Issue 6 SJC News 2021

Welcome back to all students and families for term two. I hope your family had the opportunity to spend time together and celebrate Easter. The core message of the Easter story is the triumphs of hope over despair which we reflect on the sacrifice of the crucifixion and the joy of the resurrection.

In Australia around about the same time as Easter every year, we celebrate Anzac Day. Last Friday I had the privilege of attending our College Anzac Ceremonies at both Westcourt and Edmund Rice Campuses. While secular in nature, Anzac ceremonies, including the dawn service, have deep spiritual significance that resonates for us as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. Without diminishing the theological significance of Easter there are many similarities with Anzac Day.

In Anzac ceremonies, the symbolism of the lowering and then raising of the flag, the Last Post (signaling the end of the day), a minutes silence, followed by the Rouse (signaling the arrival of a new day) reinforces the uplifting and hope-filled message that light triumphs over darkness.

The person responsible for the first Anzac Day service was an Anglican priest named David John Garland. In 1916 he suggested an ‘all souls day for Australia’ to commemorate the human losses suffered at Gallipoli. He made clear that any service must be accessible to all faiths and denominations or it would not be worth observing. Over 100 years later one would have to conclude that his vision has been successfully realised.

Sometimes we hear people criticizing the ‘celebration’ of Anzac Day suggesting that it glorifies military conflict. I think that those who make this criticism really miss the point. Scripture reminds us that “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15 – 13). Whether we refer to the Easter story or the commemorations of Anzac Day what we are really doing recognising sacrifice and celebrating the love that makes it possible. At the core of both events is love.

The other significant event that occurs around this time each year is Edmund Rice Day. This Friday the College leaders are asking for a relatively small sacrifice from each student in the school. If each boy sacrifices a minimum of $30 and each family a minimum of $50 we will reach our target of $50,000. This will change (and save) the lives of young people in Uganda and Timor-Leste.

I am astounded annually that a small proportion of boys chose not to attend school on Edmund Rice Day… I am more astounded that some do so with the approval of their parents. Someone recently suggested to me that there are two sorts of people in the world, ‘givers’ and ‘takers’ and that the more givers we have the better world we create. Please support your son in being a ‘giver’ on Edmund Rice Day by ensuring that he attends school and makes the small financial sacrifice expected of him.

Congratulations to those students who were selected to represent the College in the Associated Catholic Colleges competition this term. Wins in the Year 9 and Year 10 soccer and a draw in the seniors and wins in the senior, Year 10 and Year 9 football was an excellent start to the season.

At the start of this term, we were delighted to welcome a number of new staff. Some are providing tutoring to support students in and outside class and some are teaching in either permanent or replacement roles.

Welcome to teachers; Koren Irving, Catherine Day, Anne Bourke, Jessica Lancaster, Bridget Blackburn, Bobbie Evans, Jordan Livesay, Emma Doyle and our new Laboratory Technician Leah Kelson and Riley Harman who has joined our maintenance team.

Stay well and God bless

Tony Paatsch

Let us celebrate Blessed Edmund Rice Day 2021!

‘Living the Golden Rule’ in the ‘Year of St Joseph’

This quotation taken from the correspondence of Blessed Edmund Rice speaks of his compassion in the crises of his time.

“Our Limerick Brothers are doing more than our good ones here (in Dublin) have done. Every day they are attending the poor cholera patients in the Hospitals. They give a rightful account of the ravages it is making there. Sixteen sent dead out of their school - which had been turned into a hospital - one morning. I am not one bit in dread that a priest, Nun or Monk will sink under its direful hand.”

Edmund Rice to Mother Austin McGrath, Presentation Convent, Dungarvan. 12 June 1832.

As we complete the week following Good Shepherd Sunday and prepare to celebrate Edmund Rice Day, we see a model of discipleship that all good leaders possess. Compassionately guiding, advocating for, educating, and taking action to protect those in their care. As this quote suggests, Edmund Rice would have been right at the front line of educating the communities he supported to help combat COVID19. We have worked hard to deal with it here in Australia, but we do not really know the dramatic effect it is having in countries in the developing world, apart from what we see in the media. We keep our friends in India, Africa and other countries across the world in our prayers.

