Newsletter, 29th May, 2014

Principal’s Message
No. 8, 29th May 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Sandhurst School Education Board Community Forum
Next Thursday evening (5th June), the Sandhurst School Education Board are hosting a Community Forum at St Mary’s Primary School
Hall. The evening provides an opportunity for parents, guardians and friends of Catholic education in our region to hear about some of the
key issues that are affecting Catholic education from those who are in leadership roles at the national level, and to ask questions about
proposed future priorities. Everybody is welcome, and I strongly encourage you to get along to this event, which doesn’t come along too
often! The Forum begins with a light dinner at 6.30pm and then presentations/questions from 7.30pm.
Do you drive your child to school?
Just a reminder of a couple of things for those of you who drop your child off at schools. Firstly, in Dickson St (the front of the school)
there is a single white line, which means that U-turns in front of the school are illegal. Please be aware of this and drive to the end of
Dickson St before turning around (carefully!). Also, as I have noted before, we would prefer that parents did not use Charlotte St (the back
of the school) as a drop-off point. The parking (for staff and Year 12 students) and use by residential traffic is already challenging enough,
without extra traffic at drop-off and pick-up time. The school bus service gets better every year, and we strongly encourage you to send
your child to/from school in this way.
Special mention…
Sr Cecilia Merrigan is a past students of St Joseph’s College, a past teacher, and she now sits on our Stewardship Council. Throughout her
amazing life, she has worked in several other schools and has also been on many national and international peak bodies working for
stronger, more inclusive education systems. This Friday, Cecilia is being recognised for her service to Catholic Education by being
presented the Bishop Noel Daly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Catholic Education. We acknowledge this
significant award, and thank Cecilia for her service and generous giving to our community. She is an inspiration to us all.
Sorry Day
This week we celebrate National Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day. Our students have prepared and presented beautiful prayers and
presentations, remembering again that Reconciliation is a process, and not a one off event. We have many Aboriginal people to be proud
of in our local region, not the least of whom are students in our own school! We join our voice to those of every warm-hearted Australian
in saying ‘Sorry’ for the terrible injustices of the past, knowing that it is our actions, and our words that will build a future of promise and
justice for us all.
The Oak Centre
Isn’t it exciting watching the Oak Centre take shape? There are quite a few of us getting distracted now and then watching the workers
create this amazing structure! The builders and architects tell us that everything is still on track for a Term 4 hand-over (phew!). Let’s
hope that the winter weather doesn’t hold things up!
Jesus prays
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we get a rare moment of insight into Jesus’ prayer life. In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ relationship with God the Father
is highlighted several times, but none more so than when words of prayer spring from his mouth. Jesus’ prayer asks for everything – he
doesn’t hold back! His confidence in laying out everything he wants for his friends and their future should inspire us to do the same,
trusting that whilst God might not always change hearts and minds in the way we expect, the Spirit is always working away to inspire each
of us to grow into the best version of ourselves.
Spirit of Life, breathe in us the courage to discern and name those things that will bring true joy – both for ourselves and for those whom
our lives touch. Inspire us to confidently strive for all that brings love, peace and justice to our world, so that we might be your hands,
face and voice in the world today. Amen.
Peace and Blessings,
Kate Fogarty,
Principal
Living Strength and Kindliness
Catholic Education Week 2014
The role Catholic Education has played in developing Australian society.
Catholic schools have been a major component of Australian education for over 175 years. In recent decades, as both
the Church and Australian society have changed, Catholic schools have continued to develop and to grow in quality and
public esteem. This week we celebrate the contribution that Catholic Education has played in developing Australian
Society.
In the earliest period of white Australian settlement at least two Catholic schools were established. However, neither of
the schools survived for a very long time. It was, in fact, not until after the arrival of Bishops Therry and Connolly in
1820 that significant development took place. By 1833, there were about ten Catholic schools in Australia. From this
time until the end of the 1860s, Catholic schools received some government assistance under a variety of schemes, but
campaigns for 'free, secular and compulsory' education which began in the 1850s made it increasingly clear that
Catholic schools would not be able to rely on government aid for much longer.
