This week the College celebrated Reconciliation Week. Our weekly Monday morning staff prayer took place in our indigenous garden adjacent to Zampatti Oval where the recently commissioned sculpture of Bunjil holds pride of place. Later in the day we held a full school assembly. Like most of our assemblies it was almost entirely conducted by students. Speakers included students with Aboriginal heritage, Torres Strait Islander heritage and non-indigenous backgrounds. The key message of the assembly was that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous people of Australia, for the benefit of all.
As I listened to the students speak I was reminded of a review of the College in which I was involved in about 2007. One of the recommendations was that the College should do more to engage with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Geelong, (there were 4 boys of indigenous heritage at the time). I remember our initial reaction was to wonder whether there were many indigenous families in the region. Over time we have seen more families come to understand that their boys belong at St Joseph’s and we currently have 18 boys who add so much to the richness of our College. The assembly reminded me of our achievements in this area but also of how far our nation still has to go in achieving full reconciliation and equality for all Australians.
One of the great joys of my role is to be able to connect with leaders of other similar schools. Last week I had the privilege of attending the Edmund Rice Education Australia National conference and would like to share a little of it with you.
The theme of the conference was “look out the window to the quay”, words spoken as a challenge to Edmund Rice when he was planning to join a monastery to flee the sadness of a dead wife and disabled daughter. He was challenged to do something for the poverty-stricken uneducated boys hanging around the Waterford docks. He accepted the challenge and a few hundred schools later in 1935 St Joseph’s commenced.
The conference presented four stories chronologically. The 13.7 billion-year-old story of our universe and the intimate web of interconnectedness and interdependence that it generates. Then the story of Australia’s First Nations peoples whose story began about 60 million years ago with the dreaming. Then the 2000-year-old gospel-based story of Jesus bringing the reign of God into the world. Finally the story of Edmund on which our College heritage is based. It was a beautiful way to reflect on our place in the world.
Locally and more recently our local story is a heritage of service and care for the Geelong community. A school and teachers house on this site in 1854 followed shortly after by a corrugated iron church. An orphanage in 1857, a sandstone church in 1858 (on the current O’Driscol Oval) demolished in 1900, St Joseph’s College version 1 opened in 1890 then closed in 1893 (to support boarding at St Patrick’s Ballarat). St Joseph’s remaining closed until 1935 when Brother Butler became the first Principal and enrolled 128 boys.
We now express this service and care with our four touchstones of Gospel Spirituality, Liberating Education, Justice and Solidarity, and Inclusive Community. All of these can be seen in the 85 (or 167?) years of education here.
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone that any student with COVID symptoms should be tested and remain isolated at home until they receive a negative result. If a member of the household is symptomatic and has been tested but a student has no symptoms he may continue to attend school. For students not at school, an outline of work for each class is available to them to ensure that they do not fall behind with work.
Stay well and God bless
As part of our commitment to ‘acceptance of all people’ and our determination to be linked by what we share rather than divided by the differences between us, St Joseph’s hosted the inaugural ‘Diversity/ Rainbow Alliance Meet and Greet’ on Friday 14 May at the College.
Our gathering was held after the school day had concluded, for any interested students and staff from Sacred Heart, Clonard and Geelong College.
Together we shared afternoon tea and traded ideas: what each school was doing at present in the area of recognising and respecting gender diversity; what people wanted to achieve as we move forward as an alliance, and how we could be a voice in the wider community that validated respect for all people.
The young people at the meeting were passionate and excited to be able to link together and they will continue to promote understanding and activities through their Instagram group. They have prioritised spreading a greater understanding of the language we use to define people, and talked about the importance of having a physical space that offers them the opportunity to grow their group and their voice as they move forward.
We, as staff present, felt enormous pride in the vision that the young people shared and felt excitement for them as a group. I am sure we will see further activities planned as the four schools work together in the Diversity/ Rainbow Alliance.
2021 marks the 20th year of Reconciliation Week and the theme this year is ‘More than a Word’.