Our St Joseph’s College Foundation Team and Identity Team have collaborated to educate our St Joseph’s students about the need to ‘Live the Golden Rule’, and treat others the way you want to be treated in the communities we are supporting this year via our Edmund Rice Day fundraising. More than ever during this pandemic, we are called to respond compassionately to support the communities in Uganda and Timor Leste to enable their teachers and students to continue their education in a safe learning environment. In Uganda, we hope to continue to help provide food and education for students at St Joseph's Secondary Vocational School in Kensekka and help finance the completion of a much-needed second classroom block.

Tomorrow, the students will gather as a faith community in a prayerful liturgy, to reflect on Edmund’s faith journey through the lens of our three sub-schools, named after significant places in Edmund’s life journey: Waterford, Westcourt and Mt Sion. They will then enjoy the freedom of being outdoors without masks (choice) to choose to participate in the cross-country run and the wide variety of fun activities spread across the Edmund Rice Campus grounds. A time to be grateful and enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate living out our Edmund Rice Touchstones of Inclusive community, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Liberating Education.

Please take a moment to ‘Live the Golden Rule’ and make your student/family contribution today. To donate please go to our SJC website -https://www.sjc.vic.edu.au/new...

ANZAC Day Assembly 2021

We commemorated ANZAC Day last Friday at a whole school Assembly. We particularly acknowledged all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served their country as part of, or working for the defence forces both now and in the past, who willingly joined the ranks and fought for all of us.

A project that began in 2014 titled the ‘serving our country project’ gathered data to give due recognition to the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander soldiers and their families after the injustices they faced on their return from battle. Although long overdue, we were determined to be at one with that voice of recognition and remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fallen and returned soldiers.

This year The Royal Australian Mint has launched a new coin to commemorate Indigenous Australians who have served in the military. The $2 coin, emblazoned with artwork from Kalkadoon woman and artist Chern'ee Sutton, is designed to "tell the story" of Indigenous soldiers who serve and have served, in the Australian Defence Force.

The young artist Chern’ee hopes, ‘people will get the coin in their change and when they see it, they'll reflect on the sacrifices that were made.’ Royal Australian Mint chief executive Leigh Gordon said he hoped the coin would broaden conversations about Australia's military history.

We were very fortunate to have a member of our staff, Lieutenant Colonel Rolf Audrins, Conspicuous Service Cross and Bar, to address the assembly. Lieutenant Colonel Audrins spent 27 years in the Australian Regular Army, which included deployments to Afghanistan, Syria and Timor-Leste and service in Antarctica. We are grateful to him for sharing his informative and heartfelt recognition of the importance of ANZAC day.

This recognition is another step on our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Lest we forget.

Donate Today

Fill out the form below to make your donation towards Edmund Rice Day 2021.

This year the College celebrates the feast day of our founder Edmund Rice on Friday 30 April. The day has a dual focus on celebrating our identity and giving practical expression to our commitment to those less fortunate. 

This year the student leaders have set a goal of raising $50,000 on Edmund Rice Day. In order to achieve this, they are asking that each student contribute $30 or families with more than one student contribute $50.  

Funds raised this year will be directed internationally, in Uganda and Timor Leste. In Uganda we hope to continue to help provide food and education for students at St Joseph’s Secondary Vocational School in Kensekka and help finance the completion of a much-needed second classroom block. 

This is an area where ”70% of all households survive on less than three dollars (US) per week. Many children live alone, many orphaned as a result of HIV /AIDS. These children are left to fend for basic needs like food shelter and clothing and education”. Education can break the poverty cycle and we have the power to achieve this.

In Timor we plan to support the community of Viqueque. Locally we hope to provide support for Edmund Rice camps which provide holiday camps for children from poor and refugee families, and Lifeboat which provides support for survivors of sexual abuse.

