2023 | ISSUE 7 | SJC Newsletter

Welcome to our second newsletter for the term.

Recently, our Year 12 students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a three-day school renewal program that proved to be a transformative experience. This program provided them with time and space to pause, reflect, and contemplate their story so far and their short-term and long-term goals. The invaluable guidance and support provided by our dedicated staff made this experience truly meaningful. We are deeply grateful to the staff who devoted their time and energy to helping our students navigate this crucial stage in their lives. Their commitment and dedication played an instrumental role in empowering our students to explore their passions, identify their aspirations, and chart a path towards a successful future. We thank the staff for their unwavering commitment to our student's growth and development.

I asked the House Coordinators about their experience and they shared the following thoughts.

Head of Butler - Patrick Prendergast

The Butler renewal took place in Anglesea. It was an opportunity for the Butler students to take a break from study and reflect on their journey and the experiences that have shaped them. I was pleased with their commitment to doing this and I was blown away by the positivity and kindness that was on display over the entirety of the camp. I felt that we all left much closer as a group and with a better understanding of who we are and where we are heading.

Head of Brophy - Matthew Walsh

The Yr 12 Brophy Cohort had another rewarding and empowering Renewals experience over the 3 days in Warburton. They engaged and reflected across several practical and insightful activities and came away from the Renewals with a better sense of the path they’ve travelled and the journey they’re currently on. All of the students who attended should be commended on their engagement and attitude throughout the experience.

Head of Foley – Elley Heard

Our year 12 Foley Students spent 3 days at Mill Valley Ranch in the Yarra Valley for their Renewals. The students were involved in many exciting and challenging activities that provided students with the opportunity to reflect on their personal journeys so far and share their hopes and goals for their futures. The Foley students approached every opportunity with open hearts and open minds, developing deeper connections and respectful relationships among their cohort.

On behalf of St Joseph's College, I would like to extend my gratitude to all who gave their support and contributions during our annual Edmund Rice Day. Thanks to your unwavering dedication, we are thrilled to announce that we have raised over $30,000.00, a remarkable achievement indeed!

The success of this event would not have been possible without the active participation and engagement of our incredible students. It was truly inspiring to witness their enthusiasm as they took part in various activities throughout the day. From the Cross Country race to a range of general activities, their energy and spirit were contagious. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Staff versus Year 12 Student Gaelic football match, where both teams displayed exceptional sportsmanship and camaraderie, with our staff coming out victors, but we must acknowledge the fantastic goal by Nicholas Wrigley and his awesome A league response.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to our amazing staff members for their tireless efforts in preparing and organising this memorable day. Their commitment and hard work ensured that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. The Edmund Rice liturgy reflects on the remarkable woman who supported and influenced his achievements and added a profound spiritual dimension to the event, allowing us to reflect on the values and principles that underpin our College community.

The funds raised during this event will go a long way in supporting Kensekka and our ongoing educational initiatives which provide invaluable resources for students. This collective effort demonstrates the power of our community and the shared commitment we have to support those who live on the margins.

I would now like to provide a video of Principal Tony Paatsch as he recently travelled to Kensekka, opening one of the buildings we have previously sponsored.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of our Wellbeing and Respectful Relationships Teams in engaging the work of Richie Hardcore and his presentations to our Year 10 and 11 students in the area of consent education.

Furthermore, I am delighted to learn that our college's Wellbeing Team has been recognised ahead of many other schools in this area. This was outlined in the SBS TV series "Asking For It" where episode three had some of our boys showcase the impact and influence of creating a safe and open environment for discussing sensitive subjects such as those in Richie’s presentation.

This week a number of our Year 9 students have completed the Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Training began during the student's Wellbeing period over the past three weeks, with the remaining cohorts to complete their training in the coming weeks. The trainers are from a range of staff at the College, who undertook facilitator training last year sponsored by our Old Collegians. The Teen MHFA course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals. The course equips teenagers with the skills to recognise and respond to a friend who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, the Teen MHFA course helps build the confidence needed to support a friend until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Thank you to all the mothers/grandmothers and special women in our students' lives who joined us for the Mother's Day breakfast last Monday. The overwhelming response from over 700 families made the morning truly special and a resounding success.

