Principal's Report
Dear Parents / Carers
Most students dislike tests and examinations, most staff and parents feel similarly about surveys. Both tests and surveys are an important tool in individual and school improvement. At St Joseph’s we test students each year from grade 6 to year 10. This data allows us to identify and meet individual and collective student needs and NAPLAN tests in years 7 and 9 allow comparison with state and national results. In this newsletter I would like to focus on the results of some recent testing and surveying.
NAPLAN and AAS Testing
We recently received NAPLAN results from our 2023 year 7 and year 9 students. I am delighted to report that the year 9 results are excellent. They show that in reading, writing and numeracy our students are performing better (compared to state and national averages) than they did in year 7. This tells us that our students are improving in these areas at a faster rate than students at other schools which suggests that our teaching strategies and interventions are being effective. One of the Highlights was Year 9 numeracy which was 20 points higher than the state median. These results are particularly affirming of our Waterford and Westcourt teachers and program. It is worth noting that we have not seen similar growth or achievement in spelling grammar and punctuation, which remain a work in progress.
The NAPLAN results for our current Year 7’s are similar to those of our current year 9 cohort when they were in year seven. Their reading levels are equal to the state and national average for boys and slightly lower than the average for girls. Their writing is lower than the state average as is spelling, grammar and punctuation. Their Numeracy is lower than state average for boys. The progress made by our current year 9 group gives us every confidence that we can produce similar performance improvements over the next two years.
These results are a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated teaching staff, the supportive environment we have cultivated and the efficacy of interventions and programs that these year levels.
MACCSIS Surveys
We also recently received the results of the MACCSIS annual survey conducted by MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic schools). This survey reports on a range of important measures and allows comparison of any that have changed over the last three years. College staff and leadership will be reviewing this data in coming months to help us improve student outcomes.
The MACCSIS data set is huge but some things really stood out. These included that: St Joseph’s results are above the average of MACS schools in every domain and that almost 60% of students feel that their teachers have rigorous expectations of them. At the same time students report that they have strong relationships with teachers that reaches its highest point in year 12.
PIVOT Surveys
We also use survey data to improve our performance as teachers and leaders with each teacher surveying students in their classes during terms 1 and 3. The results provide student perception of teacher performance and these are currently being used in Annual Review Meetings between teachers and members of the College leadership.
EREA Renewal Surveys and Interviews
Earlier this year EREA conducted our five yearly renewal process. As part of this process students, parents and staff were surveyed or interviewed with the renewal panel spending three days in the College. The final report of this renewal was presented to the College Advisory Council at the October meeting held last week. It has also been placed on the College website.
The renewal report includes acknowledgement of strategic achievements since the previous School renewal, the range of commendations and some recommendations for the next five years. I am pleased to report all that the commendations strongly affirmed the quality of education being offered at St Joseph’s. In addition to affirming excellence in learning outcomes, the report emphasises the welcoming safe and inclusive environment and the pre-eminence of gospel values and social justice in the day-to-day operation of the school.
The recommendations include the challenge to us to strengthen our current learning framework, further develop relationships with education and community organisations, further enhance our contemporary learning environment (including IT provision) maintain and improve our inclusive safe and diverse culture, and enhance our current strong connection with our Catholic and Edmund Rice traditions.
The renewal is enormously affirming document and I am very grateful to everybody who contributed to the process.
The City of Greater Geelong is seeking input regarding safety upgrades around the Minerva Road Church Street intersection close to our Westcourt campus. The safety of our students is paramount and we welcome the commitment to improvements in safety infrastructure in this area. As part of the consultation process COGG are seeking feedback.
I encourage you to provide your feedback using the QR code (below) or the adjacent link.