Between 1872 and 1893, every State passed an Education Act removing state aid to Church schools. This was a turning
point for Catholic schools and, indeed, for the Catholic community in Australia. Bishops and people decided to
persevere with the Catholic system. With no money to pay teachers, the bishops appealed to religious orders in Ireland
and other European countries, and soon religious sisters and brothers were responding to the crisis.
In modern times, Catholic schools seek to contribute to the creation of an Australian community that is highly educated,
skilled and cultured with an ability to promote and embrace a critical analysis of social issues, the expansion of
knowledge and the pursuit of truth. Such a community will be marked by a vigorous intellectual and cultural life,
accessible to all. Education has individual and private benefits, but it is also very much a public good whose benefits
enhance the whole community. Catholic schools emphasise the contribution of education to the common good of the
Australian community.
The Theme for Catholic Education Week 2014 is: Sharing The Story: One in Christ.
The following excerpt is taken from a speech made to a group of Italian Catholic School teachers, it’s great!
Why do I love school? I will try to tell you. I have an image in mind. I heard here that we do not grow up alone,
and that there is always a gaze that helps us to grow. I have a mental picture of my first teacher, that lady, my
teacher at the age of six in first grade. I have never forgotten her. She made me love school. And then I went to
see her throughout her life, until she passed way at the age of 98. And this image does me good! I love school,
because that woman taught me to love it. This is the first reason why I love school.
I love school because it is synonymous with openness to reality. At least it should be! Yet it does not always
manage to be so, and so that means that the structure needs to be adapted a little. Going to school means
opening one’s mind and heart to reality, in the wealth of its aspects, of its dimensions. And we do not have the
right to be afraid of reality! School teaches us to understand reality. Going to school means opening one’s mind
and heart to reality, in the wealth of its aspects, of its dimensions. And this is so very beautiful! In the first years
we learn a wide range of subjects, then little by little one delves more deeply into one subject and then
ultimately specializes in it. But if one has learned how to learn — this is the secret, to learn how to learn! — one
retains this always, a person remains open to reality!
So during this week let us enjoy our schools, our students, our families and our staff members, strong in the knowledge
that we are making a difference in their lives and in the communities which we serve.
A prayer for our school community:
Loving God, we thank you for our school community, knowing that we can learn from each other and grow in faith.
We pray for all involved in our school so that all of us may grow as the people you call us to be. Amen.
Kirrilee Westblade
Catholic Identity Leader
Catholic EducaƟon Week
A series of quesƟons was put to some St Joseph’s Students on their thoughts on Catholic EducaƟon. Here are some
responses.
