Key Dates

Date	Event
September
8	Working at EREA Colleges Event
10	Sport Assembly
10-12	Yr 12 Outdoor Education Camp
12	Special Education Football Carnival
13	UQ Winter Series Athletics Meet
15	College Advisory Council Meeting
17-19	Yr 9 Camp
17-20	CBSQ Seniors
19	St James College Taster Day
19	Last Day Term 3
October
2-5	QLD All Schools Athletics Championships
6	King’s Birthday Public Holiday
7	Term 4 Commences
9	College Photos (including Sport & Yr 12)
10	Yr 10 Immunizations
10	Yr 12 Outdoor Ed
10	Formula High School Challenge, Lakeside Park
17	College Awards Presentation Evening
20	College Advisory Council Meeting
24	Last Day for Year 12 Students
27	P&F Meeting
29-31	Yr 11 Outdoor Education Camp

Leadership Team

Principal
Andrée Rice

Despite challenging events, our community continues to inspire. As the leader of a Catholic school in the tradition of Edmund Rice, it was distressing to witness the anti-immigration gathering in the heart of our city on Saturday. In speaking to our richly multicultural staff this week, I pointed out how such gatherings and sentiment fly in the face of Catholic Social Teaching such as option for the poor, solidarity with the one human family life and the dignity of every person - let alone contradicting the multitude of Vatican and papal statements dedicated to supporting and protecting refugee and asylum seekers and enabling all people to flourish and partake in the common good.

A few St James College staff members heard Sr Nathalie Becquart address the topic of Synodality at the Brisbane Catholic Professionals lunch last week where she stressed the interconnectedness and interdependence of all people regardless of where they live or who they are: "Synodality is the walking together of Christians with Christ and towards God's kingdom, in unity with all humanity."

When we are confronted with images and realities such as this march then, we can draw hope and heart from the wisdom and guidance of Church teachings that tell us in no uncertain terms that we are all one people, loved equally by God and we have an obligation to act justly and love tenderly. I was greatly uplifted to see our choir perform as pre-concert entertainment before the Missy Higgins concert on Saturday night, a concert to benefit the amazing work of HEAL (and our own Mrs Sue Cameron), an award-winning mental health service employing expressive therapies to support the wellbeing and trauma recovery of young people from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds. Our singers brought great joy, many smiles and proud cultural expression to the huge audience. Thanks to our brilliant choir led by Ms Breanna McCarthy, Ms Chelsea Stutchbury, Mr George Waqairagata and Mr Brodie McAllister and thanks to everyone in the Jimmies community who embodies the values of compassion and inclusion every day. Together, we continue to make our school a beacon of hope and belonging for all.

Deputy Principal
Kristina Johnson

Celebrating Achievements

A huge congratulations to all students involved in sport across the College. We are especially proud of our Met East Athletics team, who performed brilliantly, and our Junior Girls Netball teams, who competed in the National All Schools Netball Challenge Grand Final in Adelaide this week. Further, energy and competitiveness have been high this week as our cultures and countries of the world have come together in sporting rivalry, with ‘World Cup Soccer’! It’s wonderful to see so many students (and guest spots by staff) embracing the challenge.

National Skills Week Recognition

Last week marked National Skills Week, and we extend our congratulations to Engy Abdalla-Gamar, our College Captain, who was recently named a finalist for the Queensland Training Awards. Engy was even featured on SBS National News on Friday evening, where she shared her inspiration to pursue a career in the health industry. She is currently completing her Certificate III in Health Support and is an outstanding role model for her peers.

Assessment Period Reminder

As we approach the end of term, a reminder to parents and carers that many students have assessment deadlines due over the next two weeks. Please take the time to check in with your student regarding their workload. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to reach out directly to classroom teachers. As a reminder, year-level assessment schedules are available on the College app and calendar.

Thank you all for your ongoing support as we celebrate achievements, nurture talents, and continue to work together for the success of every student.

Special congratulations are extended to Mr Yacob Kial and his wife Rachel on the recent addition to their family of baby Isaac, now six weeks old.

Assistant Principal – Identity & Global Advocacy
Isikeli Kubunameca

Celebrating 150 Years of Brisbane Central State School

On Saturday, 30 August, we were honoured to take part in the 150 Year celebration of Brisbane Central State School, joining staff, students, families, and community members in marking this historic occasion. Our students performed three different cultural dances – First Nation’s, Pasifika and Africa. It was a privilege to be involved in such a vibrant event and to continue to build our strong partnership with schools and community in Spring Hill, Brisbane.

