In this newsletter each fortnight I try to provide families and friends of the College with a range of information that gives both a general and a day-to-day sense of what is taking place in the school. I usually emphasise one-off events and achievements, along with matters related to the identity of the College. In this edition however, I would like to start with a focus on the day-to-day core business of the school which of course is learning and teaching.
As is the case in most endeavours, if you stay still you go backwards. Hence the College curriculum and learning practices are constantly being updated to ensure they remain contemporary to meet the needs of our students. The change to the Westcourt program outlined to our current Year 8 families last week is a good example.
Our staff and learning leaders have been working together on a Learning Framework which focuses on student-centred learning, evidence-based teaching and a common approach to the curriculum across the school. Within this framework, project-based learning (PBL) remains an important methodology but far from the only methodology and operates with a range of integrated high-impact teaching strategies to form our instructional practice.
Learning and teaching at St Joseph’s happens within the broader EREA learning statement which articulates that “our mission in education is to liberate learners by explicitly co-creating the learning conditions, dispositions and relationships to enable deep listening, confidence, agency and freedom for all."
Last week the College celebrated Diversity Week and I am grateful to those staff and students who were involved in the many events that took place. During the same week, we saw a number of news reports that made me reflect on just how important it is that St Joseph’s continues to educate our young men about inclusivity and respect for diversity. If our society is ever to move past events like those that occurred at the Manly Sea Eagles Rugby club, the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance and the racial/religious vilification of Carlton footballer Adam Saad we need to start in our schools.
As you will be aware the ‘triUMPH’ (3 schools Uniting to Make Poverty History) music festival scheduled for Friday 9 September has been cancelled indefinitely. The organising committee of students and staff, led by former staff member Mr Simon Cahir, developed an alternative proposal which they dubbed ‘triUMPH lite’. This proposal was put to the principals of the five Geelong Catholic secondary schools and was agreed to.
The core goals of the triUMPH music festival are to bring our students together in solidarity and to support our friends and neighbors in Timor-Leste. The goal for this year included raising $30,000, enough to provide scholarships for a group of trainee teachers in Viqueque.
The ‘triUMPH lite’ event will see all five schools conduct some triUMPH like events on September 9 at their school. At St Joseph’s this will be a casual clothes day with each student asked to contribute five dollars towards the triUMPH fundraising goal. The day will have an extended lunchtime during which a range of food will be available for purchase, a number of bands will be performing and other activities will be available. Westcourt students will join in the event at the Edmund Rice Campus.
The Xbox raffle tickets will be sold in the lead-up to the day with the winning ticket drawn and live streamed across the five schools. Merchandise will be available in the lead-up to the day. Arrangements have been made for families who have pre-purchased tickets to have the money refunded or donated to the fundraising for the day.
Further information about triUMPH lite will be available closer to the day.
God Bless
As we progress further into Term 3 it is quite evident that there is a healthy culture of respect amongst our students and we are continually impressed with their resilience. Our wellbeing, faith formation and teaching and learning programs are all designed to engage and connect our students to be in touch with who they are whilst challenging them to look through the lens of others in our community and society.
This promotion of inclusivity and diversity was evident last week as the Respectful Relationships team and Inclusive Community Student leaders planned and prepared our 2022 Diversity Week. To compliment the Reconciliation, Refugee and Multicultural activities late Term 2, we planned a Diversity Week that explores diversity in gender and sexuality, diversity in ability and diversity in each of us. Significant messages were imparted at the Inclusive Community Assembly around acceptance of difference, and taking care with the language we use when addressing each other.
The focus on abilities was highlighted in the gymnasium mid-week as the Geelong Dragons combined to play netball with and against our students in an ‘Abilities Fest.’ The support and appreciation was palpable and all present were so proud of our young people. Staff benefited from the gorgeous Becco, who delivered a makeup service with a finesse and a bluntness that was so much fun to those who worked with her.
Whilst our Diversity Week activities took place at St Joseph's, the mainstream news was consumed with reports of the Manly Sea Eagles taking a stand ‘on religious and cultural grounds’ that resulted in them choosing to boycott the Pride game. In exploring that issue, it seems quite clear that communication and education surrounding diversity is a must, which will allow people to gain a deeper understanding of the ‘why’.
As we head into the last month of winter we have just had a brave number of students participate in our annual Winter Sleep Out and Winter Appeal. We give thanks to all participants who took part in the 'Winter Sleep Out', an act of solidarity in our own backyards with those who are homeless and sleeping rough in Geelong.
