2023 | ISSUE 9 | SJC Newsletter

Principal's Video News

I have enjoyed the time away but it is always good to get back to work and reconnect with colleagues and students. I would like to acknowledge the terrific leadership of Lisa Pope and John Mitchell in their respective roles as Principal and Deputy Principal – Learning during my absence.

The TIME Project has been a really significant project which is being underway for over three years. One of the final stages i.e. communication to the broader community has taken place in recent weeks. The management and implementation of change within any organisation is always challenging and I have particularly admired the way that Lisa and the leadership team have been clear and fulsome in their communication with families regarding the initiatives to be implemented in 2024.

Viewing what is happening at school through a similar lens to that which families have is an interesting exercise. I have read the newsletter, received emails, read social media, checked the website… and of course read the newspapers. I must confess to having had the odd chuckle at some of the headlines. Just for the record … if you saw (and believed) the headlines and some social media commentary: We are not reverting to remote learning next year, we are not changing to a four-day week and we are not reducing the amount of tuition or access to teachers that students will be receiving. In simple terms the changes build in variability and flexibility to student programs (in increasing degrees as students move through the school). I have every confidence that these changes will enhance the ability of our graduates to excel in their post-secondary ambitions.

During my time away had the privilege of visiting the community at Kensekka. Most of the local people are joyful and welcoming, and they radiate hope, despite the fact that many (most?) live in the most appalling conditions. Most are subsistence farmers, HIV infection is a reality for over 50% of adults, government services, even the most basic are barely existent.

Two decades ago children from this area gathered under a tree and received some basic instruction from an unqualified person who ‘taught’ them. A generation later, for zero or minimum payment (or minimal in-kind donation of labour or food), students can attend and complete primary school. After our initial support for, and resourcing of the primary school, the Cotton On Foundation is now its primary financial support.

Today, students who wish can continue on to secondary school at the St Joseph’s Vocational Secondary School Kensekka. They receive tuition from teachers who we pay, in classrooms we have built, on land we have purchased and enjoy a meal which we help provide. Together we are the source of hope for this community. On behalf of our friends in the Kensekka community I want to convey sincere thanks for your ongoing generosity.

I also had the privilege of attending a gathering of the leaders of Edmund Rice schools and communities from across the globe. There are vast differences in the places where these schools and communities exist. Some are in affluent areas in wealthy countries and provide education for children from well off families. Many more are from communities like Kensekka, but the vast majority including us, are somewhere in between. All have in common the commitment to gospel values interpreted through the lens of Blessed Edmund Rice, which has a particular focus on caring for (and educating) those most in need.

I was disappointed to miss the annual reunions coordinated by our Old Collegians Association a couple of weeks ago however, I was delighted to meet with a small group of old collegians who are based in the United States. I am very grateful for the welcome and hospitality of David Collard (2002), who generously hosted the gathering. David is also a significant supporter of the College bursary program and our developing student entrepreneur program.

During recent weeks there has been some anxiety as to whether the state government changes to payroll tax and related imposts of the state COVID debt levy and state mental health and wellbeing surcharge will apply to St Joseph’s. I am pleased to confirm that, as a result of our all-inclusive fee being around $6,500, and well below the implementation threshold, these additional taxes will not apply.

We have commenced the task of building a budget for the 2024 school year. There will certainly be some additional expenses as a result of changes to the multi-enterprise agreement, particular the reduction in face-to-face teaching hours and provision of time in lieu for outside hours activities including camps. As always we remain committed to maintaining our fees at the lowest level possible while ensuring we continue to provide an excellent education for each student.

God Bless

Tony Paatsch
Principal