Video News
Fun at the 2022 P&F Fashion Dinner

Thank you to all of our guests, sponsors, donors, fashion houses and supporters who took part in the 2022 Fashion Dinner held on Friday 19 August at Mt Duneed Estate. With 200 guests in attendance, there was a fantastic vibe in the room, the SipSip Cocktail bar and delicious roaming entrees started the night well. MC Kylie Oliver welcomed our fashion houses onto the runways, with bright splashes of colour accessories and outfits for all occasions. Many walked away with goodies purchased in the silent and live auctions along with some bargains from our fashion stalls. 

Thank you to our Parents & Friends for another fabulous event, together we raised $20,445 which will go directly towards supporting St Joseph’s Vocational Secondary School in Kensekka. This will make such a huge difference to that community, and allow their school to continue to grow and foster hope. To all of our guests, we hope you enjoyed the evening, we look forward to welcoming you to more events in the future!

Special thanks to one of our Presenting Partners - Gartland Real Estate for putting together this fabulous short video of the evening! A full photo gallery can be found on the College Facebook page. 

News Articles
News from the Deputy
Article by Mark Kennedy, Kerry Drever and Susan Dickinson
Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Head of Student Services & Head of Innovation

This week of the 4-10 September 2022 is National Child Protection and National eSmart Week in Australia. The theme for this year is Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’.

We will be sharing a short video and pledge with our students, created by the Child Safety Officers at St Joseph’s, reminding students of their individual rights, and providing personnel and links to many child friendly websites that can be accessed by any young person who feels unsafe in any aspect of their life.

We will remind students to refer to the posters that we have in every classroom across both campuses, these posters provide a graphic and a message specifically reminding them of their rights, designed by the eSafety student team at SJC. The posters also include a QR code that provides our students with access to the student-friendly version of our Child Safety Policy.

We will always continue to consider what works to keep children safe and supported… what children are telling us… what families are telling us… what the evidence is telling us… and how to translate this knowledge into action.

As parents and carers, you are the most important part of the wraparound care provided to young people. Challenges with online behaviours that young people engage in are an ongoing focus of the work we do together. Therefore, we are encouraging our students and families to partake in the 7-day Online Safety Challenge to start and/or continue regular conversations around online safety.

  • Have you considered privacy settings on personal accounts and how you share your personal information online?
  • Do you know the apps and games that your child is accessing and whether they allow anonymous ‘in game’ chat?
  • Are you able to recognise suspicious online behaviours and respond appropriately?

The link is provided here - Family Challenge: 7 Day Family Online Safety Challenge.

We highlighted concerns around online behaviours in our last newsletter, and again offer some links that can assist in supporting our young people to be proud, digital citizens. We also include some links below that address child safety more broadly: how they may well look to mimic our behaviours, and the importance to them of the adults in their lives.

Article written by Kerry Drever Head of Student Services and Susan Dickinson Head of Innovation.

Identity News
Article by Mary Malone
Director of Identity

Today the first day of spring marks the beginning of the celebration of the ‘Season of Creation’.

Each year from 1 September to 4 October, which is the Feast Day of St Frances of Assisi the Patron Saint of Ecology beloved by many. The Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home.

As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures, and part of all that God has made. Our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth. We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it. This year, the theme for the season is ‘Listen to the Voice of Creation’. This complements the Pope’s call in his Lauda to Si goals which call us towards sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology to build a better future together. https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/

The Psalmist declares, “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge…their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the Earth, and their words to the end of the world.” (19: 1-4)

During the Season of Creation, our common prayer and action can help us listen for the voices of those who are silenced. In prayer we lament the individuals, communities, species, and ecosystems who are lost, and those whose livelihoods are threatened by habitat loss and climate change. In prayer, we centre the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.

When his message for this year’s Season of Creation was released, the head of the Church Pope Francis asked “in the name of God” that large extractive corporations “stop destroying forests, wetlands and mountains, stop polluting rivers and seas, stop poisoning people and food.”

Four key principles for biodiversity were emphasised as Pope Francis also used his message to call on nations to halt the further collapse of the “web of life” – biodiversity – pointing to four principles:

  1. Building a clear ethical basis for the transformation we need in order to save biodiversity;
  1. Fight biodiversity loss, support its conservation and recovery, and meet people’s needs in a sustainable way;
  1. Promote global solidarity, considering, that biodiversity is a global common good that requires a shared commitment;
  1. Put people in vulnerable situations at the centre, including those most affected by biodiversity loss, such as indigenous peoples, older people and youth.