Your presence not only brightened the event but also showcased the strong bond between our students and the important women in their lives. We recognise the invaluable role you play in shaping the lives of our boys. Your love, guidance, and support have contributed immensely to their growth and development. The Mother's Day breakfast provided a wonderful opportunity for us to acknowledge and honour the significant impact you have had on our students.

This week we joined Sacred Heart College to introduce the 2024 timetable to our parents. We acknowledge change can often be an intimidating prospect, as it requires us to step out of our comfort zones and venture into the unknown. However, embracing change is crucial for schools to support the development of vital skills such as self-regulation and independent learning. By introducing a new school timetable that offers greater flexibility for individual learning pathways, we are fostering an environment that enables students to take control of their education and become self-regulated learners. This shift prepares our students for the challenges they will face as adult learners but also cultivates essential skills such as time management, decision-making, and goal setting. While change may initially evoke fear, it is through these experiences that individuals can grow, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

One change we are trialling this year is in the area of Microcredentialing. These are short, focused learning programs designed to enhance specific skills or knowledge in a particular field. They have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their flexibility and practicality. In a secondary education setting, microcredentials provide valuable support to students by offering targeted and specialised learning opportunities directed to their interests. By earning microcredentials, students can delve deeper into subjects or develop proficiency in specific areas that align with their career aspirations. These credentials offer a more personalised and adaptable learning experience, allowing students to acquire relevant skills quickly and efficiently. Additionally, microcredentials often have a strong practical component, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and showcase their competence to potential employers or universities. St Joseph’s College wants to provide microcredentials in our new timetable to support our students with an avenue to acquire focused expertise and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving job market through credentialing.

Currently with the support of Head of Innovative Learning, Tom Cashin and Year 9 Entrepreneur Project teacher, Ms Annalee McKew, we are trialing credentials as part of the student’s homework. The results so far have been very pleasing with our boys quickly engaging in the credentials. We also extend our thanks to the Collard Family who are supporting our entrepreneur program.

The units offered to our students are:

• New Business finding and finance

• New business resource acquisition

• Proposing a Business Idea

• Opportunities to start your own business

• Social Media 101

An example of our microcredential certificate can be seen below, which can be linked to a student's curriculum vitae, and social media accounts such as LinkedIn.

Lisa Pope
Acting College Principal

Deputy News - Wellbeing

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS INITIATIVES

IDAHOBIT DAY (international day against LGBTQIA+ discrimination) took place on Wednesday May 17. Homeroom was extended by 5 minutes across the school to allow for the homeroom teachers to deliver a short ten minute lesson to educate students on the day. Head of Student Services Isabel McGann also launched our ‘Inclusivity Lounge’ in T120 at lunch time. The room is decorated with signs and educational posters. The students listened to music, made fairy bread of the different gender and sexuality flags ensuring the space was inclusive and respectful. All students and staff were invited and encouraged to join in and make fairy bread flags and learn a bit about what each flag might mean.

Richie Hardcore, Muay Thai fighter and international speaker on gender, wellbeing & pornography, spoke to our Year 10 & 11 students about CONSENT, RESPECT and the harmful effects of social media & pornography on healthy relationships. We teamed up with Iona College and Thomas Carr College Tarneit and we hosted a very successful community event at the college. We thank our Parents and Friends Committee for supporting this event which saw staff and families come from over 10 different schooling communities. The SBS documentary Asking For It Episode 3 incorporated Richie Hardcore speaking with the 2022 SJC cohort and we are extremely proud of our students contributions and input into this. Respectful Relationships team are also planning towards having an ‘All Abilities’ day to be held in July which is Disability Awareness month.

The Year 8 Lifechanger program has commenced and the students have completed two out of the five sessions that will take place across Term 2 and 3. The Lifechanger coaches are engaging and full of energy which is complemented by the Mt Sion senior school mentors who also join each session. The Year 9 Teen Mental Health First Aid course is also getting some really positive feedback from students and we look forward to completing the course in the next two weeks.

