Principal's Message
Year 12 Journey into the HSC
Term 3 is a very significant time for our Year 12 students, and I must say, I am particularly proud of this year's cohort. Their resilience and perseverance in the face of what has been a very challenging year has been admirable to witness.
I would like to thank Mr Johnston, Leader of Pastoral Care Year 12, for the following words of encouragement and for his commitment to seeing that our Year 12 students have the best possible year that they can.
The Trial exams and HSC are looming and for many students and their families, this can be a time of heightened stress and anxiety. 2020 has certainly thrown a couple of curveballs that have added to the pressure experienced by many in our community. I would like to remind both parents and students that we can use this whole experience in a positive way and we should be conscious and intentional in the way we approach this term. Obviously, the focal point of the HSC is the exam itself, and any time we are tested it may produce anxiety. What we should really be focussed on are the young men and women in our care. We want to see them learn and grow, and although many will strive for a particular ATAR, none of them are defined by that number. Instead, if we can be mindful to help cultivate and celebrate the effort, the work ethic, the organisation and self-discipline, and resilience that they display, we will give them valuable skills to take into the future.
As we are on the final stretch, I thought I would extend an invitation to Year 12 to commit to some intentional study time in the lead up to the trials and HSC. Trial HSC exams start in Week 5, after that, Year 12 students will then be back in class for the last four weeks of the term. To assist with, 'intentional study', I will be in the Study Centre until 5.00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays with Milo and biscuits to give students a bit of a recharge. This time may be an opportunity to work on revision/study notes. Some students could be at the point where they are memorising content, while others are working through practice papers. Whatever stage they are up to, I would love to see them take advantage of this opportunity. To add to this, it is pleasing to see that the number of students coming along to the study sessions has increased over the past weeks.
I encourage our Year 12 students to see these two, four-week blocks as an intensive self-improvement course. Irrespective of exams and whether or not they might already have University sorted, there is a lot they can still learn about themselves.
Regards
Mr Johnston
Leader of Pastoral Care, Year 12
Principal's Reference
Over the past few weeks, I have been interviewing Year 12 students who have applied for their Principal’s Reference. The interviews provide me with an opportunity to gain valuable feedback from a student perspective. The following sentiments are consistently apparent in our discussions. Year 12 students:
- appreciate the relationships they have formed with their teachers during their HSC journey,
- have valued the opportunities to deepen their Faith; especially in relation to Spirituality Immersions and Retreats,
- appreciate the extra-curricular opportunities provided for them by the College,
- value all the areas where they have been given support by staff members; especially in determining their future goals,
- have nurtured deep relationships with their classmates; especially over the past two years,
- are grateful that their parents afforded them the opportunity to attend St Joseph’s Regional College.
The majority of students have a clear idea of their pathway for 2021.
My sincere thanks to Mrs Leanne Tinsey, Leader of Careers and University Transition, and Mr Frank Johnston, Leader of Pastoral Care-Year 12 who offer much support during the Year 12 Reference program. Also to our wonderful office ladies, Mrs Michelle Reynolds and Mrs Joanne Williams for organising the interviews and preparing the references.
God Bless
Jim Dempsey
Principal