St Joseph's College is committed to the achievement of reconciliation, justice, equity, and healing through acknowledgement and practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowing. Last Thursday the school, along with the four other Geelong Catholic Colleges, Scared Heart, Clonard, St Ignatius, Iona, participated in an Indigenous Recognition Day. We know that by partnering together our voices are louder and stronger. Each school hosted a variety of activities and events of their own to raise funds for the common cause of the ‘Opening the Doors Foundation’. The Foundation supports the extra costs associated with schooling for Aboriginal students around Victoria.
The day at our College was named Koling Wadda-ngal Day. Koling Wadda-ngal is the Wadawurrung way of saying, “walking together”. Students and staff were provided with indigenous coloured ribbons to wear on their school uniforms and during lunchtime there were performances from indigenous Australians on the Zampatti Oval scoreboard. The school community also had an opportunity to indulge in donuts (for $3). As a College community, we continue to strive to create an environment where we can walk alongside one another as brothers and sisters. Where all are given equal opportunity and our First Nation’s people are free from discrimination and disadvantage. To do so we must build cultural safety across our organisation, and respectfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our practice, and recognise the traditions of the lands many thousands of years before us.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the oldest surviving culture in the world. It is a heritage that has lived for 75 000 years. We respect their tenacity in the challenges that they continue to face. But it is now our student's turn to carry the flame. It is up to the new generation to change the world for the better. As a school community, we have to keep learning and understanding. We have to be active participants in the Reconciliation process. We have to continue celebrating Aboriginal culture. We have to call for inclusion and equality by standing up where there is wrong. We have to strive for diversity and unity. Together as Catholic secondary schools in Geelong, we walk as one with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in a spirit of hope and healing.
It was wonderful to see so many students actively participate, respect and acknowledge the reconciliation process by coming together at lunchtime at Zampatti oval, visiting our Reconciliation garden and support the ‘Opening the Doors Foundation’, where we raised over $630!
Koling Wadda-ngal, Let us walk together!
Head Start Program
To provide our students with the best possible start to the 2022 school year our students will be completing a one-week Headstart program. The students will begin next year’s semester one timetable for one-week beginning Monday 29 November and concluding on the student’s final day Friday 3 December.
Students should have a copy of their elective subjects from their Homeroom teacher, and next year’s Booklists are available online. The student’s timetable for Headstart will appear in their normal Simon Timetable during that week.
The Headstart week provides the opportunity for our students to:
Gain an overview of next year’s subjects and topics to be covered
Resources required for their subjects
Any holiday reading or course preparation for VCE subjects
Expectations for each course
To meet and engage with new class members and teachers reducing anxiety at the start of the year
Service Learning Opportunities for Term 4
Article by Leah Irving
Service Learning Coordinator
WALK AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE ON THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER
STEP 2 – See your Homeroom Teacher for your free face mask & wear it on your walk
STEP 3 - PLAN
Plan your walk. You can walk anywhere and any distance
STEP 4 - wear orange & WALK IN SOLIDARITY with victim-survivors and share your videos and photos online using hashtags
#WAFV2021
#whywewalk
#sjcgeelong
STEP 5 - LOG YOUR HOURS
Log your hours by completing the service learning form on SIMON.
Students must join the SJC group when registering. Post photos or video of your walk, wearing your face mask with the hashtags. Attach a photo or video of their walk to the service learning form to have their participation approved. Students receive 1 hour of service and 1 House point towards 2022 tally.
SHAKA UP SCHOOL CHALLENGE RAFFLE
EARN 1 HOUSE POINT & ONE HOUR OF SERVICE LEARNING CREDIT BY
Buying a $5 raffle ticket & sending a shaka to a mate today to support Barwon Health Youth Mental Health programs.
Complete a Service Learning form on SIMON to log your participation.
Every participant goes into the raffle to win major prize packs!!
Receive 1 raffle ticket per donation & shaka sent
Send 1 shaka + pay $5 = 1 raffle ticket
Send 10 shakas + pay $50 = 10 raffle tickets
TICKET SELLERS will be in the VCAL cafe at recesses, visiting homerooms & around the school grounds at lunchtimes. WESTCOURT reception.
ENTRIES CLOSE & WINNERS ANNOUNCED THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER.
LAZARUS COMMUNITY CENTRE CHRISTMAS APPEAL
EARN 1 HOUR OF SERVICE BY DELIVERING LETTERBOX FLYERS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA. Students can collect flyers from outside the service learning office or Westcourt reception. Email [email protected] and let me know which streets you are delivering to. Any day between Saturday 13 & Saturday 27 November please walk around your chosen area and put flyers in letterboxes. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lazar... follow & share the page and learn more about Lazarus Community Centre. Tell me about what Lazarus does on your service learning form. Donate to Lazarus Christmas Appeal if you are able. Complete service learning form on SIMON.
Careers News
Article by Karen Shum
Careers Coordinator
Careers News November 2021
Read this edition for heaps of information on:
University Applications Information Sessions Dates for your diary
There are a range of services at genU to assist you along your individualised employment journey.
Your dedicated Employment Pathways Coordinator will use their expertise in employment and social inclusion to tailor innovative and creative supports to suit your needs.
With the cancellation of many music events this past year, we have managed to secure a date to give our students the chance to perform and show off their talents to family and friends on Wednesday 17 November for our inaugural end-of-year twilight concert at 5:15pm. This will feature all of the College bands and ensembles. People are encouraged to bring their favourite camp chair and a snack or two so they can sit and enjoy the wonderful music in the SJC quadrangle at Edmund Rice Campus. Parking and entry via Queens Road. This will be a wonderful opportunity to farewell our 2021 cohort who have been such an amazing asset to the SJC music program over the past 6 years. Hope to see many of you there.
Edmund Rice Campus School Photos
School portrait photos will be taken at Edmund Rice Campus for Years 7-11 on Monday 15 November. All Edmund Rice Campus students are asked to wear their correct Winter Uniform for the day of photos.
Edmund Rice Canteen is back to full time operation
Article by
Edmund Rice Canteen
is operating as normal. The canteen is back to
opening full time. Breakfast, recess, and lunch can be purchased over the counter.
Don't
forget to order lunch online if you want to ensure you get your first choice.
The Canteen relies on the wonderful support of volunteers. If any parents, grandparents, or family members would like to join please email [email protected]
Notice for Coastal Bus Travellers
The Bellarine and The Surfcoast bus travellers please be advised that during 2021 bus travel moved from Bellarine zone tickets to Geelong Transports MYKI tickets.
To travel on the bus in 2022 you will now need to go and purchase a yearly or ½ yearly Geelong TSP MYKI ticket from the train station. The Students identification cards have been marked with the PTV logo and can be used as a concession card for travel for 2022.
Any queries please contact Lisa McDine via email at [email protected]
Returning MYKI Reciepts for Student Conveyance Allowance
Article by Lisa McDine
Please provide any MYKI receipts for 6 or 12 months by Monday 22 November 2021 to Lisa McDine ([email protected]) to claim your Student Conveyance Allowance for bus travel in 2021.
Congratulations
Article by Michelle McRae & Dan Hale
English Teacher & Acting Head of Mt Sion
Congratulations to Kade Hyde who has been shortlisted for the 2021 Insight Creative Writing Competition. This is a national competition so to reach the final five in the Year 8 category is a phenomenal effort. The winner is announced on 25 November. Good luck Kade and congratulations on this achievement!
We would also like to congratulate Patrick Fitzgerald on being chosen as the recipient of the 2021 Deakin Young Influencer Award. This award is open to all Year 11 students and Patrick was selected as St Joseph’s College Geelong’s winner, which is an incredible achievement.
The Deakin Young Influencer Award recognises excellence and celebrates students who are truly motivated to make a positive difference in the world - now and into the future. Deakin believes strongly in acknowledging outstanding students, who stand for the same values that we do. The University has rewarded Patrick’s efforts and achievements with a $5000 scholarship to support his first year of study at Deakin in 2023.
Patrick’s willingness to help others shines through in his academic and personal endeavours. His eagerness to offer his time and assistance, whether that be to elderly members of the community or those less fortunate, is commendable. It takes a special kind of person to always put others first and make them feel included, valued and equal, yet for Patrick, this comes naturally. His values of empathy, understanding and community leadership will help him flourish in all he strives to achieve.
Patrick, I wish you all the best with your VCE studies and look forward to welcoming you at Deakin University in 2023.
Congratulations Patrick, we wish you all the best and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
The St Joseph's College Uniform Review
Article by Mark Kennedy
Deputy Principal, Wellbeing
It is good practice to review the College Uniform policy every few years and get buy-in from staff, students and parents. Over the last few months, a team of staff has come together to put forward suggestions. As you can imagine there are a range of opinions on this topic and some feel firm uniform standards are really important whilst others believe less is more. I spoke at our Parents and Friends meeting last month about uniforms and I am interested in people’s thoughts on the following questions that have been raised.
Could the quality of the PE shorts and tracksuit be improved?
Could we change the colour and design of our PE and uniform socks?
Do we like having a different summer and winter uniform?
Do we like having a grey jumper for Year 7-9 and a black jumper for Year 10-12?
Do we need a rugby top if we have a spray jacket?
If we keep the rugby top should we change the design?
Should we allow shorts to be worn in Term 2 and 3 with a long sleeve shirt, tie and blazer?
Could we design a black SJC scarf that could be optional in Term 2 and 3?
Whilst these discussions are taking place in 2021 there will be no changes made for 2022 that will affect families. If you would like to offer feedback or your opinion on our uniform feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
A reminder that in Term 4 our students mostly wear their summer uniform. They can wear the winter uniform but still need to ensure their shirts are tucked in, tie done up and blazer is worn as the outer garment. We also notice some students wearing a t-shirt underneath the summer uniform shirts which should not be visible. As the weather warms up we would like to see all students wearing a hat and applying sunscreen to protect their skin.
St Joseph's is a Catholic Edmund Rice Education Australia Boys' Secondary College, with an enrolment over 1800 students. This college community is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. We aim to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety. There is particular attention paid to the most vulnerable children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with a disability.
There are many ways parents, family members and carers can become involved at St Joseph's College, from our wonderful Canteen Volunteers who help with serving and preparing lunches, to our parents who lend us a hand at College events, perhaps cook a spare meal for our Care Group or inspire future generations by helping our Careers Centre. The Men's Association is a great way for dads or male carers to get involved with working bees - followed by a BBQ!
Volunteering is also a great way to make some new connections with fellow parents and have some fun! If you think you could share some of your time or experience with us - we would love to hear from you.
As parents and carers, you are automatically part of the P&F. Meetings are held once per month and are attended by either the Principal or Deputies who present the school report regarding new initiatives and programs. We provide social activities for the boys as well as being a huge support for major fundraising events and College functions. We invite you to come along to a meeting to find out more! All are welcome and refreshments and snacks are provided. Can’t make it to meetings? Our Parents & Friends also welcome volunteers who wish to help out at College events.
Our Care Group was formed to assist families during times of crisis. Each year this group has done wonderful work supporting those in our community by providing meals and supplies when they are most in need. For families in crisis, there is often little time to prepare meals for those at home and the Care Group aims to ease the burden in difficult times. Anyone who is willing to assist is most welcome to contact Adrienne Tuck, Principal’s Personal Assistant via email.
The Mens Association working bees are a great opportunity for fathers to become involved in College life. The group contributes to the maintenance and beautification of College grounds and buildings along with other hands-on roles at the College. A team of volunteers work on a roster one Sunday per month from 9:00am -11:00am, followed by a BBQ and refreshments. This group develops friendships between fathers, in some cases grandfathers of students, as well as past students of the College. A great opportunity to meet some of the men of SJC, lend a hand and become involved.
The Heritage Centre is the repository for the College’s Heritage Collection. We welcome volunteers with an interest in the College history. Volunteers help with sorting and setting up displays.
Our canteen relies on our volunteers to help serve over 1500 hungry boys! Volunteers are placed on a roster and come along once per month from 10:30am - 1:30pm to help with the preparation and serving of student lunches. You will have the opportunity to get to know one another and have fun, with many catch-ups between recess and lunch. Alternatively, any time you are able to give is very much appreciated.
Contact: Laura Martin – Music Support – Ph: 5226 8156 [email protected]
Each year the College Bands perform at a variety of events, parents can lend some general support by helping out at performances or with fundraising. As you can imagine, transporting band members and instruments is quite the mission - join the band volunteers to help out with musical events at SJC!
You can help out by providing a work experience opportunity for senior students who are keen to spend a week in different workplaces or you may wish to talk to the students during careers week about your own career journey and share your own working experiences.
If you would like to know more about the areas above please contact the person listed. By expressing an interest in Volunteering you will be placed on the appropriate notification list so we can keep in contact with you about your areas of interest.
Kristen Gleeson - Director of Community and Development
Interested in lending a hand? We would love to hear from you, we welcome all volunteers who have helped out in the past as well as any new volunteers wanting to give something a try.
On behalf of the students, thank you for considering joining us as a volunteer at St Joseph’s College. The role you will play is vital in the success of the College and the wider school community. Paramount to the College is your safety and the safety of the students. For this reason, the College Ministerial Order 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding Premises imposes a number of requirements relating to volunteers.
We want your support to the College and ask you please understand that this process is required to provide a safe environment for the students.
Please click on the link to complete some basic information to get us started and then we will reach out to provide additional information through email with an induction regarding our Child Safeguarding Program including the child safety code of conduct.
The College appreciates donations of uniforms that are still in good condition. These uniforms are afforded to families that need support from our Community. Please drop these into reception at the Edmund Rice Campus during business hours.
2022 Booklists
2022 Booklists are now available to access via our website
There are many vulnerable people in Australia and the world at the moment: the very poor, the elderly, the chronically ill; the list could go on. But it is difficult to think of a group of people more vulnerable than refugees.
At the moment more than 82 million people have been forced to flee their homes, that is about one percent of humanity.
The Australian government’s response to the refugee crisis has been woefully inadequate. Fortunately there are many organisations who are trying to help. In Geelong there is CRAG – Combined Refugee Action Group of Geelong, a group of volunteers working tirelessly to ease the plight of refugees in this area.
A group of local musicians has got together with representatives from CRAG to organise RADIO AID REFUGEES, a three-hour radio program on Pulse Radio – 94.7 FM. This will feature recordings of music played by local musicians and groups interspersed with interviews with refugees, and those working with refugees.
We are inviting you, and everyone you know, to tune in to at least part of this program, and to donate to the CRAG legal fund, to help refugees navigate the complex legal system.
I will attach a poster giving full details of the program. Please listen in, please encourage others to listen in, and please donate to this cause.
We can’t solve the problems of the world, but we can help in our local area.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church Geelong and
The Combined Refugee Action Group Geelong present:
Radio for Refugees
Tune in to 94.7 THE PULSE FM on Sunday 21 November from 1:00pm to 4:00pm for fine music from Geelong musicians
Listen when you like. Give what you can through our Go Fund Me page.
