DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS

WELCOME TO 2026

A very warm welcome to all students and families as we begin the 2026 school year together. We extend a special welcome to the new students and families who have joined the St Joseph’s College community this year. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to the contributions you will make to our college.

The year has begun positively, with students settling into their routines and reconnecting with peers and staff. Our Year 7 students participated in an induction program designed to help them become familiar with the college, its expectations, and the many opportunities available to them. This two-day program plays an important role in supporting a smooth and confident transition into secondary school.

I would like to congratulate our Year 7 students on the positive way they have embraced this new chapter of their education. They have demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to engage in all aspects of college life. I also extend my sincere thanks to our senior student buddies, whose support and guidance have helped our newest students feel welcomed and supported.

The beginning of secondary school is an exciting time, filled with new opportunities, friendships, and experiences. We recognise that it can also present challenges, and we encourage families to maintain open communication with their child’s Homeroom or Pastoral Care teacher. Working together ensures that every student is supported to thrive and achieve their best.

We look forward to a wonderful year ahead, filled with growth, learning, and shared success for all members of our college community.

UNIFORM

Our college uniform is an important part of our college identity and reflects the pride we have in belonging to our community. The uniform policy has been developed to promote a sense of unity, equality, and respect among students, while also upholding the standards and values of our school.

Wearing the uniform correctly helps create a positive and focused learning environment. It reduces distractions, supports student safety and identification, and ensures that all students are presented in a manner that represents the college with dignity, both within the school grounds and in the wider community.

We value the partnership between the college and families in maintaining high expectations around uniform standards. By working together and supporting the uniform policy, we help foster a strong sense of belonging, responsibility, and pride in our college community.

While the uniform guidelines have not changed in relation to earrings, students are reminded that earrings are limited to small plain spherical gold/silver studs or sleepers for pierced ears (ear lobe only). No plastic, gemstones, or pearls. Students are also not permitted to wear bracelets, rings or have coloured nail polish/nail extensions. 

We thank you for your support in keeping our college uniform one of our most distinctive and proud symbols. If you have any queries in relation to the uniform policy, please refer to the Uniform Policy and Guidelines on the college website.

SAFETY OF BELONGINGS

We are fortunate to be part of a respectful and caring college community where incidents of theft are very uncommon. However, this can sometimes lead to students becoming less mindful of securing their personal belongings.

All Year 7 students and new students are provided with a combination padlock, which must be used to always secure their lockers. If a student does not have a padlock, or if it has been lost or misplaced, families are asked to arrange for a replacement padlock as soon as possible. Please note that in the rare event of theft or damage – particularly if intruders access the college outside of school hours – items stored in unlocked lockers are not covered by the college’s insurance.

Students are also required to store their mobile phones in their lockers throughout the school day, in line with college expectations. Please note students are unable to use phones at the college canteens, with families strongly encouraged to download and access the Flexischools app to purchase lunch orders. Keeping mobile phones in lockers highlights the importance of ensuring lockers are always securely locked to protect valuable personal items.

We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing the importance of students taking responsibility for securing their belongings and using their lockers appropriately.

WELLBEING

Our Wellbeing Team are currently meeting individually with all Year 12 students and new students to the college in Years 8 to 12. These meetings are designed to provide guidance and support in these potentially challenging and stressful periods. Our Year 11 students will also be contacted by the Wellbeing Team and are encouraged to arrange appointments as they start their VCE and VCE VM pathways. All students are encouraged to seek wellbeing support via email wellbeing@sjcmda.vic.edu.au or by reaching out to any member of college staff.

The college ensures that we have members of the Wellbeing Team at both the Enright and Mercy campuses to meet the needs of our student community. We are fortunate to have such a passionate and experienced wellbeing team that strive to ensure every student’s wellbeing is supported and monitored.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At our college, students are provided with many valuable opportunities to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. Leadership plays an important role in shaping confident, compassionate, and responsible young people, and we are proud to offer a range of formal and informal pathways for students to contribute to the life of the college.

Our student leaders play a vital role in fostering a positive and inclusive culture. Through their actions, they model our college values, support their peers, and help ensure that student voice remains an important part of our decision-making and community life. Their willingness to step forward, represent others, and serve our college is commendable.

I would like to congratulate all students who have taken on leadership roles in 2026 and thank them for their commitment to serving our community. I encourage them to embrace the opportunities ahead, lead with integrity, and continue to make a positive difference within the college.

COLLEGE CAPTAINS

Left to Right: Elizabeth Larsen (Vice-Captain); Logan King (Captain); Julia O'Bryan (Captain); Alexander Kambouris (Vice-Captain)

CHISHOLM HOUSE

Left to Right: Liam Smith (Vice-Captain); Luca Primarano (Captain); Mayvelyne Martin Masabal (Captain); Ananthu Dinkar (Vice-Captain)

MACKILLOP HOUSE

Left to Right: Elsie Jenkins (Vice-Captain); Amelia Petrolo (Captain); Lana Copley (Captain); Yenuli Fernando (Vice-Captain)

McAULEY HOUSE

Left to Right: Lexi Litchfield (Vice-Captain); Max Bell (Captain); Charlotte Littore (Captain); Romy Wescombe (Vice-Captain)

PADUA HOUSE

Left to Right: Abdalla Maaroof (Vice-Captain); Livvie Sexton (Captain); Sofia Tabacco (Captain); Lizzy Feuiaki (Vice-Captain)

XAVIER HOUSE

Left to Right: Riley Freeth (Vice-Captain); Hugh Jones (Captain); Indi Avery (Captain); Sophie Lloyd (Vice-Captain)

SPECIALIST CAPTAINS

Back Row – Left to Right: Lachlan Prescott (Academic); Lila Senior (Academic); Thomas Dang (Sports); Nathasha Allieu (Faith); Toilose Vave (Arts)

Front Row – Left to Right: Cynthia Chan (Academic); Ithika Parvez (Academic); Melanie Thanomjit (Mercy); Michael Hay (Wellbeing); Tayvia Wilkie-Eggmolesse (Wellbeing); Jorja Andriolas (Arts)

Absent: Elke Meehan (Sports)

I wish all students and families a happy, fulfilling, and successful 2026, and I look forward to working together to make this a wonderful year for our college community.

Mr Heath McClaer

Deputy Principal Students