We, the St Joseph’s College Community, are committed to continue education in the Catholic tradition, through the example of Jesus Christ, our beginning and end. Moved by the story of Edmund Rice and inspired by the gospel values of love and justice, we encourage one another “to strive for the highest”, to develop and use our talents and abilities, and to respect and show compassion towards others. We aim to create a child-safe environment, in all school environments during and outside school hours, where children are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety. Through the development of partnerships, we show that we value the contribution of students, staff and families, past and present. In our service to the wider community, we see our school as being a place of hope and encouragement in our world today.
As a Catholic school we aspire to form students’ hearts and minds to act with integrity and compassion within a learning culture that is engaging, rigorous, inclusive and innovative and within which each student is challenged to achieve excellence.
We will foster an engaged, inclusive and respectful learning community inspired by the story of Edmund Rice and based on Gospel values where students are encouraged to ‘strive for the highest’ aspiring to excellence in academic, spiritual, cultural and personal endeavours. We aim to equip students to be globally connected citizens committed to personal excellence, enriching the wider community and standing in solidarity with the marginalised.
St Joseph’s College is committed to child safety and the care, safety and wellbeing of students are embedded in our policies and practices. All staff will work in accord with child safe practices and child protection reporting guidelines. The participation and empowerment of all young people is a consideration in decision-making, as we seek to provide a safe and nurturing environment where young people are respected and listened to.
The Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstones challenge the St Joseph’s College community to strive for authenticity as a member of Edmund Rice Communities. The Touchstones can be represented by two different types of symbolic icons, the Indigenous designs were created by Vicki Clark OAM who is a proud Mutthi Mutthi, Wemba Wamba woman and Edmund Rice Education Australia board member. A touchstone is a fundamental or quintessential feature. In earlier times a touchstone was used to judge the purity of precious metals. A streak left on the touchstone was compared with a streak made by the pure metal. Hence authenticity was verified.
We open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope filled and free to build a better world for all.
My hope is in your hands. Teach them to be a proud strong race.
”Our community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good.
Please don’t just tolerate me; try to understand me.
”We invite people into the story of Jesus and strive to make his message of compassion, justice and peace a living reality within our community.
Please don’t hand me the scraps off your table.
”We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the Earth itself.
How does if feel to have my Mother’s land on your hands?
”