Welcome back to Term 3. I have been on maternity leave for the past 16 months and much has changed in the world, especially so in teaching, since March 2020. Before I left no one had even uttered the words “remote learning” and as I write this we are in lockdown 5.0, which unfortunately has become a too familiar occurrence.
Recently I listened to a podcast with Ben Crowe - Ash Barty’s mindfulness coach. His other prominent clients include the Richmond Football Club and Steph Gilmore. At the end of 2020, he asked his clients “What do you think the world is trying to tell us (in relation to the global pandemic)”. He said unanimously his clients across the globe said the world was trying to tell us “To stop doing and start being. To do less and be more connected to myself, my family, my friends”.
I asked this question to all my classes last week (when we were face to face) and maybe this is a question you could also ponder whilst we are in lockdown 5.0.
The Year 8 Renewals occurred last week with a strong focus on respectful relationships and encouraging upstander behaviour.
To enhance the understanding of the work students have been completing in their Religious Education classes about the importance of being an upstander, the team from Courage to Care spoke and ran workshops with the students about their firsthand experience of the Holocaust and the significant impact upstanders had in ensuring their survival. Courage to Care celebrates the ordinary people, whose acts were extraordinary in their bravery and impact. The students heard stories of individuals who, in the darkest moments of the 20th century, chose to stand up and confront discrimination and injustice, often risking their own lives and sometimes also those of their loved ones, to save others. These stories are an enduring example of the power of the individual to make a difference, and a poignant reminder that it is our own choices that determine if we remain bystanders, or become ‘upstanders’ who take positive action in the face of discrimination, prejudice and bullying in our everyday lives.
The boys also participated in other sessions throughout the day including the importance of interfaith dialogue and the benefits of mindfulness.
Below Edward and Callum share their thoughts about the day.
EDWARD J (8C)
The Year 8 Renewal was a very interesting experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found it interesting listening to the Holocaust survivor that spoke to us. I took away so much from this experience chatting with one of the Courage to Care mentors as well as the liturgy in the morning and the other experiences offered in the afternoon. I greatly enjoyed the Year 8 Renewals and look forward to ones offered in future years.
CALLUM W (8l)
During our Renewal day we had a liturgy in the morning and then we learnt about Respectful Relationships. What they look, sound and feel like. Joeys was visited by Courage to Care, which is an organization about the importance of being an upstander. We listened to a survivor of The Holocaust. Judy told us all about what it was like and the challenges she faced to survive. She then shared with us the people who had the courage to be upstanders to help her and her sister hide from the Nazis. We also learnt about how all religions have different beliefs, but significant similarities, aiming to, ‘Live the Golden Rule’. To finish off the day, we did some mindfulness in the Chapel and created posters using symbols to show how to be Upstanders when we see an injustice occurring. We need to:
See it: Eyes
Call it out: Voice
Be seen: Hand – take action
It was a great day, and I learnt a lot.
Intercultural and Interfaith Understanding that Empowers ‘Living the Golden Rule’ Mt 12:7
Staff Professional Development Day
On Monday 12 July, the St Joseph’s College staff gathered to begin the term participating in a professional development day to explore our theme for the year to, ‘Live the Golden Rule in the Year of St Joseph’. Last year we received a Grant from the Jewish Christian Muslim Association and Together for Humanity to further some of our strategic goals including:
To engage students and staff in inter-faith dialogue.
Enhance the Catholic Identity of our students.
Develop cultural awareness through local and global connected learning experiences Develop student advocacy skills.
Create mechanisms to encourage and recognise students who speak up and take action to challenge injustice.
Promote the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and spirituality to students and the community.
Develop knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and histories promoting pride and respect through staff PD, and curriculum.
We began very proudly announcing that on 29 June our Koorie Education Worker, Sue Collins, was awarded the NATSICC (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council) Community Service Elder Award for 2021. Lauren Hall our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinator, nominated Sue on behalf of the Catholic Colleges of Geelong she works with, “We nominated Sue for all her amazing work with our First Nations students. Sue works tirelessly across our Geelong Catholic Colleges to support these students and their families. Sue is also an incredible wealth of knowledge and so generous in guiding us to further our knowledge and understanding when teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, issues and culture.” We congratulated Sue as we presented her with her award and flowers for the recognition of the way she teaches us each day to ‘Live out the Golden Rule’, in our College communities.