Hannah Quinn—Year 7
How has a Catholic EducaƟon enhanced your relaƟonship with your fellow students? Having a Catholic Educa on has taught me to respect my peers more and treat them how I want to be treated. How has Catholic IdenƟty shaped your own learning? I keep an open mind when I'm learning and take on advice. How do you think you're teachers display the values of Catholicism? I feel that they show values of Catholicism by suppor ng us, believing in us and giving us the best possible opportuni es. What do you believe is one thing that you have learnt through a Catholic EducaƟon that has been the biggest factor in shaping the
person you are today? I treat people be er and having a Catholic Educa on has helped me see the world in a be er way. Angus Byrne—Year 10
How has a Catholic EducaƟon enhanced your relaƟonship with your fellow students? It brings a feel of friendship and a sense of coopera on for each other. How has Catholic IdenƟty shaped your own learning? I think that it has allowed me to explore a range of different ways to learn which helps provide me with a variety, therefore broadening my understanding of certain topics within my subjects. How do you think you're teachers display the values of Catholicism? The teachers are all very welcoming and very approachable. They are always up for a chat if I ever need it and support me through both my school life and life outside of school. What do you believe is one thing that you have learnt through a Catholic EducaƟon that has been the biggest factor in shaping the
person you are today? I believe that through a Catholic Educa on I have learnt that everyone learns in a different way and everyone has a different mindset and opinion. So I try to be independent and back myself with my answers and knowledge. Georgia Stone How has a Catholic EducaƟon enhanced your relaƟonship with your fellow students? A Catholic Educa on has allowed me broaden my friendship group. I came from a non‐Catholic primary school where I had a main group of friends, where as now I believe that I have a larger range of friends and people that I can count on. I am in year 12 now and I look back and see that the guidance of my friends and peers has helped shape who I am today. How has Catholic IdenƟty shaped your own learning? Catholic Iden ty has encouraged me to have a go and work hard to try and get the best out of myself. How do you think your teachers display the values of Catholicism? Each morning begins with prayer. Teachers are always looking out for the wellbeing of us students, ensuring we are healthy and happy. They con nue to show that they truly care about our educa on, especially our learning mentors who don’t necessarily teach us but strive to make sure that we are coping and achieving the results that we want. What do you believe is one thing that you have learnt through a Catholic EducaƟon that has been the biggest factor in shaping the
person you are today? Catholic Educa on has taught me how to respect other people’s values, however differing they may be. Par cularly in Ethics, where a range of controversial discussions can arise. Catholic EducaƟon Week (ConƟnued)
Cathal McNulty—Year 10
How has a catholic education enhanced your relationship with your fellow students?
My Catholic education has really helped to enhance the way I interact and respect my fellow students. I believe my Catholic
education is the main reason why I behold my fellow students with great reverence.
How has catholic identity shaped your own learning?
I believe that my Catholic identity has truly affected the amount of work and respect I place in my work and my learning. It
really affects the way I view the work I am assigned and the amount of energy I expend doing it.
How do you think you're teachers display the values of Catholicism?
My teachers help students to fulfill their Catholic lives and instruct their students in a Catholic way.
What do you believe is one thing that you have learnt through a catholic education that has been the biggest factor in shaping the person
you are today?
I believe learning how you must treat other as you wish to be treated yourself is what truly shaped the way I live my life in a Catholic way.
VCAL Inclusion Day
On Tuesday the 20th of May the St Joseph’s College VCAL students planned and organized an
inclusion day with the senior students from the Echuca Specialist School. We held the event at the
Stubberfield Sport and Entertainment Centre in Echuca.
The purpose of this event was for the VCAL students to plan and organize an activity in the
community. The aim was for the VCAL students to get involved with students from ESS and play some sports with them. This
would give them some activities they don’t normally have. The VCAL students planned this event so we could try and give
something back to the community and teach the kids how to play different sports that they all know a bit about.
The students from the Echuca Specialist School were excited to participate in the different activities offered, such as: nail painting,
hand massage, basketball, soccer, football, netball and ten pin bowling. The activities were skilled-based for the students to learn
some basic skills of each sport, with most groups finishing off with a modified game.
The morning ended with a shared morning tea of cupcakes, oranges and cordial, outside on the grass area of the Sport stadium.
This gave the VCAL students another opportunity to get out and interact with these kids who normally do not get thought about too
much in the community.
The day was successful because all the kids from the Echuca Specialist School left happy and wanted to do it again. The VCAL
students plan to hold two more events with the ESS students this year.
Austin Kirchhofer
for the
VCAL Team.
