Issue 19 | 2021 | SJC News

This is the final formal newsletter of 2021, although there will be some additional communication to families prior to the end of the year acknowledging staff movements and advising of our VCE results. May I take this opportunity to thank those of you who have read or listened to the newsletters throughout the year. I hope you have found them informative.

Last week the St Joseph’s College Foundation held a function to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of its formation. The Foundation has helped fund building projects and provided funds for bursaries to fully or partly fund the fees of families suffering financial challenges. Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Prof Iain Martin was guest of honour at the function and formally announced that Deakin has committed to providing five additional students with a full fee bursary for the duration of their six years study at St Joseph’s. At the start of 2022, five young men will commence their journey at St Joseph’s that we hope will culminate in a life of enhanced opportunity for them.

St Joseph’s is the major school provider of undergraduate students to Deakin University and I was delighted to have the opportunity to respond to this announcement thanking Deakin for their generosity. It is clear that St Joseph’s and Deakin share a commitment to provide opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tomorrow night our Year 12 students and families will gather for the Valedictory Dinner. Much has been said and written about the impact of the last two years on our students and arguably, they have been the group most affected by the events of that time. I would like to share my final remarks to the class of 2021:

Dutch theologian Henri Nouwen said “we find the presence of God through service” and he spoke about the importance of responding to everyone, particularly those in need, with kindness. Your experience at St Joseph’s has provided ample opportunity for you to practice the presence of God through service. Nevermore so than during the last two years.

The sad reality is that you are better equipped for your future because of the hardships you’ve been through. As the author Christina Engela writes, “You are strong, tempered like steel in the fire and by the blows of the hammer of life. Nothing will break you again, only make you stronger and more whole”.

The events of 2020 and 2021 have made us stronger and more resilient and more flexible, we are more aware of the needs of others, we are more attuned to helping them and we are more prepared to ask for and accept help when we are in need.

You are wonderful young men, you are enormously capable, your ATAR, your apprenticeship, your bank balance won’t define your success as a man. Your commitment to others will.

Your families and your teachers expect great things of you as the Joey’s class of 2021. We salute your collective and individual achievements and we wish you well. We thank you for your time at St Joseph’s. Be assured of a warm welcome as old collegians. Visit often and stay in touch.

In the last weeks of 2021, we have started to see a return to normality at school. We look forward to 2022 being largely free of major restrictions freeing us to conduct schooling in the best possible way to maximise learning.

The successes of this year have only been possible through the close cooperation of families with the College. I would like to record my thanks to all our parents and carers for your support of the school through the challenges of the year. I wish every family a safe and happy Christmas and the blessings of the peace and joy of Christmas as we celebrate the presence of the Christ child in our lives.

God Bless

Tony Paatsch

On Friday 19 November, the St Joseph’s College Foundation celebrated 25 (+1!) years with 130 guests at GMHBA Stadium.

The St Joseph’s College Foundation, established in 1995, continues to strive to provide the best Catholic education for boys in Geelong at St Joseph’s College.
Many of our families and wider community members have supported the Foundation and its works over the years, to all of you, we say thank you.

We played this video on the night to celebrate the Foundation’s 26^th year. Enjoy!

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Over the last three weeks, we have had twenty-five teachers, education support officers, and administration staff complete their Youth Mental Health First Aid course. The course consisted of three hours of online modules and two 4 hour face to face sessions. Ally Matheson was our facilitator who we engaged through Mental Health First Aid Australia and delivered an engaging course. We will continue to offer our staff this training over the next few years which will help grow our culture of supporting one another and understanding what our young people can experience. Ally provided our participants with a list of useful phone apps that can support our understanding of youth mental health (attached).

More information on courses can be found on this website. https://mhfa.com.au/courses/public/types/youthedition4.

FREE HALF DAY SAFE TALK WORKSHOP

safeTALK is a half-day alertness workshop that prepares anyone, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. The workshop features:

• Presentations and guidance from a LivingWorks registered trainer
• Access to support from a local community resource person
• Powerful audiovisual learning aids
• The simple yet effective TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe
• Hands-on skills practice and development.

