The lifting of COVID restrictions in Victoria this week has allowed reconnection between many families and friends for the first time in months. There was a sense of hope and genuine joy in the voices of many callers to radio stations this morning as they detailed plans to visit loved ones. No doubt there are many St Joseph’s families looking forward to reconnecting with loved ones from the other side of the ‘ring of steel’.
At the start of each week at school our staff gather in prayer (remotely at the moment). This week we lit the first Advent candle symbolising hope. While the Church season of Advent begins in the first week of December, at school we replicate it during the last four weeks of the school year. Lighting this candle the day after the lifting of travel restrictions seemed so appropriate, although I guess love joy or peace, the other three candles on the wreath, could also be appropriate. Over the next three weeks the remaining candles will be lit and on Christmas day the central fifth candle, often referred to as the Christ candle, will be lit symbolising Christ bringing hope, love, joy and peace to the world.
This week is also NAIDOC week with the theme this year being ‘always was always will be’. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee and traces its roots to the 1930s when a group of prominent indigenous leaders called for a ‘day of mourning’ to coincide with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of British settlers to Australia.
As an inclusive community committed to liberating education we are committed to reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Earlier this year the St Joseph’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was launched including the official adoption of the possum skin cloak. Development of the RAP was a collective effort of fire carrier students and staff, student touchstone leaders and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student leaders. The RAP promises to make an important contribution to the inclusiveness of our community.
One important element in the St Joseph’s community is student voice. We are committed to students being heard and involved in decisions that affect them. Of course being heard doesn’t always mean that you will be agreed with, but rather that your views will be valued and considered.
Student leaders, who were invested in a ceremony recently, play an important role in ensuring the collective view of students is represented in decision making. I am delighted in the quality of the young men who have accepted leadership roles for 2021 and congratulate each of them and their families.
Oscar Morrison - College Captain
William Baum- Deputy College Captain
Matueny (Benji) Mangar - Deputy College Captain
Jack Doyle - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Prefect
Harry Roache - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Prefect
Thomas Corray - Liberating Education Touchstone Prefect
Alex Con Foo - Liberating Education Touchstone Prefect
Thomas Brooks - Inclusive Community Touchstone Prefect
Max Jones - Inclusive Community Touchstone Prefect
Anton Ridgway - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Prefect
Connor O'Sullivan - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Prefect
Patrick Visentin - Butler House Captain
Angus Codd - Butler House Captain
Oliver LaBonte - Jordan House Captain
Rhys Devlin - Jordan House Captain
Timothy Hannan - Foley House Captain
Alexander Dunn - Foley House Captain
Luke Bartolo - Brophy House Captain
Campbell Burns - Brophy House Captain
Tane Berends - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Leader
Patrick Johnstone - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Leader
Zakary Ekberg - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Leader
Flynn Beste - Liberating Education Touchstone Leader
Arden Cunneen - Liberating Education Touchstone Leader
Patrick Fitzgerald - Liberating Education Touchstone Leader
Matthew Sorgiovanni - Inclusive Community Touchstone Leader
Seamus Ryan - Inclusive Community Touchstone Leader
Willem Sanders - Inclusive Community Touchstone Leader
Jaylen Winiecki - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Leader
Samuel Dripps - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Leader
Sascha Wheelwright - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Leader
Jaeger Fawcett - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Leader
Kane Morgan - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Leader
Ethan Powe - Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Leader
Joshua Walpole - Liberating Education Touchstone Leader
Noa Skoko - Liberating Education Touchstone Leader
Patrick Reed - Liberating Education Touchstone Leader
