In recent years many of our staff and students have visited the community of Mannya in rural Uganda. Three years ago I had the privilege of spending a week there with colleagues. We visited schools that are largely dependent on financial support from Australia. These included the St Joseph’s Secondary Vocational School in Kensekka which relies on the generosity of our community in St Joseph’s Geelong to continue operating.
The history of our involvement in Uganda dates back to 2007 with a substantial contribution to the establishment of a primary school in Kensekka. This school now thrives, having been adopted by the Geelong-based Cotton On Foundation, which supports 17 primary schools and one secondary school in the region along with other initiatives in the health sector.
In this part of Uganda 70% of all households survive on less than three dollars (US) per week, HIV Aids has wreaked havoc on the adult population meaning many households are headed by children due to the death of adults and the most common form of work available (irregularly) is farm labour which barely brings in enough income to feed a family much less educate children. The traditional extended family system among Africans where relatives care for orphans has been weakened with many children left to fend for basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and education.
Most children here are doomed to poverty with education the only possible circuit breaker. St Joseph’s Kensekka is the only secondary school in a 24 km radius. The circumstances of many students are heartbreaking and the work of the school inspiring. Those young people who ‘want to’ and who ‘can’ attend school need very low or no fees, basic requirements like pencils and paper, and food at lunchtime (for some their only meal for the day). Those who experience success in their schooling have vastly different lives from those who don’t.
While on leave I also visited Ireland and the first two schools started by Edmund Rice two centuries prior. The similarities between 19th century Ireland and 21st-century Uganda were striking. They include parental unemployment, low life expectancy, limited vocational options, child exploitation, starvation and malnutrition, large families and a commitment to Catholicism.
Edmund Rice recognised the desperate need of Irelands’ youth and responded. We recognise the desperate need of Ugandas’ youth and because of our Edmund Rice traditions, our Christian obligation and our humanity, we must respond.
Earlier this week our student leadership group launched Edmund Rice day at a full school assembly. Their goal is that we raise $50,000 on Edmund Rice day on April 30. In order for this to happen each student needs to commit to donating $30 or each family $50. The reality is stark… if we do students in Kensekka will eat every day and be educated, if we don’t then they won’t and will remain impoverished. And we have the opportunity to make an incredible difference with a level of generosity that for most of us will not affect our lives.
Prior to the COVID travel bans, a group of Year 12 students were traveling to Mannya after their exams. (more in keeping with our commitment to Justice and Solidarity than partying on the Gold Coast). We hope to visit again in 2022 and it will be a great joy to see what we have made possible. Please support our leaders by ensuring that your son donates on Edmund Rice Day.
During COVID lockdown students and staff had the opportunity to develop a range of skills through remote learning. We are currently investigating a number of options whereby some students in some subjects may choose the option of undertaking some classes remotely. While there are many challenges to this not least the logistics, we think that this option has the potential to enrich the skills our students will need in many post-secondary studies or vocations.
Remote learning also offers the opportunity for continuity of learning during periods of school disruption. From 3-5 May, Year 12 students are undertaking their renewals off-site. For this period Year 10 and 11 students will undertake lessons remotely delivered online in a mixture of real-time and any time learning. This will assist students consolidate their remote learning practices. Families will be provided with further details regarding expectations and roll marking during this period by letter shortly.
At this time there seems to be a nasty ‘gastro’ illness circulating in the community. We have had a number of boys arrive at school quite ill, and obviously, in the school environment, this carries the risk of rapid transmission to many others. If your son is not well, whether with COVID, gastro, or symptoms of other illnesses please keep him at home until he has recovered. Teachers are providing detail of work to be completed for all their classes in class notices or OneNote so he can keep up with school work until he is well enough to return to school.
Last year, 340 young people ended their own life. Together, we can change that.
It doesn't matter if you swim 5km or 500, donate 50c or $50. Any support helps and is greatly appreciated.
For those who DO swim, the school will be presenting prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for the most distance swam at each of the three main campuses as an extra incentive to get involved. Random spot prizes will occur during March as well.
Every dollar you donate to our fundraising page will help ReachOut provide all young people in Australia with the support they need to be happy and well.
News from the Deputy - Reports & Parent Teacher Student Interviews
Article by Lisa Pope
Deputy Principal - Identity & Learning
Curriculum
Mid-Semester Reports
Mid-Semester reports will be available online through the Parent Access Module (PAM) after 3.30pm on Tuesday 23 March. Whilst reporting on assessment tasks occurs throughout the semester and can be accessed any time through PAM, these reports will also provide insight into areas of Class Behaviour, Homework, Organisation and Work Habits.
Parent/Student/Teacher Online Interviews
Parent/Student/Teacher Online Interviews (PST’s) are on Wednesday 31 March from 4.00pm-7.00pm and Friday, 1 April from 9.00am to 12.00pm. These interviews will be held via Zoom and will be open for bookings by parents/carers from Tuesday 23 March with bookings closing at 4.00pm on Tuesday 30 March.
The Link to access the online interviews will become “live” in the PAM module, located within the booking schedule on the day of the interview.
It is our expectation that students are present at the interviews, as this provides an opportunity for them to have a voice in the important conversations happening around their learning and develop their communication and advocacy skills.
DATE
EVENT
Tuesday 23 March
Mid-Semester reports released
Tuesday 23 March to Tuesday 30 March
Online Interviews open for booking via PAM
Wednesday 31 March 4.00pm-7.00pm
PSTs
Thursday 1 April 9.00am-12.00pm
PSTs (No scheduled classes)
We hope that you can arrange your interviews during this time, as it a great opportunity to meet your son’s teachers and gain a greater insight into their learning.
Identity News - Be Creatively Courageous Like Joseph
Article by Mary Malone
Acting Director of Identity
‘Be creatively courageous like Joseph’
(Pope Francis, Patris Corde, No. 5)
Gospel Spirituality Assembly
We gathered as a College community on Monday to celebrate the Gospel Spirituality Touchstone Assembly, led by our student leaders Jack Doyle and Harry Roache and fellow prefects. This team of students has been creatively courageous like St Joseph to lead our first assembly for the year. Harry and Jack connected our 2021 theme, ‘Living the Golden Rule in the Year of St Joseph’ to launch our ‘Edmund Rice Day’ intentions that are going to make life-changing differences to the communities we support. More details to come in upcoming newsletters. This is truly, ‘Living the Golden Rule’.
Harry and Jack shared their thoughts. “Edmund Rice connected with people who had different experiences to us. Faith was a great source of wisdom and comfort for him. He connected with God through more than just prayer; in fact, it was his actions that were the strongest expression of his faith. Each of us can connect with faith in different ways such as doing small acts of kindness each day.”
“Finding God in everyday acts of kindness, helping others to do their best and finding ways to really help those in need, this was Edmund’s way. As you see his face around the school he might just seem like an old dude, but he's got a lot to teach us about how one person's actions can change the world. And remember it doesn't have to be anything crazy, even the smallest actions can have big impacts.”
Jack Doyle and Harry Roache
William Baum and Jaeger Fawcett gave an honest account of their perspectives on lifting the profile of the Gospel and Spirituality Touchstone with our students.
“At its core, Gospel spirituality is about being in dialogue about the world around us, and the way we respond to it, through the lens of our Christian values. This year, our focus is on bringing the ideas in the Gospel and making them living parts of our lives at Joey’s.
We shared a video of our Yr 7 boys talking about the 28 days of kindness challenge and the real differences their actions are making. That’s Gospel spirituality. We heard about the connection between Indigenous people and the land we stand upon, and the importance of listening to their stories and ideas. That’s Gospel spirituality. When we talk about our theme of the golden rule, treating others how we would like to be treated, which is present in ideologies and religions across the world, that’s Gospel Spirituality.
We are the team that rallies you guys together to raise funds for our African brothers in Mannya by getting behind Edmund Rice Day. That’s Gospel Spirituality.
It’s about recognising we are walking together, and that our spirituality, whatever that means for each person as they journey, can support us to ‘listen’ deeply and guide us as we strive for meaning, significance and purpose. Through this, we are pushed to look outward and take action to journey with our ‘neighbour’.”
William Baum and Jaeger Fawcett
Feast of Saint Joseph 19 March 2021
Tomorrow, Friday 19 March, we acknowledge the Feast day of Saint Joseph. This has special significance this year as Pope Frances has dedicated it as, ‘The Year of St Joseph’.
