As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that our students, staff, and families have achieved together. This year has been one of growth, resilience, and celebration across every aspect of school life.

Our students have continued to shine academically, showing dedication, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. From classroom achievements to creative and collaborative projects, they have demonstrated what can be accomplished when persistence meets opportunity. Equally inspiring has been the way our students have supported one another, championed wellbeing, and helped maintain a positive, inclusive school culture.

A highlight of the year was our school concert, where students took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm. Their performances—full of energy, talent, and teamwork—were a wonderful reminder of the creativity within our school community. It was heart-warming to see families, staff, and peers come together to celebrate the hard work behind each performance.

We were also extremely proud to have our students who represented the school at a national level in Queensland at the eSports competition. This is a tremendous achievement, showcasing dedication, focus, strategic thinking, and a passion for emerging fields of learning and competition. Their success reflects the diverse pathways and opportunities available to our students.

On the sporting field, our teams represented the school with outstanding enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Whether competing, training, or cheering from the sidelines, our students demonstrated commitment, teamwork, and pride. These moments strengthened not only their skills but also the spirit of our school community.

None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our staff. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers and LSO team for their professionalism, passion, and unwavering care for our students. Their hard work in classrooms, in support roles, and behind the scenes ensures that every student is supported to learn, grow, and succeed. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional group of educators guiding our young people each day.

As we prepare to close the year, I want to wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and a safe, joyful new year. May this holiday break be a time of rest, celebration, and connection. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting year of learning in 2026.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school. Enjoy a wonderful, well-earned break.

Farewell & Staffing Announcement

As we conclude the 2025 school year, we offer our heartfelt thanks and warmest farewell to our amazing Japanese teacher, Mika Tonai-Walsh, who has been an integral part of St Joseph’s for the past six years. Mika’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students have enriched our community in countless ways. We are deeply grateful for all she has shared with us, and she leaves a lasting legacy of joyful learning and cultural appreciation. We wish her every happiness in the journey ahead.

We also extend our best wishes to Andrea Lemish, Angela Sicari, Alicia Privitelli and Jamie Georgiou as they transition into new roles within education. Their contributions to St Joseph’s have been greatly valued, and we know they will continue to inspire and support students and colleagues in their next chapters.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to welcome a number of new staff members to St Joseph’s. They bring with them a wide range of experiences, professional knowledge, and fresh perspectives that will enrich our school community as we continue to grow and thrive together.

Please see the staffing list below.

Year Level

2026 Teaching Staff

Prep

Maddi Barnewell & Brooke Fitzgerald (Wed)

Julie Folino

Natasha Pieri & Rebecca Oszkinis (Fri)

Lidia Gauci

Bec Cowan (Mon-Wed) & Brooke Fitzgerald (Thurs-Fri)

Nisrin Aljohani

One

Steph Farinaccia

Paris Farrugia

Zoe Georgiou & Elly Steven-O’Loughlin/Rebecca Oszkinis (Thurs)

Deanna Floros

Alex Reeve

Masina Salesa

Two

Anna Vasiliadis

Kayla Champion

Simone Fabbretti

Marie Rizzo (Mon,Tues, Wed & Fri)

Thursday TBC

Karly Nott (Wed-Fri) & Stacey Brice (Mon-Tues)

Melissa McKay

Three

Katherine Isaac

Peter Koskos

Tom Raccosta

(Mon & Tues) TBC

Jen Arambasic (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

Leah Kirby

Darcy Collis

Four

Kelly Lait (Mon-Thurs)

& Haylee Lynch (Fri)

Corey Farquhar/Peyton Burns

Lauren Zappia & Haylee Lynch (Tues)

Kerry-Ann Bayliss

Emily Prato

Vicky Marigliano (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs)/Peyton Burns

Five

Rob Rich

Sarah Bonuda

Monique Jackson

Pauline Kyte

Leah Williams

Tippy Kalpakis (Wed, Thurs, Fri) &

Grace Woodward (Mon & Tues)

Six

Ellen O’Brien & Diana Tarzia (Thurs)

Aaron Sapiano

Chris Borg

Andrea Italia (Mon/Tues) & Stacey U’ren (Wed-Fri)

Ryan Marnell

Sarah Farquhar

Student Services Team

Counselling: Andrea Italia & Julie-Anne Pinney

School Nurse/Pastoral Care Leader: Eileen O’Reilly

Office Staffing

Business Manager: Nicole Picciani

Office Manager &

Executive Assistant: Katie Lowe

Communication & Compliance: Vanessa Skendaris

Specialists

Innovation Technology: Claire Forbes

Lote (Italian): Luisa Coppola

PE: Grace Balletta

Art: Shasta Blackmore & Karen Knee (Prep)

Oral Language: Steph Bednardz P-2

Performing Arts: Deb Cornish

Principal: Julie McDougall

Deputy Principal Logistics, Excellence & Culture: Mat Harding

Deputy Principal Engagement: Hayden Godbold

Mission, Faith & Outreach: Gen Lees

Learning Diversity Leader: Elly Steven-O’Loughlin (Term One)/

Carla King (Term Two - Four)

Community Engagement Leader: Natasha Pieri

Learning &Teaching Curriculum & Pedagogy: Diana Tarzia

Learning &Teaching Assessment & Reporting: Cassandra Gooch

Reading Leader: Karen Knee

Library: Deb McNaughton

EAL Leader: Maddi Barnewall

MHIPS: Zoe Georgiou

Speech Pathologist: Luisa Coppola

PBL Leader: Ellen O’Brien

Marketing Leader: Claire Forbes

Village Leaders

Purple: Steph Tofts

Blue: Gen Lees

Orange: Lauren Zappia

Green: Nicole Smith

Warm regards,

Julie McDougall

Important Dates