Newsletter Term 2, Week 8 2020

Revolution of Tenderness

I recently came across the clip below featuring the words and thoughts of our beloved Pope Francis. There was a term in there that struck me more than others; a revolution of tenderness. We have recently witnessed throughout the world actions that are far what our Pope is calling us to. Large amounts of unrest and anger are prevalent around our globe currently as we have all witnessed through the media. 

It is very sad to see that some people who are tasked with the protection of others have used their position of authority to act in ways that are contrary to the core purpose of their role. The large scale demonstrations held in our country, and throughout the world, are a testament to peoples desire for change. Unfortunately, in some countries, this desire for change has seen further violence ensue.

Please keep in your prayers and thoughts this week the repose of the soul of George Perry Floyd Jr, his family and friends, the perpetrators responsible for his passing and all those on the planet who have been adversely affected by his passing, particularly our indigenous brothers and sisters.  

As you move forward through the next fortnight, do your best to seek opportunities where you commence your own 'revolution of tenderness'. Now is a time more than ever when this way of thinking and doing is needed. 

COVID-19 Reminders

Parents are asked to remind their children to do the following when at school:

• Wash hands properly and sanitise - hand sanitiser is in each classroom, outside the toilets, the canteen and at other places around the playground.
• Hand sanitiser in classrooms is to be distributed by the teacher or available from the teacher’s desk.
• Wiped desks regularly (before and after each class as a precaution). Door handles also need to be wiped.
• Wipe equipment before and after use.  
• Practising social distancing with staff.

Excursions: There won't be any excursions this term. Excursions and camps for Term 3 will be on a case by case basis.

College Athletics Carnival: This has been postponed until Term 3 (July 31). 

Blended Learning Environment Reflections

With three weeks to run in Term 2, it is a good time to reflect on what was experienced during the months of March, April and May this year. For all schools in the country, and indeed the world, the challenges faced and overcome during the COVID crisis were nothing short of astounding. The level of adaptability and flexibility displayed by students, staff and families is a real indication of the human spirit at work. 

Prevalent in the media in recent weeks has been the talk of the 'new normal' and the importance of avoiding a sudden 'snap-back' to the way things were. Education is not immune to this reflective thinking. In the coming week, the College would like to collect the voices of staff, students and families relating to their recent experiences. We wish to find what the challenges and triumphs were and what should be discarded and what should be kept.

Despite being surveyed a number of times during the rapidly changing landscape of the BLE, we are asking for a few moments of reflection. Students will be shared a survey on Monday, June 15 whilst we ask that parents, if you have a moment, please complete this survey (the link is found here). The information gathered will inform our direction moving forward and the results will be shared over the coming weeks. 

Enrolments 2021

I, along with a number of other staff members, had the pleasure of conducting interviews for prospective Year 7 students via Zoom last week. Due to current restrictions, the decision was made to avoid face-to-face interviews and conduct them over Zoom. The students attending our feeder schools were not interviewed due to the restrictions of the technology and dialogue between our feeder schools. All families will be afforded the chance to tour the school in small groups during Term 3 when further restrictions are lifted. 

If you have family friends who may be thinking of enrolling their child at SJC for 2021, please be sure to encourage them to call the office and speak with Mrs Helen Baker, our Enrolment Officer. 

Car park Reminders

Over the next week, a number of slight changes will be made to the northern end of the car park (closest to Bunnings) which will see a number of spaces made available to 'Visitors' to the College. This will include allowing driving students, parents and guests to park in this area. 

With the installation of the oval fence, I have encouraged students to park in the provided spaces in or adjacent to the College grounds. The additional parking spaces will mean further compliance with this request. The College acknowledges that Winders Place is a public road and as such, there cannot be a 'ban' on students and families accessing this area. We are working with the council and the local residents to find a balance that satisfies all parties but I do ask that all who use that area respect the residents and obey all traffic laws. 

If you are dropping your child at school, can you please make use of the 'drop-off' area that forms part of the loop in the car park. With more Year 12 students attempting to park in the grounds, it is important that parents and carers spend the least amount of time possible in parking spaces. Please be conscious of this when dropping your child at school. 

