In recent weeks we have been working towards finalising enrolments for 2024. We are delighted to have been able to accommodate an additional 20 current grade 6 boys whose families have recognised the advantages of single gender boys’ education for their sons.
Recent research has emphasised the importance of specialist education for boys. It confirms that boys are relational learners we must “reach them before we teach them.” It also confirms the importance of positive male role models who will get to know boys individually, help them discover their passion, master skills and develop a sense of purpose and engagement with learning.
Research conducted across 10 years in New Zealand demonstrated higher levels of student achievement in boys’ schools compared to co-educational settings. The findings included the following: “The single-sex advantage is quite striking across nearly the full range of data considered and certain potential confounds, such as socioeconomic variables and choice of assessment type are shown not to be plausible explanations for the demonstrated single-sex advantage.” We look forward to transition of our next cohort of year 7 students, we thank families for entrusting their boys to us and congratulate them on their decision.
Third term each year is enormously significant for our current students as they make important decisions regarding subjects and pathways for the year ahead. The recent Mount Sion expo provided information to students and families regarding their choices and opportunities. Last week year 8 boys and families attended an information night about the Westcourt program. Families had the opportunity to see some of the finished products of current Westcourt students’ first semester of work and there was a real buzz about the opportunities the students will have next year.
Students have been submitting their subject selections in recent weeks and working with staff to determine whether their best interests are served by accelerating in one or more subjects. This has included current year 11 students considering whether they are ready to accelerate into a first-year university course through Deakin or Melbourne University. I am grateful to those staff who made themselves available to counsel students as they make these important decisions.
The College Strategic Plan outlines our goal to actively engage with our broader community to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. About a decade ago St Joseph’s commenced involvement with an international program sponsored by the Victorian government Victorian Young Leaders to China <(VYLC) and more recently VYLI (India). Travelling and living in foreign countries has become more difficult for a range of reasons including Covid however we remain committed to providing opportunities for students to benefit from collaborative international partnerships.
Through the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders Global Partners program, we have either had or will have students interacting with brother Rice High School in Michigan and schools in India, Ireland and Uganda.
The Global Classroom Partners’ Program links classrooms from Edmund Rice schools across the globe, to learn from, with and about each other, while exploring some of the world’s most pressing issues. Groups of students with their teacher undertake two lessons and two video conferences with a global classroom partner. These structured connections are facilitated to ensure deep dialogue can occur and are based around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable development goals
At the end of each year the College implements a Head Start program whereby for two weeks each year level commences the following years curriculum, subjects and timetable. As you are aware we are implementing a range of changes to our timetable and weekly schedule for 2024. As a result, this year we will be shortening our Head Start program to five days (1 Dec – 7 Dec) to provide the opportunity for staff and students to trial the changes and get used to their schedule for 2024.
God Bless
Tony Paatsch
Principal
Deputy News
As we make further progress into Term 3, our Year 9-11 students have confirmed their subject selections and pathways through the senior school. Meanwhile, the Year 8 cohort is in the process of finalising their subject choices for the Westcourt Campus in 2024. Throughout this journey, the culture of respect and inclusivity remains a highly prominent aspect within our College Community. Recently, the College held Refugee Awareness Week and our Inclusive Community Assembly.
The Inclusive Community Student leaders took charge of planning and preparing this assembly, which showcased the exceptional work being carried out around the College. We were honoured to welcome guest speakers, Travis Zimmer and Katherine Jenkins to the event. Travis, an inclusion coach from the City of Greater Geelong, emphasised the value of sports for all young people and the importance of inclusion in all areas of our community. Katherine Jenkins, a member of the combined Refugee Action Group, spoke about upholding our commitment to Justice and Solidarity as we raise further awareness of refugee issues within Australia. Her presentation provided an additional layer of awareness for our young people, complementing the ongoing efforts during Refugee Week. Furthermore, tailored lessons on this topic were delivered during wellbeing periods across the College. In a powerful display of support, both staff and students also came together in a 'Circle of Solidarity', demonstrating our commitment to stand by and support people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.