Having a strong connection to the charism of Mary MacKillop, having attended and taught at schools that emphasized the call to, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’. Very much, like Edmund Rice’s actions. St Joseph was the Saint that guided the order of Josephite Sisters. Here are some thoughts on the courage of St Joseph I have gathered from a reflection on the feast day from Sr Monica Cavanagh, the Congregational Leader of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
“Joseph’s courage comes to light when we see him step outside the norms of his Religious Tradition and take the pregnant Mary into his care instead of casting her aside as the Jewish law required, he should. We see it again when we find Joseph taking Mary and Jesus into the safety of Egypt as a refugee as Herod pursues the death of this new-born Child. Here Joseph carried out his role as protector of Mary and Jesus. Pope Francis highlights that like Joseph, everyone has been entrusted with the role of protection – protecting all of creation and showing loving concern for each person.
We see Joseph’s creativity at play when he transforms the stable into a birthing place for Mary and when he chooses Nazareth as the home where he will bring up the Child Jesus instead of returning to the wrath of Archelaus in Judea. It was here in their home in Nazareth that Joseph and Mary taught Jesus the values that shaped Jesus’ ministry – inclusivity, respect, compassion, tenderness, courage, resilience, hospitality.
Our world is in urgent need of Joseph’s creative courage. We have seen it in our frontline workers throughout the pandemic. We see it in people revolting against structures of government that hold people in situations of oppression, and we see it in the faces of those left homeless or unemployed through the experience of COVID-19. We hear it in those giving voice to realities where people are unjustly treated, as revealed in our recent Australian Aged Care Report and in the voices speaking out against the destruction of planet Earth urgently calling all to address the impact of climate change.
Every day we learn of the courage of parents dealing with mental health issues impacting their children's lives. Of employees taking stances for the good of society, of teachers managing on-line learning for their students, of aid workers steadfastly working with those at the fringe of society and the poorest parts of our world, and of journalists bringing to our attention people and situations where oppression occurs. Like Joseph, they have let no obstacles deter them from acting with courage.”Sr Monica Cavanagh RSJ https://www.sosj.org.au/feast-...
Robert Falzon, also reflects on how St Joseph may have responded to his astonishing call to be the foster-father of Jesus and spouse of Mary.
“What does it mean for fathers and husbands in today’s world? There is so much to be learned from St Joseph – so much we need right now in this present age! It is prophetic that Pope Francis calls us back to St Joseph with his apostolic letter Patris Corde (With a Father's Heart). Being a husband and father is possibly the hardest and greatest task I have been given. St Joseph teaches me, and us, much about these noble roles.”
One of his reflections from a Father’s perspective is also on courage.
“Courage — Manage yourself; find ways to be calm in the chaos and stress of life. Avoid the strong pressure to reactivity, anger, uncharitable responses and immaturity. I can have faith in my fears, frailty and weakness. God is with me/us.”
Robert Falzon, a husband and father to four adult children, is an author, businessman and the founder of the national menALIVE ministry.
Who had a great day at the ACCT Golf Day last week?
Article by
Thank you to all of the players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters of the 2021 Associated Cold Tread Tyres Golf Day that was held last Friday. We couldn't have asked for a better day out at 13th Beach and hope you all had a great time!
A full photo album from the day is now available on the College facebook page!
Results
Winners
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors
Beach Course - IDAWS
Felice Male, Paul Bourke, Michael Noonan, John Bantow & Chad Rivett NETT 50
Creek Course - Anthony Costa Foundation
Lachie Devine, Max Hungerford, Alex Hickey, James Allen & Spencer Davies NETT 51.55
Runners Up
Beach Course - Winchelsea Trading
Cameron Parke, Steve Cole, Tony Worland, Wade Vautier & Brett Castle NETT51
Creek Course - Allied Geelong
Phillip Featherston, Sam Stoneley, Jason Landhaler, Scott Newling NETT 53
Nearest to Pin
3 Beach - Jeff Dart, 7 Beach - Steve Menegazzo, 12 Beach - Andrew Bennett, 16 Beach - Cameron Parke
3 Creek - Nathan Favre, 6 Creek - Jason Landhaler, 12 Creek - Sam Benjamin, 15 Creek - David Costa
Longest Drive
14 Beach - Scott Kitchin, 1 Beach 60+Years - Neil Dyson
10 Creek - Jason Richards
News from the Library
Article by Joy Whiteside
Library Manager
Students in Year 7 and 8 visit the library each fortnight with their English classes and have the opportunity to borrow from the collection for independent and silent reading. It has been great to see so many of the students using the catalogue, reserving books, writing reviews, requesting the purchase of new books, and recommending books to other readers. The Year 7 and 8 students have borrowed over 1800 resources so far this year!
