Issue 1 SJC News 2021

It was a great joy to welcome students back to school last Friday. Traditionally the first day is made extra challenging by extreme heat, not so this year with torrential rain for much of the day which was heaviest while boys were arriving. I’m certain that our Year 7’s will remember this as part of their first day at St Joseph’s for many years!

College Advisory Council

This group, formed in 1983 was, prior to this year known as the College Board. The change in name to College Advisory Council is being implemented in all Edmund Rice Schools in Australia and is felt to more accurately reflect the role of the group. This year we are pleased to welcome Anna Sullivan and Paul Clohesy to the Council members joining Council Chair Joanne Van Slagaren, Barry Knight, Chris Hickey, Barny Lee, Andrea Kelly, Shona Casey-Eland and Mark Appleford.

Changes at Edmund Rice Education Australia

EREA was formed in 2008 and accepted ownership and governance of St Joseph’s and approximately 50 other schools across Australia from the Christian Brothers. The inaugural Chief Executive Officer was Dr Wayne Tinsey who retired at the end of 2020. I have written to Wayne on behalf of our community thanking him for his leadership and his support of St Joseph’s during the past 12 years. Wayne is replaced by Dr Craig Wattam who visited the College late last year to meet senior staff and discuss our current educational context.

Events

One significant event early each year is our Senior Awards Ceremony. Unfortunately this year our COVID normal environment means that we are unable to have all students present. We are also unable to have invited guests at the ceremony itself and are limited to hosting only invited guests of our Year 12 group of 2020 at the post ceremony function. The ceremony will be live streamed to enable the broader College community to be present remotely.

Our College Athletics is also an event which generates considerable interest and parental attendance each year. Sadly our COVID safe restrictions precludes parents from attending this year.

I am however delighted to report that we are able to resume College Tours for prospective families. Detail and directions for booking a tour will be available on the College website soon.

Expectations of students

As outlined in my previous communication with families we are committed to the highest standard of uniform and grooming for all students at all times. This was not seen as a priority in 2020 and it was clear late in the year that our standards had slipped. I reiterate the expectation that students are in full and correct uniform each day and ask for your support in this.

Our rules relating to ear jewellery have changed. Following advocacy from our student leaders we have made a change to bring the College in line with societal expectations of gender equality. Boys may wear a small single stud in the lobe of each ear should they wish. Sleepers, spreaders, nose studs, and jewellery in parts of the ear other than the lobe are not permitted.

Capital works this year

This year we plan to complete the Carey Oval change rooms / pavilion. This will be an important addition, providing toilet and change facilities for users of Carey Oval, something which has been needed for a long time. In addition to use by our PE classes and visiting teams it will also support weekend sport including female teams representing our Old Collegians Cricket and Football clubs. The second major project for completion this year will be classrooms on the bottom floor Peter Chanel Centre. These will include general classrooms and a purpose built STEM area to support the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Stay well and God bless