Student wellbeing remains an essential pillar in the education received by all St. Joseph's students. This week, our Year 10 cohort is participating in a specialised Renewal and Wellbeing program. As part of their Renewals, all students will venture out into the community to provide support to local organisations such as Feed Me Geelong and the Salvation Army. Complementing their Renewals day is a Wellbeing program, where students will engage with mentors from the Man Cave initiative. The Man Cave program focuses on redefining the journey to manhood, which aligns with our efforts to support the psychological and emotional development of our young men, empowering them to become healthy adults.
Our College is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and contribute positively to society. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and caring community that values diversity and uplifts one another.
Cassandra Gleeson
Deputy Principal - Wellbeing
Identity News
Celebrating World Youth Day Lisbon
Charlie Purdy, St Joseph’s Religious Education Coordinator along with other pilgrims on the Melbourne World Youth Day Leaders Program have met with Pope Francis in a special private audience and Q&A arranged by Archbishop Peter Comensoli. Charlie described it as a surreal experience where joyful reflections and listening took place. Charlie also met with the Australian ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro, and discussed the knowledge and wisdom of Aunty Miriam Rose and dadirri. Our other pilgrims Natasha Scanlan, George Cotter, Ethan Withers and Rafael Gaio have arrived to beautiful sunshine in Tomar, in preparation for the Youth Day pilgrimage events across 14 days. This included a candle lit procession in Fatima before travelling to Lisbon to participate in the major events of World Youth day including the Papal welcome, catechesis, and youth festivals, as well as the final pilgrim walk and vigil with Pope Francis with young Catholics from around the world.
Some early reflections of World Youth Day 2023 from our St Joseph’s pilgrims:
My favourite part about WYD so far, is definitely meeting and interacting with people from all the different cultures. Spiritually, WYD has helped me to recognise the importance of faith and has helped me connect with fellow Catholics from across the world.
George Cotter – Year 12 Brophy
My favourite part of this World Youth Day experience so far has got to be exploring all the places that Portugal has to offer and all the cultures I’ve encountered, and the people I’ve met. Spiritually, while on WYD, I have been able to strengthen my connection to my faith and have been able to share connections of my group’s faith and their life experiences.
Ethan Withers – Year 12 Foley
We pray that this WYD will enliven our Church anew, as Pope Francis shared when launching the World Youth Day theme ‘Mary arose with hast’, Luke 1:37.
Dear young people, it is my dream that at World Youth Day you will be able to experience anew the joy of encountering God and our brothers and sisters. After a long period of social distancing and isolation, we will all rediscover in Lisbon – with God’s help – the joy of a fraternal embrace between peoples and generations, an embrace of reconciliation and peace, an embrace of new missionary fraternity! May the Holy Spirit kindle in your hearts a desire to “arise” and the joy of journeying together, in synodal fashion, leaving behind all false frontiers. Now is the time to arise! Like Mary, let us “arise and go in haste”. Let us carry Jesus within our hearts, and bring him to all those whom we meet! In this beautiful season of your lives, press ahead and do not postpone all the good that the Holy Spirit can accomplish in you! With affection, I bless your dreams and every step of your journey. Pope Francis, Rome 15-8-22
We keep in our prayers Parish Priest Emeritus Fr Des Panton, who passed away last Wednesday. Fr Des was Parish Priest at St Thomas Parish, Drysdale from 1980 to 2012. May Fr Des Rest In Peace.
Daly River Immersion Reflection Part 1
The Daly River Immersion team have returned from Darwin this week with many new cultural insights and understandings and memories they will cherish forever. They bonded together through the team work required to engage in the carefully planned itinerary of immersive experiences across the week.