Colby McCallum - Inclusive Community Touchstone Leader
Ethan Borys - Inclusive Community Touchstone Leader
Thomas Burke - Inclusive Community Touchstone Leader
Archer Jones - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Leader
Luca Baum - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Leader
Nicholas Dowling - Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Leader
Michael Ahearn - Westcourt Campus Captain
Noah Caracella - Westcourt Campus Captain
Jude Payne - Westcourt Campus Captain
David Iosefo - Touchstone Leader
Oliver King - Touchstone Leader
Matthew Suhandi - Touchstone Leader
Josef Paatsch - Touchstone Leader
Oscar Hart - Touchstone Leader
Ethan Whitcher - Touchstone Leader
Noah Erwin - Touchstone Leader
Daniel Gnjec - Touchstone Leader
Nicholas Anglin - Westcourt Foley House Captain
Will Smith - Westcourt Foley House Captain
Oliver Sanders - Westcourt Butler House Captain
Hamish Codd - Westcourt Butler House Captain
Benjamin Parish - Westcourt Brophy House Captain
Luke Stacey - Westcourt Brophy House Captain
Marley McCombe - Westcourt Jordan House Captain
Ky Berends - Westcourt Jordan House Captain
Connor McCarthy-Grigg - ATSI Captain
Jacob Assemani - ATSI Deputy
Morris O'Neill-Wood - Westcourt ATSI Captain
This week our VCE students commenced their exams. After the year they have endured having an Advent ‘hope’ candle burning as they start exams seems appropriate. We wish each and every student well in his exams.
Stay well and God bless
St Joseph’s Remembrance Day Ceremony
Yesterday we took part in our annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. While we were unable to mark this year’s Remembrance Day by gathering together in the quad, we invited as our College community to pause at 11am via a ‘Teams Meeting’ in our classes and offices led by students from 7H, to honour the memory those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. This year is 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. As we are celebrating NAIDOC week, we reflected on the recognition of the contributions and bravery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in the military. Our staff member Lieutenant Colonel Rolf Audrins, CSC and Bar (retired) laid a wreath at the plaque below our flag poles in remembrance of our past St Joseph’s College students who served in the armed forces.
Each year in November, the College holds its Remembrance Mass in memory of students, staff and benefactors who have entered God’s care. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect and gather to remember. Whilst we could not physically gather in our Chapel this year, we would still like to acknowledge and remember all of those members of our community who are no longer with us. For those who are acknowledged in the full lists each year, you are not forgotten, and for those who have left us this year, we have compiled a short tribute.
Our hearts go out to you as we pray that precious memories will be a comfort to those left behind.
Celebrate NAIDOC Week with your family in our Greater Geelong Region
Celebrate NAIDOC Week in 2020 by visiting 20 key Aboriginal sites and venues around the Greater Geelong region. Starting in Little River and ending in St Leonards, this online trail was designed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to shine a light on some of the hidden (and not so hidden) places of significance across our region. You can also follow this trail by using the Geelong Arts & Culture Trails app.
Article Mary Malone - Acting Director of Identity
2021 Student Leadership Forum
On Wednesday 4 November, the Student Leaders for 2021 met at the Mt Sion Campus in preparation for their roles next year.
Forty nine Touchstone Student Leaders and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Captain, Deputy and Westcourt Captain met in the Chapel to listen to key staff discuss and explain their views and experiences of leadership. Principal, Tony Paatsch discussed the merit and benefits of students who adopt a servant leadership focus during their school years. Tony reflected on previous student leaders who would think of their cohort before themselves and the effect it had on the students was extremely beneficial.
Head of Identity, Mary Malone outlined the Identity staff team and explained their roles within the College. The staff within the Identity Team provide the students with many opportunities and collectively have a vast experience of teaching behind them. Mary highlighted the connections between each of the Touchstones and strategic goals of the college and how student voice is essential in achieving these goals. Exploring the difference between charity and advocacy, the ERA for Change initiative was introduced as way to advocate nationally with other EREA colleges.