We were pleased to welcome Guest Presenters, Ginette Everest - Executive Officer Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) via a live online presentation and Ian L Grant PhD joined us on Campus as the Education Project Office at the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA). Ian and Ginette led a through series of sessions to raise our teachers’ intercultural and interfaith awareness and to upskill staff with key intercultural understandings, sensitivities and competencies. We aim to help our community to grow and change in understanding that empowers us to live the Golden Rule, to ‘treat others as you want to be treated,’ Mt 12:7.
One session focussed on Catholic Social Teachings, which are critical for reading the "signs of the times" that shape our world today. Catholic social teaching is central to our faith, and is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and dignity. These teachings are derived from: the Gospels and the words of Christ; papal statements and encyclicals; and Catholic Bishops’ statements and pastoral letters. Catholic Social Teaching calls us all to work for the common good, help build a just society, uphold the dignity of human life and lift the vulnerable.
Our Edmund Rice Touchstones echo the Catholic Social Teachings, which call us to help prepare our students to enter into dialogue with the many people they will encounter as they graduate and move away from the familiarity of their educational home for six years at St Joseph’s College. As our students progress, out of the gates, to meet ‘the other,’ filled with the same human dignity as them, in their place of further study, apprenticeship, employment or future family. May they be prepared to enter into dialogue which implies, speaking and listening, giving and receiving, mutual growth and enrichment. It is based, on witness to one’s faith as well as openness to the culture or religion of another.
A student recently responded to a survey question on intercultural and interfaith dialogue with: ‘I would like to see it happening as people sharing their different celebrations, and talking to people from different religions to see how we can communicate and understand people better.’ We look forward to celebrating our Inclusive Community Touchstone in Diversity Week next week.
This week the library launched the Book Week Writing competition. The details of the competition are below. Book Week will be celebrated in August with lunchtime activities and competitions, and visiting authors and speakers. Students are invited to enter the writing competition by Wednesday 25 August in Book Week. We look forward to reading all of the creative submissions!
Book Week Writing Competition 2021
Write a creative story connected to the theme of ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’.
Choose a format. You could write a short story, memoir, diary entry, digital story, graphic novel, poetry, play, dialogue, or song.
Word Limit: Between 100 and 500 words
Due: Book Week – Wednesday 25 August
Email entries: [email protected]
Prizes: $25.00 book voucher prizes awarded to students in Waterford, Westcourt and Mt Sion.
Careers News Term 3 - 20 July
DownloadTERM 3 - UPCOMING EVENTS
30 July Schools Tree day
1 August National Tree day
16-22 August Keep Australia Beautiful Week
September National Biodiversity month
7 September National Threatened Species Day
20-26 September National Organic Week
22 September World Car-Free Day
FACE LIFT FOR GATE 5
Following on from the efforts of Enviroservice volunteers, Sustainability Leaders and Year 10 Environmental Science students in May who planted out the west garden bed adjacent to the Gate 5 entrance on Queens Rd, new volunteers together with Sustainability Leaders, continued in the final weeks of Term 2 to complete the garden bed to the east of the entrance. Students applied themselves in an industrious manner to remove one metre of existing mulch, prior to the introduction of two metres of blended soil, followed by the planting of two species, Lomandra Little Con (Lomandra confertifolia) and Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum). The recent rain has been a blessing, enabling the new plants a wonderful opportunity to establish well in their new setting.
INCREASED BIODIVERISTY
One positive outcome resulting from less activity in the College grounds during this semester, has been a noted increase in the level of biodiversity, in particular with increased numbers of birdlife and varying species. In addition to a pair of Willy Wagtail finding their new residence in the B Block vicinity, a lone Ibis has become a regular, parading the bus set down in the afternoons. O'Driscol Oval has proven to be a feeding haven for a flock of Galahs and pair of Corellas. Eastern Rosellas have been sighted on Zampatti Oval and the Year 10 eating area has been graced with the presence and beautiful singing of the Rufus Whistler. Regular sightings of Mudlark, Magpie and Raven have also been noted around the College grounds. With new indigenous shrubs establishing on the north embankment of Aphrasia Oval and south embankment of Carey oval, we are hoping to attract smaller species to the area, including the Superb Fairy Wren.
