Teaching & Learning

Year 9 Exams, Step Up and Laptop Collection 

As our Year 9 students prepare for their transition to the Brigidine Campus, there are several important arrangements for next week as they complete their Semester 2 examinations and participate in the Step-Up program. 

Step Up to Brigidine 

Monday 16 November will be the Year 9 students’ final day at Kildare Campus. From Tuesday 17 November, all Year 9 students are to report directly to Brigidine Campus, arriving in full academic uniform. On Tuesday morning, students should assemble on the front lawn, where supervising teachers will direct them to their study sessions. 

Supervised study sessions will take place in the upstairs Tullow classrooms, with students working in their House groups. Examinations will be held in the Oak Centre, with students assembling on the basketball courts in their class groups. Students with special examination provisions will sit their exams in D40. 

There will be no bells operating at Brigidine during this period, so students must familiarise themselves with their examination and study session times. 

Examination Requirements 

Year 9 students are expected to attend all examinations and be in full academic school uniform. Between examinations, they will participate in supervised study sessions. 

Students may bring the following approved materials: 

• Pens, pencils and rulers in a clear plastic pocket (no pencil cases). 
• A clear water bottle without a label. 
• A calculator for Mathematics and Science examinations. 
• A dictionary for the English examination. 
• A summary sheet for the Mathematics examination. 

Laptop Return and Collection 

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing students with contemporary digital learning tools, St Joseph's College operates a three-year laptop loan program through our ICT agreement. Students are provided with a College-owned laptop for their first three years of secondary schooling, before receiving a new device at the beginning of Year 10 to support them throughout their final three years at the College. Students are required to return their current laptop, together with its charger, on Wednesday 18 November during Period 1. Both students and parents/carers are also required to complete the ICT User Agreement sent via Compass. 

Once these steps have been completed, students will be provided with their new device from Thursday 19 November. If an item is not returned, or is returned in a damaged condition, families will be responsible for the cost of any necessary repairs, amounts as previously communicated. Following this, payment will be required via Compass. Once this has been resolved, the student may collect their new device. 

Importantly, students will need to bring hard-copy study materials for Wednesday Period 3, as they will be without their laptop while preparing for their Period 4 examination. 

Absences from Examinations 

If your child is unwell and unable to attend an examination, a medical certificate or statutory declaration must be provided to Student Services, either in person or via email. Without supporting documentation, a zero will be recorded for the missed examination, which may impact their Overall Grade. 

We appreciate your support as students navigate this important week of examinations and transition to Senior School. Encouraging students to maintain effective study routines, get adequate rest and approach their examinations with confidence will help them finish their Year 9 learning journey positively. 

Year 10 and 11 Examinations and Step Up 

Year 10 and 11 Semester 2 examinations will take place from Thursday 12 November to Thursday 19 November in the College Oak Centre. 

Attendance and Study Arrangements 

Students are only required to attend the College when they have a scheduled examination. Students who wish to remain at school on days when they do not have an examination must study in the Library and sign in on arrival. No other study spaces will be available during this period. 

Vocational Major (VM) Work Placement 

Please note the following arrangements for VM students: 

• Year 10 VM: Students will attend examinations on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 November, before commencing Work Placement the following week. 
• Year 11 VM: Students will undertake Work Placement from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November. 

Examination Timetables 

Students are responsible for knowing their individual examination timetable, including examination start and assembly times. These are available on Compass. 

Examination Expectations 

Students must assemble on the outdoor Oak Centre courts 10 minutes before each scheduled examination. Please be aware that the examination timetable does not follow normal College bell times, allowing for additional breaks between examinations. It is essential that students check their individual timetable carefully and arrive at the correct assembly time. 

All students are required to wear full academic uniform throughout the examination period. Examination materials and stationery must be carried in a clear plastic pocket, and students may bring only a clear plastic water bottle. 

We encourage all students to prepare thoroughly, manage their study time effectively and approach their examinations with confidence as they work towards completing Semester 2 successfully. 

Year 7 2027 Parent Information Night 

We warmly invite our incoming Year 7 parents to attend an information evening on Thursday, 19th November. The session will begin at 6 pm in the Oak Centre at our Brigidine Campus. Students are not required to attend this event.

We look forward to seeing you there. Your support and engagement are invaluable to the educational journey of our students. 

End of Year Academic Awards Night 

We are excited to announce that our End of Year Awards Night will take place on Monday 7 December. This special event brings our school community together to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students throughout 2026. 

Families of students being recognised will receive invitations on Tuesday 24 November. The ceremony will be held in the Oak Centre at our Bridgine Campus, starting at 7pm.

Please save the date - we look forward to celebrating together! 

Mrs Lisa Saillard 

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching