A small group of senior staff from St Joseph’s and Sacred Heart continue to work together developing a weekly timetable structure that will enable us to better support the learning and well-being needs of our students. This group has placed particular focus on providing a model for senior students that will help equip them for the world beyond secondary school. The process taken has been exhaustive and has included surveying students, visiting other schools where contemporary models of learning are operating, consulting clinical psychologists, tertiary educators and employers, amongst others. We expect to be in a position to outline our preferred model to a combined gathering of staff at the start of term two and shortly after to circulate it to families for consultation.
St Joseph students participate in a vast range of cultural and sporting activities outside school. Some years ago, the College Advisory Council (then known as the College Board) implemented a policy to provide some financial support those students who are involved at state and international level in a significant cultural or sporting events. Awareness of the availability of this support fell away during the Covid years. I would like to make families aware of this support and encourage applications where appropriate.
Last week we commenced the first of 10 tours of the school for prospective students and their families with each tour fully subscribed. In conversation with parents it seems that there are some ‘myths’ about enrolment at St Joseph’s still circulating in the community. These include that only students from Catholic families or those enrolled in Catholic primary schools can expect their applications to be successful. This is not true and we welcome applications from all students from all primary schools and all faith backgrounds.
On Monday morning in the yard I was reminded that the football season had begun by the number of students on crutches, in braces and slings and sporting bandages of various kinds. These injuries are obvious but some other injuries including concussion are less obvious.
Should your child sustain a concussion outside of school it is important that we know so that we can minimise the chance of further injury. Please help us care for your child by noting ‘concussion’ as the reason when recording his absence. If he has been concussed but will still be at school please email us at [email protected] . The Concussion Management policy can be found on the St Joseph’s website on the College Policies, Codes & Principles page, under Health Policies.
From the start of term two every student is expected to wear full and correct uniform. This includes the winter shirt and tie, blazer and long trousers. May I respectfully request that if your son needs to obtain any of these items you do so prior to the first day of next term.
This week is harmony week. While I would like to think that every week is harmony week at St Joseph’s this week in particular we are asked to focus a little more on the respect and acceptance we have the people who are different to us. I offer the following prayer:
Dear Lord
You created all people in your image. We thank you for the variety of races and cultures within St Joseph’s College. Enrich our lives by ever widening our circles of friendship and show us your presence in those who differ most from us.
Grant that at St Joseph’s we may always promote the justice and acceptance that ensures lasting peace and harmony.
Grant that we may show equal respect to all persons of different cultures who we meet. And help us to remember and appreciate that we belong to one community with many stories.
We ask this in the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed Edmund Rice…. Pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts…. For ever
God Bless
Tony Paatsch
Principal
Gospel and Spirituality Assembly
We recently gathered as a school community to celebrate our Gospel Spirituality Assembly led by our Gospel Spirituality Touchstone prefects Elijah Amoa and Josef Paatsch student leadership team. The St Joseph’s College drumline directed by Mr O’Callaghan led the way, opening the assembly with their piece ‘Air Time’. In different cultures the drum is a scared tool, connecting heaven and earth, and for maintaining the rhythm of the world order. And when drummers practice their art, it’s as if they are changing the world too and touching the human spirit through the rhythm of the drum.
Our Gospel Spirituality student leader Oliver King lit our Gospel and Solidarity Touchstone candle, from our College candle, to enflame our hearts with the holy spirit, reflecting the presence of our Lord, the light of the world. This reminded us to be filled with compassion and courage to live out our Lenten commitments. Acts that change our daily actions and especially the act of alms giving. Catholic schools such as St Joseph’s, in the Edmund Rice tradition, live and grow as a faith-sharing community. Schools like ours, encourage and nourish the spiritual growth of each person through reflection, prayer, symbols, sacred stories, rituals and sacraments. They also provide religious education within Catholic School curriculum that continues the work of the Christian Brothers, the spirit of Jesus, in the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.
Launch of our Service Learning Guidelines for 2023
Our Service Learning Program was launched by our Service Learning Coordinator Leah Irving and College Captain Jaeger Fawcett. Reflecting on the gospel emphases of service leadership, Ms Irving shared, “Luke's writings, in particular, commend almsgiving; he alone relates the stories of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who gave half his possessions to the poor, of the Baptist's advice to share food and clothing with the needy, and of Christ's advice to lend money without thought of return.” Our students are encouraged to live our faith by supporting a broad range of service learning opportunities, where all members of our College community can get involved. Jaeger our College Captain shared how the experience of cooking for Mac & Joes has made significant difference to families who have a family member in palliative care with the McKellar Centre. Every student is required to do a minimum of 3 hours of service per year. If students complete 15 hours or more, which some students have already done this year, will be awarded a House Pin to be worn on their blazer. During Lent we are called to really live out our Touchstones and be involved in alms giving. Giving alms is about donating your time, money, services, or resources to others. Please start a conversation with your son about how they can make a difference and what type of service they would like to complete.
