From the Principal

Dear SJC Families and Friends

Being the end of Term 2, I would like to thank all our families for the support you have shown throughout what has been a difficult, but also an immensely rewarding and productive term for all. If we are to think back to this time in Term 1, the school was preparing for the near-certain likelihood that we would be locked down for the entire Term 2 and all students and staff would be operating in the blended learning environment. It has been well-documented that the level of flexibility required by all in the SJC community has been of the highest order.

For such a large organisation to change to an on-line format of operation, and then back to a traditional face-to-face way of doing things within a 7 week period speaks wonders for the people who make up this community. This, of course, includes our parents and carers who showed great levels of support and patience in dealing with students learning from home. 

We are by no means back to normal operation at St Joseph's. I have outlined below a summary of some of the limitations and considerations that apply to Term 3 at the College. 

"Do Not Be Afraid" John 14:27

Last Sunday's Gospel by St Matthew (10:26-33) reiterated our College theme for the year on three occasions as Jesus sent His twelve apostles out to spread the word and evangelise. Jesus paints the picture of the many challenges that the disciples will face in doing the work of His Father. 

A number of very big challenges have been faced as a staff, school community and as individuals this year and without implying a level of prophetic wisdom, our senior leaders did very well in choosing the 2020 theme. There have been plenty of concerning moments for all in society and these will continue as the year progresses. You children will encounter challenges throughout this school year and I ask that you encourage them to address any challenge in their life without fear and with earnest determination. 

College Magazine

This wonderful publication was distributed to students last Tuesday and should now hold pride of place in the majority of our SJC homes. Many hours are devoted to the production of this essential and valued SJC item. The whole magazine creation is driven by Mrs Jane Joseph and Mrs Georgia James who work incredibly well together on such a large task. They were ably supported by Ms Leea Kenny, Mrs Janet Crouch, Mr Tony Channell, Mr Guy Davoren, Mr Andrew Chambers and all the staff who wrote pieces or supplied images. 

I am always very interested to view the last couple of pages of the magazine that detail the journey that many of our SJC alumni take following graduation. The stories and life lessons expressed in these pages are of great importance to our students I believe. It is important for all our SJC students to realise that they stand on the shoulders of giants. The uniform they wear with pride has been done so by some amazing achievers, characters and really generous human beings who have gone forth in life to accomplish so much in the last 28 years. Please take some time to go through these stories with your children. 

Term 3 Considerations

As mentioned above, a document was published last week by the Catholic Schools NSW, our peak body. Of most importance is that physical distancing does not relate to students but adults must maintain this. Below are a number of the relevant findings pertaining to the SJC community:

• Masses and Liturgies will commence from Term 3. 
• School assemblies to resume from Term 3. 
• Choirs and performing arts are fine to resume in the school from now.
• All school sport will recommence from Term 3 (including competitions run in accordance with current health advice).
• TAFE students can resume in line with TAFE schedule from now.
• Parent/Student/Teacher meetings on-line where possible (please see below).
• Subject selection evening will move on-line as large adult gatherings cannot guarantee physical distancing. 
• Camps and parent attendance at school events (including graduation) is to be considered during Term 3 (please also see below).
• Internation excursions are cancelled until further notice. 

P/S/T Interviews, Camps and Graduation

I would like to expand on these three important events that have been or could potentially be impacted by the current restrictions. Firstly, the decision was made last week to move our P/S/T Interviews to an on-line environment. These will be conducted via Zoom and the date changes have been made on the SJC Calendar. Booking will occur through the usual channels and then Zoom invites will appear in parent email inboxes. More details will follow.

There have been a number of enquiries regarding camps at the College. 2020 was to be the commencement of our re-engagement with school camps across a number of selected year groups. Whilst we hold out hope that some of the camps go ahead, if this is not possible, refunds to families will be issued. More details will be provided as they come to hand. Our priority is trying to salvage something for our Year 12 students prior to their departure. Our Year 9 camp was scheduled for early August. If it cannot go ahead, we will attempt to reschedule this as we have done with our Year 7 camp. 

Of equal concern is the reality that currently under consideration is the running of graduations in schools. Our graduation events at SJC are steeped in tradition and provide a wonderful farewell to our Year 12 graduands. We usually see close to 500 adults gathered in close proximity and would require current restrictions to be eased significantly. Like all thinking currently, decisions will be made with health advice first and foremost. Contingencies are being worked on and updates will be provided as they are devised.

Parking at the College

Last week, the College and Primary School changed the way that parking occurs on the grounds. Staff parking has been reorganised and as a result, there are now a number of visitor parking spaces available at the northern end of the grounds. If the spaces marked "Visitor" are free, students or parents are free to use these. 

As always, please be patient and safe when driving in our grounds. Please also take time to read the joint letter from Nic McTaggart (St James Principal) and me regarding recent incidents in the car park. 

Alcohol and Illegal Substance Policy

Recently, there was an incident involving illegal substances at the College. The College, with the support of Fr Michael and the CSO, have dealt with the student at the centre of this. This was the first time in over a decade and a half that a student had been found to be involved in such an incident. I applaud the students who reported the matter and thank them for their courage to stand against something that is unwelcome and unwanted in the SJC community. 

College documents and clear messages have always indicated that there is no tolerance for the use or possession of illegal substances at school, whilst representing the school or travelling to school. The use of or association with these substances is not a wise lifestyle choice at any age. When made aware of such behaviours, the College will always address such matters with students who indulge in such practices in their own time. Our curriculum and pastoral care programme address these matters across a number of years and events. 

However, when brought into the school setting, the safety of students and staff cannot be guaranteed. As a result of this latest incident, a new policy has been drafted which combines the sentiments of a number of documents that have historically been in place. Please take some time to read this document and know that if your child chooses to bring such substances onto College grounds, the consequences will be severe. If you have concerns around this area, please take some time to engage with the content found on SchoolTV.me, a programme we subscribe annually to. 

Uniform and Grooming

Thank you to all of the students and families who have supported our College by ensuring students are wearing the correct uniform and groomed appropriately. Mr Eamon Brown outlines a number of areas the College has some concerns about amongst a few students. Please take some time to read through this and address any issues that may pertain to your child. 

Kind regards and I hope all students have a safe and relaxing break.

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal