PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE 'PRESENT'?

Sometimes, it means to concentrate on a task we are performing or on a person we are speaking with. Other times, being present means being emotionally available to support our loved ones. Most commonly, being present is to be physically in an agreed place at an agreed time.

Earlier this month, I read two articles that dealt with school absences based on newly released Victorian Department of Education figures. The first of these presented data that showed that ‘wag’ days have doubled over the past five years, to a total of 50,000 days in 2017. (Argoon, A 2018, ‘Slacker Acts’, Herald Sun, 1 September, p.4)

The second article in the same newspaper’s edition explored how family holidays during more affordable travel periods resulted in 1.5 million among a total of 10.6 million lost days of school in Victorian state schools during 2017. (Argoon, A 2018, ‘Flight School’, Herald Sun, 1 September, p.1)

Regardless of the reasons for absences in our state schools, the most alarming Department of Education statistic was that Year 11 and Year 12 students were 78% and 75% (respectively) more likely to be away during term in 2017 compared to figures from 2013. (Argoon, A 2018, ‘Flight School’, Herald Sun, 1 September, p.1)

The pathway to Senior School education that students choose for Years 11 and 12 is one of the most important decisions in a young person’s life. While taking a day off for any reason during these challenging years may be tempting, students should know that they can rely on their teachers, wellbeing staff, family and friends to help them through any hurdles.

As Term 3 draws to a close, let us reaffirm our commitment to being present for one another in all senses of the word so that we can succeed as a community at St Joseph’s College.

God Bless,

Mrs Marg Blythman