This week we welcomed back all students on Campus and there was a real buzz of excitement in classrooms and the yard as boys caught up with friends. Watching groups hanging out in the yard made me reflect that our school is a really calm and peaceful place where, for the vast majority of the time, there is mutual respect, appreciation, support and tolerance.
Historically boys’ schools were places where order was maintained through a regime of hard and fast rules and penalties. The latter often quite arbitrary and quite brutal. At a 50 year reunion last year an old boy presented the school with the leather strap that some brave soul had stolen from a teacher half a century ago. St Joseph’s is very different today and our response to wrongdoing is based on the principles of restorative practice.
We still have clear rules and expectations and a series of penalties prescribed should expectations not be met but things are not as ‘hard and fast’ and we are much more aware of mitigating factors. I don’t know whether this is cause and effect but students are much more cooperative and meet expectations more readily than those of a generation prior.
If we look to society in general we see something similar, with crime statistics steadily reducing in most categories (despite what the tabloid press and some current affairs TV shows would have us believe). Calls for heavier penalties and longer periods of incarceration for all sorts of crime to ‘send an example’ ignores clear evidence that the size of the penalty has little effect on the likelihood of someone committing a crime. Rather it is the likelihood of being caught that influences decision-making.
The link between severity of penalty and deterrence used be widely accepted to a quite extraordinary extent. In the early 1800s in Britain a child could be hanged for stealing. A female relative of mine was transported to Australia in 1791 aged 14 for (allegedly) stealing a horse from a Parson. (She maintained she just went for a ride).
Of course it is important to ensure that young men come to understand that there are consequences for breaking rules. If we don’t we are not equipping them well for adult life. There is a constant tension balancing this need for accountability with the fact that adolescent decision making is often impulsive and the adolescent brain a work in progress. I think that today at St Joseph’s generally we are striking the right balance.
A reminder to all members of the community that expressions of interest in membership of the College Advisory Council (Board) are being sought. The form on which to do this can be accessed via this link
which should then be emailed to [email protected] .
Year 12 VCE students this year have an additional process in place to ensure that no student is disadvantaged as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on him and his household. Called CED (Consideration of Educational Disadvantage) the process commenced this week. It is on a tight time frame and requires input from each boy in consultation with his family and from the College staff.
I commenced this article writing about peace and finish with a prayer from Pope Francis:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace
Help us to recognise the evil latent in communication that does not build communion
Help us to remove the venom from our judgements
Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters
You are faithful and trustworthy; May our words be seeds of goodness for the world:
where there is shouting, let us practice listening;
where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;
where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;
where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity;
where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;
where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions;
where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;
where there is hostility, let us bring respect;
where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.
Amen.
Stay well
God Bless
Hoped Filled and Back on Campus for a Fresh New Start to Term 4!
As we began a fresh new Term 4 full of hope, we returned after the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the closing Sunday in the ‘Season of Creation’. At the invitation of Pope Francis, the church focussed for five weeks on the call to integral ecology. Many traditions view St. Francis as an inspiration and guide for those who protect creation. Pope Francis visited the Italian city of Assisi to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis, and to sign his new encyclical letter on Human Fraternity.
We have begun to emerge hope filled from our homes in regional Victoria, where we have remained at home in the company of our loved ones, the loyal company of our pets, grounded in the nature of our gardens and neighbourhood as we exercised. In doing so, we have come to a renewed appreciation and gratitude for the relationships that sustain us and God’s wonders of creation.
Some words of hope as we journey forward from Pope Francis’ new encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.
‘For God continues to sow abundant seeds of goodness in our human family. The recent pandemic enabled us to recognize and appreciate once more all those around us who, in the midst of fear, responded by putting their lives on the line. We began to realize that our lives are interwoven with and sustained by ordinary people valiantly shaping the decisive events of our shared history: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, storekeepers and supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, caretakers, transport workers, men and women working to provide essential services and public safety, volunteers, priests and religious… They understood that no one is saved alone.’[51]
55. ‘I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope “speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile”.[52] Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope’.
