DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS

As the 2021 school year comes to an end, we take the opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and the new learnings that have taken place. We have again been faced with significant challenges, with the impact of COVID-19 being felt very close to home. We have again endured extended periods of remote learning with events either being postponed or cancelled. We have become adept at continually pivoting and adapting to the changing conditions and restrictions. I thank the parent community for the continued support of both your children and the college, the last two years have shown that the education of the students is a shared partnership, which has the best results when we work together.

While the year is coming to an end, the last few weeks of Term 4 have been incredibly action-packed.

Our Year 12 students continued to display great dedication, motivation and effort through their examination period, and we hope that their hard work is positively reflected in their results. While the final day celebrations had to be postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Year 12 students enjoyed their ‘Celebration Day’ on Thursday November 18. It was different to previous years as there was no stress about upcoming exams. This allowed the students to relax and just enjoy being with each other. 

With restrictions easing, we were able to celebrate their achievements at the End of Year Mass and the Year 12 Graduation Dinner on Thursday November 25. Mrs Blythman stated in her speech at the graduation evening that future employers will see the graduates of 2021 as people with amazing resilience and adaptability that had to overcome great challenges through their senior years. We also thank the teachers that played a part in supporting the students through their time at St Joseph’s College, with special thanks to the Year 11 and 12 teachers who went above and beyond to guide and support the students through the pandemic.

I would also like to thank our 2021 College Captains, Ned Torpey, Lilly Phillips, Kevin Simmons and Elly Pantazopoulos. You are amazing young people who have given your all for the Year 12 cohort and the greater college. You have also left big shoes to fill for our incoming College Captains.

We wish the Year 12 students every success and hope that the education they received sets them up for their chosen pathway.

Our 2022 Year 12 cohort completed their examinations and then introduction to Year 12 classes through the HeadStart program. It was very positive to see these students make a great first impression with their Year 12 teachers and peers. In recognition of their efforts this year, the students also participated in an activity day. This day was designed to build positive relationships and bring the cohort together. The students enjoyed an Amazing Race activity around the Mildura city area and riverfront, completing challenges and working as teams. The students then enjoyed an afternoon of tenpin bowling and activities. Thank you to Mr Dion Collins for the planning and organisation of this day.

Our Year 10 students headed off on their Year 11 Novus experience to Melbourne on 29 November. This urban camp experience is intended to develop the students’ sense of belonging and connectedness, while also having an academic focus, including tours of both the University of Melbourne and RMIT, as well as sessions with Elevate and Edrolo. I am also sure the students will be looking forward to Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Regent Theatre, the Melbourne Zoo, IMAX, Kingpin Bowling at the Crown complex, and the Amazing Race around the city.

The Year 9 students had their Discovery Days postponed to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November. On Monday, the students had a day at the Irymple pool. In recognition of the challenging year behind them, Aligned Leisure with Mildura Rural City Council’s Youth Engagement Services Team provided the pool hire and entry fees as well as a BBQ lunch and music on the day. Students at the pool day also had the option of attending a Trapeze or Circus Skills session with the Listo Trapeze Company. 

On the Tuesday, students participated in rotational activities which were selected by the students via a survey. Students will take part in a Zorb Ball session, Tabloid Sports, Cooking, and Clay Target Shooting through the Mildura Clay Target Club, who through the State Body covered the costs of the facility, equipment and clays/cartridges. Students then attended tenpin bowling in the afternoon. 

Our Year 9 female students also had an online presentation from Rebecca Sparrow on Wednesday November 24. Rebecca is passionate about talking to students about friendships and encouraging them to choose a more peaceful path at school. The feedback from the staff and students was extremely positive, and we really hope the students enjoyed and gained something out of the presentation.

The Year 8 students’ residence at the Mercy Campus is almost over. Ms Duscher and I spoke to the Year 8 students about their transition back to the Enright Campus in 2022 and Peer Support leadership opportunities available to them. I am pleased to announce that we have 28 outstanding students who will be Year 9 Peer Support Leaders in 2022. In this role, we hope to develop their leadership skills while they assist in developing a sense of community and belonging, particularly with the incoming Year 7 students. The Year 9 Peer Support Leaders work with the Student Representative Council to act as the student voice for the Year 9 cohort. I congratulate the following students:

The Year 7 and 8 final day of school, Wednesday December 8, will also be a pool day at the Irymple pool, where again Aligned Leisure with Mildura Rural City Council’s Youth Engagement Services Team are providing the pool hire and entry fees, DJ and/or music trailer and a BBQ lunch.

The Year 7 and 8 students that have participated in the Social Skills groups through Wellbeing also celebrated the end of the year and their time in the program. Students and staff participated in a Trapeze/Circus Skills session with the Listo Trapeze Company.

The numerous attempts at organising a Year 7 Camp this year did not eventuate. In place of the planned camp, we reverted back to the planned Year 7 Community Day. On this day, students participated in a rotation of activities, including: Zorb Balls, African Drumming, Self Defence and an Art activity. 

Finally, I wish all the students, staff and families a joyful Christmas. To the students that are returning in 2022, we look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year and trust that you will return both safe and well rested. To the students that will leave us at the end of the year, we wish you the best in your chosen paths, and hope that you will positively reflect on your time at St Joseph’s College.

Mr Heath McClaer

Deputy Principal Students