BCE First Nation’s Year 12 Graduation

The Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) First Nations Graduation took place on Friday, 30 August, at St Stephens Cathedral. This event celebrated the achievements of First Nations students, recognizing their hard work and dedication. The ceremony was a significant milestone, highlighting the importance of education and cultural heritage. Families, friends, and community members gathered to honor the graduates and their accomplishments. We are so proud of our students – the future leaders and changemakers.

Assistant Principal – Learning, Innovation, Partnerships & Pathways
Karen Lindsey

EREA Colleges Visit Canberra Schools

This week, four of our staff joined 16 colleagues from the EREA network to explore the Catalyst Explicit Teaching Model in a range of Canberra primary and secondary schools. The visit highlighted impressive student engagement and outcomes, with strong teacher commitment clearly evident. Experiencing this model in action has prompted valuable reflection on how varied approaches to teaching can better meet the needs of diverse learners. This learning opportunity will continue to inform our practice as we seek to enhance teaching and learning for all students.

Year 12 Mock Exams – Week 10

In Week 10, all Year 12 students in General subjects will sit their Mock Exams as a full rehearsal for External Exams. Attendance is compulsory, with a medical certificate required if absent. Students will receive valuable teacher feedback to guide their study plans.

For Certificate and Applied subjects (e.g. Certificate I in Construction, Religion and Ethics), allocated time blocks have been scheduled for students needing to complete outstanding competencies and assessment. Students who are required to attend will be told to do so by their teachers and this will also be communicated to these students’ parents and carers. These sessions are essential to ensure all students remain on track for their QCE as we approach the end of Year 12.

Assistant Principal – Equity & Student Engagement
Nick Hurley

Liverpool Football Club International Academy Partnership

St James College is proud to announce a new partnership with Liverpool Football Club International Academy Australia (LFC IA), making us the first Brisbane school to host the Academy.

This exciting collaboration gives our students the opportunity to train and play The Liverpool Way. With our coaches trained directly in Liverpool FC’s world-class curriculum, players will sharpen their football skills and grow in teamwork, game play, confidence, and resilience, all qualities that will serve them well on and off the pitch.

Follow this link to learn more about the program:  Link

Around the College

Farewell to Our Short-Term International Students
Kaspar Wong

This week at St James, we say a warm farewell to our last short-term students who have been part of our community over the past few weeks. We are grateful to have shared in your learning journey and to witness the beautiful friendships and memorable experiences that have created amazing memories for both you and our school family. Although your stay has been short, the memories and connections you’ve made will last far longer. We thank you for the enthusiasm you brought to each day, and we wish you every success as you return home. Special thanks also go to all the teachers and staff for taking care of the students.

Year 11 Biology Camp (18-20 August, 2025)
Elisabeth Schaefer

The Year 11 Biology students participated in a three-day program at ‘Jimmies on the Dam,’ undertaking field sampling techniques as part of the requirements for the General Biology course. During this period, they visited Mount French to study ecological succession on a volcanic plug and conducted both forest and aquatic studies at Yellow Pinch Reserve and Jimmies on the Dam. Despite occasional challenging weather conditions, students successfully engaged in a brief canoeing activity prior to returning on Wednesday.

From Covers to Costumes: Celebrating the Magic of Books
Ryan Chapman

Pirlirrpa celebrated Book Week, a joyful time dedicated to the love of reading. Students embraced the theme by sharing their favourite books, stories, and characters, bringing the pages to life through creative activities and dress-ups. The celebrations highlighted the importance of storytelling in building imagination, connection, and cultural understanding. From classic tales to new adventures, our community came together to showcase the power of books in inspiring curiosity and learning. Pirlirrpa Book Week was a vibrant reminder that reading opens doors to endless possibilities.

Year 11 Creative Industries: Exploring the Art of Still Life
Berenice Anzellotti

This term, our talented Year 11 Creative Industries students have been diving deep into the fundamentals of drawing through an immersive exploration of still life. The classroom has been transformed into a dynamic studio space, where carefully arranged bowls of fruit, draped fabric, and reflective bottles provide the perfect foundation for developing key artistic skills.

Students have been honing their ability to observe and translate what they see onto paper, focusing on techniques such as composition, colour, tone, and reflection. These exercises not only strengthen technical drawing abilities but also encourage creative thinking and a deeper appreciation for the details found in everyday objects.

We look forward to seeing their continued growth as young artists—and the exciting work still to come.

