School organisation - general

St. Joseph's is a Catholic Secondary Regional college administered by the Salesian Congregation. Founded by St. John Bosco in 1869, the Salesian Congregation is a world-wide organisation of Priests and Brothers who work primarily with youth in schools, clubs and hostels. The Salesians are also involved in parish work. They have a sister organisation known as The Salesian Sisters or Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The Salesians use S.D.B. (Salesian of Don Bosco) after their name. The Sisters use F.M.A. (taken from the Latin title 'Filiae Mariae Auxiliatricis) after their name. The Sisters administer St. Jude's Primary school in Scoresby.

The Principal is a Salesian priest; the deputy principal and school co-ordinators are drawn from both Salesian and lay staff.

The Rector oversees the general ethos of the school and is involved in work of counselling and guidance.

College Finance is under the care of a Business Manager, aided, in turn, by a Finance Committee. The College secretaries, typist and receptionist complete the office staff.

The ultimate responsibility for the educational venture at St. Joseph's rests with the College Board, and with the Salesian community to whom the College is entrusted.

Ex-officio members are the Parish Priests of Belgrave, Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully and Scoresby; the Principal of the College, the Deputy Principal and the Rector as a representative of the Salesian Provincial.

Other members are: a representative of each of the parishes, a member of the teaching staff and representative of the Parents and Friends Association Student representation; one Year 10 and one Year 11 student. The Board meets at least once a term.

Co-ordination. Subject Co-ordinators work with the Principal and the Deputy Principal in developing a curriculum and in seeing to its implementation.

St. Joseph's is divided into three sub-schools: the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Each of these is the responsibility of the appropriate school co-ordinator. They deal with day-to-day affairs of their areas and, with the homeroom teachers and other teachers, are responsible for the care and welfare of their students.

For ordinary scholastic matters and boys' behaviour, parents should contact either the homeroom teacher or the School Co-ordinator. Matters of more serious import are the responsibility of the Deputy Principal.

School organisation - detailed

The Rector's specific area of responsibility within the College is the Pastoral area, that is, the education in the faith of the students, the Christian animation of the staff and the parents, the promotion and co-ordination of religious initiatives within the College and in conjunction with the parishes of the students.

The Principal exercises the full legal and administrative office in the College. In all matters of employment, enrolment and educational administration the Principal acts as the sole authority and agent of the employers, the corpus of Parish Priests of the region constituting the College.

The Deputy Principal is responsible for the daily organisation of the College and areas such as curriculum and the general orderly function of the College.

The College is administered through three sub-schools: Junior, Middle and Senior. This system of organisation reflects a collegial model of organisation by placing decision making at different levels. Each of the sub-schools develops its internal organisation to reflect the nature and maturity of the students it is dealing with. Although allowing diversity of approach, the singular aim of each sub-school is to enhance the ethos and strength of the College as a whole.

Each sub-school is co-ordinated by a School Co-ordinator.

In consultation with the Principal and Deputy Principal, the School Co-ordinators have the responsibility for the day to day running of their schools.

The homeroom teacher is responsible for monitoring students' progress and the general welfare of the students in the homeroom group.

In liaison with the Deputy Principal, the role of the Curriculum Co-ordinator is to develop and monitor the overall curriculum of the College.

Field of Study Co-ordinators have the task of overseeing the curriculum in their particular field of study.

The curriculum is designed to enable students to experience a wide range of educational opportunities in various aspects of College life.

We are committed to the development of the whole person by leading students to an awareness of Christ, since in Christ, all human values find their fulfilment and unity.

As a community of believers, we are responsible for cultivating Christian values in their own legitimate right, not just in R.E. classes, but within the total curriculum. Subjects must be taught by their own particular methods. However, their aim is not merely the attainment of knowledge and skills (although this is important), but also the acquisition of values and the discovery of truth.

All students are expected to achieve standards commensurate with their abilities. The curriculum is therefore designed to meet the learning capacity of students at each year level and to provide them with a range of activities suitable to their stage of development.

Many students have special needs. The College employs a Special Education teacher who offers resources to students, teachers, parents, and who can, where necessary, provide advice and indicate referral to other support agencies. At Year 7 entry, each student is tested for Comprehension, Spelling and Mathematical skills. Students with special needs are noted at this point or earlier as part of the admissions process.

Camps held within term time are an integral part of the learning experience for students at that particular level. As such, all students are expected to attend.

Sport is an important aspect of our school life and all boys are asked to be involved in the programmes offered. Sports available include the traditional summer and winter sports, plus a variety of individual and other team sports.

The College is a member of the Eastern Independent Schools Association and fields teams at all year levels in a variety of sports. Carnivals are also held in swimming, cross-country and athletics. All E.I.S. sport and house sport is played during school hours.

All subjects are divided into semester units and have a set amount of required work. Assessment is continuous and ongoing. Tests are conducted throughout the semester and a report indicating level of achievement is issued at the end of each semester. It is important therefore that students develop a diligent attitude and work to the best of their ability at all times.

