News & Events
Thursday 19 March 2015 - Issue No 4
Principal’s Report
Dear Parents, Students and Friends of the College, We were fortunate with the weather on Friday 6 March at our annual Athletics Carnival and the behaviour of students and the leadership of senior boys was excellent. On Thursday we celebrated Edmund Rice Day which commenced with a full school Eucharist in the Br O S Adams Centre. Thank you for supporting our charity fundraising for the day. Hopefully, in future newsletters I can provide you with the outcome.
I am pleased to inform the community that the City of Greater Geelong has issued a building permit for the Chapel at Westcourt and that work is about to commence. I will keep you informed of progress over the coming months.
Our annual Open Day will be held on Monday 23 March and the following day our music students are departing for a tour of New Zealand. The tour will involve some sightseeing, performance and masterclasses. We wish them well. As the Term draws to a close, I remind you about Parent-Teacher interviews which will take place on Thursday 26 & Friday 27 March. It is important that you encourage your son to attend with you, so that you hear and have the opportunity to ask questions about, the same information. There are no appointments and all staff will be in attendance.
I wish everyone well for the forthcoming Easter break and hope that you experience something of the joy of the risen Christ. Students resume Monday 13 April.
Paul Tobias - Principal
Calendar of Events
Edmund Rice Day
VCAL Bowls & Beats
SJC Open Day
Josephines Dinner
Easter Liturgy
Parent/ Student/ Teacher Interviews 4-7pm
Parent/ Student/ Teacher Interviews 9am-12:30pm
End Term 1 - Student Free Day
Good Friday
Sunday Start Term 2 P&F Meeting
& SJC Golf Day
News from the Deputies
This week we celebrated Edmund Rice Day. Edmund Rice, our founder, was deeply sensitive to the times he lived in. He looked at the suffering of those around him with compassion and responded accordingly. The depths of poverty in our world remind all of us who live comfortable lives that we must take action to help others. Edmund Rice Day is a time when we come together to celebrate and central to our celebration is our fundraising. All of our students are asked to find sponsorship and donations from family, friends and neighbours.They are asked to take action to help those that are in need. When visiting Uganda in the July holidays last year, a group of teachers saw first-hand how some of this money raised has been used. In the past six months, one of the poorest schools, St Joseph’s Primary School, Kensekka, Uganda, has managed to build two classrooms and employ eight teachers. This has also been supported by our Parents and Friends committee with the funds they raised at the annual fashion parade last September which are being used to build a kitchen and supply food to the 330 children attending the school.
Edmund Rice Day began with a whole school mass celebrated by Fr Vincent Jewell and was followed by a walka-thon / cross-country, a variety of student activities and
A letter from the Head Teacher at St Joseph’s Kensekka: On behalf of the staff and the entire school, I would like to convey my special thanks for the support towards our school really you have changed our lives. We have a nice looking building, pupils have good teachers and can even get meals which has made the learning process better than the way it was. Our learners are well and things are moving on well. We really appreciate your support towards our school and may the Almighty God reward you in whatever you do.
Yours Nantengo Ritah - Head Teacher
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere…
This Chinese proverb is displayed on the Victorian Young Leaders to China Program handbook. Sixteen of our Year 9 students were selected to participate in this program run by the Department of Education and Training. They departed on Tuesday accompanied by teachers Simon Taylor and Claire Brown.
For the first two weeks of the six week program, students will be undertaking a Chinese language/cultural program offered by Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban). Students will attend classes for the first week at Beijing Foreign Studies University and in the final week will fly to Xian to attend classes at Shaanxi Normal University. The remaining four weeks will be a school-based program where students will be attending Chinese language classes and activities at a local Chinese high school in Nanjing.
We wish our students and teachers all the best as they undertake their six week experience in China. We also wish Liam Jelley (Year 10 ) all the best as he starts his ten months in China as a result of the special Gallatti scholarship that he received last year.
