Dear Parents / Carers
The proverb ‘Art is long, and time is fleeting’ is attributed to Hippocrates in the 5th Century BC and has been reused in similar form by poets including Longfellow and Chaucer. For the last ‘fleeting’ 85 years St Joseph’s has developed a significant enduring profile in the arts.
Thursday night we launched our ‘Arts Wall of Fame’ in the foyer of the Peter Cannon Performing Arts Centre to recognise College alumni who have made a significant contribution to the arts locally and nationally and internationally. The ‘Wall’ consists of a plaque recording the achievements of each inductee and celebrates our alumni artists in their well-deserved place alongside our McNeil cup winners, College duces and sporting stars.
Our inaugural inductees, a list which we hope will be regularly and significantly added to, are:
Tyrone Wright (1998) or Rone as he is more widely known as has had a wonderful visual arts career. His work has been the subject of major exhibitions and can be seen in many cities across the globe.
Adrian Bourke (1993) has had a stellar 20-year career producing major live events and ceremonies all over the world. These include the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Yirrmal (2013) is a celebrated Yolngu storyteller, performer and songwriter. Through his work he seeks to connect First Nations cultures to mainstream Australian audiences as a means to reconciliation.
Lyndon Watts (2011) is a performer who recently starred in a lead role in the Australian production of Hamilton the Musical, among other productions. Lyndon has also pursued music, fashion and modelling.
Nick Mangan (1997) has exhibited his works around the world. Through his drawing, sculpture, film and installations, Nick has addressed some of the big issues of our time.
Leigh Ratcliffe (1973) is an award-winning architect known for his design of some of Australia’s most impressive resorts including the $40 million redesign of the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas and the Angsana in Palm Cove.
Chris Scaddan (1993) has had a phenomenally successful radio career having held numerous senior executive positions including National Manager of triple j. He has made an enormous contribution to radio throughout his time with our national broadcaster, ABC.
Xavier Rudd (1995) is an internationally recognised singer, song-writer, musician and instrumentalist. Xavier is also recognized for creating music which creates awareness of environmental and other important social issues.
Thomas Lentini (2009) established his own studio in 2017 and has worked for clients including Louis Vuitton Australia. As a designer he participated in the National Gallery of Victoria’s, Melbourne Now 2023 exhibition
Roger Heagney (1959) has an international reputation as a pianist, harpsichordist and organist, giving recitals in the UK, Europe, and Asia, as well as in festivals, radio, and television in Australia. He was the Director of Music at St Francis’ Church in Melbourne for over 30 years.
We were delighted that Adrian, Lyndon, Chris, Roger and Thomas were able to join us for the opening and unveiling their own plaques. Thank you to Chris to responded generously on behalf of the inductees. I would like to acknowledge the leadership of our Old Collegians Association, and President Justin O’Brien for their commitment to this important initiative.
At the end of this week some of our year 12 students will finish their time at St Joseph’s, although they will still return for graduation ceremonies next month. We are enormously proud of the class of 2023 who have grown and developed in the face of many challenges. As a group they have looked out for one another, cooperated well with their teachers and been an excellent role model for younger students.
As they finish individuals will head in different directions with some pursuing tertiary study, some apprenticeships and some into jobs. We hope that they stay in touch and in their post Joey’s lives continue to model our values. We are proud of our open entry policy and proud of the many and varied successful career paths our students will take. We look forward to celebrating their achievement with them at the graduation ceremony and valedictory dinner early next term.
For those students sitting VCE exams, the September school holidays, which I prefer to call the ‘September noninstructional period’, is an extremely important 17 days. A few days ‘recharge’ and a comprehensive revision and study program should set up their exam success. Many students will be involved in revision lectures held at the College and elsewhere as part of their formal revision program.
Last week our Associated Catholic Colleges cross-country team finished a creditable and close second in the annual carnival. Captained by Ned Cooke, who finished in third place in the open division, the team were credit to the school. Perhaps the outstanding achievement of the day was Billy Blake who won under 13 event.
