Dear Parents / Carers,
Welcome back to the final term. I hope that the break was restful and restorative for you and your families. Welcome back to Rachel Ivey and Mark Kennedy who return from leave.
For many of our Year 12 students and staff, the holidays were the opportunity for revision lectures, trial exams (completing and correcting!). I would like to thank those staff involved (particularly Head of Learning Mt Sion, Brad Smith) for their hard work and commitment to helping VCE students prepare for their exams.
The holidays also provided us the opportunity for the completion of our new weights gym and training centre at Westcourt. This facility will support our high-performance excellence program at Year 9. Also, at Westcourt the long-awaited upgrade of student toilet facilities was completed.
During the holidays I found some additional opportunity for recreational reading. One of the novels I read was called ‘Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens’. The novel deals with racism, anti-immigrant sentiment and the emergence of authoritarian populism in modern day Australia. It made me think about the modern Australian multicultural society that our students graduate into and whether we are preparing them adequately.
I can’t think of a time in recent history when it has been more important to have young people of courage and commitment entering our increasingly insular and fractured society. With open conflict and rising tensions in many areas the world, there is a natural temptation for us to become more insular and fearful of ‘the other’. Our Christian tradition however, reminds us that ‘the other’ should be treated as one of ‘us’ rather than one of ‘them’. I am confident that St Joseph’s deeply immerses each student in this Christian worldview.
Our graduates are prepared to challenge increasingly prevalent extremist views which seek to marginalise minority groups. They are prepared to use their voices to advocate for the voiceless, the disadvantaged and the disenfranchised, including refugees and those on the margins of our society. After the reflections and comments made as part of the graduation formalities for our Year 12 class of 2023 this week, I remain profoundly optimistic regarding their capacity and commitment to do this.
This week we held a final full school assembly on Monday during the day, families then joined us for the Graduation Mass and ceremony on Monday evening. Listening to students reflect on the highlights of the last six years, their understanding of what they take away from their time at St Joseph’s confirms my optimism.
The graduating class of 2023 has been an outstanding group. They have come through some difficult times together, particularly during the pandemic and remote learning in Years 9 and 10 and the death of one of their friends. Despite, or maybe because of this, they are a close-knit group and share strong bonds. On behalf of the staff and community, I would like to record my congratulations to the class of 2023, thank them for their contribution to St Joseph’s and wish them well for the future.
The referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament will be held on Saturday, 14 October. As readers will be aware, our senior students have had the opportunity to listen to formal presentations from political leaders promoting arguments for both the ‘no’ and ‘yes’ campaigns. St Joseph’s College supports a ‘yes’ vote in line with the publicly adopted position of Edmund Rice Education Australia and most religious and educational leaders and organisations in Australia. We believe that the potential benefits of a Voice to Parliament on the lives and future of First Nations people far outweigh any concerns. We believe a ‘yes’ vote aligns with our values, touchstones and commitment to justice.
Last week, St Joseph’s hosted senior students from 16 other schools as part of a United Nations summit. Those involved were challenged to work through a global problem using the same methodology as the United Nations with all groups in the perspective of a particular country and seeking to negotiate a resolution. This is another small example of our commitment to preparing young men with a capacity and commitment to make their world better place. Thank you to Laura Gordon and Jackson Langhorne for the coordination of this event.
And finally, this week our Year 9 students have been on their annual camp with the group split between the Grampians and the Otways. As reports have filtered back, it is clear that this has been a magnificent experience for the students as they got to challenge themselves in a variety of ways and bond as a group. I am very grateful to all the staff who made this camp possible including organisers, Cassie Gleeson, Luke Parsons and Nathanael Smith.
God Bless
Tony Paatsch
Deputy News
Preparing for the VCE Exams
Thanks to all the students and staff who attended the VCE Revision lectures during the first week of the September holidays. These lectures serve as an invaluable resource in enhancing our student's understanding of the subjects they are studying. By participating in these sessions, students gained the opportunity to review and consolidate the material covered in class, filling any gaps in their knowledge. The experienced lecturers provided unique insights, exam strategies, and real-world applications that can support exam preparation.