Some highlights include:
Spending a day with community elder, artist and educator, Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM
NAIDOC activities in Nauiyu community: Rock painting and handprints
Sharing bush tucker on the Daly River with the local community – cooking up damper, kangaroo tail and freshly caught bream.
Time with the students and staff from St Francis Xavier, Nauiyu.
Exploring Litchfield National Park Cathedral termite mounds.
Dinner with Tejinder, his family and friends from the Sikh Family Food Van in Darwin.
Izaak Gleeson sharing his barber skills with the community.
The Principal and staff of St Francis Xavier school ensured that they created opportunities for our students to engage with their students such as contributing to the school library relocation, meeting with elders to experience life by the river with a wonderful cook-up. The photos captured during these times reflect the generous, positive nature of our students and their willingness to participate and learn from the staff and students at the school.
The most enjoyable aspect of the Daly River immersion for me was meeting Miriam Rose. She is such an inspiration to all people in Australia and it was a real privilege to spend the day with her. Miriam’s wisdom and humour created a great vibe during our time in Nauiyu, she showed us the importance of family and education. Just wanted to say thank you again for allowing me on this amazing trip. I had a fantastic time and am really glad I asked about going. Thank you to the staff, Ms Zanos, Ms Adams, Mr Smith, Ms Malone and Bernie Carthew for all your hard work in making it happen.
Blake McMahon - 2023 Jordan House Captain
Three words I would use to describe this immersion to family and friends are insightful, capturing and fun. I learnt that the best way to enjoy an experience is to take it in first hand and appreciate it instead of taking photos the whole time. The most enjoyable aspect of the immersion for me was not only developing a connection with the community of Nauiyu, but getting to know everyone on the trip a little better. My initial assumptions of Nauiyu being on red dirt and a little run down community were completely blown out of the water when I saw that it had a nice school with good facilities, houses with air conditioning, a general store and asphalt roads. This Immersion was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I highly recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity.
Henry Stephens - Year 11
We look forward to sharing some more reflections in our next newsletter after the team have had time to debrief and reflect further on their immersion experience.
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
Comedy Night
There’s still time to be part of the P&F Comedy night this Friday 4 August in the Joeys PAC.
Book online today or grab your tickets at the door on Friday night. Doors & bar open at 6:45 with the Comedians begin at 7:30.
https://www.trybooking.com/CIPPW
We are looking forward to catching up with our Joeys community and having a laugh with Nick Cody, Ben Lomas and Bily Stiles to start our weekend off on a fun note. Thanks John Watts for organising
Fashion Dinner
SAVE THE DATE and start organising your ticket for the Annual, always extremely popular, SJC Fashion Dinner 2023 on Friday 20 October at Mt Duneed.
Individual tickets and tables of up to 10 available, fill a table or organise a few friends to join another table, it is a fantastic night to catch up, see some amazing Spring Fashion and support a worthy cause.
Tickets go on sale 20 August. $120pp includes 3 courses, SipSip cocktail on arrival and a donation to the SJC Vocational School in Kensekka.
Gartland, The Ponds and SipSip by 63degrees continue to support the Fashion Dinner along with the 12 Fashion Houses that are already lined up to bring the Fashion to the Eyewear on Pako Runway. There are eight amazing Live Auction items, alongside a huge silent auction and fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs on the night.
Any questions regarding, donations, table sponsorships, ticketing or being involved in the Fashion Dinner Committee, please contact Jodie Warrick [email protected]
Parents & Friends funded Year 12 CPR Course
The P&F are able to support Year 12 students with running a fully paid CPR course (Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) for them to be skilled in. This year alongside the CPR course students are also able to partake in an online Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. All information regarding these courses have been sent via email to both year 12 students and their parents/carers. Please let Jodie Warrick know if you have any questions regarding these courses. [email protected]
Thank you to the P&F committee for their fundraising efforts so they can continue to support the students of St Joseph’s College.