Another special mention goes to ‘GoodWood’, the 3 piece rock band consisting of three year 12 students, who this week went head to head with eight other bands in the ACC Battle of the Bands and finished in first position. Congratulations to Jesse, Ben and Jack.
We wish the following staff well as they commence periods of leave Samantha O’Keeffe (Parental Leave), Brendan Reed (Term 4), Rebecca Spark (5 weeks), Elley Heard and Kath Biggs (3 weeks).
Wish everyone a safe and happy break and look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday, October 2.
God Bless
Tony Paatsch
Principal
2024 Subject Allocations
Last week our students were emailed the subjects they have been allocated for 2024. I want to take this opportunity to shed light on our approach to subject allocation at St Joseph’s College and how we assign students to classes to ensure a fair and equitable process is put in place.
St Joseph’s College firmly believes that education should be student-centred. We understand that each student has unique interests and aspirations, and we are committed to providing a wide array of subjects to cater to their individual needs. Our subject selection process is designed around the concept of "subject blocks." Students indicate their preferred subjects, and we use this information to create these subject blocks. However, it's important to note that the availability of subjects depends on student interest and class size.
In cases where the number of interested students for a subject fall below our threshold, we collaborate with Sacred Heart College to broaden the scope of subjects offered. This partnership allows us to pool resources and offer a wider range of subjects than either college could afford to provide independently.
Additionally, some students may encounter clashes in their subject blocks. To address this, we provide access to Sacred Heart College's timetable, allowing students to resolve scheduling conflicts and ensure they can pursue their preferred subjects.
We are committed to making subject selection a transparent and equitable process, where student interests are at the forefront of our decisions. We have a good relationship with Sacred Heart College, and by combining resources we aim to give all students the best possible educational opportunities.
Already we have had some requests for students to swap classes. Whilst we can explore this, especially if students have changed their minds about the subjects they have chosen, it is important to note we do not swap subjects for access to specific teachers. Teachers are not allocated to subjects yet, but we wish to highlight this, to avoid disappointment when these requests are made in the future. If students or parents have an issue with a specific teacher, this should be raised with the College prior to subject allocations and raised through our grievance processes so issues can be appropriately addressed. This way we believe all students are treaty fairly around the process.
VCE Unit 3-4 Revision Lectures and Practice Exams
Finally a reminder that the College has both Unit 3-4 Revision Lectures occurring in the first week of the school holidays. Students can book online https://www.sjc.vic.edu.au/events/vce-revision-lectures
Lectures available:
History Revolutions (18 Sept 9.00am-12.00pm) ROOM: K107
Chemistry (18 Sept 9.00am -12.00pm) ROOM: PAC
Physics (18 Sept 12.30pm - 3.30pm) ROOM: K107
General Maths (18 Sept 12.30pm-3.30pm) ROOM: K207
Legal Studies (19 Sept 9.00am-12.00pm) ROOM: K207
Specialist Maths (19 Sept 9.00am-12.00pm) ROOM: K107
PE (19 Sept 12:30pm - 3:30pm) ROOM: PAC
Psychology (19 September 12:30pm -3:30pm) ROOM: K207
Revision Exams – Week 2
All students who complete a Unit 3-4 are asked to attend the Revision Exams in the second week of the school holidays. This is run by the learning leadership team, and provides an opportunity for all students to get feedback on where they are positioned in the last few weeks before the VCE exams commence.
Exam feedback provides vital information on what areas a student is performing well and areas which need improvement. Students also need to be honest with themselves on how they have prepared for their exams and what they need to do to make improvements. Based on the feedback, they should identify specific areas where they struggled the most and how they can be strategies in place to improve performance, eg revising a skill, accessing teacher support, or working on time management.
The revision exam schedule was emailed to all students and parents this term, however if you are not aware of the schedule please contact Brad Smith and he can resend a copy.