Similarly, we were very proud of those students who attended the practice exam sessions during the holidays. These simulated exams are an indispensable tool in preparing for the upcoming exams which begin in late October. They not only assess student knowledge, but also simulate the exam conditions, familiarising our students with the format, time constraints, and pressure of the actual examinations. Practising under exam-like conditions allows for self-assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and honing time management skills. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity for students to receive constructive feedback from their teachers, enabling them to fine-tune their study strategies and focus on areas that require improvement. Practice examination results should be available for parents to view in PAM.
All students who are sitting a Unit 3-4 Examination have been provided with a pdf version of the VCE Exam Navigator. A copy of this can be found using the link to the navigator.
Booklists
For students studying VCE in 2024, we release an Early English Booklist, to ensure our students have their English novels before Headstart and access to reading them over the holidays. Early English Booklists will be released mid October. All other VCE and VCE VM Booklists will be issued in the first week of November. From 7 November, Years 8,9 and 10 Booklists will be available on the College website and are due before 13 December to ensure students have the resources they need before the start of next year.
Important Learning Dates for the Term
23 November - Year 10 and 11 Exams begin
24 November - All students have a study day from home
27 - 29 November - Year 8, 9 10 and 11 Exams
30 November - Headstart begins
7 December - Last student day.
11 December - VCE Results released
12 December - Year 7 - 11 Reports available on PAM
13 December - Online Booklists due
Lisa Pope
Deputy Principal - Learning
So much talent in our alumni community! At the end of Term 3 we launched, Celebrating Alumni in the Arts, our Arts ‘wall of fame’ and were joined by many of the alumni being recognised for their talent and careers in the Arts. SJC is immensely proud of its alumni and this first round of awardees is no exception:
Xavier Rudd (1995)
Lyndon Watts (2011)
Chris Scaddan (1993)
Adrian Bourke (1993)
Roger Heagney OAM (1959)
Leigh Ratcliffe (1973)
Nick Mangan (1997)
Thomas Lentini (2009)
Yirrmal (2013)
Identity News
With joyful hearts on Monday evening, we welcomed our Year 12 families to celebrate our 2023 Year 12 Graduation Mass. We were pleased to have Fr Jim Clarke, Parish Priest of St Mary of the Angels, Geelong celebrated the Mass. He emphasised that the doors to the Church are always open and that the Lord is ever present with these students as they leave St Joseph’s College. This is the one occasion where all of the families, caregivers and staff who have nurtured and guided these students through their six year journey at St Joseph’s unite in faith and the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice to give thanks and bless them on their future pathways.
Our intent for these students is to continue to walk in the compassionate presence of their faith each day. The students reflected on their time together: “Our time together over these six years has taught us to develop and use our talents. To be young people of integrity, to show respect and compassion towards others and to embrace innovation to create a more just world. Inspired by the Gospel values of love and justice, we have come to understand that we can open our hearts and minds to build a better world for all. Let us give thanks for those who have been the touchstones in our lives and for all we have achieved. Tonight, we come to give thanks for all those who journeyed with us and ask God to strengthen our faith to be with us on that journey in the years to come.”
Our 2023 College Captain, Jaeger Fawcett, shared in his College Captains’ address:
“It’s hard not to be at our final mass as a cohort and not talk about something related to Catholicism. And so, I’ll speak tonight about a figure that has been with us right throughout our journey at SJC. Edmund Rice to me is more than just the face on the posters around the school. What he stood for is so intrinsically linked to the work we have done as year level and I believe that he would be proud of the boys that sit here tonight. Edmund stood for compassion for those less fortunate and challenged those around him to serve those in need. As a year level this year, we have seen the highest participation rate in service learning for a Year 12 cohort since Covid. I congratulate all of you on your dedication and selflessness serving your community this year.”
