As we come to the end of another “interesting” year, I have nothing but admiration for the manner in which staff and students have responded to the challenges we have been given.

Throughout the year we have strived to do our best as a community to successfully deliver a quality learning experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the college staff, in particular the teaching staff, for their commitment, adaptability and flexibility.

STUDENT AWARD PRESENTATIONS

Equally impressive have been the students, in what has been another extraordinary year. We continue to be impressed with the determination, resilience and motivation of our students to achieve at the highest possible level.

Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty around regulations and restrictions, we were not in a position at the time of organising our awards presentations to be able to commit to an evening event which would be accessible for everyone. However, we feel it is very important to recognise the efforts of our students.

It is a proud tradition of schools in general and St Joseph’s College in particular, to celebrate those who achieve at the highest level. It is also important that we recognise those who epitomise the Core Values of our college. These awards especially honour those who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields.

Award recipients will generally be contacted in the week prior to the awards presentation. However, in some cases this may occur in the few days before, as we will be relying on results from exams and reports for some awards. Award recipients will be notified between Friday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 7.

We will recognise our award recipients on Thursday, December 9. Students will be given two options when receiving their award:

Informal – Students may collect their certificate, awards booklet and voucher from the college reception at the Enright Campus at any time on the day; or
Formal - Students may book a time for a formal presentation and photo (taken by a professional photographer) as they receive their award. Bookings can be made between 2:00pm and 6:00pm on Thursday, December 9. If choosing this option, we are happy to have parents come in for the photo, providing they QR code in on arrival and meet vaccination requirements to enter the college grounds. If booking a formal photo presentation, please be aware students are expected to be in full college uniform for the presentation and photo. Bookings can be made via PAM (details below).

Formal Presentation - Instructions for Bookings

(Bookings can be made from Monday, December 6)

Log into your PAM account (Please contact the Admissions and Communications Manager, Mrs Tracy Aston if you have lost your login details).
Click on Parent Teacher Interviews.

Select “Awards”.

Available times should now appear on the right. Select your time and click ‘book interview’. (If you have more than one child receiving an award you do not need to book additional meetings).

Your booked time should now appear in your PAM account. Please arrive at the college reception a few minutes early, where you will be directed to the Enright Building (former Mercy Convent).

Please remember students are required to wear their full summer uniform, including their blazer. Photos will be taken as students are presented with their award.

Please be aware any vouchers not collected on the day will be gifted to the St Vincent De Paul Society.

How are awards winners determined?

Year 7 – 10 Academic Awards

Each student receives a score using information about their assessment tasks which is collected from their reports and recorded in a data base. The top 10% of students in each of Years 7 to 10 will be presented with academic awards.

VCE Unit 1 and 2

VCE Unit 1 and 2 subject awards are given to those students who achieve the highest score in each subject. The score is based on the scores they received for Unit Assessment tasks and the subject exam.

VCE Unit 3 and 4

VCE Unit 3 and 4 subject awards are given to those students who achieve the highest score in each subject for their internal marks (SAC’s). At this time VCAA study scores are not available so we will recognise the highest achievement in each subject according to their VCAA Study Score at a college assembly in February 2022.

VCAL Awards

The VCAL Awards are given to students who have, over the course of the year, demonstrated excellent planning and organisational skills. They are able to work effectively with others as part of a team as well as showing good leadership and team management skills.

I am really looking forward to having many students and their families present for this great celebration.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

An opportunity exists in 2022 for a student taking a gap year to work in a full-time capacity as a trainee at St Joseph’s College. The traineeship will be in the Certificate III in Education Support. This is an 18-month certificate but will be packaged so that it can be completed in 12 months.

The focus areas of this traineeship will be the numeracy electives and the trainee will work to support maths teachers in working with junior maths students, especially those who require a modified program. Essential criteria will be that the successful applicant must be a competent Maths student.

The traineeship is full time (38 hours per week) which includes time to undertake study to complete each of the competencies. A trainer will guide you through each of these competencies and observe how you are progressing. You will also have a teacher mentor from the college who will be able to provide you support as well. At all times you will be under the supervision of a teacher when in the classroom.

The wage will vary according to age and other considerations but will be approximately $480.00 per week.

If you are interested in this position, please send an Expression of Interest to our HR Manager lfethers@sjcmda.vic.edu.au before 9am on Friday, December 10. This expression of interest is not a commitment.

We would like to shortlist candidates, conduct interviews and have made a decision by Monday, December 13.

Mr Greg Kluske

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

IN THE COMMUNITY