The time has come for all Australians to now take real and meaningful steps towards the process of reconciliation, deep listening and healing. We are challenging all members of the St Joseph’s community to make a commitment this year to take real actions to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and issues. To connect with our local Wathaurong community. To follow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, activists, artists and storytellers. To support causes that advance reconciliation and aim to close the gap on educational and health outcomes. This year, St Joseph’s has planned many events during Reconciliation Week including our fundraising film night at Reading Cinemas in Waurn Ponds on Monday 31 May, 6.30pm, where we will be screening High Ground and raising funds for the Opening the Doors Foundation. The Opening the Doors Foundation is an Aboriginal-led community organisation supporting educational opportunities for Aboriginal children. The Foundation enables Aboriginal students to participate fully and equally in education, and supports their families to make their own choices about their children’s future. The Foundation believes that consistent support and self-determination are key to raising dreams and aspirations of the next generation.
HIGH GROUND MA15+
Set against the stunning landscapes of 1930s Arnhem Land, HIGH GROUND chronicles young Aboriginal man Gutjuk, who in a bid to save the last of his family teams up with ex-soldier Travis to track down Baywara - the most dangerous warrior in the Territory, who is also his uncle. As Travis and Gutjuk journey through the outback they begin to earn each other's trust, but when the truths of Travis' past actions are suddenly revealed, it is he who becomes the hunted.
On Wednesday 5 May, the Year 9s in the Science of the Sea class attended the Melbourne Aquarium.
We were taken around the property by Olivia, who showed us penguins first, telling us about their adaptations and advantages that they have to survive in the harsh climates of the artic. This included having blood vessels running directly from their heart to their feet to allow rapid and increased blood flow to their feet, so that they don’t freeze from standing on the cold ice.
Next, we visited the large circular tank which had bright and vibrant species all throughout the tank. Coral and fish littered the tank, with highlights including a giant eel, royal blue tang (or dory to most people) among other species. Our guide explained the types of considerations for the aquarium when deciding which specimens to include in each exhibit – these included predator / prey relationships, migration habits, and the size of particular species. We learnt that sea dragons like to do a particular mating dance where they come from the bottom of the ocean up to the surface prior to mating, and that other aquariums had not been able to breed seahorses because their tanks had not been deep enough to allow the seahorses to perform the full dance. This was an excellent example of how aquariums are able to study particular species in order to learn more about their behaviours and survival mechanisms. We also learnt that emperor penguins migrate and often walk more than 100km when doing so. As such they are not suited to a small exhibit due to their need to migrate.
For each exhibit the aquarium also considers the abiotic factors like temperature, water, air, sand, rocks and light levels in trying to mimic the ecosystem that species would normally exist in. Sometimes they change the temperature of the water in order to trick certain species into thinking it is migrating into different waters.
Other exhibits we visited included sharks, stingray, sea jellies, and the saltwater crocodile. At each exhibit we discussed and learnt about how the different species adapt to assist their survival. These adaptations can be behavioural, structural physiological. For example, the salt water crocodile has a behavioural adaptation to open its mouth to cool down, while a physiological adaptation of the same species is the extremely strong stomach acid they have, which is needed so that the crocodile can digest things such as bones.
Overall it was an enjoyable day and a great opportunity to see a range of different marine species and learn about them.
Our Unit 1 Outdoor and Environmental Studies classes have recently enjoyed a trip to Urbn Surf in Tullamarine to experience how great a man-made wave can be! As well as enjoying the surf on offer, they also had a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and learnt all about the technology behind Australia’s first wave park. It’s been an experience they won’t forget in a hurry!
Weekly Career News
Wednesday 19 May 2021
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
What maths skills does a professional tradie need?
Think that if you’re a budding tradesperson, dropping maths is no big deal? In actual fact, hands-on construction gigs use numbers a lot more than you’d think.
Here, we look at how algebra, trig and basic area skills are just as important to a successful tradie’s toolkit as a fancy drill, https://bit.ly/2LHdSh4
Tradies 2.0: the tech tools taking over
With the modern day tradie's toolbox packed with more tech than tools, they're now more reliant on STEM smarts than ever. Here, we unpack the new gear shaking things up, https://bit.ly/2Xfh3lw
Trade career websites
Exciting STEM resources
What’s your STEM + X?