Jaeger Fawcett, along with Matteo Bove and Jesse Conroy, our deputy College Captains have led with our College values of integrity, compassion and shown innovation in the many ways they have individually and collectively contributed to supporting their fellow leaders and student body to find ways to live out the Edmund Rice Touchstones of Gospel Spirituality, Justice and Solidarity, Inclusive Community and Liberating Education. We look forward to seeing how all of our 2023 Graduates flourish in their chosen pathways and hope to see them back to inspire the next generation of St Joseph’s students.
Mystery and Mission Conference – The Art of Liturgical Celebration
During the school holidays, I attended a three day conference with fellow staff members Belinda Milverton - Faith Development Coordinator and Amy Young – Director of Music. The national conference titled, ‘Mystery and Mission Conference – The Art of Liturgical Celebration’, was hosted by The Australian Pastoral Musicians Network and the National Liturgical Council in Brisbane. It gathered liturgists, musicians and educators from across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for engaging opportunities for inter disciplinary networking and collaboration between those involved in various aspects of liturgy in parishes, schools and other Church agencies.
We listened to various inspiring renowned key note speakers, liturgists, theologians, musicians and composers such as Professor Timothy O’Malley, Sarah Heart, Rev Dr Tom Elich and Associate Professor Maeve Heaney. We were engaged in a variety of valuable workshops, daily experiences of prayer and ritual, focussed discussion groups and a conference dinner which all provided opportunities to encounter other delegates, share insights and engage in rich conversation about our common goal to be invitational and create opportunities for our communities to engage in finding times and spaces that allow for sacred and enriching faith-based interactions to take place. We look forward to sharing our new insights, visions and resources with our staff and students to create further innovative ways to celebrate our St Joseph’s College liturgical celebrations. One key take away from me, was to be people who listen well, see well, feel well within our hearts and continue to say ‘yes’ to the body of Christ, to be the body of Christ. A timely reminder as we all have the opportunity to change a moment in history as we take time to vote for a Voice in the Referendum this weekend to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution and pay respect to 65,000 years of culture and tradition.
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
WATERFORD FOOTBALL
In an exciting culmination of the third term, St Joseph's College Geelong Year 7 and Year 8 students engaged in spirited football battles against Emmanuel College Warrnambool for the Brown-Ling Cup. The double-header, featuring the final Year 7 and Year 8 teams, took place with great anticipation and enthusiasm at Carey Oval and Drew Reserve, respectively. Combined scores are added together for the winning school each year from the four matches played.
The Year 7 match on Carey Oval witnessed a thrilling showdown between students from 7J and 7K, along with some talented players from across the year level. Simultaneously, at Drew Reserve in Herne Hill, the Year 8 squad, consisting of players from 8G, 8I, 8K, and others, showcased their skills and teamwork to the delight of the spectators.
In the Year 8 match, St Joseph's faced a formidable Emmanuel Warrnambool team. Despite their best efforts, St Joseph's was unable to secure victory, with Emmanuel winning convincingly by 85-points. The final score stood at St Joseph's 6.2 (38) to Emmanuel Warrnambool 19.9 (123). Connor Boswell led the scoring for St Joseph's with three goals, supported by Xavier Bryant, Monty Wojcinski, and Jesse Bode. The best players for St Joseph's included Connor Boswell, Oska Rose, Liam Walker, Nash Sheehan, Jarvis Barrow, Charlie O'Connor, William Thomas and Sam Richardson.
Despite a valiant effort, the Year 7 team fell short, with Emmanuel winning by 27-points. The final score was St Joseph's 7.8 (50) to Emmanuel Warrnambool 11.11 (77). Lachlan Brady and Preston Giles each contributed two goals for St Joseph's, with additional goals from Sam Naylon, Leo Humphrey, and Harry Price. The best players for St Joseph's included Harry Price, Sam Naylon, Madden Pease, Lachlan Brady, Levi Coverdale, Harry McIntyre, Ethan Barbaro, and Bol Reech.
