vibrancy of our school community.

This week, a group of our staff and students have journeyed to the Tiwi Islands for the annual Immersion Trip. This unique opportunity offers participants a chance to immerse themselves in the culture, traditions, and daily life of the Tiwi people, deepening their understanding and appreciation of Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage. We look forward to hearing about their experiences and the valuable lessons they bring back to share with us all.

Meanwhile, our girls and boys netball teams have represented St James at the prestigious Vicki Wilson Cup Netball state competition and our Debating teams have also been in action, competing with energy, and enthusiasm. Their willingness to tackle complex topics and their confidence in public speaking are to be congratulated! We are proud of their efforts and the way they represent our College.

A few important reminders for parents, carers, and students:

• Information and the reporting process for any concerns regarding student protection can be found on the St James Website. We encourage all families to be familiar with these protocols.
  https://www.stjamescollege.qld.edu.au/our-college/policies
• If a student is absent or needs to leave school early, parents and carers must use the College app to make an absence entry via the parent portal.
• School policy states that no student is to leave school early to be a spectator at sporting matches, even if watching St James students compete. This ensures student safety and maintains the integrity of our attendance procedures.

Looking ahead, we have a mini break next week: a Public Holiday on Wednesday, 13th August, followed by a Student Free Day on Thursday, 14th August. Please mark these dates in your calendars.

All students are required to attend school on Friday, 15th August for our annual Stand For Justice Day, an important event dedicated to advocacy and linked to our touchstones of justice and solidarity. We look forward to coming together as a community for this meaningful day.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

Assistant Principal – Learning, Innovation, Partnerships & Pathways

Karen Lindsey

Year 12 Update: Preparing for External Examinations

As we move into the final semester, our Year 12 students studying General subjects are currently finalising their IA3 assessments and preparing for their External Examinations, which commence on Monday, 27 October.

It is absolutely vital that students are at school on time every day and attend all scheduled classes. Teachers are putting significant effort into ensuring students are thoroughly prepared, and this support is most effective when delivered in person.

We ask for the support of parents and carers in reinforcing the importance of daily attendance and punctuality during this crucial period. Students have also been reminded that they must attend their timetabled classes.

Please remember that failure to attend an exam requires a medical certificate. The QCAA has strict guidelines about the completion of assessment and these must be followed.

Together, we can ensure our Year 12s are in the best possible position to achieve success in their final assessments.

Around the College

That’s a Wrap on the 2025 Careers Expo!

Tony Ninasivinche

With 40 exhibitors across a huge range of industries like health, trades, defence, aviation, creative arts, universities and more, there was plenty for students to explore. Events like this help spark new ideas and give students a real sense of the options out there, both while still in school and after they graduate.

Every student from Year 5 to Year 12 had the chance to chat with industry reps, ask questions, and start thinking about where their interests might lead them. We hold the Expo in Term 3 to support key moments like Year 10 SET Plan conversations and help our Year 12s get ready for QTAC applications and other post-school pathways.

A big shoutout to all the staff, exhibitors, and student volunteers who made the day such a success. Special thanks to Tate Williams, Lauren Mannion, Gary Junatas, Ojas Watve, Peter Van Lunn and Maintenance teams, and our wonderful Business trainee Esther Silao for their behind-the-scenes efforts!

We’re already thinking ahead to 2026, and with our student numbers growing, we’re excited to make next year’s Expo even bigger and better.

Exploring Travel Careers with Flight Centre

Esther Silao (Yr 11)

On Monday, 4 August, I had the privilege of joining the Flight Centre Travel Academy Global Young Professionals Program at their South Brisbane headquarters. Alongside 14 Year 11 and 12 St James students and peers from Park Ridge and Wynnum State High Schools, we explored exciting career pathways in the travel and tourism industry.

The day featured interactive sessions with industry experts, hands-on activities, and insights into roles such as Airline Cabin Crew, Cruise Attendant, Event Coordinator, and Guest Services Agent. These experiences highlighted the importance of adaptability, communication, and teamwork in customer-focused roles.

This program was both inspiring and informative, sparking my interest in aviation and guest services while deepening my understanding of the industry’s people-first approach.

Students attend Rock Musical and Indigenous Play at QPAC

Michael Harrop

Forty students attended QPAC’s electrifying production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the iconic rock musical. The high-energy performance featured outstanding vocals and dynamic staging that truly brought the show to life. A huge thank you to our Director of Choir, Ms McCarthy, for her efforts in organising this unforgettable experience.

Thirty Indigenous students had the incredible opportunity to attend a powerful performance of The Visitors, an Indigenous play staged at the QPAC Playhouse Theatre. The production was captivating, with outstanding performances that left a lasting impression. A heartfelt thank you to Aunty Trish and Ms Shaw for their invaluable support in organising this culturally enriching experience.