Lisa Pope
Deputy College Principal - Learning
Identity News
Liberating Education Touchstone Assembly
We ended the term gathered as a community to celebrate our Touchstone of Liberating
Education encompassing the core of what we do, as our College mission Statement
emphasises, ‘As a Catholic school we aspire to form students’ hearts and minds to act with
integrity and compassion with in a learning culture that is engaging, rigorous, inclusive,
innovative and within which each student is challenged.’
The Liberating Education Touchstone Leadership team led by Salia Nimley and Liam Alsop collaborated with Rachael Swatman on our final whole school assembly. It celebrated the best of SJC in 2023 showcasing various student’s achievements. Ccurriculum achievements were acknowledge throughout the school in English, LOTE, the Arts and VCE VM along with sharing work and accomplishments from across all sub schools. Highlights included a feature on ‘All Abilities Week’. Travis from Sports4All visited the college that day showcasing the blind sports for cricket and AFL. At Westcourt, ‘Parallel Sports’ were there playing a wheelchair basketball game.
One of the more remarkable aspects of our College is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, particularly for individuals with diverse abilities. In a world that often emphasises differences, we take pride in fostering an environment that embraces diversity in all its forms. We recognise that every individual possesses unique talents, perspectives, and challenges. We firmly believe that the strength of our community lies in its ability to accommodate and uplift every member, regardless of their abilities. Our campus is designed to be accessible to everyone, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate freely and confidently. But our efforts extend far beyond ramps and accessible washrooms. In our classrooms, teachers utilize diverse teaching methods that cater to various learning styles, ensuring that every student can engage with the curriculum effectively and a liberating education is provided for all.
Kade Hyde year 10 Touchstone Leader
Other highlights of the assembly included a compilation of entertaining short films by 2023 Year 12 Media students. VCE VM leaders shared the array of ways their applied learning connects to the projects they engage in. Year 8 students sharing their Italian poetry competition achievements and Lenny Ireland reciting his poem titled, ‘Early Mornings’. Here is a verse.
Dad was ready, all he was waiting for was me,
Hurtling down the icy wooden stairs,
The water stinging my young skin,
The deep blue water churned and tumbled,
Producing perfect waves;
The refreshing feeling of the fresh clear water enveloped me,
Rejuvenating my soul.
Lenny Ireland Year 8 English
The Arts were represented with a Q & A session with successful visual artists Jayden Spiteri and Kai D’Orsa. We were entertained by the talented performances by the College Stage Band playing Michael Jackson’s, ‘Rock with You’, directed by John Collinson and Gerry O’Callaghan. To conclude, our resident band, Good Wood performed. They formed in 2020, when Ben, Jesse and Jack were at Westcourt. Since forming, they have performed at Fed Square, Stay Gold and are playing at GMHBA on the 15th of September. Their debut single ‘Black Hair’ is available to listen to on all streaming services. Our Deputy Principal of Learning Lisa Pope, encouraged us all to continue to develop a culture of excellence where all our learning drives our success and ensures that our learning opens our hearts and minds connecting us to building a better world, our theme for 2023!
Highlights of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023
My name is George Cotter, and earlier this term I left to embark on a pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal. World Youth Day is really a week of activities of faith all building up until the final mass where all pilgrims attending, get together to pray and listen to the wise teachings of Pope Francis. The pilgrimage started off by making visits to holy sites such as Fatima, where Mary appeared to three young children and also performed the miracle of the sun, which has even been documented and observed by thousands of Catholics and atheists alike, to going to large gatherings and eucharists in the lead up to the big mass.
The moments I realized what WYD was, is when we were walking through the streets of the city, I saw the flags and people from all different nationalities, dancing, singing with one another, and also at the final mass where over one and a half million pilgrims attended and slept out in a field overnight that I realised what it truly meant. This is a gathering of people across the world who share one faith and, in those moments, I learnt that so many more people share our faith than I previously thought. My highlight of WYD was meeting hundreds of people from all different countries and trading with them, getting items like hats, keychains, wristbands etc, to joking with them saying that we rode kangaroos everywhere in Australia and even seeing their reactions to trying Vegemite, which many of them did not like and some even said taste like licking a metal pole.