STEM + X is how you create your dream career. Take a STEM discipline and mix in your X (your passion or hobby) and you've got a one-of-a-kind career! Take our quiz and we'll make finding your STEM + X super easy! https://bit.ly/3yjaQ9z
15 jobs that don’t exist…yet
What will a job search look like in 2050? No-one knows – but one popular estimate suggests 65% of primary school-aged kids will end up in yet-to-be-created careers.
We’re guessing packed with next-gen STEM gigs in cutting-edge fields like Augmented Reality (AR), data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based service roles.
Careers With STEM looked into their digital crystal balls and came up with 15 jobs they think you might find advertised in 30+ years. And yep, all of them require STEM skills! https://bit.ly/3feuXfP
7 paths to computer science careers
From horse paddocks to high-rise apartments, there are many ways to plug into coding. Meet the 7 people taking wildly different paths to a career in computer science, ending up in unexpected places, https://bit.ly/35tVFws
5 signs you should be a maths teacher
See if maths + education is the right STEM path for you! https://bit.ly/3yjaQ9z
Chat to a science student
Year 12 students interested in studying a science degree at Monash University are able to book a 1:1 chat with a Monash science student, https://bit.ly/3fpvqwp
Animation and Interactive Media
RMIT top in Australian and Global Animation rankings
The 2021 Animation Career Review rankings have been published and the RMIT Bachelor of Design (Animation & Interactive Media) has been ranked again #1 in Australia and #8 worldwide.
Students in Animation courses are “immersed in specialised design laboratories and studios from day one,” and all courses are taught by practicing artists, designers, and industry practitioners. To read the 2021 Animation Career Review articles, click on the links:
Worldwide rankings, https://bit.ly/3ykevnL
Australian rankings, https://bit.ly/3u1zQ1H
University – early entry programs (Year 12)
The following early admission programs are open now or will be opening soon.
VICTORIA
La Trobe University
La Trobe Aspire Early Admissions Program.
Applications close 17 September www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire
Victoria University
VU Guaranteed
For selected schools.
Applications close in September or October
CANBERRA
Australia National University
Direct early entry program
Applications close Monday 24 May. www.anu.edu.au
NEW SOUTH WALES
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt Advantage Program
Applications close 31 May (Round 1)
University of New England
Direct Early Entry Program
Applications close Friday 17 September www.une.edu.au
MULTIPLE STATES
Australian Catholic University
ACU Guarantee
Applications open Tuesday 1 June
TASMANIA
University of Tasmania
Schools Recommendation Program
Applications close 18 June (Round 1)
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
The following information has been copied from a Defence Force Recruiting Newsletter.
ADFA is situated in Canberra and is a university like no other, offering combined military and leadership training, with a world-class degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
It has the best university student-to-teacher ratio in the country, amazing sports and recreational facilities and is one of Australia’s most respected universities.
Why ADFA?
For more information on ADFA call 13 19 01 or visit http://bit.ly/1d0fiI6
UNSW Law
If you are in Year 12 and considering studying a law program at UNSW you will need to sit the Law Admissions Test (LAT). You will first need to register for the LAT by Friday 13 August via the ACER website then sit the test. For information on the process and law courses at UNSW, go to http://bit.ly/2qmr2V9
Flinders University, Adelaide
The University allows students to undertake the UniTest for selected courses, which enable them to be considered for both the ATAR and UniTest results through the selection process. For information about the test and how to register, go to https://bit.ly/2PLuzJj
Planning on studying teaching in the future?
If you are planning on applying for an undergraduate education degree in the future, you will need to be aware of selection criteria for each state.
Victorian courses
Achieve a minimum ATAR of 70
Some universities will require a higher ATAR. You may be able to access entry into courses with a lower ATAR if you are eligible for ATAR adjustment points.
Complete the CASPer test
This is an online video-based situational judgment test. The test is designed to measure ethics, empathy and communication (selected universities will require this), https://takecasper.com/
Achieve prerequisites
Meet the requirements for prerequisite subjects.
Achieve minimum study scores
This will vary between universities.
For NSW based courses
Teaching Questionnaire
You may need to complete a Teaching Questionnaire via the Universities Admissions Centre.
Motivation to Teach
You may need to complete a Motivation to Teach statement direct to the university.
Achieve prerequisites
Meet the requirements for prerequisite subjects.
