Principal's Report 

This term we will see a number of different assessments taking place, including examinations for Years 10 and 11. I encourage students to remain focused on their academic endeavours, connect to their teachers and peers, and continue to grow and strive for their highest achievement. Students in both Years 7 and 9 have recently completed the NAPLAN tests. These provide another opportunity for feedback to supplement the various sources of assessment undertaken at the College by our teachers which, combined, help to build a picture to measure progress for each student. I thank the staff involved in administering these tests and in particular the work of Ms Shari Gotch who facilitated the whole process. 

As we move into the colder months, media and health reports indicate a rise in COVID-19 and flu cases. This is a timely reminder about our hygiene practices such as washing hands. These illnesses, combined with the much reported teacher shortages across the whole sector place additional pressures on our College. I am pleased to report that we have managed this really well. We have functional and practical measures in place to support students and staff. There may be times when we do things a little differently, such as asking a year level to remain offsite for a day of self-directed learning. It is of course my hope that we can all remain safe and healthy as we see through the first winter in two years without a lockdown in place. I am very grateful to our community for its perseverance, and am confident we will once again support one another through these challenges.

Last week a number of staff attended the annual VCSSDPA 25th Anniversary Women in Leadership Dinner. The purpose of the dinner is to encourage and highlight achievements of women in leadership in Catholic Education. It also gives participants the opportunity to network with staff from other Catholic schools and share their experiences in leadership. The first speaker was Susan Danckert who initiated the dinner some 25 years ago when the employment sector was possibly a less ‘welcoming’ environment for women leaders. The keynote speaker for the evening was Kate Roffrey, the President of the Melbourne Football Club. Kate shared her leadership journey and some stories along the way for current and emerging leaders. She mentioned the importance of wanting our staff to be the best people they can be and surrounding yourself with diamonds. Good reminders for all of us, particularly as we move toward a new and revamped leadership model at the College.

As Year 12 students headed off to retreat this week, I was reminded of the joy these experiences bring to students and staff, especially post two years of lockdown. We are in the fortunate position to have staff prepared to attend these overnight stays away from their own families, so that students can focus on being the best versions of themselves.

I'd like to offer my congratulations to the following age group champions at the Campaspe Cross Country earlier this week and all those who participated and helped St Joseph's take home the winning shield on the day! Well done!

13 BOYS – MITCHELL SUTTON

14 GIRLS – RUBY MORLEY

14 BOYS – CODY WALKER

15 BOYS – KY HENSON

20 BOYS – ETHAN CHURCH

God Bless.

Anne Marie Cairns

Principal