The Year 10 students have been immersed in our Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity in their Religious education classes, exploring the issues and social media interpretations about homelessness in society, focusing specifically on the local implication here in Geelong. This week the students reflected on these issues from a different lens than the secular in their annual Renewal and Wellbeing Days. How are we called to respond? How can we treat all of our neighbours with dignity, the way we would expect to be treated? They explored how we can all be compassionate neighbours in our community and build strength in those around us who are weakened by unfair circumstances and injustices. The students prepared to act, firstly by reflecting in a prayerful liturgy focusing on the parable of The Good Samaritan and presented symbols to set the scene for their call to action.
…when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him…Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 25)
We presented a ‘Cross’ to represent our Catholic value of compassion.
The cross is the most central and sacred of the symbols of Christianity.
A symbol of hope and strength to many and a reminder that we all have our crosses to bear at different times in our life journey and we are called to show compassion to those who we journey with.
We presented a ‘key’ to represent opportunity and access to a better life. The key that disrupts the cycle of homelessness can come in many forms. Keys are the services that people turn to, the donations of practical items, the volunteers that reach out to those in need. The care shown to others gives hope that these metaphorical keys will one day transform into one that opens the door to a more secure and safe life.
We presented a ‘Sleeping Bag’ to represent safety, comfort and warmth. It’s that time again. Winter is still here and sadly, every year there are more and more people experiencing homelessness and sleeping on the streets. A sleeping bag can literally save a life.
As the closing song played we invited students to sit and reflect on how, as a St Joseph's student, they can live lives in service of others. How might they build strength in the vulnerable and assist them in breaking the shackles of homelessness.
Thanks to Belinda Milverton our Faith Development Coordinator, for her extensive planning to allow these two Renewal Days to take place so successfully, especially by coordinating the Year 10 Students to take action in a selection of the following opportunities in our local Geelong community.
Presentation from Simon Rowe the founder of the Sleep Bus.org. Simon decided he needed to create a place that provided safe sleep space, a place to take a breath, to stay safe and healthy until they could get back on their feet.
Cooking for the Homeless These donations will all go to those in need and will be distributed at ‘Lazarus Community Centre’
Volunteering at ‘Feed me Bellarine’ and ‘Feed me Geelong’
Lana, owner of Belly Bowls and Bellarine Catering, saw how much food she was throwing out at the end of each day. She started to package it up and distribute it to people in need. Feed Me Bellarine turns leftover food into nutritious meals and delivers to people in need across the Bellarine Peninsula.
Volunteering at Lazarus Community Centre
The Lazarus Centre is a place for people to feel safe and welcome. Somewhere where they can take a shower, wash and dry their clothes, have a light lunch, participate in activities, meet with volunteers and receive support from specialist homelessness staff. All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.
Volunteering at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop
The thrift shop is a large opportunity shop that receives and sells second hand items to better the lives of the homeless and those in unfortunate circumstances.
Sorting the Winter Sleep Out donations
These donations will all go to those in need and will be distributed at Lazarus Community Centre.
“Give to the poor in handfuls.” Blessed Edmund Rice
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Our music department is in full flight again this term. We have several important performances and rehearsals for major events that provide our SJC students with some amazing opportunities.
Firstly, 8 August, the SJC Junior Band Academy will present their first school performance at the Waterford assembly. They have only had one public performance so far this year and we are really excited to present the performance of these talented young people to their peers and teachers.
Tuesday 30 August, the SJC music department presents an Australian Music Showcase, featuring all College bands and ensembles.
This concert will see the world premiere of a work commissioned especially for our intermediate band by Australian composer, Jodie Blackshaw. “The Little Bush Buddha” has been composed to highlight the plight of the Koala, which is now considered an endangered animal due to urbanization and natural disasters. Students will have a chance to workshop this piece with the composer on Monday 29 August in preparation for the concert.
ACCent on music, the biggest ACC event on the calendar, is happening in the last week of term 3. Students have been selected to be involved with the various ensembles and have been attending rehearsal throughout the year to prepare for the 13 September event.
Important dates for these are:
8 August – Symphony orchestra rehearsal
11 September (Sunday) – ALL ensembles final rehearsal at Mazenod College
13 September - ACCent on music sound check and performance - Hamer Hall, Melbourne.
All parents and friends welcome!
Tickets are on sale now via the ACC website:
https://www.accmelb.com.au/tickets/
Visitors should click on their school logo and follow the link to the Arts Centre Melbourne online box office.
All tickets cost $25 and will be sent electronically to the purchaser.
SJC will provide a bus to transport parents and friends attending the concert, to and from Hamer Hall.