PLASTIC FREE JULY
As the use of plastic has become ubiquitous in our society, the notion of "Plastic Free July" stands as a reminder for all to take note of our actions and challenge ourselves to take action and adopt more sustainable practices. Over the last month, our College has recycled the equivalent of 11 x 240L bins of soft plastic to Coles, to be recycled through the REDcycling program. In addition to the collection of 2 x 240L bins of E Waste and 2 bales of Polystyrene by GDP Industries, we also diverted the equivalent of 2 x 240L bins of aluminium cans from landfill by recycling them at Transformer Metals, North Geelong, generating further funds to contribute to our donation to the Cancer Council. Whilst the recycling process and subsequent contribution to a circular economy is an important factor in reducing waste to landfill and in our oceans, a far greater option would be to reduce demand for the production of plastic, simply by refusing to purchase plastic wrapped items. We encourage all families to support our CUT THE WRAP initiative and adopt a "wrap free" approach to making school lunches.
For more information regarding recycling plastic by the City of Greater Geelong, visit the following website;
https://geelongaustralia.com.a...
Our temporary recycling regime during this time of COVID restrictions is outlined below.
FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT
- To minimise waste in the school, students should bring a “waste free” lunch and reusable water bottle (filled) to school each day.
- Waste from canteen food orders should be recycled according to the guidelines below.
(Note several changes due to City of Greater Geelong renewed Recycling Guidelines).
- Temporary removal of compost buckets from the yard necessities the placement of food waste directly into a general waste bin (maroon lid).
HYGIENE
- Students and staff to sanitise hands upon entry to class. Paper recycling bins should be utilised for used paper towel only.
- Students to manage their own paper recycling. Paper recycling bins are located in the library.
- Wash hands with soap (located at amenities) before/after eating and/or touching bins.
CALLING FOR PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS AND BREAD CLIPS
If you have been collecting plastic bottle tops (numbers 2 & 4) in support of the VCAL student's recycling endeavours and bread tags to support the "Bread Tags for Wheelchairs" project, WASHED ITEMS ONLY may now be delivered to the Reception of either campus. Please note that donated items are stored untouched for a period of time before undergoing a secondary wash cycle, before being utilised by students for recycling purposes.
Late in Term 2, Reconciliation Week the 2021 theme, "More than a Word" was highlighted across the school. Along with the Reconciliation Week Assembly a writing competition was held with connection with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, (AIME). The following question was asked for student responses to further gain an understanding why and how AIME can assist in our community of “In your own words what can AIME Mentoring offer Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander Secondary School students?”
Congratulations to Joshua M in Year 12 Jordan House plus Tavis H and Byron H in Year 7 Butler House whose writing response was awarded selected by the judges and won an AIME Hoodie! Below are the winning responses. Thank you to all the students who wrote and submitted responses.
“AIME mentoring offers hope and confidence. Hope that they will continue to do great things. Confidence in their ability and themselves. AIME mentoring creates sparks of hope and confidence that grows into giant fire. This makes an enormous difference to those students that desperately need something to help them shine.”
Tavis H, Year 7 Butler House
“It gives them an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, to learn and to thrive in their lives. It gives them what the state governments stole from them 110 years ago: Equality. It reinforces that ‘diversity is king/queen’. It develops the indigenous Australians of tomorrow; It forges a better tomorrow, today.”
Byron H, Year 7 Butler House
“AIME Mentoring offers those with a disadvantage in society the opportunity to prosper and build a better society and community for those prejudiced against and provide more of those opportunities to others through mentoring. AIME strives to create a level-playing field in which all people can better themselves and flourish.”
Joshua M, Year 12 Jordan House
For more information regarding AIME please visit https://aimementoring.com/
Thank you to the 400+ students who have registered for this year’s Winter Sleep Out.
Don’t worry, there is still time to participate in the 2021 winter sleep out at home!
⛺ Sleep rough for one night between now and the end of July.
😎 Fundraise a minimum of $25 for the Centre Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence to help Geelong women & children experiencing homelessness.
