DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS
UNIFORM
The vast majority of our students wear their uniform with pride and follow the Uniform Policy. The college uniform fosters a sense of community, college pride, and unity. We continue to receive very positive feedback from local employers and community members about our students and their presentation. They have commented that St Joseph’s College students demonstrate they are able to follow the requirements of working in any professional environment. A reminder that all students are required to wear their blazer to the college in the morning, to morning homeroom, and also as they leave the college in the afternoon.
If an incorrect or incomplete uniform is worn, parents/guardians will receive an SMS and may also receive a follow-up phone call.
Please note that to support families that struggle to get to the uniform shop, the college can arrange for uniform items to be delivered to the college.
MOBILE PHONES AND SAFETY OF BELONGINGS
In accordance with the Student Mobile Technology Policy, it is a requirement that students keep their phones in their lockers. To ensure the safety of their personal belongings, students need to ensure they use padlocks on their lockers. While we are fortunate that cases of theft are very rare, the college does not take responsibility for and cannot guarantee the safety of personal belongings when lockers are not locked.
We also remind students to carry their laptops around the college in their protective bags. While laptops are covered for one insurance claim per year, this is based on the assumption that students are carrying their laptops in the protective bags that were supplied with the laptops.
YEAR 12 RETREAT
The Year 12 Retreat to Anglesea occurred in the last week of Term 2 while the Year 9, 10, and 11 students completed their respective exams. While on Retreat, students participated in fun activities like horseback riding, surfing, mountain bike riding, canoeing, and the high ropes. The highlights of the retreat were the bonds and trust formed in the small group sessions, the letters from parents and family members, and the liturgy where students had the opportunity to apologise and move on from past conflicts. We thank Father Matt Thomas and Miss Paula Cox for organising and leading the Retreat.
YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP DAY
The Year 11 Leadership Day was held on Tuesday 25 July. The students had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Mr Sam Kerridge (SJC alumni, former AFL player for Adelaide and Carlton, and current coach and player for Mildura). Students also had the opportunity to work with their respective House Leaders and our 2023 House Captains and Vice Captains. Mr Mel Ficarra led a Q&A with Mrs Marg Blythman, Mr Greg Kluske, Mrs Aimee Webster and the current College Captains and Vice Captains. All Year 11 students are encouraged to apply for the many leadership positions available, and we look forward to the upcoming College Captain speeches.
LANGUAGES WEEK
While there were various activities held during Languages Week, the highlight of the week was the annual Staff v Students soccer game. This event is a celebration for the entire college community. The Year 12 students again proved too strong for the staff, winning 2-0. (To be fair to the staff, we were outnumbered at least 3 to 1.) With Mr Mel Ficarra watching on from the sidelines, Mr Michael Quin, Mr Andrew Greville and Mr John Menhennett ensured it was a competitive game.
DEBUTANTE BALLS
The Year 11 students recently celebrated their Debutante Balls on Saturday 22 and 29 July. The Debutantes and their partners were presented to Mr and Mrs Blythman at the first Debutante Ball, and Mr and Mrs Kluske at the second Debutante Ball. The girls and boys looked amazing, danced well, and represented the college, their families and themselves with great distinction. We could not be more proud of their efforts. A special thank you to Miss Andy Higgins and her team for overseeing the Debutante Balls and the numerous practice sessions.
Looking ahead…
We look forward to another busy and exciting term. We have many major events to look forward to, including Australian Business Week, the Athletics Carnival, the Year 11 Snow Camp, the Year 7 Victor Harbor Camp, the Year 9 Central Australia Camp, the Father’s Day Breakfast, and the College Ball to name a few.
Mr Heath McClaer
Deputy Principal Students