Service Learning and Enviro Service Learning opportunities are advertised on the student bulletin, student email, social media, the College newsletter and at gatherings. We are calling on our community to live our theme for the year and open their hearts and minds at Joeys to help build a better world for all through service learning opportunities!
Prepare for Edmund Rice Day
One significant way to live out our theme is to take the advice of our student leaders Jack Kayler-Thomson, Lenny Allen and Connor Orsolic who challenged us to start saving by simply giving up a lunch order each week in preparation to save for our biggest act of alms giving, as we celebrate our founder’s feast day as a community, Edmund Rice Day, this year on Friday 12th May. We are looking forward to being able to celebrate our founder’s example. Reaching out to provide educational opportunities, for our friends in St Joseph’s school in Kensekka, Uganda. To make the life changing skills of an education possible for these students in Kensekka, we are asking our community to act on their Lenten commitments, to contribute $30 per student or $50 per family. This will enable us to help so many, while enjoying all of the awesome activities planned for Edmund Rice Day this year! Mr Paatsch will be in Kensekka with Fr Emma in May this year to experience first-hand the needs of the community and how we are making a difference. Our assembly began with a bang from the drumline and ended with one as a confetti shower burst as the surprise announcement was made as we became part of the Liverpool Football Family as we have partnered with the Liverpool FC to become the First Victorian Regional LFC International Academy high-performance School.
Time and Space Father/Mentor and Son Event
We had eleven students complete their service learning hours in March helping out at our annual Time and Space Father/Mentor and Son Event in the O.S. Adams Centre. We welcomed Bill Jennings back to our school to facilitate this unique experience for our Year 8 students and their male mentors in their lives.
We are blessed and thankful to have the love, care an understanding of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, carers, teachers and the many mentors in our lives who are always there to listen and support us. This Time & Space for ‘Stepping Up’ innovative program, gives a sign post to each student about the best ways they can ‘step up’ to be a good person. Some insights and reflections from the evening include:
‘It was a nice night and a good bonding time with my dad because we haven’t done this in a long time and it’s just good to hear what’s going on and what his thoughts are about me.’
Year 8 Student
‘I thought it was great and would love for my brother to do this in a couple of years.’
Year 8 Student
‘The ice breaker activity was very creative and smart to engage everyone with a fun activity that allowed us to open up.’ Year 8 Student
‘Did exactly what it intended. Gave both student and adult confidence to speak to others with a common cause.’ Father/Mentor
‘Great event that I believe will bring me and my sons closer’. Father/Mentor
‘I thought it was great, and it really boosted my confidence.’ Year 11 Student Helper
‘I found the experience to be quite interesting, knowing how I was in the exact same space as those Year 8 only a few years ago.’ Year 11 Student Helper
Mary Malone
Director of Identity
The Respect Cup Match Report
The 2023 Respect Cup was held on International Women's Day on the hallowed turf of GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park, Geelong. The highly anticipated day – comprising of the boys game between St Joseph's and St Patrick's College Ballarat as the curtain raiser to the marquee girls game between Sacred Heart and Loreto College Ballarat – was made all the more important with the boys match doubling as the ACC Round 1 for 2023.
St Joseph's kicked out to an early 13-point quarter time lead with an early goal to vice-captain Thomas Burke the highlight. The next few quarters were closely fought, with St Joseph's squandering opportunities in the third quarter kicking two goals and six behinds, but still holding an 18-point lead at three quarter time.
St Patrick's came back strongly in the last quarter kicking three goals and in amazing scenes on the final siren, St Joseph's thought they had won with the scoreboard showing SJC 46 SPC 45, however once the goal umpires conferred the scores were corrected to be a draw at 45-apiece.
Thomas Burke was named best on ground whilst being supported by Angus Hanley who kicked two goals. Backline players Thomas Bartlett, Finn Hoey, Lachie Jaques and Nicholas Dowling were outstanding whilst Flynn Chirgwin and Joel Cooper were also impressive.
All in all, it was a successful first match in the ACC season and set up a brilliant spectacle in the girl's marquee match afterwards.
Sacred Heart controlled their match from start to finish to run out 21-point victors and for the first time the Geelong schools were crowned Respect Cup winners.