Achieve minimum study scores/bands
This will vary between universities.
Please contact the universities you will be applying to for specific information.
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 May:
20 |
Albury |
25 |
Bendigo |
26 |
Shepparton |
Monash University – Inside Monash
Monash University is running a series of information evenings for prospective students focussed on courses and study areas in May and June. For information and to register visit www.monash.edu/inside-monash
May
19 |
OT, physiotherapy, paramedicine |
11 |
Media Communication |
13 |
Engineer your future |
20 |
Where can IT take me? |
26 |
Advanced science degrees |
27 |
Psychology, radiography, radiation science |
June
2 |
Nursing and Midwifery |
3 |
Introduction to law |
13 |
Politics, Philosophy & Economics |
15 |
Music |
16 |
Become a teacher |
You can watch recorded seminars from past events via www.monash.edu/inside-monash
Victoria Police
For career information session dates, visit
www.police.vic.gov.au/police-information-sessions
Australia Defence Force
For career information session dates, visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/events
UNSW – Medicine Information Session
The next Medicine Information Evening for Year 11 and 12 students will be held via a live stream on Monday 24 May, https://bit.ly/3eC9TRX
Deakin University – Discover Deakin
Deakin University is hosting the following online seminars for prospective students in May and June. The seminars will showcase courses at the University, https://bit.ly/2Phjwfa
May
19 |
International Studies |
24 |
Health Sciences |
25 |
Nutrition and Dietetics |
26 |
Psychology |
27 |
Nursing and Midwifery |
31 |
Exercise and Sport Science |
June
1 |
Creative Arts & Design |
2 |
Marketing Psychology & Human Resource Management Psychology |
3 |
Teaching |
7 |
Property & Real Estate |
8 |
Commerce & Business |
9 |
Law |
10 |
Sport Management & Development |
16 |
Architecture & Construction Management |
22 |
Information Technology |
Victoria University – Undergraduate Webinar Series
Victoria University is running a series of information evenings for prospective students focussed on courses and study areas in June.
1 |
Early Childhood Education |
2 |
Law, Criminology, Legal Studies |
3 |
Creative Arts, Screen Media, Animation |
8 |
Building Design, Building Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering |
9 |
Science: Biomedical & Health Sciences |
10 |
Primary & Secondary Education |
15 |
Community Development, Social Work, Youth Work, Criminal Justice |
16 |
Information Technology, Cyber Security |
17 |
Sport, Exercise Science, Outdoor Leadership |
22 |
Business |
23 |
Tourism, Hospitality, Event Management |
24 |
Nutrition |
For information and to register visit https://study.vu.edu.au/ug-webinar-series
RMIT University – Discover What’s Next
RMIT University is running the following online information sessions for prospective students in May and June.
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.
May
20 |
Social Science |
25 |
Communication |
27 |
Media |
June
1 |
Biomedical Sciences |
3 |
Engineering |
8 |
Flight Training & Aviation |
10 |
Trades |
15 |
Science |
17 |
Health Science |
22 |
Information Technology |
24 |
Education |
For information and to register for sessions, go to www.rmit.edu.au/events
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne has hosted online webinars for prospective students about courses.
There is one webinar left – Bachelor of Music on the 2nd of June.
If you missed the following previous seminars, you can watch them on demand. The following course areas are covered:
Law |
Science |
IT |
Agriculture |
Arts |
Commerce |
Education |
Fine Arts |
Veterinary Medicine |
Biomedicine |
Design |
Engineering |
For information, visit https://bit.ly/3egroGe
Lattitude Global Volunteering
Learn about overseas gap year volunteering programs. Date: Tuesday 1 June (virtual webinar).
Information: https://bit.ly/3y6gAnk
Every day - CUT THE WRAP
Monday 31 May Enviroservice, (3:30pm-5:30pm), Edmund Rice Campus
Saturday 5 June World Environment Day, theme: Ecosystem restoration
Tuesday 8 June World Oceans Day
On Thursday 13 May, former student Sam Lancaster together with Adam and Ashlee Slater, Zero Plastics Australia, visited St Joseph's Edmund Rice Campus to conduct Polymer Recycling workshops with Ms Michelle Anderson's Year 11 VCAL students, providing insight into the opportunities relating to reprocessing plastic polymers.