Mark Kennedy
Deputy Principal - Wellbeing

Deputy News - Teaching and Learning

As we progress further into the term, it's important to reflect on the recent events that have unfolded within our learning community at St Joseph's College. Our students have had numerous opportunities to grow and learn, both inside and outside the classroom.

To start, our Year 8 and Year 10 students have successfully completed the Academic Assessment Services (AAS) testing. For those unfamiliar with AAS, it's an Australian organisation that specialises in providing valuable data to schools. This helps the College to make informed decisions about learning programs and gives our teachers the tools they need to support each student's unique learning journey. This testing not only highlights areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, but also allows for the tailoring of individual learning experiences. We're confident that the insights gained from these tests will further enhance the quality of education at St Joseph's.

The term has also been filled with a number of exciting excursions across various subject areas. We're thrilled to see our students' engagement and their continued dedication to their learning. Some notable highlights include:

• The Year 9 Full Steam Ahead students worked with Geelong Tech School to develop their own products using 3D CAD software and 3D printers, demonstrating their creativity and technical skills.
• Meanwhile, our Year 10 Applied students ventured to Marcus Hill to learn hands-on landscaping skills, immersing themselves in practical learning that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.
• The Year 10 History students had a deeply moving and educational trip to the Jewish Holocaust Centre, where they had the opportunity to tour the museum and interact with a Holocaust survivor, enriching their historical understanding.
• Last but not least, our Language students have been exploring cultural differences between Western and Chinese practices, fostering a broader worldview and a more profound understanding of diverse cultures.

These are just a few of the many wonderful learning experiences that our students have been part of this term. These real-life experiences and practical learning opportunities are invaluable for our students' development and understanding. They help to complement the academic learning in the classroom and provide a holistic educational experience.

We wholeheartedly encourage parents to continue partnering with us on this educational journey. Your involvement is critical to the success of your child, both academically and emotionally. As we move further into the term, our students in Years 8-11 will soon begin their preparations for the semester exams. Detailed information about the exam structure will be communicated to all families in due course. During these times of assessment, your support can be instrumental in helping your child navigate this period. Helping create a structured, realistic study schedule that is balanced with time for leisure can help your child approach their exams with confidence and resilience. The support you provide during this time can make a significant difference in their overall exam experience and academic performance.

John Mitchell
Acting Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Parents and Friends

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 23 May, 7pm in the Staffroom.

The 2023 Fashion Dinner, 20 October, will be discussed with a committee being formed to be part of the number 1 event on the Joeys calendar. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you are unable to get there but would like to still be involved or would like to be part of the Fashion Dinner Committee please email Jodie Warrick [email protected] to be added to the P&F email list or to discuss anything further.

2023 TRIVIA NIGHT

Tickets are selling fast for our Annual Trivia Night in a few weeks, Friday 26 May. This a great night where parents and staff “trivia” against each other take home the trivia crown. There are some great raffle prizes and a Supercats Box up for Auction on the night. Start organising your team and book your tickets today.

• $25 per person

• BYO food and drinks

• Tables of 6-10 per team

Follow the link to secure your table today

MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST

What an amazing turnout from our Joeys community for our Mother’s Day breakfast on Monday. We had over 700 guests who enjoyed the delicious breakfast cooked by the amazing SJC staff. There was a hive of chatter as our guests caught up with their children and friends. Thank you to the all the staff involved and to everyone who was able to come along and be part of our celebration of the women in our students lives. It is a truly special and important relationship for all of our students

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

TERRARIUM WORKSHOP

In preparation for Mother's Day, new sustainability leaders together with senior volunteers, conducted a Terrarium Workshop during lunchtime on Wednesday 10 May. Using a combination of pebbles, moss, orchid mixture and soil, students set to task with great enthusiasm, to create a wonderful and unique Terrarium.