My biggest take away from the pilgrimage was a quote from Pope Francis and that is to, “not be afraid”. So, if anyone is considering participating in an upcoming World Youth Day pilgrimage, I would say the same thing, ‘do not be afraid’, take the opportunity and trust me you will never forget it.
George Cotter Year 12 Student
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
End of Term 3 Information
CAMPUS CLOSURE DURING HOLIDAYS
Edmund Rice Campus will close at 4.00pm Friday the 22 September and reopen at 8.00am Monday the 2 October.
Westcourt Campus will close at 4.00pm Friday the 15 September and reopen at 8.00am Monday 2 October.
SCHOOL UNIFORM DONATIONS
At any time of the year the College appreciates the generosity of donations of school uniforms. These are used to help families less fortunate than some. Please drop any donations into the reception at either Campus.
CANTEEN
The College offers Canteen services at both Edmund Rice and Westcourt Campus. As with everything at the moment, the cost of living and purchasing goods has increased. The price of all common food categories has increased significantly in 2023.
We are fortunate that we have not had a price rise in the Canteen for over 3 years. Unfortunately, to sustain our services the College has to increase the cost of a number of items on the menus.
Our canteens operate to provide a service to our staff and students. We are not in the core business of making huge profits from this service, however we do need to ensure costs are covered and we don’t run at a loss.
New menus and the online shop will be updated for the start of Term 3.
Thanks for your understanding and support of the Canteens.
Success at the Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships.
Congratulations to Year 7 student Grady Mitchell and Year 12 Ethan Huxtable on their recent performances representing SJC at the Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships held at Mt. Buller. Grady qualified for National Championships for Moguls as well as performing extremely well in the ski cross (where he was beaten by a mere 0.14 secs), giant slalom and slopestyle events. Ethan completed in the snowboard slopestyle event and won division one and qualification for nationals champs. Well done to both of these students!
Mark Rayson
Outdoor Education Coordinator
2023 Change of Device
Empowering Your Child's Education: Exciting Updates on Our New Laptop Devices for 2024 Year 7 and Year 10 Students
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, we are thrilled to share some exciting news that will enhance your child's learning experience: our improved laptop devices for Year 7 and Year 10 students, the Acer Spin P414, complete with a touch screen and stylus feature.
In our commitment to providing the best possible education for your child, we recognize the importance of staying up to date with technology. In today's digital age, having access to reliable and efficient devices is essential for a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. With this in mind, we are excited to introduce these upgraded laptop devices with touch screen capabilities to further support your child's education.
Key Features of the New Laptop Devices:
1. Enhanced Interactive Learning: The touch screen functionality brings a new level of interactivity to the classroom. Students can directly interact with educational content, making lessons more engaging and hands-on. This feature is particularly beneficial for visual and kinaesthetic learners.
2. Improved Notetaking: students can take handwritten notes and annotate digital textbooks and assignments. Research has shown that writing notes by hand can enhance comprehension and retention, making this a valuable tool for your child's success.
3. Enhanced Creativity: unleash their creativity by drawing, sketching, and designing directly on the screen. This is invaluable for subjects that involve graphic design, art, or STEM projects.
4. Greater Accessibility: The touch screen feature makes the laptops more accessible for students with diverse learning needs. It accommodates various learning styles and can be a valuable resource for students of all abilities.
5. Real-World Skills: preparing students for the modern workforce, where touch-based technology is increasingly prevalent. It equips them with valuable skills that are relevant in today's digital world.
Expectations for Care of Laptop Devices:
We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child takes care of their new laptop device. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Avoid Carrying by the Screen: Emphasize to your child the importance of never carrying the laptop by the screen. This can cause damage to the display and affect its functionality.
