2023 | ISSUE 9 | SJC Newsletter

Principal's Video News

I have enjoyed the time away but it is always good to get back to work and reconnect with colleagues and students. I would like to acknowledge the terrific leadership of Lisa Pope and John Mitchell in their respective roles as Principal and Deputy Principal – Learning during my absence.

The TIME Project has been a really significant project which is being underway for over three years. One of the final stages i.e. communication to the broader community has taken place in recent weeks. The management and implementation of change within any organisation is always challenging and I have particularly admired the way that Lisa and the leadership team have been clear and fulsome in their communication with families regarding the initiatives to be implemented in 2024.

Viewing what is happening at school through a similar lens to that which families have is an interesting exercise. I have read the newsletter, received emails, read social media, checked the website… and of course read the newspapers. I must confess to having had the odd chuckle at some of the headlines. Just for the record … if you saw (and believed) the headlines and some social media commentary: We are not reverting to remote learning next year, we are not changing to a four-day week and we are not reducing the amount of tuition or access to teachers that students will be receiving. In simple terms the changes build in variability and flexibility to student programs (in increasing degrees as students move through the school). I have every confidence that these changes will enhance the ability of our graduates to excel in their post-secondary ambitions.

During my time away had the privilege of visiting the community at Kensekka. Most of the local people are joyful and welcoming, and they radiate hope, despite the fact that many (most?) live in the most appalling conditions. Most are subsistence farmers, HIV infection is a reality for over 50% of adults, government services, even the most basic are barely existent.

Two decades ago children from this area gathered under a tree and received some basic instruction from an unqualified person who ‘taught’ them. A generation later, for zero or minimum payment (or minimal in-kind donation of labour or food), students can attend and complete primary school. After our initial support for, and resourcing of the primary school, the Cotton On Foundation is now its primary financial support.

Today, students who wish can continue on to secondary school at the St Joseph’s Vocational Secondary School Kensekka. They receive tuition from teachers who we pay, in classrooms we have built, on land we have purchased and enjoy a meal which we help provide. Together we are the source of hope for this community. On behalf of our friends in the Kensekka community I want to convey sincere thanks for your ongoing generosity.

I also had the privilege of attending a gathering of the leaders of Edmund Rice schools and communities from across the globe. There are vast differences in the places where these schools and communities exist. Some are in affluent areas in wealthy countries and provide education for children from well off families. Many more are from communities like Kensekka, but the vast majority including us, are somewhere in between. All have in common the commitment to gospel values interpreted through the lens of Blessed Edmund Rice, which has a particular focus on caring for (and educating) those most in need.

I was disappointed to miss the annual reunions coordinated by our Old Collegians Association a couple of weeks ago however, I was delighted to meet with a small group of old collegians who are based in the United States. I am very grateful for the welcome and hospitality of David Collard (2002), who generously hosted the gathering. David is also a significant supporter of the College bursary program and our developing student entrepreneur program.

During recent weeks there has been some anxiety as to whether the state government changes to payroll tax and related imposts of the state COVID debt levy and state mental health and wellbeing surcharge will apply to St Joseph’s. I am pleased to confirm that, as a result of our all-inclusive fee being around $6,500, and well below the implementation threshold, these additional taxes will not apply.

We have commenced the task of building a budget for the 2024 school year. There will certainly be some additional expenses as a result of changes to the multi-enterprise agreement, particular the reduction in face-to-face teaching hours and provision of time in lieu for outside hours activities including camps. As always we remain committed to maintaining our fees at the lowest level possible while ensuring we continue to provide an excellent education for each student.

God Bless

Tony Paatsch
Principal

Support the gift of a Joey’s education by donating to our bursary fund

Because of YOU…

Because of YOU, our annual giving campaign can provide fee support to those that wish for a first-class St Joseph’s education, but cannot afford one.

Because of YOU, we can support students who would otherwise not be able, to undertake activities and excursions that deepen their curiosity and learning.

Because of YOU, the SJC Foundation can continue to support our boys, often in ways that are not seen but that most definitely are felt.

YOU can be the difference. Any amount, no matter how small will have an immense impact on our boys now and into the future.

Please donate to support our Annual Bursary Appeal.