STUDENT LEADER INITIATIVES

In support of the 2023 St Joseph’s College theme “Open our Heart and Minds to build a better world for all”, our Touchstone Student Leaders have embraced the opportunity to take action and incept change with respect to ecological endeavours. With the inception of the SJC Bike Survey by Yr 12 Touchstone Leader Lachlan Lamb following National Ride to School Day, Yr 11 student leader Luke Stacey initiated the notion of “house points” for rubbish collection and the first strategy was launched in collaboration with Edmund Rice Day on Friday 12 May. Luke’s next initiative aimed to promote the expediency of Eddie Coin production anticipates the training of 10 students over the coming weeks, to create “Eddie Coins” in the future. All students are encouraged to support the student leaders and their new initiatives to help create a “Better world for all!”.

UPCYCLING

With a goal of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy, we were thrilled to conduct our first contribution of “Upcycling” for the term to Nicole Urbanski, Urban Upcycle on Friday 12 May. In addition to a 240L bin filled with clean small boxes, Library staff also donated several boxes of old DVD’s and cases, filling her transport vehicle. The recycled items form an invaluable resource for Nicole, who conducts “Upcycling” workshops for various organisations and functions in our local community.

For further information on Urban Upcycle, visit; https://www.urbanupcycle.com.au/.

For further information regarding recycling at St Joseph’s College, visit the school website at; https://www.sjc.vic.edu.au/future-families/learning-at-sjc/sustainability

COMMUNITY NOTICES

LIMEBURNERS POINT CLEAN UP – SATURDAY 27 MAY - SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

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.

https://www.facebook.com/3220beachpatrol/

FRIENDS OF WAURN PONDS CREEK – SUNDAY 21 MAY – SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

On Sunday 21 May the “Friends” will gather from 9am (until 12pm) at the creek, at the plant site near the Barry Rogers Pavilion, to conduct maintenance of the plant site. The site may be accessed via the walking track from Meadowvale Drive. New helpers are welcome and may register on the day. Volunteers are required to provide their own protective footwear, gardening gloves and drinking water. Helpers must visit the FOWPC website prior to attending, to complete a COVID questionnaire. FOWPC website; https://www.friendsofwaurnpondscreek.org.au/aa%202023/05%20May%2021.html

Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator

Semester 1 Exams Years 8-11

The 2023 Semester 1 Exams are taking place during week 9 of term 2 (June 19- June 22) for students in years 8-11. Some important information regarding exams:

• A detailed letter will be shared with parents during week 5 outlining the requirements and conditions for exams at different year levels. This includes any relevant exam timetables and processes for absences for Mt Sion, Westcourt and Waterford students.
• Year 10 and 11 Students will not have scheduled classes during this time and are not required onsite if they do not have an exam. Private supervised study will be available to those students onsite who do not have an exam.
• Your child’s teacher will provide some revision materials in the lead up to the exam period.
• Friday June 23 is a student free day.

We encourage students to begin reviewing concepts and areas of study already covered thus far in Semester One in preparation for the exams. We aim for our students to develop their study skills to ensure that they are developing the effective learning habits for their future studies.

Peter Ryan
Head of Curriculum

Year 12 Renewal Reflections

Our Year 12 students recently returned from their House Renewal camps.

Renewals are an important component of the Religious Education program of the College. They provide an invaluable opportunity for the young men in Year 12 to spend time in personal reflection. It allows them to renew their body, mind and spirit by stepping out of their daily routine in a natural setting, participating in the Touchstone Renewal Program sessions and each camp’s unique set of engaging physical activities. The Renewals are also the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with their friends and teachers and in the process, energising themselves for the months of study that lie ahead. The students shared their gratitude with our Faith Development Coordinator, Ms Milverton, for planning the camps along with the House leaders and attending staff.

Reflections from each House Renewal

Foley

‘The activities were enjoyable, my personal favourite was the horse riding, they were eye opening and solemn. Made me feel good at the end of each of them.’

‘Really broad range of activities, which was super unique. Horse riding and canoeing was unique and fun.’

‘I really liked the personal level from the teachers to the students, and their life stories. Shows us they were once us too. I also liked the activities in groups, they were fun and got to talk to people I normally don't talk to.’

‘The liturgy was a decent one.’