In the final week of this term we have a group of Year 9 students and staff who will be going on an immersion experience to Daly River in the Northern Territory. They will begin in Darwin where they will take part in a Welcome to Country ceremony and cultural awareness session at Nungalinya College with Traditional Owners. They will also be welcomed into the community of Nauiyu, Daly River at a mass at St Frances Church and spend time in the classrooms of St Francis Xavier Catholic School with one of our former staff members, Rebecca Westwood and her family who are living and working in the community.

We look forward to hearing what this life changing immersion experience will be like for our students and staff. Daly River is where our good friend of St Joseph’s, Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM lives. Miriam-Rose is an educator and artist who has shared her deep understanding of creation through the practice of Dadirri. The word, concept and spiritual practice that is Dadirri (da-did-ee) is from the Ngan’gikurunggurr and Ngen’giwumirri languages of the Aboriginal peoples of the Daly River region.

“Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us. We call on it and it calls to us. This is the gift that Australia is thirsting for. It is something like what you call “contemplation”, Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann.

As a St Joseph’s community, we care called to ‘Listen to the Voice of Creation’ as we are nestled in among the surrounds of the Barwon River, Corio Bay and in view of the You Yangs. May we give thanks and continue to commit to individually making a conscious effort to mindful of our foot print on this land of the Wadawurrung people. Ensure we continue sustainable practices and to be advocates for creation with our families to bring wrap-free lunches to school and reusable water bottles and containers. Let us spend some enjoying some Dadirri time together out in our beautiful spring weather as we wish all the fathers, grand fathers and father figures in our lives, gratitude for their loving guidance and many blessings on Father’s day this weekend.

Photos thanks to Kelly Jenkins, the Sustainability Team and Enviro Service participants.

UN Youth
Article by Laura Gordon

UN Youth holds an event each year called the Evatt Competition. It mimics the UN Security Council and students work in pairs as delegates of these countries to debate matters of international significance. This year the Geelong round was held at Clonard and eight of our Year 10 and 11 students competed. They were allocated the countries of the United Kingdom, Norway, Albania and Brazil. The resolutions they debated considered ideas of Extradition and Political Dynasty.

The day required students to negotiate with other countries to consider various amendments, present their own countries' response to the resolutions and vote in favour or against the UN adopting the recommendations. Well done to Jude P, Kailen W, Thomas F and Benjamin H. Congratulations to Jaeger F, James D, Patrick R and Charlie S who made it through to the Semi-Finals held at Trinity College in Melbourne. We wish them all the best for the next round.

Science of the Seas Queenscliff Excursion
Article by Michael McMahon
Year 9 Homeroom and Mathematics Teacher

On Tuesday 9 August, Year 9 Science of the Seas students participated in a day excursion to Queenscliff. The purpose of the day was to provide students with real-life examples and experiences of a marine ecosystem and to be able to observe some of the organisms that exist within it, along with the relationships that exist between them. Students spent the morning on a charter boat on Port Phillip Bay in order to familiarize themselves with the bay, and they had the opportunity to visit sites such as Popes Eye and Chinaman’s Hat and observe species such as Australasian Gannets and the seal colony. While on the bay, students also used a drag net to collect and observe smaller specimens that live in the bay before returning them to their habitats. These species included seahorses, decorator crabs, wandering anemones, sea cucumbers, shrimp, sea grass and amphipods.

In the afternoon, the class participated in a session at the Marine Discovery Centre, where they had the opportunity to observe and handle smaller specimens including green lipped abalone, sea stars, decorator crab, sponges, and sea slugs in the rockpool display. At the end of the day, students completed a laboratory session that focused on the various adaptations that organisms in the bay possess in order to enhance their survival chances.

GISSA Golf
Article by Bryson Milverton

A group of students represented the school at the GISSA golf tournament at Lonsdale Links held on Friday 26 August. Fletch G, Christopher F, Louis V, James H, Edward S, Tom H and Jacob Y.

Congratulations to Edward S who won the event with an amazing score of even Par 70 on such a difficult course.

Well done to all the boys and we now look forward to backing up our ACC Open golf championship win in May with the ACC Junior golf at Northern Golf Club on 10 October.


ACC Chess Report
Article by Andrew Branchflower
English/Chinese Teacher & Chess Tutor

Students at SJC have regularly been participating in lunchtime chess, every Friday at school, but have been missing the opportunity to test their skills against other school's players in person. The past two years have meant that digital tournaments have replaced in-person tournaments, but for the first time in three years, students were able to stare down their opponents over a grid in real life.