Student Leadership Coordinators, Sam Querella and Ashley Crook, also highlighted the importance of the role as a leader to work and strive for a team focus rather than an individual focus. An area of importance to Ashley and Sam is the fact that all students are different and present with unique prior experiences in leadership yet when they are drawn together as a leadership team, each student can play their role and allow the team to grow and flourish within the St Joseph’s College community. Westcourt teacher and Leadership Advocate, Lachie Doak explained the importance of partnerships within a team of people. Clear examples were used to illustrate various levels of leadership success.
A pizza lunch along with fruit and a soft drink kept the students happy during lunchtime, enabling them to connect socially and begin to bond as a team, followed by an energetic game of Ultimate Frisbee on the Zampatti Oval.
A group photo took place in front of our new electronic scoreboard with Mr Tom Cashin to promote ‘Movember’, raising awareness of the importance of men’s health.
Get behind the ‘SJC 2020 Movember Team’ meet the team and support them in their ‘Movember or Movember goals. Link: https://movember.com/t/sjcgeelong?mc=1
Our Guest Speaker, St Joseph’s College Old Collegian, Jake Hogan (SJOC 2011) was the speaker of the day with an honest and meaningful talk on what it means for a student to be their authentic self while at school. Presenting to nearly 50 teenage boys after lunchtime could be a challenge for some, yet Jake’s presentation on being “Your authentic self” during the school years hit the mark for all students. In each of the student’s different skill set and past leadership experiences, Jake’s focus on vulnerability, honesty, connection and empathy was received very well. Jake was raw with his analysis of his schooling years and as man in his early thirties, spoke about his experiences that had made him a better person, friend, partner and mate. Jake is a passionate advocate for wellbeing and it was no surprise that he donated 100% of his Guest Speaker fee towards SJC’s Movember Team account. We were very grateful to welcome Jake back as an old Joey’s boy and to have someone of Jake’s quality to present to our students.
The 2021 Student Leaders are grateful for the work and legacy that our most recent previous Student Leaders’ have built to create a culture of servant leadership, respectful relationships, students who are strong in mind and gentle in heart. Young men of compassion and integrity who are innovative learners. We wish the Student Leaders well as they look ahead with hope and a new vision, ready to make 2021 the best year possible with a myriad of learning and leadership opportunities that will present. Another Student Leadership Forum is currently being planned for continued student leadership development.
The Toilet Rejuvenation Project is underway. The Respectful Relationships team and SJC Art Department have teamed up with the 2021 student leadership group and have spent the entire weekend rejuvenating the toilet block that sits just outside our college library entrance. Local artist Jai Allen has ingeniously added colour, functional artwork, inspirational and positive quotes, and QR coded help seeking contacts in the toilets for our students. The connection between the provision of clean, pleasant and safe toilet facilities and young people’s short and long-term physical and mental health and learning outcomes is the main driver behind this initiative.
The Respectful Relationship team drew from research, in Australia and abroad, that commonly finds students being dissatisfied with their toilet facilities, that students often avoid going to the toilet at school, and that expenditure on toilets is a low priority for many schools. Student based surveys also highlighted that a concerning number of St Joseph’s College students’ report avoiding eating and drinking throughout the day to ensure they do not need to use the facilities. We are very pleased with the quality of the work and we hope this has a positive impact on the students. We anticipate extending this project to Westcourt and other amenities in the College. I would personally like to thank Leah Irving who led this initiative with passion and purpose.
The Year 12s have completed their formal classes and all participated well in a fun and reflective Year 12 Celebration Day on Friday 30 October. Our VCAL and S ONLY students have all completed their requirements and our VCE students all sat the first of the VCAA exams ‘English’ this week. We wish our students all the best as they approach their exams over the coming weeks. We look forward to celebrating our Valedictory/Graduation ceremony on Friday 4 December.
Our 2021 Headstart program will commence on Monday November 30, which will see all of our students and staff commence the 2021 timetable and subjects. Headstart was introduced two years ago with the intent to have our students finish the year with purpose and to provide them with the familiarisation needed to get a head start with their subjects and teachers for the following year. Students will be provided information on this in the coming weeks.
