DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS
PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT THANK YOU
Following two years that have been heavily impacted by COVID, it is really positive that we can again welcome parents and guardians back into the college. I thank all parents and guardians who were able to attend the Year 11 Information Session, Year 12 Meet the Teacher, Year 7 and new students Homeroom Teacher/Parent meetings, Year 8 Camp Information Session, Swimming Carnival and the College's Opening Mass.
The famous African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”, should ring true to parents and families today more than ever before. We know the best way to support the students in their learning journey is to work in partnership with families, and we look forward to working with you to help your children strive for success,
SWIMMING
The annual College Swimming Carnival was held on Tuesday February 22 in perfect summer conditions. There was tremendous community and House spirit on display led by our Year 12 students who were dressed to impress.
Xavier House again took away the shield, followed by MacKillop and Padua. There were some fantastic individual performances throughout the day and great team performances in the relays and novelty events. I congratulate all students who participated and contributed to their House performance. It was also positive to welcome back parents to this event.
The individual event winners and top ranked swimmers then represented the college at the District level (SSVS) on Wednesday March 9. Again, there were several fantastic individual performances, while the team performances were outstanding, with St Joseph’s College winning the vast majority of the relay events. The college was able to retain both the Junior and Senior Swimming Shields.
Due to our success at the SSVS competition, with only the individual and relay winners going onto the Regional level (LMR), we were able to take a large team to Swan Hill. With strong competition from schools in Bendigo, Swan Hill, Echuca, and Castlemaine, to name a few, it was always going to be a challenging day against solid opposition.
School spirit was strong, with some outstanding individual and team performances. St Joseph’s College was the overall champion in the Secondary Division, leading second-placed St Joseph’s College Echuca by 50 points and third-placed Girton Grammar School Bendigo by 75 points. Congratulations to our outstanding swimmers. To put this achievement into perspective, the college placed seventh in 2017, eighth in 2018, third in 2019, and we were runners up in 2021. Well done also to Mr John Fleming for his organisation and support of the swimmers.
We now wish Max Bell, Jasmin Allen, Montana Smythe, Neomai Burton, Rhianna Neyland, Ellie Pitt, Harvy Vandenberg, Tanner Strong, and Samuel Mills all the best as they represent the college at the State level in Melbourne.
UNIFORM FOR TERM 2
A reminder to new and existing families that students must wear full Winter uniform during Terms 2 and 3. Students must wear the college blazer as the outer garment to school and morning Homeroom and as they leave the college at afternoon dismissal.
Please be aware that we apply the heat rule if the predicted temperature is 30 degrees Celsius or above, where students would not be required to wear the blazer home.
A reminder that earrings are limited to small plain spherical gold/silver studs or sleepers for pierced ears. Only one small sleeper or stud is permitted in each lower ear lobe. No plastic, gemstones (coloured or clear), pearl, hoop, or disc earrings.
If you have any queries about the uniform policy, please refer to the Uniform and Guidelines attached and available on the college website.
MERCY WORKS PRESENTATIONS - YEARS 7, 8 AND MERCY ACTION GROUP STUDENTS
On Thursday March 10, students had the opportunity to hear about Mercy Works from Sr Sally Bradley, the Executive Director of Mercy Works, and Ms Jo Casamento, the Mercy Works Communications Coordinator. The students were informed about the history of Mercy Works, their aims and objectives, their connections with the Sisters of Mercy, their projects and how they use donations to support those in need.
The Mercy Works vision of partnering with the most vulnerable toward opportunity, dignity and self-reliance carries on the tradition and teachings of Catherine McAuley. They work with local community organisations to support the most vulnerable in Australia and internationally (Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Philippines), focusing on women and children. Their programs strive to build capacity and self-reliance and to foster environmental sustainability.
The staff also head from Sr Sally and Jo at the Staff Professional Learning day on Friday March 11.
HARMONY WEEK (MONDAY 21 TO SATURDAY 27 MARCH)
The college celebrated Harmony Week with activities in Homeroom, a BBQ lunch and a live musical performance on Monday March 21. This year's theme is ‘Everyone Belongs’, embracing inclusiveness and the diverse cultures and customs of people from around the world who call Australia home. As a college, we strive to deepen the connections within our community and work towards building a more inclusive and welcoming community.
The following college welcome is stated at the beginning of all formal events and assemblies:
‘As an inclusive faith community, we acknowledge that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and created with love. All faiths, genders, sexualities, and cultures are therefore respected, accepted and welcome in the St Joseph’s College Community.’
Mr Heath McClaer
Deputy Principal Students