The SJC library reading challenge for 2021 encourages students to read for 21+ minutes every day. The aim of the challenge is for students to develop the habit of reading regularly. This will assist in their level of reading engagement and enjoyment as well as skill development. Research demonstrates that students need the opportunity to be engaged in reading regularly so that they can practice and develop their reading skills. It has been great to see so many of the students embrace the opportunity to borrow and read regularly.
All students will be encouraged to borrow for the holidays. eBooks and eAudiobooks are also available via the library homepage. The Wheelers platform can be accessed via school laptops or personal devices. On personal devices, download the Wheelers app from the app store, connect to St Joseph’s College Geelong, login with school network details, and borrow.
Year 7 2022 Enrolments
Article by Adel Mawson
College Registrar
Any
families who would like to submit a Year 7 Enrolment application for 2022 are
reminded that enrolments close on 7 May 2021.
This enrolment cut off also includes families who already have a
sibling attending St Joseph's College. Applications for any new Year 7 student
who wishes to attend St Joseph's need to be submitted by the cut off date to
avoid disappointment.
Late submissions will be placed on a waiting list.
Places are awarded using the College Enrolment Guidelines.
Parents will be notified of enrolment acceptance by mid-June for Year 7.
Information regarding the Online Application process can be
found on the College website.
If you’re planning to apply for university courses this year, there are many dates, programs and initiatives you will need to be aware of.
These dates and initiatives will vary between states. Having a diary or a planning app on your phone or device will help you to feel organised and ensure you don’t miss any key dates.
If you are wondering what you could be doing during Term 1 to get prepared for the application period, please check out some suggestions.
TERM 1
Have a career appointment
Book in an appointment with me (Karen Shum) to explore any course/career/occupation goals you may have.
I can give you advice specific to the state you would like to study in, the best courses to suit your goals and also suggest other options you may not have considered yet.
Don’t have any course goals or career interests? No worries! I can assist you to identify interest areas that align with your values, skills, academic aptitude, and personal competencies.
Participate in career events
It’s never too early to attend career events. You will be able to explore course options, ask questions and speak with course advisers. Many events will be held online this year which will help if you can’t travel. We are taking a bus load of students in Years 11 and 12 to the VCE and Careers Expo in May!
Read the Career News each week to check for upcoming events.
Undertake work experience
Talk to me about undertaking work experience during the Term break.
Book a consultation
Several universities offer a one-to-one chat service via Zoom. Ask your career adviser about how to book in for an appointment.
Research university courses
Use the following methods to research courses.
University sites
Use the course search function on university websites (e.g., nursing) or browse study areas (e.g., allied health).
Tertiary Admission Centres (TACs)
Use the course search function on the state based TACs you are interested in. Below are websites:
This Guide should be consulted when researching undergraduate degrees. It contains rankings and ratings for individual courses and universities, www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au
Apply for university
Applications are now open for the following two universities for the 2022 intake. Most courses can be deferred until 2023.
Why apprenticeships and traineeships are the way of the future
SkillsRoad has released a fantastic report about apprenticeships and traineeships. They write:
“The Class of 2020 can be rightfully proud of themselves for successfully navigating their final exams after this gruelling year. As our young people get ready for the next step in their lives, we look at why Vocational Education and Training (VET) is an attractive option for school leavers focused on becoming resilient and flexible in the face of future challenges.”
There are many occupations within the construction industry. Everything from drain laying to floor finishing to cartography (mapping) to surveying. Look outside the square from electrical, plumbing and carpentry to ensure you are assessing all of your options.
To explore occupations, watch videos, read profiles of people working in the industry, visit www.skillsone.com.au
The University of Melbourne – The Hansen Scholarship
If you are planning to study at The University of Melbourne in 2022, you should consider applying for the prestigious Hansen Scholarship. Stage 1 applications close on the Thursday 11 March. You must be able to prove financial disadvantage to be eligible,
During the school holidays you are invited to experience Deakin University through their Campus Tour program. You will be taken on a 45-minute tour of your chosen campus by a current Deakin student.
You will be able to: Tour the campus of your choice (Melbourne, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Warrnambool) and ask questions about university life, courses, and on-campus accommodation etc. You will also be able to book into a campus tour based on your study interest.
