From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,
Recently in the reading from Mark 6:1-6 we were reminded that Jesus was not always easily accepted in his own “hometown”. Pope Francis suggests that this was because people were a product of their habit and prejudice and that it is difficult to open ourselves to what is new or different and allow ourselves to be amazed. There is a risk that we think we know Jesus and that it is enough and slip into the same comforting habits of religion and belief. Jesus is in everything and everyone around us if we choose to see him. This can be difficult when those around us present differently in appearance or attitudes and beliefs. One of our college values is dignity. This value calls upon us to think with empathy and consider the position or circumstances of others and to act with honesty and integrity. In a world where we are confronted with polarising views we are asked to walk humbly, love tenderly, and allow Jesus to reveal himself to us through others.
By now parents and carers will have received the latest report cards of your children’s progress for the first six months of the year. I was pleased with the efforts that our students have demonstrated during this period. When reviewing report cards my attention is always firstly drawn towards the child’s learning attributes, behaviour and attendance as these are the drivers of success. Every child can demonstrate very good effort and behaviour and be at school in front of their teachers every day unless sick. When these attributes are being demonstrated, the child can achieve to their potential. The beginning of a new semester allows a learner to reflect and set their respective goals. I thank all staff, students and parents who engaged in interviews last week. These meetings are an excellent example of the partnerships we seek with every family to work towards every student reaching their full potential. This week academic care interviews have been conducted for all Year 12 students and it was pleasing to see so many parents take the opportunity to attend. College staff use this opportunity to review each student’s learning program progress to ensure that they are on track to achieve their goals and Queensland Certificate of Education.
Over the last two weeks I have taken the opportunity to speak with our Year 11 and 12 students regarding the importance of enacting our college value of Endeavour. This value calls upon the learner to aspire to excellence, and to persist and persevere to be the vey best that they can be. I explained to our students that this mind model drives our staff to want each student to achieve their true potential which they in turn benefit directly from. This makes each student the most competitive they can be when applying for employment or any learning opportunity they seek to undertake. We discussed the right of having an education at St Joseph’s College and the specific elements within that education. Equally students have a responsibility to meet attendance rates of 95%, engage fully in their learning programs and to treat others with respect, compassion, and dignity. These student responsibilities align with the expectations of most adult work- places and learning environments for which we are preparing students. When students are meeting their responsibilities every extra-curricular privileges at the college is open to them.
Congratulations to our Open Years Confraternity (Rugby League) and QISSAN (Netball) teams who competed in Townsville during the first week of the holidays. In speaking with students and staff everyone had a truly rich and rewarding experience over the week and I thank our families who invested financially to allow your sons and daughters to attend. I make special of our staff who gave willingly of their time during the holiday period including Col Speed, Ashley Steel, Mitch Koina, Cam Love, Bridget Kenny, Kellie Marie Ford, Mitch Wheeldon Deb Newton, and Mark Fells.
During this winter period many students experience lower temperatures and feeling cold. Students may benefit from having extra layers of clothing (singlets and tee shirts) beneath their respective school uniforms which assists in maintaining core body temperature. We request that such non- school items are not visible. I also remind parents of the newly available college jacket which is available for purchase at the uniform shop and is substantially warmer than the existing spray jacket which will be phased out at the end of 2024, as part of the school uniform. The spray jacket will remain part of attire for physical education lessons.
Next week (July 21-27) we celebrate Catholic Education Week. The theme this year is “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.” Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 312 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. St Joseph’s College strives to make a difference in the lives of our students and in the wider community by challenging our young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
As part of these celebrations the college will conduct a liturgy on Thursday morning 25th July to acknowledge our distinctly Catholic Identity. A number of students and staff will be recognised with awards for their contributions towards the religious life of the school. Staff will also participate in the Bishop’s Inservice Day on Friday 26th July at St Mary’s College. This will be a student free day and there will not be any classes or supervision of students at school.
God Bless
Jim Brennan
Jim Brennan - Principal - jbrennan@sjc.qld.edu.au