A team of St Joseph’s finest chess players travelled up the freeway to compete in the ACC open tournament at Simonds Catholic College. Most of the SJC team were able to earn a win in their first round, but this initial success was short-lived as most of the team struggled against powerhouse Mazenod, as well as other ACC schools of similar ability in Division 1.

The end of the day saw only three students finish with a winning record: Benjamin J (12 Jordan D), Luada-Kadahl M (8I) and Muhammet J (7H) each finished the day with 4 wins 3 Losses. Regular contributors Ethan S (12 Butler B), Myles B (12 Jordan C), Ethan R (12 Foley C), Matthew M (12 Foley B) and Patrick R (11 Foley C) finished just shy of that, each finishing the day 3-4. Other competitors Tyson S (12 Butler A) and Christopher R (10 Brophy G) also fought well in their match-ups, often facing competitors with significantly higher ratings.

With perennial champion Mazenod untouchable, St Joseph’s finished 5th in the battle for 2nd to 6th, and retained its place in the top division for another year. Many of the junior competitors, who sadly missed out on competing in this tournament due to a cap on player numbers, are eagerly awaiting the ACC Junior/Intermediate tournament which will be taking place later in the year.

Team Standings:

Place

Team name

Top player name

Score

1

Mazenod College

Duleesha G

25

2

Parade College

Vincent L

18

3

De La Salle College

James H

17

4

St Bede's College

Tomas P

16.5

5

St Joseph's College (Newtown)

Luada-Kadahl M

15.5

6

St Bernard's College

Emerson L

14.5

School Photos
Article by John Mitchell

School photos for Years 7 – 11 are fast approaching and are scheduled to take place in the final week of Term 3. We are excited to be able to take both portrait and extra-curricular group photos this year. Below are the dates for the upcoming photos:

Year 7-11 Portrait Photos – Monday 12 September

Family Photos – Monday 12 September

Group & Sport Photos – 13 & 14 September

Year 12 Portrait Photos – Year 12 photos occurred earlier this term. If any Year 12 student has missed having their photo taken, they are able to have their portrait taken on Monday 12 September.

All Year 12 Group Photo – Tuesday 13 September

It is important that all students are in their winter uniform for the day of their photos (College blazer, long sleeve shirt, long pants and tie). For the All Year 12 Group Photo, Year 12 students will also need to wear their commemorative tie. It is important that students meet the College requirements around being clean shaven and long hair being tied back. Students will receive a flyer during homeroom with instructions on how families can order photos from Arthur Reed.

Sustainability Matters
Article by Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator

TERM 3 UPCOMING EVENTS 

Every day CUT THE WRAP
September
National Biodiversity month

7 September National Threatened Species Day

12-18 September National Organic Week

22 September World Car-Free Day

JANE PERKINS ARTWORK DESIGN COMMITTEE

Following on from our guest presentation by visiting UK Artist Jane Perkins on 22 June, on 4 August Year 9 students; Harris H, Kade H, Jhayferson J and Cala P participated in an initial Design Committee meeting, to collaborate and discuss the design for our commissioned artwork with the goal to encapsulate the essence of our school’s faith and identity. The students have continued to meet on a regular basis to focus on various aspects of the artwork and we anticipate that the design will be ready to forward to Jane in the coming fortnight. I would like to congratulate and thank all students involved for their wonderful creativity, collaboration and dedication demonstrated throughout the process. Thank you also to Mrs Malone for her support and for organising an interview with the students involved and the ICUP Team (providers or our grant) who have enabled our creative vision to come to life.

NEW DRINK STATION GARDEN BED

During lunchtime on Friday 19 August, Sustainability Leaders together with Student Leader Samuel D, transformed the decommissioned drink station in the Performing Arts Precinct, by planting Snake plant/Mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata) and Lotus Red Flash (Lotus berthelotii) into the water trough, creating a new aesthetic for the area. Using “wicking bed” principles, the garden bed incorporates a layer of scoria, covered by shade cloth and a layer of top soil to follow. This Technique encourages plants to seek water from the lower scoria layer. Congratulations to all students involved! A tremendous effort to complete the project in a thirty-minute time frame.

RECYCLING WORKSHOPS

With the aim to educate and reinforce correct recycling methods at St Joseph’s College, on Tuesday 23 August, student Leaders; Luca B, Zakary E and Sascha W facilitated a Recycling Training Workshop with all Year 7 Class Captains and Sustainability Leaders. Incorporating the school’s Sustainability Website page and three recycling activities, it is anticipated that the Year 7 leaders will facilitate the same recycling workshop for their own class during a Religious Education class over the coming week, in alignment with their current unit; Guardians of the World.