As this busy short term comes to an end, we look forward to your attendance at the Parent/Teacher/Student interviews on Thursday 26 March from 4-7pm, and Friday 27 March 9-12 noon. All students are asked to attend the interviews with their parent/carers.
Enjoy the Easter break with your family and we’ll see everyone safe and ready for Term 2 on Monday 13 April. Paul Clohesy & Michelle Brodrick - Deputy Principals
VICTORIAN YOUNG LEADERS TO CHINA PROGRAM
New teachers at Kensekka
From the Mission Team
MASS – A CATHOLIC WAY TO CELEBRATE
Much of the preparation for Edmund Rice Day surrounds the planning of the Mass that begins our day. Considerable time and effort goes into the selection of the prayers, the hymns, the readings and how the Mass will be conducted. As the defining Catholic ritual, a ritual that Christians have been celebrating for over 2000 years, it is central to our celebration of Edmund Rice Day just as the Mass was central for Edmund Rice 200 years ago.
While justice and solidarity were values Edmund lived much of his life by, one of his key motivations for the establishment of his schools was the desire to see that all Catholic boys received a Catholic education – that is, they understood what it meant to be loved by God and to be a follower of Christ as moved by the Spirit. Ritual was important then as a way of experiencing God’s presence in their lives, being formed by God’s word and receiving the spiritual nourishment of communion. And this was at a time when being Catholic was only just becoming acceptable after a long period of oppression in Ireland.
Mass is an important ritual for the very same reasons today as it was then. It reconnects us to God’s gift of unconditional love and asks us to respond. This unconditional love is beyond our imagining and beyond our language to describe, hence, we use ritual and symbol to make this profound love tangible. In a society that increasingly accepts ridicule of Catholics and anything religious, it takes courage to be a person of faith. A person of faith has the radical calling to challenge the status quo if that status quo results in injustice. This calling requires nourishment and nurturing and the Mass provides these through the readings, communion and the community that comes together to celebrate.
The Eucharistic liturgy is a replication of the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples the night before he died. However, table fellowship, the sharing of a meal with others, was a controversial but common characteristic of his ministry. Through it, Jesus challenged the customs of the time as he welcomed everyone to the table and there was enough for everyone.
On Edmund Rice Day we welcome everyone to our celebration of Edmund, St Joseph and St Joseph’s College.
Jo Hart - Director of Identity
Lunch, Faith & Conversation with the Archbishop
On 13 March 2015, four senior student leaders attended a conference with leaders from other Catholic schools of the Melbourne Archdiocese.The purpose of the day was to have a conversation about faith for youth, with the Archbishop of Melbourne, his grace, Archbishop Denis Hart.The theme for the day was “Purity of Heart”, taken from the Beatitudes. The day consisted of reflections, stories and understanding of faith through the Archbishop’s life and career, within the service of God. After, we were introduced into the influential life of blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a man who lived by the true lifestyle to serve God and one another. Pier Giorgio challenged people to go higher and listen to the voice of Christ within. Group conversations with other schools followed, with us mixing with other senior leaders from other schools. Ethical discussions on faith commenced in these groups and created questions about our faith that the Archbishop would answer.
Lunch commenced and we had the opportunity to socialise with other students. It was a great way to meet new people and find out their views on the subject. After lunch, the Archbishop answered a variety of questions that helped us understand more about how we can become closer to our faith in these modern times. This was followed by yet another group activity that really wrapped up the day.
In all, the day was a true success with each student attending, feeling more immersed and involved in our faith. The Archbishop was great in his involvement, knowledge and opinions making this event something to look forward to next year.
Chad Suphamongkol
Curriculum News
PARKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARENT/ STUDENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
O’Driscol Oval on Queens Road will be open for parking during the interview period on Thursday evening and Friday morning.
