2022 | Issue 5 | SJC Newsletter

Throughout this term the achievement of our community in maintaining ‘business as usual’ has been remarkable. We have been able to maintain face-to-face schooling for all classes and continue to provide learning for all students despite many of us being offsite due to COVID-19. I would like to thank and congratulate all staff, students and families on this achievement.

At the end of term, we farewell a number of staff. Shannon Ebeling (Music) and Tom Elliot (VCAL) are finishing their time with us. We wish both Shannon and Tom well in their new endeavours. Di Makings (Education Support), Joy Whiteside (Library) Heather Stapleton (Library) and Melissa Wills (Library) also conclude their time at St Joseph’s. We thank Di, Joy and Melissa and wish them well in their new roles. We also thank Heather and wish her a fulfilling retirement.

Dave Shalders will be on leave for all of term two and Mark Turner on leave for the first four weeks. Natasha Solczaniuk commences parental leave from the start of term. We wish Dave, Mark and Tash well for their time away from St Joseph’s.

I will be taking renewal leave (originally scheduled during 2020) for the duration of Term 2. I’m looking forward to a silent retreat, some study to learn more of our only Australian Saint; Sr Mary of the Cross McKillop, and indigenous immersion experiences in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. During my absence, Mark Kennedy will be College Principal with Lisa Pope as College Deputy Principal with Heads of school taking on additional responsibilities.

Camps and excursions are often the highlight of the year for students. Our Year 7 students have enjoyed their camps, the last of which was held in recent weeks. I am grateful to the staff who made this experience possible for our youngest students.

Next term our Year 12’s have their annual renewals which are conducted in house groups off-site from 4 – 6 May. (Week 2 of Term). Staffing these necessitate some adjustments for other Mt Sion students as follows:

Wednesday 4/5 – Year 10 and 11 at school all day.

Thursday 5/5 –Year 10s attend classes on site. Year 11s have remote learning.

Friday 6/5 –Year 11s attend classes onsite with an English SAC period 1&2. Year 10s have remote learning.

Please note that Westcourt and Waterford students will have classes on-site as normal on these three days.

Next weekend is Easter, the holiest of Christian commemorations. In considering an appropriate Easter reflection, I was thinking of the contrast between Jesus’ treatment during his triumphal entry to Jerusalem commemorated last Sunday (Palm Sunday) when he was hailed as a king and venerated, and his treatment five days later (Good Friday). Spat on, tortured, denied by his friend and executed on a cross in the most undignified way imaginable.

Students are sometimes bemused by the pre-eminence of the cross as our Christian symbol because it is a symbol of death and torture. But if there is no cross there is no resurrection which is at the very core of our faith. The resurrection reminds us of the ultimate triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and hope over despair. As we watch the daily struggles of so many, including those in Ukraine, it is good to have such a reminder.

I wish you and your family every joy for the celebration of Easter.

In Pope Frances’ Lenten message for 2022 he reminds us that, “Lent is a favourable time for personal and community renewal, as it leads us to the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For our Lenten journey in 2022, we will do well to reflect on Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10)” Pope Frances.

This year our College Easter Liturgy focussed on the hope Easter Sunday’s resurrection brings. Created by Belinda Milverton our Faith Development Coordinator, it was put together in a collaboration with our Year 10 Drama class along with our Vocal Ensemble and student leaders as narrators.

During this season of Lent, we are invited to spend time reflecting on Jesus' life and his road to Calvary. Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Easter Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. The events of Holy Week represent our faith entirely. The resurrection itself underpins what it means to be Catholic and strengthens our belief of hope and everlasting life.

On Easter Sunday Jesus trusted Mary Magdalene with the most important news that mankind has ever known. His resurrection from the dead was the most important event in human history, and Jesus Christ trusted a woman who had her wellbeing challenges to live with, to tell his disciples the good news. What a beautiful, and healing thing Jesus did by revealing himself to her and then trusting her to do what he asked of her.

Pope Frances’ Lenten message this year re-emphasises, “Each year during Lent we are reminded that “goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day” (ibid., 11). Let us ask God to give us the patient perseverance of the farmer (cf. Jas 5:7), and to persevere in doing good, one step at a time. If we fall, let us stretch out our hand to the Father, who always lifts us up,” Pope Frances. (https://www.vatican.va/content...)