Did you know that reading reduces stress by 68%? According to Australia Reads, reading reduces stress faster than listening to music, going for a walk, or enjoying a cup of tea.
I am sure that we would all like to enjoy the benefits of reducing stress, but how can we find more time in our busy lives to read? Successful YA writer Will Kostakis talks about this dilemma in this short video.
On Thursday 12 November, consider joining St Joseph’s Reads and stop whatever you are doing for an hour, pick up a book and read. If you would prefer to listen to an eAudiobook, the SJC library collection includes access to the Wheelers platform of eBooks and eAudiobooks available on laptops and personal devices via the library homepage. For assistance with the Wheelers platform, watch the ‘how-to’ video or contact the library team.
You can find more information about Australia Reads at https://australiareads.org.au/
Topics this week include:
• Interested in Becoming a Career Firefighter?
• Upcoming career events
• Career websites – naval shipbuilding, agriculture, rail careers, IT
• Articles from The Footnotes – marketing, public relations, events management, healthcare and nursing.
• Resource - career portfolio
• Resources for students moving out of home
• Careers in nanotechnology and neuroscience
• Australian Defence Force Cyber Security Gap Year
• Apprenticeships
• Message to the class of 2020 from Explore Careers
• Post school options
View the full careers news below:
2021 Booklist information
The 2021 St Joseph's College booklists for each year level are now available to download via the school website.
Click Here to view
This year, submission of booklists can be done online or the printed booklist can be submitted directly to Campion -- please do not return the booklist to the College. Students have received a list of subjects for 2021 from their subject selections. Please use this list to inform your choices.
All booklist orders must be completed online by Wednesday 16 December.
Orders will be Home Delivery ONLY for 2021 and will be dispatched between Monday 4 January and Friday 22 January 2021.
Ordering Online
1.Visit www.campion.com.au
2. Select "Online ordering for parents and students" from the menu options. Choose to set up an account or sign in.
3.Follow the prompt and type in the code: "D8X3"
4. Select the relevant year level booklist
5. Complete and submit the order by the due date (online orders by Wednesday 16 December). Please check carefully that all compulsory items have been selected.
The Sustainable School Shop provides parents with the ability to trade second-hand items via www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au The service is very accessible, it preferences our school first and then provides access to buy and sell items with families attending other schools. Access to second-hand textbooks, uniforms, calculators, stationery, musical equipment etc is available all year.
Due to a change in curriculum, previous editions of the Cambridge Essential Mathematics textbooks for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 used prior to 2020 are no longer used in Mathematics classes at SJC.
The Cambridge Essential Mathematics 2nd edition Victorian Curriculum, which was used at SJC in 2020, can be purchased new or second-hand. Second-hand editions must have a valid digital access code located inside the front page of the textbook. Codes can be checked at https://www.cambridge.edu.au/codecheck. New codes can be purchased through our textbook supplier, Campion.
Our Year 10 students recently participated in a really powerful road safety presentation by presenter John Maher.
John's daughter Carmen tragically lost her life in a car crash on 18 November 1995. Carmen was just 18 years old and only had her license for three months.
After watching so many young people lose their lives on our roads, John decided that he could and should something about taking the road safety message to young people.
For the past 13 years John has told Carmen's story to secondary school students across Victoria, and although she's gone, her legacy lives on.
John has shared his presentation which you can watch below.
Content Warning
The content of this video could cause sadness or distress, or trigger traumatic memories for people, particularly those who have been affected by road trauma.
For younger students, or students who may feel distressed by hearing true accounts of road accidents, we would recommend they consider watching with parent or carer company and support if they choose to watch this presentation.
If you need to talk to someone, support is always available at the College and you can visit a counsellor at any time or reach out to any of the many support networks available.
Headspace https://headspace.org.au/young...
Australian Psychological Society (APS) https://www.psychology.org.au/...