Jodie Warrick
Events and Community Engagement Coordinator
Year 7 & 8 Football
Last Friday, an exciting and much-anticipated friendly match between the St Joseph's Year 7 and 8 football teams and Emmanuel College Warrnambool took place in Warrnambool. This fixture has become a wonderful three-year tradition between the two schools.
The Year 7 team - comprised of students from 7A, 7B, and 7C - eagerly stepped onto the field for their first chance to represent the College. The match was filled with incredible talent and determination from both sides, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. While the win went to Emmanuel with a final score of 5.13 (43) to 3.4 (22), our St Joseph's boys showcased their skills and gave their all, earning the admiration and pride of their supporters.
Patrick Urbanski, Henry Sargant, Angus Woods, Conor Whitten, Archer Plunkett, Kaiden Marino, and Conor Crimmins were among the standout players, demonstrating their dedication to representing the College with passion and commitment.
In the Year 8 match, the boys from 8A, 8B, and 8C faced a tough challenge against Emmanuel and experienced a loss with a score of 16.17 (113) to 2.2 (14). Despite the score line, the St Joseph's team, primarily comprised of players who hadn't played together last year as Year 7 students, fought valiantly and showed glimpses of their potential as they develop their skills.
Ned Allen, Taj Purcell, William Bennett, Archie Catanzariti, Jack McDonald, Tom Den Dryver, and Rex Suvoltos were among the standout players in the Year 8 team, contributing their individual efforts and teamwork.
These matches exemplified the College's commitment to providing opportunities for its students to engage in friendly competition, fostering camaraderie and a competitive spirit among over 100 boys from Year 7 and 8. Looking ahead, the coaches are preparing a new group of students for the next three friendlies throughout term three against St Ignatius, Iona, and the return match versus Emmanuel. These matches will undoubtedly offer more chances for our talented young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for the sport.
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS TERM 3
August 7-13 Keep Australia Beautiful Week
August 11 30 for 30 Clean Up Challenge
August 18 Eddy’s Preloved (Lunchtime Clothes & Accessories Sale)
August 20-24 World Water Week
September 7 National Threatened Species Day
EDDY’S PRELOVED – CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES SALE
In a bid to foster a more sustainable culture, on the back of this season’s War on Waste currently screening on the ABC, we are excited to announce a new initiative – Eddy’s Preloved. The sale will be conducted during lunchtime on Friday 18 August in the Edmund Rice Gymnasium. Led by student leader Benjamin Starinskis, the clothing sale will provide an opportunity for students wanting to sell items, to develop their entrepreneurial skills and for others to secure some unique items to wear. Shoes and accessories will also be sold and no item will exceed $50. Information for stall holders will be circulated in the student bulletin.
NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY
Blessed with the sun shining on Sunday morning, it was the perfect opportunity to be outdoors and supporting the Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek to commence this year’s planting goals along the Creek embankment near Brearly Reserve Bridge, Grovedale. Planting adjacent to a plot planted out just five years ago, it was heartening to watch the abundant birdlife already claiming this area as their home. If you would like to support the “Friends” to complete their tree planting efforts for this season, further details are in the Community Notices section of this article.
For Schools Tree Day, several Yr 9 volunteers helped transform the Newstreet drinking station, from a cottage garden to an indigenous food species garden, planting several new species including; Murnong (Microseris lanceolata), Sea Celery (Apium prostratum) and Pigface (Carpobrotus modestus).
On Tuesday 1 August, Phil Hunter, Ellie Brundt and Lucy Adams from Wild Places, supported staff and students in a massive undertaking, planting out the next stage of the Carey Oval south embankment with indigenous flora species. VCEVM students and volunteers during lunchtime and after school worked productively to help revegetate this area, with the goal of creating a nature corridor and habitat for a variety of bird species.
CUT THE WRAP
A reminder to all families that our CUT THE WRAP initiative has commenced. We encourage all families to adopt a CUT THE WRAP approach to making lunches, to reduce waste at the school. Lunchboxes will be inspected for Year 7 students during the Wellbeing period on a weekly basis (with the exclusion of the last week of each term).
