Dear Parents / Carers,
For the last five years the College has been running a successful ‘Headstart’ program whereby each year level shifts up into their following year’s classes in the last week/s of term 4. This year ‘Headstart’ will only run for one week. Transition / ‘Headstart’ will commence on Thursday 30 November. The final day for students is Thursday 7 December. A video has been put together by Lisa Pope and John Mitchell which explains timetable changes and the changed structure of each week including specific details on changes for each year level. This video can be accessed via this link.
I still remain bemused by the disinformation which has been circulating for much of this year suggesting that our students will have a day off each week as part of the timetable changes. This is NOT correct and I’m happy to assure you that students have scheduled classes on five days each week during ‘Headstart’ and in 2024. This is made clear in the video.
School fees for 2024 have been set. We have written to each family providing detail of our 2024 school fees, including an explanation of why an increase has been necessary. This letter can be accessed here.
I would like to ask for the support of all families in reiterating our strong expectation that once students arrive at school each morning they may not leave the school grounds. We have recently had issues with students arriving at school and then leaving the grounds to visit local shops or the homes of friends. Student safety is paramount and is compromised if students leave the supervised confines of the campus.
Last week over 50 of the graduates of 1973 returned to St Joseph’s to celebrate 50 years since their graduation. This was one of the largest reunion groups of similar vintage that we have had come back to visit the College as a group it was a joy to see their pleasure in reconnecting with old friends. I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with them about the College today and assure them that while much has changed physically, we have retained our commitment to the pursuit of excellence and at the same time have developed an even more truly inclusive culture.
A quote that many of us will be familiar with is that ‘truth is the first casualty of war’. In this age of ubiquitous social media, this has never been truer. In the current conflicts both in Ukraine and in the Middle East it is really difficult to understand the truth regarding what is happening.
War is a great evil that does incredible damage to the lives of those directly affected, but also has an indirect impact on people across the world. One of the results of the current conflict in Gaza has been a rise in anti-Semitism across the world including in Australia.
Historically Christians have been guilty of promoting anti-Semitism (sometimes overtly and sometimes covertly). However, in recent times, particularly since the Holocaust during the Second World War, the Catholic Church has been at pains to repudiate anti-Judaism. Just why anti-Semitism seems so quick to arise is a mystery, perhaps explained by crowd psychology, the human desire for scapegoats and or our willingness to embrace conspiracy theories.
In the conflict between Israel and Gaza it seems clear there is fault on both sides however the Jewish people in general cannot be held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. Similarly, all Palestinians cannot be held responsible for the acts of Hamas.
We are a long way from this war but we have not remained unaffected by it. St Joseph’s commits to the prayerful support of all people in the Middle East regardless of ethnicity or religion and to advocating for peace. At our staff meeting yesterday we offered a prayer that ‘wisdom’ may guide the Gazan and Israeli decision-makers. (A ceasefire was declared shortly after!).
Wisdom is bright and does not grow dim. By those who love her she is readily seen, and found by those who look for her. (Wisdom 6:12)
God Bless
Tony Paatsch
Principal
Identity News
ACU School Leaders Program Opportunity for Gospel Spirituality Prefect
As a Gospel and Spirituality Touchstone Prefect, Josef Paatsch has been nominated and has been accepted to attend the ‘2023 ACU and MACS International School Leaders Program’ for Year 11 students. This is an amazing opportunity for Josef. This Australian Catholic University School Leaders Program is taking place in Rome and London and provides leadership formation for Year 11 Catholic school leaders through an immersion in the Catholic tradition and Western civilisation.
Taking place in the historic sites of Rome and London the program focuses on some of the major themes arising from the history of the Church and the development of the West. Uses a range of teaching modes and learning activities. Deepens participants’ reflections on their own faith and sharpens their intellectual curiosity about the traditions to which they belong. It also serves as a foundation for their own leadership and service at school and beyond.
We look forward to Josef sharing his insights on his return.