Transport in School-Supplied Bag: When the laptop is not in use, it should be stored in the school-supplied bag specifically designed for safe transportation. This bag is designed to protect the device from accidental bumps and falls.
Charge Every Night: Encourage your child to charge the laptop every night to ensure it is fully powered and ready for a day of learning. Regular charging helps avoid interruptions in class.
Use with Care: Remind your child to use the touch screen feature with care, avoiding excessive force when interacting with the display.
Refrain from Graffiti and Additional Stickers: We kindly ask that students refrain from applying graffiti or adding additional stickers to the laptop devices. This helps maintain the appearance of the devices and ensures that they remain in good condition.
Insurance and Cost of Repairs:
It is important to note that with the introduction of these new laptops, there may be an increase in the cost of repairs for accidental damages. However, we have taken steps to mitigate this increase by implementing a new insurance policy with a $100 excess. This means that if your child's laptop requires repairs due to accidental damage, you will only be responsible for a $100 excess fee, and the insurance will cover the rest.
We understand that accidents can happen, and this insurance policy provides peace of mind, knowing that your child's laptop is protected. Details on this insurance policy will be supplied later, and we encourage all parents to review the policy carefully to take advantage of this valuable coverage.
Distribution Information:
We will distribute the new laptop devices to Year 7 during the first week of school in 2024 and Year 10 students during the first day of headstart in 2023. Please ensure your child is present on this day to receive their new device. Our dedicated IT support team will also be available to assist with any setup and technical questions.
We are excited about the positive impact these new touch screen laptops will have on your child's educational journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our IT department or school administration for assistance.
Paul Robertson
ICT Manger
P&F
Another term has flown and the SJC P&F team continue to keep busy planning, getting together and supporting our College Community.
Our final social event for our SJC community in 2023, is the SJC FASHION DINNER on Friday 20 October at Mt Duneed. Tickets are selling fast with only a few tables left, now is the time to get your ticket and organise some friends to come along for a fantastic night. $120pp which includes a Sipsipby63 cocktail on arrival, amazing 3 course meal from the team Mt Duneed Estate, $100 Eyewear On Pako voucher and a much needed donation to our Vocational School in Kensekka, Uganda.
Buy your tickets today https://events.humanitix.com/sjc-fashion-dinner-2023
We are seeking donations for the Silent Auction and Raffle at the Fashion Dinner. If you are able to donate either an item or a service please email Jodie Warrick [email protected], it is a great way to promote local businesses and raise money for Kensekka at the same time.
Thanks you to those who have been able to attend our meetings and support the running of the events we have held over the past 3 terms. We have an amazing supportive Community at St Joeys and the work our P&F do keeps that community connection going.
Our next meeting is in term 4, Tuesday 3 October at 7.00pm in the staffroom.
Jodie Warrick
Events and Community Engagement Coordinator
Josephines Spring Luncheon
We had an amazing turnout for the Josephines Lunch on the first day of Spring out at Lonsdale Links. With 75 Josephines in the room there was a lot of catching up, a delicious lunch, a Special guest in Father Emma from our Vocational School in Kensekka along with an update about the College from our Principal and a we were lucky enough to have a very cute fluffy guest in Bronson (SJC therapy dog) and Mel Dobson from the SJC Clinical team.
The Josephines are a group of past Mum’s who get together twice a year to catch up, raise money for the Learning Diversity area of the College and hear from a variety of guest speakers who have been part of our College through some way or form. Every year a new group of Mum’s join our very special, unique group of Josephine’s when their sons graduate from the College. Our next catch up is on Thursday 7 March at Truffleduck for dinner, pop it in your calendars and keep an eye out for emails early in 2024.
Any questions about the Josephine’s please don’t hesitate to email Jodie Warrick [email protected] or via a call 5226 8122
Jodie Warrick
Events and Community Engagement Coordinator
Term 3 Week 10 Careers News
DownloadACC Cross Country
Congratulations to all students who today participated in the ACC Cross Country. Overall we placed second in the competition, what a great effort!
