DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS

Welcome to the 2022 school year.

A very warm welcome to our new students and families that have joined the St Joseph’s College community this year. We have had a positive start to the year with the Year 7, 8 and VCE students starting on Wednesday February 2, and the remaining year levels and VCAL students returning on Thursday February 3. The Year 7 students completed a two-day induction program to familiarise themselves with the college and support their successful transition into secondary school. I would like to congratulate the Year 7 students on their ability to quickly adapt to their new secondary school environment. I would also like to thank the Year 9 Peer Support students for supporting the Year 7 students on their first day, and the Senior buddies who have the role of mentoring and guiding the Year 7’s. The beginning of secondary school can be an exciting time for many students, but it can also be challenging. We encourage students and families to keep in regular contact with the respective Homeroom teacher as concerns arise. A special thank you to our Year 7 staff and Mr Emmet Brown for their work in preparing and delivering this program.

The start of the year has not been without its challenges with the introduction of Rapid Antigen Testing, the continuation of the mask wearing requirements and the COVID-19 procedures of isolation of positive and close contacts. Our students and staff have already displayed great resilience and positivity to take these challenges in their stride and have maintained a positive mindset throughout.

The college celebrated the achievements of our 2021 Year 12 students, Year 11 scholarship winners and the Mercy Academic Internal Scholarships at the College Awards assembly held on Monday February 7. Venkatesh Ramasubramanian, the 2021 College Dux, gave an inspiring reflection on his learning journey, and the great admiration and thanks to his teachers that have supported him.

In the second week of term our Years 9, 11 and 12 students participated in seminar days with Mr Chris Doyle and Ms Gen Bryant. It was great to see our students engaged and having the courage to sing in front of their peers with Chris and Gen. I thank Miss Paula Cox and her team for creating opportunities for our students to enliven and deepen their faith. The Year 10 Seminar day was postponed and is now set to take place on Monday February 21, with presenters David and Katie Kobler – “Your Choicez”.

Our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students had sessions with Jake for Optus Digital Thumbprint. The session topics included Cybersecurity, Cyberbullying, Digital Discernment and Digital Balance. We hope these sessions which coincided with ‘Safer Internet Day’ provide our students with an enhanced knowledge of how to best manage their online presence and safety.

STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENTS

All students will complete a Student Learning Agreement in week 4. These agreements demonstrate the students’ commitment to accepting the high expectations that come with being a St Joseph’s College student with respect to the following areas: Attendance, Work Ethic, Administration, Pastoral Care, Ethos, Uniform and Conduct. The college places a high regard on the development of positive, respectful relationships between members of our college community. To assist in building these relationships we acknowledge the need for agreement from all involved to a set of expectations that enhance the behaviours, attitudes and values that underpin interactions within the college.

UNIFORM

The college Uniform Policy is part of the Student Learning Agreement where students agree to ‘wear the uniform correctly at all times of the year, as per uniform guidelines and policy’. I am pleased to report that the vast majority of students are generally wearing their uniform correctly and with pride.

While the uniform guidelines have not changed in relation to earrings, students are reminded that earrings are limited to small plain spherical gold/silver studs or sleepers for pierced ears (ear lobe only). No plastic, gemstones or pearls. Students are also not permitted to wear rings, or have coloured nail polish/nail extensions. We thank you for your support in keeping our school uniform one of our most distinctive and proud symbols. If you have any queries in relation to the uniform policy, please refer to the Uniform Policy and Guidelines on the college website.

EXTENDED PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM

In 2021, a passionate team of teachers worked on the Semester 1 Extended Pastoral Care program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our students and develops a sense of connectedness and belonging to the college. The team consisted of representatives from the following groups;

A member of the House Leader team
A member of the Wellbeing team
A Homeroom teacher from each House (Chisholm, McAuley, Mackillop, Padua and Xavier)
A Pastoral Care Group teacher (Mercy Campus)

This collaboration has developed a sense of shared ownership of the program, with teachers excited by the opportunity to be part of the development and now the implementation of the program. The program, which includes a range of activities including intra- and inter-house events, will also contribute to the Paul Tarrant House Spirit Cup.

A similar process will occur with the Semester 2 program, however the shareholders will be the students that participate in the Extended Pastoral Care program. Mr Dion Collins, House Team Leader and Chisholm House Leader, will work with House Captains and representatives from each House. It is important that we listen carefully to students that have participated in the program over the years and ensure they have an authentic voice. It is hoped that this will develop a sense of shared ownership in the program from the students.

I wish all students and families a successful 2022.

Mr Heath McClaer

Deputy Principal Students