CUT THE WRAP PROCEDURES & REWARDS
Students presenting a “plastic wrap free” lunch will be rewarded with a credit stamp.
Classes with 100% participation (on any given week) will be awarded a second credit stamp (each student).
Note: A canteen order or money for the canteen, does NOT qualify as a wrap free lunch.
END OF TERM REWARD
The class with the highest level of participation for a given term (provided they reach a minimum of 100 participants) will receive an Eddie Coin. Note, the number of coins distributed will be determined by the highest number of participants in a given week for that term.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Tree Planting with the Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek
Service Learning Opportunity
All families are invited to join the “Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek” on Sunday 6 August for tree planting activities. They will gather from 9.00am on the creek to plant grasses and shrubs at a site between Brearley Reserve bridge and Winter Street. You may access the site via the walking track from Winter Street. Morning tea will be provided at approximately 10.15. Volunteer may simply turn up and register on the day. Please take your own gardening gloves.
Service learning hours will be assigned in accordance with the number of hours of service.
For more information, visit the following website; https://friendsofwaurnpondscreek.org.au/aa%202023/07%20July%2030%20NTD.html
Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator
Concussion update and link to concussion webinars
In Term 2, 2023 the college was notified of thirteen confirmed concussions to students outside of school. In this same time there were twenty possible concussion at SJC, with of eight of these confirmed concussions.
So that we can help your son return to study and sport safely following a concussion, it is important that you notify the college (even when the concussion happened outside of school).
Following an international conference on Concussion in Sport held in Amsterdam in October 2022 concussion management has changed, please find attached the following updated documents:
- Updated concussion management policy
- Updated Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT 6)
- Return to Learn Strategy
- Return to Sport Strategy
Please find below links to recent webinars run by Neurological Physiotherapy Geelong on Concussion Management:
AFL webinar: Concussion updates for AFL clubs improving detection and recovery-20230717_034351-Meeting Recording.mp4
Sherryn Ross
Risk & Compliance Manager
Year 12 Photos
Year twelves will be having individual portraits and group photos taken on Monday 21 August, please ensure students uniforms are neat and tidy.
UN Youth Evatt Competition
UN Youth invited students from St Joseph’s to compete against other Geelong schools in this year’s Evatt competition. This year we had eight students represent four countries and argue matters of international significance regarding social media regulation, use of military force and illegal fishing in international waters. Our students were each allocated a country that is a member of the UN Security Council. St Joseph’s represented Mozambique, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the USA. It was a challenging day filled with negotiation, strategy and publicly persuading the other member states to support or refute to resolutions in question. Congratulations to the following students who showed exceptional skill, polish and preparation in competing.
James Day and Jaegar Fawcett – USA
Josef Paatsch and Michael Ahearn – United Arab Emirates.
Xavier Cheel and Jeremiah Jacoby – Mozambique.
Michael Papiernik and Charlie Voss – United Kingdom.
We wait now to see if our students have been successful in progressing to the semi-finals in Melbourne in a few weeks’ time.
Deakin Young Influencer Award
The Deakin Young Influencer Award is designed to acknowledge one high-achieving and motivated Year 11 student, who is going onto further study at Deakin University.
Deakin offers one $5000 scholarship for one Year 11 student, in their first year of study at Deakin, in an undergraduate course.
Application and selection process
Apply online at https://www.deakin.edu.au/young-influencer-award
Students may apply from Monday 21 August to Monday 9 October. Please note, late applications will not be accepted.
Good luck with your application!
Westcourt Art Display
In the foyer of the Pat Bourke Gallery at the Edmund Rice Campus sits a showcase of last semester’s work from the design subjects at Westcourt. The display features work from year 9 students Archie Tatterson, Tyler Levy, Zac Miller, Sam Waight, Aidan Warburton, Flynn Van Der Chys, Lachlan Sears, Lucas De Stefano, Charlie Marshall, Henry Howard and Liam Marshall, of their lasercut architectural models and handmade hoodies.