‘I liked getting the notes from other students when opening our bag. They were all pretty enjoyable sessions.’

‘I liked looking at my future and thinking about my options.’

Jordan

‘I liked the rock climbing and share your story. I found the rock climbing to be enjoyable and the sharing helped people open up to each other.’

‘The sessions were a good chance to get to know people you don’t normally talk to and I think a lot of people got something out of it.’

‘I enjoyed the sessions where the teachers told us about their past and their life experiences and also the one when we were in small groups talking.’

‘Most of the sessions felt engaging and respectful.’

‘The best was getting to know the teachers better. The best activity was the adventure race and I also enjoyed the movie night. Just being with friends for a few days was really good as well.’

Brophy

‘The activities were very enjoyable we were able to complete activities that we may not feel comfortable with. I enjoyed all the activities that were undertaken and I enjoyed the time that we had and even the facilities we had available.’

‘They were all pretty decent the affirmations and the letters were the best.’

‘I enjoyed all the sessions. They all made everyone have a positive reflective time and gave everyone good memories with others.’

‘All the sessions were great, and very engaging. Sharing the memento would’ve been the best as it helped all open up, even for those who you wouldn’t know as well.

'I liked the trivia because it allowed all the students in each group to work together.’

Butler

‘The hiking and mountain bike riding were both very enjoyable as I found great pleasure in both the scenery and activities that I was engaging in.’

‘I enjoyed the sessions as they felt genuine and were structured quite well.’

‘I really enjoyed how everyone participated and no one judged anyone.’

‘I liked the parent letter most as I heard things I've never heard from my parents and liked writing back.’

‘The sessions were really great, I learned a lot about my group members and I could open up about myself.’

‘I enjoyed the slow and chill pace and bonding with my class mates as well as the sessions.’

Opening our hearts and minds on Edmund Rice Day

We began our Edmund Rice liturgy by lighting our first touchstones candle, Liberating education. Education is a basic need for all of humanity. Edmund Rice’s work rests largely on providing an education for the poorest children, those that without his help, would never have received. For many years, St Joseph’s has focused its efforts on providing an education for the children in Kensekka, Uganda. And on this day, we all shared in giving them a better life and future by raising the funds needed to sustain St Joseph’s Vocational School, a school built with love and compassion.

The feast day of Edmund Rice has been celebrated on May 5 since his beatification by Pope John Paul II in 1996. At that time the Pope spoke of Edmund as, "a shining example of the fruitfulness of the Christian Life”. Although we celebrated Edmund Rice day a week later this year, our commitment to honour him was stronger than ever.

Edmund Rice was a man who lived his life in service of others. Edmund’s real legacy was building a better world for though the gift of education. His heart and mind were open to allow himself to sacrifice his wealth in order to improve the lives of so many. If we ever need an example of someone living out our 2023 theme, to ‘open our hearts and minds to build a better world for all’, we can look to Edmund Rice.

This year our focus was on how Edmund Rice was many things. He was a loving son and friend of the poor, a widower, a caring father, a person of faith, a founder of religious foundations, a faithful teacher, and a person of his times. We then delved deeper into his many roles and explored the significant women that helped him create a better world for so many. Including Edmund’s mother Margaret Tierney, his wife Mary Elliott, his daughter Mary, Mary Power the wife of a wealthy corn merchant, Nano Nagle who courageously founded the first Irish Religious Order, the Presentation sisters, St Teresa of Avila and Mary, Mother of Jesus. 

Many people, particularly women, helped and inspired Edmund to live a life of service. A musical highlight of the liturgy was a performance by Deputy College Captain, Jesse Conroy’s original composition titled, ‘I Adore You’. We concluded with Mr Paatsch sharing a video message from Kensekka to reconnect us with Fr Emma, the families that we support and the difference we are making as he was present for the opening and blessing of the latest completed classroom building. Our ongoing support allows the legacy of Edmund Rice to continue to allow others most in need to access an education to empower them to flourish and live a sustainable life. The day’s celebrations continued with the cross country run, a variety of fun and engaging activities for all, concluding with a win to the teachers in a close game of Gaelic football.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Jodie Warrick, our Community Engagement Coordinator, successfully planned our Mother’s Day Breakfast. 600 egg and bacon rolls were cooked up by our volunteer staff to welcome our 2023 Mother’s/Carers and Sons to our St Joseph’s Mother’s Day Breakfast. Our Acting Deputy Principal, Lisa Pope, welcomed and addressed the gathering before students lead the Acknowledgement of Country and prayer reflection. Our senior band proudly shared their talents playing a selection of musical pieces.