ENVIROSERVICE

On Tuesday 23 August, seven students together with Mr Ben McDowall, braved the elements to participate in an afternoon of Enviroservice at the Edmund Rice Campus. All students involved worked industriously to maintain various garden bed areas including; Carey Oval south embankment, the Quadrangle “Otways” fernery, Gate 5 entrance, Gate 6 car park garden bed and the Paul Tobias courtyard planters. Thank you to Lincoln B, Julian C, Aedan C, Ben H, Luke S, Zephyr S and Thomas Q for their terrific effort.

300 FOR 30 TREE PLANTING CHALLENGE

Just ahead of National Biodiversity month (September), on Friday 26 August, the second “300 for 30” Tree Planting Challenge was conducted in a bid to revegetate the Carey Oval south embankment. With the assistance of Phil Hunter and Ellie Brunt (Wild Places Management and Consulting), our lunchtime volunteers were able to plant out the garden bed with native grasses. With an incredible combined effort, Phil and Ellie completed planting out 427 plants throughout the day, seeing the completion of the South embankment planting for 2022 and the commencement of the Sports Complex garden bed planting. Species planted on the day included; Common Rice-flower (Pimelea humilis), Pale Mat-rush (Lomandra nana), Wiry Buttons (Leptorhyncos tenuifolius), Cholcolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum), small St John’s wort (Hypercum gramineum), Grey tussock-grass (Poa sieberiana), Native Flax (Linum marginale), Varied Raspwort (Halorargis heterophylla), Pussy tails (Ptilotus spathulatus), hopbush (Dodonaea Viscosa), Common everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), Black-anter lily (Dianella admixta). Further planting around the Sport Complex is anticipated for October.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

National Tree Day planting with Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek – Service Learning Opportunity.

We invite all students and families to join the “Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek” on Sunday 4 September for a Tree Planting day, supporting their efforts of creating a “Nature corridor” by planting indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses adjacent to existing plantings in a bid to increase biodiversity along the river and help save the threatened Yarra Pigmy Perch that resides in the creek.

“Friends” will gather from 9:00am on the site between Brearley Reserve Bridge and Winter Street. Note: This site may be accessed via the walking track either from Winter Street or from Grove Road.

New volunteers are most welcome and are encouraged to wear solid footwear and to bring their own gardening gloves and bottle of water. Volunteers must also complete a COVID Questionnaire prior to arrival.

For more information regarding the tree planting site map and COVID Questionnaire, visit the Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek website below;

https://www.friendsofwaurnpondscreek.org.au/aa%202022/09%20September%2004.html

CALLING FOR PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS AND BREAD CLIPS

We are calling on all SJC families to support our Year 11 VCAL students in the collection of plastic bottle tops, for the purpose of creating a circular economy, by reforming and transitioning these items into new and purposeful products. In particular, we require clean plastic items with either the number 2 or 4 clearly identified on the items.

In addition, other items that may be recycled at the College 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 Reception of either campus.

Win a XBOX Series X Console!

WIN A XBOX SERIES X CONSOLE!

The TriUMPH music festival has changed to TriUMPH Lite this year, but the raffle is still just as big!

Tickets are $2

(3 for $5, 7 for $10, 18 for $30 or 30 for $50)

First prize is the awesome XBOX Series X console, second prize is a $150 JB Hifi Voucher.

Online ticket link: https://www.rafflelink.com.au/... or cash sales are available lunchtime at SJC ER Campus IT Office.

All the money donated and Raised will go to The University of Baccau, which is located in East Timor. The money gives scholarships to young people interested in becoming a Teachers. Education is a really important aspect for the people of East Timor. Currently only 68% of adults are able to read and write. The children that are able to attend school, only get one textbook and one pen a year. If you aren't able to afford the uniform you will not be allowed into the school. There is an extreme shortage of teachers in East Timor because they are underpaid and not looked after. Giving these people more opportunities in education, will help educate more children, give the children more hope for their future, more job opportunities and therefore less people living in poverty. And this cycle will continue and continue. 

Football Best and Fairest Awards
Article by Chris Lynch

The 1st XVIII Best & Fairest was held last week with Year 12 student Matthew S and Year 11 student Patrick H tying for the win. Patrick became the first Year 11 to win the award to cap off a brilliant season. Nicholas D (Year 11) was the runner up whilst Jai M (Year 12) was third. Sol B and Jarvis M were the Coaches Award recipients. Matthew, Patrick and Nicholas were all named in the ACC Team of the Year which is a fantastic achievement.