I have shared some reflections on returning from remote learning, from students in my Year 8 Religious Education Class. They share some of the varying and common feelings and thoughts many of us shared during this unique time of change and adaptation for us all. Our Head of Students Services, Kerry Drever has provided us with some introductory Wellbeing discussion starters for students as we settled back into school. Some clips looked light heartedly at remote learning life at home, safe ways to manage our Covid norms on our return and skills of gratitude and mindful ways to manage our transition back to our Waterford, Westcourt and Mt Sion campuses.
‘Remote learning was a little bit overwhelming for me at the start. Moving from a very social environment to an isolated and alone one put some stress on my shoulders.’
‘I really missed my friends every day, as they gave me comfort at school.’
‘Remote learning for me was the greatest because it was less stressful and I could eat my choice of food.’
‘I liked my time saying home, doing work when I wanted to and I liked the timetable.’
‘I liked that we could take breaks at times if we weren’t feeling in the moment.’
‘I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to have an education at home rather than no education at all.’
‘It was comforting knowing that my parents and teachers were there supporting me the entire time.’
‘Now I will have to get used to the school environment again, but it’ great to be back.’
I ended my last newsletter report with a quote from St Mary MacKillop, ‘Take fresh courage!’ Her 10th year anniversary of her canonisation as Saint Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint will be soon upon us. You are welcome to join in a National Prayer Vigil Friday 16th 8pm. See attached invitation. Details available at this site https://www.sosj.org.au/10th-anniversary/
Let us pray for courage for our Year 12 students as they strive to give their best for the weeks ahead.
‘Mary MacKillop is a woman whose life encourages us to “take fresh courage”. Her perseverance in the face of adversity came from her deep desire to live in and for God. Walking amidst life’s difficulties, she had the capacity to lift people’s spirit as she encouraged them to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Her heart was grounded in God’s mission, loving tenderly the many people who shared their troubles with her.’
Sr Monica Cavanagh
PRAYER
Spirit of hope,
breathe in us
and through our world
so that in these uncertain times
we will have enough courage
to participate wholeheartedly
in making your kingdom come.
Amen
Next Tuesday 20 October, we will celebrate International School Library Day along with our world-wide school library colleagues and students. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful library facilities and resources at St Joseph's. The theme this year is “Finding Your Way to Good Health and Well Being” and it celebrates the relationship between books, reading, school libraries, good health and well-being.
Year 7 Fantasy guest speaker - Michael Pryor
This week Year 7 English classes have participated in an online session with award-winning fantasy writer Michael Pryor. Michael has published 39 books, 60 short stories, and over 2,000,000 words! The aim of the guest author session was for students to learn more about the characteristics of the fantasy genre and to develop their own reading and writing skills. Michael Pryor’s books are available for loan in the library.
The Year 7 English classes also visited the library for a session in the Reading Room to explore the fantasy genre further and to borrow a fantasy book from the collection.
It was great to see Year 8 students visiting the Reading Room on Monday.
Returning to school: 7 tips for parents/carers to help young people cope
- Adapted from: Parent zone
We have loved having the boys back onsite this week and to continue to prepare and support our students’ return to onsite learning and the classroom/school environment, I invite the St Joseph’s College community to consider the following tips:
1. Talk to your child about how they feel
• It is important to encourage young people to discuss their feelings about returning to school.
• If they feel anxious or worried, help them understand this is perfectly normal, and that you are there to support them.
• Although difficult, try not to share any anxiety you may be feeling with your son.
• Bear in mind that your son may be returning to a pre-existing issue from before remote learning – for example, a bullying or relationship issue, or difficulty with school work or staff. Or they may just feel apprehensive about returning to the school social environment.
• Try to give them a non-judgemental and supportive place to share any worries. Some young people may not always have the words to express their feelings, so try to find a way of bringing up the conversation without putting pressure on them – for instance when you’re going for a walk. This can help them to open up naturally and identify what they’re concerned about.