Being a Joey’s boy is not only about receiving a great education. It’s also about membership of a community that is building genuine connections with each other, making a difference and supporting mates. The SJC Foundation is committed to ensuring that this opportunity is available to all boys, despite their means. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

Warick Brown - Chair, St Joseph’s College Foundation
Tony Paatsch - College Principal

Deputy News

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

All Westcourt students have had the Teen Mental Health First Aid course delivered to them this term. Our SJC home gown facilitators all received appropriate training in 2022 after the Old Collegian Society donated $30,000 to the cause to see this type of education delivered to our Year 9 students each year. All facilitators are really pleased with the level of engagement from our students and the boys’ feedback has been extremely positive with the key messages and takeaways from the course. Each student received a Teen MHFA certificate and has a greater understanding of Mental Health literacy and how to support themselves or the peers when they are experiencing a mental health problem. A big thank you to our facilitators Ash Crook, Mary Malone, Luke Parsons, Karen Shum, Vicki Mills, Annalee McKew, Lisa Pope, Matthew O’Brien, Cassie Gleeson, Andrew Dowd and Sam Querella who delivered the program along with myself.

BUS BEHAVIOURAL NORMS

It is a timely reminder to discuss the following behavioural bus norms with your child. We would like to ensure we finish the semester with no incidences and full respect shown to the buses, drivers and fellow bus travellers.

Whilst travelling on a bus St Joseph’s students will adopt the following bus norms;

• Greet the bus driver and scan their valid Myki when boarding and leaving the bus.
• Eat their food and not throw it.
• Keep the bus equipment and furniture in good condition.
• Only push the stop bell when required.
• Avoid using any inappropriate language.
• Keep the volume of noise to a reasonable level.
• Place food and rubbish in bins and not on seats or floors.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE

Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and happy mid-year holiday. I am taking long service leave for all of Term 3 and taking my young family in our caravan up to far North Queensland for much of it. Cassandra Gleeson will be Acting Deputy Principal Wellbeing and I trust the Joey’s community will support her in this time.

Mark Kennedy
Deputy Principal - Wellbeing

Identity News

Refugee Week 2023 Finding Freedom

Due to exam week, we will be celebrating Refugee Week at St Joseph’s Week 2 of Term 3 Monday 17^th July – Friday 21^st July. This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom’.

According to the Refugee Council of Australia, to be free means: To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to Nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love and to dream. Each year a theme is used to promote harmony and togetherness. The theme unites individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause. The common theme is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity. https://www.refugeeweek.org.au...

This year’s theme encourages us to showcase the journey of finding freedom in our own communities and live, whether it be through a new home, a new career, finding love or friendships. Let us show compassion and celebrate the resilience that makes up parts of our wider community. For freedom should not be an ask, it should be a way of life.

Joey’s Community Cultural Diversity Cook Book

We are inviting our St Joseph’s families, students and staff to share a much-loved recipe from your cultural heritage to contribute to our inaugural, ‘Joey’s Community Cultural Cook Book’. Please send your recipe in to [email protected] . Format: Size 12 font Arial, Ingredients, Method Steps, Photo.

Refugee Week Events will include the following:

Wellbeing Lesson Students will participate in a lesson reflecting on the Refugee Week 2023 Finding Freedom, including a special student and staff collaborative recording of Anh Do’s, ‘The Happiest Refugee’.

Circle of Solidarity - Tuesday 18^th July Lunchtime in the Quad

Our student led ‘Circle of Solidarity’ is an opportunity for all student leaders to participate in an emotional gathering to show support for refugees in our community and people seeking asylum. We gather not only to educate but also to uphold our values of compassion and integrity just as Edmund Rice would have.

Support for ‘The Welcome Place’ Culturally Appropriate Food Items

Kathy Jenkins, award winning former St Joseph’s College history teacher and member of the Combined Refugee Action Group Geelong, has informed us that there is a great need to support the food bank at ‘The Welcome Place’, with twenty-two families recently requiring food items. In order to provide support to people on Bridging Visas who have had their Status Resolution Support Service income support taken away, or who have Safe Haven Enterprise or Temporary Protection Visas and who do not have ongoing work, a food bank has been established at the Wesley Asylum Seeker Welcome Place. This is in response to the Diversitat food bank closing due to funding ending. We will allocate a list of culturally appropriate items to selected year levels to request support the food bank during Refugee Week next term. Allocated items will be the SIMON Daily Messages for each year level to donate. Each homeroom will be provided with a box for the collection of donated items. Please support it.

