There is so much to be grateful for as we begin this new year. The College extends a special welcome to all Year 7 students and the boys who have chosen to come to St Joseph’s College in other year levels.

Our new College Rector is Father Chris Ford sdb. Fr Chris is part of the Lysterfield community of Salesians. As well as working here, Fr Chris will also be Rector of the Lysterfield Community and Director of the Retreat Centre.

We have a number of teachers joining our team this year for the first time:

  • Mr Paul Angus
  • Ms Audrey Atkinson
  • Mr Craig Buys
  • Ms Adriana Efthimiadis
  • Ms Georgia Nixon
  • Ms Hannah Mole
  • Ms Nelushka Sendapperuma
  • Ms Emily Watchman

Mr Chris Williams is replacing Mr David Vascon during Term 1. We have have one new trainee on staff this year. Ben Anderson (Class of 2018) has joined our staff as part of ‘AFL SportsReady’. Ben is completing a Sport and Recreation Traineeship.

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime sbd, in line with the Pope and the whole Church, has presented the 2019 Strenna for us to reflect upon throughout the year – “‘So that my joy may be in you’ (Jn 15:11). Holiness for you, too!” At a recent staff gathering, Father Elio Capra sdb presented a session to assist us in understanding the Strenna so that we can use it more effectively in our work with the students. The title of the Strenna is taken directly from the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis on the call to holiness in today’s world Gaudete et Exsultate.

We have continued to receive positive news about the tertiary offers which have been made to our Class of 2018. Thanks to Mrs Vivienne Egan, Head of Pathways, who has worked closely with students to assist them to secure university places, apprenticeships and work.

The College Newsletter is one of our main ways of communicating with families so I encourage you to make reading it part of your routine. It will be published each fortnight.

We acknowledge and farewell Br Silvio Quaranta sdb who leaves the Lysterfield community to go into care.

As per my previous Newsletter articles and the 2019 Commencement letter sent out by our Deputy Principals, important information regarding the uniform is as follows:

The Uniform for Term 1 for students Years 8–12:

  • College summer shirt (short sleeved with College crest embroidered on the pocket)
  • College trousers or shorts with black leather or leather-look belt
  • Grey College socks
  • Lace up leather or leather-look polished black school shoes
  • If an outer garment is needed, the outermost garment should be the College blazer

Combinations of the old and new uniforms are not permitted. There is a three-year transition period after which all students are required to be wearing the new uniform. Students in Years 8 to 12 may purchase the new uniform from 2019, but must purchase the entire new uniform e.g. the entire sports uniform; the entire summer uniform; the entire winter uniform. Students remaining in the old uniform can purchase items of the old uniform during the transition phase.

With every blessing for the year ahead.

(Ms) Cathy Livingston
Principal