Newsletter - 25th July 2025
- Principal's Address
- What's on this Fortnight
- Celebrating Faith in Action: Mrs Trish Parker Receives the Spirit of Catholic Education Award
- Confraternity Shield Recap – Rockhampton 2025
- QISSN
- Track and Field 2025
- Origin Roadshow
- Parent Communication
- School Arrival (Prep to Year Six)
- Mercy Day - Friday 8th August
- Book Week 2025
- eSafety
- Year 10 Class of 1980 - 45 Year Class Reunion
- Non-government schools census collection notice 2025
- Uniform Shop Opening Hours
- School Crossing Supervisors Wanted
One of the great joys of working in a P–12 school is the privilege of watching children grow, not just physically, but emotionally, socially, and intellectually from their earliest school years through to their emergence as young adults. As educators and parents, we share a common goal: to help our children lead full and flourishing lives into the future.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a professional development session with Michael Hawton, a respected Australian psychologist known for his work in child welfare. In a small group setting, Michael expressed genuine interest in the cultural transformation underway at St John’s, particularly our efforts to enhance student engagement through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model. He also shared a list of recommended readings to support our work with children, one of which took me by surprise.
The first book on his list was Against Empathy by psychologist Paul Bloom. At first glance, the title seemed counterintuitive. Isn’t empathy a personal quality required for effective teaching and parenting?
Bloom suggests that while emotional empathy, the ability to feel what others feel, is often seen as a moral virtue, it can sometimes lead us to make decisions that feel right in the moment but aren’t necessarily beneficial in the long term. When we rush to alleviate a child’s discomfort, we may inadvertently deny them the chance to develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
Bloom advocates for a form of care rooted in reason rather than emotion. Sometimes, the most loving response is not immediate comfort, but the courage to set boundaries, allow natural consequences, and support children in navigating challenges independently.
We see this principle in action every day. When a student forgets their homework, hat, or jumper, it’s tempting to excuse the oversight or deliver the missing item ourselves. Yet, allowing them to experience the consequence can foster responsibility and independence. Similarly, when playground disagreements arise, our instinct may be to intervene quickly. But guiding children through conflict resolution often teaches them more than shielding them from the discomfort ever could.
I must admit that this message resonated with me. My kids are extremely absent-minded when it comes to remembering where they’ve left their things. Just yesterday, I found myself doing exactly what Bloom cautions against. My daughter had lost her jumper, and a thoughtful teacher had put it on my desk. Without hesitation, I delivered it to her classroom. In that moment, I felt I was being a caring parent. But as I walked back to my office, I realised I had missed an opportunity. An opportunity for her to experience the natural consequence of losing something important, take responsibility, search the lost property, go to the office and resolve the problem herself, hopefully reinforcing the importance of keeping track of her belongings. It was a reminder that even with the best intentions, we can sometimes get in the way of our children’s growth.
This approach is not about being cold or unfeeling. It’s about recognising that discomfort, failure, and challenge are essential components of growth, both in the classroom and in life. These experiences help shape the character and capabilities our children will need as adults.
At St John’s, our mission extends beyond academic achievement. We are committed to partnering with families to nurture strong, resilient, and thoughtful individuals who are open to faith and equipped to thrive in a complex world. That means making decisions that may be difficult in the short term but are ultimately in our children’s best interests.
I will be on long service leave during Weeks 4 and 5 (Monday 4 August – Friday 15 August). During this time, Mr Ryan Doig will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal.
For any general enquiries, please continue to contact our office via roma@twb.catholic.edu.au. Our administration team will ensure your message is directed to the most appropriate staff member for a timely response.
Cheers,
Mark
St John’s School, Roma is proud to announce that Mrs Trish Parker, our Assistant Principal Mission and Identity, has been named as a recipient of the prestigious Spirit of Catholic Education Award as part of Catholic Education Week 2025.
Presented annually by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, these awards recognise individuals who go above and beyond in their service to Catholic education. Recipients are recognised for their leadership, innovation, commitment to equity, and embodiment of Catholic ethos within their school communities.
This award is a testament to Trish’s unwavering dedication to nurturing a school environment where faith and learning flourish side by side. Under her guidance, St John’s has become a place where every student feels welcomed, valued, and spiritually enriched. Her efforts ensure that the loving presence of Jesus is not only taught but also deeply felt in daily school life.
