'Fiver for a Farmer' a winner at St Joseph's

PREFECT Hunter Murphy chose a "Fiver for a Farmer day” for his mercy value of service project held at St Joseph's school recently.

Student's paid $5 for the "right” to dress as a farmer to raise funds for, and more importantly, awareness about, drought-affected farmers.

When asked what motivated him to support the farmers, Hunter said, "my main initiative to start this project was due to my closeness to the issue.

"I originally chose my mercy value of service with the intent to help recognise and support those farmers whom are usually hidden from mainstream media.

" As a farmer myself, I understand the struggles faced by farmers from day to day.

"I have been a crop farmer for nine years and have dealt with many hardships that affect more than just the farm and income.

"To raise awareness and funds for the farmers in drought in any small or big way, was important for me to do.”

Proceeds from the "Fiver for a Farmer” day will be donated to Rural Aid

to assist drought-stricken farmers and their

families.

St Joseph's will also be holding a street stall in the Piazza on September 8 to contribute to the cause.

Opti-MINDS Challenge

TWO teams composed of Year 6/7 students competed in the Toowoomba District Opti-MINDS Challenge held at UQ Gatton Campus on Sunday 27 August.

Opti-MINDS is a challenge where teams compete in both a Long-Term Challenge and the Spontaneous Challenge in order to find the best solution to a set problem.

Students worked for six weeks prior to the event and then presented to judges on the day.

Competition was fierce, with over 85 teams taking part in the challenge.

Both St Joseph's school teams performed exceptionally well, with one team winning a "Spirit

of Opti-MINDS” award

for their outstanding efforts in challenging circumstances.

Team members were: Freya Creer, Brigit O'Dea, Clare Williamson, Sam Ellis, Luke Gasparin, Shania Politch, Siena Zanatta, Lucy Elms, Maggie Gallaway, Kiara Osborne and Clancy Moncada.

Thanks to Mrs Muller, Mr Fleming, Miss Thompson and Mrs Campbell for assisting with support

and coordination of the teams.