Principal’s Blog – Term Two, Week Five

I think we can all agree that teamwork in action is an inspiring thing to witness. A group of people united in a shared effort to reach a common goal reminds me of a ‘hero’s journey’ that everyone can identify with on one level or another.

Closely following a team’s progress makes us feel like we are accompanying them at every step of this journey. –So it is no surprise that, when our beloved team of ‘heroes’ finally achieves some hard-earned success, the moment feels truly magical.

Teamwork has featured prominently in the magic of these special college experiences:

Human Powered Vehicle Racing at Tailem Bend

Our Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) racing squad tasted victory at last Saturday’s six-hour event in Tailem Bend as part of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series. Many staff, students, and parents have put a great deal of effort into our HPV program over the past five years, and all their work is definitely paying off. Those involved in this blend of sport, strategy, and engineering devote entire weekends to the six events during the year, not to mention the training time in between races. Some of our former students even returned to assist the college last weekend.

Four pods represented St Joseph’s College this time around, and all achieved fantastic results. Out of 38 teams in the S2 category (Year 9 and below), the team behind ‘Resilience’, our newest pod, scored an amazing fifth place ranking after completing 77 laps in six hours.

In the same class, ‘Virtuous’ secured the twelfth spot (69 laps). Our newest racers in ‘Sunraysia Star’ came in at 32, recording a team personal best of 54 laps. In the S3 category (Year 12 and below), the ‘Mallee Missile’ finished 74 laps and came in seventeenth place out of 38 teams.

Congratulations to all our racers and thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to support this sensational program. It truly offers something for everyone and teaches the importance of teamwork and trust in an active, fun-filled environment.

Year 8 Grampians Camp

The Year 8 cohort travelled to the Grampians on Monday 22 May for their annual camp. Over the week, they have relied on teamwork to help them perform a wide range of tasks and complete exciting activities in the great outdoors. Every day there were plenty of opportunities to grow and try new things with the support of their classmates and teachers.

On camps and excursions away from their families and daily routines, students learn to develop more meaningful connections with their peers that will see them throughout their years at the college. Staff who chaperoned the Year 8 students have reported that the cohort seemed more mature after working together in so many different scenarios.

Whether on the sporting field, in the classroom, or on excursions, solving problems using teamwork and collaboration teaches young people the importance of trust and gives them a safe space to practise it. Knowing they can count on one another gives every student the chance to enjoy success.

God Bless,

Mrs Marg Blythman
College Principal