Recently, I had the opportunity to complete some reading regarding the Australian of the Year, Professor Michelle Simmons. Being a Physics teacher myself, I was delighted when Professor Simmons was recognised for her outstanding work in Quantum Physics. The passion for creativity, teamwork and problem-solving that Professor Simmons espouses, aligns with some of the same 21st Century skills we seek to instil in our students each and every day. One of her key points is to ensure that we teach students to have high expectations of themselves. As partners in the education of your sons, we share the challenge to set and maintain those high expectations that are so often associated with success.
“When we reduce the quality of education that anyone receives, we reduce the expectations we have of them. If we want young people to be the best they can be (at anything) we must set the bar high and tell them we expect them to jump over it. My strong belief is that we need to be teaching all students – girls and boys – to have high expectations of themselves.” Australia Day Speech 2018, Professor Michelle Simmons
I would like to congratulate the ACC Triathlon Team on its fine performance on Sunday 4 March at Mordialloc. Brent Busby (12 Cantamessa) won the ‘Senior Mini Event’ and the Intermediate Team won the ‘Mini Teams Event’.
As we continue to explore the Catholic Identity of St Joseph’s College, four of my colleagues joined me in experiencing the Salesian Immersion. Pictured L-R at the Don Bosco Centre in Brunswick are Mr Domenic Fera, Mr Patrick van Dyk, Ms Cathy Livingston, Mr Carl Di Stefano and Mrs Vivienne Egan. Later in the day, Salesian College, Sunbury, hosted staff from several states as we examined the life and times of Saint John Bosco.
My sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to Mr James Whiting (Outdoor Education Coordinator), Mr Graeme Tucker (Valdocco Leader) and all staff associated with the recent Year 9 Expedition. This key element of the College’s overall Outdoor Education Program was very well received by students and staff. This year, I had the opportunity to participate and was able to witness first-hand the depth and scope of this transforming program.
Over coming weeks, the Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity Project will be operating. As part of this project, a sample group of the Parent Community will be invited to complete a survey which will assist the College to further enhance our Catholic Identity.
All the best for the fortnight ahead.
Ms Cathy Livingston
Principal