2. Pack right, pack light
• The boys should have now returned their books to their lockers and we would encourage boys not to keep lugging a heavy bag around.
• All students should bring their own drink bottle to school.
3. Support young people to understand the school procedures
• It will be important for your son to understand social distancing, the wearing of face masks and hygiene rules and, importantly, why they are in place.
• Read school communications with your child and make sure they are prepared and know what to expect when they arrive at school.
4. Familiarise yourself with school procedures
• If you transport your son to/from school, you’ll need to know where and when to drop them off and pick them up, as well as what parts of the school you can access. Parents/Carers must continue to observe the directions of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer (ie. social distancing).
• If your son travels to/from school independently, including on public transport, you should talk to him about getting to and from school, including observing the directions of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer (ie social distancing, group gatherings, face masks).
• If they travel home independently, make sure someone is home to meet them or if that isn’t possible, that you call them to check-in when they arrive home.
5. End of day emotions
• A school day can require a lot of self-regulation or compressed behaviour, which can lead to tired and emotional outbursts later on in the day.
• Given the length of remote learning and new school safety procedures in place, these emotions may be hard to cope with when they return home.
• It is a good idea to keep this in mind, and allow for some ‘letting off steam’ allowing young people to unwind – encourage an outdoor walk or other physical activity.
6. Stay informed
• Given the long absence from school, there may be a period of readjustment. Studying and following rules are habits that will need to be relearnt.
• Discuss and affirm familiar routines and school expectations regarding uniform, grooming, attendance and participation to help your child reconnect with their school community.
• There may be fresh challenges for your child, from working with new classmates and teachers, to coping with their work and school expectations.
• Try to stay informed about how they are getting on – but if you are concerned, contact the homeroom teacher or YLC/House coordinator.
7. Sleep and rest
• Young people may have been getting used to some unusual hours during the remote learning period and that may have extended into the school holidays.
• Make sure your child is getting a good night’s sleep during Term 4.
• It might mean introducing some earlier bedtimes than they have had recently and limiting screen time. Phones should be kept outside the bedroom during night time.
• A good night’s rest will help them cope with the return to school and the new routines they will be adapting to.
In the recent school holidays we have been fortunate to install a new electronic screen for Zampatti Oval.
This has been jointly funded by the St Joseph’s College Old Collegians Association and St Joseph’s College Foundation. The St Joseph’s Cricket club also conducted a fundraising appeal in June to support the new screen.
The scoreboard is 4m x 2m, and will be used for Athletics days, school cricket, house football matches and much more!
The College Foundation is celebrating its 25th year, and fitting in the 85th year of the College to have a wonderful asset for the College and our community.
Download the latest Careers News Bulletin below:
This edition includes:
- Year 12 VTAC Update
- University applications – key closing dates (Year 12)
- Assistance for Year 12 Students for Post School Planning
- Film Competition
- Victoria Youth Employment Program
- ATAR no longer required for Torrens University
- La Trobe University
- Help in narrowing down your uni preferences
- Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- The A-Z of getting a job
- Virtual Open Days
- and more!
Term 4 - UPCOMING EVENTS
16 October - World Food Day
21 October - National Ride 2 Work Day
19-25 October - National Water Week/National Enviroweek
9-15 November - National Recycling Week
21 November - World Fisheries Day
NATIONAL RIDE 2 WORK DAY
To celebrate National Ride 2 Work Day, students and staff alike are encouraged to ride to school on Wednesday 21 October. Participants will receive a Drink voucher as they register at the bike racks (at either campus) between 8:00am and 8:45am.
TEMPORARY RECYCLING REGIME CHANGES
As students return to school this week, 16 October is World Food Day, there seems no better time to remind families of the current SJC recycling regime to accommodate 'COVID 19' restrictions and safety measures. Students should familiarise themselves with the recycling procedures and ensure "best" practice at all times.
FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT
• To minimise waste in the school, students should bring a “waste free” lunch and reusable water bottle (filled) to school each day.