Eheadspace https://headspace.org.au/ehead...;
Youth Beyond Blue https://www.youthbeyondblue.co...
Kids Helpline https://www.kidshelpline.com.a...
Ordering School Photos
Photo forms with instructions on how to order your 2020 student photos have been distributed via Homeroom.
Photos can be ordered through Arthur Reed Photos following the instructions provided on the form.
Each form has a unique student code for ordering online.
If the form has been misplaced, please contact Arthur Reed Photos to place an order over the phone -- Ph 5243 4390.
Earn three House points and three hours of Service Learning credit by donating a handbag (secondhand or new) containing the toiletries listed. The items are donated to women in need. Collection points are outside the Service Learning office & the staffrooms on both campuses.
- shampoo
- conditioner
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- sanitary items
- body wash or soap
- roll on deodorant
Any questions please email [email protected]
Make sure you SIGN UP AND JOIN the SJC Geelong "St MOseph's" Team. Make and account with your school email. Search SJCGEELONG team. Or Click the link below. Let's make a difference.
https://movember.com/t/sjcgeelong?mc=1
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Men are dying before their time. But you can help us change and save lives.
With the money you raise, we fund ground breaking health projects across mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – 1,250 projects so far. We’ve had a huge impact and we’re hell-bent on making it even bigger – that’s where you come in.
GROW A MO
Patchy, lopsided, itchy or epic – whatever Mo you grow this Movember, your face will raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
MAKE A MOVE
Run or walk 60km over the month. That’s 60km for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.
MO YOUR OWN WAY
Whether it’s a gruelling test of physical endurance or some other wildcard idea. Whether it’s a day, over several weeks or across the year – take whatever Mo Your Own Way means to you and run with it.
Register for this event at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Kmqzk1J4P0iz2zRCwm_fcW8d6m-3-rBFtZSS8Zv8VIFURThJVkswNEw5WjNMU0Q0OFBNTVhESVlKSSQlQCN0PWcu
St Joseph's College Time & Space @ Home
St Joseph's College is delighted to offer you an opportunity to experience a lifetime memory with your Year 7 student. The annual Year 7 Mother & Son evening has unfortunately been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. However we would like you and your Year 7 student to join us at this special online event on Monday 16 November at 6.30pm.
By registering for this event you agree to the following expectations:
1. This is an alcohol-free event in line with Time & Space and College policies.
2. Please keep a positive tone throughout the meeting. The challenge the world is facing at present is unprecedented. We ask all adults in the community to be leaders, examples of calm and care.
For further information regarding Time & Space please email [email protected]. If you believe another school might be interested in these experiences we would be so grateful for your referral.
⚽️ GOALS FC 5 A SIDE YOUTH SUMMER TOURNAMENT 🏆
Get a group of mates and get involved! 5 players minimum, 7 players max per team
Goals Geelong location: Leisuretime Sports Precinct
Tournament commences Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November, 2020
Boys & Girls: U8, U10, U12 & U14
Click to register your team or for more information:
6 locations around VIC...
Finals played at Goals FC, Brighton on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December!
Watch the video below for more information:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=209548793937566&id=108706847355095
RE SURFACING
A month of FREE mental health and well-being events for Surf Coast families.
November 4 - 27, 2020
It’s been a big year!
As we emerge from a long winter of remote learning, lock downs and isolation, join us in taking some time to focus how we can support our own mental health and well-being, as well as that of the babies, children, and teens that we care for.
For more information visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/resurfacing
Presented by Surf Coast Early Years and Youth
Shirley Haste. Proud Grandmother or Micah VCE 2020, Matthew (SJOC 2017), Samuel (SJOC 2015), Mother of Mark (SJOC 1975) and David (SJOC 1987) passed away on 12 November. A passionate former drama teacher at Gould College and CRC, Shirley was involved in combined productions with SJC in the 80's. 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.”