DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS

As the 2024 school year comes to an end, we look back and reflect positively on all the college's events and celebrations: our year level camps and retreat, the study tour to Italy, subject camps, the Human Powered Vehicle Program, Debutante and College Balls, sporting carnivals and Interschool Sport, learning opportunities, and friendships that have developed along the way. I congratulate all students for their efforts this year and for contributing to making St Joseph’s College a great place for students to learn. I thank the parent community for your continued support of both your children and the college. We share an understanding that students achieve their best results when we work together.

While the year is coming to a close, we certainly have not slowed down. We celebrate the achievements of our graduating Year 12 students and wish them all the best in their future endeavours – may that be further study, trade, or work. We trust that they will continue to display compassion, motivation, and effort as they enter the post-secondary school world. The Class of 2024 have completed their exams and celebrated their achievements with their families at the End of Year Mass and the Year 12 Graduation Dinner on Thursday 21 November. We wish the Class of 2024 every success and hope their education at St Joseph’s College sets them up for their chosen pathway. 

Our 2025 Year 12 cohort completed their examinations and were introduced to Year 12 classes through the 'Headstart' program. It was very positive to see these students make a great first impression with their Year 12 teachers and peers in their classes. As listed on the 2025 House and Specialist Leaders page, I congratulate all the students that were successful in their leadership applications.

Our Year 10 students completed their exams during Week 7. Following that, all students returning in Year 11 are attending the NOVUS camp in Melbourne from 25 to 29 November. This urban camp is intended to develop the students' sense of belonging and connectedness while having an academic focus. 

Our Year 9 students will complete their English and Mathematics exams on Friday 29 November and can look forward to a well-earned summer break. I thank the Year 9 students for all their efforts this year, and particularly our Peer Support Leaders who have supported and guided our Year 7 students in their first year at the College.

The Year 8 students’ residence at the Mercy Campus is almost over. They will now have the opportunity to consider leadership roles in Peer Support. In this role, we hope to develop their leadership skills while they assist in developing a sense of community and belonging, particularly with the incoming Year 7 students. The Year 9 Peer Support Leaders and the Student Representative Council act as the student voice for the Year 9 cohort. 

We hope the Year 7 students have enjoyed their first year at the college, highlighted by the Year 7 Camp to Victor Harbor. I know many of the students are really looking forward to the Mercy Campus in Year 8 – with the amazing facilities and a campus all to themselves.

The final day of school for Years 7 and 8, Wednesday 4 December, will be a pool day at the Irymple pool.

Finally, I wish all the students, staff, and families a joyful Christmas. To the students returning in 2025, we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year and trust that you will return both safe and well-rested. To the students leaving us at the end of the year, we wish you all the best in your chosen paths and hope you will reflect positively on your time at St Joseph’s College.

Mr Heath McClaer

Deputy Principal Students