Applications for the La Trobe Aspire Early Admissions Program will open on the 19th of April. Year 12 students who would like to learn about how to apply for the program can participate in a webinar on one of the following dates:
Tuesday 16 March, 5pm
Tuesday 13 April, 5pm
Students can also participate in a study skills webinar on Tuesday 30 March.
Students interested in learning about courses and facilities at Monash University can register to participate in a guided campus tour during the April school holidays.
After the tour, students may be able to visit facilities in study areas such as education, engineering, IT, law, and science. Register your interest via www.monash.edu/campus-tours
If you’re unable to participate in an on-campus tour, you can do a tour virtually via the Virtual Tours portal or via the Monash Explore portal at this link - www.monash.edu/campus-tours
Have an occupation goal? Want to know how this job may change over the next 10 years? University of New England (UNE) has developed a ‘future of work predictor’.
Using the online software, simply search for the occupation you are interested in, choose the education level you are planning to attain (e.g., Bachelor degree), your post code or the post code of where you would like to work in the future and your email address.
UNE will provide you with information on how this job may change in terms of tasks, duties, qualifications, wages and employment growth.
Did you know many
TAFE institutes have partnerships with universities? This enables students to
complete eligible TAFE courses and be accepted into eligible university courses
– in some cases with credit.
Universities such
RMIT University, Swinburne University, Victoria University and Federation
University have TAFE divisions, enabling students to move seamlessly between
TAFE to university courses.
Considering studying a Bachelor of Arts in the future? The Bachelor of Arts is an excellent choice of degree for students and one of the most popular choices in the country.
The degree offers flexibility for students and majors/minors can cover areas such as science, economics, visual arts, IT, languages, humanities, media, communications, and design etc.
In fact, sit 50 Bachelor of Arts students at a table and each will most likely be studying very different courses. The following are three excellent Bachelor of Arts programs to consider.
Bachelor of Arts (Professional), Swinburne University
This course offers 18 majors, 28 co-majors from other faculties and 42 minors. Students are guaranteed one-year of paid industry experience as part of the degree, and it will take 4-years full time to complete the course. The guaranteed ATAR for the course is 85, http://bit.ly/1UTb3pZ
Bachelor of Arts, Monash University
The Monash Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) provides a guaranteed two-week overseas study experience for all first-year students studying a course from the Arts faculty (e.g., Arts, Criminology, Global Studies, Media & Communication, Music, and Politics, Philosophy and Economics).
The cost of airfares, accommodation and local travel is covered as part of the program.
Students will study the impact of the global movement of people and goods on environmental sustainability. For information, visit https://bit.ly/37ThuFk
Bachelor of Arts, La Trobe University
This course offers 50 majors and minors. Bachelor of Arts students are able to apply for a 2-week funded international experience to China or Vietnam.
They will spend a week working on sustainability projects, helping to find solutions to real-world problems. La Trobe will cover the cost of airfares, accommodation, food, transport, visa fees and insurance. For information, visit https://bit.ly/32x6D1T
Do you love working with computers, science and solving problems? Have you considered studying data science?
In our day and age, we are using and storing massive amounts of data and this will only increase in the future. Data science fundamentally deals with how we will store and analyse data in the future.
The following has been taken from the Swinburne University website:
“Data science is an opportunity to explore new kinds of data and new tools for processing it. You'll learn how to manipulate and process data in order to extract information and establish truths.
Data science spans the use and processing of data across diverse fields, including modelling for supercomputing or astrophysics. Or you could work with metadata, a field that will require data to be processed in ways we’ve never even considered”.
Data Science is an exciting study area and there will be many jobs available in the future.