Families and school staff are welcome to attend. Please find more information on Safe Talk Information

KEY WELLBEING LEADERSHIP

As we approach Headstart our students all prepare for new subjects, new teachers, a new campus for Year 8s and 9s, new classrooms and new friendships and opportunities. Headstart also signals the start of new leadership and we have a few key changes that are taking place in the Wellbeing Leadership roles.

I would like to thank our current Head of Waterford Simon Piasente as he moves out of Wellbeing Leadership into the pivotal role as our College’s Daily Organiser. Simon has been ever reliable and has provided clear direction and strength in the roles he has had in his time at St Joseph’s. I congratulate Brendan Reed who will take over the Head of Waterford Wellbeing who has been working as a Year 7 and 8 Coordinator for the past five years.

I would like to thank Luke Parsons who has been the Acting Director of Westcourt this semester which he took on as a result of Mark Deverall leaving mid-year for an Assistant Principal position in Bacchus Marsh. Luke will remain the Assistant Director in 2022 as he supports Cassie Gleeson who will take over the Director of Westcourt role in 2022. Cassie has been on maternity leave this year and previously held the Head of Mt Sion Role since 2019.

I would like to thank Dan Hale who has been the Acting Head of Mt Sion since Term 2 this year. Dan has served the Wellbeing team incredibly well across a variety of roles in his time at SJC. Dan will spend 2022 taking on a full teaching load and being a homeroom teacher in Foley. Meleah Zanos will take over the Head of Mt Sion Wellbeing role in 2022 who has also been a member of our Wellbeing Leadership team for four years.

We also welcome our current Director of Identity Rachel Roche as a new Year 7 Year Level Coordinator to join Peter Malone in 2022. Nathanael Smith will be joined by Sam Querella as a new Year 8 Year Level Coordinator and Jackson Langhorne will take over the Jordan House Leadership role from Kate McLaren who leaves us at the end of 2021. We thank Kate for all she has done for the Jordan House.

The 2022 Wellbeing Leadership team and contact details are listed below.

Deputy Principal Wellbeing – Mark Kennedy ([email protected])

Wellbeing Assistant and PA – Natalie Welsh ([email protected])

Head of Waterford (7&8) Wellbeing – Brendan Reed ([email protected])

Year 7 YLC – Peter Malone ([email protected])

Year 7 YLC - Rachel Roche ([email protected])

Year 8 YLC – Nathanael Smith ([email protected])

Year 8 YLC - Sam Querella ([email protected])

Director of Westcourt (9) – Cassie Gleeson ([email protected])

Assistant – Luke Parsons

Head of Mt Sion Wellbeing (10-12) – Meleah Zanos ([email protected])

Jordan House Coordinator – Jackson Langhorne ([email protected])

Brophy House Coordinator – Matthew Walsh ([email protected])

Foley House Coordinator – Aaron Westgarth ([email protected])

Butler House Coordinator – Patrick Prendergast ([email protected])

Head of Education Support – Mark Turner ([email protected])

Head of Student Services – Kerry Drever ([email protected])

Youth Mental Heath First Aid Apps

Everybody desires to have time out from their daily routine, to stop and breathe and engage in activities that help us to recharge, refresh and renew. Our Year 7 students had this opportunity last week with their renewals. The focus of the day was on “Journeys”, with each session enhancing the content students have been covering in their Religious Education classes about life being a journey, both literally and metaphorically.

The students listened about two significant spiritual pilgrimages- The Holy Land and Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St James), they participated in a pilgrimage around St Joseph’s College visiting different significant sites on our grounds and concluded the day with a liturgy in the Chapel, the focus being on the well-known ‘Footsteps’ prayer.

Below some Year 7 students share their thoughts about the day.

Hamish V

Q1. What did you learn?

I learned about the history of our College, Aboriginal plant life, and about different people’s journeys. Some of these facts, in particular, were the history of the Bluestone building (B Block), and how it used to be an orphanage, then was transitioned into a school. Also how names of the region, such as Corio, were derived from Aboriginal names of that place.

Q2. What will you take away from this for the future?