Homework is a valuable aspect of the learning process and contributes to the development of study habits. Even when students do not have set work in a particular subject, they should spend some time revising and studying.

There are six committees operating within the College:

1. College Council/Pastoral Committee.

2. Administrative Team.

3. Finance Committee.

4. Education Committee.

5. Studies and Curriculum Panel.

6. Consultative Committee.

The Pastoral, Finance and Education Committees are standing Committees of the Board.

1.1 The College Council is an advisory body to the Principal. As such, its deliberations only become operative with his consent and authorizations. Such authorization will normally be given.

1.2 The Council will consist of:

the Principal.

the Deputy Principal.

the Rector.

the Bursar.

one member of the Administrative Team.

two elected staff representatives.

(one Board member - additional).

1.3 The College Council will:

advise the Principal on the overall educational direction of the College.

explicate the aims and objectives of the College and to regularly evaluate the procedures used to obtain these objectives.

evaluate and implement recommendations from other bodies and committees within the College.

develop a master plan for the future development of the College.

develop ways of presenting St. Joseph's more visibly in the local community.

1.4 Procedures:

Meetings to be held each month, or more frequently if so called by the Principal.

Agenda and minutes to be available for all staff members.

Communication will be established with the wider school community (staff, students and parents).

The Council has the right to co-opt people as appropriate for specific tasks and for a pre-determined length of time.

The Council will exist for the 1995 school year only (or unless wound up earlier by the Principal). Towards the end of the year, the Council will evaluate its own performance and advise the Principal on directions for the future.

As above for the College Council with the addition of one board member. For practical purposes, the Council and Pastoral Committee are the same body. Its conclusions can be formulated as recommendations to the Board.

2.1 This body is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of College policy and will work in liaison with the Deputy Principal.

2.2 The Administrative Team will consist of:

the Principal.

the Deputy Principal (chair).

School Co-ordinators.

2.3 The Administrative Team will:

maintain the day to day running of the College.

develop administrative procedures appropriate for the implementation of College policies.

assess the practical implications of College policies.

provide guidance and support to members of staff.

organise College activities.

2.4 The Administrative Team will meet weekly.

3.1 This body is responsible for developing and reviewing the budget on behalf of the Board.

3.2 The Finance Committee will consist of:

Chairman of the Board.

the Principal.

the Bursar.

Deputy Principal.

adviser.

4.1 The Education Committee is responsible for promoting discussion and preliminary formulation of educational matters at Board level. It works in close liaison with the administrative team.

4.2 The Education Committee comprises of the Principal, Deputy Principal, staff member, and two Board members (non-staff).

5.1 The Studies Panel is responsible for the implementation of the Curriculum policies of the College.

5.2 The Panel will consist of:

Field of Studies Co-ordinators.

Curriculum Co-ordinator.

Deputy Principal (Chair).

5.3 The Studies Panel will:

monitor and review ongoing curriculum matters.

set the broad agenda for Curriculum Development.

meet at least twice a term.

develop and maintain a statement of curriculum principles - i.e. provide a rationale for the College curriculum as a whole.

oversee the development of studies appropriate for various levels.

develop and maintain an assessment policy consistent with the College aims and objectives.

initiate and review of curriculum issues.

respond to current curriculum issues and development.

consider issues at the request of the Principal and Deputy Principal where appropriate.

report its findings and/or recommendations to the Principal and Deputy Principal.

5.4 The Curriculum Development Committee will meet once a month, or more frequently as called by the Curriculum Co-ordinator.

6.1 The Consultative Committee will operate in accordance with the Catholic Schools Agreement.

Fees and finance matters

BOARD

Financial Policy is determined and controlled by the Finance Sub-Committee of the College Board. The Committee comprises of: the Chairman of the Board, the Principal, the Deputy Principal, Financial Adviser and the Business Manager. The College accounts are audited annually by an independent firm of auditors appointed by the Board.

Years 7 and 8

Tuition fee $307.50 x 4 instalments = $1,230.00 per annum.

Subject levy $ 45.00 x 4 instalments = $ 180.00 per annum.

Years 9 and 10

Tuition fee $328.00 x 4 instalments = $1,312.00 per annum

Subject levy $ 45.00 x 4 instalments = $ 180.00 per annum

Years 11 and 12

Tuition fee $468.00 x 3 instalments = $1,404.00 per annum

Subject levy $ 60.00 x 3 instalments = $ 180.00 per annum

Building levy $30.00 x 4 instalments = $120.00 per annum per family.

Calendar/Magazine $15.00 per annum per family.

Diary $5.00 per student

Year 7 Christian Living Camp $55.00 per student.

Tuition fees are due in advance and payable by instalments four times per annum. Please note: Second instalment for Year 7, 1995 will be issued early in February.

No refunds apply for the current instalment where boys leave of their own accord during the term. However, no fees will be charged for the remaining instalments in that year.

