Welcome to the final newsletter of Term 3. I have tried hard to avoid using the word ‘unprecedented’ in all previous communications. However, we finish this term, with Year 12 students learning face-to-face, other students learning remotely, repeated rescheduling of multiple events, and ongoing uncertainty about the remainder of this year, so it is difficult to think of a more appropriate word. I believe that throughout this term the College community has coped magnificently with what has been asked of us.
In recent weeks it has become clear that having the vast majority of the population vaccinated is the only way for a return to something approaching pre-COVID-19 normality. As of this week, all our students can access vaccinations. Being vaccinated makes you less likely to get sick from COVID-19 and less likely to infect others. The College strongly encourages all students to seek vaccination as soon as possible. It is a personal and communal obligation.
The St Joseph’s College Advisory Council (formerly known as the College Board) plays an important liaison and support role for the Principal and the College leadership team. The Advisory Council consists of between 7 and 11 members, each appointed for a three-year term. At the end of 2021, we are expecting a small number of places to become available and hence are seeking expressions of interest from members of the College community. Members of the Advisory Council do not represent particular interest groups within the community but it is important that the council includes members with diverse skill sets. From 2021 we are particularly interested in expressions of interest from members of the community with skill sets in a range of areas including in one or more of the following:
- Building / Engineering
- Commercial
- Environment
- Health / Well-being
- Human resources
- Innovation
- Local government
- Marketing
- Media
- Operations
- Technology / Information technology
- ATSI / multicultural awareness
- Safety
If you would like to find out more about membership of the Advisory Council please contact Adele Watt at [email protected]
Last week the Council held its annual seminar online over two three-hour sessions. Sessions/presentations included: the monthly Council meeting; commencing development of the next iteration of the College’s strategic plan (which will replace the current version available on our website); the financial plan for 2022 and beyond; and a summary of student academic achievement data.
As a follow-up to this there will be an opportunity for the broader community to have input to the strategic planning process early next year. Decisions regarding finances including 2022 school fees will be communicated in the coming months. The data on the educational achievement of our students provides some interesting food for thought and strongly suggests that academically and vocationally we are getting many things right. There is an article by Lisa Pope in the Deputy Principal’s section of this newsletter which provides more detail but highlights include:
- Our Year 9’s in 2021 have shown growth in numeracy 6% above the State average, and reading 5% higher than the state average since Year 7 (2019)
- 82 students in Year 9 received the Year 9 NAPLAN achievement certificate
- St Joseph’s students who leave school before the end of Year 12 are employed at almost twice the rate of other students in the region and across Victoria.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge all those students who applied for positions of leadership throughout all year levels of the College. Applying for leadership positions or similar office requires a degree of bravery as there is always the possibility of not being selected and bearing disappointment in public. Congratulations to those who have been appointed to lead their peers in 2022. I particularly recognise College Captain Patrick F and Deputy Captains Seamus R and Arden C and Touchstone leaders: Tane B and Patrick J (Gospel Spirituality), Flynn B and Sullivan J (Inclusive Community), Samuel D and Jaylen W(Liberating Education) and Sascha W and Zakary E (Justice and Solidarity).
Stay well and God Bless
Grab a comfy seat and a snack
and prepare for some ultimate motivation!
Our Year 12 students were surprised this morning with a screening of this video, just in time to get ready for the 'final quarter' of their year. There are many familiar faces and some fabulous advice. Thank you to all of the past students and supporters of St Joseph's who have taken the time to reach out, to show support and guidance to our students. We hope all of our students can take inspiration from this video - let's strive for the highest!
At St Joseph’s College we recognise that our Year 7 students are also mum’s little boy who is growing up and becoming a man. And we know that many Mums wonder what the future holds for their little boy. On Monday night we held our annual Year 7 Mother/Son evening. This night gives mums reassurance that they’ll always have special places in their boys’ lives. And boys show their mums that growing up doesn’t mean growing apart.
During these COVID times we have become expert at ‘pivoting’. In order to adhere to the current COVID restrictions this meant the event was (successfully) held online.