As a school community this year we are committed to our theme, to ‘Opening our hearts and minds to build better world for all.’ We are committed to justice and peace for all and together the actions of our hands, hearts and our voices in solidarity, bring peace and freedom in our world.

I conclude with an upcoming message from Pope Francis.

109th World Day Of Migrants and Refugees 2023 ‘Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay’.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:35-36). These words are a constant admonition to see in the migrant not simply a brother or sister in difficulty, but Christ himself, who knocks at our door. Consequently, even as we work to ensure that in every case migration is the fruit of a free decision, we are called to show maximum respect for the dignity of each migrant; this entails accompanying and managing waves of migration as best we can, constructing bridges and not walls, expanding channels for a safe and regular migration. In whatever place we decide to build our future, in the country of our birth or elsewhere, the important thing is that there always be a community ready to welcome, protect, promote and integrate everyone, without distinctions and without excluding anyone. https://migrants-refugees.va/w...

Mary Malone - Director of Identity 
Brad Lynch - Refugee Coordinator

Handbooks and Subject Selection

The 2024 subject selection handbooks are now available for students and families to access. These handbooks outline the specifics of study at each year level and includes subject information as well as general learning information for students. They are designed so students and families can make informed decisions about their subject selections and learning pathways while at St Joseph’s College.

While the handbooks provide a comprehensive outline of the academic offerings at St Joseph’s, they are supported by the Mt Sion Subjection Expo and Westcourt information evenings which take place early in term 3. These evenings will provide families with an opportunity to discuss further the range of subjects and pathways available to our students. We encourage you to peruse the handbooks prior to the information evenings to allow us to answer any questions or provide further guidance for students.

Subject selection information and processes, including acceleration options, will be shared with students early next term. To access the handbooks, please go to the relevant Sub-School page under ‘Our Learning’ or follow this link.

Peter Ryan
Head of Curriculum

Mt Sion Subject Expo

The Mt Sion Subject Expo has all the information you need for all your Year 10-12 subject selection needs. It will take place on Wednesday 12 July from 6pm until 8pm. This year sees five different sessions running and we have two specific welcome sessions this year with the Year 10 into VCE session running at 6:10pm in the Peter Cannon Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Our second welcome session starts at 6:30pm for our Year 9 into Year 10 session. The remaining sessions target a range of audiences with different pathways at Mt Sion and are listed below, timings are listed on the brochure with each session starting at 6:10pm:

• VCE

• VCE Vocational Major

• Vocational Education and Training

• Prerequisite subjects

• Acceleration and Year 10

The subject expo once again runs in the Gym starting at 6pm and finishing up at 8pm, with all the expertise of our amazing teachers to assist with subject selection and to answer any questions you might have about subjects and pathway choices. The Gym also houses some representatives of Deakin University and RMIT University with information for students currently in Year 12 about tertiary courses on offer. Deakin Accelerate will also be present to chat about how university subjects can become part of your Mt Sion learning journey. The Gordon will also be in attendance to answer questions in relation to TAFE offerings for 2024 and beyond. Please check the brochure for further information and should need anything clarified please be in contact on 5226 8116 or via email – [email protected]

Brad Smith
Head of Learning Mt Sion (Years 10-12)

Westcourt Expo

The Westcourt team are thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the highly anticipated annual Expo, where exceptional student work from our Project classes will be showcased. This promises to be a unique day for our Year 9s, and we are eager to share this experience with their families. Our students have been diligently preparing to present their projects to the community, and we extend a warm invitation to parents, carers, and family members to visit their child on this special occasion. We kindly request all parents and carers respond to the Operoo to confirm their attendance.

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

INDIGENOUS ARTWORK INTERACTIVE SIGNAGE

To celebrate Reconciliation Week our long-term goal of establishing interactive signage to complement our Indigenous artwork series, has come to fruition. Utilising QR codes laser cut into Victorian Ash timber plaques, the community is now able to access the narrated stories for each of the four-artwork series (Animals, Culture, Water and You Yangs) by artist Bri Apma Hayes with the use of a phone or iPad. I would like to acknowledge our First Nations students involved in the narration of the series; Zachariah Millar, Morris O’Neill- Wood and former student Jacob Assemani. Special thanks also to the following staff members that assisted in various stages of the project; Leanne Adams, Andrew Ball, Matthew Boccia, Sue Collins, Lachy Porter and Charlie Purdy, Doug Summers and former staff member Mark Hagebols.