You may consider studying data science at the following Victorian universities
Bachelor of Computer Science (Data Science), Swinburne University, http://bit.ly/1Wmeaa1
Not sure if you would like to go straight to university after school? Enjoy playing sport and would like to combine your sports career with study in 2022? The following are three programs you may like to explore:
Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership
This is a partnership program between Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University. As part of the 12-month program, students will study a Dual Diploma in Sports Development and Leadership and Management. Campuses are at Richmond, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga. For information and to book for an open day, visit
This is a partnership program between Carlton Football Club and La Trobe University. As part of the 12-month program, students will study a University diploma in Sports Coaching and Development or Elite Sports Business. Classes will be held at Ikon Park, Carlton Football Club grounds and La Trobe University, Bundoora. For information and to book for an open day, visit
Students will study a dual Diploma of Sports Development and Diploma of Events Management through Holmesglen Institute, and study at both Holmesglen and St Kilda Football Club. For information, visit
Fancy a career in the creative industries? The Masters Institute of Creative Education brings together Australia's top education providers. Choose the college that suits your career aspirations. Whether it's Melbourne School of Fashion, HeadMasters, BeautyMasters, MakeUpMasters or Holmes Institute Fashion, there is a course that will help you achieve your career goals, https://themasters.institute/
Friday 26 March - Earth Hour Schools Day (9:00am-10:00am)
- Take 3 for the Sea Filming Competition closes
Saturday 27 March - Earth Hour 8:30pm-9:30pm
"30 FOR 30" CHALLENGE - SCHOOLS CLEAN UP DAY
It was wonderful to see so many students willingly participate in our first "30 for 30" Challenge on Friday 5 March in support of National Schools Clean Up Day. Students across each year level, teamed up to clean their eating areas and surrounding grounds. The year levels that collected the greatest amount of waste were Years 8 and 11. I would like to congratulate all participants for their enthusiasm, conduct and efforts. Collectively, over one 240L wheelie bin of rubbish was collected in 30 minutes!
Whilst a great deal of waste was collected from the grounds, it stands as a reminder for all students to adopt the "Cut the Wrap" approach to making lunches and to bring food in reusable containers, rather than using disposable plastic wrappers.
ENVIROSERVICE
Volunteers from Years 7 to 11, participated in the first Enviroservice after school on Monday 15 March. With ambitious goals of removing plastic guards, weeding and mulching around the indigenous plants on the Aphrasia Oval embankment, the students set to task and redistributed the meter high load of mulch within the time-frame. It was really pleasing to observe many of the native saltbushes bearing fruit and discover an increased level of insects living amongst the shrubs. I would like to congratulate all participants for their interest, collaboration and hard work! The transformation of the area the students focused on was astounding!
UPCOMING - NATIONAL RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY - FRIDAY 19 MARCH
With a record of 51 students in recent years, we encourage all students and staff to pump up their bicycle tyres and join thousands of people across Australia in riding to school on Friday 19 March, in support of National Ride to School Day. What better way to reduce our carbon footprint and at the same time, nurture one's fitness and wellbeing.
A voucher (Hot drink-Edmund Rice Campus/Canteen voucher-Westcourt Campus) will be awarded to all participants that register at the bike racks (either campus) between 8.00am-8.40am.
Students will also receive 1 House Point for participating.
Please note that bike racks are under 24-hour video surveillance!
TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA FILMING COMPETITION
TheTake 3 for the Sea Film Competition 2021is now running and will close on Friday 26 March.
Simply film yourself "Taking 3" pieces of rubbish when you leave the beach, park.... anywhere, conducting the "Take 3 salute" and recycling your waste responsibly and in the correct bin!
(Remember to be COVID Safe when doing so, and wear gloves. Tongs and gloves may be supplied from school.)
Submit your film for a chance to win a JB Hi-Fi Voucher!!!
Prizes: First Prize: $100 Voucher, Second Prize: $50 Voucher, Third Prize $25 Voucher
Entries (link to film) must be forwarded to [email protected] by the end of the day Friday 26 March.
To organise the collection of gloves and tongs, simply send an email to [email protected]
Corryong Bushfire Relief Camp
Article by Michelle Anderson
Year 11 VCAL students are heading back to Corryong this week exactly a year after the Inaugural Corryong Bushfire Relief Camp. SJC students, staff and volunteers will spend the week in Corryong and its surrounds helping farmers to rebuild fences after the devastation of the 2019/20 Summer Bushfires. They have spent most of this term organising the camp, including designing, sourcing and fundraising for the uniform shown in the photo. Thanks to Charlie Hall for the design on the top and Ted Clohesy for coming up with the great idea for the bucket hats. Special thanks to Tracey and Luke Glover from Promote-it for fast-tracking our order.
SJC Student gets a head start in Marine Biology!
St Joseph's student Riley Firth has been accepted into a special program 'A practical introduction to temperate Marine Biology' hosted by the University of Tasmania. Riley is one of only 24 students who have been accepted into the program which will run in the first week of the April school holidays.