Careers: Real-World Learning in Action (26-28 August, 2025)
Tony Ninasivinche

Tuesday gave students two valuable opportunities. Six Year 11 Accounting students attended Griffith University’s Business Ambassadors Day, exploring university life and how business studies link to careers. Fifteen Year 10 Business and Economics students visited Aon Brisbane, where they learned about global practices in business, insurance and risk management. Year 10 student Onja shared: “Being able to talk with Aon people about their jobs and how they ended up where they are now was also very interesting.” Thank you to Sam Montgomery for leading the Griffith visit and supporting students throughout the day.

Wednesday highlighted pathways in law and construction. Fifteen Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students toured Clayton Utz with Jacinda Coburn, hearing about legal roles and opportunities. Year 12 student Saili reflected: “I enjoyed being interviewed by commercial lawyers because it felt like a genuine job interview. Listening to the junior staff share their own lives and career journeys made the experience more real and inspiring.” Meanwhile, thirty Year 12 students met CPB Contractors’ Sarah Brooks, who outlined construction apprenticeships and university pathways. Special thanks to David Hopper for promoting and accompanying students, particularly his Cert II Construction class.

On Thursday, eight students began the Work Inspiration Program with UnitingCare, spending the day gaining practical workplace experience. The program provided a supportive setting where students could explore employment goals and learn from real tasks. Teacher Adie commented: “In the coming days, students will participate in more hands-on activities, including tours of the many departments, assisting with basic tasks under supervision and developing a deeper understanding of career opportunities within the organisation.” Thank you to Pravinesh for accompanying students and ensuring they were well supported in this valuable opportunity.

Celebrating Community, Colour, and Connection
Lisa Kubunameca

Jimmies came alive this week in a vibrant celebration of Wear It Purple Day, promoting inclusivity and support across the campus. Students and staff embraced the theme through Homeroom discussions, creative crafts, door decorations, and proudly wearing purple.

Led by the Wellbeing team—Helya, Mary, Vivienne, and Suzanna—the week was filled with energy and unity. Staff joined in with purple outfits, face painting, and sharing ribbons and stickers.

A highlight of the week was the door decorating competition, with special mentions going to Pirlirrpa, Hogan 1, Carey 7, Mary Rice 8, and Grade 5. The winning entry, Long 9 earned a pizza party in Week 8.

The event showcased Jimmies’ creativity and strong community spirit. As one staff member shared, “Seeing everyone come together in a sea of purple is a reminder of just how special our community really is.”

An Uplifting Prelude: Jimmies Choir Opens for Missy Higgins at HEAL Fundraiser
Breanna McCarthy

On Saturday night, 30 August 2025, the talented voices of the Jimmies Choir filled the foyer of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), setting the perfect tone for a special evening of music and community spirit. Performing as part of the HEAL fundraising event, the choir captivated audiences ahead of the highly anticipated Missy Higgins concert.

With a set of seven songs, the choir delivered a heartfelt and polished performance that resonated deeply with the crowd. The audience responded with enthusiastic praise, applauding not only the choir’s vocal talent but also their professionalism and stage presence. It was a proud moment for the school community, showcasing the power of music to bring people together and support a meaningful cause.

Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in this memorable performance.

St James College Partners with Yellow Dove Australia for Surf Awareness Education
Ryan Chapman

The last two Wednesdays, the St James College Community Swim Project by Yellow Dove Australia travelled to Maimi Surf Lifesaving Club for a hands-on Surf Awareness Education Day. The day was designed to build essential water safety knowledge, surf awareness, and lifesaving skills for our multicultural students. Led by Yellow Dove Australia and their highly skilled surf lifesaving professionals, students learned how to identify rips, practice surf signals, body surf and manoeuvre safely through waves. The program also introduced beach flags, an engaging way to build knowledge and confidence in the surf.

The experience not only strengthened the swimming and safety skills of our Community Swim Project team but also built teamwork, resilience, and awareness around Australia’s unique coastal environment.

Buderim Private Hospital Tour Inspires Future Health Professionals
Antonia Lu

On Wednesday 27 August, a group of 13 Year 11 and 12 students were given the opportunity to take part in an exclusive hospital tour at Buderim Private Hospital.

During the session, students explored a variety of departments including the Allied Health Demonstration/Tertiary, ICU and Emergency, and the Maternity and Birthing Suite. The experience provided valuable insight into the diverse pathways available within the health and medical fields.

Anna Mukendi (Year 11) reflected on the impact of the visit: 

“My experience at Buderim Private Hospital was truly eye-opening. It not only helped me clarify the health pathway I want to pursue, but also encouraged me to consider other possibilities. This experience showed me that there are multiple ways to achieve my goals.”