The six captains of the football teams spoke about the importance of the day in a post-match celebration held at the St Mary's social rooms. Anybody privileged enough to hear the speeches will speak of the amazement they had in listening to the young adults speak so strongly about the celebration of International Women's Day 2023.
We look forward to what 2023 will bring for the four schools involved as well as the 2024 Respect Cup in Ballarat.
Respect Cup Boys Match Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZwQFG7rclc&t=181s&ab_channel=AssociatedCatholicColleges
2023 Respect Cup
Girls Match
Sacred Heart Geelong 5.9 (39) def Loreto Ballarat 2.6 (18)
Boys Match
SJC Geelong 6.9 (45) drew with St Patrick's Ballarat 7.3 (45)
Overall Result
Geelong 11.18 (84) def Ballarat 9.9 (63)
Round 1 - Respect Cup - Wednesday 8 March
SJC Geelong 6.9 (45) drew with St Patrick's Ballarat 7.3 (45)
SJC Geelong 3.2 4.3 6.9 6.9 (45)
St Patrick's 1.1 3.2 4.3 7.3 (45)
GOALS: Angus Hanley 2, Thomas Burke 1, Francesco Posterino 1, Michael Rudd 1, Jake Anderson 1
BEST: Thomas Burke, Angus Hanley, Thomas Bartlett, Finn Hoey, Lachlan Jaques, Nicholas Dowling, Flynn Chirgwin, Joel Cooper
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Year 7 Camp, 2023
Students in Year 7 have been enjoying three days of fun and challenging activities at Lake Dewar Adventure Camp, Bacchus Marsh over the past two weeks. The outdoor-based activities included canoeing, mountain bike riding, rope challenges, bush walking, flying fox, stand up paddle boarding and survivor challenges like raft building. The students were guided through their activities by experienced YMCA camp leaders and all the boys were truly engaged in the outdoors. There were lots of opportunities to unleash their adventurous spirit and discover their full potential.
Well done to all the students on their efforts, encouragement of others, engagement and behaviour. Thank you to all SJC staff who attended the camps to ensure the students had a wonderful time with their peers.
Natasha Scanlon
Year 7 Coordinator
The SJOCA Golf Day
The SJOCA Golf Day at Lonsdale Links last week was a huge success, with perfect weather it made for an enjoyable day. With more than 220 golfers attending, we raised over $28,850 for the SJC Bursary Program. Congratulations to the Shell Club who took home the Morning Session Championship and Frameline who won the Afternoon Session. A special mention to Matthew who secured the top prize for the day in the raffle, a $1000 bottle of Penfolds Grange.
Thankyou again to our sponsors and donors who made the day possible, we couldn't have done it without you.
ACC Athletics Sports
On Monday 23 February 2023, the ACC Athletics Sports were held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park, where St Joseph's College Geelong competed against other schools in a range of athletic events. The team captains, Massimo Pantano and Ace Pitt, led the team with great enthusiasm, determination, and sportsmanship.
St Joseph's College Geelong put in a great effort and finished second overall in the competition, a remarkable achievement. The team also won the Intermediate age group, which was an outstanding accomplishment.
Several athletes stood out on the day, including Angus Knight, who won the under 13 Shot Put event with an impressive throw, earning valuable points for the team. Billy Blake demonstrated his endurance and speed, winning the under 13 1500m race.
Oska Rose was a standout performer, winning both the under 14 100m and 200m races, showcasing his speed and agility. Darcy Harrington performed well, winning both the under 15 Long Jump and Triple Jump events.
Tobias Servin had an exceptional day, dominating the under 15 category with victories in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and High Jump events. Jesse Mellor was also impressive, taking out first place in the under 16 Shot Put event.
Kye Smith's impressive strength and skill helped him win first place in the under 17 Shot Put event, while Jake Anderson demonstrated his experience and talent in both the Shot Put and Discus events, winning both events.
Ace Pitt also contributed to the team's success, securing first place in the senior Triple Jump event with an impressive jump.
St Joseph's College Geelong's strong overall performance was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, as well as the guidance of the team captains, Massimo Pantano and Ace Pitt. The team displayed great sportsmanship throughout the event and their efforts were duly rewarded with a second-place finish and a victory in the Intermediate age group.
The ACC Athletics Sports were a great showcase of St Joseph's College Geelong's athletic talent and team spirit, and the team and staff should be proud of their achievements on the day.
Students involved include:
U13. William Blake. Kaden Servin. Ben O’Brien. Patrick Urbanski. Luca Ruju. Angus Knight.
U14. Oska Rose. Noah Carrol. Taj Purcell. Archi Farrow. Sasindu Costa. Mac Darby.