Individual U13 1st - Billy Blake
Individual U16 2nd - Otis Jones
Individual Senior 2nd - Bailey Wilson
Individual Senior 3rd - Henry Cook
Year 10 - Age Group Champions
Year 9/10 - Intermediate Cup Champions
ACC Cross Country Captain - Henry Cook
ACC Battle of the Bands
The ACC battle of the bands has been in hibernation since 2019 and what greater way to wake things up than with our very own GoodWood taking out first prize for the 2023 competition! There were 8 bands to contend with, all of whom brought their own original music and style to the competition at St Mary's in St Kilda on this fine spring day. GoodWood were celebrated for their masterful and mature song writing and composition skills. Judged by a panel of industry experts and ACC Music veterans, the boys from GoodWood took the first prize honours and made SJC proud. We can't wait to see what's next!
Amy Young
Director of Music
Westcourt Term 3 Snapshot
Term three has provided an enormous array of experiences, opportunities and inspiration for our Year 9 students. The term began with a busy Careers week which saw students touring universities and examining applied learning pathways. Likewise, whilst on campus, a fascinating range of SJC alumni joined in careers week Q&A sessions with our students and Crazy Idea College provided further inspiration. It was clear from the student discussion that these visits and activities genuinely sparked some big ideas amongst our boys.
During our Wellbeing classes this term students studied healthy masculinity and we were very fortunate to have the popular ‘Be Wise Education’ presentation delivered by the Pat Cronin Foundation. Additionally, students have met with their tent buddies and began the planning for Year 9 Grampians and Apollo Bay Camps. These camps require students to cook for themselves and there have certainly been some ambitious menu ideas being discussed.
In Week three the year level took to the streets of Melbourne using problem solving and collaboration skills to compete in the ‘Great Melbourne Race’. Teams visited iconic landmarks, discovered some Victorian history and, in a few cases, bumped into some Australian sporting celebrities.
Meanwhile, back on campus, staff began installing an exciting range of new gym equipment in the campus weights room.
Last week a group of eager volunteers collaborated online in an intra-school Global Youth Forum in our Westcourt Chapel whilst in the gymnasium Parallel Sports delivered our ‘All Abilities Day’ wheelchair basketball experience to generate awareness around living with a disability.
Overall, both in the classroom and during our extra curricula events it has been a pleasure to see Westcourt students achieving so much and making such a strong transition towards senior school.
Nathanael Smith
Acting Director of Westcourt.
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
EDDY’S PRELOVED – CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES SALE
On the success of our first Eddy’s Preloved store, on Thursday 7 September we hosted our second Eddy’s Preloved store during lunchtime and after school until 4:30pm, providing all members of the community, the opportunity to visit the sale.
Once again, I would like to acknowledge and thank all involved for their support and efforts, Students: Oliver Anderson, James Hayward, George Mansfield, Morgan Mennerich-Rabanin, Samuel Romeo, Benjamin Starinskas & Isaac Versteegen and Staff; Jules Holt, Leah Irving, Laura Martin, Nicole Lucas and Natalie Welsh. A special mention also to Janine McLean & Maintenance staff, for their support and involvement in setting/packing up of the event.
CUT THE WRAP
It has been wonderful to witness the resurrection of our CUT THE WRAP initiative this term and the support from students and their families; making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint and in doing so, help improve the environment both locally and globally. It is with great pleasure that we announce Mrs Barker’s 7B Homeroom the winners of the Term 3 CUT THE WRAP, with 68 participants, ahead of contenders 7H with 47 participants. Students of 7B will enjoy a pizza lunch reward during the last week of term.