Through initiatives like Mercy Day, liturgical celebrations, retreats, and staff formation programs, Trish has woven the Mercy tradition into the very fabric of our school. She mentors staff in Religious Education, supports early career teachers, and promotes inclusive practices that uphold the dignity of every learner. She is the driving force behind our school’s participation in programs such as Project Compassion, the Winter Vinnies Appeal, and our Service Groups—reaching into the community and creating faith-filled connections.
Trish is a trusted and compassionate presence for both staff and students—offering guidance, support, and quiet acts of kindness that reflect the Gospel in action. Her authentic leadership and commitment to Mercy values have created a vibrant, faith-filled community where the love of Jesus is known, lived, and celebrated.
We congratulate Trish on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for the profound impact she continues to make at St John’s School and within the Diocese of Toowoomba.
The boys headed to Rockhampton for this year’s Confraternity Shield. Having trained since the start of Term 1 and coming off strong performances in the Mercy Shield and winning the Arthur Beetson Cup, the team arrived full of confidence.
Drawn in a tough pool that included last year’s Division 3 winners, the team started the week strongly with a 26-10 win over St Mary’s, highlighted by Charlie Jenkins bulldozing over for two impressive tries. Narrow losses to Ryan Catholic College and Chanel College followed, which placed us in the Challenge Shield playoffs for Thursday’s matches.
A Lachlan Anderson double capped off a dominant win over Chisolm College in our first finals match. Lincoln Ogilvie’s impressive solo effort in a close game against Faith Lutheran saw us progress to Friday’s final.
In a hard-fought rematch against St Mary’s, the boys put in a gallant effort but just fell short of the win. Despite the result, their performance showcased the incredible hard work, dedication, and growth the team has displayed over the past few months.
A big thank you to the staff and officials who supported the team throughout the week: Mr Edwards, Mr Creeley, Mr Penrose, Mr Anderson, Mr Coonan, and Mr Brennan.
Group Stage
- 26 – 10 WIN vs St Mary’s
- 14 – 10 LOSS vs Ryan Catholic College
- 12 – 6 LOSS vs Chanel College
Finals
- 24 – 0 WIN vs Chisolm College
- 10 – 0 WIN vs Faith Lutheran College
- 20 – 16 LOSS vs St Mary’s
Leading Try Scorers
- Lachlan Anderson – 4
- Nate Freeman – 3
- Rory Delany, Charlie Jenkins – 2
The QISSN team kicked off the tournament with a tough start, facing early defeats that tested their resilience and team spirit. Despite the initial setbacks, the team refused to be discouraged. With determination and grit, they regrouped, refined their strategy, and came back stronger than ever.
What followed was a stunning series of victories. Win after win, the girls climbed the ranks, turning heads and gaining momentum with every game.
Their incredible comeback earned them a well-deserved spot in the finals, where they battled for first and second place in their division.
After a hard-fought and intense final against St James Lutheran College, the team secured 2nd place in their division, earning silver medals. This is the first time since St John’s started competing at QISSN in 2016 that the girls’ netball team has placed in their division.
Special congratulations to team Captain Millie Filan and Vice-Captain Elainia Cooper. Sincere thanks to coaches Rhylee Wiedman and Georgia Walton, trainer Bridget Bright, and manager Jenny Schuss for their exceptional leadership and support throughout the tournament.
The atmosphere throughout the week was exceptional, with strong support both on and off the court. The girls displayed excellent sportsmanship and gained a valuable experience that will stay with them for years to come.
St John’s would also like to thank the dedicated staff and parents who travelled to support the team, helping to create a positive and uplifting environment. Their presence and encouragement meant a great deal to the players.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our sponsors, whose generous support helped make this opportunity possible. Your contribution played a vital role in this achievement.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
Roma Sands
Crawfo's Tyres
Shellshear Diesel Pty Ltd
Roma Concrete Products
Gorgeous
Knights Smash Repairs
Rennick’s Service Centre
Eagle Eye Drone Operations
Humphreys Electrical
Congratulations girls on this fantastic achievement!