I will take away the religious pathways each person journeys on, whether it be the Camino de Santiago (which was mentioned) or going on a pilgrimage, or even just simply stopping to pray awhile. It all connects back to everyone believing in the same thing, we just choose to show it differently.

Q3. What was your favourite experience?

There were two things for me, the mini-pilgrimage we did around the school and the ability to be able to talk to some of the older boys at St Joey’s. Talking to the older boys was interesting as it enabled me to find out more about the later years to come on my journey. The mini-pilgrimage did about the same, it gave me more insight into a range of subjects such as indigenous flora.

Jed S

The Renewal day was a different learning experience compared to normal school. It was very effective in teaching us the history of our country and also the history of the school and how to be innovative, compassionate, and to behave with integrity. Some highlights of the day were Mr Kennedy sharing his experience of going to see the Pope on World Youth Day twice and when he went on a journey to Kenya to visit schools. We also learned about Ms Roche’s pilgrimage called the Camino de Santiago and what that entailed.

Brock W

On our own school pilgrimage, we visited different areas of the school such as the Tom Howe Centre (B Block) and how it had many different purposes such as an orphanage, a living space and at one point it had been a Gym. We also learned about the meaning behind the Reconciliation Garden and its purpose in the school. We heard about some journeys that Mr Kennedy and Ms Roche went on. Overall the renewals were a great experience because of the things that we learned during the pilgrimage and what we were told in the liturgy. Renewals was a great learning experience and it was a joy to attend.

Global Classroom Partners Program

Over the past two weeks, some of the student leaders have engaged in a virtual conversation with students at Brother Rice High in Detroit, Michigan. The Global Classroom Partners Program links young people from around the world to learn from, with, and about each other, while exploring some of the world’s most pressing issues.

The first 30-minute zoom had students introduce themselves and learn about the world each other lives in. We learned that students at Brother Rice High are part of many extra-curricular clubs, they prayed together as a school twice a day, and then at the beginning of each lesson, as well as loving sports as much as our St Joey’s boys do. The students in the US were interested in the types of dangerous animals we encounter every day, how our canteen system worked and the significance behind saying the Acknowledgement of Country before every gathering.

Last Friday we had our second zoom call, facilitated by Jo Hart from the EREA office. During this zoom, students dialogued about the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) topic or Faith as a Force for Good. The focus became how being of service can be a way in which you live out your faith. Both schools engage in service-learning opportunities, such as Mac & Joes (SJC) and snack packs (Br Rice High, Detroit). The students look forward to engaging in further dialogue in the future about other issues and topics of interest to them from a student perspective.

Students made comments in the chat function highlighting how lovely it was to meet new people who share similar ideas and values:

John Riordan (Brother Rice High)

“I really appreciated being able to learn about different service opportunities and how deep the connection is between your school and the service projects you participate in. I also enjoyed hearing different perspectives on how service ties into our Christian faith.”

Zakary E (SJC)

“Together it seems that we can make a big difference and do good and I absolutely loved to hear from both sides about what we are doing and what we will continue to do”

Morris Gleitzman Virtual Visit

Year 7 and 8 NIXOR students have been studying Morris Gleitzman’s books Loyal Creatures and Boy Overboard this semester. Last week the boys were treated to an online session in the library with Morris, during which he spoke about both books. Of the 42 books that Morris has written, he said that these two are very special to him because they are based on fact and they reflect his extensive research. Boy Overboard was the first book that he had written that reflected what was happening for real people. Morris overcame the fact that he had never been to Afghanistan by asking a refugee Hazara family to read and give feedback on the book prior to publishing. Morris spoke about the strong connection that he made with the family and how they continue to be in contact many years later. The students were engaged by all of Morris’ stories during the session and asked thoughtful and insightful questions. All of Gleitzman’s books are available in the library, including the latest and final book in the very popular ‘Once’ series, Always.

Library Returns and Summer Borrowing

All books that have been on loan during the year are now due back to the library. While we encourage summer borrowing and reading, overdue resources need to be returned prior to the end of the year. Resources borrowed for the holidays will be due in the first week back in 2022.

