From the Principal

Ms Mitchell was in the region to announce a number of new building initiatives in the local public schools but having heard first-hand the issues pertaining to border community schools, she organised an impromptu meeting for all principals. It was a good opportunity to advocate for the students, staff and families of our area and convey the struggles we are facing. The Minister was very receptive and assured the group that the concerns raised would be heard in Sydney and across the border.

Term 3 Student Expectations

The majority of SJC students will always do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. For the majority of our students, coming to school involves being challenged and overcoming these learning challenges, forming solid and fulfilling relationships with students and staff, and generally making others feel blessed for having encountered them each day. These qualities, habits and attributes are what make this school great. However, for a small number of students, the habits listed above are sadly not a high priority. 

For the remainder of Term 3, there will be a focus on three areas within the College that I believe will yield even better relationships and learning outcomes in classes throughout the school. The areas of focus are not new, they are not being introduced, but are simply part of our clearly articulated Core Responsibilities at SJC. From next Monday, there will staff will be expecting students to be punctual to lessons, be organised for each lesson and act in a respectful and cooperative manner.

Steps will be taken to ensure that students fulfil these expectations and I wish to make it clear with families and students what will occur should a student fail to comply. These are very basic requirements and I am confident can be adhered to by all students. An easy to understand graphic will be shared this week. 

COVID-19 Requirements

A raft of documentation was shared with schools last week relating to some new requirements. Of greatest impact is that no parents or visitors (who are not performing essential services in the College) are to come onto school grounds. The only exception is for parents who must attend to uniform requirements at the Uniform Shop (parents are encouraged to ring the shop and organise payment over the phone and have your child collect any purchases). Please refer to the app alert from last week to ensure you are across the new requirements. 

2021 Student Representative Council Appointments 

This week sees the culmination and announcement of students who will form the 2021 SRC. Like most other events, the instalment of these students will look very different this year. An announcement will be made later this week with a letter of congratulations being sent to all families of our successful appointments soon.

As I have said to all students involved, I would like to thank the courageous and community-minded young people who felt obligated to nominate and speak in front of their peers during this process. It is not an easy task and leading in any organisation takes courage so to all of our nominees, I thank you all. 

Kind regards

Mr Scott Thomson
Principal