MAKING EDDIE COIN

In response to Touchstone Leader Luke Stacey’s initiative to promote the expediency of Eddie Coin production, the idea of training a selected number of students to make Eddie Coin was incepted. The concept was well received and many students across all year levels were eager to sign up to make Eddie Coins. Selected students conducted two lunchtime training sessions, followed by an Eddie Coin workshop. utilising the Injection Moulding Machine. Participants took part in creating some Eddie coins and collaborated to design the “prototype for the second edition, to be launched during Term 3. I would like to thank staff member Andrew Read for the facilitation of the training and workshop and congratulate the following students on the completion of their training and production of “Eddie Coin”; Jack Allan, Cameron Alphinstone, Edison Bell, Hayden Cieciura, Joseph Corcoran, Kade Hyde, Morgan Mennerich-Rabanin, Sam O’ Neill, Ethan Read, Luke Stacey and Isaac Versteegen.

I have loved all the sustainability opportunities I have done so far and my favorite has been Eddie coin making. We did two lunch times and an after-school session. The lunch times were to do a worksheet to see if we were eligible to use the machine and the after-school session was actually making the Eddie coins. It was really fun we got to push the mould clamp together and make the coins. We also got to sort out bottle caps but that wasn’t as much fun. When It was my turn to make them I was really excited and it was really fun. I would do it again! Morgan Mennerich-Rabanin – Year 7

HABITAT ASSESSMENT

As part of our commitment to the ResourceSmart program, on Tuesday 6 June, Yr 7 Sustainability Leaders together with Bram McLeod, ResourceSmart Schools Facilitator, Environment Education Victoria, conducted a Habitat Assessment of the Edmund Rice Campus, to assess our progress and improvements in the area of biodiversity. Elements of the assessment incorporated; documenting the number of habitat trees (above 6metres), shrubs and understory, groundcover, soil management, percentage mulch cover, productive gardens, weed action, animals and extra features. We are pleased to announce a resulting score of 79/100 (2023) compared to previous scores of 73 (2018) and 68 (2015). I would like to thank Bram McLeod for facilitating the workshop and the following sustainability leaders for their involvement on the day; Zubayr Akhtar, Lachlan Brady, Hamish Cooke, Maverick Evans, James Hayward, Morgan Mennerich-Rabanin, William Nolan, George Mansfield, Harry McIntyre, Coda Philpot, Xavier Shanahan &William Wylie.

I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing work of staff member Alex Munro (Grounds/ Maintenance) for the continued maintenance and management (often unseen) of the grounds (including soil management) and the work of our contracted gardener Phil Hunter and team from Wild Places Management and Consulting, for their ongoing and often challenging work on the Carey Oval embankments.

Members of the Sustainability team had the opportunity to work with Ms Jenkins and Bram for a Habitat Assessment on 6 June. We learnt about certain plants and counted numbers for different types of trees. It was a great opportunity to learn about the animals and how to be more sustainable. I am so grateful for this opportunity and would love to do it again. Hamish Cooke – Year 7

Today we walked around the school and counted plants, birds, rocks plus more. I learnt about ow many plants were native and non-native and what the difference is.

William Wylie – Year 7

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CHALLENGE

In a bid to establish a complete register of indigenous bird species that frequent the College grounds, The World Environment Challenge was incepted. Students were provided the opportunity to write a paragraph for publication in the student bulletin, regarding facts relating to an indigenous bird species they had witnessed at the College. Congratulations to the following students for their contribution; Lachlan Brady, Archie Cook, Hamish Cooke, George Gemmill, James Hayward, Allister Hill, Morgan Mennerich-Rabanin; Harrison Smith, Weiland Tyler Gangoso, Oscar Winiecki and William Wylie.

Bird species reviewed include; Butcherbird, New Holland Honeyeater, Magpie, Rainbow Lorikeet, Crested Pigeon, Eastern Rosella, Upland Sandpiper and Wattlebird.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY TREE PLANTING

To celebrate World Environment Day (5 June), our contracted gardeners Phil Hunter and Ellie Brundt visited the College on Tuesday 6 June, to support students with the next stage of the Carey Oval Revegetation project. Concentrating on the south embankments, work commenced with the design and laying out of plants on the south garden, followed by planting during lunchtime by volunteers together with our College Identity Leader, Mrs Mary Malone. Species planted in this garden bed included; Common woodruff (Asperula conferta) Slender speedwell (veronica gracillis) Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) Smooth parrot-pea (Dillwynia glaberrima), Australian tobacco (Nicotiana suaveolen), Austral storksbill (Pelargonium austral), Rock Correa (Correa glabra) and Common Wallaby-grass (Rytidosperma caespitosa).