As a compassionate St Joseph’s College Community, we have heeded this call by responding in solidarity to help support the Lismore Catholic Education Schools to recover from the devastating floods by participating in a ‘Love for Lismore Flood Appeal’ donation to participate in a Casual Clothes day today. We are expressing how we can be resurrection people by giving hope to others through the Lenten action of giving. In particular, we have made a connection with Trinity College, Lismore. We hope our contribution to their flood appeal will help to make possible a future return to their learning facilities for Trinity College, Lismore. Our College Captains have sent a message of support and we have sent their staff who are temporarily teaching from the local university, a box of chocolate hearts and messages of hope and encouragement.

Their acting principal, Mr Jesse Smith shared this amazing occurrence in their newsletter.

“As I greeted each year level at Southern Cross University over the past week I have relayed the story of our College Heart and College Lantern. These two symbols connect us to our Presentation and Marist Traditions. On 11 February this year, we placed the names of every student and staff member inside our College Heart at our Commencement Liturgy in the TSC. As part of our flood evacuation plan, we moved the College Heart and Lantern to the first floor on SJS. Unfortunately, a metre of water entered the room they were in and both were submerged in water. Miraculously, upon collecting and inspecting the Heart some days after the water subsided, the scrolls containing the names of all community members were dry! This is a great source of hope for us at this difficult time.”

We have further received the news that the devastating flood waters that inundated Lismore in recent days have completely covered the school, causing damage to every classroom, staff area and facility. Our prayers go out to them that they ‘be lifted up’ to find the faith, hope and trust that their hearts remain collectively connected and their lantern will guide them to rise in hope in the weeks and terms ahead.

We give thanks and gratitude to all in our St Joseph’s community who, through the ongoing challenges of COVID interruptions have supported one another in so many acts of kindness. Checking in on our students and each other, covering an extra class, doing someone’s duty, providing a meal, ensuring work is provided for classes and working collaboratively to ensure events have been able to take place in a COVID safe manner. May your family enjoy some quality time together over the holidays. Blessings to Tony Paatsch our good shepherd, who faithfully leads us wisely, on his well-earned enrichment leave. May we return refreshed next term prepared to extend our hand of kindness to our families that we support in Kensekka Uganda to have the life-giving gift of education, as we prepare to celebrate Edmund Rice Day on Friday 13 May.

Wellbeing Expo Week

Thank you for the positive response we had to the Wellbeing Expo week that took place in Week 8 of Term 1. We were keen to showcase the array of wellbeing topics, initiatives and programs that we offer in our Year 7-12 SJC wellbeing program to our community. All of these sessions were designed to help upskill parents and carers to navigate through the range of challenging issues our young people are facing at present. I have been able to secure the recordings of most of our sessions and they will be available to view for the next few weeks.

• Drug Education presentation link
• Resilience Project presentation link
• Study Skills and Motivation presentation link - Password: elevate
• Lifechanger presentation link
• Wellio Phone Addiction and Social Media presentation link
• Men's Project presentation link

Free Community Live Event 4 May 7pm – CONSENT & RESPECT

We have confirmed Richie Hardcore, Muay Thai fighter and international speaker on gender, wellbeing & pornography, to speak to our Year 10-12 students about CONSENT, RESPECT and the harmful effects of social media & pornography on healthy relationships. We have teamed up with Iona College and we will be hosting a community event at 7pm on May 4 in the St Joseph’s Performing Arts Centre. Leading Senior Constable, Robbie Noggler will also be sharing his wealth of knowledge of how to keep young people safe online. All Mt Sion families (and others) are encouraged to attend. Please log into https://www.trybooking.com/BYPOH and make a booking. We thank our Parents and Friends Committee for supporting this event which has been promoted to all the respectful relationships schools in the Geelong region.

