Principal’s Blog – Term One, Week Seven

Happy St Patrick’s Day! Owing to our Irish Mercy heritage, a festive feel permeates the college every 17 March. This year, the Mercy Action Group raised funds for Project Compassion by selling ‘green food’ at recess today. Students and staff also dressed up in green to get into the spirit and share in the fun.

Though we had a shortened week after the Labour Day public holiday and our staff Professional Learning Day (more on that in the next issue of Community), everyone got right to work on Wednesday.

Students in Years 7 and 9 completed tests as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) on 15, 16, and 17 March. Traditionally held in May, NAPLAN was relocated to March so that parents and schools could receive students’ results earlier in the school year. Since NAPLAN remains the only nationwide assessment of student literacy and numeracy skills, this data holds a great deal of value. Parents will receive individual student reports when they are released to the college by the VCAA.

Simon Dewar from Real Schools visited our Year 8 cohort at the Mercy campus and held sessions with them during their daily classes. The college has partnered with Real Schools to enhance our culture so that it supports all students to be productive and engaged members of our community.

Several groups of students went on a variety of excursions, too. Here are a few:

• Year 7 Swimming Program participants spent time learning in the pool at Mildura Waves.
• Year 8 Art students studied works at the Mildura Arts Centre.
• Year 9 PE students went backpacking from Jaycee Park to Apex Park.
• VO History students made their annual journey to the Wentworth Military Museum.
• Our Year 8 Mercy Works volunteers began assisting worthy causes this week, such as childcare centres, the Salvation Army, and a Mildura riverfront clean up.

On Tuesday 21 March, the college will open its doors to the public at our Open Evening from 4:00pm–7:00pm. Come and learn all about the boundless possibilities St Joseph’s College offers Sunraysia’s young people.

Enjoy tours of both the Enright and Mercy campuses, and take the opportunity to speak with teachers about subjects, excursions, camps, and all the benefits of a St Joseph’s College education.

If you are interested in visiting the college during the Open Evening, there is no need to book. Simply report to college reception upon arrival at either of our campuses. Our staff and very capable tour guides will take care of the rest. I hope to see many of you there.

God bless.

Mrs Marg Blythman
College Principal