• Waste from canteen food orders should be recycled according to the guidelines below.
(Note several changes due to City of Greater Geelong renewed Recycling Guidelines).
• Temporary removal of compost buckets from the yard necessities the placement of food waste directly into a general waste bin (maroon lid).
HYGIENE
• Students and staff to sanitise hands upon entry to class. Paper recycling bins should be utilised for used paper towel only.
• Students to manage their own paper recycling. Paper recycling bins are located in the library.
• Wash hands with soap (located at amenities) before/after eating and/or touching bins.
COATED CARDBOARD CARTONS TO LANDFILL
One of the most notable changes to the City of Greater Geelong Curbside Recycling Regime is the fact that coated cartons (Long life milk, fruit juice and stock) are no longer able to be recycled. As there is currently no facility in Australia to separate the components of the long-life liquid paperboard (consisting of a thin layer of plastic and aluminium foil), the coated cartons must be placed in the red lid rubbish bin, for a landfill destination.
Alternately, to avoid cartons going to landfill they could be re-used. Two ideas for re-use include; for plant propagation as seedling trays, or to be filled with salt water and frozen to keep items cool in the bottom of an Esky.
For more information on coated cardboard recycling, visit the City of Greater Geelong website below:
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/news/item/8d864700edb6199.aspx
Each year students in Year 10 and VCE have the opportunity to purchase their English novels early. It is recommended by the SJC English teachers that students purchase their novels early for reading during the holiday period.
Order Online
Please order your novels online by Friday 16 October 2020 by visiting the Campion website and using the code D8X3.
Orders will be received by prepacked delivery direct from Campion. Due to COVID-19 restrictions – pick up onsite will not be available. Campion has reduced the delivery fee as a result.
The latest podcast "The SJC Take" launched this term across the College social media platforms!
Lead by our 2021 student leaders, "The SJC Take" is a podcast series with a focus on spreading positivity and encouraging others to continue to ‘talk’ about mental health. Each episode will cover different topics - and even may feature some special guests!
The first episodes featureTrent Cotchin as he chats to the boys about the journey of Posisocks, the pressures of leadership and staying positive. To follow the entire series as it comes out go to the St Joseph's College Geelong Youtube Channel and check out "The SJC Take" playlist!
Help Yourself, Help Your Mates
Our VCAL students are partnering with Barwon Health in Geelong to support "Shaka Up For Mental Health" they have been spreading the word among their peers to check in with a mate and have been given a helping hand to spread the Shaka message by past students from St Joseph's! So check in, give the Shaka to your mates and donate to the #ShakaUpForMentalHealth campaign at Barwon Health. SJC Students can check the daily bulletin for ways to get involved! https://www.barwonhealthfoundation.org.au/shakaup
Come & Give Athletics a Try!
Athletics Chilwell is inviting athletes to join them for the upcoming Track & Field season, scheduled to start on 21 November 2020 at Landy Field. Geelong.
We welcome athletes aged 12 yrs to Veterans 60+. Coaching is available in middle/long distance, sprints, throws etc.
For further details, please contact Mary on 52 293920 or email [email protected]
A six-session parenting program for parents of adolescents aged 13-18 years
Would you like to learn how to:
• be better at talking with your teen?
• be better at understanding your teen?
• help your teen learn to manage their emotions?
• help to prevent behaviour problems in your teen?
• teach your teen to deal with conflict?
Tuning in to Teens shows you how to help your teen develop emotional intelligence. Adolescents with higher emotional intelligence:
• are more aware, assertive and strong in situations of peer pressure
• have greater success with making friends and are more able to manage conflict with peers
• are more able to cope when upset or angry
• have fewer mental health and substance abuse difficulties
• have more stable and satisfying relationships as adults
• have greater career success –
• Emotional intelligence may be a better predictor of academic and career success than IQ!
Cost: FREE
For further information regarding this program please contact:
Regional Parenting Service
Ph: 5272 4741