TERRARIUMS - “CENTRE STAGE”

On Monday 22 November, Sustainability Leaders, together with new Year 7 volunteers and staff members Angela Gionis and Amanda Williamson, came together to learn the art of making terrariums during a lunchtime workshop. Using a variety of ferns, spider plants, and succulents, the students worked in a creative and industrious manner to complete their creations. The completed terrariums will be utilised as the table centrepieces for the ACC Student Leadership Launch on 25 November. The creators will then be able to take their terrariums home for Christmas from Monday 29 November. I would like to thank staff members Nicole Lucas and Danielle Thompson for their donation of plants and Bernie Carthew for initiating this opportunity for students to develop their terrarium-making skills and showcase their creations.

CALLING FOR PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS AND BREAD CLIPS

In preparation for our 2022 program, we are keen to collect as many bottle tops (numbers 2 & 4) as possible, to be utilised for recycling/reforming endeavours in the Polymer Recycling Plant (located in the Applied Learning Shed). Bottle tops must be washed prior to delivery to the Reception at either campus. In addition, we are also collecting bread tags to support the “Bread Tags for Wheelchairs” project.

Did you know that St Joseph's College has a Job Vacancies Page?

This year we have received contact from many work places offering employment to students, whilst at school, but also to those who are finishing, or have left. Most of these opportunities are apprenticeships. However, we also list part-time / casual / full-time jobs. If you are looking for work, or know someone else who Is, please direct them to our page. www.sjccareers.com

The job vacancies page can be found under the For Students header, or:

https://www.sjccareers.com/job...

What are you passionate about? Exploring University and Further Study? Courses, Discovery Days and heaps more can be found in the latest Careers News - download it below

SafeTALK is a half-day alertness workshop that prepares anyone, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.

Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive.

safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.

Workshop features:

 -Presentations and guidance from a LivingWorks registered trainer

- Access to support from a local community resource person

- Powerful audiovisual learning aids

- The simple yet effective TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe

- Hands-on skills practice and development

WORKSHOP 1 - SCHOOL COMMUNITIES

Tuesday 30 November 2021 9am - 12pm

Book Now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/...

WORKSHOP 2 - SPORTS CLUBS

Thursday 2 December 2021 9am-12pm

Book Now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/...

HELD AT THE DEAKIN CATS COMMUNITY CENTRE
LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE, REGISTRATION CLOSES MIDDAY ON 29 NOVEMBER

Last week at the St Joseph's Football & Netball Club 'Club 32' luncheon, Paul Hood presented a cheque for $5,000 to Tony Paatsch on behalf of the Michael Carmody Foundation.

Money raised by the Michael Carmody Foundation supports bursaries and students from three schools Michael was involved with.

Nazareth Primary School Grovedale, Simmonds College Melbourne and St Joseph's College. 

The Michael Carmody Foundation was established in 2008 in memory of Michael. He was a friend, son, brother, partner and teacher to many different people in the community. He was killed on 22 December 2007 when camping at Lake Eildon where he was struck by a falling tree. Through this foundation, his memory will be kept alive with all profits being used to give educational opportunities to those deemed to be worthy of receiving help. As he was a teacher and lived to help others, his foundation continues on his work.

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]

The Westcourt Campus will close on Monday 13 December at 4.00pm and reopen on Friday 28 January 2022 at 8.00am.

The Edmund Rice Campus will be closed for the day on Tuesday 14 December.

The Edmund Rice Campus will close on Friday 17 December and reopen on Monday the 17 January 2022.

2022 Booklists are now available to access via our website 

2022 Booklist Information

Uniform Donations

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.

Eliza's Home Modification GoFundMe

Eliza (Lizey) McGowan went from being a high functioning, healthy, active 9 year old girl, to now an 18 year old who requires extensive 24 hour medical care and has lost all mobility. Eliza was diagnosed with an extremely rare neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder that attacks the brain.

In addition to Eliza, the McGowan family also has two boys who attend St Joseph's College. 

Friends of the family have setup a GoFundMe page to assist with modifying the family home to better accommodate Eliza's needs so she can spend more time at home with her family. 

If anyone would like to support "Eliza's Home Modification" then they can find out more via the GoFundMe link below: 

https://gofund.me/74e517df