The works are a project from the following subjects:
THE DESIGN STUDIO PROJECT
In this subject, Year 9 students were given the opportunity to design their own streetwear logo to be hand printed onto a handmade hoodie.
Using Adobe Illustrator, students digitally designed their logo which was then screen printed with ink onto the fabric. The parts of the hoodie were cut using a pattern and students sewed together their garment with sewing techniques such as straight and overlocking stitching. Ribbing and seams were the final touches to completing this task, which are now functional and wearable garments.
Needlecraft is one of the Five Original Industrial Arts and is still a valuable skill used in many industries today. This subject will build foundational skills in the use of Adobe programs as well as some manual skills used in VCE Visual Communication. Interest in this area can lead to tertiary education and careers in fashion and design (such as dressmaker, tailor, fashion designer, shoemaker) and interior and product design (bookbinder, draper, parachute rigger, sailmaker, upholsterer).
THE GRAND DESIGNS
Do you dream about designing the perfect home to one day live in? This project is for you! In The Grand Design you will explore the world of architecture and spatial design.
Hearing from professionals in the industry such as architects and builders, students will learn about the process of designing and constructing the perfect home which includes interior design, landscape design and budgeting.
Students have the opportunity to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to develop plans and laser cut a 1:100 scale model of their own Grand Design. This subject provides students with valuable technical skills that will help them in VCE Visual Communication Design and Design Technology as well as in the VCE Vocational Major.
The display is there for all to see and this is a great opportunity for year 8 students who are thinking about subject selections and what Westcourt has to offer.
Laura Martin
Visual Arts Technician
MYKI Student Passes
If you have purchased a MYKI and live more than 4.8km from St Joseph’s College you are able to claim the cost of the yearly or half-yearly MYKI you have purchased. Please forward the receipt to Lisa McDine ([email protected]) or bring it into the College.
MYKI student passes can be purchased from the train stations or at the PTV stand in Westfield. You will need a student concession card, which your son’s student card with the PTV logo on it is acceptable.
Year 9 students may or may not be eligible depending on how far they live from the Westcourt Campus.
Any queries please contact Lisa McDine.
Tennis Players Needed
Ceres Tennis Club are looking for tennis players for the summer season October- March
Roughly section 4/5 Mixed games
Phone Kerry Pickering
0400960085
Anthony Smith (95 years) passed away on 27 July 2023. Anthony attended the College between 1936 and 1944 and was a generous supporter who remained very involved in the College over the years. Anthony and his brother, Bill (who also attended the College), were great contributors to our Westcourt Chapel and Heritage Display in the College Foyer. Anthony liked to talk about his time at ‘St Joe’s’ and the achievements of Bill. Anthony was part of the St Joseph’s Archival/Heritage Society from its inception in 2000 and was involved with the publication of “The Boys on Newtown Hill”.
Now in God’s care, rest in peace.
L-R : Des Podbury, Leo Russell, Anthony Smith and Brian Long in 1944
The 1944 Prefect Group
SYMPATHY
Trish Henderson (88 years) passed away on 22 July 2023. Grandmother of Jude (current staff member), Hudson (Year 9), Sachi (Year 11, Sacred Heart) and Felix (Old Collegian, 2022).
Deepest sympathy today and always.
Father Des Panton (86 years) passed away peacefully on 26 July 2023. Fr Des served as College Chaplain in the early 1990s.
Now in God’s care, rest in peace.
Our hearts go out to you all as we pray “That God will welcome these faithfully departed into His loving arms. And that precious memories will be of comfort to those left behind, knowing that their love will live on in their hearts forever.”
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Sam and Niamh Querella on the birth of their daughter, Lucy Adriana, on 18 July 2023.