This term saw over 200 Year 7 and Year 8 students proudly donning the prestigious SJC football jumper. The matches were characterised by skill development, brilliant teamwork, and an unwavering passion for the sport, entertaining the entire Waterford school community. The final friendly matches were a fitting conclusion to the term's football activities.
Year 8 Football Friendly
St Joseph's Geelong 6.2 (38) def by Emmanuel Warrnambool 19.9 (123)
GOALS: Connor Boswell 3, Xavier Bryant 1, Monty Wojcinski 1, Jesse Bode 1
BEST: Connor Boswell, Oska Rose, Liam Walker, Nash Sheehan, Jarvis Barrow, Charlie O'Connor, William Thomas, Sam Richardson
Year 7 Football Friendly
St Joseph's Geelong 7.8 (50) def by Emmanuel Warrnambool 11.11 (77)
GOALS: Lachlan Brady 2, Preston Giles 2, Sam Naylon 1, Leo Humphrey 1, Harry Price 1
BEST: Harry Price, Sam Naylon, Madden Pease, Lachlan Brady, Levi Coverdale, Harry McIntyre, Ethan Barbaro, Bol Reech
Chris Lynch
P&F
It is a big week for the P&F next week with the SJC Fashion Dinner on Friday 20 October. We have had a great response from the Joeys community with over 180 guests frocking up for a great cause next week.
Keep an eye out on the socials and emails over the next week with the Fashion Dinner Silent Auction going live on Sunday night. You don’t need to be there on the night to bid on some amazing items that the Geelong community have generously donated to help us raise money for Kensekka.
The support we have had from Gartland, The Ponds, SipSip by 63, Eyewear On Pako, the Fashion Houses and businesses donating or sponsoring the night has been overwhelming.
Jodie Warrick
Events and Community Engagement Coordinator
Term 4 Week 1 Careers News
Download
DISCO BINGO TO FUND A WHEELCHAIR FOR NARKIAH
About
Bring you singing voice for a great night of Disco Bingo fun to raise money to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle for Narkiah!
Narkiah is a delightful, sassy 9-year-old girl with a great sense of humour. Narkiah is non-mobile and non-verbal and lives with Level 5 Cerebral Palsy, CMV and epilepsy. As you can imagine, day-to-day tasks can be challenging for Narkiah and her family.
Our goal is to raise funds to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, which will not only provide Narkiah with the safety and comfort she requires to travel, and will also make medical appointments and general outings possible for her family.
DETAILS:
- Prizes including: game prizes, door prize, auction items including signed Cats memorabilia!
- BYO nibbles and drinks.
- Dress code: Disco attire optional
- 16+ event
Date:
Friday 10 November 2023 7:30PM - 10:30PM
Location:
Clairvaux Catholic School, The Big Space
74 Fryers Rd, Belmont Vic 3216
ENQUIRIES:
Joanne 0419509085
TRY BOOKINGS LINK:
https://www.trybooking.com/eve...
Help save Lila from the debilitating pain of CRPS
Give Where You Live
ACC Junior Golf tournament
Congratulations to the ACC junior golf team on their 3rd place result in Monday’s tournament. We had a few new faces in Max Burn, Giorgio Grivas and Charles Harriot represent the college for the first time.
Chris Filipowicz was the outstanding performer on the day shooting 74 off the stick and Jacob Young had an excellent round of 82 as well.
Bryson Milverton
SYMPATHY
Robert “Bob” John Stirling (76 years) passed away on 15 September 2023. Bob was an integral part of the St Joseph’s College Music Program for many years, one of the College Music rooms is named in his honour. Bob’s father was also a part of the early Bands Program at the College.
May he rest in peace.
Natale Caruso (68 years) passed away on 19 September 2023. Father to Old Collegian, Damian (2011), grandad to current student, Domenic Posterino (Year 9) and brother in law to current staff member, Anna Fazio.
Now in God’s care.
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.”