PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE

Expectations for student behaviours and results can be tricky things. Set the bar too low and students may get bored or fail to take the challenge seriously. Set the bar too high and students feel either overwhelmed or paralysed by a fear of failure. In a recent article in The Australian, a study conducted by the Centre for Independent Studies found that students achieved greater success when a school employed experienced staff who favoured explicit teaching methods and instilled “a disciplined culture of high expectations.” Though the study focussed on high-performing primary schools in disadvantaged areas, students of all ages at any school can benefit from the same strategies.

With our Core Values as a foundation, St Joseph’s College has clearly set high —and realistic — expectations for student behaviours so that every student has the discipline they need to excel. Outside of academic pursuits, our House System and vertically integrated homerooms help young people define for themselves what it means to be not only a student of the College, but also a member of our community. We create and strengthen our shared identity as members of the College community when we come together as a school numerous times during the year for Catholic masses and liturgies, as well as less formal events and sporting carnivals. Excellence does not come easily, but with support, discipline and a desire to achieve, every student is capable of an optimistic future.

At our Mass on Wednesday on May I, I spoke to the students on the value of work and work ethic. “As we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, it is a good opportunity to think of St Joseph as someone who reminds us of the value and dignity of work. The opportunity of employment is often denied to many so we pray for all those in our community who are currently seeking work. When it comes to work, we often hear the phrase “work ethic”. I know that many of our students balance school with part time employment as well as a commitment to sports, volunteering and many other social activities. If I had to ask you to define your personal work ethic, I wonder what you would say. Are you trustworthy and reliable? Do you have initiative and great ideas? Are you the person who leads the team and ensures that everyone feels included? Do you meet the needs of others before your own? Do you have integrity and honesty?

I want you to all think about what work ethic is and what it means to be a student at our College. To be a member of St Joseph’s College is a privilege and a right that we protect. You may have noticed our new posters talking about Workplace Safety. Our statement is powerful.  This is our College and our workplace and everyone has the right to feel safe. There is no place for threatening behaviour. Act and speak respectfully. Listen with care. Work together. These words reflect the statement by Pope John Paul II, "the Church considers it her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and to help to guide [social] changes so as to ensure authentic progress by man and society".

Today is a celebration of our patron saint and what it means for each of us to be a part of our College – one that is rich in values and provides a pathway to hope and possibility.

God bless,

Mrs Marg Blythman