From the Acting Principal

World Teachers Day – 27 October 2023

World Teachers' Day is a prime opportunity to celebrate and thank our teachers for the important role in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of young people. It is celebrated in Queensland Catholic schools on Friday 27 October. This year’s theme is ‘hat’s off to teachers’. We thank our amazingly generous teachers at St Joseph’s College for their commitment and dedication to the young people in our community.

A Prayer for World Teacher’s Day

Dear God,

We thank you for the gift of teachers, who dedicate their lives and vocation to sharing your wisdom and love with their students. We ask you to bless them with your grace and guidance, and to fill them with joy and peace. We pray that you inspire them with new ideas and methods, and that you help them overcome any challenges or difficulties they may face.

We thank you for the gift of students, who are eager to learn and grow. We ask you to bless them with your knowledge and understanding, and to fill them with curiosity and enthusiasm. We pray that you give them strength and courage. We also pray that you nurture them with your compassion and kindness, and that you help them achieve their goals and dreams.

We thank you for the gift of education, which is a powerful tool for liberating lives and societies to make a positive difference in the world.

Amen.

Year 12 ATAR External Examinations

This week our Year 12 students commenced their ATAR External Examinations. Our best wishes and prayers are with the Year 12 young people as they continue their revision and final preparations for the all-important ATAR external examinations. These examinations make up 50% of the final result in Science and Mathematics subjects and 25% for all other subjects. The first examination held this week was English and the last at the College will be Japanese. We wish all students the very best and offer our full support during this examination period where Year 12 teaching staff will be available to support students with Masterclasses - final advice, tips and teaching right up to these examinations.

Joey’s Way and the All Blacks Legacy

As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the values and principles that guide us as a community of learners. One of the sources of inspiration for us is the Joey's Way, which outlines the expectations and standards we have for ourselves and each other. The Joey's Way is not just a set of rules, but a way of living that honours our identity as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition.

One of the aspects of the Joey's Way is to aspire to excellence in everything we do, whether it is in academics, sports, arts, service or spirituality. We can learn from the example of the New Zealand All Blacks, the most successful rugby team in the world, who have a similar philosophy of leaving the jersey in a better place. The All Blacks are not only known for their skills and achievements on the field, but also for their humility, respect and integrity off the field. They have a culture of excellence that demands high standards of behaviour from each individual member of the team. They also have a practice of cleaning up their own dressing room after every away game, as a sign of gratitude and responsibility.

In a recent book by James Kerr, titled "Legacy", he explores what the All Blacks can teach us about life and leadership. As members of St Joseph's College, we are invited live out the Joey’s Way every day, by living out the Joey's Way in our words and actions. We are challenged to be better people who make a positive difference in our world. We are called to be faithful disciples who follow Jesus and his teachings. We are encouraged to be proud and  honour our heritage and tradition. We are inspired to be excellent All Blacks who leave our jersey in a better place.

Brendon Willocks - Acting Principal - bwillocks@sjc.qld.edu.au