Newsletter Term 4, Week 8 2022

Dear SJC Families and Friends

I would like to start by addressing the announcement that was made on Monday last that I will be leaving the College in a short number of weeks.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at SJC over the last six years and until late October, all of my energies were focused on leading the school during 2023 to help make it an even better year than the previous six.  I was alerted to the position by a friend of mine in Brisbane and decided late during the recruitment process to apply.  As I have said to the many students and staff who have simply asked “Why?”, I see this as a great opportunity to continue my employment journey in a different system and bigger school.  It will be a very steep learning curve but one I am looking forward to.  I have always encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities that are available to them and so, in a way, I am actioning what I preach. 

Thanks to those who have wished me all the best.  Whilst I cease to be principal of St Joeys, I will remain a parent of this great school and look forward to witnessing the continued successes that it will deliver.  This time for me is of course very bittersweet as I deal with the excitement of commencing a new role as Deputy Principal at St Joseph's Nudgee College, and the guilt of leaving a place in which I have been heavily invested and will miss dearly. 

I had the first of a number of handover meetings with Mr Peter McLoughlin who will fill the role of College Principal for 2023.  Peter has been blessed to be able to gauge how the school is tracking in his role of Acting Director - Regional Service Leaders during 2022.  He said to me that he is keen to maintain the current trajectory of the College in the areas of mission, well-being, culture and learning and teaching.  During 2023, the Catholic Schools Office will commence a rigorous recruitment process to find a more permanent replacement who will commence in 2024. 

I look forward to setting the school up for every success in 2023 and will address the College in the weeks to come as my departure approaches. 

Kind regards

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal

Please see the attached flyer regarding an upcoming free parent webinar (this coming Wednesday, 30 November - 7:00pm start) hosted by the Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly.  It is important viewing for all parents of teens and tweens.  Register using the link in the flyer.

Consent and Respectful Relationships Webinar Flyer

Vaping: Why is it Attractive?

Young people can be drawn to vaping for a number of different reasons including peer pressure, accessibility and affordability, the belief that vaping is harmless and curiosity.  Sometimes a family member who vapes can also influence children and young people to try vaping.

This short video (below) provides some insights into why vaping is attractive to young people and is important viewing before parents and carers use the conversation starters at home.

Conversation Starters

Be ready to have these conversations with your child with a sense of calmness and interest in what they have to say.  Be ready to listen to their responses without jumping in too quickly to correct them.  Choose your timing wisely, perhaps during a relaxed moment at home, when driving somewhere together, or when no other stress or

1. Why do you think more children and teens are vaping? Listen to understand. Your child may mention one of the reasons listed above or have another opinion.  This conversation starter opens the door to healthy dialogue.
2. Could you confidently say no if you were offered a vape? How could you do this? Help your young person create an ‘exit plan’ if they are offered a vape.
3. How do you think the person offering you the vape would react to you saying no? How might that make you feel about this friendship?

Now might be a good time to talk about what your child values in their friends.

Peer pressure can be powerful, so coming up with realistic action steps and practising them together in a safe environment will prepare and empower your child to make good choices when it matters.  Remind them that not everyone is vaping.  There are many young people making healthy choices to say no.

St Joseph’s College Christmas Appeal 2022

Christmas is the season for giving and we are excited to launch the St Joseph’s College Christmas Appeal 2022.  The two main charities we are supporting are St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) and Parish Pantry (run by the St Joseph’s Parish).

Please take a few moments to read the details of the St Joseph's College Christmas Appeal 2022.  Your support will make a huge difference this Christmas.

Mr Eamon Brown
Assistant Principal - Mission