Sam's presentation raised awareness of the demand and supply of recycled plastics from a business perspective and he worked with students to explore ideas for circular economy with local businesses. Adam and Ashlee Slater from Zero Plastics Australia, conducted workshops on reprocessing polymers, providing students with first-hand experience to witness the process of injection moulding and students were able to take home a product at the end of the day. Adam and Ashlee produce an array of recycled polymer products including; clipboards, pens, coasters, carabiners, planter pots & jewellery and are the first company in Australia to create a recycled polymer mould for USBs.
In collaboration with staff from the Geelong Tech, VCAL students have been developing their own Injection Mould designs, to be used in our CR Clarke Injection Moulding machine throughout the remainder of the term.
For more information on Zero Plastics Australia, visit the following website: https://zeroplasticsaustralia....
On Wednesday 19 May, several students volunteered to commence the Gate 5 garden upgrade project. Students worked exceptionally well to move existing mulch aside, in order to lay new blended soil prior to planting. The two species planted include Lomandra Little Con (Lomandra confertifolia) and Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum). Year 10 Environmental Science students subsequently completed the planting and Sustainability Leaders have been productive, following up with watering the new plants in. The second garden bed is scheduled to be upgraded during the next Enviroservice session, to be conducted on Monday 31 May.
In conjunction with the National Reconciliation week, VITA students have been industrious, removing weeds and spreading mulch over our indigenous food species garden area to the north of Aphrasia Oval. In just two seasons after planting, many of the saltbush species are now producing berries for insects and native mammals and birds to enjoy. Whilst there is still a great deal of necessary maintenance on the embankments, the progress is very rewarding.
To support our VCAL students with their recycling endeavours, we are calling for clean plastic bottle tops with numbers 2 or 4 only. Bottle tops can be delivered to the reception area of either campus.
On Sunday 6 June, the "Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek" will gather between 9:00am and 12:00pm to conduct maintenance of the most recent National Tree Day site. Their ongoing efforts to create of a nature corridor along the Waurn Ponds Creek, are in a bid to save the vulnerable and threatened Yarra Pigmy Perch, believed to now only exist in the Waurn Ponds Creek and the Thompson Creek. For more information, visit the following website; https://www.friendsofwaurnpond...
On Friday 14 May our Parents and Friends group hosted their annual Trivia Night in the staffroom. It was great to be back after missing last year's event due to COVID. Nearly 200 participants attended with 19 tables of teams – thanks to all our teams who got involved and were part of the night:
We were thrilled to have quiz master Simon return, he did a fantastic job with the questions and the running of the night.
The giant lolly jar, scratchie tree and raffle were well received. Thanks to our sponsors – Ghanda, Lipari Espresso Bar, Valley Inn, Cotton On, Back Bar Choir and local supermarkets for making our prizes possible. Congratulations to the lucky winners.
The evening ended with a sudden-death playoff between teams ‘Can’t remember….winners from 2019’ and staff table ‘Don Quizotee’s’. The Don Quizotee’s had it and well done to teacher Andrew Branchflower for taking it home….just! I’m sure you’ll never forget the year the Titanic sank…..
It was a great night, and on behalf of the P&F and Community & Development team, we thank everyone for attending and helping our Parents & Friends raise $4,500 for the College! A great result.
Over the past 2 years Year 7 student Harley has been busy lobbying for a much-needed new BMX track/skate park/ playground precinct in Meredith. He personally put forward a written proposal back in early 2020 in which he undertook surveys, created a design and consulted many families in the town about what they would like to see in this new precinct. Harley has also partnered with the local police officer to continue to rally the Council and promote the need for this space in his town, he also received a Golden Plains Youth Award last year for his outstanding efforts within the community.
Last Friday a phone call came through to inform Harley that his proposal has been approved and will receive a half a million dollars funding for the project in this upcoming budget. This is fantastic news for the town, and his family are super proud of his relentless work to get this across the line.
Harley attended the official announcement on Monday in Meredith with the Mayor and members of Parliament. Congratulations Harley!
Read the full ABC news article on Harley by clicking the link below:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/20...
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