ScoutHike 2014 On the weekend, 16 to 18 May, four scouts from 1st Echuca Scout Group, who attend St
Joseph's College, Kaija Pedler, Ben Chatfield, Clayton Summers and Tom Chatfield
participated in Scouthike 2014 and for Kaija, this was her second year in the leadership of a
Gold-medal team! Scouthike is an annual statewide hiking event, with 680 Scouts from across Victoria
participating. Carrying all equipment plus food, the patrol walked across 26km of terrain and completed 16
activity points. Alison Barnes also participated as the leader of a Learner Patrol. Alison lead her Patrol
across 16km of terrain and completed 8 activity points. Rotary Adventure in CiƟzenship
On the 10th of May, we were lucky enough to be chosen to represent St. Joseph’s on the Rotary Adventure in
Citizenship, which was held in Canberra. We were given host-parents, and they accommodated us for a week. 40
Students from all over Australia were chosen for RAIC, and Ellie and I made some great new friends.
The program was run in Parliament House, and each day we would meet in the Senate Alcove, which we would then be
taught about acts, bills, introducing legislation and how the country is run by the Federal Government.
It was an extremely busy week, we visited many places in Canberra as part of the program, such as the Australian War
Memorial, the High Court of Australia, and Old Parliament House.
We learnt about the Budget, and how it can affect different parts of Australia. We then went and sat in the House of
Representatives and watched Joe Hockey deliver the Budget speech. Over the course of the week, we also watched
politicians at work, when we observed Question Time. That was an interesting experience!
We met many politicians, such as Clive Palmer, Bronwyn Bishop, Sussan Ley and we even ran into the Prime Minister,
Tony Abbott! We visited the Australian War Memorial, and gained a stronger knowledge of the life of an Australian
soldier at war, when we had a Vietnam veteran speak to us. We also visited the Australian Institute of Sport, and the
Australian Defence Force Academy. On the final day, Ellie and I were privileged to meet the Governor General Sir Peter
Cosgrove at Government House.
Overall, the program was definitely worth it, we met so many interesting and new people, and we also had a lot of
fun.
Aiden Pangrazio
Cross Country
On Friday the 16th of May, St Joseph’s College held their annual Cross Country. Nicholls
House was the overall winner for the day. Below is a video link, taken by Mr Smith, of the run.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uwOE2S-6mg
CAMPASPE INTERSCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY On Tuesday the 20th of May, many St Joseph’s students engaged in the Campaspe Cross‐Country at Scenic Drive Echuca. The compe tors for the day were students from Echuca College, Kyabram, Rochester and Nathalia. It was a successful day, with St Joseph’s College winning overall. Impressively, Mark McQuillan and Lachlan Huisman were the Age Group Champions for the day, and many other students did a substan al effort. Congratula ons to all those who par cipated and those who have managed to progress to the next stage, which will be completed on the 3rd of June. Olivia Boylan. Year 11 Outdoor Education Camp
On Wednesday 14th - Friday 16th May 2014 21 Yr.11 Outdoor Education students went to the Bogong High Plains (Falls
Creek area) for the first VCE camp. After a lengthy ride up, some smelly brakes and some upset stomachs we reached
Windy Corner. The groups were split in 2 and we went our separate ways early on the first day. The students were
given the opportunity to take in the views and find out about the history of the area. It was a great way to kick off the
senior camps and was pleasing to see how well the students responded to the conditions and challenges each day.
I must thank the services of Michelle McKenzie, Peter Phillips and Toby Gilmour for giving up their time and helping out.
Looking forward to the next camp :)
Thanks, Mr Parker (OE teacher)
LEGAL STUDIES EXCURSION TO DHURRINGHILE PRISON
On May 19, both year 11 Legal Studies classes went on an excursion to Dhurringile Prison, in order to gain a better insight to criminal law. Upon arrival we were given a brief run down of the facilities and the daily life of the prisoners,
after that we were introduced to two inmates. The prisoners conversed openly with the students and were willing to
answer any questions we had regarding their crimes, families and their court case Spending the day with these men
provided us with a detailed understanding of the legal system, as well as life lessons we will not be quick to forget.
And a special thanks to Miss Collins and Mrs Mai for organizing and chaperoning such a rewarding experience.