Student leaders were invited to attend a Strategic Planning Session with Mr Paatsch recently, to express their views and more importantly give their student voice, to future planning likely to impact the future direction of St Joseph’s College. Here are some student feedback comments from the session:

I thought the strategic planning session went very well, especially with all the ideas that were flowing around. I enjoyed the “opportunity” aspect of the task. Tosh L, Year 9 Student Leader

I was happy with the activities covered and mostly, that I had a say on the day. I’m grateful for being able to be a part of this experience. Salia N, Year 11 Touchstone Leader

I really enjoyed Tuesday’s strategic planning session. I thought it was a great way to have our say on what we enjoy about school and how we think could improve some areas. I thought it was a good way to meet the other leaders of the school. Lenny A, Year 9 Student Leader

The Strategic Planning meeting was a great experience for all the student leaders involved. It allowed us to gain an insight into the planning of the school's future. It helped all of us student leaders feel a part of the school's voice and we could make a positive change. Sam L, Year 11 Touchstone Leader

Please note that we have just been informed that the expectation of all students to continue COVID-19 testing twice weekly using a RAT. This will continue for the first four weeks of Term 2.

Please ensure that your student/s conduct a test prior to them returning for day 1 of Term 2 (Tuesday 26 April).

RATs for the following four weeks will be distributed in Homeroom on day 1 of term.

The Westcourt Campus will close on Friday 8 April at 4.00pm and reopen on Tuesday 26 April at 8.00am.

The Edmund Rice Campus will close on Friday 15 April at 4.00pm and reopen on Tuesday 26 April at 8.00am.

Throughout Term 1, 45 students across Year 7-12 have participated in the Acer Australian eSports League High School Cup.

The Acer High Schools Cup is a national program that provides students across Australia a robust and well-structured competitive environment for High Schools to compete in Video Games. Tournaments are conducted during each term of the school year. The competition takes place over the internet familiarizing students with the benefits of the latest technology and software.

eSports In Education

eSports requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity from players to achieve and sustain success. Schools and players in high school have had a great experience with the game, and continue to experience its benefits.

Esports Benefits

• Sense of Inclusive Community
• Team building / Collaboration
• Character Development
• Increase of Student Agency
• Development of positive structured gaming
• Increase Achievement
• STEM Engagement

Games on Offer

Rocket League (G Rated)- is a fantastical sport-based video game, developed by Psyonix (it is “soccer with cars”). It features a competitive game mode based on teamwork where you outmaneuvre opponents.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate (PG Rated) - A fighting game for individuals to play against up to eight players. In this game characters from Nintendo games and other third-party franchises must try to knock each other out of an arena.

Overwatch (M Rated)- An online team-based game played as a first-person shooter. The game features several different game modes, principally designed around squad-based combat with two opposing teams of five players each.

In keeping with our eSmart and Child Safe guidelines, all Australian Board classification guidelines are followed when selecting appropriate games for different year levels.

We were well represented across all 3 game titles, with 10 boys playing Super Smash Bros Ultimate, 7 Teams of 3 playing Rocket League, and 1 team competing in the Overwatch tournament.

Each team or individual has played through 7 rounds to reach the final stages, taking place Saturday 2 April. We are excited to see 3 students who have battled their way to the finals of Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Placing 2^nd, 4^th, and 6^th in the double elimination final. These boys can certainly be proud of their achievement.

Early in Term 2, the eSports committee will host a parent information session, guest presenter Renegades eSport team member and SJC Alumni Nick Stephanidis to cover topics such as the SJC eSports team and participation in future tournaments and additional game titles and esports as a career.

Thank you and congratulations to all the students involved.

NATIONAL RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY

With our greatest number of participants of National Ride to School Day (Friday 25 March) to date, I am thrilled to announce the registration of 70 participants across both campuses; including 66 students and four staff riders. I would like to congratulate and thank all participants for showcasing their support of National Ride to School Day. A special mention to brothers; Jordan and Kodi F, for riding the longest distance of 10 kilometres to school. In addition, I would like to thank all involved in the registration process; students Benjamin F, Lachlan S & Callum W and staff members; Mrs Selina Bruce, Mr Ben McDowall, Mrs Mary Malone and Mr John Schlank.