Year 11 Leadership Camp

Nicole Christensen

The Year 11 Leadership Camp at Alexandra Park was an unforgettable three-day experience, offering students the opportunity to grow as individuals, strengthen house spirit, unite as a cohort and to develop their leadership skills.

The students participated in a range of activities from high-energy group challenges to positive affirmation sessions and reflections. The Year 11 cohort approached every task with enthusiasm, respect, and punctuality, bringing a contagious positive spirit that made the camp memorable for both students and staff.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff whose guidance and encouragement ensured the camp’s success and lasting impact.

Student Reflections

Year 11 Leadership Camp was a memorable three-day experience that challenged us to grow as future leaders. Through activities like high ropes and raft building, we developed our teamwork, communication, and resilience. It was a valuable opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and strengthen our leadership skills in meaningful ways. Through this trip we built stronger connections and returned more confident to lead and inspire others that looking after us.

(Roya Abasi)

Camp was such an incredible experience! Everything from the fun and challenging activities during the day to the meaningful reflection sessions at night made it really special. Every part of it was memorable and I honestly loved all of it. 

(Timothy Corney)

Over the past three days, I had a great time with my friends and staff. We did many fun activities together, and I really enjoyed spending time with everyone. The best part of the camp was the beach games. They were exciting and full of energy! The food was delicious, the staff were very kind and caring, and I even made new friends. It was a fun and perfect experience.

(Sakina Jawadi)

St James Participates in Multicultural Australia’s Luminous Lantern Parade

Sue Cameron

Students and staff from St James College lit up the night with their energy and music as they walked in Multicultural Australia’s annual Luminous Parade on Friday night. The Luminous Lantern Parade first began in 2007. What started as a small candlelight march in support of refugees and asylum seekers, has grown to become Queensland's largest celebration of multiculturalism, inclusion, and community spirit.

This year was a particularly special year for us, as we walked with Mira Muliajati-Lay and our friends from the Romero Centre. Our group first met at school to decorate lanterns for the walk and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea together before heading down to Southbank to join the festivities.

The Romero Centre is an incredible community organization in Brisbane that supports people seeking asylum by providing practical assistance, advocacy, and community connection. Inspired by the mission of Oscar Romero, the centre offers services like hospitality, settlement support, English classes, and assistance with housing and employment. It also advocates for the rights and well-being of people seeking asylum. The Centre is always needing donations and support to continue their work. If you would like to help, please go to https://romerocentre.org.au/get-involved/

St James Students Shine at the Ekka Thanks to Multicultural Australia Partnership

Tony Ninasivinche

We are proud to share that several St James College students have been selected to work at the Ekka Festival, thanks to a wonderful opportunity provided by our valued partners at Multicultural Australia.

Youth Employment Advisor Tiffany Chen visited the school to meet with students and recruit young people from refugee backgrounds for paid work at the Ekka. For many of the students, this will be their first time experiencing the iconic Ekka festival.

The students will be involved in a range of roles, including working in the ticketing office, selling food, and distributing showbags at the exhibition hall. This is not only an exciting opportunity to be part of one of Brisbane’s biggest events, but also a chance to gain real-world work experience.

Congratulations to the following students for securing a role:

Rosette Kyozi, Atia Hassan, Alia Hassan, Sakina Rezaie, Hadees Ahmadi, Roya Abasi, and Muskan Gulistani.

If you’re heading to the Ekka this year, be sure to look out for our St James students in action and please wish them well!

Korean Educators Inspired by St James College’s Inclusive Learning

Kaspar Wong

Last Friday, Korean teachers visited St James College to observe our diverse educational culture. They were highly impressed by the comprehensive support our school provides. Ms Megan Waters and Ms Sonja Wise presented how we promote an inclusive learning environment for all students.

The visitors were particularly interested in our approach to supporting students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Ms Suzanne Devonshire explained how our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program helps students achieve academic success while also building their confidence and communication skills. The Korean teachers could understand how our educational programs support student achievement and highlighted our diverse school community, where students from different backgrounds learn, grow, and thrive together. The teachers expressed their appreciation for the welcoming and collaborative spirit at St James College.

Historic Debating Achievement: Year 12 Team Reaches QDU Finals

Tate Williams

We are incredibly proud to congratulate our Senior Year 12 Debating Team on reaching the second round of the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Finals—the furthest a St James team has ever gone in this prestigious competition. This remarkable achievement marks a historic moment for our College and reflects the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students.

In the second round of the finals, our team faced All Hallows’ School, a highly accomplished and formidable opponent. The topic, "That social media platforms should be held accountable for misinformation", posed a significant challenge. St James took the negative side, a difficult position to argue—but one that our students handled with intellect, strategic thinking, and determination.