You can access via the QR code:
Or via this link: https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MinervaChurchsafetyupgrades
God Bless
Tony Paatsch
Principal
Deputy News
YEAR 12 – We were extremely proud of the way our Year 12s finished their classes at the end of week 2 and the manner in which they represented themselves, their families and the College in a respectful way at the Graduation Mass, Celebration Day and at the Valedictory Dinner. The VCAA exams have now commenced with English taking place on Wednesday and continuing through to November 15. We have had many Year 12 students opting to study together on site and take advantage of their teachers’ expertise and guidance in the timetabled allocations. We wish all our VCE Year 12 students the best during this time and we offer a big thankyou to our Year 12 teachers who work in overdrive to get them prepared.
INVESTITURE CEREMONY – We soon move on from the leadership the Year 12s have offered and we are filled with optimism and confidence that our new cohort will take the reins and carry on their great work. Our Investiture Ceremony saw many fine young leaders being presented their leadership badges, stoles, blazers and ties depending upon their position. Our College Captain Michael Ahearn and Deputies Jude Payne and Kaine Shaw have instantly taken on the challenge with great vigour.
PAEDIATRIC CONCUSSION: EDUCATION FOR SCHOOLS – During the week all our staff gathered to learn more about concussion and what our responsibilities are as a school community. The presentation was delivered from McKellar Kids Rehab at Barwon Health who are part of the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service. One key learning for us was the ‘Headcheck App’ that the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, in partnership with the AFL, have developed. It is a really useful tool to help parents, coaches, teachers to better recognise and concussion and provide guidance on recovery. The app, which is downloadable is free.
Barwon Health’s McKellar Kids Rehab is running a webinar next month on paediatric concussion. We have included the invitation details in the newsletter and through the following link. If you wish to attend link
WINTER UNIFORM/SUMMER UNIFORM - The spring weather has been in full flight as we experience warm and cold weather conditions spasmodically during each week. Students are welcome to wear either the summer or the winter uniform in Term 1 and 4 but need to wear the respective winter or summer uniform in full. We have too many students that are blending their uniforms by wearing their pants with the short-sleeved shirts or wearing shorts with their jackets.
HEADSTART – The 2024 academic school year starts on Thursday November 30 after all of our students have completed assessments and exams. More details regarding exams and Headstart will be sent out closer to the date.
Mark Kennedy
Deputy Principal - Wellbeing
Identity News
Year 7 Renewals sharing the Compassion, Integrity and Innovation of St Joseph’s College
Our Year 7 students recently completed their Renewal Days focussing on the theme ‘Journeying’ with reference to our three college values of: Compassion, Integrity and Innovation.
Journeys are made up of lots of things. Many firsts, celebrations, disappointments, new learnings, experiencing new things. A part of our journey is to figure out where we belong, what makes us happy. Many people are in search of becoming the best. Having the best clothes, the best job, the most money, the best holidays, the best car. These are all material things. They do not guarantee happiness. Happiness comes from within you and how you contribute to the wellbeing and happiness of others, finding happiness becomes part of our faith journey. Following in the footsteps of Jesus can help us on this journey.
Guest speakers Mr Purdy shared his spiritual journey to the World Youth Day pilgrimage in Lisbon this year and Mr Jones shared the challenges and humbling experience of trekking the Kokoda trail journey with students earlier this year.
Students reflected on the poem, ‘Footprints in the Sand’, and were asked to think about a moment in their lives where they may have experienced God walking with them. They wrote this on their footprint.
"My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
A prayerful liturgy was celebrated in our chapel where students participated in listening to the Gospel reading and prayers of the faithful while reflecting on how we are all called to journey through life guided by compassion, integrity and innovation. They were challenged to think compassionately about the impact we can have on others and all of God’s precious creation when we act with integrity in the everyday decisions we make as young people.
Each class also went on their own journey as they took a pilgrimage around the College visiting various stations of significance to the history and values of our College charism as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition. Here are some reflections and knowledge gained from students along the way.
‘The Bunjil sculpture is an important feature of the Reconciliation Garden which was opened in 2017, and Bunjil is the Creator Spirit of Wadawurrung Country.’
