DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS
YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP DAY
The Year 11 Leadership Day was held on Thursday 1 August. The students had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers Sister Patricia Fitzgibbon RSM and Mr Peter Alexander (General Manager, Strategy and Growth, Mildura Rural City Council). Students also had the opportunity to work with their respective House Leaders and our 2024 House Captains and Vice Captains. Mr Mel Ficarra led a Q&A forum with Mr Greg Kluske, Mrs Jodie Birnie, and the current College Captains and Vice Captains.
All Year 11 students are encouraged to apply for the many leadership opportunities available, and we look forward to the upcoming College Captain speeches which will take place on Thursday 15 August in the Sacred Heart Church to the entire college community.
DEBUTANTE BALLS
The Year 11 students recently celebrated their Debutante Balls on Saturdays 20 and 27 July. The Debutantes and their partners were presented to Mr and Mrs Kluske. The girls and boys looked amazing, danced well, and represented the college, their families, and themselves with great distinction. We could not be prouder of their efforts. A special thank-you to Miss Andy Higgins and her team for the overseeing the Debutante Balls and the numerous practice sessions.
YEAR 12 RETREAT
The Year 12 Retreat to Anglesea occurred in the last week of Term 2. While there, students participated in fun activities like horseback riding, surfing, mountain bike riding, canoeing, and high ropes. The highlights of the retreat were the bonds and trust formed in the small group sessions, as well as the letters from the parents and family members.
Unfortunately, due to illness, the retreat had to be cut short, however the college is looking at options in the near future for students to conclude the small group sessions and affirmations activity.
We thank Ms Rebecca Garreffa, Mrs Jodie Birnie, and Father Matt Thomas for organising and leading the Retreat.
COMISSIONING MASS
The community celebrated the beginning of a new chapter in the history of St Joseph’s College at the Commissioning Mass for our new College Principal, Mr Greg Kluske, on Friday 19 July.
All students represented the college admirably during the Commissioning Mass, indicating the respect and admiration they have for this important event, for our visiting guests from Mercy Education and the Diocese of Ballarat, and for Mr Kluske. It was also beautiful to see Mr Kluske celebrated and supported by his family during this special college tradition.
UNIFORM
Most of our students wear their uniform with pride and follow the Uniform Policy. The school 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 students demonstrate they are able to adhere to the requirements of working in any professional environment.
During Terms 2 and 3, all students are required to wear their blazesr to school in the morning and to morning Homeroom. They must also wear their blazers as they leave the college in the afternoon.
Due to some misuse of the change rooms, students will revert to changing into their PE uniform at the beginning of practical lessons. They will then change back into their college uniforms at the end of the lesson. Unless the student is representing the college at interschool sport, they are required to wear the winter uniform to school every day.
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
In accordance with Student Mobile Technology Policy, we remind students and families that mobile phones are required to kept in student lockers. Students are to collect their phones at the end of the day but are not permitted to use them until they leave the college grounds in the afternoon.
ENROLMENTS
Enrolments at the college continue to grow, confirming that we continue to be the secondary school of choice for many families in the Sunraysia community. There is a real sense of optimism in the direction of the college with our new Principal.
Interviews for the college's 2025 Year 7 intake are being conducted for the families of current Grade 6 students. We are also conducting interviews for the families of students joining the college at all other levels.
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 Italy Study Tour, and the Father’s Day Breakfast.
Mr Heath McClaer
Deputy Principal Students