The team, made up of College Captain Engy-Eltaher Abdalla Gamar, College Vice Captain Mia Jonker, first-time third speaker Sundos Rafik, and Marina Nakure, delivered a powerful and passionate debate. Their teamwork, preparation, and courage under pressure were nothing short of inspiring.

A special thank you must go to Breanna Irwin, who played a pivotal role in coaching and mentoring the team throughout their most successful season ever. Her commitment and support have helped shape not just skilled debaters, but confident, critical thinkers ready to make a difference in the world.

The debate also saw a record-breaking turnout, with over 18 members of the St James community in the audience—a testament to the strong sense of support and solidarity within our College. This spirit of community reflects our commitment to the Edmund Rice Education Touchstones, particularly Justice and Solidarity and Inclusive Community.

With all four team members looking ahead to futures in political science, international relations, and law, we are confident this is just the beginning of their journey as changemakers and leaders. What a powerful and fitting way to end their Year 12 journey.

Congratulations to our debaters—you have made St James history and inspired us all.

Debating News

Suzanne Devonshire

After the Year 12’s amazing efforts in the debating finals, we bid farewell to the Secondary Schools Debating season. Our three wonderful teams – in Years 7, 10 and 12 – have faced topics such as:

• “That we should ban animals in sport” (Year 7)
• “That military leaders should be directly elected by citizens” (Year 10)
• “We regret the rise of fitness influencers” (Year 12)

Special thanks to our debating coaches for their support and guidance: Tate Williams, Breanna Irwin, Ryan Mamauag, Karen Lindsey and Dee Elliott.

Our Year 6 debaters and their Year 5 helpers are just starting their season, taking on Kedron SS on 21 August arguing that “All children’s media should have a happy ending”. We wish them all the best!

Library News - The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure!

Carolyn Whyatt

From Monday 18 to Friday 22 August our SJC Library in will celebrate in Break 1 & 2 with TIME TO READ and be drawn into the countless worlds that books have to offer, as well as enjoy social connection through Adventure themed boardgames; Jumanji and Catan.

In Book Week, school breaktimes in our Library will prioritise reading and face-to-face human interaction, with no phones or laptops. Please see our activity schedule.

We hope families will join us in encouraging your children and youth to set off on a story adventures, experiencing reality and imagination in text, audio or video, accessible as print or digital.

Enjoying books and reading regularly is essential for well-rounded literacy development.

Year 8 Visual Art Students bring Clay Faces to Life

Berenice Anzellotti

Our Year 8 Visual Art students have been exploring the world of clay through a creative and expressive unit focused on clay face structures.

Each student has taken a unique approach, developing their own ideas and concepts to guide their designs. This project is all about individual exploration, allowing students to bring their imagination to life in three dimensions.

Throughout the unit, students have learned and applied a range of clay-building techniques, from shaping and joining to adding texture and detail. After forming their pieces, they moved on to the decorative stage, using underglaze to add colour and personality, followed by a final glaze to give their work a professional finish.

The results are a wonderful reflection of the creativity, curiosity, and growing technical skills of our young artists. We’re proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing what they create next!

Year 11 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation – Assessment Camp

Darin Coombs

The recent Year 11 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation assessment camp truly tested the students' endurance and resilience – and they rose to the challenge brilliantly.

The adventure began on Wednesday afternoon with a 6 km canoe paddle across the stunning waters of Lake Maroon. Thursday was the major endurance day at Lillybrook (Western Trail Head), where students were required to navigate and hike 12 km with full backpacks, locate their canoes, then paddle 8 km to the designated landing point. From there, they donned their packs once again for the final 3 km hike back to the starting location. After completing this intense loop, the group then returned to collect and load all equipment – capping off a demanding 10-hour day. The students displayed outstanding determination, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the experience.

Friday was dedicated to repairing, packing up, and restoring all equipment in preparation for future camps.

Thank you to Mr M Anderson and Miss Nakao for their continued support and assistance. Their dedication helps make these valuable learning experiences possible for our students.

Pirlirrpa Program Students Thrive at Jimmies on the Dam

Erin Shetty

Last Thursday and Friday, students from the Pirlirrpa Program took part in a memorable overnight camp at Jimmies on the Dam— the College’s stunning bush retreat near Boonah. The camp provided an incredible opportunity for students to connect with nature, each other, and themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

From kayaking across calm waters to building and cooking over open fires, students immersed themselves in hands-on experiences that fostered resilience, teamwork, and a sense of adventure. A guided hike through the surrounding bushland gave students the chance to see local wildlife up close and reflect on the beauty of the natural world. We even finished our camp with a visit to the Boonah op shop, where students explored the charm of the small town and picked up some fun, thrifty finds.

The students returned with big smiles, full hearts, and a stronger sense of community. The camp was not just a getaway—it was a powerful reminder of the joy and growth that comes from stepping outside the classroom and into the wild.

