DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS
RETURN FROM REMOTE LEARNING
Students returned to face-to-face learning on Friday June 4, after a week of remote learning. While the college has processes and procedures that are implemented to ensure student learning is not negatively impacted, the transition in and out of remote learning and the uncertainty of future lockdowns (this is our second period of remote learning this year) can impact a student’s wellbeing.
We held a wellbeing breakfast on Monday June 7 for our Year 11 and 12 students to provide them an opportunity to mingle with the wellbeing staff in an informal environment. We appreciate that all students can experience various levels of stress and anxiety, and this can be heightened in the senior years. We encourage any student who is experiencing challenges with their personal wellbeing to speak with their Homeroom teacher and contact the wellbeing team, wellbeing@sjcmda.vic.edu.au.
SIMON DEWAR - RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
On Thursday June 10 Simon Dewar returned to the college. Simon worked in the classroom with a number of our staff and students focussing on the language of Restorative Practices, Circle and Classroom Architecture. Simon also worked collaboratively with the House Leader Team and the Learning Pedagogy Leaders on how to build on our Restorative culture.
The feedback from the staff and students who had the opportunity to work with Simon was extremely positive. Simon will continue to work in partnership with the college.
PUNCTUALITY/LATENESS
A reminder that morning Homeroom begins at 8:48am. Students should be ready for Homeroom by 8:45am at the latest. We have noticed an increasing number of students arriving to school late and either attending Homeroom late or missing Homeroom.
Homeroom is an important part of the day where students can develop and build on relationships with their peers and Homeroom teacher, it also supports student wellbeing. Apart from hearing important messages for the day, often the Homeroom teacher can notice any changes in student behaviour and wellbeing, and work with and support the student or offer guidance.
UNIFORM
A reminder to students and families that 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. We also remind female students that the winter skirt needs to be worn at or below the knee, as per the college uniform policy.
EXAMS AND YEAR 12 RETREAT
We wish our Year 9, 10 and 11 students all the best for their upcoming exams. Exams provide students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning for the semester and are great practice for the examinations that Year 12 students complete at the end of their studies. We also wish the Year 12 students all the best for a positive retreat in Anglesea. We hope that this experience will allow them to become even closer, as we move into their final semester of their secondary studies.
Finally, I wish all members of the St Joseph’s College community a safe and enjoyable school holiday period. We look forward to seeing the students back on Monday July 12.
Mr Heath McClaer
Deputy Principal Students