I ask all who have the capacity to help to do so because supporting those most in need is part of our history, our culture and our obligation. 

Tony Paatsch, College Principal 

Oscar Morrison – College Captain
William Baum – Deputy College Captain
& Matueny (Benji) Mangar – Deputy College Captain

YEAR 7 SKODEL WELLBEING ONLINE CHECK-IN TOOL

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, we have decided to adopt Skodel Check-In for our Year 7s. Skodel Check-In offers us a simple and engaging way to check in with students on a regular basis. By giving students an opportunity to share stories of gratitude, share their vulnerabilities, or simply share a story with us we aim to achieve the following:

1. Build Stronger Relationships: By driving more meaningful conversations in our school community, we are able to build stronger relationships with students, families, and our College’s values and culture.
2. Identify Students That Need Support: It can be hard for students going through a challenging time to speak out. Our aim is to give students a medium they feel comfortable opening up on so we can best support them.
3. Encourage Self-Expression: We want to give students a voice and encourage them to use it.

We plan to trial this in 2021 for Year 7 with the aim to grow to other year levels in 2022, if successful.

YEAR 8 LIFECHANGER PROGRAM

Last year St Joseph’s secured a partnership with the LifeChanger Foundation, a non for profit organisation that will come in and work with all our Year 8 students in Term 2 and 3 this year. LifeChanger was formed in 2017 by Scott Watters and Trevor Hendy. LifeChanger’s mission is to create a generational shift in society by focusing on positive psychology to ‘Awaken the Hero’ that lives within Australian youth. Their objectives are to build sustainable, growth-mindset communities by providing interactive sessions with students on Health, Gratitude, Connection, Resilience and Purpose.

What we love about the program is that we have been able to train over 70 senior school students to mentor our Year 8s and help with the session facilitation. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to give Mt Sion (Years 10-12) students an opportunity to gain this mentor qualification and give back to the younger years, thus creating a supportive culture. This partnership with LifeChanger will run for at least three years meaning your son may opt-in to the mentor training when he enters the senior school. Our first Year 8 session will commence on Monday 10 May. Feel free to check out their website. https://lifechanger.org.au/

YEAR 12 RENEWALS – 3-5 MAY

All Year 12 students and many Mt Sion teachers will be involved in a three-day renewals program on 3-5 May. The Year 12s are preparing for their renewals and will all be away at either Araluen Anglesea, Pax Hill Activity Centre Ballarat, Arrabri Lodge Warburton, or Wombat Corner Lake Emerald for two nights. The boys will all have time to stop and reflect on their journeys thus far and look at who they are now and plan and discuss who they want to be in the future. The staff share personal reflections linked with the EREA touchstones and it is truly a special time for the Year 12s. We wish them all the best.

YEAR 10 & 11 REMOTE LEARNING – 3-5 MAY

In 2021, Year 10 and 11 students will engage in remote learning on 3-5 May whilst the Year 12s are on their renewals. For the teachers involved in the Year 12 renewals, their Year 10 and 11 classes will be provided with ‘anytime learning’, as these teachers will be heavily involved in the renewals program. The teachers not involved in renewals will conduct ‘real-time learning’ through MS Teams with their Year 10 and 11 classes which will be clearly set out on SIMON Learning Areas as per usual. Please be assured that the full timetable for regular teaching and learning will still continue uninterrupted for Year 10 and 11 students, it will just be delivered remotely. All VET classes will be running as per usual along with Music tuition. We believe this will keep our students and staff in touch with the independent learning and teaching skills that were enhanced last year.