THE INTERVIEWS
At St Joseph’s College there are no bookings for interviews. A request for an interview by a teacher may be indicated on the front page of your child’s report next to the subject listing. If a teacher does not request an interview, parents/ guardians are still encouraged to meet with teachers. An interview request from a subject teacher can be made for many reasons including the opportunity to discuss concerns a teacher may have or to commend your son for good work habits and results. Interviews should be no longer than five minutes in order to allow for the maximum number of interviews for staff. If there is an important matter that requires more time, an alternative time can be arranged. Parent-teacher Interviews will be held on Thursday 26 March from 4.00p.m.-7.00pm and Friday 27 March from 9.00a.m.-12.00noon. Interviews will be conducted in the Br O S Adams Gymnasium and there will be a location map in the gymnasium foyer to assist you with finding your child’s teachers.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
The issue of homework is often raised as a concern at the initial parent interviews. For parents it is sometimes the perception that not enough homework is being done but for some students, their perception is too much homework is being set! It is an expectation that all students would be completing homework each week night and depending on the year level, some weekend time as well. The Senior Diary for students in Year 10 to Year 12 is an excellent resource which provides detailed information on topics such as studying, writing, goal-setting, effective note-taking to name a few. Students who use the diary effectively are often well organized and successful time managers. A few years ago, a student who achieved the top ATAR in the Catholic sector, addressed a school assembly. She was able to explain clearly and succinctly, that her results were achieved because she managed her time well, balanced her study with involvement in her community, only worked a maximum of two shifts a week in her part-time job and was organized with her studies. She developed her study habits as a Year 7 student and persisted until the habits became routine. I would encourage all students with the support of their families, to make time each day to review, plan and organize assessments that will assist them in achieving their best.
STUDENTS ATTENDING INTERVIEWS AND PARENT NAMETAGS
We are looking forward to the upcoming interviews next week. The Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews recognise the important relationship between home and the College in helping students achieve their best. The College provides
two opportunities each year for formal parent/student/teacher subject interviews. The outcomes of these interviews have a greater impact when the student is present. Therefore, it is an expectation that students will attend the interviews with their parents. For a student who has afterschool commitments we ask that arrangements be made to enable him to attend –workplaces and sporting clubs are very understanding about these events. To help with identification, parents are asked to write their name, their son’s name and homeroom on the sticky labels provided in the Gymnasium foyer.
ACCESSING THE MID-SEMESTER REPORT THROUGH THE
PARENT ACCESS MODULE (PAM) Mid-Semester reports were made available on line through the Parent Access Module (PAM) earlier this week. To access your child’s report, you will need to login to PAM from the Parent Portal on the school website. Earlier this term PAM login details were sent to all parents/carers but if you require your PAM login details to be re-sent, please email your request to helpdesk@sjc.vic.edu.au.
The Term 1 report contains information about your son’s work practices and his academic progress in all his subjects. Detailed assessment feedback including grades and teacher comments can be viewed by accessing your child’s Learning Areas through the PAM.
Michael Goss – Director of Curriculum
What’s Happening at Westcourt
It has been a hectic first term at Westcourt.The new cohort of Year 9 students have settled in well and are enjoying being part of the Westcourt Campus. The Year 9 Young Leaders to China Program departed this week and the excitement amongst those boys was immense.
THE RITE JOURNEY PROGRAM
Westcourt held a parent information night in regards to the Rite Journey Program last week with over 200 parents attending. This information night coincides with the Calling ceremony for the students. This ceremony will take place next week in Torquay and is part of the seven rituals that will occur throughout the year.
CAMP PREPARATION
Camp preparation has begun and the students are currently organising their camp groups and the return of their medical / permission notes. Student groups will be finalised by the end of this week and students will start their meal and equipment preparation next week.
It was a pleasure to share the SJC Athletics day with the boys from Westcourt.Their behaviour and participation was impeccable and I look forward to sharing the festivities of Edmund Rice Day on Thursday 19 March with the students. Michael Timms - Head of Campus (Westcourt)
P&F Trivia Night
Well Term 1 is almost over and although it’s been a short term, there has been a lot happening around the school. The Parents & Friends held their first event for the year last Saturday night, the ever popular Trivia Night. It was a relaxed, fun night with the leaderboard close all night. Simon, our quizmaster, entertained everyone with his welcoming style and engaging trivia. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported this event and congratulations to our winners from table 19! Many thanks to the sub-committee for their work in putting this successful night together and thanks to those who gave their time to help out during the evening. This was primarily a social function but all money raised will go towards the redevelopment of the facilities on Carey Oval. The total raised will be published next term when we have finalised the figure.