MACS have created a ‘2023 ACU School Leaders Program’ website, where you can follow the ‘Daily Blogs’ of the immersion.
https://sites.google.com/macs.vic.edu.au/2023acuschoolleadersprogram/home
Advent – Four Weeks of Faithful Preparation
I attended a regional parish meeting at St Mary’s Geelong last night where representatives from Churches across Geelong participated in a workshop with the Ron Huntley, on 'Growing Vital Parishes’. His mission is to share ways to empower local parish teams to inspire the next generation of Catholics in their community, ‘It’s time to renew the organizational health in your Parish and inspire leadership in your community. It all starts by making people great, helping them live the gifts God's given them.’ https://www.ronhuntley.com/ A very big challenge, we are all called to be a part of.
Advent is the perfect time to re-engage with your local church community. It is a time for us to understand that God is always doing something new for us. Unlike the commencement of the new year, the Universal Church begins its new liturgical year on the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is all about watching and waiting. The word ‘advent’ comes from the Latin adventus, which means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. Is a season of waiting and preparation. We await and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.
We are called during this holy time to wait with anticipation knowing the joys of what is to come with the arrival of Christ. This is the time we come together to celebrate this joy with our loved ones.
One of the traditions for this season is that in Catholic Churches there will be a lighting of a new Advent candle on each of the four Sundays of Advent. There are three purple candles, one pink candle for the Third Sunday of Advent and a white ‘Christ Candle’ that will be lit at Christmas. Often these candles are placed in an Advent Wreath. The wreath is traditionally a circle of evergreen leaves and is a symbol of God’s endless love and mercy.
As Christmas draws near, may it be a time of quiet reflection on the particular gifts God has given to us, and what particular way we may further God’s kingdom by bring some Christmas joy to others by contributing to community initiatives that support the message of this week’s Gospel, such as parish initiatives, a Vinnies hamper and our Bellarine Kinship Adopt a Family, which you can still support as some staff, families and homerooms have also taken up. Or perhaps surprise some one by purchasing a gift to change a life from the Catholic organisation CARITAS who are offering, “Global Christmas cards that give with purpose, assisting the world’s most valuable people in their fight against poverty and injustice." https://www.caritas.org.au/global-gifts/
Why not make a family visit to your local church and be welcomed during the weeks leading up to Christmas, to find a moment of peace in the business of pre-Christmas, to see the Advent candles being lit, and see the nativity scene as we have set up in our reception area awaiting the arrival of baby Jesus, and introduce yourself to the priest before or after mass and tell them you’re from St Joseph’s College and Mary encouraged you to say hello. Our parishes are places of welcome and connection to our neighbours seeking a friendly, safe space to nurture our faith with one another and our God.
Here is a link to all the Parishes in the Geelong region most also have a website and Facebook page to keep you up to date.
https://geelongdeanery.cam.org.au/events/179-ordinary-mass-times-for-churches-in-the-geelong-deanery
Blessing
We are looking for God in our world. May we see what God wants us to see.
We are looking for God in our lives. May we be who God wants us to be.
May God our Shepherd, Holy Spirit, guide us and bless us through these Advent days. Amen.
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
Languages Camp
These past few weeks have been really exciting and engaging time for years 8 -10 Language students with the Year 9 and 10 students attending Languages Camp and year 8 students embarking on their multicultural immersions in Melbourne.
Year 9 Italian students had the opportunity to put their language skills into practice by participating in soccer workshops with SDC Academy, pizza making with Stella Scuola, a multicultural food tour of Melbourne CBD and a day learning about Italian culture and traditions, learning to use a coffee machine, using a woodfire pizza oven and dancing the Tarantella at Reggio Calabria Club. Year 9 student Domenic Posterino was a standout at the Reggio Calabria club; he brought along his pianoaccordian to play for the ‘nonni’ who were thrilled to see the way that the younger generation have embraced Italian culture. The students made the most of every opportunity they could; putting themselves out there and getting into every activity with engagement and enthusiasm. This is what the students had to say about it:
“On the first day of the LOTE camp, we had Alessandro and Gianluca come to Westcourt to teach us about how to make authentic Italian pizza. They guided us through the different techniques and ingredients to use when making pizza dough and how to leave it to sit to get the best results. After we all finished making our dough, Alessandro and Gianluca cooked the whole class pizzas to enjoy. This was a very good activity as we learned how to make high quality pizzas as well as getting to taste some delicious Italian food.”