NAPLAN YEAR 7 & 9

The nationally mandated NAPLAN testing will be undertaken by Year 7 and 9 students at St Joseph’s from Tuesday 11 May until Thursday 13 May. The NAPLAN testing is conducted online and it is essential that the students have their laptops fully charged each morning of the testing. Please encourage students to place their laptops on charge overnight before each testing day. It is highly desirable that if the student’s laptop is not functioning correctly they must attend the IT office to have any repairs undertaken well before the testing week. All students will be required to have their own personal earphones/buds/pods to undertake the testing properly. We wish our Year 7 and 9 students all the best

• Tuesday 11 May Period 1 and 2 - Reading (approx. 65 minutes)
• Tuesday 11 May Period 3 - Conventions of Language (approx. 45 minutes)
• Wednesday 12 May Period 1- Writing (approx. 42 mins)
• Thursday 13 May Period 1 and 2 - Numeracy (approx. 65 minutes)

VAPING

Late last term some of our students reported to us their concerns that some boys were vaping at school during school hours. We have addressed this by explicitly speaking to our students about the health and legal concerns and how it goes against our strict drug and alcohol policy. We have adjusted our health units to incorporate Vapes which will ensure our younger students are well aware of the health risks. This seems to be a wide spread issue and I am keen for families to have conversations at home about this. Firm consequences have and will be enforced if students are caught vaping at school. The following website provides good information for parents. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/e-cigarettes.html

SJC students borrowed almost 3500 resources from the library in Term 1! The Year 7 students were the most enthusiastic borrowers, with 1251 resources loaned during the term. Well done Year 7! It is fantastic that so many students are devoting time during their busy days to read regularly. This has recognised academic benefits including the development of literacy skills, and the understanding of texts and literary techniques, as well as promoting empathy and appreciating the perspective of others.

This term in the library we will continue with the Read 21+ challenge, which encourages students to read for at least 21 minutes each day. We will also be promoting current themes such as ANZAC Day with displays of a range of resources, encouraging students to borrow from the relevant genres. Reading can also include listening to audiobooks and these are accessible through the library on the Wheelers eBook and eAudiobook platform.

The ER Campus library Reading Room is a technology-free zone during break times. This encourages students to sit quietly and to read without distraction, and it is great to the space being so well-used for wider reading at recess and lunchtime. Students who want to complete work during break times are welcome to use their laptops in other areas of the library.

Term 2 Upcoming Events

• Every day - CUT THE WRAP
• Friday 30 April "Take 3 for the Sea" Filming Competition closes
• Wednesday 19 May Enviroservice, (3:30pm-5:30pm), Edmund Rice Campus
• Monday 10 May Kodedama lunchtime workshop, Westcourt Campus
• Saturday 22 May International Day for Biological Diversity
• Monday 24 May Tree Planting, lunchtime activity, Edmund Rice Campus
• Monday 31 May Enviroservice, (3:30pm-5:30pm), Edmund Rice Campus
• Monday 14 June Tree Planting, lunchtime activity, Westcourt Campus
• 5 June World Environment Day, theme: Ecosystem restoration
• 8 June World Oceans Day

Earth Day - 22 April

With the theme "Restore our Earth" students in 8L together with Identity Leader, Mrs Mary Malone, spent time in the Reconciliation Garden to reflect and show their gratitude as they maintained the leaves and weeds around the young indigenous flora species; Rock Correa (Correa glabra) and Gold Dust Wattle (Arcacia acinacea). Year 10 Religious Education students conducted a yard clean up and the first "30 for 30" House Challenge was conducted during lunchtime by volunteers across various year levels. Brophy House won the challenge with greatest number of participants and collectively students worked to beautify the College grounds by removing waste responsibly.

New home for Indigenous Food Planter Boxes

Our octagonal planter boxes (constructed by Year 11 VET students) have found a new home in the Edmund Rice Centre courtyard, providing greater accessibility for the VITA students entrusted with their care. Under the guidance of Mr Shane Dawson, VITA students have been industrious, planting out new indigenous food species into the garden beds. Species planted include; Murnong/Yam Daisy (Microseris lanceolata), Midyum Berries (Austromyrtus dulcis), Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicoma), Old Man's Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) and Ruby Saltbush (Enhcylaena tomentosa).

Calling for bras for Fiji

With a year of lockdowns and extreme weather events, our “Bras for Fiji” collection campaign will be particularly important for recipients this year. A collection day will be conducted in conjunction with our Waterford Mother’s Day breakfast celebration on Monday 10 May. We encourage families to extend the celebration of Mothers across the globe by supporting our Bras for Fiji Campaign.