5-9 Carnival
A burst of energy lit up the secondary oval on Monday 23rd May, as our youngest athletes, aged 5 to 9, took centre stage at the St John's Track and Field Carnival. With giant smiles and eager feet, students raced, jumped, and threw with boundless enthusiasm. From mini sprints to novelty events, each activity was a celebration of movement and school spirit. Families and teachers cheered proudly, creating an atmosphere of joy and encouragement.
10-19 Carnival
Held at Little Athletics Field, the track and field carnival saw students aged 10 to 19 compete with energy, skill, and plenty of school pride. From sprints and long-distance races to javelin and discus, each athlete gave it their all. The atmosphere was electric as records were broken, and personal bests were celebrated. It was a day of sportsmanship, determination, and memorable achievements that brought the St John’s community together in true carnival spirit.
We highly value open and ongoing communication with parents and caregivers. Your insights and concerns are important to us, and we’re committed to working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
We have a team of committed staff members, each with specialised roles to support our school community. We acknowledge that it can often be challenging to know who to direct specific queries to. We hope the following information is helpful.
For initial concerns or enquiries, we encourage families to contact their child’s classroom teacher for Years Prep to 6 or their Pastoral Care (PC) Teacher for Years 7 to 12. These staff can assist with connecting you to additional staff or resources where required.
Other Key Contacts:
Pastoral Contacts
P – 6 Pastoral Leader – Hayley Sayer (hayley.sayer@twb.catholic.edu.au)
7 – 12 Marian Pastoral Leader – Samantha Rogers (samantha.rogers@twb.catholic.edu.au)
7 – 12 Xaverian Pastoral Leader – Matt Creeley (matthew.creeley@twb.catholic.edu.au)
7 – 12 Theresian Pastroal Leader – Aaron Brown (aaron.brown@twb.catholic.edu.au)
Curriculum Contacts
P – 6 Curriculum Leader – Natalie Beattie (natalie.beattie@twb.catholic.edu.au)
7 – 12 Academic Leader – Cathy Cooper (catherine.cooper@twb.catholic.edu.au)
Depending on your enquiry, these key contacts may direct you to the relevant subject curriculum leaders, the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Leader or an appropriate member of the Executive Leadership Team for further support.
We invite you to contact relevant staff members via email or the school office to schedule necessary appointments.
Teacher supervision begins at 8:10 a.m. each morning. We prefer that students arrive after 8:10 a.m. If you arrive before 8:10 a.m., please enrol your child in OSHC or supervise them in the Quad area.
We understand that some bus services arrive before 8:10 a.m., and students on those buses should remain seated in the Quad area until supervision begins.
Get ready for one of the most exciting days of the school year as we celebrate Mercy Day — a special occasion honouring the founding of our school by the Sisters of Mercy.
When: Week 4, Friday, 8th August. Mercy Day begins at 11:00 AM, right after First Break.
Wear your House-coloured shirt and enjoy a free sausage sizzle and heaps of fun activities!
Join us as we celebrate the magic of storytelling during Children’s Book Week, marking 80 years of literary adventures! This year’s theme, ‘Book an Adventure!’, invites readers of all ages to explore whimsical worlds, daring quests, and unforgettable journeys through the pages of a book.
? Highlights include:
- A Book Fair with exciting titles for all ages - Monday to Wednesday. Purchase before school and during break times.
- Guest readers by the 'campfire' at break times.
- Book Week Parade on Wednesday, 20th August, from 8:40 to 10:00 a.m. in the P&F Multipurpose .
Let’s celebrate the joy of reading and the power of imagination—one adventure at a time!
There is no doubt that engaged parents who proactively support their child’s technology use reduce risk. This is a brave new world for many, with numerous parents reporting they do not know how and where to access information. We would encourage Parents and Carers to consider upcoming Parent webinars from the office of the eSafety Commissioner, subscribe to the eSafety parent newsletter, and also follow eSafety via your own social media channels for updates. A list of Term Three online events is attached and includes topics like understanding parental controls to help protect your child online, understanding AI companions, and safeguarding your child from cyberbullying.
Uniform Shop Hours:
Monday 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Online:
https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-johns-catholic-school
Please note that the uniform shop is only open during the school term and closed on school holidays.