Year 7, 1995 Fees instalment one will be issued, and due for payment, by December 8, 1994.

Family Discounts

If two boys are at the College concurrently, a discount of 10% will be allowed on the youngest boy's tuition fees.

If three boys are at the College concurrently, a discount of 25% will be allowed on the youngest boy and 10% allowed on the second boy's tuition fees.

If there are four boys at the College concurrently, the fourth boy will be free from tuition fees.

A shared family fee reduction scheme operates for families with boys enrolled at St. Joseph's and girls enrolled at Mater Christi College in Belgrave. Please enquire at the office for details and application forms.

* Subject Levies provide for Art, Sport, Excursions, Woodwork, Metalwork, Science, Graphics, etc. - materials and classroom handouts issued by the College.

Note: Fees and Levies are subject to Review by the College Board.

As a regional school, St. Joseph's exists essentially for the Catholic boys of the member parishes. The intake usually occurs at Year 7 but some places can become available in the higher grades.

Applications for Year 6 enrolments close in March of the year prior to that of intended commencement. Forms may be obtained from the Parish Priest in the case of Parish applicants, otherwise from the College itself.

As the College is a Regional College, discussion with the Parish Priest and then with the principal or delegate of the principal, is considered more than a formality, it is an essential aspect of the spiritual and material factors involved in enrolling a student at St. Joseph's.

The College Policy on enrolment reflects the principles expressed in the Archdiocesan Enrolment Policy. Across the archdiocese, priority is given to providing a place for every Catholic applicant. This principle may occasionally override the principle of parental choice. The purpose of regional schools is to accept candidates firstly from their own region.

Parents of successful applicants are expected to attend an information night either in July or later in the year as advised.

Finally, all new students will attend an Orientation Day at the College in early December, or on another date to be advised.

The College follows a system of annual re-enrolment. This gives a chance at the end of each scholastic year, for parents and students to examine whether they are satisfied with the type of education given at St. Joseph's. The College can also examine whether each individual student is making use of the education offered him.

Uniform

Grey shirt (WHITE SHIRTS are to be worn by senior students)

Grey trousers

Grey socks

Black shoes

Grey school shorts

Grey walk socks

College navy blue pullover

College tie - not compulsory during the first term.

On hot days, a blue cap with no other visible colours and writing may be worn outdoors. On wet cold days, a navy blue jacket, with no other visible colours, may be worn.

Blue shorts, College T-Shirt and tracksuit

The uniform is available through the College uniform shop which is open from 8.30 - 9.30 am each morning, and during holidays and weekends as announced through the Information Bulletin.

House structure

While students are at St. Joseph's, they will belong to a "House". There are four houses: Bosco, Magone, Rua and Savio. These Houses are important both in the classroom and sporting activities. Below is a brief explanation of each House.

Bosco Gold Named after St. John Bosco (also called Don Bosco: "Don" means "Father" in Italian). Don Bosco founded the group of men and women known as Salesians.

Magone Blue Named after Michael Magone, a pupil at Don Bosco's school. Michael was a rather lively character whom Don Bosco tamed!

Rua Green Fr. Michael Rua was Don Bosco's Deputy, and later took over from him. He is close to being proclaimed a Saint by the Church.

Savio Red Dominic Savio is the Church's youngest Saint, and also a pupil of Don Bosco's. He died at the age of 15 and was proclaimed a Saint in the 1950's.

Students' Representative Council

To give students access to the decision-making process so that they "own" some of the responsibility for their school.

Communications between parents, students and teachers.

Introduce new ideas.

Develop esprit de corps.

Students gain experience in a range of activities.

The S.R.C. will consist of:

the College Captain.

the College Deputy-captains.(3)

four College House Captains. (The above eight make up the executive)

eight deputy House captains

members of the Public Relations Team (3. These eleven above make up a 'lower house' or council, not to be confused with the entire body or SRC comprising senior executive, council and homeroom representatives)

one representative from each homeroom from Years 7-11.

The College Captain presides at SRC meetings and chairs the executive

The chairperson of the main body of the SRC is one of the deputy College captains.

Another deputy College Captain chairs the 'Council' (those not on the senior executive).

There are two teacher representatives (these are represented by the following people):

- Staff

- School Administrative Team

To be involved in committees when invited:

- Curriculum.

- Staff meetings.

- Administration meetings.

- College Council.

- Board meetings.

To develop ideas, strategies, suggestions that will benefit the College community as a whole. Some ideas could involve these areas:

- canteen.

- yard duties.

- magazines.

- College newspaper.

- Mass preparation.

- safety around the College.

- uniform.

- fund raising.

- community days.

- social and sport activities.

All ideas from the S.R.C. will be directed to the appropriate committee (usually administration) by the two teacher representatives.

The minute book of the S.R.C. will be available to the Principal and Deputy Principal as requested.

All meetings of the S.R.C. will be open to visits from any staff member.