CAREY EMBANKMENT UPDATE
On Monday 11 September Phil Hunter and Ellie Brundt, Wild Places Vegetation Management & Planning, continued works on the Carey Oval revegetation project, planting 126 new trees and shrubs along the east and south east embankment behind the pavilion. Species planted included; Silver banksia (Banksia marginata), Boobialla (Myoporum insulare), Sweet busaria (Bursaria spinosa), Rock correa (Correa glabra), Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata), Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata), Fragrant saltbush (Rhagodia parabolica), Snowy mint bush (Prostranthera nivea), Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata), Golden Wattle (Acacia pycantha), Yellow gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp connata).
BARWON RIVER HEALTH REPORT
Over the past fortnight, our three Year 10 Environmental Science classes visited the Barwon River at Queens Park to explore a local ecosystem as part of their Ecosystems unit. Students were able to observe first hand, various flora and fauna species and conducted a River Health report, incorporating; Riparian habitat study, physical and chemical water testing and a macroinvertebrate study. Following this activity, students researched an indigenous flora species growing on the College grounds, with the goal to create interactive signage board, to educate others about the plant species, including the use of the plant species by First Nations people.
Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator
2024 Kokoda Immersion Information Night
An information evening will be held on 2 October in the PAC for parents and year 10 & 11 students who are interested in participating in the 2024 Kokoda Immersion. Mick O’Malley from Australian Kokoda tours will provide an overview of the experience, costings and what can be expected. At the end of the evening, parents and students who wish to commit will be able to pay a deposit to secure their place in the 2024 trek group.
GISSA Golf Winner
Congratulations to Ed Sargeant on winning the GISSA golf tournament at Lonsdale Links again this year, following his 2022 championship.
Ed shot 71 which is one over PAR, 2nd and 3rd had 73.
Mackillop Family Services Excursion
On Friday 18 August, the St. Joseph’s Westcourt leadership team went on an excursion to Sacred Heart College to meet with the Year 9 leaders from both Sacred Heart and Iona Colleges. This was an event run by the organization known as the Mackillop Family Services and it focused on educating the students on various aspects of the institution’s role in both housing and educating children from troubled or difficult pasts, as well as ways that we can support them.
The first session had a focus on the history of the Mackillop Family Services. They originally began in Melbourne in the 1850s as a Catholic orphanage. Also discussed in this session was the fact that over 100,000 children who have partaken in their services and that McKillop continues to help many young people in need today.
The second session was learning about methods to calm yourself when in the ‘red zone’ and discussing the ‘specialised teaching’ methods that are used at their many special support schools. The 4 different ‘emotional zones’ were explained and the various ways that they help their students to move from the red or yellow zones back into green discussed. These included ‘dancing with the 6th and 7th senses’, mindful walking and blowing bubbles. We then discussed how McKillop Family Services schools operate. They have specific schools in place for students who struggle in mainstream education and are referred here after their teachers have tried as much as they can to help them learn.
The final workshop of the day involved employees of ‘paw pals’, a branch of the Mackillop Family services who focus on mental health support dogs for the children in Mackillop’s aid programs. The staff talked about the different ways that dogs communicate with humans and how to read their emotions, another thing that is taught to the Mackillop students. They finished by giving a demonstration of the various commands their dogs are taught to follow.
Following this, all three schools made plans on how they would continue to support Mackillop Family Services into the future. Overall, the day was a very valuable experience for the students of every school, as it allowed them to learn about the children who have much more difficult lives than themselves and the ways in which everyone can help them.
Eamonn O’Dowd
Year 9 Student Leader
SYMPATHY
Maureen Conroy (81 years) passed away on 23 August 2023. Mother of Christopher (current staff member), Grandmother of Noah (Old Collegian, 2021) and Jesse (current Year 12 student).
In God’s care.
Antonio “Tony” Di Santo (88 years) passed away on 31 August 2023. Father of Sandro (current staff member), Father in law of Kylie (current staff member), Grandfather of Daniel (current Year 10 student) and Amy Hughes (current staff member).
May he 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.”
How you can help
One of our College families, the Moorfoot’s, are doing it a little tough at the moment with their daughter being treated for CRPS over in America. Please click on the link below to read more about the challenges they are currently facing and how you can help.