Planting continued into the afternoon, with a new group of volunteers signing up to complete Enviroservice after school. Following the completion of planting out the south garden and the addition of Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) into the garden beds adjacent to the new Sports Complex, the following trees, shrubs and grasses were planted behind the pavilion on the south east corner of the oval; Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticilliata), Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata), Fragrant saltbush (Rhagodia parabolica), Silver Banksia (banksia marginata), Golden Wattle (acacia pycnantha) Lightwood (acacia implexa), Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata) Tree Everlasting (ozothamnus ferrugineous) Snowy mint-bush (Prostranthera nivea), Tussock Grass (Poa labillardierei), Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides), Red oat grass (themeda triandra).

NEW SPECIES FOR RECONCILIATION GARDEN

Over the past fortnight, Sustainability Leaders and volunteers have worked through Friday lunchtimes to rejuvenate our treasured Reconciliation garden, with the introduction of several new indigenous species including;

Kidney weed (Dichondra repens), Native violet (Viola hederacea), Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides), Red oat grass (themeda triandra), Smooth parrot-pea (Dillwynia glaberrima), Yellowish bluebell (Wahlenbergia luteola), Slender speedwell (veronica gracillis), Common woodruff (Asperula conferta), Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) and Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata). Several Rock Correa (Correa glabra) and Gold Dust wattle (acacia acinacea) were also included for extra colour, raising the total number of new plants in this garden to one hundred. Coupled with the new plantings around the Paul Tobias Centre and Carey Oval embankments, a total of 500 new trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted at the Edmund Rice Campus in recent weeks.

TREE PROJECT

In alignment with our Sustainability goals to increase biodiversity and the 2023 St Joseph’s College theme “Open our Heart and Minds to build a better world for all”, this semester we engaged with the “Tree Project”, a not for profit organisation incepted in1989, with the purpose of revegetating rural areas across Victoria with indigenous flora species. The program involves training volunteers to propagate indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses and care for the plants until they reach an appropriate size for planting. At designated times throughout the year, seedlings are then distributed to rural landholders and Landcare groups for planting, to help restore Victoria’s damaged ecosystems. To date, over 2 million trees have been planted by volunteers in the program. Mt Sion students commenced propagating 350 seeds of various species (Including Moonah, Red River Gum, Golden Wattle, Climbing Saltbush and Black Box) in December 2022 and whilst there were many tribulations and varying successes of individual species, they successfully conducted the “hand over” of seedlings, just ahead of World Environment Day ready for planting on 6 June near Kerang.

During the HeadStart program in Term 4 2022, Year10 landscaping students commenced planting the seeds of 350 native plants for a state Tree Project. Over the course of this year, students have supervised their growth, initially in the green house and later outside the Applied Learning shed. Watering, weeding and ensuring they were disease and pest free were main concerns, but all controlled. In recent weeks, students completed a final check and “packup” in preparation for handing them back, ready to planted for a revegetation project on several farms in the Kerang region. The associated images showcase students in the greenhouse making the final checks and packing of 100 Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata) plants.

Andrew Read.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

WESTERN BEACH CLEAN UP – SATURDAY 22 JUNE - SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

The 3220 Beach Patrol Geelong group have scheduled a one-hour beach “Clean-up”, commencing at 9am on Saturday 22 June at Western Beach, Waterfront. 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/

Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator

St Joseph’s College eSports.

Throughout Term 1, students across Year 7-10 have participated in the Acer Australian eSports League High School Cup.

The Acer High Schools Cup is a national program that provides students across Australia a robust and well-structured competitive environment for High Schools to compete in Video Games. Tournaments are conducted during each term of the school year. Competition takes place over the internet familiarizing students with the benefits of the latest technology and software.

eSports requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity from players to achieve and sustain success. Schools and players in high school have had a great experience with the game, and continue to experience its benefits.