Take 3 for the Sea Film Competition 

A reminder that the Take 3 for the Sea Film Competition 2021 concludes on Friday 30 April.

All entries (link to film) must be forwarded to [email protected] by the end of the day.

Prizes: First Prize: $100 JB HiFi Voucher, Second Prize: $50 JB HiFi Voucher, Third Prize $25 JB HiFi Voucher

University – early entry programs (Year 12)

Australia National University

Applications are now open for the direct early entry program and will close Monday 24 May. Selection is based on Year 11 academic results and meeting the service and co-curricular requirements, www.anu.edu.au

University of New England

Applications are now open for the direct early entry program and will close Friday 17 September. Selection will be based on a recommendation from your school, www.une.edu.au

La Trobe University

Applications are now open for the La Trobe Aspire Early Admissions Program. Selection will be based on a statement about your history of volunteering or leadership. Successful applicants will be guaranteed entry into their desired course with a guaranteed ATAR, www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire

Charles Sturt University

Applications for the Charles Sturt Advantage Program will open Monday 3 May. Selection will be based on a statement about your soft skills and your Year 11 grades. Successful applicants will be guaranteed entry into their desired course with a guaranteed ATAR, https://bit.ly/2UmOlgT

Upcoming career events

Wow! Can you believe we are now in term 2? The year is going so fast! There are many career events and activities running this term. It is crucial that you carefully plan out the events you would like to participate in.

It’s recommended you read this newsletter each week and note key dates in your diary. Career events will help you to develop goals, keep you motivated, and open up post school possibilities such as courses, training and gap year programs. The following are events running in April and May.

Year13 Expo

There is less than one month to go until the Year13 Expo and it’s going to be huge!!! Exciting guest speakers, inspirational seminars, workshops, you name it, it will be happening, and the best thing is it will be virtual, so you can tune in from the comfort of your couch.

The crew from Year13 will be giving away $10,000 scholarships. All you need to do is register via https://year13.com.au/expo and login during the expo. If you are chosen, you will receive $10,000 to support your passion – be that post school studies, starting your own business or studying a course whilst you’re still at school.

VCE and Careers Expo 2021

One of the biggest events on the calendar!

Students and families are invited to attend the annual VCE and Careers Expo.

Over four days you can attend seminars on topics including:

• VCE subjects including English, Maths, Biology, Business Management, Psychology, Health and Human Development
• Tertiary courses
• Careers
• Employment opportunities
• Gap year options

You can speak directly to organisations with:

• Information and resources for the VCE
• Information about tertiary study, university, TAFE and training courses
• Career advice
• Study advice
• Employment advice and opportunities
• Apprenticeship and traineeship advice
• International exchange and gap year programs

Information:

Dates: Thursday 29 – Saturday 1 May

Venue: Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield

For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.vceandcareers.com.au

The HSC and Careers Expo will be held in June;

Upcoming Career Events

Monash University - information Evenings

Monash staff will be running information evenings for prospective students living in regional areas. For information and to register visit www.monash.edu/information-evenings

The following are dates for April and May:

April

May

Monash University – Inside Monash

Monash University is running a series of information evenings for prospective students focussed on courses and study areas. For information and to register visit www.monash.edu/inside-monash

The following are dates for April:

The following are dates for May:

Collarts – Open Day

Collarts is a creative media college located in the Melbourne area.

Courses are offered in:

• animation & VFX
• comedy
• audio engineering
• digital & social media
• entertainment journalism
• entertainment management
• fashion marketing, fashion sustainability
• interior design
• music production, music performance
• screen & media.

The institute is running on online open day on Saturday 8 May. You will be able to listen to detailed information sessions and ask teachers and student advisers questions via Live Chat.

For information and to register, visit www.collarts.edu.au/open-day

JMC Academy – Open Day

JMC Academy is a creative media college located in the Melbourne area.

