DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS
COLLEGE ASSEMBLY
Prior to entering the latest lockdown, the college celebrated our assembly on Thursday July 15. This was a great opportunity to celebrate all aspects of the college. Students presented on the various camps and activities that had taken place earlier in the year (Human Powered Vehicle, Year 8 Grampians, VCAL, Year 12 Physical Education, Languages, Arts and Year 12 Retreat), while various sports awards, including cross country year level champions were awarded.
Students were also acknowledged for their contributions to the college with the presentation of the Virtue Conquer Awards, and Principal’s Awards. The College Captains also celebrated the unsung hero awarded to Olivia Knights.
REMOTE LEARNING
We have now finished the second lockdown period in Term 3. During these lockdown periods, we encourage our students to keep moving forward and stick to the same routines they would if they were coming to school each day, in a mindset where they are prepared and ready to learn in each class. We hope our students take each day as it comes and continue to try their best, with a positive mindset to try their best again tomorrow. We will get through this, and our passionate and dedicated staff will be with the students all the way. As Catherine McAuley once said ‘Let us take one day only in hands at a time. Resolve to do good today and better tomorrow.’
During the previous lockdown period, students were surveyed to see how they were coping with classroom learning, as well as their personal wellbeing. Students were also invited to touch base with their respective Homeroom and Pastoral Care Group teachers via the morning check-in, and this was again offered to students during this lockdown. We appreciate that all students can experience various levels of stress and anxiety. We encourage any student who is experiencing challenges with their personal wellbeing to speak with their Homeroom teacher or contact the wellbeing team, wellbeing@sjcmda.vic.edu.au.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
The students at St Joseph’s College have many opportunities to develop their leadership skills, both formally and informally. The Year 11 cohort commenced the process of determining the senior leaders of the college for 2022 on Tuesday August 3.
Students will have the opportunity to nominate for College Captain, College Vice-Captain, House Captain and House Vice-Captain. They can also nominate for the various Specialist Leader roles, Faith Captain, Mercy Action Captain, Academic Captain, Sports Captain, Arts Captain or Wellbeing Captain.
This is an exciting time for our senior students, and we wish them the best with their applications, speeches, and interviews.
UNIFORM
The college blazer is required to be worn as the outer garment to school in the morning, to morning homeroom, and in the afternoon when students exit the college. Female students should ensure that the winter skirt is worn at or below the knee, as per the college uniform policy.
A reminder that earrings are limited to small plain spherical gold/silver studs or sleepers for pierced ears. Only one small sleeper or stud is permitted in each lower ear lobe. No plastic, gemstones (coloured or clear), pearl, hoop, or disc earrings.
YEAR 7 LOCKER AREA (MCAULEY BUILDING)
During the final week of Term 2, the Year 7 students had their lockers reallocated to the McAuley area (these lockers were installed in this area at the start of Term 2). This is a trial to determine if having the Year 7's together will be positive for the students overall wellbeing and is in response to staff and student feedback.
The majority of Year 7 students have their CORE classes in this area of the college. We anticipate this move will support students in developing positive relationships with their peers and a sense of belonging, while also supporting students to get to class promptly.
YEAR 12 RETREAT
The Year 12 Retreat was held during the last week of Term 2 in Anglesea. Father Matthew Thomas led the retreat which was organised primarily by Miss Paula Cox, Director of Catholic Identity and Father Matt. It was an unbelievable experience for the students and allowed them to develop their sense of self, as well as build stronger relationships with each other and the staff who attended.
While the students were able to participate in fun activities such as horse riding, surfing, mountain bike riding, canoeing, high ropes and beach art, the highlights of the retreat were the bonds and trust formed in the small group sessions, the letters from the parents and family members and the liturgy where students had the opportunity to apologise and move on from past conflicts.
Mr Heath McClaer
Deputy Principal Students