PRINCIPAL'S BLOG

Principal’s Blog

Blog Post – December 2021

Year 12 2021 Academic Results

As 2021 draws to a close with the promise of exciting times ahead in 2022, we do have wonderful news to celebrate. St Joseph’s College’s Class of 2021 performed very well with above state average results. Given the incredible dedication of students and staff in another very challenging year, it is a well-deserved outcome for all involved.

Over 51,000 students were eligible to complete VCE in 2021 and over 25,000 students enrolled in VCAL certificates.

Our VCE Study Score median of 31 places St Joseph’s College among the top performing Catholic boys’ schools. With a median ATAR of 72, our students have surpassed the state’s median ATAR of approximately 68. In terms of Study Scores of 40 and above, 9.2% of our students earned this significant achievement which represents an increase on 2020 results.

On Thursday 16 December, several students and staff gathered at the College to mark the occasion of the release of results.

Congratulations to Jack Bradley (12 Prest) who is the 2021 Dux of the College with an excellent ATAR of 98.6. Included in his superb results, Jack achieved a perfect score of 50 for Chemistry (Teacher: Stuart Cram). Jack plans to study Engineering at Monash University.

Well done to Julian Hochholzer (11 O’Sullivan) who achieved a perfect score of 50 for Further Mathematics (Teacher: Justin Barr). Julian has particpated in the College’s Accelerated Program and to achieve a 50 as a Year 11 student is incredible.

Congratulations to all students on their fine results in the VCE and VCAL. Thanks to staff for their time, skill and effort in supporting the students throughout their secondary education. I’d like to acknowledge the support of parents and guardians. It is only through a strong partnership between school and home that the very best outcomes can be achieved.

Vivienne Egan (vegan@stjosephs.com.au) continues to be available to all Year 12 students for careers advice including VTAC matters. I encourage students to make contact with her. Information has been emailed to students with key reminders.

Arts and Technology Exhibition

Thanks to Siobhan Duffy and her team for putting together the online Arts and Technology Exhibition. The talents of the boys have certainly come through again. Congratulations to all students who have had work included in the exhibition.

Arts and Technology Exhibition

Farewell

I would like to acknowledge and thank all students and staff who will be leaving St Joseph’s College at the end of 2021.

Several staff assisted us during the year with various coverage requirements that we have needed, and I would like to thank them – Lachson Chan, Declan Forbes, Anna Goodings, Bernhard Krywula, Elisabetta Michienzi, Yuri Takei and David Thyer.

Our AFL SportsReady Trainees will be moving on to future opportunities having completed their Certificate courses in Sport and Recreation – former St Joseph’s College students from the Class of 2020, Troy Maggs and Max Brasher, and Drew Muirden.

I also acknowledge and thank our permanent staff members who are moving on at the end of this year. Their significant contributions leave a legacy at the College which they should be proud of – Vikki Anderson, Domenic Fera, Sophie Maclure, Hayley Corish, Lily Ramsden,  Audrey Limberg and Clarisse Campos. I particularly acknowledge Domenic Fera who has served on the College’s Leadership Team.

Enrolment Year 7 2022, 2023 and Beyond

If you are aware of any families seeking enrolment for their sons at the College in 2022 or 2023, please encourage them to contact my office to discuss the enrolment process enrolments@stjosephs.com.au or 9756 3112.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Ashleigh Fleming and her husband, Nathan, who were recently married.

Congratulations to Sarah Simpson and her husband, Nathan, who have welcomed a baby boy, Hamish.

Condolences

Our condolences are extended to Phil Skiller and family. Phil’s brother, Peter, died recently following a long illness.

Important Dates

Year 7, 11 and 12 commence classes on Tuesday 1 February 2022.

Year 8, 9 and 10 commence classes on Wednesday 2 February 2022.

The Information Evenings are being held on the dates below. Given the changing nature of restrictions in relation to COVID, the College will advise of the arrangements closer to the start of the school year.

• Year 7 Monday 31 January
• Year 10 Tuesday 1 February
• Year 11 Wednesday 2 February
• Year 12 Thursday 3 February
• Year 9 Monday 7 February
• Year 8 Wednesday 9 February

Noone Uniform Shop reopens on Monday 10 January. The dates and times of the operating hours can be found on our website.

