PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Shared Stories of Belonging
“Never again shall a single story be told as though it were the only one.”
-John Berger
Stories of all kinds define us. Those passed down to us hold as much value as any we experience on our own. Although we uniquely perceive the world moment by moment as individuals, a large part of our identity and sense of belonging come from shared stories we collect during our lives.
In good times and bad, we depend on these shared stories because they make us realise that we belong to something greater than ourselves: a family, a cause, a community.
Now, more than ever, belonging is vital and makes all the difference. The events of 2020 have tested our resilience, strength, and bravery. Despite – or rather because of that, we stand stronger as a college, as a community that cares.
The important transition from Year 10 to Year 11 presents unique challenges and opportunities that form the first steps towards deciding on a fulfilling career.
Our community encourages all its members to make the best choices, especially at this academic milestone. We are here to support you through your two most important years at St Joseph’s College.
Together, our college has achieved so much and will continue to succeed because we can rely on familiar traditions, common goals, and shared stories. We can rely on one other.
It is also a Year 12 like no other, with the pandemic placing new demands and pressures on students. How can parents and carers help? The answer to that question can be difficult and as a parent sometimes it feels quite challenging! The Parents Website, has tips and ideas to help navigate this very different Year 12.
Blessings
Mrs Marg Blythman
Principal
OUR COMMITMENT TO WELLBEING AND WELL BEINGS
When all areas of health (mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual) coexist in balance, that positive sense of wellbeing allows us to grow in other positive ways.
Respectful, Resourceful, Resilient outlines the commitment to wellbeing and pastoral care at St Joseph’s College. Each year level features programs and activities created to cater to the different stages of adolescent brain development.
Wellbeing’s ‘soft skills’ equip young people with the tools they need to take ownership of their individual needs and truly thrive. Because they learn and take on more responsibility each year, the early adolescent from Year 7 grows into a well-adjusted and empowered young adult by the end of Year 12.
Now, more than ever, prioritising individual and community wellbeing will help us to feel resilient and connected. To preserve and bolster a sense of belonging, though we may be socially distant.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FAMILIES IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITIES?
The three major contexts in which children learn are the family, the school and the community. In choosing a Catholic school, parents enter a partnership focused on faith formation, learning and wellbeing.
OVERSEAS STUDENT TOURS AS DETERMINED BY MERCY EDUCATION LTD (MEL)
Currently, we are subject to Australian Government restrictions on overseas travel. Interstate travel is also restricted due to various State Governments’ regulations on border entry. As the health and wellbeing of our students and staff remains the highest priority of St Joseph's College and Mercy Education, MEL has instructed that no overseas tours should be planned by the college for 2021. Arrangements for domestic tours are subject to government restrictions and the college will make decisions accordingly.
I understand that overseas student tours are a valuable and well-supported component of the curriculum and that your child may be disappointed not to have this opportunity in 2021. If you have questions in relation to the current advice, please direct them to me via email principal@sjcmda.vic.edu.au in the first instance. MEL continues to respond to the different stages of the COVID 19 pandemic while following the advice of the Australian and State Government Departments of Health and will provide updated advice to schools and staff as appropriate.