U15. Tobias Servin. Darcy Harrington. Max Reid. Oscar Smith. Jax Cooney. Dom Posterino.
U16. Hugo Walsh. Otis Jones. Cooper Grist. Jesse Mellor. Zac Stevens. Patrick Wall. Ben Coote. Malakai Morrison. Wichay Paul.
U17. Massimo Pantano. Kai Smith. Noah Burns. Charlie Nicholls. Gus Hanley. Cooper Patten. Tristan Carson. Jack McTaggart. Harry Hardy.
U18. Ace Pitt. Jacob Smith. Bailey Wilson. Zekiah Davey. Declan Foley. Jed Coburn. Noah Tassalini. Jake Anderson.
Tom Cashin
Head of Innovation
Have a listen to the Bay FM Sports Program as they talk to teacher Paul Hood about the Liverpool Academy Partnership
GET A TASTE OF LEARNING 'THE LIVERPOOL WAY' ON THURSDAY 20TH APRIL AT ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE, GEELONG
On Thursday 20 April at our Edmund Rice Campus there will be a FREE taster clinic where participants can train under LFC Academy Coaches. All genders and abilities are welcome. Multiple sessions are available.
KEY INFORMATION:
- Thursday 20th April
- Duration: 30 Minutes
- St Joseph's College, Geelong
- Youth Development Phase (U12-U16) Round 1: 11:30-12:00 Round 2: 2:30-3:00.
- All Genders, All Abilities
- FREE
For more information and FAQ, click here
Year 11 v Year 12 Friendly Football Match Report
On Wednesday 15 March the Year 11 and Year 12 football match was reborn with the two teams battling it out on Carey Oval in the first of four friendly matches of the 1st XVIII season for 2023. With both teams determined to get bragging rights in the yard, it was a thrilling match with an equalling exciting finale.
In the end, it was Year 12s who came out on top, holding on by just one point with a final score of 13.7 (85) to the Year 11s 13.6 (84). The Year 12 team started off strong, scoring five goals in the first quarter while Year 11s only managed to score two.
With both teams rotating their players through each of the forward, midfield and backline positions, players in both sides were adapting to the game and trying to implement a positive style of play.
The Year 12s extended their lead in the second quarter, piling on another 6 goals whilst the Year 11s managed 4 of their own. The third quarter saw the Year 11s get back on top, outscoring their opponents by two goals to narrow the margin to 12-points at three quarter time and set up a blockbuster last quarter.
With the Year 11s starting the last quarter strongly by kicking the first goal, the Year 12s stood firm to control play throughout. A late goal to the Year 11s breathed life back into the finale but it was the Year 12s who held on and capture the victory.
Alexander Lamb was the top scorer for Year 12s with three goals, followed by Henry Cook and Brodie Harding who both kicked two goals each. For the Year 11s, Eamon Hill-Goodear, Nicholas Preiato and William Thompson each kicked two goals.
The best players for Year 12s were Matteo Bove, Henry Cook, and Marcus Wharton, while Jai Adams, Max Breisch, and Timothy Manly were the best players for Year 11s.
Overall, it was an exciting match that showcased the talent and determination of the students at St Joseph's. Both teams played with great skill and sportsmanship, and the close score line was a testament to the talent, hard work and effort put in by both teams.
The Year 11 team will travel to St Ignatius College in a friendly match in week 8 whilst the Year 12s will take on Geelong Grammar School in week 9. The final friendly of the term will be against Geelong College in week 10 ahead of the ACC season in term 2.
Friendly 1 – Wednesday 15 March
Year 12 – 13.7 (85) def Year 11 – 13.6 (84)
Year 12 5.1 11.2 12.4 13.7 (85)
Year 11 2.0 6.2 10.4 13.6 (84)
YEAR 12 GOALS: Alexander Lamb 3, Henry Cook 2, Brodie Harding 2, Damon Schroeder 2, Noah Male 1, Vivian McCarthy 1, William Roberts 1, Marcus Wharton 1
YEAR 12 BEST: Matteo Bove, Henry Cook, Marcus Wharton, Damon Schroeder, Bailey Bruce, Alexander Lamb, Jack O'Brien, Jordan Pollard
YEAR 11 GOALS: Eamon Hill-Goodear 2, Nicholas Preiato 2, William Thompson 2, Tristan Carson 1, Noah Charman 1, Jude Coverdale 1, Timothy Manly 1, Max Breisch 1, Fergus Luke 1
YEAR 11 BEST: Jai Adams, Max Breisch, Timothy Manly, Eamon Hill-Goodear, Nicholas Preiato, Tristan Carson, Xavier Deckker, William Thompson
Carey Oval, St Joseph's College Geelong
P&F
Thank you to those who were able to attend the P&F Open Night last week. There was a great turn out and parents enjoyed the opportunity to hear from Tony Paatsch and ask questions about what has been happening around the College.
