Principal's Report

As we look ahead to the end of the school year and towards next year, I want to share three changes with families that will shape the way we support our students and prepare for 2027: expansion of our end of year Step Up program, changes to Learning Mentor, and the introduction of our new Wellbeing for Learning Program. There's a common thread running through all three and it’s that we have listened. Throughout the year, we’ve sought feedback from staff, students and parents about what is working well and where we can do things differently. These changes are, in part, a direct response to what you have told us.

Term 4 Whole School Step Up

We are expanding our Step Up program this term to include the whole school. In previous years, Step Up has focused on students at the senior campus, but in response to feedback, we will now have all students step up into their next year level for the final two weeks of the school year. This means our students will have the opportunity to experience their new year level, meet their teachers and become familiar with their classes before they return in 2027. We believe this will help us finish the school year strongly, while giving students greater certainty and confidence about the year ahead. Most importantly, it means we can begin 2027 with students already settled into their new classes, year levels and routines.

Learning Mentor

In 2027 Learning Mentor will move from its current timeslot after recess and before Period 2, to the beginning of the school day, before Period 1. We know this is something many Learning Mentors, students and families have been asking for. We've listened to the feedback from our LMs, as well as feedback from students and parents, and this change is the result. We believe starting the day together will create a stronger sense of connection and belonging within LM groups, while giving students a consistent and purposeful start to their school day.

Wellbeing for Learning Program

We are also introducing a new Wellbeing for Learning Program in 2027. This program will create dedicated time to explicitly develop the skills, relationships and understanding that support student wellbeing and, in turn, learning. Our intention is that the program will strengthen learning, connection and belonging across the College. The program will run across one timetabled period per year level, per fortnightly cycle, and will bring together many of the wellbeing activities that currently sit around the curriculum, including areas such as R.E.A.C.H, respectful relationships, consent and anti-bullying education, creating a more connected and intentional approach to wellbeing education. The program will be supported by staff who have a particular interest in and experience with student wellbeing and who are keen to contribute to this area. We will also provide additional professional learning and training to staff involved in delivering the program, so we can continue to build our collective capacity in this important area. These changes are part of our ongoing work to listen, learn and keep improving the experience we provide for our students. Thank you for your ongoing support as we put these changes into practice.

Farewell to our Year 12s

Thursday marks the final day of official classes for our Year 12 students, a significant milestone as they prepare for their upcoming examinations and the next chapter of their lives. While their timetabled classes will conclude, students are welcome to continue coming to school to work with their teachers, seek support and prepare for their exams.

We will farewell our Year 12s on Friday morning with breakfast alongside their parents and carers, followed by House group farewells. These are always joyous and meaningful occasions, giving us the opportunity to reflect on their time at St Joseph’s College, the friendships they have formed, the memories they have made and the many ways they have contributed to our community.

On Monday evening, we will come together once more for their Graduation Liturgy and Celebration, marking this important transition and recognising all they have achieved during their time with us.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students and wish them every success in their upcoming examinations and all that lies ahead. We hope they carry the strength, kindliness and sense of belonging they have experienced at St Joseph’s College with them into their next chapter, knowing they will always be part of our College community.

Anne Marie Cairns

Principal