This year our theme is to, ‘Open our hearts and minds to build a better world for all.’ We know that the Mother figures in our lives do this, and we thanked them as they teach us to do the same. They support us to be young people who show compassion, empathy and gratitude, who go out into the world with their love and support to strive to be the best version of ourselves, who contribute to making a difference in our world.

Edmund Rice Day 2023 - Student Reflections

Eddy Rice Day was a good way to donate and raise money for students living in Kensekka. The day had many exciting and fun activities, my favourite one was the AFL longest kick. I also enjoyed watching the teacher's vs students Gaelic footy match, which was another highlight of mine, and the crowd was really behind the students. Overall, the day ran very smoothly, I am sure many others would agree with me, it was a great day.
Lenny Allen (Year 10)

Edmund Rice Day was an enjoyable day of celebration for us all at SJC. It is always a good day, as we raise money for those less fortunate, like our sister school in Kensekka, Uganda. There are many fun activities, catering for all year levels. My favourite activity was just being able to spend the day with my mates, who also happened to teach me how to play chess.
Daniel Di Santo (Year 10)

As a Touchstone Leader at St Joseph’s College Geelong, Edmund Rice Day is one of the most important days of the school year. It serves as a day of fun and relaxation for some, and for others such as the Year 7s, it showcases what the school is all about and has to offer them during their time within it’s grounds. The majority of the proceeds raised goes towards supporting St Joseph’s Kensekka Vocational Secondary School in Uganda, our sister school, dedicated to helping youth in the impoverished community through education. The remaining money goes towards local organisations, such as Beyond Blue and Lifeboat, which provide invaluable aid to Geelong and rely on donations to keep functioning.

Additionally, it is an opportunity to come together as a community and feature our unique talents for the benefits of others, an example being the Mario Kart tournament that ran on the day which I helped to run as a successful and fun activity, for all involved.

Overall, the day, like Blessed Edmund Rice himself, inspires hope and compassion in the hearts of staff and students alike, showing that when we are united, a difference can be made in the world around us.
Kade Hyde (Year 10)

ACC Open Golf

Our ACC Open Golf squad ventured to Northern Golf Course on Monday 15^th May and defended their ACC Open golf title.

It was a perfect day for golf, 21 degrees with light winds. The boys represented the school with skill and class.

Scores for the day were:

• Louis Van Ingen 72
• Edward Sargeant 74
• Chris Filipowicz 74
• James Harry 80
• William Norris 80
• Hamish McDine 82
• Tom Hyland 85
• Jacob Young 87

The 1st XVIII football team faced a tough challenge against St Bede's Mentone in Round 2 on Wednesday 10 May at Gerry Green Reserve in Parkdale. St Joseph's trailed by just 11 points at halftime, however, St Bede's kicked eight goals to three in the second half resulting in a final score St Joseph's 8.4 (52) to St Bede's Mentone 15.12 (102). Sol Bowtell was the standout player with three goals, while Fletcher Hughes, Angus Hanley, Francesco Posterino, Thomas Burke, Thomas Bartlett, Nicholas Dowling, and Liam Kershaw also had impressive performances.

In Year 10 ACC football, St Joseph's Geelong had a hard-fought win against Whitefriars Donvale on Tuesday at Whitefriars College Oval. St Joseph's kicked five goals to one in the first quarter and managed to hold on for an 8-point victory despite the severe rain. Nathan Pratt kicked two goals, while Jordie Stone, Wichay Paul, Charlie Meadows, Archer Chamberlain, Thomas Handley, Eamon Roberts, Tyson Roberts, and Lenny Allen all made significant contributions to the victory.