Over 50 Mums and their sons joined Bill Jennings, founder of the Time & Space program, on this special night. Nine senior student leaders, two Mums from our school community, and one Year 7 Homeroom teacher helped to facilitate the small group discussions around a treasured item the Year 7 students and their Mums brought to the evening.
Mums and their son entered into a 1 to 1 discussion, triggered by a set of thought-provoking questions provided by Bill Jennings. This led to deep and meaningful conversations between the Mums and their son.
The night concluded with a beautiful blessing that was read by Mum Amanda and her son Felix.
Overall our Year 7 Mother / Son Evening provided the time and space for heartfelt conversation and Mums could celebrate the boys they’re shaping into a man.
Recently there have been numerous media reports that Victorian students had topped several areas of NAPLAN results in 2021, even though our students had spent the longest period of time in remote learning. Last week, our Year 7 and 9 reports were mailed home to parents, as well as over eighty boys receiving the Year 9 NAPLAN certificate acknowledging that they were either in the top band for Literacy or Numeracy, or they had displayed higher than average learning growth over the past two years.
What did our data broadly tell us?
At Year 7, both our Median and Mean in Numeracy are above the State average, and when compared to all boys in the State it is also higher than average. Our boys Writing data is on par with the State Median, and our Reading is slightly below. However, when compared to just boys, our writing and reading is above average in both areas when compared to other boys in the State. The data did highlight that Language conventions, including spelling and grammar, is an area for greater concentration.
At Year 9, our trend was very similar to Year 7, the boys Numeracy data was well above the State Mean and Median, and when compared to all boys in the State we still held a higher than above average result. The boys Writing and Reading data was above the State average when compared to all boys and once again a trend of language conventions slightly below.
One area that schools find particularly helpful is Learning Growth, and this is measured by how much a student’s results have changed compared to other students in the State that had the same NAPLAN score two years ago. St Joseph's College can be particularly proud of the learning growth between Year 7 and Year 9 in both Writing and Numeracy.
In Writing our boys showed we were above the State average in high learning growth, almost 5% higher, and our Numeracy data was 6% greater than the average high learning growth category, showing significant learning has occurred by many of our boys in these areas. This is a noteworthy achievement, for our boys, given the continuous changes in the learning environment over the past two years, as well as the staff and parents who have guided them through this process.
Congratulations to the eighty-two Year 9 boys whose numeracy and literacy NAPLAN scores put them in either the top band in the country, or showed significant improvement on their Year 7 scores, you have been awarded the Year 9 Certificate of Achievement by Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority.
VCE Trial Exams
Year 12 English, Literature and Language Trial Examinations will occur Friday this week, therefore there will be no Unit 3-4 Subjects running on our final day of term. The Year 12 trial English exam will be marked by an external examiner to provide broader feedback.
All other Year 12 subject teachers have contributed to examination packs which were handed out to students over the past week. The importance of students exposing themselves to examination-style questions and practicing under time conditions is an important process in developing confidence and familiarity, whilst reducing anxiety with the exam process.
Year 12 Revision Lecture Series
The Year 12 Revision Lectures will run online between 20 and 21 September. Thank you to our Mt Sion Head of Learning Mr Brad Smith who has coordinated these sessions through the College. The lectures cover the following VCE Subjects: Physics, History Revolutions, Chemistry, Legal Studies, Specialist Maths, Psychology and Biology.
Last week was National Child Protection Week which provided us with the opportunity to remind our students of their right to safety and protection, in our physical and online environment. We launched student designed posters (attached) across the sub schools to remind students that they have a right to feel safe and protected here in our school and that all staff have the responsibility to ensure that all young people are heard when they voice concerns about their safety. The posters contain a QR code that provides all students with details of our school policy and how to connect with lines of support.