‘When we get off the bus and enter the school past reception we are greeted each day by the Joseph statue, a carpenter with his teenage son Jesus. To recognise St Joseph, who our College is named after, Sculptor Pauline Clayton was commissioned in 2004 to work as an Artist in Residence with St Joseph’s College students from Year 10, 11 and 12 to complete a life size bronze sculpture of St Joseph the worker.’
‘In 1857 when the blue stone for B Block was laid for the Orphanage, at this very site, there was a bottle containing coins of the time and a copy of the Catholic Almanac placed in the cavity buried underneath the foundation stone.’
‘At our Recycling Shed, some of the innovative things that we make out of plastic include Eddy coins, place mats, golf tees, and Christmas decorations.’
‘While viewing the First Nations art work created by Bri Bri Apma Hayes, using IPADS we used a QR code listened to a narration explaining the local connections to country by our First Nations students of the series of art work panels near the staffroom entrance.’
‘Susan Belluzzo our St Joseph’s College Archivist, showed us around the Heritage Centre and taught us about the importance of sharing the history and significance of the items from the journey of St Joseph’s beginning, when Br Butler was the first Principal and it was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Mannix on Sunday 3 February 1935 until now.’
Belinda Milverton
Faith Development Coordinator
2024 Investiture of Student Leaders and FIRE Carrier Ceremony
The Identity Team have been actively preparing students for the various significant events including the celebration of the Investiture of our 2024 Student Leaders and the FIRE Carriers. Our Student Leadership Coordinators Rachael Swatman and Cassandra Coogan led the handing over of the 2023 Student Captains, Touchstone and House Leaders that they have mentored, to the upcoming 2024 elected leaders. We look forward to working with the 2024 Leaders to continue to bring to life our EREA Touchstones with their goals and initiatives for the year ahead.
Proceedings began with our 2023 Westcourt First Nations Leader Zachariah Miller making an Acknowledgement of Country before the commencement of the FIRE Carrier Ceremony.
The FIRE Carrier Ceremony marks one of the most significant ceremonies at St Joseph’s College. Ben McDowall, our First Nations Coordinator commissioned our 2024 Fire Carriers:
Friends Igniting Reconciliation Education with the words, ‘May the spirit of the fire be in your eyes, your ears, your thoughts, your words, your heart and in your hands.’ We congratulate our staff FIRE Carriers Angela Gionis and Meleah Zanos and students, Daniel Di Danto, Henry Stephens, Felix Poel and Zachariah Miller.
We give thanks for Fr Jude Johnson from St Mary’s Parish Geelong, who joined us to bless the 2024 new leaders, their badges, blazers and ties to mark the sacredness with which leadership is held in our community and serves to remind us of the example set by Jesus and the Christian values to which we aspire. These symbols they will wear are a reminder that leadership is not about impressing others, but is grounded in service to the community.
Just as our guest speaker, Old Collegian class of 2012, Andrew Mogic – Director at the Royal Bank of Canada in Los Angeles shared, “Remember that, as future leaders, your choices matter, not just for your own success but for those around you as well.”
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
Parents and Friends
Perfect weather on Friday for the P&F Fashion Dinner at Mt Duneed. Guests began arriving, dressed in gorgeous outfits and enjoying their refreshing SipSip by 63 cocktails before heading inside. Tony talked about his time in Kensekka this year, seeing firsthand the positive impact the Fashion Dinner has on the community. The models showcased the latest fashion before guests hit the dance floor to finish off a great night.
Thank you to our presenting partners – Gartland, The Ponds, SipSip by 63, and to all of our supporters from the Fashion houses, the table sponsors, the donors, the models, the volunteers and our guests who enjoyed a fantastic night of Fashion, catch ups, amazing food, drinks and music. We all came together as a SJC community to raise funds for Kensekka to provide them with opportunities to support their families.
On the night our 200 guests raised over $17,500, what a fantastic result. This amount pushed the grand total of donations the Fashion Dinner has raised for Kensekka, since 2000, to over $300K. We are extremely grateful for the community we have around the College and the support they give to this event.
Please support those businesses that support us and are such an important part of the SJC P&F Fashion Dinner.
