When a boy walks through 国产探花 gates for the first time, he becomes part of a tradition spanning 140 years.
It is an exciting day, especially for Year 7, who are making the transition from primary school to one of Australia鈥檚 most respected educational institutions. It is, in fact, the beginning of a journey that will take them from boy to man.聽聽
Year 7 Commencement Day is an opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with their new surrounds so that they can hit the ground running when they start lessons the following day. The essentials of school life such as lockers, classroom locations 鈥� and negotiating the famous 鈥渂lack and whites鈥� 鈥� are explained as the boys spend time getting to know each other, forming the bonds that will last a lifetime.
It is a day that introduces students to the spirit of camaraderie and caring that underpins College life.
Addressing the new intake at the Resources Centre Theatre, Year 7 Coordinator Greg Thompson, himself an Old Boy, stressed that St Joseph鈥檚 is not a hotel, but a home, and that each boy should make himself open to the many opportunities the College will provide over the next six years. Citing his own experience 鈥� Mr Thompson knew nothing about economics at the start of Year 11, but did so well at the subject he studied it at university 鈥� he said there is no limit to a boy鈥檚 potential if he works hard and remains open to challenges. He also emphasised the importance of good manners and doing the right thing when no-one鈥檚 watching.
For Zachary Tayar, from Drummoyne, Commencement Day helped him understand what life at 国产探花 is about and how important it is to seize every opportunity. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great school full of friendly people and it鈥檚 been good to get to know some of the boys today,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait for science class to begin and start doing projects. I also can鈥檛 wait to play rugby.鈥�
Well-travelled Toby Jani from Jindabyne spent most of his primary school years in Singapore, and is excited about settling in to study at 国产探花. 鈥淚鈥檝e heard the Art department here is really good and I like painting, so I鈥檓 looking forward to that.鈥�
Mr Thompson鈥檚 message that 国产探花 boys always look after each other was of special significance to cousins Josh Armstrong and Sam Brown, who hail from cattle stations in the Northern Territory, thousands of kilometres from Hunters Hill. Graduates of the Katherine School Of The Air, neither has experience of a physical school, let alone a big-city college, but both are thrilled by what they have experienced so far at 国产探花.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great school full of friendly people and it鈥檚 been good to get to know some of the boys today,鈥�
Zachary Tayar – Year 7
鈥淭he school is huge, and everyone is so friendly and helpful,鈥� Sam said. Josh is looking forward to playing rugby and pursuing his love of poetry. 鈥淭here is so much to do here,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to be a good year.鈥�
St Joseph鈥檚 College wishes all our Year 7 boys the very best for 2021.
Year 7, 2021