With ongoing lockdowns, young people are turning more and more frequently to screens for connection, a sense of belonging and an escape from the tedium that can come with so much of our usual day-to-day activity curtailed. With that, we face the growing challenges of keeping them safe and guiding them through their channels of communication as they grow. Here are some words of advice from our Vic Gov eSafety Commissioner
A damning statistic provided out the recent EREA Child Safeguarding Conference indicated that there was a 122% increase in online predatory behaviour over a 3-month period in 2021. (Kirra Pendergast, founder of Safe on Social Media.) Further discussion in that forum warned against placing private detail on social media platforms that do not have adequate privacy settings. We know we as adults are cautious, but it was a timely reminder to all parents/carers that we check the settings on our young people’s devices. And yes, we DO have that right and responsibility. For those worried about TikTok it would seem for good reason. Head to the Four Corners program to see why:
As always, our best outcomes are achieved through collaborative efforts from the school and from the home. We have delivered appropriately focused Cyber Safety lessons to all year levels in Wellbeing lessons, and continue to talk through appropriate settings and behaviours as we engage with students in our Remote Learning phases. The challenges remain ahead of us, but we will remain committed to striving for a safe physical environment and a safe digital environment for our young learners.
Standbysupport ran a really healthy online session last week specifically for the SJC community called – Supporting Young People impacted by Suicide. We had over 40 parents/carers attend who would have benefited and Michael Alldis and his team are more than happy to remain connected to our community. Feel free to contact [email protected].
A reminder that Headspace is running the second of its free community webinars called - Supporting your young person’s mental health. This will be held on online on Monday 27 September 6:30pm.
How do I register?
Click here (27 Sept 2021) to register via Eventbrite, or copy the URL below into your web browser:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/...
You will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite which will include the Zoom meeting link to access the webinar. Please note this webinar will not be recorded.
All those who register will receive a digital information pack after the webinar that includes key messages as well as links to resources and support services.
The 2021 Winter Sleep out exceeded all expectations with 400+ participants registering to sleep rough at home to raise awareness and funds for Geelong families facing homelessness due to family violence. An amazing $8,700 was raised by our generous college community. Please see below the message of gratitude from Helen Bolton, CEO, Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre.
“We greatly appreciate the generous amount raised by St Joseph’s College Winter Sleepout and the awareness of this important issue. Family violence is the number one cause of homelessness in Australia, where almost 50 percent of those experiencing homelessness are women, often accompanied by children. We know that women, by a lack of choice, often remain in an unsafe relationship due to lack of long term, secure and affordable housing for them and their children. These funds will enable our organisation to further support women and their children who are experiencing family violence during their journey toward recovery.
Helen Bolton CEO, The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre. (SAFVC)
It was my great pleasure to call Year 10 Butler student, Jack, to congratulate him on being this year’s highest fundraiser and a wonderful advocate for the cause. Jack and mum Lee raised an impressive $875. Well done Jack for being such a wonderful example of our Justice & Solidarity Touchstone.
“My name is Jack and I was new to Joey’s in 2021, when I first heard about the Winter Sleepout I wanted to do it straight away. It sounded great to raise some money for those in need while having fun sleeping under the stars. I was able to raise a lot by speaking out about the Winter Sleep Out, my mum told her co-workers and I told my friends and family. I slept out in my backyard with my mum and we played some board games before drifting off to sleep. If you are reading this I would 100% recommend doing the Winter Sleep Out, it’s a great cause and great fun.”
We are reminded that we can access support if we are experiencing family violence or sexual assault.
The ways that people can access support in lockdown
Our doors now remain open with specialist intake practitioners available at our Spring Street office for women and children who need support with family violence or anyone who needs support for sexual assault. Our practitioners are available in-person, over the phone or video conferencing, and via webchat. Please contact our organisation [email protected] or (03) 5222 4318 or in person at 59-63 Spring Street, Geelong West.
SJC and SAFVC formed a partnership several years ago and we look forward to continuing to support this local organisation in the future. Thank you to all the students, staff and families who took part in this year’s record breaking event.