Train Travel – Parents Please Help!

Michael Colquhoun

Everyday over 600 St james students travel on the train to and from school with members of the public.

Parents, please encourage and remind your children to be respectful and aware of other passengers on the train and to:

• Avoid loud and aggressive talking or music especially in the quiet carriage
• Absolutely no vaping on the train
• Avoid eating and drinking on the train
• Keep your bags and feet of seats
• Be respectful of other passengers’ space and rights especially toward the elderly and pregnant women.

Note: Antisocial, disrespectful behaviour cannot be tolerated, and consequences for students who breach simple train etiquette will apply.

School Attendance – Everyday Counts

Michael Colquhoun

Being at school every day counts. If your child is absent one day per week, this quickly adds up to two months of missed school in a year.

Note: Students who incur 3 lates in a week made up of late to school, late to class or absent from class are issued with an afterschool community service!

Empowering Communities Through Water Safety

Ryan Chapman

At St James College, we witnessed more than just a swimming lesson — we saw community empowerment in motion.

On Wednesday 23 July, seventeen incredible participants from the Community Swim Project began their journey to becoming qualified swim teachers — delivering water safety and swimming skills in their own languages, for their own communities.

This isn’t just a certification. It’s a step toward inclusion, safety, and long-term change.
Because true drowning prevention starts with culturally responsive, community-led action.

A heartfelt thank you to St James College, City Venue Management, and Aquatic Education for opening your spaces and hearts.

And to the 29 total project participants — you are leading the way forward.

Proudly supported by the Scanlon Foundation and delivered by Ryan Chapman, a staff member of St James College and the Director of Yellow Dove Australia. The Community Swim Project reflects the strength of multicultural communities rising together.

💛 Community isn’t just a word — it’s a thousand smiles, a collective heartbeat, and the courage to rise.

Sport

Sports Report

Michael Anderson

College Interhouse Athletics Carnival 25 July

Tuesday Interschool Sport 29 July

• Year 9 Girls Netball impressive 20-0 point victory
• Year 8 Boys Volleyball continued undefeated streak
• Both Girls Basketball Teams impressive victories with only 4 players on each team

Tuesday Interschool Sport 5 August

• Year 8 Boys Volleyball continued undefeated streak
• Year 7 Boys Football impressive 4-1 win
• Both Girls Basketball Teams picking up wins

Sporting Representatives

QLD
Oliver Hutchison

Met East
Aye Mint Det

South District
Caitlin Thea Balbin
Janae Hutchison Park
Nabil Adam
Jay Haragakiza
Yasir Baku

Football Queensland Boys Q-League
Our Boys’ football teams kicked off their Term 3 Q-League campaign at Mappas Park last Tuesday. The Senior Boys suffered two narrow defeats in heartbreaking fashion, while the Junior Boys showed strong individual and team performances but were unlucky not to secure a result.

Girls Q-League
Our Junior and Senior Girls Football teams represented us proudly at the home of Football Queensland in Meakin Park on Tuesday. The day was filled with great energy and teamwork. A standout moment was the Senior Girls securing an impressive result in their opening game, despite a reduced squad due to College Immersion. Special mention to our talented Juniors who stepped up and played key roles in supporting the Senior team.

U14s School Futsal League
Our Junior Futsal Teams showcased their skills on Monday, 4 August, at the third U14s SFL Gala Day of the year. Students delivered remarkable performances throughout a big day of competition, putting their hard work from training into action against other Futsal schools.

Met East Futsal Trials
It was fantastic to see six students proudly represent both the College and the South District at the Met East Futsal Carnival on Tuesday, 5 August. This marks a record number of participants from our College, highlighting the ongoing dedication and hard work of the coaches and players involved in the Jimmies Futsal Program.
However, a special mention to Year 10 Student Aye Mint Det who was selected in the U16s Girls Metropolitan East Futsal Team. Aye will compete in the upcoming Queensland Representative School Sport championships later this year.

South District Trials

Please come to the Sports Office for more information.

Term 3 Week 5

• Boys Cricket 13-14yrs
• Combined trial on 14 August with Logan District.

Term 3 Week 6

• Girls Cricket 13-14yrs
• Paper Nominations Due 22 August.

Fees

Genevieve O’Sullivan

Please be advised that Term 3 fees have been emailed out this week - if you didn’t receive an email from us, please check your Junk or Spam email folder, otherwise all statements will be accessible via logging in to Parent Lounge.

Term 3 fees are due in full by Friday August 22, however, for those families on fees concessions and/or regular payment plans, please just continue your regular payments as arranged.

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

2025 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.

Notices

Reminder for families:

Please ensure your contact details are up to date on Parent Lounge or contact the College if you need assistance.