A special thank you goes to Mr Tahnae Hunter for accompanying the students and to CYO Health Careers for organising such a valuable and inspiring experience.

This opportunity was an excellent way for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and to be inspired about their future careers in health.

Year 12 Students Complete First Aid and CPR Training
Antonia Lu

Over four days, close to 80 Year 12 students completing Certificate II in Outdoor Education, Certificate II in Sports Coaching, and Certificate III in Fitness undertook their First Aid and CPR training. This certificate is one of the competencies for their qualifications. Students from six classes took part, developing vital skills that not only contribute to their certificate requirements but also prepare them to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.

The delivery of the training was engaging and practical, with real-life stories shared to highlight the importance of quick and confident action when providing first aid or CPR. These experiences reinforced the significance of being prepared, both in professional sporting and outdoor contexts and in everyday life.

Thank you to Ms Helya Baghaie and Ms Aspen Nakao for their support throughout the sessions, and a huge thank you to Mr Darin Coombs for delivering the training and guiding students through this critical component of their studies.

Rugby Excellence Students Gain Industry Experience at Met East Athletics
Antonia Lu

On Thursday 28 August 2025, a group of 23 students from our Rugby Excellence program had the opportunity to assist as officials at the Met East Athletics Carnival, held at QSAC.

Students were spread across both track and field events, working alongside experienced officials and gaining first-hand insight into the organisation and delivery of an elite level athletics carnival. This experience not only gave students a behind the scenes look at how major sporting events are managed but also contributed valuable hours towards their Certificate II in Sports Coaching.

Throughout the carnival, officials and teachers commended our students for their uplifting attitude, professionalism, and strong work ethic. Their efforts reflected the high standards of our Rugby Excellence program and the positive culture it fosters.

A special thank you goes to Mr Darin Coombs for making this opportunity possible and for supporting our students in building real-world skills within the sports industry.

Sport

Sports Report
Michael Anderson

Sporting Representatives

Met East Athletics: Ned Amorsen, Eleanor Lucas, Molly Carter, Ollie Hutchison, Lens Chanamita Young, Ari Mueller, Will Carter, Tessa Brittain, Philip Harding, Cooper Lofts, Aleer Aleu.

Metropolitan East Athletics Carnival

Our school proudly sent 35 students to the recent Met East Track & Field Carnival at QSAC. The team demonstrated outstanding talent and teamwork, earning a total of 50 medals—including 27 gold, 15 silver, and 8 bronze. Congratulations to all participants for their incredible effort and achievement. We celebrate our athletes’ success and look forward to even more victories in future events! Thank you to Mr James Anderson, Mr Darin Coombs, Mr Michael Anderson and Mrs Eliza Hoelscher for their assistance over the two days and in the many weeks leading up to the Carnival. Their efforts have been reflected in the students’ fantastic achievements.

Please see the standout achievements below of those students medalled in their events:

Event	Result
100m	1st – Eleanor Lucas, Molly Carter 2nd – Lens Chanamita Young, Riley Nolan, Zac Nalder, Ollie Hutchison, Ned Amorsen 3rd – Sid Quinell, Alex Gonsalves
Long Jump	1st – Lens Chanamita Young, Eleanor Lucas, Sid Quinell 2nd – Riley Nolan 3rd – Lasi Tapuloloo
400m	1st – Molly Carter, Ollie Hutchison 2nd – Alex Gonsalves 3rd – Ethan Murray
Discus	1st – Ari Mueller, Will Carter, Eleanor Lucas 3rd – Lasi Tapuloloo
Shot Put	1st – Tessa Brittain
Javelin	1st – Ari Mueller, Zac Nalder 2nd – Isaac Weston
1500m	1st – Ollie Hutchison, Molly Carter 2nd – Ari Mueller
200m	1st Ned Amorsen, Eleanor Lucas, Molly Carter, Riley Nolan, Isaac Weston 2nd Sid Quinell, Zac Nalder, Ollie Hutchison 3rd Alex Gonsalves
Triple Jump	2nd Philip Harding
Shot put	1st Ari Mueller 2nd Will Carter 3rd Isaac Weston
Javelin	1st Cooper Lofts, Eleanor Lucas
High Jump	3rd Aleer Aleu
Long Jump	1st Tessa Britain
Discus	1st Tessa Brittain
800m	1st Molly Carter, Ollie Hutchison 2nd Ari Mueller

Sporting Superstars

Ollie Hutchison placed 8th in the Australian Cross Country Championship in Ballarat on Saturday. The course was watered in the morning, making it more challenging. This technique succeeded, as the muddy terrain tested the runners' endurance and skill, highlighting Ollie's strong performance amidst tough conditions.