Year 9 Science of the Seas Excursion
On Wednesday 18 October , students undertaking the Year 9 Elective Science of the Seas travelled to Queenscliff for an excursion. In the morning students spent two hours on a boat in Port Phillip Bay visiting key sites within this amazing ecosystem, including Pope’s Eye and Chinaman’s Hat, where the Australian Fur Seal and Australasian Gannet populations could be observed (and smelt!) up close. Students were able to observe first hand the many adaptations that these and other species within the bay possess. In addition, students were able to observe and consider the ways in which different species within the bay interact, and the reliance of some species on others.
In the afternoon students participated in educational laboratory activities at the Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre, and also had the opportunity to observe and in some instances handle the various organisms on display in order to further develop their appreciation of the biodiversity that exists within Port Phillip Bay. Interesting species included sea urchins, sea snails, the northern pacific sea star, the blue throated wrasse, and the decorator crab.
Touchstone Teams and the Year 9 Leadership Team
Congratulations to our 2024 Student Leaders who have been appointed to our four Touchstone Teams at Edmund Rice Campus and the Year 9 Leadership Team, at Westcourt next year. We look forward to working with our new leaders at an upcoming New Leaders Introduction Day on Monday 30 October.
Well done once again and we wish you much success in your future leadership role.
Ms Swatman and Mrs Coogan (Student Leadership Coordinators).
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
CUT THE WRAP
This term, our CUT THE WRAP initiative has extended to Year 8 students, with lunchbox inspections occurring during the year level gathering on Thursday mornings during homeroom. Chris Conroy’s 8K have set the pace with 24/28 students presenting “plastic wrap free” lunch boxes last week. Thank you to families that have already adopted our CUT THE WRAP approach to making lunches, helping your son/s reduce their carbon footprint and improve the environment both locally and globally. We encourage students at all Year levels to get on board.
CAREY EMBANKMENT UP
On Tuesday 10 October, our gardeners from Wild Places were on site for the day, to help facilitate the last mass tree plant for 2023, as part of the Carey Oval revegetation project. VCEVM students and Enviroservice participants worked hard to collectively plant indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses on the south and north embankments. Subsequently, VCEVM students continued planting out the south west embankment that was cleared of invasive plant species earlier in the year. Species planted included;
Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis), Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Blue devil (Eryngium ovinum), Coast Flax-lily (Dianella brevicaulis) Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata), Gold dust wattle (Acacia acinacea), Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata), Kangaroo apple
(Solanum lacianatum), Magenta Storksbill (Pelargonium rodneyanum), Rock correa (Correa glabra), Small-leafed clematis (Clematis microphylla), Sweet busaria (Bursaria spinosa), Small-leafed clematis (Clematis microphylla), Spear grass (Austrostipa sp), Tussock Grass (Poa labillardierei), Tree everlasting (Ozothamnus ferrugineus), Wallaby grass (Rytidosperma caespitosa and Yellow gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp connata).
NATIONAL BIRD WEEK
Sustainability Leaders walked the grounds on Friday 20 October, to conduct a bird count for National Bird Week. Whilst many species were at bay given the warm conditions, several species were sighted and heard at various parts of the College grounds. Bird species present included; Eastern Rosella, Magpie, Magpie Lark, New Holland Honey Eater, Rainbow Lorikeet, Raven, Swallow and Wattlebird. Other species witnessed on the grounds this year include; Corella, Crested Pigeon, Galah, Kestrel, Ibis, Sulfur Crested Cockatoo, Seagull and Willy Wagtail. As we are interested to document all species seen on the College grounds, if you have witnessed other bird species present, please forward details to; [email protected]
Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator
Investiture Ceremony
Congratulations to all students involved in the Investiture Ceremony, with Father Jude, on Tuesday 17 October, that acknowledged and thanked the service of our 2023 Leaders and welcomed in the Team of 2024. Thank you to our guest speaker and Old Collegian, Andrew Mogic (2012), for sharing his story beyond the College gates and encouraging our students to dream big as their 'potential is limitless'.