TERM 3 - UPCOMING EVENTS
Every day CUT THE WRAP
15-21 August Keep Australia Beautiful Week
22 August Lunchtime Enviroservice (Edmund Rice Campus)
23 August Enviroservice (3:30pm-5:30pm – Edmund Rice Campus)
September National Biodiversity month
7 September National Threatened Species Day
12-18 September National Organic Week
22 September World Car-Free Day
NATIONAL SCHOOL TREE DAY
On Friday 29 July, many students volunteered to participate in the “300 for 30” Lunchtime Challenge, in celebration of National Schools Tree Day. With the aim of planting 300 native Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum Apiculatum) plants on the south embankment of Carey Oval, commencing revegetation of this garden bed, volunteers took to the embankment with great gusto, planting approximately 200 plants during the lunchbreak. This effort was followed by Mr Peter Adams’ Year 10 Landscaping class in the afternoon. Whilst we anticipate reintroducing many of the indigenous flora species that were formerly planted in the garden bed since the inception of the Carey Embankment Revegetation project in 2017, we are excited to announce a new direction, involving the introduction of many additional small grasses and delicate flora species. During the next scheduled planting day on Monday 22 August, students will once again be provided the opportunity to become involved by participating in lunchtime planting on the day and/or after school Enviroservice on Tuesday 23 August from 3:30pm-5:30pm.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY
Unfortunately, the Tree Planting scheduled with the Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek on Sunday 31 July to celebrate National Tree Planting day was postponed. Notification of the new Tree Planting Day will be provided once confirmed.
CALLING FOR PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS AND BREAD CLIPS
We would like to thank all families that have been proactive in supporting our recycling goals with the donation of clean plastic bottle tops over the past month.
We encourage families to continue these efforts as we require a constant stream of donations of plastic items with either the number 2 or 4 clearly identified.
A reminder that other items that may also be recycled include; corks, stamps and plastic bread tags (in support of the "Bread Tags for Wheelchairs" project).
All donations (washed and dried) may be delivered to the Reception of either campus.
TERM 2 SPORT WRAP
The St Joseph’s College 1st XVIII Football and 1st XI Soccer seasons both came to an end at Parade College Bundoora in the ACC Semi Final’s with both teams suffering close losses towards the end of Term 2.
The 1st XVIII Football team took it up to the undefeated Parade boys and were storming home in the final quarter before the siren sounded for a 7-point loss. Patrick H kicked 4-goals up forward whilst captain Matthew S continued his stellar season, leading the possession count in every game throughout the year. The team was loaded with Year 11 talent which should leave us in good stead for the 2023 season.
The 1st XI Soccer team conceded two late goals to lose 4-3 in their Semi Final against the stacked Parade team. Trailing 2-1 at half time, the Joey's boys kicked 2 goals in the second half to lead the game but it was Parade who hit back to book their place in the Final. Year 11 student Noa S was named best player whilst the goal scorers were Owen M, Chris M and Luke Z.
The Year 10 Football team lost their first game in St Joseph’s colours in the Grand Final, also to Parade College. In an intense and high-quality match, the Joey's boys conceded 6-goals to nil in the first half to make things tough. To their credit the boys dominated the second half, but failed to put their dominance on the scoreboard and lost by 21-points. Captain Angus H and Harry S along with Vic Country representatives Lachlan J and Angus M were amongst the best players on the day.
The Year 10 Soccer team missed out on a place in the finals due to goal difference but still enjoyed a solid season on the field with 2 wins and 3 losses. Zachary S, Jack M, Marcus P and Gianfranco C were the stars and we look forward to them representing the College at senior level.
This year we fielded two Year 9 Football teams such is the interest in representing the College at Westcourt with over 65 players getting the chance to don the St Joseph’s colours.
The Red team lost one game on their way to the Grand Final and met the undefeated Parade College in Bundoora in trying conditions. Down by a few goals at half time, the boys came out firing in the 3rd quarter piling on 4 goals to 1. In a tense final term, the boys hung on to take the premiership by 4-points. Joshua F, Geordie R and Josh L were outstanding in the Grand Final adding to their fine seasons.
The Yellow team took on other second’s teams from ACC member schools and had such a dominant season that their average winning margin was 139-points. The Grand Final was no different with the boys running out 87-point victors. Max C, Alessio S, Henry S and Luka G were the stand out players on the day with Max also kicking 3-goals.
