PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Language is a phenomenal thing. We use it to tell stories, share knowledge, give instructions, pass down history, and so much more. Approximately 7000 languages, give or take, exist today. Each one plays a vital role in preserving culture, connecting people, and exchanging ideas.
If at their core languages facilitate communication, then spoken languages represent just one type. Science and technology have their own languages, too, founded in mathematics. In fact, many argue that mathematics is the universal language because everyone understands it.
If you have guessed that this fifth edition of Community for 2024 focuses on Languages and Mathematics, then congratulations. These two Learning Areas open students’ minds to a range of future career possibilities and pathways. We know you will enjoy seeing what students have learned and created over the past several weeks in these and other subjects.
Senior Pathways Lead to Bright Futures
St Joseph’s College provides everything students need to achieve their potential during the all-important senior school years. Recently, students in Years 9 and 10 explored the vast array of options that St Joseph’s College offers them during Years 11 and 12 at our Senior Pathways Information Evening on 30 July.
The event was a tremendous success. On behalf of the college, I thank all the students and families who visited us and spoke with college staff about everything from academic offerings to flexible learning pathways and scholarships.
The benefits of continuing at the college after Year 10 are many, including engaging experiences, comprehensive support, and the best facilities in the district. We even timetable more subjects than Scotch College in Melbourne does for its Year 12 students.
I recently presented to our Year 10 cohort so I could check in with them, refresh their memories about all the fantastic opportunities the college offers, and provide them with more information on the advantages of a Catholic education. – Even I was surprised to discover that completing Year 12 at a Catholic college adds an average of six ATAR points to students’ scores. – An outstanding figure, to be sure.
Please have a look at the information in the carousel below. I think you will agree that our college truly is the best place to help young people get to where they want to be. Thank you for trusting St Joseph’s College with your child’s secondary school education.
Commissioning Mass
Although I assumed the role of College Principal at the end of March earlier this year, the Diocese of Ballarat and Mercy Education Limited officially commissioned me to lead St Joseph’s College at a special Mass on 19 July.
I felt honoured to be formally recognised in my role by Bishop of Ballarat Paul Bird, Mercy Education Board Chair Georgina Smith, and Mercy Education Ltd Chief Executive Officer Louisa Rennie, among others. The entire college community, staff and students alike, were present to welcome our guests and participate in the Mass. I am proud to say that our college, especially our student leaders, impressed all our visitors with the respect and hospitality everyone displayed before, during, and after the Mass.
My family also attended this career-defining milestone. After more than forty years teaching at St Joseph’s College, it meant so much to have my wife, three daughters, mother, and father present to share in this special moment. I am proud to lead this college and grateful to be involved in helping Sunraysia’s young people grow into the next generation of leaders for our community.
Father’s Day Breakfast
Bookings are now open for this year’s Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday 30 August in the Holland Room at the Mercy Campus. Our special guest this year is Henry Olonga, former cricketer and sports commentator. You will find more details and how to book on the College News page of this newsletter.
In the spirit of hope and faith
Mr Greg Kluske
College Principal