If you would like a digital copy of any photos taken at the ceremony or afterwards in the boardroom please email Clara Orr, [email protected]
Valedictory
What a great time we had celebrating our Year 12 students at Valedictory on Friday 13 October, it was fantastic to see the students and their proud families come together to mark the milestone. A special thank you to our guest speaker Sam Walsh (SJOC 2018) for joining us and welcoming the students into the Old Collegians Association.
If you would like a digital copy of any photos taken on the night, please email Clara Orr, [email protected]
2024 Kokoda PNG Immersion
Succeeding the accomplishment of this year’s Kokoda PNG Immersion, next year will have the same immersion take place with the quality guidance of local company Australian Kokoda Tours.
The dates are 22/06/24 - 03/07/24
Parents/Guardians can attend this with their son for a once in a life time experience. (Students can participate with or without a Parent/Guardian)
There are currently only 6 places left until this Immersion is fully booked.
The Kokoda Trail is 96 Kilometres of hiking through the Owen Stanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea. It has a revered national history as it was the location of the Australian Armed Forces blocking and forcing the Japanese Army to retreat in 1942. A remarkable achievement from our underprepared yet heroic Australian Soldiers.
Student Testimonial:
“Kokoda was an unforgettable experience. It was so tough, but looking back I will never forget the relationships I built with parents and other students that are now close friends. I could not recommend enough.”
Michael Ahearn, 2023 Kokoda PNG Immersion Student Participant & 2024 SJC College Captain.
Staff Testimonials:
“Trekking Kokoda with the students and parents in 2023 was the best professional experience of my career to date! It is also a personal highlight and an experience I will forever be grateful for.”
Mr Nick Jones, 2023 Kokoda PNG Immersion Teacher in Charge and Health & PE Teacher.
“Undoubtedly one of the most physical, emotional and psychological things I have ever done. The challenges were constant, but the experience was phenomenal that I am truly grateful to have been a part of.”
Mr Tom Cashin, 2023 Kokoda PNG Immersion Teacher in Charge and Health & PE Teacher.
Key Information
The cost of the trek is $4950 per person.
If people want a personal porter, this is an additional $750.
A deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking and an additional payment of $1000 is due at February 1.
Contact Information:
Teachers in Charge of Immersion: Ms Virginia Salkeld [email protected] & Mr Ash Crook [email protected]
Australian Kokoda Tours: Nicole O’Malley Mobile: 0429 537044 Free Call: 1800 AKTOURS (1800 258 687) Email: [email protected]
Australian Kokoda Tours Website: https://www.australiankokodatours.com.au/
MYKI
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 in 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.
Safety upgrades for Church St / Minerva Road, Herne Hill area
There is an opportunity to Have Your Say regarding safety upgrades on Minerva Road and Church Street, Herne Hill in relation to vehicles, buses, pedestrians and cyclists and how they interact.
City of Greater Geelong has been awarded Federal Blackspot Funding for the 2023/2024 financial year to address safety issues within the Minerva Road / Church Street area.
Community feedback and safety concerns for this area were used in the application for Blackspot funding. Now that City of Greater Geelong have been successful in obtaining the funding, they would like to gather your feedback on the proposed solutions via our online survey.
Paediatric Concussion Webinar presented by Barwon Health McKellar Kids Rehab
Tuesday 14 November, 11am to 12 noon | Hosted online via Zoom
The webinar is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest insights on paediatric concussions, exploring causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Experts in the field will share their knowledge and provide practical tips for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Whether you're a concerned parent, a coach, or a medical professional, this event will equip you with valuable information to help recognise and manage concussions in children.
Guest speakers include
- Clare Hellawell, Speech Pathologist, Barwon Health
- Dr Therese Clark, Co-ordinator, Barwon Health
- Dr Brooke Doherty, Paediatrician, Barwon Health
- Dr Mistral Foster-Owens, Neuropsychologist, Barwon Health
- Lisa Marke, Physiotherapist, Barwon Health
Registrations are via ZOOM: Webinar Registration - Zoom