Esports Benefits

• Sense of Inclusive Community
• Team building / Collaboration
• Character Development
• Increase of Student Agency
• Development of positive structured gaming
• Increase Achievement
• STEM Engagement

Games on Offer

Rocket League (G Rated)- is a fantastical sport-based video game, developed by Psyonix (it is “soccer with cars”). It features a competitive game mode based on teamwork where you outmanoeuvre opponents.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate (PG Rated) - A fighting game for individuals to play against up to eight players. In this game characters from Nintendo games and other third-party franchises must try to knock each other out of an arena.

Year 10 student Cooper Hickey, has been a consistent competitor in the AEL, competing in the Super Smash Bros tournament. In the most recent competition competed against 15 other students from schools all over Australia, reaching the Grand Final in a best of 3 knock out.

Due to external commitments Cooper, competed in only half of the tournament(completely). The very first week started strongly but unfortunately had to Disqualify himself for that bracket.

A 3rd week return saw him dominate the competition, during that week he didn’t lose a single game, it was definitely a confidence builder, in Coopers own words “I knew from the get go this was going to be a land slide”. Win after win and eventually placed 8th in the player rankings for the entire tournament.

Grand Final week came, Coopers confidence was high. “I knew I was going to win, during my grand final run I thought It would be funny to not play my main character, but some of the alternates in the game like King Kong, Rool and Incineroar”. Cooper was victorious on his path to the Grand Final.

The Journey wasn’t smooth however as he lost his bracket match, dropping him to the loser brackets, giving him the opportunity to win his way back into the Grand Final Match.

“I decided to make the swap to King K. Rool and won, as soon as I won I knew they were stressed about the situation, whereas I stayed perfectly calm.”

The nerves creeped up on my competition, and eventually overwhelmed them. I won Grand Final!

“AEL was a really fun experience for me as it was what sparked my competitive drive back in 2022, all I can really say is thanks to the guys who helped run the event.”

Parents and Friends

Another term has flown and the SJC P&F team continue to keep busy planning, getting together and supporting our College Community.

Our next social event for our SJC community is the SJC COMEDY NIGHT SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY 4 AUGUST and keep an eye on socials over the holidays when we can announce our Comedians who will have you in stitches when they head down the highway to the SJC PAC. Tickets will go on sale first week of term 3.

FASHION DINNER

Fashion Dinner preparations are well on their way for our annual Fashion Dinner on Friday 20 October at Mt Duneed Estate.

It is great to have Gartland, Sip Sip and The Ponds back on board again as our major Sponsors supporting the night. Eyewear On Pako Runway will return with Fashion Houses being confirmed over the next few weeks.

If you would like to be part of our Fashion Dinner Committee please email Jodie Warrick [email protected], we are after donations for the silent auction, raffle and live auction as well as support leading up to and on the night.

Thanks you to those who have been able to attend our meetings and support the running of the events we have held the first half of the year. We have an amazing supportive Community at St Joeys and the work our P&F do keeps that community connection going.

If you would like to be part of the super friendly and fun group of the P&F team, please reach out to Jodie Warrick [email protected] or come along to our next meeting on Tuesday 1 August to become involved in supporting your son's journey at Joeys alongside the P&F team.

Jodie Warrick
Events and Community Engagement Coordinator

St Joseph's celebrated a successful day on the field as they secured multiple victories in the Semi Final's of the Year 9 and 10 Football and Soccer competitions on Tuesday. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Year 10 Soccer team's dominant performance against St Bernard's Essendon after going down to the same opponent last week.

In a display of exceptional skill and teamwork, the Year 10 Soccer team emerged victorious in their clash against St Bernard's Essendon. With the scores equal at 1-1 at half time, the boys blasted home five unanswered goals in the second half. Liam Paterson and Patrick Wall proved to be instrumental, each scoring two goals, while Gianluca Sozzi and Alexander Giorgio both scored one. The best players were Alexander Giorgio, Patrick Wall, Liam Paterson, Gianluca Sozzi, and Tobias Servin. The boys will aim to go back to back in two weeks' time after their success in Year 9 last year.