Courses are offered in:

• animation
• audio engineering & sound production
• contemporary music performance
• design (visual communication)
• entertainment business management
• film & television production
• game design
• songwriting

The institute is running an open day on Saturday 15 May. You will be able to tour the Park Street campus, participate in information sessions, watch live events and demos, and speak to course advisers. For information and to register, visit www.jmcacademy.edu.au/events/open-days

Victoria Police Careers

To find out about upcoming career information sessions, visit www.police.vic.gov.au/police-information-sessions

Australian Defence Force

To find out about upcoming career information sessions, visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/events

Medicine and Dentistry

Year 12 students planning to apply for medicine and/or dentistry for the 2022 intake may be required to sit the UCAT ANZ test. Applications are now open to register for the test - www.ucat.edu.au

The following companies are running webinars and preparation programs in April and May:

National Institute of Education, www.nie.edu.au

MedEntry, www.medentry.edu.au

RMIT University – Discover What’s Next

RMIT University is running the following online information sessions for prospective students in April and May.

These are events not to be missed as you will receive up to date information for the 2022 intake and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about courses.

April

May

For information and to register for sessions, go to www.rmit.edu.au/events

ACN Nursing and Health Expo

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is hosting a virtual Nursing and Health Expo in April. You will be able to:

• View a range of nursing and health organisations

• Explore career pathways

• Find out about educational opportunities

• Hear from nurses working a range of organisations such as hospitals, defence and emergency services.

When: Saturday 24 April, 8.30am – 2.30pm.

Where: Online

Register now at www.acn.edu.au/events/nursing-health-expo

Upcoming Career Events

The University of Melbourne – Meet Melbourne Online

The University of Melbourne is hosting the following virtual online seminars for prospective students in April and May. The seminars will showcase courses at the University.

April

May

For information and to RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/3egroGe

Australian Catholic University

Talk with Industry Seminars

ACU is hosting the following virtual Talk with Industry seminars for prospective students in April:

For information and to RSVP, visit www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events

Guided Tours

Prospective students and their families are able to book a guided campus tour with a course at adviser. This is an excellent way to combine a tour of the campus you are interested in and also get advice on the courses you are interested in. Book via https://bit.ly/32rlywe

La Trobe University

Themed videos

La Trobe has uploaded interviews with current La Trobe students sharing insight on the courses they’re studying. The short videos give prospective students a quick insight into what they could achieve through a degree at La Trobe, https://bit.ly/3egqhGy

Attention all future bankers!

Citi Virtual Banking Program

Are you interested in exploring a career within a global bank? Are you naturally curious and like to challenge the status quo? Do you want to solve challenging financial problems within a top tier team?

Citibank is committed to giving you every opportunity to learn and develop. As a part of that they have designed a Virtual Internship to help you build the skills and confidence to pursue a career with them!

High school students are invited to apply for the virtual internship via https://bit.ly/3tzVQS6

University of Wollongong (UOW)

Ask a current student!

UOW combines a huge range of university courses with a beach lifestyle. Want to find out about student life and courses? Chat with a current UOW student and ask any questions you have about life at Wollongong. Use the drop-down filters on this webpage and find the best student to help you - www.uow.edu.au/study/ask-a-student/

UNSW Bragg Student Prize

This exciting competition is now open for students in Year 7 – 10.

The UNSW Bragg Student Prize is a science writing prize designed to complement and enrich your Science and English study.

All you need to do is write a short essay on ‘STEM in everyday life’, and you could win a fantastic set of prizes, including publication in Australia’s top science websites.

Applications close on 27 August, 2021. For information on the application process, go to https://bit.ly/3artrpH

Research your university and TAFE course options

Tertiary Admission Centres

State-based Tertiary Admission Centres process course applications on behalf of universities, some TAFE institutes, and some private providers.

You can research courses, prerequisites, selection criteria and ATAR profiles for the 2021 intake.

Courses for the 2022 intake will be updated mid-year but you can use the archived information as a guide.