Usually at the end of term we promote holiday reading to all of the classes that visit the library, and the boys love walking out with a pile of books. While print books are not available from the library for most students this week, our eBook and Audiobook collection is always available. The Wheelers link on the library homepage takes students to the Wheelers platform where they can borrow on their laptop or personal device (phone or tablet). There are thousands of books in the collection, and the books are available to read, or to listen to, immediately. There is also a Wellness collection of eBooks and Audiobooks. Look for these tiles with links on the library homepage.
To access the collection on a personal device, download and open the Wheelers app from your app store, search for the library ‘St Joseph’s College Geelong’ in the ‘Find your library’ field, and sign in when prompted with SJC email address and network password. Once connected, browse and select a book to borrow. The loan period is two weeks.
Read the latest careers news - including updates on:
- Emerging Occupations
- National Careers Institute
- Get informed about VET
- RMIT University - updates
- Year 12 Tertiary Dates: September – October
- Upcoming events
- Year 12 students – university scholarships
- Humanitarian STEM jobs making a major impact
Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program
Gain an exciting head start on university life while you complete Year 11 and 12. Applications open to current Year 10 students in August of each year.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program is open to students from all Victorian and select interstate border schools, offering access to exclusive University events and academic enrichment activities for two years. It gives you the chance to get a taste of student life first-hand, as well as the opportunities to build strong peer networks that will support you throughout your final years of secondary school and during your transition to university. Since launching in 2007, the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program has attracted over 9000 students from more than 500 participating schools.
The program’s inspiration and namesake is Professor Kwong Lee Dow OAM a former University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, distinguished scholar in education and an important contributor to curriculum reform internationally. He plays an active role in supporting our Young Scholars Program each year.
For more information:
Term 3 Upcoming Events
September - National Biodiversity month
20-26 September - National Organic Week
22 September - World Car-Free Day
YEAR 10 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ECOLOGY PROJECTS
In the year of “Living the Golden Rule”, Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, calls us all to respond to “The cry of the Poor” and “the Cry of the Earth”; to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all.
In response Pope Francis' calling to "Care for our Common Home", our Year 10 Environmental Science Ecology project fosters this notion, by inviting students to learn more about the Natural World through investigation of the native flora on our College grounds and research of the use of native flora species by the First Nations peoples. It is intended that the indigenous flora profiles compiled by students, will be utilised to develop and implement interactive plaques around the college in Term 4.
Click on the link below to view Year 10 student Miles' video of the indigenous flora species: Knotted Club Rush (ficinia nodosa) found on the south embankment of Carey Oval.
My name is Miles and I am currently studying year 10 Environmental Science. This term we have focused on the natural world and the Indigenous flora species in the area used by First Nations People. This involved each student in the class to research a particular native Indigenous plant and present our findings in a short video. For my project I chose to research the Knobby or Knotted Club Rush. In this process I have learned lots of really interesting facts about our local Indigenous ecosystem and particularly the plant I researched. I hope you enjoy my short video on the Knobby or Knotted Club rush.
Miles – Year 10
“OTWAYS” GARDEN REVAMP
Several Year 12 students seized the opportunity whilst back on campus to complete their Service Learning in the form of Enviroservice, assisting with the completion of Stage 2 of the “Otways” inspired garden revamp. Working through their lunch break and after school, the students collectively introduced 38 new plants into the garden, including 20 Tree Ferns and 18 smaller ferns. The species were mostly indigenous, however, with the aim to increase biodiversity, one species from Cape York and two species indigenous to New Zealand have been introduced for comparative studies. Species planted include; Bird’s Nest Fern (Aspleniun nidus), Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica). Felina Tree Fern (Cyathea felina) (Indigenous to Cape York), Wheki (Dicksonia squarrosa) and Hen and Chicken Fern (Asplenum Bulbiferum) (Indigenous to New Zealand).
During remote learning opportunities for service learning are extremely limited. However, we recognise the need to look after our extended community during these times. The food and canteen staff have been busy cooking meals for Mac & Joe’s to ensure our partnership with the McKellar Centre continues whilst students are off campus. Lockdowns are particularly difficult for families providing palliative care at home for a loved one. Many local families look forward to a visit from McKellar staff and receiving some wholesome meals. In addition, meals are being provided to SJC staff and families in need as per usual. The meals not only bring nourishment but a sense of community connection to the recipients and the cooks.