Eamonn O’Dowd
“To start the LOTE camp we had a soccer training session with Pablo and Javvi from SDC Academy. The session had it all; with skills training, practice while in a game situation and then to take them all to a 3v3 tournament later in the session. The training drills that were suited to all skill levels which allowed everyone to gain a couple of tricks along the way. Overall a great experience and I would definitely do it again.”
Jonathon Punchard
“The school trip to the Reggio Calabria Club in Parkville was an incredible cultural immersion. We got to experience the heart and soul of Italian life through coffee, soccer, and dance. The warmth and hospitality of the club members made us feel like part of their community, and we appreciated their efforts to share their traditions with us. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and creating lasting memories. The trip not only exposed us to the rich Italian culture but also strengthened our bond as classmates. It was a perfect blend of education and entertainment. As we left the club that evening, we carried with us not only newfound skills but also a piece of Italy in our hearts. This school trip will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of our academic journey, reminding us of the beauty of learning and experiencing new cultures. In conclusion, our visit to the Italian club in Reggio Calabria was an enriching and enjoyable experience. From making coffee to playing soccer and dancing the Tarantella, it was a day that truly celebrated Italian culture and left a lasting impact on all of us. We look forward to more such cultural explorations in the future.”
Lyle Williamson, Jensen Fenske, Sebastian Ciola & Sebastian Di Mauro
Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum
Year 9 Students of Chinese had the opportunity to explore the cultural impact of Chinese migrants in the 1850s through a visit to Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum. At the turn of the century, people with Chinese ethnicity made up 4% of Victoria’s population, but faced harsh discrimination and even riots on the Goldfields as their communal and hard-working nature brought them success and the ire of European settlers, culminating in the passage of the White Australia Policy. This is what Year 9 student Brock Warren had to say about his experience:
“On the last Thursday and Friday of week four we went on two excursions to Bendigo and China town. When we went to Bendigo we went to the golden dragon museum where we learnt about the history of the first Chinese in Australia. We also learnt about the millennium dragons and their history of how they were made and how they came into the Australian culture. When we went to China town we get a tour around China town from a historian and we learnt about how people would have lived back when Melbourne was being built up from nothing. On both days we got lunch after both of these activities so it was very worth it.”
Annual Language/Extra English/Nixor excursions.
All year 8 students headed out to Melbourne last week for their annual Language/Extra English/Nixor excursions.
Year 8 students of Italian travelled to Lygon Street to complete an “Amazing Race” treasure hunt and see the impact that Italian immigration has had in Melbourne and then finished the day with a delicious pizza and pasta lunch at Il Gambero. One of the tasks on the Treasure Hunt was a photo competition for the most “Italian” photo; the winners of the competition Gabriel Gnjec, Luke Pietrapertosa and Harrison Clair took a brilliant photo; even getting the ‘pizzaiolo’ from Papa` Gino’s in the shot!
Year 8 students of Chinese finished their studies with the annual visit to Chinatown, in Melbourne’s CBD; learning about the legacy of Chinese migration to Melbourne, together with the opportunity to taste some Chinese cuisine.
Year 8 students of Extra English and Nixor travelled out to Werribee Zoo. Here’s what the students from 8A had to say about it:
“8A Nixor and Extra English had a fantastic day out at the Werribee Zoo. We had a session with the keeper to teach us about the conservation of critically endangered Eastern Lowland Gorillas. There are only 6000 left in the wild, it has dwindled from around 17000 in the early 1990’s.
One of the highlights of our day was when Ganyeka the Gorilla tried to charge at us. He particularly wanted to get Taj, Xavier and Tom! The gorilla was carrying a pile of hay, and spotted us all through the glass. He sprinted towards the viewing area from about 5m away; then charged into, and punched the glass to assert his dominance. We all got a huge fright!”