🧴 When we get back on campus please donate toiletries to our annual drive (a reminder will be on student bulletin)
💻 Register or donate to the Winter Sleepout via the links on the student bulletin.
How do I claim my hours?
Students must complete the service learning form on SIMON Student Administration Links to claim 3 hours of SJC outreach.
🏆 prize for the highest fundraiser
📸 send photos of your sleep out to [email protected] prizes for the best photos
Our Parents & Friends would like to extend their thanks to everyone who has supported our upcoming Fashion Dinner by purchasing tickets, sponsoring a table or donating items to the event - after only a few weeks, the tickets have now sold out!
We look forward to all of our guests joining us for a night of fine food, fashions and fun on Friday 20 August at Mt Duneed Estate.
Over the past five years St Joseph’s College Parents & Friends group have dedicated their premier event, the Fashion Show and Dinner, to raising much needed funds for projects in Kensekka. We are proud that this charitable work has raised over $120,000 which has directly benefited this community. In 2021 we hope to continue to help finance the completion of a much-needed second classroom block at St Joseph’s Kensekka Vocational Senior School.
Geelong - Mt Duneed Bus Transfer Tickets
A bus will be operating to transfer guests from St Joseph's College (Queens Road Gate 5) to Mt Duneed and will return to the College after the event. Tickets for the bus are only $20 and must be pre-purchased online, you can purchase via the link below.
Event Guidelines during COVID-19
Due to the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has created around holding public events, we would like to reassure our future guests of the following:
All of our events will be held in accordance with the latest COVID guidelines. Guest and staff wellbeing will be our priority.
If restrictions prevent a scheduled event from occurring, we will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not practical, then tickets to the event will be fully refunded.
Guests unable to attend our event due to being unwell, awaiting COVID tests or restricted by quarantine regulations can contact us to organise a refund.
We look forward to continuing to host a variety of events in 2021 for our community to enjoy. Thank you for supporting St Joseph’s College Geelong.
Year 11 student Flynn recently competed in the King of Ballarat Mountain Bike Race and has written of his experience below, congratulations to Flynn on a great effort!
King Of Ballarat Round 1, a downhill MTB race.
You get 2 timed race runs on the track. Your racing against the clock and going down over tricky obstacles like jumps, rocks, roots and steep terrain.
I came 3rd out of 15. Had a crash on my first race run, which knocked me back to 4th and then pushed hard on my 2nd race run and brought my time back to a 3rd.
I was very tired on the Sunday but just kept my head up and tried to control what I can control. Kept a positive attitude and pushed my way through the tiredness.
It was feezing cold and got as low as 2 degrees but the sun came out for racing which was great!
There are still another two rounds to go, Round 2 at the end of July and Round 3 at the end of August, after which we will find out who gets named the King Of Ballarat.
I am training hard for the up coming National Champs at the end of the year and the up coming State rounds which will start in November. If the pandemic gets better I am aiming to race a few overseas races during next year. Fingers crossed!!
A new event in 2021 is the SJOCA Race Day, join us at Geelong Race Course for a day full of fun, includes a two-course meal, race book, and beverages.
Check out all the details below - everyone is welcome to come and join us at the track on Friday 13 August!
All of our students, fathers, male guardians, grandfathers, brothers and any male mates or mentors,are cordially invited to attend our Edmund Rice Campus Father’s Day Breakfast.
Breakfast includes:
Bacon & Egg Roll,Tea & Coffee
This is a FREE event!
Numbers are limited - bookings essential
Be a part of our breakfast!
Email a photo of dads & male mentors with our students to be included in the Father’s Day slideshow.
email to [email protected] (before 25 August)
NEW IN 2021 - WESTCOURT FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST
This year the College will be hosting a separate Father's Day Breakfast event at our Westcourt Campus for our Year 9 cohort. Details and dates will be confirmed soon!
St Joseph’s College and the St Joseph’s College Foundation are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of past parent and Foundation member Rob Kelly last Wednesday (14/7).
Heather was a valued, long-term and important committee member of our Foundation, and stepped down in 2019 when Rob’s health required.
Our Deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Heather, Rory (SJOC 2012) and Angus (SJOC 2016) at this time.
Rest in Peace Rob