Riley will spend five days on picturesque Maria Island on the Tasmanian East Coast experiencing this hands-on marine science program. Students will explore issues threatening biodiversity as well as the productivity of the marine system. Climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris and their associated social and economic impacts will be covered.
On day six students will present their research findings in Hobart at the state-of-the-art Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
This unit, A practical introduction to temperate marine biology, is an introduction to the University of Tasmania's Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science.
Congratulations Riley and we can't wait to hear about your experiences!
Classroom snapshot - Year 10 Sport Science
Article by Nick Jones
On 11 March our Year 10 Sport Science class visited F45 Training in Geelong to join in a fitness circuit and investigation into nutritional preparation for exercise performance.
College Office Hours - Term 1 Break
Article by Bernie Carthew
Office Manager
The St Joseph College
offices will be closed for the second week of the school holidays from the 12
to 16 April inclusive.
Two past students to make AFL debut this weekend!
Two past St Joseph's students will make their AFL debut this weekend after being selected in the 2020 AFL draft.
Oliver Henry (SJOC 2020) will join his teammates from Collingwood on Friday to play his debut against the Western Bulldogs.
Tanner Bruhn (SJC 2015-2017) will run out for his first game with the GWS Giants for the Round 1 clash with St Kilda on Sunday.
To read more about the two past student's journey, there is a great article in the Geelong Advertiser
Our Parents & Friends are getting ready for some great events in 2021!
Save the date for:
Trivia Night 2021 - Friday 14 May
P&F Fashion Dinner at Mt Duneed Estate - Friday 20 August
Both of these events are a great night out and can include your family and friends, so keep an eye out and make sure you book your tickets for some fun!
Health Alert - Gastro
Article by Bernie Carthew
Office Manager
We have a bout of
gastro doing the rounds at the moment that comes on quickly and is quite nasty.
We are reminding students to wash hands and not handle other student’s food and
personal items in an effort to keep spreading to a minimum. We ask parents to
be wary of stomach upsets that may be a sign of gastro. We ask you not
to send your child to school if they are unwell. Children should not return
to school and adults should not return to
work until 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhea and/or
vomiting.
How to enter student Absence via PAM
Parents/Carers can enter the absence of their child via PAM. Login to PAM and click on Parent Notified Absences. Instructions are included below.
The College has been notified of a confirmed case of Chicken Pox (varicella virus) at our Edmund Rice Campus.
The student has started the appropriate course of treatment and will return to school in accordance with medical requirements.
We would like to make our families aware of this medical situation. While this virus can be a common occurrence in children, we ask families to remain vigilant and seek treatment if symptoms develop.
To avoid the spread of this virus please continue to encourage your child to practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing and throwing away used tissues.
If you have any concerns, please seek medical advice from your GP.
Further Chicken Pox / Shingles Information and symptoms:
We are not the only College to be holding Tours this term!
Sacred Heart College will be hosting Discovery Day/s on Monday 22, Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 March from 9.00am to 11.00am.
The events will all include a welcome presentation by Principal, Anna Negro, and there will be an opportunity to explore the campus to discover what life at SHC looks like.
To secure your preferred day Sacred Heart invite families to please register via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/BOV...
SJC Foundation - Notice of AGM Tuesday 23 March
Dear St Joseph’s College Foundation Members & Supporters,
Please find attached notice of St Joseph’s College Foundation – 2021 Annual General Meeting
Where: St Joseph’s College – Maureen Bryant Board room
When: Tuesday 23 March
Arrive: 5.45pm
Start: 6.00pm
For catering purposes and COVID guidelines please rsvp direct via email [email protected] or on 5226 8120.
A General meeting will follow the AGM.
SJOCA Notice of AGM - Tuesday 9 March
Notice of Annual General Meeting – St Joseph’s College Old Collegians Association
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Members of the St Joseph’s College Geelong Old Collegians Association will be held at St Joseph's College, 135 Aphrasia Street, Newtown on Tuesday 9 March 2021 at 5.30 pm in the Maureen Bryant Board Room.
Ordinary Business :
To receive and accept the Minutes of the 2020 Annual General Meeting.
To receive and consider the Annual Financial Statements and reports of the Chairman and Treasurer.
To consider the retirement of the current Committee and the election of a new Committee.
Other Business:
To transact any other business which may legally be brought before the meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting refreshments will be provided.