Websites are listed below

Victoria www.vtac.edu.au

NSW & ACT www.uac.edu.au

QLD www.qtac.edu.au

SA & NT www.satac.edu.au

Tasmania www.utas.edu.au

WA www.tisc.edu.au

Australia wide search

Course Seeker is a fantastic website that enables students to be able to explore courses for each state in the one website.

You can research courses, prerequisites, selection criteria and ATAR profiles for the 2020 intake. Course information for the 2021 intake will be updated later in the year.

www.courseseeker.edu.au

TAFE

MySkills is the national directory of vocational education (VET) organisations and courses.

You can search for courses or occupations and use a location search.

You can also browse courses and occupations by industries such as health & community services, manufacturing & engineering, and arts & culture.

www.myskills.gov.au

Our Parents & Friends are looking for items to use as raffle prizes for the upcoming Trivia Night. An example of items they are looking for are chocolates, wine, beauty products, food and beverage vouchers etc. 

If you would like to donate please contact our Events & Community Engagement Coordinator – Natasha on [email protected] or 5226 8122.

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Archie Lawrence.  On 14 April, Archie came 6th in Australia in the Under 20, 3-kilometre Steeplechase at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney! 

Professional singer, vocal coach, and SJC Staff member, Dianne Makings knew she had created something really special when she first heard her Local Vocals All Abilities Choir break out in song. 

When not busy at St Joseph's, Di has been sharing her love of music and singing and using its unique ability to bring people together, to start an inspiring singing group the "Local Vocals All Abilities Choir". 

There was a wonderful article about the Choir and Di's key role in it published in the Surfcoast Times Living Magazine, we have attached it to this article and encourage you to read more about it. 

Now Di is hoping to encourage more music lovers to experience the joy of being part of this special group.

New members are always welcome at Local Vocals All Abilities Choir. The group meets every Monday of the school term (excluding public holidays) at the Torquay Improvement Association Hall at 8-12 Price Street. The first class is free and then $10 per week. Contact Di on 0438 614 308, look them up on Facebook or follow on Instagram @localvocals3228.

There has been growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sport-related concussion and the potential health ramifications, including potential long-term consequences of multiple concussions.

Research provided by ‘Concussion in Sport Australia’ (made up of Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Medical Association, Australian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians and Sports Medicine Australia) has shown a slower rate of recovery in children and adolescents aged 18 and under. Given this, a more conservative approach to concussion is recommended, and return to learn should take priority over return to sport. Their recommendation is that a child’s return to sport program should be extended so that the child does not return to contact/collision activities less than 14 days from the resolution of all symptoms.

St Joseph’s College acknowledges that it is not feasible to eliminate the risk of concussion particularly in activities such as Physical Education, Outdoor Education or sport. However, we are committed to responding to suspected or actual concussion in a way that facilitates the recovery of the student and does not put them at risk of further harm.

Based on this information St Joseph’s have developed a concussion management strategy reflecting the recommendations provided by ‘Concussion in Sport Australia’. Our new Concussion Policy can be found on the St Joseph’s website on the College Policies, Codes & Principles page, please take the time to read this and discuss the information in this policy with your son(s).

Please note that families will shortly be receiving an Operoo (formerly CareMonkey) asking if their son has had any previous concussions, if you respond ‘yes’, you will receive a second Operoo requesting further information. This information will help us to assist paramedics or a treating doctor to better understand the situation should your son experience a potential concussion whilst at school.

On the last day of Term 1, the St Joseph’s Swim Team travelled to Melbourne to compete in the annual ACC swimming carnival. Each year the competition is incredibly tough and this year was no different. We began with a gathering at school where it was announced to the group that Jack Simsic would be the Captain of the swimming team, with Timothy Hannan as Deputy Captain. Once we arrived at MSAC, the boys completed a short warm-up before the competition began.

Captain, Jack Simsic started the night off with silver in the open 200m freestyle. This was a fantastic start for the team and the outstanding results continued with many St Joseph’s boys winning or placing in their events. SJC took an early lead in the Division 2 race and continued to extend this lead throughout the night. As we neared the end of the event, all that was left were the freestyle relays. The boys could smell victory and gave one last effort. The result was 5 gold and 1 silver out of the six age group relays.