We have welcomed some new parents to our meetings so far and would love to see more new faces throughout the year. Planning is underway for our calendar of events which include the Artisan Market, Old Collegians reunion catering, Fashion Event, Fun Food Friday and more. If you’d like to be involved in any of these events, we’d love your input and support.
Enjoy the holidays and we hope to see you in Term 2!
Jackie & Terri - P&F co-presidents
SJC First XI
In Sympathy
Mr Noel Breust (79 years) of Temora, NSW, grandfather of Sanden Breust (Year 10) and Mason Breust (Year 7).
Our hearts go out to you all as we pray “That God will welcome these faithfully departed into His loving arms. And that precious memories will be of comfort to those left behind, knowing that their love will live on in their hearts forever.”
HEALTH ALERT - HEAD LICE
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
It has come to our attention that some students in the school have head lice - Particularly in the Senior Year Levels. We seek your cooperation in checking your child’s hair this week. More information about the treatment for headlice can be found on the College website under NEWS.
Students are also to be reminded that ALL LONG HAIR SHOULD BE TIED BACK when at school.
Rock Off MND
The inaugural ‘Rock Off MND,A Night To Make A Difference’ fundraising concert will be held at Deakin Waterfront in Geelong on the evening of Saturday 28 March. All funds raised from this event will be donated to MND Victoria. Come along and experience some great local acts and help the 1,900 Australians living with Motor Neurone Disease move closer to a cure.
Tickets are $50 + booking fee per person.
https://www.picatic.com/rockoffmnd
Year 10 Work Experience 4-8 May
Work experience is a valuable part of the career decision making process. It aims to help students find out more about careers they may be interested in by working in this area for a short time. Work experience also allows students to find out more about themselves. Are they suited to work in the area they have expressed an interest in? Is this really what they want to do? Ultimately, work experience should offer some input into your son’s decision making process when considering his future career pathway options.
The Careers Room is now returning the Form 382 Work Experience Forms to students through Homeroom teachers. The Form 382 must be signed by the student, the Employer, and Parents/Guardians (original signatures) before being returned to the College. The Form is then signed by the Principal. A copy of the Form 382 is supplied to the student and the employer. The employer also receives an evaluation form for him/her to report and comment on the student’s work experience performance.
Students are asked to return the signed Work Experience Form 382 to the College before the school holidays to allow the Careers Room to process the documentation ready before the start of Work Experience Week.
Students are given a Work Experience Diary to fill in during their work experience week. The diary also includes additional information, such as an Induction Checklist for the student and employer to fill in, to ensure that the work experience placement is a success. During Work Experience Week, each student will be contacted by a teacher either by telephone, or a visit, to see how they are progressing.
The St Josephs College Careers Blog has a section devoted to work experience where additional information can be found. If you have any further questions regarding the work experience program, please contact Karen Shum at Careers. To visit the Careers Blog, please follow the link: http://blogs.sjcgeelong.catholic.edu.au/careers/ Karen Shum - Careers Coordinator
On 5 March we went on a plane to Perth from Melbourne. We left from the airport at 11 o’clock. Then we went in a car to a hotel, and after we dropped our bags off we went shopping. For dinner, we had fish and chips. The next day we went to the Nannup Music Festival and we saw lots of people and listened to different music. On Saturday and Sunday we played at the festival – we enjoyed playing to the lots of people who watched us.
Isaac Wunungmurra & Jazariah Marrkula
Past Student Award Nomination
Past student Michael Walsh - class of 2011, has been nominated for the prestigious Melbourne Press Club Young Journalist of the Year.