Meanwhile in the Year 10 Football, St Joseph's progressed to yet another Grand Final with a commanding 39-point victory over Whitefriars Donvale 14.7 (91) to 6.6 (42). The boys trailed by three points at quarter time, but it was smooth sailing from there on kicking 12 goals to four in an impressive display. Jordan Monahan was the standout performer with five majors in a best on ground performance. Hunter Moorfoot and Ethan Taylor also made significant contributions with two goals each whilst Eamon Roberts, Hugo Walsh, Thomas Handley, Charlie Meadows and Lucas Paatsch were the best players. The boys have progressed to their second successive ACC Grand Final as a group (Year 9 2022), and the Year 10 team's third consecutive Grand Final, where they will face Parade Bundoora at Parade College's Waterford Oval next Tuesday.

The Year 9 Yellow Football team secured a convincing victory over Whitefriars Donvale to progress to their Grand Final in two weeks' time. St Joseph's dominated the game from the outset, kicking six first half goals to two, before continuing that form in the second to run out 35-point victors. Will Skabla stood out with an exceptional performance contributing seven goals – the equal second highest goal tally in a match in the Yellow team's short history. The team's other best performers were Zachary Casamento, Jonathon Punchard, Patrick Sullivan, Jack Trewin, Reuben Long, Jasper Moreland and Archer Ryan.

The Year 9 Red Football team unfortunately fell short in their Semi Final against Whitefriars Donvale. The boys were unable to go with the speed and strength of the Whitefriars boys, going down by 69-points at the final siren. Despite the loss Jack Pickett, Darcy Harrington, Ryder Warry, William Hibble, Cooper Costelloe and Domenic Posterino put in a valiant effort and were recognized as the team's best performers.

Year 8 Systems Technology

To finish the semester, Year 8 Systems Technology students are completing the “Catapult Challenge”. Students seek the best application of learned mechanical and structural engineering principles as they battle to be the best!

Year 11 Systems Engineering

To conclude Unit 1 Mechanics, the Systems Engineering classes have designed and produced prototype Mousetrap Racers. Students used a combination of hand tools and CAD production processes to develop and redesign their prototypes before “Race Day”. Ingenuity in design, while highly regarded in the criteria, often lead to disastrous outcomes! The simplest designs were best. Congratulations to the winning team of Tate, Hugo and Nicholas for their ultra-light weight design that travelled 31.2 metres – the length of the Br Adams gym!

The 2023 Winter Sleepout

Register for the Winter Sleepout 2023 Here

The Resilience Project

This next presentation fromThe Resilience Project is all about Empathy and Kindness.

Empathy is our ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others to feel and see what they do. We practice this through being kind and compassionate towards other people.

Brain imaging data shows that being kind to others registers in the brain as more like eating chocolate than like fulfilling an obligation to do what’s right (e.g. eating brussel sprouts)!
Research shows that practicing empathy, such as performing acts of kindness, taps into our brain’s ‘mirror neurons’, builds compassion and our behaviour becomes more social and community-based.

View Part 3 of the series here
Part 3 - Empathy: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-martin/

Here’s an activity to practise empathy and kindness:

• Reflect on someone in your life who could benefit from an act of kindness today. It could be a friend who would love some affirmation about their work, your pet who deserves an extra treat, or a family member who would love a phone call or text message.

• Make a plan for who you are going to gift an act of kindness to, and what you are going to do.

• If you want to add accountability to your plan, share it with someone else and encourage them to do the same thing.

• Follow up with each other in a few days' time, to ask how it went!

Sources:Psychology Today,UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science

For mental health resources and support information, visitThe Resilience Project’s Support Page.

SYMPATHY

Mr Peter “John” Lazzaro (77 years) passed away peacefully on 6 June 2023. Father of Jules (current staff member) and grandfather of Mack (Year 9) and Milli (Year 10 SHC). Father in law of Jono (current staff member). 

May he rest in peace.

Our hearts go out to you all as we pray “That God will welcome these faithfully departed into His loving arms. And that precious memories will be of comfort to those left behind, knowing that their love will live on in their hearts forever.”

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following staff members who celebrated a birth in Semester 1:

Congratulations to Jess and Andrew Gunning on the birth of their son, Hugh, on 24 December 2023.

Congratulations to Amy Ross and Jesse Damjanovski on the birth of their son, Oscar, on 18 January 2023.

Congratulations to Daniel and Lauren Sedgman on the birth of their daughter, Jessica, on 19 January 2023.

Congratulations to Keelly and Kenny Rae on the birth of their daughter, Tully, on 26 January 2023.

Congratulations to Susan Dickinson and her husband Justin on the birth of their son, Nathaniel, on 14 March 2023.