PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

RESPECT + BELONGING = HARMONY 

Last week, St Joseph’s College participated in Harmony Week like many schools, childcare centres, and workplaces. Designed to celebrate multiculturalism in Australia, the week encompassed the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Sunday March 21. 

Harmony Week’s 2021 theme was ‘Everyone Belongs’. These plain yet profound words guided us in preparing our own events. So that we could link Harmony Week’s ideals with the Year of Service, we pondered what everyone might need to feel that they belong and have a place at St Joseph’s College.

The obvious answer was ‘respect’. After all, an attitude of service means little if it doesn’t come from a place of respect. In fact, when examined closely, respect forms the foundation of all positive relationships, experiences, and achievements. 

Our college community thrives thanks to respect. Without it, we would not enjoy amazing learning experiences, exciting extracurricular activities, or lasting friendships. We respect who we are and what we do, and that sets the tone for our interactions and relationships with others.

Respect comes in many guises. Whether listening attentively whilst others speak, demonstrating good sportsmanship when competing, honouring traditions and historical observances, or obeying rules designed to protect us, respectful behaviour helps us develop the best version of ourselves.

When we act with respect in our hearts and minds, we show others that they matter. Recognising the value in one another is the first step in creating a world where mutual respect leads to lasting harmony. 

God Bless,

Mrs Marg Blythman

OPEN EVENING THANKS

Thank you to our teaching and non-teaching staff for their excellent work prior to/on Tuesday evening March 16. It was inspiring to walk around the college and see staff and students interacting with families. It sends a clear message to all who attended that we are a community who cares greatly. To all those who gave so freely and abundantly of their time and energy, I offer my sincere appreciation and thanks. I can honestly say I have never been prouder of the college. 

EASTER MESSAGE