In the Year 9 Red match, St Joseph's faced Whitefriars on Drew Oval Herne Hill and managed to hold them off for a 1-point victory. The match was close throughout, with four goals each in the last quarter, resulting in a final score of St Joseph's 10.6 (66) to Whitefriars Donvale 10.5 (65). Alexander Assemani, William Hibble, Jack Pickett, and Tom Clark each kicked two goals for St Joseph's, while Darcy Harrington, Hugh Buckby, Taj Hassett, Tom Teague, Jack Pickett, William Hibble, Charlie Gray, and Alexander Assemani were all in the best players.

Year 9 Yellow also faced Whitefriars Donvale in a fantastic game next door at Walker Oval. Despite difficult blustery conditions, both teams played with great energy and skill, producing a thrilling contest. St Joseph's Yellow held a 17-point lead at three quarter time, but unfortunately gave up the advantage in the final quarter to go down by seven points. Lucas De Stefano kicked four goals, while the other best performers were Nate Mensch, Riley McLeod, Will Skabla and Jack Skinner.

In the 1st XI ACC soccer match on Wednesday, St Joseph's faced a tough challenge against the Manchester City aligned Parade Bundoora in Bundoora. Despite being undermanned, St Joseph's put in a determined effort but ultimately lost 4-1. Seth Sutherland kicked the solitary goal for St Joseph's, while Akolde Lueth, Jack McTaggart, and William Casha all had strong performances.

Finally, in Year 10 ACC soccer, St Joseph's had an impressive second-half performance to defeat Parade Bundoora also at Parade. After a goalless first half, St Joseph's kicked three goals to one in the second. Patrick Wall scored two goals, while Adam Saric, Liam Paterson, Nicholas Mason, and Tobias Servin also played well.

The 1st XI Soccer boys faced Emmanuel College and suffered a 4-2 loss in an entertaining match. The score remained 0-0 at halftime before all 6 goals were scored in the second half. William Casha and Akolde Lueth scored for St Joseph's and were also recognized as the best players, alongside Jack McTaggart and Seth Sutherland.

The 1st XVIII Footballers faced an impressive outfit from Parade College in Bundoora. Despite some strong individual performances, the boys were outplayed and suffered a 45-point defeat. Angus Hanley, Sol Bowtell, Finn Hoey, and Isaac Conlan stood out as the best players, while Zekiah Davey contributed with two goals. We congratulate Year 11 students Tyler Monahan, Nicholas Saunders, Kye Smith, Hamish Codd and Xavier Tatterson who each debuted.

With the Year 10 soccer team having the week off with the bye, the Year 10 Football team had an impressive performance against Christian College Geelong. The boys dominated the second and third quarters in particular - kicking 17 of their 23 goals - as they secured a convincing victory with a margin of 153-points. Fraser Stow and Nathan Pratt both scored four goals, while Jakobi Davey added three. Max Chambers, Hamish Burchall, Lucas Paatsch, and Luka Gerber were among the best players.

The Year 9 Soccer team faced Salesian in Chadstone and suffered a 3-2 defeat. They conceded all three goals in the first half but showed resilience in the second and fought it out until the final whistle. Flynn Van Der Chys and Karl Leban were the goal scorers for St Joseph's, while Aaron Pitout and Zac Bartolo stood out as the better players.

The Year 9 Red Football team faced a combined Year 9 and 10 team from St Ignatius College in a friendly match. Despite their efforts, they fell short by 7-points in a reduced time last quarter. Harry Lever impressed with three goals and was among the best players, along with Cooper Costelloe, Henry Wright, and Darcy Harrington.

Lastly, the Year 9 Yellow team travelled to De La Salle College in Malvern in their third ACC match and secured a 39-point victory. Despite a slow start - with 0 goals and 7 behinds in the first quarter - they bounced back to claim a comprehensive win. Lucas De Stefano contributed three goals to the team's success whilst the best performers in the match were George O'Dwyer, Jack Kelly, Anthony Nao, and Jordan Lehmann.

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