Please understand that since commencing at both schools on-site, both Mr Nic McTaggart and I have worked hard to find a solution to the age-old traffic problem that has existed since the inception of both SJC and SJPS. This has included multiple meetings with the council, engaging with a traffic engineer, forming working parties and surveying our communities. In short, the physical make-up of the parking currently is what we are confined to. After exploring additional exit or entry options, we have been told by the council that 'public reserve' land will not be handed over for such a cause. We will continue to look for further solutions to the on-going traffic situation.

In the meantime, I ask that all who use the roads and parking during peak times please be sure to show a level of patience, understanding, generosity and 'tenderness'. In my nearly four years at the College, I am yet to see a car stuck in the car park at the end of the day; everyone eventually gets out. Please be sure to plan for the worst-case scenario eg. being held up in traffic, on certain days, you may be surprised. I thank you for your understanding. 

Uniform and Appearance

I would like to thank students and families for supporting our requests relating to our weekly uniform checks occurring on the first day of each week. All students are expected to wear our uniform with pride and correctly. Mr Eamon Brown, our Leader of Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing, has some information in this newsletter regarding the availability of certain uniform items. Please be sure to read that information. 

Kind regards

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal

Uniform and Grooming

Thank you for continued support regarding uniform and grooming, particularly over the past couple of weeks in our return from the Blended Learning Environment. The College will continue to implement regular uniform and grooming checks as a part of our school-wide approach to maintain high standards. Should your child have any concerns with their uniform or grooming, please provide a note in the College diary outlining the concerns and when it will be rectified.

The College has recently received communication from Lowes regarding supplies at our uniform shop. Lowes is currently experiencing a delay in orders for some items and have run out of some sizes with regards to the following items:

• Tracksuit jacket – order due 29/7/20 (most sizes affected)
• Skirt – order due 19/6/20 (sizes 8, 10 &12 affected)
• Junior Blouse – order due 19/6/20 (sizes 8 & 10 affected)
• Junior Shirt – order due 4/9/20 (only size 16 out of stock)

Further to this, St Joseph’s College now has a membership to School Uniform Trading, allowing the SJC community to buy, sell or donate a range of school-related items, including uniforms. We've included some information about the website in today's newsletter, as well as a link: www.schooluniformtrading.com.au.

Should you have any concerns regarding uniform, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s Year Coordinator or myself at the College.

Mr Eamon Brown
Leader of Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing

LEAD: Fearless

Year 7 has returned to 'normal' after our blended learning experience. It has been wonderful to see everyone again and be back into our learning routine. I would like to compliment everyone on their appearance so far this term. Our uniform checks have been very pleasing and the students are looking fantastic. Please ensure if there is any variation to the required uniform that a note is provided.

We have a Cool Kids program as well as Seasons for Growth commencing next term through the school. Information has been sent to parents and students and if you are interested in either of these really useful programs please feel free to contact me.

A special thank you from me for your support and effort during the Covid-19 situation. I'm sure it was a difficult time and I thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

Mr Damien Quinn
Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 7

Homework Hub has recommenced in the College Library and will operate Monday to Thursday every week of term from 3:15pm to 5:00pm.

Virtual Cross-Country

Over the past few weeks at SJC students have been competing in a Virtual Cross-Country. This has been made possible through the Bolt for Gold App. Students were able to track their distance and time in order to complete the race.

A huge congratulations to all the students that completed either the 3km (non-competitive) or the 4km (competitive) cross-country. A special mention to Issac Hill-Hayes who competed in the competitive cross-country, with a time of 16:07 minutes, this was the best time overall. Congratulations Issac!

Also Congratulations to HANLY who was the overall winning house of the Virtual Cross-County competition.

This week we were able to present the medals to the students who placed by visiting their classrooms.

Congratulations to the following students:

Have you recenlty ordered online?  If you placed an order online recently, would you please call in at the Lowes On-Campus Uniform Shop to collect your order.  Thank you, kindly!

The shop hours are as follows: 

Every Tuesday during the school term: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Every Thursday during the school term: 8:00am – 12:00pm

During shop hours: 07 5523 9300