At the Year 10 Best & Fairest, Oliver M came out on top whilst Angus H and Giuseppe P were both equal runners up. Nicholas S and Tyler M were the Coaches Award recipients.

Georgie R was the winner of the Year 9 Red Best and Fairest ahead of Josh L whilst Lenny A was the Coaches Award recipient. For the Yellow team, Max C was the winner ahead of runner up Harry D. Declan P won the Coaches Award.

Many of our senior students were recognised for their outstanding season at local level at the AFL Barwon awards over the last few weeks. Year 11 student Francesco P was named the U18 Division 1 League Best and Fairest whilst Jarvis M was the Leading Goalkicker. In Division 2, Year 12 student Noah C was the Best and Fairest winner whilst Year 11 student Declan F was the Leading Goalkicker.

A big congratulations must also go to several Year 9 and 10 students for their Under 16 League Best & Fairest awards. Angus H was named the Division 1 winner, Brady S won Division 2, Samuel L won Division 3, Tyler M won Division 4 whilst Year 9 student Max D was the winner in Division 5. In the Under 14s, Year 9 student Archer C won the Under 14 Division 1 Best and Fairest.

And finally, we must congratulate some of the achievements of our 1st XVIII Footballers including Ted C who represented Vic Country in the recent U18 National Championships; Year 11 students Patrick H, Flynn C, Michael R, Liam K and Tom B who all played in the U17 Vic Country v Vic Metro match; as well as Osca R and Ted C who were chosen in the Geelong VFL side over the last few weeks.

VCAL Dog Kennel Project
Article by Bobbie Evans
VCAL Coordinator

Earlier this year, our Year 12 VCAL students were busy building dog kennels for the Geelong Animal Welfare Society to assist with increasing dog adoption through winter. GAWS representative Danielle stated that the dog kennels were great, and a big hit with increasing adoptions of dogs over winter. Bella the staffy was in the shelter for over three months but was adopted this week after GAWS started giving away the kennels for new dog adoptions.

How to build courage & resilience in children and teens
Job Opportunity - NBN Traineeship

nbn Customer Field Technician Traineeship

Overview

nbn is inviting ambitious go-getters to apply for its 12-month Customer Field Technician Traineeship program. There's no experience required, and the program offers people new to the industry to learn, develop and build skills leading to a lasting career in telecommunications.

The nbn Traineeship is a multi-year program to enable new and diverse talent to enter the telecommunications industry, with a focus on female and indigenous representation in the field.

About nbn Field Services

Our Field Services teams are nbn's professional, trusted and essential customer-facing workforce. They're the friendly faces, confident voices and skilled hands working on our network and in communities to connect people across Australia to the nbn® network and bring them closer together each day.

The nbn Traineeship Program

The 12-month Traineeship provides all the development opportunities and support trainees need to build their skills and career as they go. Trainees receive formal learning in a purpose-built training environment, on-the-job coaching and a Certificate III qualification in Telecommunications.

Over the 12 months, Trainees experience a diverse and dynamic working environment where no two days are alike. Supported by nbn field experts, they'll build confidence when out and about inspecting and maintaining the nbn® network and keeping customer services connected in homes and businesses. Leaders will work with Trainees on their development plans, supporting career pathways into the industry.

What Trainees will receive

  • A traineeship program where you will get paid and a nationally recognised qualification
  • Working out in the field alongside a dedicated and caring team to train and support you.
  • The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of customers across Australia accessing the nbn® network.
  • All the tools and equipment you need, including a nbn work vehicle after six months.
  • A versatile and valuable career steppingstone into telecommunications.
  • An inclusive work culture that prioritises balance and wellbeing.

What you need to apply for the Traineeship

  • Be passionate and dedicated to delivering the best customer experience.
  • Have a positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
  • The ability to self-manage work
  • A safety-conscious mindset
  • Hold a current driver's license.

Role locations and how to apply

nbn is recruiting 26 Customer Field Technician Trainees in the locations below. Apply via the nbn Careers site by midnight, 16 September 2022. The Traineeship commences from November 2022 (timing subject to change).

Note applications for a further 17 Customer Field Technician Trainees (Brisbane x7 and Sydney x10) will open in October 2022 for a February 2023 commencement.

Community Notices

Uniting Barwon Book Sale

The Uniting Barwon book sale will now be held on the FIRST Friday AND Saturday of the month.

The next book sale will be on Friday 2 September and Saturday 3 September 2022, at the Uniting Barwon Grovedale site (272 Torquay Road, corner of Reserve and Torquay Roads) between 10.00am – 2.00pm.

A great range of new and old stock to browse through and all books are only $1.00!