The Year 9 Soccer team won its first ever premiership over the highly fancied Parade College team. After finishing third on the ladder, a home Grand Final was secured after 1st and 2nd both lost their respective semi-finals. Tobias S and Patrick W both scored 2 goals as the boys held on for a 4-3 victory. Gianluca S, Anthony D and Louis B were the other outstanding players.
Thank you for all of the coaches who led their teams and well done to the players for how they represented themselves and their College. Thanks also for the leadership of Directors of Sport Mr Bryson Milverton and Mr Lachlan Doak.
Year 7 Football
Friendly – Monday 18 July
SJC Geelong 10.7 (67) def by Vic Country 20.12 (132)
GOALS: Banjo S 3, Noah Cl 2, Toby D 2, Archie C 1, Ned A 1, Andrew O 1
BEST: Charlie P, Archie F, Jack M, Andrew O, Rex S, Archie C, Will T, Noah C
Zampatti Oval – St Joseph’s College Geelong
It was a wet winter day and we were freezing, but the opportunity to represent the College awaited us as we headed down to the Zampatti Oval change rooms to get ready for our big day. We started our warm up and all the boys felt privileged to be playing in this game and to be representing our school for the first time and to be playing against the Vic Country U12 State Team. We were all very nervous but excited at same time. We huddled up and our captain for the day, Rex S went out for the coin toss and won, we were kicking away from the school and the boys were all set and ready to go.
We got off to a flying start, kicking the first 6 goals of the game. The Vics were in shock. Towards the end of the first half, Vic Country started to get the game a little bit more on their terms kicking 8 of the last 10 goals of the half to build a 13 point lead at the main break. Throughout the second and third quarter, there was an absolute ripper of a crowd down watching the game and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
As the game went on, Vic Country started to pile on the goals and just had too much skill and endurance for us and they pushed the lead out to 65 points. Overall, it was a cracker of a game and a great experience and we loved it. I want to say thanks to Mr Catanzariti for coaching us on the day, Mr Brad Lynch for all the training sessions and working out the teams and the Year 12 boys who helped out on the day.
Archie C
Friendly - Friday 22 July
SJC Geelong 4.4 (28) def by Emmanuel College 4.8 (32)
GOALS: Charlie M 2, James S, Liam W
BEST: Charlie M, Will B, Noah S, Xavier M, Nick L, Nick S, Nathaniel H, Tai S
Mack Oval #2, Warrnambool
We arrived in 'Windy Warrnambool' excited, ready for our debut game of football for St Joseph's College. We discussed prior to the game how we will always remember representing our school in later life and how we wanted to enjoy the challenge of the day.
Our captain and 'best on ground' Charlie M lost the coin toss meaning we had to kick into a strong breeze in the first quarter. Emmanuel controlled the game early led by some very skilled and big-bodied midfielders. Eventually we were able to grind our way back throughout the game and hit the front with 4 minutes to go. Unfortunately for us Emmanuel kicked a goal with 30 seconds to go to defeat us by 4 points.
Thanks to Sam, Brad, Charlie and Jarvis who supported myself and the boys throughout the game.
Overall I was proud of the boys overall effort, attitude, skill level and behaviour during the day. They represented the school in an incredibly positive way and we look forward to the return match with a different squad of Year 7s later in the term.
Mr Brad Lynch
Year 8 Football
Friendly - Friday 22 July
SJC Geelong 13.20 (98) def Emmanuel College 6.2 (38)
GOALS: George O 3, William H 2, Max D 2, Jack P 2, Oliver C 1, Darcy H, 1, Domenic P 1, Cooper K 1
BEST: Domenic P, Jaxon C, Hugh B, Darcy H, William H, George O
Mack Oval #1, Warrnambool
Captain of the day and influential player, Jaxon C won the toss and kicked with the strong 4-5 goal breeze. The first goal took only 1 minute and the Joey's team were away! At the end of the quarter saw the Joey's team have a 42-point lead. Emmanuel College were in shock!
Hugh B was dominating in the ruck with winning the first tap consistently and Dominic P, Darcy H and George O all getting their hands on the footy and providing the forwards with accurate entries inside the forward line.
From this moment the Joey's team was working like a well-oiled machine. Charlie D and Oscar S played their defensive roles well by neutralizing their opponent's influence of the game. A major highlight of the game was Fletcher B with the flight of the ball and taking a Jonathon Brown / Nick Riewoldt mark that was courageous and team inspiring!
For the rest of the game the St Joseph's team played their roles impeccably. At the end of the game the Year 8 Joeys team won by 60 points. Thank you to our runner and staff tutor Todd White, boundary umpire Jerry, goal umpire Quinn and coach Mr Crook.
Mr Ash Crook