Four Melbourne media students have been shortlisted for the Melbourne Press Club’s Student Journalist of the Year Award. Michael Walsh is now studying at RMIT University was nominated for his feature “The Shardy Crew”
The judges described Michael’s feature – published in Catalyst magazine – as a powerful insight into the ice epidemic from the inside story of users, their attempts to rationalise their problem and their battle against addiction.
The winner of the award – which is sponsored by the Vizard Foundation – will be announced on Friday next week, 20 March, during the annual Quill Awards dinner. The winner will receive a $3000 prize as well as work experience and mentoring opportunities at major media outlets.
Congratulations Michael, we wish you all the best from everyone at SJC.
Our Trip to Nannup Music Festival
Sustainability Matters
I would like to congratulate Ms Christine Rowland’s class 7C for 100% participation in last week’s CUT THE WRAP day. A special mention also to classes 7D (89%) and 7I (83%) for over 80% participation. Collectively, 56% of students from participating classes were counted as “Cutting the Wrap”, which is once again an improvement on results from 2014.
A reminder that next term we are moving to a permanent CUT THE WRAP day each Wednesday for Years 7, 8 & 9 students. Participants will be rewarded with a credit stamp each week.
Classes with 100% participation on any given week will receive an additional reward. Rewards include either a Pizza lunch or canteen voucher.
RESOURCESMART SCHOOLS NETWORK
GATHERING - 11 March
Last Wednesday March 11, St Joseph’s College hosted the first Barwon region ResourceSmart network gathering for 2015, in which twenty guests from various schools and organisations in the region were present.Together with Carbon Management teacher Mr Andrew Hobbs, Sustainability leaders; Antoine Saleh, Jordan Partington, Kuol Reech, Jake Stephens and Nicholas Naukovski conducted a guided tour of the College, showcasing various sustainability initiatives being undertaken. I would like to congratulate and commend these leaders on a tremendous team effort and their professional conduct throughout the tour. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the maintenance staff collectively for their individual commitment to particular endeavours and their ongoing maintenance and management of each initiative. It is only with
their support that we are able to provide such opportunities for our students.
In addition, I would also like to thank Mary Malone and her class 7I for their tireless efforts in establishing and maintaining both the worm farm and composting system. The waste from both systems is now being utilised by Ms Kate Gibbs, class 7B has also taken responsibility of our Aquaponicals tank this year.
RECYCLING BINS
Fully commingled recycling bins (yellow lid) have now been distributed throughout the Year 12 eating area and the remainder of the College. In conjunction with the introduction of Bokashi composting, wood off cuts recycling and REDcycling (of soft plastics), this now concludes the implementation of our recycling initiatives as part of the ResourceSmart Waste module. The table below provides a guideline for items which may be placed in the fully commingled recycle bins.
FULLY COMMINGLED RECYCLING COMMUNITY EVENTS
BINWHAT GOES IN FULLY COMMINGLED RECYCLING GREEN BINS/ YELLOW LIDS 240L
Glass (bottles, not globes or broken glass)
Metal (including aluminium and tin cans(scraped) )
Paper (including; newspapers, drink cartons and canteen pizza wrappers).
Cardboard
Plastic All rigid plastic (including plastic bottles and yoghurt containers - scraped)
NO PLASTIC BAGS
NO FOOD OR ORGANIC MATTER
EARTH HOUR – SATURDAY 28 MARCH
Earth Hour 2015 will be held on Saturday March 28 between 8:30pm and 9:30pm. This worldwide event encourages individuals, business and community households to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet. To become involved you can simply turn off your lights on Saturday March 28 during this time. For more information visit www.earthhour.org
Kelly Jenkins - Sustainability Coordinator
These are a couple of pages from the 1940 College Prospectus. 1940 was the first year that Boarders were admitted to the school. I thought it might be interesting for people to see some of the parent notes for 1940 which included some rules that I am sure students from today would find amusing. There are also some photos of the College dining room and dormitory used by the boarders.
- Susan Belluzzo, Archivist & Legacy Coordinator
Year 7 Applications for 2016 close Friday 22 May 2015. Limited places available for Senior School.
