From the Principal

    Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

    Welcome Back Again

    What a great two weeks we have had since welcoming the students back in person for the 2022 school year. It was fantastic to see the students return, they were eager to get back to school, full of enthusiasm and looking forward to reconnecting with their friends. For 219 students, it was the start of their St Joseph’s College journey which is a significant step in their education. Whilst we could not come together for a full assembly in the MacKillop Centre, our online assembly did acknowledge and welcome the new students to the College and yesterday afternoon we held our Year 7 Welcome Liturgy to mark this special occasion. We are very excited to have our new families join our community and we very much look forward to working in partnership with each family to provide the best experience for each student.

    Start Early

    As I have mentioned a number of times already, the delayed start to the school year makes it even more important than usual that all students make a positive start immediately. Setting up good routines, positive study habits and being organised are key ingredients to a successful journey at St Joseph's College. The Culture of Learning at St Joseph’s continues to grow, and we believe that it is important to acknowledge and celebrate academic achievement. This week at House Assemblies, we presented our Academic Awards for Semester 2 2021 and I congratulate these students on their academic achievements. These academic results are undoubtedly the result of hard work and application by our students. However, the support, encouragement and guidance offered by their teachers and parents also greatly enhance our academic outcomes. This partnership is key in all that we do at St Joseph’s College.

    Interschool Sport

    Interschool sport began this week and over the remainder of the year we will see St Joseph's College teams competing across a wide range of sports in all age groups and all divisions. For many students, it will be their first opportunity to represent St Joseph's College and I look forward to seeing our students competing. I would like to highlight that it is a privilege to represent St Joseph’s College and as such whilst it is important to play hard and give your very best, what is even more important is how we play. We must always display sportspersonship, humility in victory and graciousness in defeat. Champions like Ash Barty are excellent role models for all young people involved in Sport and Cultural activities, embodying the positive qualities that all St Joseph's College students should strive for. Best of luck to all of our sporting teams and individuals.

    COVID Updates

    Thank you to our families for your vigilance and support regarding the uncertain environment that we currently live in. We continue to provide regular COVID updates to families via broadcasts and our website. We encourage our families to continue to review this information. We are very grateful for the way our community have adhered to the COVID-safe practices, including wearing masks, regular hand washing, and social distancing wherever possible.

    SchoolTV - Understanding Adolescence

    Adolescence is the transitional stage of development that is usually associated with the teenage years. In 2018, the Australian Curriculum Assessment Authority, redefined adolescence as affecting young people aged between 10-24 years. During this time, they experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth which affects how teenagers feel, think, make decisions and interact with the world around them.

    During adolescence, a child's brain can be considered as being “under-construction”. The rate at which this progresses will vary depending on the individual and their gender. As a result, some parents may view adolescence as stressful or difficult. However, it does not need to be. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time.

    It is also an important time to keep the communication lines open through clear and age-appropriate conversations. Speak openly about changes that they are experiencing and be conscious of their mental health as many of the conditions people confront in adulthood, can begin to manifest in adolescence.

    In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to guide and best support their young person as they transition through adolescence. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to this month's edition 

    SchoolTV

    Finally, I wish all who are part of the St Joseph's College Toowoomba community an excellent 2022 and look forward to connecting with you throughout the year.

    God Bless.

    Kort Goodman - Principal