Cooking for someone in need is an act of self-care and a practice of mindfulness. Be kind to yourself and make a meal for someone to let them know you are thinking of them.
Thanks to students who have sent through some great photos from home. Here is a favourite Year 7 recipe, inspired by these amazing cookies. Happy cooking!
“I made these and I thought I would send through a picture to show you what I've been up to!” - Jada C, Year 11
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients - Makes 12
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 teaspoons beaten egg
few drops vanilla essence
1/4 cup SR flour (sift both SR & plain flour together)
1/4 cup plain flour
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Method
1. Cream together margarine and sugar in a mixing bowl using a wooden spoon, until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg and vanilla essence, mix well.
3. Add sifted flours and chocolate chips, lightly mix to form a dough.
4. Using clean hands, roll mixture into 12 even sized balls.
5. Place balls onto a greased tray and flatten with a fork, allow room for spreading.
6. Bake at 180C for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on tray for 5 minutes before placing on wire rack.
Open to all VCE students in Geelong & District
Give Your VCE Studies A Boost!
Lectures cover exam technique, sample exam questions and course overviews. Detailed lecture notes will be provided.
Cost: $35 per Lecture
Lectures will be held online - attendees will be sent a link and resources.
Lectures Available & Schedule
Monday 20 September
9:00am - 12:00noon - Physics
9:00am - 12:00noon - History Revolutions (French & Russian)
12:30pm - 3:30pm - Chemistry
12:30pm - 3:30pm - Legal Studies
Tuesday 21 September
9:00am - 12:00noon - Specialist Maths
9:00am - 12:00noon - Psychology
12:30pm - 3:30pm - Biology
Bookings must be finalised by:
Wednesday 15 September 2021
******SJC STUDENTS HAVE BEEN SENT A DISCOUNT CODE - CHECK YOUR INBOX BEFORE BOOKING*********
For further information contact:
St Joseph’s College, Phone: (03) 5226 8100
College Office Opening Hours During Term Break
SJC Westcourt Campus will be closed for the duration of the school holidays 20 September to 1 October inclusive.
Edmund Rice Campus will be open the first week of the holidays 20 – 23 September (24 September closed for public holiday).
Both Campus’ will reopen on Monday 4 October.
Uniform Donations
The College is very grateful to our generous families who donate their child's uniforms. Uniform donations can be delivered to the Edmund Rice Campus during business hours.
The College ensures these are cleaned / dry cleaned and passed on to families in need.
Thanks very much.
We know there are a number of families trying daily to book for a Pfizer appointment. Please find below a list of locations that are administering the vaccine. This is not saying you won’t have to refresh and wait, but you may not have been aware of the locations.
Can we also suggest you follow and like Barwon Health and Kardinia Health on Facebook as they sometimes give alerts if there are walk-ins available at the end of the day.
Geelong Respiratory Clinic – Vaccination Clinic
https://kardiniahealth.com.au/covid-19-precautions-2/
Corio Medical Clinic
https://northernbayhealth.com.au/clinics/corio/
Bellarine Respiratory Clinic
https://bellarinerespiratoryclinic.com.au/covid-19-vaccinations/
Ford Clinic Geelong
https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/
Ocean Grove Medical Clinic
https://www.oceangrovemedicalclinic.com.au/
Surfcoast Medical Centre
Model Volunteers Needed for SJC Fashion Dinner in November!
Do you want to be involved in our Fashion Dinner this year? We are in need of female models (age 30 – 70), any shape or size to showcase clothing from Quirk, Ghanda and Elm on the catwalk this year. It’s a fun night out and always a lot of fun! If you are interested please email [email protected]
There are a variety of creative workshops and drop-ins available during the school holiday period hosted by Geelong Youth, check the posters for the virtual and local hubs and full activity list!
