Issue 17 SJC News 2020

St Joseph’s Remembrance Day Ceremony

Yesterday we took part in our annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. While we were unable to mark this year’s Remembrance Day by gathering together in the quad, we invited as our College community to pause at 11am via a ‘Teams Meeting’ in our classes and offices led by students from 7H, to honour the memory those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. This year is 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. As we are celebrating NAIDOC week, we reflected on the recognition of the contributions and bravery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in the military. Our staff member Lieutenant Colonel Rolf Audrins, CSC and Bar (retired) laid a wreath at the plaque below our flag poles in remembrance of our past St Joseph’s College students who served in the armed forces.

Each year in November, the College holds its Remembrance Mass in memory of students, staff and benefactors who have entered God’s care. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect and gather to remember. Whilst we could not physically gather in our Chapel this year, we would still like to acknowledge and remember all of those members of our community who are no longer with us. For those who are acknowledged in the full lists each year, you are not forgotten, and for those who have left us this year, we have compiled a short tribute.

Our hearts go out to you as we pray that precious memories will be a comfort to those left behind.

Celebrate NAIDOC Week with your family in our Greater Geelong Region

Celebrate NAIDOC Week in 2020 by visiting 20 key Aboriginal sites and venues around the Greater Geelong region. Starting in Little River and ending in St Leonards, this online trail was designed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to shine a light on some of the hidden (and not so hidden) places of significance across our region. You can also follow this trail by using the Geelong Arts & Culture Trails app.

Article Mary Malone - Acting Director of Identity

2021 Student Leadership Forum

On Wednesday 4 November, the Student Leaders for 2021 met at the Mt Sion Campus in preparation for their roles next year.

Forty nine Touchstone Student Leaders and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Captain, Deputy and Westcourt Captain met in the Chapel to listen to key staff discuss and explain their views and experiences of leadership. Principal, Tony Paatsch discussed the merit and benefits of students who adopt a servant leadership focus during their school years. Tony reflected on previous student leaders who would think of their cohort before themselves and the effect it had on the students was extremely beneficial.

Head of Identity, Mary Malone outlined the Identity staff team and explained their roles within the College. The staff within the Identity Team provide the students with many opportunities and collectively have a vast experience of teaching behind them. Mary highlighted the connections between each of the Touchstones and strategic goals of the college and how student voice is essential in achieving these goals. Exploring the difference between charity and advocacy, the ERA for Change initiative was introduced as way to advocate nationally with other EREA colleges.

Student Leadership Coordinators, Sam Querella and Ashley Crook, also highlighted the importance of the role as a leader to work and strive for a team focus rather than an individual focus. An area of importance to Ashley and Sam is the fact that all students are different and present with unique prior experiences in leadership yet when they are drawn together as a leadership team, each student can play their role and allow the team to grow and flourish within the St Joseph’s College community. Westcourt teacher and Leadership Advocate, Lachie Doak explained the importance of partnerships within a team of people. Clear examples were used to illustrate various levels of leadership success.

A pizza lunch along with fruit and a soft drink kept the students happy during lunchtime, enabling them to connect socially and begin to bond as a team, followed by an energetic game of Ultimate Frisbee on the Zampatti Oval.

A group photo took place in front of our new electronic scoreboard with Mr Tom Cashin to promote ‘Movember’, raising awareness of the importance of men’s health.

Get behind the ‘SJC 2020 Movember Team’ meet the team and support them in their ‘Movember or Movember goals. Link: https://movember.com/t/sjcgeelong?mc=1

Our Guest Speaker, St Joseph’s College Old Collegian, Jake Hogan (SJOC 2011) was the speaker of the day with an honest and meaningful talk on what it means for a student to be their authentic self while at school. Presenting to nearly 50 teenage boys after lunchtime could be a challenge for some, yet Jake’s presentation on being “Your authentic self” during the school years hit the mark for all students. In each of the student’s different skill set and past leadership experiences, Jake’s focus on vulnerability, honesty, connection and empathy was received very well. Jake was raw with his analysis of his schooling years and as man in his early thirties, spoke about his experiences that had made him a better person, friend, partner and mate. Jake is a passionate advocate for wellbeing and it was no surprise that he donated 100% of his Guest Speaker fee towards SJC’s Movember Team account. We were very grateful to welcome Jake back as an old Joey’s boy and to have someone of Jake’s quality to present to our students.

The 2021 Student Leaders are grateful for the work and legacy that our most recent previous Student Leaders’ have built to create a culture of servant leadership, respectful relationships, students who are strong in mind and gentle in heart. Young men of compassion and integrity who are innovative learners. We wish the Student Leaders well as they look ahead with hope and a new vision, ready to make 2021 the best year possible with a myriad of learning and leadership opportunities that will present. Another Student Leadership Forum is currently being planned for continued student leadership development.