2025 National All Schools Netball Challenge

Our Year 9/10 Netball team made an incredible debut at the 2025 National All Schools Netball Challenge in Adelaide — and what a journey it was! This was our first time entering this prestigious tournament, which brought together schools from all over Australia, including NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, and VIC.

The girls kicked off with a bang, winning all six of their round robin matches and finishing on top of the ladder — an outstanding achievement! Their dedication and teamwork truly shone through.

In the semi-final, they faced St Aloysius College from Tasmania and fought hard to secure their spot in the grand final against Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo. It was a tough battle, and while we finished as runners-up in the Year 9/10 High Performance division, we couldn’t be prouder of our girls’ resilience and sportsmanship.

A huge thank you to our amazing staff — Head Coach Tia Parker, Manager Eliza Hoelscher, and Tour Support Evonne Toloi — who thoroughly enjoyed guiding these girls, some of whom travelled with the school for the first time!

This experience has been unforgettable, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament — aiming even higher!

Senior Girls Futsal – Ferrum 5 Futsal Club

In addition to our Futsal program at St James, we are delighted to partner with newly established Brisbane Futsal Club Ferrum 5 to give St James Students extra opportunities in the Futsal world and the chance to test themselves against the best in the state. The first step in this partnership is our Senior Girls representing St James and Ferrum 5 at the Football Queensland Futsal State Titles later this month. A massive thank you to our Senior Girls Coach Deacon Galea who has been working tirelessly with these students, and his efforts are greatly appreciated.

Their first Trial Match was on the weekend when they took on Women’s Futsal Premier League side Brisbane Dynamo. Our girls played extremely well and came away with a 3-2 victory. We look forward to their next Trial match before the State Championships later this month.

World Cup Soccer

After a long-waited absence, World Cup Soccer is back and bigger than ever at Jimmies. With the Senior Boys tournament kicking off this week it was fantastic to see the whole community come together for such a wonderful event. It was also great to see students and staff representing their cultural heritage and background in style with teams from all around the world taking part.

QUT Women in Sport Excursion Day

Last week some of our Rugby Excellence Girls went to the QUT Female In Sport Summit which had a number of high-profile female sports representative speak at the Summit. Our girls were exposed to stories of challenges and success with female in sport including checking out their Virtual Sports Section which was a hit. Thank you to Ms Nakao for assisting me on the day, which was a also a great insight for both of us.

Rugby League Excellence 2026

Training has commenced for our Open Men’s team in preparation for the 2026 season. The squad is currently training three mornings per week. The Open Girls program is scheduled to commence in Term 4, 2025. Applications are now open via the St James College Website or link on Facebook, for the 2026 Rugby League Excellence Program, which will include the introduction of a new Years 7–8 class.

Supporting Families Through Food Banks
Lisa Kubunameca

Food is a basic necessity for our children to grow, learn, and thrive. Unfrtunately, many families in our community are experiencing hardship, with rising living costs making it difficult to put healthy meals on the table. Studies show that 1 in 6 Australian children live in food-insecure households, and missing regular meals can affect concentration, wellbeing, and overall development.

Food banks play a vital role in bridging this gap by providing families with nutritious groceries and essentials. They not only relieve immediate stress but also give children the chance to focus on school, friendships, and their future without the burden of hunger.

We encourage families to reach out and make use of these supports when needed. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can ensure no child goes without, and every family feels supported and cared for.

1. Brisbane Relief Hub (Wesley Mission Queensland)
   • 316 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley
   • Free food hampers, snack packs, BBQs, lunches, and wellbeing support.
   • 1800 448 448
   • More info
2. Foodbank Queensland
   • 179 Beverley Street, Morningside
   • Supplies food to charities and school programs.
   • (07) 3395 8422
   • More info
3. Nexus Care
   • Everton Park & Sandgate
   • Food parcels, financial relief, and coaching.
   • (07) 3353 7230
   • More info
4. Queensland Government Emergency Relief Program
   • Food vouchers, parcels, transport, and bill support.
   • More info
5. SecondBite
   • 140 Riverside Place, Morningside, QLD
   • SecondBite rescues surplus food and distributes it to over 1,400 charities and community organisations, which then provide food hampers, meals, and pantry services to individuals and families in need
   • Find local food services via SecondBite Food Finder
   • 1800 263 283

Fees
Genevieve O’Sullivan

Please be advised that Term 3 fees are now OVERDUE – please note that all statements are accessible via logging in to Parent Lounge.

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.