Principal's Message

COMPASS School Manager Platform

All families have today received an email pertaining to our new communication and administration platform which I have included below.

At the beginning of Term 3, St Joseph's Regional College will be introducing a new communication and school administration platform called "COMPASS School Manager". The Compass platform will become our main communication tool; providing a more efficient way of relaying College information to families.

As of Term 3 Week 1, Compass will replace a number of our current systems and processes. Compass is already being used by a number of dioceses and the Lismore Diocese has been moving all schools to the Compass platform over the past three years. College staff have been attending training sessions, covering all aspects of Compass in preparation for the changeover.

The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App. The Compass platform includes many different features, and you will have the ability to:

• Receive notifications about school events, news and information.
• Enter an explanation for absences.
• Communicate with your child’s teachers.
• Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email).
• Download and view your child’s academic reports.
• Book Parent-Teacher interviews.
• Provide digital consent and make payments for excursions and events.

Over the coming weeks, as we move closer to the transition to Compass, we will communicate the parent onboarding process, which will include: how to access the platform and where you can seek assistance if help is required with the new system.

Learning on Country

This week we were pleased to mount a sign at the front of our College that acknowledges that we are learning on Birpai Country. We also acknowledge a special artwork featured on the sign. The Diocese commissioned Uncle Richard Campbell to create “Five Nations” that represent all the nations on which our Diocese Schools reside. Uncle Richard Campbell is also the Justice Patron of Flinders for 2023. We also acknowledge Aunty Rhonda Radley for assisting us with the Gathang language. Aunty Rhonda is a prominent Birpai Elder who is currently working through a local language program with many of our Indigenous students.

Year 12 Retreat

Last week, our Year 12 students were at Francis Retreat in Bonny Hills for their retreat experience. This incredible experience is always a highlight of Year 12 and this year’s groups were not different in their thinking.

I extend deepest gratitude to Ms Heidi Flanagan, Mr Shane Hyland, Mr Matthew Bushe, Mrs Fiona Jensen, Mr Steve Manning, Mr Gordon West, Mr Sean Jennings, Miss Mahni Lewis, Mr Dylan Sainsbury Mrs Lisa Mahon, Mr Jeremy Buckley, Mrs Kellie Croft, Emily Burg (College Youth Minister) and Thomas McGhee (Ministry Assistant from Newman). These staff gave up their own time to facilitate this rich experience that our students will long remember into their adult years.

I refer you to Ms Flanagan's report in this week's newsletter.

Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal