Welcome to the first newsletter of the term, which I write as Acting Principal, as our College Principal Tony Paatsch is currently on leave.
Our term began with a professional development day for staff. The day consisted of a presentation by Dr Ian Lillico who is a National fellow of the Australian Council of Educational Leaders and a research specialist in boys’ education. Ian advocates for the benefits of single-sex education for boys. He argues that boys have unique learning needs and that single-sex education, especially in early secondary education can provide an environment that is tailored to meet those needs. He stresses that teachers need to understand how boys learn and be trained in teaching methods that are tailored towards this. Strategies such as using hands-on activities, incorporating physical activity into lessons, maintaining high standards and expectations and creating a positive and structured learning environment, are all ways to engage boys in their learning.
Dr Lillico outlined that age 12 is vital for boys' future development and wellbeing and it is the time when peer pressure can have the most influence. This is the time when students are transitioning from primary to secondary school. He emphasised the importance of parents and teachers supporting positive peer relationships and the influential role of schools in ensuring boys are allowed to form good friendships in an environment that supports respect.
He highlighted many advantages of single-sex boys schools but reminded teachers that we need to take advantage of our environment to ensure we target these in the programs we offer and the way we teach. Dr Lillico highlighted that boys respond to the qualities of fairness, passion, and a sense of humour, but fundamentally the strong connection between a teacher and the student is what impacts learning most. The importance of praise and how teachers deliver praise to boys can also impact this connection, and he emphasises the use of virtues as a way for parents and teachers can be more specific in their praise.
TIME PROJECT
After our professional development session, our College Staff joined Sacred Heart College to have a combined staff meeting, which provided an update on the work of the TIME (Time In Modern Education) project.
Sharing a timetable between Sacred Heart College brings about various benefits for the students of both Colleges. Firstly, it provides opportunities for students to access a greater number of Senior school subjects, as both Colleges have different resources to deliver specific subjects. This collaboration allows for a more diverse range of subjects to be available to students, enabling a greater scope to provide individual programs that support their academic interests and passions. Additionally, sharing a timetable provides the opportunity for both genders to work together, socialise and learn from one another. Continuing to support and broaden the provisions to share classes and collaborate, will help to build new friendships and foster a greater sense of community between our schools.
The Timetable Model is slightly different at both Colleges to accommodate the educational needs of both boys and girls. The timetable also provides a day in which the schools will work on a more flexible learning model providing greater scope for the College to individualise student learning pathways and open further access to:
As students’ progress through secondary school, it becomes increasingly important for them to develop independent study skills. Independent study skills are the ability to manage one's learning without the need for constant supervision or guidance. These skills are essential for success in tertiary education and the workforce. Through this project we aim to provide students with opportunities to develop these skills, and one way to do this was addressing the limitations of our current timetable and explore ways we could reconfigure this to support these skills.
The College staff listened to presentations from Industry experts Steve Berg and Andrew Morgan as they presented the skills their future employees would need to thrive in their industries. Professor Chris Hickey, outlined the learning environments of how a Deakin University student may operate, and the importance of having independent skills to be able to manage their future learning. In tertiary education and the workforce, individuals are expected to take responsibility for their learning and development. By developing these skills at an early stage, we hope our students will be better prepared for the challenges of tertiary education and the workforce.
The benefits of independent study skills extend beyond academic and professional success. Students who develop these skills are better equipped to manage their time, set priorities, and take initiative. They also develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, which are important qualities for success in all areas of life.
However, developing independent study skills requires time and practice. Both Colleges are committed to provide opportunities for students to develop these skills by changing the timetable to allow for independent study. This time can be used for collaboration, flipped learning, revision, research, folio and project work as well as a range of independent learning activities. It is not seen as a substitute for quality teaching and learning, instead, independent learning aims to complement classroom teaching and provide students with the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and further develop their skills.
The College aims to scaffold and build independent learning skills and opportunities over time, including offering some online learning units and we will invite parents to a combined presentation with Sacred Heart College on Wednesday 17 May to outline a number of these changes.
Edmund Rice Day
I would like to remind our community of our upcoming Edmund Rice Day. Edmund Rice’s legacy has had a profound impact on education and social justice around the world, and his life and work continue to inspire people today. Celebrating Edmund Rice as an EREA school is a powerful way to honour his legacy and reinforce the four touchstones that guide our College community. This year the majority of the funds raised on Edmund Rice day will be directed to Kensekka to provide solar power, ongoing school costs and other areas of need. Some of the funds will also be deployed to assist local organisations including, Lifeboat (support for survivors of sexual abuse) and Edmund Rice Camps (providing holiday experiences for the children of disadvantaged families including refugees) and CARITAS Project Compassion. As part of Tony’s leave, he will be visiting Kensekka to see the impact of our support on the lives of those who access the school and begin to negotiate a way forward in providing opportunities for our students to be immersed in the work that is occurring there.
ANZAC Day
I would like to acknowledge and thank the work of the College staff who put together our ANZAC day ceremonies at both Westcourt and Edmund Rice campuses. Our Year Nine students were honored to have Old Collegian Peter Read address them, outlining his service and asking us to Stop, Pause and Reflect on the sacrifices of the many service people and their families made to enable us to enjoy the freedom of our country today. The presentation of our senior leaders also emphasised the importance of reflection, and reminded us of where we can pay our respects to our service men and women locally, including the plaque at our College reception which honors Old Collegians who served their country.
Term Two Reminders
The first two weeks of term is a transition period for our students to shift from our summer to winter uniform. From the start of week three it is the Colleges expectation that students are wearing their winter uniform.
A reminder that holidays during school terms are discouraged, however, we do understand at times there are extenuating circumstances around these decisions. If this is the case, please ensure you contact the Principal at the College to ensure the appropriate notifications and arrangements are put in place.
Have a great fortnight and I look forward to sharing updates on the key events occurring in our calendar over the coming weeks including.
Lisa Pope
Acting College Principal
Edmund Rice Day is coming up on May 12 and we need your help in raising money to support St Joseph's Vocational Secondary School in Kensekka.
We are asking that each student contribute $30 or families with more than one student contribute $50. The link to donate can be accessed below. When making your donation please write you son's name in the details box on the payment page.
https://www.trybooking.com/au/...
This week we pray:
Loving God, you sent your Son, Jesus, into the world to bring good news to the poor, happiness to those who are sad and suffering, and hope to those who struggle. Through the example of Jesus, your Son, and the life of Blessed Edmund Rice, may we come to know your ways to open our hearts and minds to show our love and care for those seeking an education in our world. Just like Fr Emma, who like the good shepherd, is caring for his community in Kensekka, Uganda, striving to provide them with a liberating education only possible with our support. We pray for Mr Paatsch as he travels to visit the community of St Joseph’s Kensekka that we are so connected to. As each family makes their donations online https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/sjcedmundriceday2023 we can enjoy our 12th of May Eddy Rice Day celebrations knowing we are living our touchstones of liberating education, justice and solidarity, inclusive community and gospel spirituality. We pray in gratitude for the generosity of all who have made their online donations so far. Amen.
When we support communities such as our friends in Kensekka, we are working towards achieving many of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
We began Term 2 continuing the season of Easter, rejoicing in the new life the risen Jesus gives us, offering us hope and peace.
As we gathered as a St Joseph’s Community on Wednesday 26th to resume Term 2, we remembered the ANZAC soldiers who fought to protect our country. The Westcourt student leaders led their ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony and welcomed guest speaker, old Collegian, Peter Read. Peter emphasised the importance to stop, pause and reflect on the sacrifices that so may service people and their families have made for the freedoms we enjoy in our country today.
We acknowledged the presence of three of our staff members who have served our country. Our Human Resources Manager, Lieutenant Colonel Rolf Audrins, Conspicuous Service Cross and Bar. Lieutenant Colonel Audrins spent 27 years in the Australian Regular Army which included deployments to Afghanistan, Syria and Timor-Leste and service in Antarctica. Along with our Careers Coordinator Karen Shum, former Major, Royal Australian Educational Corps, who served for 15 years in the Australian Regular Army, with postings across Australia, including Darwin, Puckapunyal, Canberra and Enogerra. Our Music Teacher and Conductor John Collinson served the Australian Army Band for six years and played the last post and rouse at our Edmund Rice campus ceremony.
The focus for ANZAC Day 2023 was an understanding of the phrase, ‘That's the ANZAC spirit.’ College Captain Jaeger Fawcett, reminded us that as you get off the bus and enter the college, you not only walk past the sculpture of St Joseph the carpenter, and his son, the teenage Jesus, but as you enter our reception, the ANZAC spirit is present in the names of the old Collegians of St Joseph’s College on the plaque, who served their country. We payed our respects to them as we lay a wreath at the base of the plaque.
This year Anzac Day 2023 marks 70 years since the fighting stopped in the Korean War. We reminded students when they next head to Melbourne, take note to view the Korean War Veterans Avenue of Honour on the corner of Melbourne Road and Bell Parade, Rippleside. The Avenue of Honour commemorates those who served in the Korean War. The Korean War took place from 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953.
Another significant memorial that reflects the ANZAC spirit that can be found locally, is The Geelong & District Peace Memorial which can be found in Johnstone Park, Gheringhap street, Geelong which features the names of approximately 3,500 personnel who enlisted from the Geelong region and served in World Wars One and Two. The building also contains a number of honour rolls, which commemorate the Korean, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and Iraq conflicts, United Nations operations, Medical officers, Nursing services, and Prisoners of War. Lest we forget.
Help us to strive for peace in all we do.
We make our prayer in the name of our Risen Lord. Amen
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
The library staff are encouraging all students and staff to “get on board’ with our Bookopoly Challenge.
Students from Year 7 and 8 have been presented with a Bookopoly Challenge which will run for Term 2 and Term 3. Library staff have challenged the students to work together and read as many books as possible, from a range of genres, to become the “wealthiest” class and earn themselves an end of term hot lunch! They will be recording their progress on their class Bookopoly Board with the help of their Bookopoly Leaders. Each book they read will earn them a “House”, with five houses equating to a “Hotel”. The Library team will announce the winning class at the end of term. We hope the students enjoy the challenge and it inspires them to broaden their literary horizons and explore new genres they haven’t read before.
We encourage staff, students and the wider school community to join in the Bookopoly challenge and try reading a genre you haven’t considered before. Take a chance, you may hit the jackpot!
Carla Walsh
Library Assistant
In the opening round of the Year 10 ACC football competition, St Joseph's secured a hard-fought victory over St Bede's Mentone, winning by 9 points. Despite being behind at quarter-time, the team fought back to earn a well-deserved win at Ben Kavanagh Reserve in Mordialloc. Hunter Moorfoot was the standout goal scorer with four and being among the best on ground alongside Tyson Roberts, Thomas Handley, and Hamish McGowan. Other notable goal scorers included Eamon Roberts, Jordan Monahan, Hugo Walsh, Tyson Roberts, Boston Riccardi. With this victory, St Joseph's College Geelong starts their Year 10 ACC football campaign on a winning note.
In contrast, the Year 9 Red team experienced a tough start to their season, losing to St Bede's by 13 points at Drew Oval in Herne Hill. Despite putting up a brave fight, the team fell short in the end, losing 10.8 (68) to 8.7 (55). Alexander Assemani, Domenic Posterino, and Charlie Dolder each scored two goals for St Joseph's, while Bohdi Hateley, Hugh Buckby, and Tom Teague were among the team's best players. Despite the loss, St Joseph's College Geelong's Year 9 Red team showed great spirit and determination throughout the match.
The Year 9 Yellow team were represented by Butler-only boys, and had a resounding victory over St Bede's East Bentleigh, winning by a whopping 118 points at Walker Oval in Herne Hill. The team dominated from the start, scoring six goals in the first quarter and not allowing St Bede's to score a single point in the opening half. Harry Lever and Jack Kelly each scored four goals for St Joseph's, while Lenny Honner added three goals to the tally. Tom Clark, Riley East, Taj Hassett, Jonathon Punchard, and George O'Dwyer were among the team's best players. The final score was St Joseph's College Geelong 20.11 (131) to St Bede's East Bentleigh 2.1 (13).
The Year 10 Soccer team started their campaign on a high note with a convincing 6-2 win over Emmanuel Altona. Liam Paterson and Patrick Wall each scored three goals, while Tobias Servin and Gianluca Sozzi were among the team's best players. The match was played at Emmanuel College (St Paul's Campus Pitch) in Altona North.
The Year 9 team on the other hand suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of St Bernard's Essendon, losing 3-2. Despite a valiant effort from the team, they were unable to secure a win on Carey Oval. Patrick Naylon and Aron Pitout each scored a goal for St Joseph's, while Jake Bailey and Zac Bartolo were among the team's best players. Despite the loss, the team showed great resilience and determination throughout the match in their first time representing the College.
Round 1 – Tuesday 2 May
SJC Geelong 10.4 (64) def St Bede's Mentone 8.7 (55)
SJC Geelong 3.0 6.2 9.3 10.4 (64)
St Bede's 3.3 3.4 5.6 8.7 (55)
GOALS: Hunter Moorfoot 4, Eamon Roberts 2, Jordan Monahan 1, Hugo Walsh 1, Tyson Roberts 1, Boston Riccardi 1
BEST: Tyson Roberts, Thomas Handley, Hamish McGowan, Boston Riccardi, Hunter Moorfoot, Hugo Walsh, Max Pell, Lenny Allen
Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc
Match highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQFpoFOyaDU&ab
Round 1 – Tuesday 2 May
SJC Geelong 8.7 (55) def by St Bede's Mentone 10.8 (68)
SJC Geelong 1.2 4.3 5.6 8.7 (55)
St Bede's 2.3 5.4 8.6 10.8 (68)
GOALS: Alexander Assemani 2, Domenic Posterino 2, Charlie Dolder 2, Ryder Warry 1, Tom Teague 1
BEST: Bohdi Hateley, Hugh Buckby, Tom Teague, Domenic Posterino, Oscar Smith, Darcy Harrington, Charlie Dolder, Alexander Assemani
Drew Oval, Herne Hill
Round 1 – Tuesday 2 May
SJC Geelong 20.11 (131) def St Bede's East Bentleigh 2.1 (13)
SJC Geelong 6.3 11.8 14.10 20.11 (131)
St Bede's 0.0 0.0 1.1 2.1 (13)
GOALS: Harry Lever 4, Jack Kelly 4, Lenny Honner 3, Riley East 2, Tom Clark 2, Angus Madden 1, Hudson Henderson 1, George O'Dwyer 1, Cooper Evans 1
BEST: Tom Clark, Riley East, Taj Hassett, Jonathon Punchard, George O'Dwyer, Jack Trewin, Lenny Honner, Harry Lever
Walker Oval, Herne Hill
Round 1 – Tuesday 2 May
SJC Geelong 6 def Emmanuel Altona 2 (H/T SJC 3 - 2)
GOALS: Liam Paterson 3, Patrick Wall 3
BEST: Liam Patterson, Patrick Wall, Tobias Servin, Gianluca Sozzi, Luke Siketa
Emmanuel College (St Paul's Campus Pitch), Altona North
Round 1 – Tuesday 2 May
SJC Geelong 2 def by St Bernard's Essendon 3 (H/T SJC 0 - 1)
GOALS: Patrick Naylon 1 ('36), Aron Pitout 1 ('55)
BEST: Jake Bailey, Aron Pitout, Zac Bartolo
St Joseph's College (Carey Oval), Newtown
FRIENDLY FOOTBALL MATCHES – TERM 1
St Joseph's College Geelong football program has been busy during Term 1 of 2023, with both the 1st XVIII and Year 10 teams playing four friendly matches in preparation for the upcoming ACC season. The Year 9 boys played a series of matches in houses in what was another chance for the boys to represent the College.
After the first match against St Patrick's Ballarat in the annual Respect Cup on International Women's Day ended in a draw, the 1st XVIII played their first friendly a week later. The Year 11s took on the Year 12s on Carey Oval with the Year 12s holding off a fast finishing Year 11 team by just 1-point.
The team then played matches against St Ignatius (Year 11s) and Western Heights (Year 12s), before finishing the term with a match against Geelong College. Across the five games, a total of 84 players represented the 1st XVIII, with a mix of Year 11 and Year 12 students showcasing their skills and working on team chemistry ahead of the season proper.
Meanwhile, the Year 10 team played their own set of four matches against the same opponents as the 1st XVIII, starting with a match between themselves at Carey Oval. The team then played St Ignatius, Western Heights and Geelong College, with a total of 91 players representing the Year 10 team across the term.
These games provided valuable opportunities for both teams to work on their skills and game plan ahead of the Term 2 ACC season. While the results of the friendly matches were not the main focus, the experience gained from playing against quality opposition will undoubtedly be beneficial for the team's development going forward.
Overall, the St Joseph's football program can be proud of the effort and dedication shown by both the 1st XVIII and Year 10 teams throughout Term 1. With the season proper kicking off in Term 2, the team will be looking to build on the foundations set during the friendly matches and strive for success in the highly competitive ACC competition.
Follow this link to book a ticket today.
During the Term break, Stage 6 of the Carey Oval embankment revegetation project commenced, with the removal of invasive tree species to the west of the sports complex. Over two days, Michael Paunovic and team from Tailored Tree Care, commenced the removal a thicket of invasive species including; African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), Italian buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus). Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp), Sweet pittosporum(Pittosporum undulatum), Plum (Prunus sp.), paving the way for revegetation with indigenous flora species. Over the coming fortnight, removal of the remaining ivy and morning glory creepers will commence and the planting of indigenous species is scheduled to commence in the latter half of this term.
Various student groups, including Sustainability Leaders and lunchtime volunteers, have assisted in the subsequent removal of litter from this area, in preparation for the next stage of the project.
As a result of overflowing bicycle racks on National Ride to School day, Justice and Solidarity Leader Lachlan Lamb has initiated a bicycle survey to ascertain how many extra bicycle racks are necessary to accommodate regular riders and factors that may encourage other students to ride to school. Access for the student survey will be provided via the student bulletin.
With the goal of completing the “Sustainable Cubby” project this term, Vita students have wasted no time, commencing with exterior painting of each cubby. The vibrant Pink Salmon and classic Pearl Lustre cream colours selected by archivist Mrs Susan Belluzzo, provide insight to our heritage, as they emulate the colours of old school houses that once stood on the Edmund Rice Campus. Providing cross curricula opportunity, one cubby will be retrofitted to showcase sustainable design practices and it is anticipated that the inside temperatures of each cubby will be monitored, providing a valuable learning tool for students undertaking various studies including; Environmental Science and Building practices.
On the continued success of this campaign, once again we are calling for donations of new and preloved bras in excellent condition for our “Bras for Fiji” campaign. A collection day will be conducted in conjunction with our Mother’s Day breakfast celebration on Monday 15 May. Collection bins will be located on route to the Mother’s Day Breakfast (gym foyer, Edmund Rice Campus) and at reception (both campuses).
Film director Damon Gameo (2040, That Sugar Film, Regenerating Australia), is currently casting for his new film “ Future Field Trip”. To this end, he is seeking eight children (aged 11-16) from around the world (and one of their parents) to join him in trip across Europe during July/August, in a yellow bus fuelled by biofuel, to explore some of the best ecological solutions, challenge some of the CEO’s of companies that could be doing better and work with the children to develop the skill they will need for the decades ahead with respect to caring for the environment.
Interested students may apply via the link below. Note; Applications close on Sunday 7 May.
https://go.mycastingnet.com/Ap...
The 3220 Beach Patrol Geelong group have scheduled a one-hour beach “Clean-up”, commencing at 9am on Saturday 27 May.
Volunteers are to meet at the upper end of the car park at 9:00am. Reusable bags and claws will be supplied. Participants are to bring their own gloves.
For more information and to register your interest, visit the 3220 Beach Patrol Group on Facebook.
Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator
Thank you to those who were able to attend the P&F meeting on Tuesday. There was a great turn out and parents enjoyed the opportunity to hear from John Mitchell, Acting Deputy Principal - Learning, and ask questions about what has been happening around the College.
P&F Annual Trivia Night is back in Term 2, Friday 26 May. This a great night where parents and staff “trivia” against each other take home the trivia crown. Lock in the date, start organising your team and book your tickets today.
Follow the link to secure your spot today
Our next meeting on Tuesday 23 May, 7pm in the staffroom. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you are unable to get there but would like to still be involved please email Jodie Warrick [email protected] to be added to the P&F email list.
Any families who would like to submit a Year 7 Enrolment application for 2024 are reminded that enrolments close on 5 May 2023.
This enrolment cut off also includes families who currently have a sibling attending St Joseph's College. Applications for any new Year 7 student who wishes to attend St Joseph's need to be submitted by the cut-off date to avoid disappointment.
Places are awarded using the College Enrolment Guidelines. Parents will be notified of enrolment acceptance by mid-June for Year 7 2024.
Information regarding the Online Application process can be found on the College website
The Canteen are in need of some volunteers to help serve our hungry students. Helpers can sign up via Operoo, entering their name into a roster for 10:30am-1:30pm shifts. Not only do we really appreciate the help, it is a great opportunity for volunteers to get to know each other, and have fun whilst doing so.
Danielle Thompson
Canteen Manager
On the continued success of this campaign, once again we are calling for donations of new and preloved bras in excellent condition for our “Bras for Fiji” campaign. A collection day will be conducted in conjunction with our Mother’s Day breakfast celebration on Monday 15 May. Collection bins will be located on route to the Mother’s Day Breakfast (gym foyer, Edmund Rice Campus) and at reception (both campuses).
Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator
Sunday 7th May.
Clairvaux School Hall, Reynolds Rd Belmont
8.00am – 2.00pm
1000’s of pre loved books on every topic imaginable.