The night concluded with the presentations, where ACC Chairperson and the SJC Principal had the pleasure of announcing St Joseph’s College Geelong as the overall winners of the Division 2 aggregate. Overall the boys brought home 25 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze medals. A tremendous effort by all involved. Below is a list of students involved in the victorious SJC Swim Team.

Under 13

Jaxon Cooney, Henry Howard, Jerry Kelly, Jordan Lehmann, Jonathan Leong, Aaron Tremul

Under 14

Otis Jones, Alec O’Brien, Tenace Van Dyke, Hugo Walsh

Under 15

Ruari Davison, Leo Howard, Jack Otter, Matthew Suhandi

Under 16

Bailey Grist, Xavier McGowan, Kaleb Nicholls, Jack O’Brien, Charlie Papworth, Michael Rudd

Under 17

Macgregor Docherty, Rafael Gaio, Jake Jenkins, Jai Staggard

Senior

Timothy Hannan, Harry Roache, Jack Simsic, Campbell Sunderland

Regional Parenting Network is offering the following courses:

Bookings essential www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parenting or 52724781

TUNING IN TO TEENS

Dates: Tuesday 11 May - 15 June

Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm

BCYF Headspace, 105 Yarra St, Geelong

Dates: Thursday 13 May - 17 June

Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm (Online via Zoom)

Tuning in to Teens is a 6-week supportive program for parents of adolescents aged 10 years to 18 years.

The program aims to:

• Support parents to connect and communicate with their teen;

• Assist parents with understanding adolescent development;

• Help parents to assist their teen to develop emotional intelligence.

THE DAD WORKSHOP

Dates: Thursday 22 April – 27 May

Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm (Online via Zoom)

This 6-week program will focus on giving you the tools you need to create a better life for your entire family.

We will look at simple things you can do to improve:

• Your relationship with yourself;

• Your relationship with your partner;

• Your relationship with your kids.

FLOURISHING FAMILIES

Dates: Wednesday 5 May – 9 June

Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm (Online via Zoom)

A 6-week program for parents of children of all ages to discover how wellbeing can help you and your family to flourish. Learn about current research and practical skills that will help your family:

• Promote resilience;

• Increase awareness of character strengths;

• Nurture and sustain positivity;

• Give effective feedback and support individual growth;

• Explore family values.

PARENTING YOUR TEENAGER

Dates: Monday 3 May – 7 June

Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm (Online via Zoom)

Parenting Your Teenager is a 6-week supportive program for parents of teens aged 12 to 18 years.

The program aims to:

• Support parents to connect and communicate with their teens;

• Assist parents with understanding adolescent development;

• Help parents to assist their teen to develop emotional intelligence;

• Remain empathetic and stay connected.

Australian Navy Cadets.

Do you have a teen aged between 12.5 and 18 years of age?
Are they looking for fun and adventure, building personal skills including leadership, team work, independence and resilience?
TS Barwon, Geelong are recruiting new members. If you have a teen that may be interested please register your interest to: [email protected]
Teenagers turning 13 are eligible to join now!

To JOIN the Australian Navy Cadets: Apply online via the link here: http://www.navycadets.gov.au

. More information for Parents and future Cadets can be found here: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/Navycadetsaus

We look forward to receiving your applications soon.
#recruiting#NavyCadets#InspiringTodayLeadingTomorrow#FunandAdventure#TSBarwon

St Bernard's Book Fair

Returning bigger and better in 2021 on Sunday 2 May from 8am-2pm. 
Clairvaux School Hall, Reynolds Road, Belmont

 Over 10,000 books! Trash and treasure stalls!

During the Term break, the College received a letter informing us of the death of Marg Jones on 17 February. Marg taught at St Joseph's from 1983 until 2002 and served in a variety of RE-based leadership roles. 

We pray for her family and loved ones.