"TAKE 3" FILMING COMPETITION WINNERS

For the past several years the “Take 3” Filming Competition has been run in support of the “Take 3” initiative, as a means to help raise student awareness of the impact of waste entering waterways and oceans and to evoke a cultural shift toward all members taking ownership of the responsibility to become stewards for the environment. Whilst the number of competition entries were lower this year, I would like to thank our 2022 entrants, for their enthusiasm and dedication to support this important cause and raise awareness of the critical need for action regarding climate change.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the competition as outlined below;

The link to the winning entry may be found below:

Hamish F - Take 3 for the Sea

https://www.canva.com/design/DAE8byv7soo/wVwVF6E40iWku1AExdL1Pw/watch?utm_content=DAE8byv7soo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

Community Notices

As we approach the holidays, many of us anticipate conducting “Clean Up”, sorting and DIY projects around the home. With an increased focus on reducing our carbon footprint and OH&S issues, there is now a great deal of information regarding recycling, repurposing and safe handling of dangerous items. Please find below some links and information that may assist you with your holiday endeavours.

City of Greater Geelong Recycling Guide

https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/recycling/guide/default.aspx

Geelong Repair Café

https://www.facebook.com/GeelongRepairCafe/

Guide to handling, disposing and recycling asbestos

https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/handling-disposing-asbestos/

BRAS FOR FIJI CAMPAIGN

Over the past couple of months, women in various villages across the Fiji Island, Viti Levu, have been revelling in the generosity of the SJC community, as they received bags of much needed Bras for their communities. Impacted by extreme weather events and depletion of tourism as a result of COVID, many villages have experienced no steady income for the past two years. Whilst half of the 2021 bra collection was distributed last month to Mau village (near Suva), the remaining bras were set aside to be donated to the communities most affected. Due to road closures, women in the remote village of Ba, have just received the last delivery of bras over the past fortnight and from all accounts, they could not have been more grateful. As we approach the holiday period, I ask that you keep these women in mind and set aside your pre-loved bras in preparation for our next annual collection during our Mother’s Day event in May. 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank John and Quini Fraser, for their unwavering support of this campaign and in particular, for the facilitation and distribution of bras to the more remote villages this year.

On Wednesday 23 March, our Westcourt Millionaire 101 students led by Mr O’Connor and Mrs McKew participated in an excursion to the Federal Mills precinct and Pakington Street. Students were able to experience how businesses are run first hand. We learned that in order to make a business there are certain values and commitments that you need in order to succeed. These consist of determination, risk taking, use of opportunity and innovation. We visited three businesses at the Federal Mills precinct, including Sanitex Global, Café 1915 and Anther Distillery. We were warmly welcomed by Old cCollegian James Fatone and his team in the impressive upstairs space at Café 1915. The Founder and CEO of Sanitex Global, David Collard called us live from New York. David Collard is a Manhattan-based global business executive and turnaround business strategist who runs companies that operate in both the public and private sectors across multiple industries producing innovative solutions and commodities for the B2C, B2B and B2G markets. David shared his story and what has led to his success as an entrepreneur. He encouraged us to make use of life opportunities and face challenges with courage and positivity. David shared with us how the occurrence of COVID-19 led to starting a successful business called Sanitex Global. David also introduced his new battery business idea, which is expected to be stationed in Geelong. We also learned how long it takes to start a business and that the more effort you put into your business the more successful it will be. We met another team member from Sanitex, COL (R) Hay. David Hay has had a distinguished career in the Australian Defence Force, where he served as an Army officer in a variety of roles both internationally and throughout Australia. He has over 30 years of experience in telecommunications and IT security, in fixed and mobile environments including on operations in Cambodia, East Timor, Bosnia/Kosovo and the Middle East. We also visited and had informative tours from Café 1915 and Anther Distillery. We enjoyed lunch in Pakington Street and collected data from a range of different types of businesses. Local Business owners shared what the day-to-day life of running a business is like, from what opening hours to work and the type of marketing to use. All in all, it was a great day and the students of both classes look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.

In the second last week of school, the third and final group of Year 7 Homerooms enjoyed their camp experience at Lake Dewar, Myrniong. On all three camps the boys got to enjoy a range of activities including the dual flying fox, adventure tunnelling, kayaking and jetty jump, stand up paddle-boarding, raft building, fire building, damper making (and eating with gusto), mountain bike riding and a gorge walk. All students participated enthusiastically in the various activities, and were positive and respectful in the way they interacted with the teachers and YMCA staff. There were plenty of terrific conversations, new relationships forged or strengthened and many fun times. A huge thank you to all the staff involved who helped make the camp experience a memorable one for the students.

