Whilst it is understandable that some parents may feel hesitant about being involved in any particular group, contact with current members will convince parents that they can make a real contribution. New parents are especially welcome at the College.

Every effort will be made to make you feel at home at St Joseph's.

SJC Association List

The Board membership is highly representative of the College Community with the group establishing clear policies for the current well being of the College and its future directions. All members of the Board are appointed by the Province Leader of the Christian Brothers.

The Parents and Friends is a large group of mothers and fathers of current and past students, providing social activities as well as being a huge support for major fundraising events and food catering for College functions. The Major Auction in May and Art Show in July, are two of the main events which are run by the Parents and Friends, raising over $40,000 each year.

The Association was formed in 1960 and since then the primary role of this group has been the magnificent contribution to beautification of College grounds and buildings, plus maintenance cost savings. A roster system operates in which a team of volunteers work on one Sunday morning per month from 9.00-11.00am, followed by refreshments. This group further develops new friendships between fathers, in some cases grandfathers of students, as well as past students of the College. In 2005 we had thirty participants per group, with over 120 men helping out. The working bees are a great opportunity for fathers to become involved in College life.

The Foundation’s two main roles are promotion of the College and fundraising. Opportunities to help with the Foundation are in the areas of past student address recovery, typing, data input and the major mail outs held three or four times per year.

Each year the association (with more than 2000 members) holds an Annual Reunion Dinner, produces a Newsletter, celebrates a Remembrance Mass for Deceased Students, runs a Golf Day and provides Bursaries for needy families. Old Boys of the College are invited to contact the Association so that they can rekindle their connection, catch up with old friends and make new friendships. Meetings are held eight times a year.

The Josephines was formed in 1998 to give mothers of past College students the opportunity to meet on a regular basis. Current mothers and staff are also invited to come along. The group meets twice a year in March for dinner and in October for lunch.

As well as presenting a great opportunity for our ladies to come together, the Josephines financially support the College Education Support Program from monies raised through these outings. Mothers should feel welcome to come along to the gatherings by registering their names at the College.

Out of school hours sport has proven to be a regular highlight for both students and parents. Football, Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton are all catered for and parents are always needed to be involved as Coaches, Managers, Coordinators, etc. The Sportsmaster will always welcome parents who wish to become involved, even to the extent of setting up a new sport in the College.

Our canteen is run by Elaine who calls for volunteers, parents or grandparents of current and past students who are placed on a roster and come along about once a month to help with preparation and serving of student lunches. This volunteer support is greatly appreciated and it ensures that our Canteen continues to run independently. The helpers, yet again have the opportunity to get to know one another working together for their College.

The friends of the band provide support to the College musicians by assisting with performances and the purchase of instruments. This group has made a significant impact upon the exciting development of music at St Joseph’s.

Our library is a very active place and all kinds of work is waiting to be done by enthusiastic volunteers.

Archivist: Mr Glen Turnbull – Phone 5226 8100

Other areas where you can become actively involved in the College community is through helping with the Junior School, Homestay for a visiting Overseas Student, costumes for the Drama Department and Work Experience placement or as a Guest Speaker for Careers Week.

The above list highlights how St Joseph’s is highly dependent upon its volunteers. We are indeed a College community and it is critical that our sense of community grows. Your contribution, however small, will ensure our great tradition continues.

Mr Paul Tobias