VITA - Making Waves Excursion
On Friday 17 November, Mt Sion students in the VITA program returned to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club to participate in a sailing excursion through the Winds of Joy program. This program is an inclusive, safe space, designed to give young people with disability and disadvantage an empowering and uplifting experience on-water. A number of students participated in this program in May and the returning crew and SJC students were happy to meet again on Friday. The winds were light, so the sailing was slow, but it gave students an opportunity to participate in operating the yacht. The students learnt skills including how to raise the sail, pointing into the wind, how to avoid the markers and how to tack to change direction. Many students enjoyed being behind the helm, while other students enjoyed sitting at the bow of the yacht with the crew from Making Waves Foundation. The camaraderie and support shown amongst the group was commendable and we are proud of how well they represented St Joseph’s.
WATERFORD AWARDS
On Monday 13 November, the Waterford sub-school had our final assembly for the year. We were entertained by the Intermediate band who did an outstanding job of performing ‘The Greatest Show.’ It was an insightful opportunity for the students to learn about the new timetable structure for Waterford and Westcourt from Deputy Principal of learning, Lisa Pope. Our Deputy Principal of wellbeing, Mark Kennedy informed the students of some important leadership changes for 2024 and the importance of maintaining high standards for the remainder of the school year.
We were proud to see so many of our students receive recognition for their learning achievements throughout the Semester. Isaac Holt from 8D was awarded with the Waterford Australian Maths Competition Award for being ‘Best in School.’ We presented a large number of distinction awards from the Australian Maths Competition with more certificates to be handed out at year level gatherings.
Hector De Leiros from 8I was presented with the Waterford Writing Award after being judged the best writer in Year 8 for his Hunt for the Wilderpeople essay.
Taha Pourpapi from 8K was recognised for coming fourth in Victoria for the Italian Poetry.Competition. Further certificates will be awarded at year level gatherings.
Year 7 and 8 Year Level Coordinators recognised students who were consistently demonstrating our school values with Year Level Coordinator and Waterford Awards.
Finally, we presented badges to the Westcourt leaders for 2024. We wish you well in these roles.
We wish our Year 8 students the very best for their transition to the Westcourt Campus. We will miss you here at Edmund Rice Campus and look forward to seeing you return as Year 10 students in Mt Sion in 2025. We also look forward to our continuing work with Year 7 students as they transition to Year 8.
Rebecca Barker and Peter Malone, Heads of Waterford
Foundation Dinner
The College showed its gratitude for the generous support we receive from SJC Foundation members when they joined together for the annual SJC Foundation Dinner on Thursday at the Wharf Shed. One highlight from the evening was the opportunity to officially welcome Professor Frank and Valarie Larkins as the latest members of the McNeil Society, in recognition of their very generous support of our Bursary program. SJC is currently able to support 37 boys to attend our college in 2023.
Olympic Changemaker Award
Congratulations to Lenny Allen and Harris Henderson who received the Olympic Changemaker award and were part of the Changemaker conference last term.
In addition to this, Harris has been invited to attend the National Summit at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in December. Harris will meet up with current and former Olympians to help shape the future of the Olympic movement in Australia.
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
VCEVM ECOLOGY PROJECTS
Over the past month, VCEVM students have worked industriously during Personal Development classes, to help bring various gardening projects at the Edmund Rice campus to fruition. Commencing with the Carey Embankment project, students were involved in planting out various grasses and shrubs on the west side of this new Sport Complex. The removal of invasive species from this area throughout the year, paved the way for a new landscape, comprising of a variety of indigenous flora species including; Rock Correa (Correa glabra), Sweet Busaria (Bursaria Spinosa), Tussock Grasses (Poa Labillardierei) and Kangaroo Apple (Solanum laciniatum). Over subsequent weeks students returned to this garden area to continue tree-planting, implement tree guards where needed and conduct general maintenance of the area. The second project involved the introduction of 19 new tree ferns and bird nest ferns (Asplenium Australasicum) into the “Otways” garden, followed with a fresh layer of mulch. The final project involved tree guarding, mulching and maintenance of the Reconciliation Garden. I would like to thank Mr Will Newton and all students involved for their efforts and conduct.