Mr Malone and Ms Roche

Some student highlights from 7J:

Tome – The rafting where it all came apart and we had to hold on to the logs to get them across the river. Trivia night was fun.

Hugo – Raft building because you had to be creative. It was fun when our boat fell apart and we had to swim. We got to build a fire and eat some damper.

Mr Harmon – Conquering the flying fox after all these years . . . and doing it four times!!

Jack – Mountain biking, the downhills were fast. The gorge walk was great

Will and Toby – The flying fox was great; the gorge walk was cool and you got to cross the river in a boat

Bono - Flying fox because it was fun and exciting

Oliver M - Stand up paddle-boarding, mountain bike riding and flying box – all of them

Rod – Adventure tunnelling – fun and adventure with friends, mystery and working together; flying fox because I’ve never done it before

On Thursday 31 March our two Senior Football teams travelled to Drysdale to take on St Ignatius College in a Senior and Year 10 friendly football match.

Our Senior team was made up of predominately Year 12s who had not had the opportunity to represent the College since 2019 as a Year 9 student whilst our Year 10 team was comprised of students who only had the chance to play a handful of matches in the 2021 Year 9 season. Out of the 50 players wearing the St Joseph’s jumper, 26 were on debut.

With a strong wind blowing towards one end, St Ignatius got off to a flyer in the Senior match and led throughout the day to run away 34-point victors. Nicholas B kicked the only goal for St Joseph’s in a best on-ground performance whilst fellow Year 12s Charlie L, Sebastian H, Alexander M and Casey M also played well.

The Year 10 match was close all day but St Ignatius were able to hold on with the wind in the last quarter to win by 7-points. The boys all rotated through the forward line, midfield and backline throughout the game which resulted in 8 individual goal kickers. Dylan M, Luca C, Oscar H and Kailen W were the best performed players.

To close out the Term 1 we will take on Geelong College in two more friendly matches at Senior and Year 10 level featuring another 19 debutants across the two teams.

2022 Representative Football

We would like to congratulate the 18 Year 11 and 12 students who were selected on the Geelong Falcons NAB League list for season 2022. Our 1^st XVIII Captain Ted C was also named the Vice-Captain of the Falcons.

10 students were selected on the U16 Geelong Falcons NAB League Futures list for their four-game schedule to start season 2022. 13 more Year 10 students have been selected to represent AFL Barwon in the U16 V-Line Cup in the Term 2 school holidays which we wish them well for.

In community football news, five students made their Senior Football debut for their local clubs on the weekend – Jonty R and Sol B for Queenscliff, Will and Noah C for Anglesea and Tom B for Modewarre. Congratulations boys.

We wish all of the Joeys boys who play football on the weekend the very best for their seasons and hope we can get through it unscathed!

Any families who would like to submit a Year 7 Enrolment application for 2023 are reminded that enrolments close on 6 May 2022.

This enrolment cut off also includes families who already have a sibling attending St Joseph's College. Applications for any new Year 7 student who wishes to attend St Joseph's need to be submitted by the cut-off date to avoid disappointment.

Late submissions will be placed on a waiting list.

Places are awarded using the College Enrolment Guidelines. Parents will be notified of enrolment acceptance by mid-June for Year 7.

Information regarding the Online Application process can be found on the College website.

Enrolments

Laps 4 Life is back!

Last year we had a team of SJC students participating in "Laps 4 Life", this year we have been told that Mrs Irving's niece Ava (11yrs) is currently doing Laps for Life. 

Ava has her own sponsor page and has asked us if we can help promote her swimming efforts, on her own she has already swam 7.7kms and raised over $2,500!

Currently Laps for Life are extending the fundraising until 14th of April.

You can support Ava via this link: https://www.lapsforlife.com.au...

What does Laps 4 Life support

Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia? That means that each year, more young people die by suicide than in car accidents or from cancer.

By sponsoring my participation in Laps for Life, you'll be helping ReachOut achieve its mission of ensuring that all young people have the support they need to be happy and well.