"Let us pray well and never grow weary." Catherine McAuley

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS

It is great to be back…

 

On Monday October 12, we finally welcomed our students back to face-to-face learning for the first time since Monday August 3. This year has been a challenging one for the St Joseph’s College community, where we have been continually amazed by the effort, resilience and adaptability of our students and staff. While I am confident that we all developed our Information Technology skills during remote learning, and hopefully the students have developed their independent learning skills, it is fantastic to be back in the classroom. I also thank all the parents and guardians for your support of the college and your children’s education during this time, never has the partnership between school and home been more important.

 

To assist students in their transition back to face-to-face learning, the college has placed a great emphasis on supporting the students’ wellbeing needs. Our Year 12 students, who completed the General Achievement Test and practice exams for English and Mathematics during the first week of Term 4, reconnected through a two-day retreat program. I send a special thank you to Miss Paula Cox, Fr Matthew Thomas, Dr Tony Finn and the retreat leaders for designing and facilitating a program that allowed our students to reconnect with each other, reflect on their individual journeys and appreciate the people that have supported them to get where they are. We also thank the parents and special people who wrote letters to our Year 12 students. These were incredibly appreciated by the students and the highlight of the retreat. Our Year 12 students also had a bit of fun with zorb balls, an initiative of the College Captains, and team building activities with Wild Side. Later in the week the Year 12 students were able to stage a great comeback to draw with the staff in the annual staff v students soccer match. The staff had thought they had the students covered after Mr Marcus Parker’s amazing opening two goals – followed by his even more impressive celebrations.

 

The college acknowledged that some students would find it challenging adjusting back to normal classroom structures so we developed an activity program (Art, Trivia, Dance, Minute To Win It, and Capture the Flag) for our Year 7 to 10 students. Our maintenance team also ensured our students were well fed with a BBQ lunch during the week.

 

YEAR 12 FINAL DAY

Year 12 students have completed their final days of scheduled classes, with students having their last day on Friday October 30. They have been excellent role models for the college and have risen to the challenges of a Covid-19 interrupted year. We are proud of their efforts and the young men and women they have become. 

 

While the first examination for the majority of VCE students is English on Tuesday November 10, our students completing performance examinations have already begun. We wish our students (Years 11 and 12) completing VCE examinations all the best, and pray that their hard work and dedication to their studies is reflected in their academic results. We also wish our VCAL students the very best as they pursue their chosen pathway. They are an amazing group of students who will do amazing things.

 

The St Joseph’s College staff are blessed to have supported, guided and taught these amazing young people. 

 

SUPPORTING STUDENTS DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIOD

When your child faces exams, often scheduled close together, they are under incredible pressure. They will need your understanding and support. Here are some aspects of exam stress you might not have considered:

What is exam stress? What causes it?

Stress is a negative reaction to excessive pressure or other demands. Exam stress can be caused by:

  • Fear of ‘failure’.
  • Pessimism and thinking the worst.
  • Unrealistic expectations.
  • Feeling unprepared.
  • Ending or starting a new school year or term.
  • Performance anxiety.

What to expect when exam stress hits

Your child may openly express how stressed they are feeling. Or they may hold it in and try to cope on their own. These are some signs they may be under stress:

  • Blaming others, anger or frustration
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Problems going to sleep or waking up
  • Racing heart and sweating
  • Mild chest tightness or pain
  • Nausea or minor stomach upsets
  • Skin breakouts
  • Teeth grinding, nail biting and fidgeting
  • Increased smoking, drinking or drug use
  • Losing touch with friends
  • Feeling cranky and irritable (increased yelling, crying, swearing, lashing out)
  • Feeling or thinking negatively about the future

One of the challenges as a parent is that exams are something your child has to do on their own. But you can support them by trying the following:

  • Teach them the importance of study breaks
  • Be constructive and positive
  • Encourage good sleep patterns and eating habits
  • Provide a quiet space for them to study and prepare
  • Having realistic expectations and not pushing them too hard
  • Encourage them to ask the teacher questions if they’re unsure
  • Help them know what to expect on the day of the exam
  • Help them be on time for the exam or arrive early
  • After the exam, listen to their concerns and avoid criticising them

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/helping-kids-cope-exam-stress-0

 

Mr Heath McClaer

Deputy Principal Students