NEW EDITION EDDIE COIN
On Tuesday 31 October, during a lunchtime Enviroservice workshop, students engaged in creating the first “Batch” of the new edition Eddie Coin. Incepted by student leader Luke Stacey earlier in the year, the new initiative involved inducting a select group of students to the safe use of the Injection Moulding Machine and collaboration to determine the colours for the second edition of “Eddie Coin”. The new edition of Eddie Coin sports our St Joseph’s colours; red, yellow and black!
FOOD COMPOSTING
In recent weeks, our food composting regime has made a comeback thanks to the efforts of students from 8C and 8F. Commencing with food waste from the staffroom, the initiative involves students from one Year 8 homeroom becoming responsible to compost food waste over a period of three weeks, by utilising a worm farm and bokashi composting system. At the conclusion of this period, the responsibility then transfers to another Year 8 homeroom. I wish to thank the students involved from 8C and 8F this term, for their care and diligence undertaking these duties.
CASH FOR RECYCLABLES
In anticipation of the implementation of the Cash Deposit Scheme across Victoria on 1 November, the introduction of a “Recyclables” bin in the junior levels eating areas, has been trialled this term, commencing with the collection of Aluminium cans. With many new opportunities now provided through the implementation of the CDS Vic to recycle particular items, we will continue to review and develop our regime for the collection of streamlined recyclables.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
VICTORIA’S CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
There is no denying that the implementation of the Cash Deposit Scheme across Victoria on 1 November, provides a wonderful opportunity to streamline our recycling efforts with the incentive for cash or voucher rewards, or alternately, a donation to a selected Charity. In relation to the scheme, two of the most prevailing questions from students have been; What can be recycled and where can we recycle them?
According to the CDS Website, many aluminium, glass, plastic and liquid paperboard (carton) drink containers between 150mL and 3 litres are eligible. Containers must have the 10c sign and readable barcodes. Tips: Lids may be left on and containers should not be crushed.
There are various methods for recycling including; Recycling depots, Reverse Vending (RVM) Machines and over the Counter Returns (OTC). To find out more regarding eligible containers, refund point types and locations nearest to your home, visit the Victoria Container Deposit Scheme site at; https://cdsvic.org.au/
For more information regarding local Recycling Depot, Recycle for Change, 116 Furner Avenue Bell Park, visit their website at; https://recycle4change.com.au/
Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator
Term 4 Week 8 Careers News
DownloadVCE VM Cafe Project
As part of a project for mental health, specifically mindfulness, the VITA students collectively designed and painted the double doors in our VCE VM café. All students participated in the painting process and it was an excellent team effort. Additionally, Daniel Golightly and Tyler Piera were instrumental in it’s completion; adding intricate details to the painting during their lunchtimes and recess breaks. Well done team – exceptional effort.
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 is currently only 1 x single spot or 1 x double spot (student & parent) available 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/
Combined Catholic College Production 2024
Paul Watson CV
DownloadClass of 1973 Reunion
Over 50 alumni from the class of 1973 joined together to celebrate their 50-year reunion on Friday. Old memories were stirred as the classmates took a tour of campus, reminisced over old photos and copies of the 1973 Virtus, as well as from the many stories they shared from school days. It was wonderful to see the enduring mateship of our Old Collegians as they returned to campus to connect with one another, and celebrate their College.
It’s not too late to order your 2023 school photos.
On photo day, all students received a flyer that included a unique code.
You will require this 2023 code to register online and view your photos.
If you have registered, you will have received an email or SMS from Arthur Reed Photos with a link to view your photos.
If you have not yet registered and wish to order photos, please go to order.arphotos.com.au and enter your code to complete your order.
All photo packages will be sent directly to your nominated address.
If you require any assistance ordering your photos or require your code, please contact Arthur Reed Photos directly on 5243 4390 or email [email protected]
Letter to friends of good will