Written by Chelsea Mc Mahon (Year 11)
2014 TERM 1 CALENDAR
CANTEEN ROSTER
Week Beginning June 2nd
May
Mon 26th– Fri 30th
Frid May 30th
June
Tues June 3rd
Wed June 4th
Thurs June 5th
Mon June 9th
Tues 10th-Frid 13th
Thurs June 12th
Frid June 13th
Tues June 17th
Wed 18th– Fri 20th
Wed 18th—Mon 1st July
Frid June 20th
Mon 23rd—Frid 27th
Tues 24th-Frid 27th
Mon June 23rd
Thurs June 26th
Fri June 27th
Friday June 27th
July
Mon July 14th
Monday 2nd
Reconciliation & Catholic Education
Week
Year 9 Retreat
9:00-11:30 Sue Woods, Judy Behrens 1:00-2:30 Kristine
Parkinson, Sally Williams
Tuesday 3rd
LMR Cross Country
Movie Fundraiser Paramount Theatre
For James McQuillan 7:30pm
Beacon Futures Work Shop
Jame Phelan—Visiting Author
Queens Birthday holiday
LOTE Week
Campaspe 7&8 Soccer
Year 9 Volleyball Focus Day
Campaspe Int AFL
Year 10 Exams
East Timor Immersion
Year 12 PD
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 11 Exams
Year 9 Elective Changeover
Campaspe Snr and Year 8 Basketball
Year 9 Focus Day—Dance
End Semester One
End of Term 2
First day Term 3
10.00-2.30 Annette Waters 9.00-11.30 Majella Pangrazio,
Lee Briody 1.00-2.30 Denise Lalor, Debbie Coles
Wednesday 4th
9:00-11:30 Bernie Eade, Pauline Taylor 1:00– 2:30 Trudy
Arber, Jana Pollock
Thursday 5th
9:00-11:30 Teresa Devlin …. 1:00-2:30 Debbie Tye, Sara
Thompson
Friday 6th
9.00-11.30 Susan Golding ...1.00-2.30 Heidi Williams, Rose
Gallagher
Week Beginning June 9th
Monday 9th
Queen’s Birthday Holiday
Tuesday 10th
10.00-2.30 Helen Hogan 9:00-11:30 Angela Davidson, Julie
Ritchie 1:00-2:30 Jodie Stovell, Pauline McLaughlan
Wednesday 11th
UNIFORMS
For Sale
9:00-11:30 Heather Little, Julieanne Smolenaars 1:00– 2:30
Andrea Ball, Melissa McKenzie
NEW kilt (only worn once) size 8 sell for $100 and a girls Thursday 12th
white shirt size 12 $10
9.00-11.30 Jo Thompson, Anne Hodge 1.00-2.30 Ann Wales,
Jenny Griffin-Penney
Sport track suit pants and top size 14 (hardly worn)
$140.
Friday 13th
Please Phone
Narelle Costello
0432 626 551
Position Vacant
Nik’s Sunago are looking for apprentice
chefs.
If you are interested please email Anthony De
Cicco:
[email protected] or phone
Anthony on 0457950849 , or you can see Anthony at the restaurant.
No prior experience is required, they are just
looking for those who have a passion for
food.
9.00-11.30 Kristy Wright, Tracy Farrell 1.00-2.30 Julie Norris,
Lisa Stephenson
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
WEEKEND
This weekend is a time for you and your spouse to
be alone together, to rediscover each other and focus
on your relationship in a very positive way. There is
no group sharing.
Forget life’s tensions and interruptions and rekindle
the closeness, intimacy, love and romance that
brought you together in the first place.
Your marriage deserves that kind of attention.
Couples and a priest present the weekend. It is based
around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are
welcome.
2014 weekend dates : 13-15 June, 15-17 August
and 21-23 November in Melbourne.
Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday.
Accommodation and all meals provided.
For further information and bookings: Contact
Marianne & Marcel Van den Bronk (03) 9733 0997
or
Email [email protected]