Our next meeting is in Term 2, on Tuesday 2 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] and she will add you to the P&F email list.
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. Save the Date, start organising your team and look out for when ticket sales will open early next term.
Wine & Cheese Night
Our planned Wine & Cheese night for Friday 26 March has been postponed until another date this year. Thank you to those who had purchased tickets, hopefully you have received your refund from Humanatix. If you haven’t please contact Jodie to help with that.
Year 9 students created beautiful Tear-a-Part bread loaves this week in Food Studies as part of their “Paddock to Plate” project. They followed the design process to individualise the flavour and shape of their product. The smell from the kitchen wafted through the whole of the Westcourt campus - delicious! Our students were very proud of their results as you can see from these photos.
Sandra Silo
This week our Year 12 VCE VM students made Passata during Numeracy, they were able to produce 67 bottles over the course of Thursday 9 March. Students were responsible for the sterilisation and cleaning of bottles; preparation and production of Passata; as well as the bottling and labelling. The bottles will be available for purchase soon. Sensational collaboration and effort!
Civics and Citizenship – Year 10
Q&A Session with Christine Couzens MP
In continuation of the Year 10 Civics and Citizenship students’ unit of work on Australian Politics, we were privileged to be joined by Labor Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens on Thursday 2 March. Christine has been a Member of the Legislative Assembly since 2014, representing the seat of Geelong. In the lead up to her visit, the students conducted research into Labor Party policy, as well as Christine herself, and how she had voted on particular Bills in the past. The students raised some hard-hitting questions for Christine to answer; from Labor’s plans regarding Geelong’s infrastructure, to her thoughts on government spending. Christine was able and willing to answer all questions.
Following the Q&A session, Christine said she “loved the questions the boys raised”. Congratulations to all students involved, and thank you very much to Christine Couzens MP for her ongoing support of this subject, and St Joseph’s College.
In Week 4 of Term 2, Christine will host the students of this class at Parliament of Victoria in Melbourne.
Jackson Langhorne
Civics and Citizenship Teacher
Colin Silcock-Delaney wins five medals at Australian Masters Athletics Championships
Port Campbell's Colin Silcock-Delaney is no stranger to success at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships.
The 90-year-old returned from the 2023 edition in Sydney earlier this month, his 40th appearance at the event, with another swag of medals. Competing in the male 90 age group, he won gold in the 1500-metre race, silver in the 200m, 400m and 800m and clinched bronze in the 100m dash. Silcock-Delaney was pleased with his efforts, mentioning that it was a familiar face who trumped him in the 200m, 400m and 800m races. "The guy who beat me, David Carr from Perth, I've never beaten him in 40 years of the Australian Masters track and field championships in the capital cities each year," he said.
The seasoned runner, who is a veteran of 100 marathons and a life member of the Melbourne Marathons Spartans Club, admitted he no longer runs as far as he used to. "I just do the sprints now," he said. "I was on the committee of the Melbourne Marathon for years, I did 25 Melbourne (Marathons) but I'm only doing 100 metres to 1500 metres now.
"You've got to be sensible as you get older." Outside of running, Silcock-Delaney is kept busy with his involvement in various volunteer organisations and has a Country Fire Association dinner coming up. He was a CFA member for 50-plus years at Geelong and Cobden and has been involved with Cobden's St Vincent de Paul for 40 years. "I'm cutting back on a lot of things now at my old age but you've got to use it or you lose it," he said
Matt Hughes
The Standard
March 21 2023
Year 7 2024 Enrolments
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
MYKI Student Cards
Please forward all receipts for the 12 or 6 month MYKI cards to Lisa McDine ([email protected]).
MYKI student passes can be purchased from the train stations or at the PTV stand in Westfield. You will need a student concession card, which your son’s student card with the PTV logo in it is acceptable.
Please note you need to live 4.8 kilometres from the school, and remember Year 9 students may or may not be eligible depending on how far they live from the Westcourt Campus.
Any queries please contact Lisa McDine.
2022 Virtus Magazine
The 2022 Virtus will be distributed by homeroom teachers to students over the coming weeks.
2022 graduates will have theirs posted to their home address.
Melbourne Renegades Holiday Program
Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 April
9am - 3pm
St Joseph's College Geelong
Scan the QR Code below for further information.
