Principal's Message

Catholic Social Justice – The Common Good

We often hear the term “Common Good”; but what exactly does that mean in action on a day to day basis? It is easy to reflect on the practices around the world that lead to inequitable distribution of resources and make calls to governments to apply measures that respond to global issues; but how often do we look at what is happening locally?

The Common Good as defined on the website of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council

http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/social-teaching

(accessed 1 May 2018)

We have a saying for example, here at St. Joseph’s, that students will behave in a way that allows teachers to teach and students to learn. In other words it is for the Common Good, as well as for their own education, that all students should apply themselves diligently to their studies.

This Term a group of 20 or so Year 11 students and accompanying staff are raising funds for our East Timor Immersion trip in June. These funds will make a considerable difference to the lives of some East Timorese.

Of course, we can find many other examples too of where our local actions can help to build a positive common good rather than a selfish approach to life.

Was it necessary for that disrespectful social media post to be made?

Could that litter have been placed in a bin?

Could the class have started more punctually?

Could …?

Some time ago now there was a social justice call to “Think Globally. Act Locally”. By acting locally we can develop a pattern of thinking and a way of acting that then influences our decisionmaking when we are in a position to have a wider circle of influence such how we cast our votes for example.

I would ask that we all make an effort to reflect on how we might be able to change our own behaviours to facilitate the Common Good of those communities we find ourselves participating in.

God bless.

Michael Delaney

Principal

Warren St. Roadworks

We are currently carrying out a three week trial to separate bus travellers at the end of the day from those travelling in private vehicles so that the Common Good of some 300 bus travellers can be met ensuring timely departures during the Warren St. Roadworks closure. Should this trial give the results we expect it to, we will need to look at more permanent arrangements that create this same separation to give priority to bus travellers but without them having to miss out on valuable class time. Is it too much to ask those using private vehicles to wait until the first four buses have gone before they enter Dickson St and High St if this means 300 or more country bus travellers are not having their day extended disproportionately? If you have any ideas that may help, please email them to me at principal@sje.vic.edu.au .

Bolton St Roadworks

We have been advised that Bolton St. will be closed from Monday 7 May for roadworks. Your cooperation with traffic movement signs here would be appreciated too.

Our neighbours

Obviously all these roadworks are affecting our neighbours as well. Please be mindful of this at drop off and pick up times by not parking in permit zones, across driveways, in unsafe places, etc.