Masterplan – ‘Towards 2040 – An Adventure in the Spirit’

A reminder that our new buildings are on track to finish in May 2022. A clip of the developments can be viewed on our website.

Literacy: What the Principal is Reading 

I’ve just finished reading Funkytown by Paul Kennedy. This book is a true story of the year in the life of a teenager leaping into manhood.

And, finally…

Thank you for your incredible support over the year. I couldn’t be more proud of our community for the efforts made over many challenging months.

Should there be anything you need over the summer break, please feel very welcome to reach out. I can be contacted via my email (clivingston@stjosephs.com.au).

Wishing you all the blessings of the Christmas Season and the New Year.

Cathy Livingston

Principal

Blog Post – March 3 2017

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lenten season this week. Year 12s participated in a moving liturgy in our Chapel and then moved out to administer the ashes to students and staff across the College. I ask that you support your sons in their endeavours to embrace the spirit of the Lenten season. Students are fundraising for Project Compassion and focusing on others in terms of showing kindness and compassion in every circumstance especially to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Blog Post – February 21 2017

Recently, Year 7 students participated in camp activities at the Don Bosco Camp in Safety Beach. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the boys. Br Por was also able to come along as part of his two week stay getting to know St Joseph’s College.

Blog Post – February 7 2017

There is so much to be grateful for as we begin this new year. The College extends a special welcome to all Year 7s and students who have chosen to come to St Joseph’s College in other year levels. Our new Rector is Father Martin Tanti sdb. Fr Martin has been in the Lysterfield community since 2007.

Blog Post – December 13 2016

The year has gone by very quickly. It has been a year where students have embraced the many opportunities which have come their way in true Salesian spirit. Congratulations to Travis Hartley (College Captain 2016) who is the 2016 Dux of the College an outstanding result of 98.5 for his ATAR. Congratulations to all students on their fine results.

Blog Post – November 22 2016

The Term 4 APSPA meeting was held recently which is a gathering of Principals from across the province. Mr Peter Wright, Acting Director of Religious Education, participated in one of the days in which the 2017 Strenna was announced. The focus for this new Strenna is ‘family’: We are a Family: Every home, a school of life and love.

Blog Post – November 7 2016

Smart Generation was recently held by our Year 9 students. Ms Gina Di Stefano had worked with the students and empowered them to lead the event. It was well attended by staff, students and parents and we all left a little wiser about a range of issues from drugs and alcohol to supporting friends and taking responsibility for personal actions.

Blog Post – October 24 2016

Recently Year 12 students participated in their final class mass and a tree planting ceremony in the College grounds. Last Tuesday, the Graduation of the Class of 2016 was a fitting occasion to acknowledge the students who have spent the best part of six years at St Joseph’s College. I extend, on behalf of the community, our best wishes to all students over the forthcoming examination period.

Blog Post – October 7 2016

Over the past fortnight, I have been very fortunate to be part of the Salesian Pilgrimage in Switzerland, France and Italy. The experience has enabled me to travel in the footsteps of Saint John Bosco and to gain sight into the context in which he lived and worked. Of course, our Salesian heritage provides a lens through which we are able to view our Catholic identity and to strengthen our common purpose as a Catholic School in the tradition of Don Bosco.

Blog Post – September 9 2016

Last Friday, in the Upper House Chamber of Parliament, Year 11 students who are taking up formal leadership roles for their final year of schooling addressed their peers and senior staff delivering heartfelt and passionate speeches. I am delighted to announce the students who will be formally invested and commissioned in October as the Student Leadership Team for 2017.

Blog Post – August 26 2016

In reviewing the Newsletter items prior to publication, I was delighted to read articles advising our community about the many opportunities there are for students to be involved in developing their leadership skills. I read with interest an opinion about pollution by Joshua Briggs in Year 7.

Blog Post – August 15 2016

Recently this year’s College Musical, The Addams Family, concluded following three magnificent performances. All those involved should be very proud of themselves. Special thanks to Ms Sarah Elijah (Director), Ms Siobhan Duffy (Producer) and Ms Bronwyn Dean (Musical Director). Once again, we are delighted that we were able to collaborate with Mater Christi College.

Blog Post – August 1 2016

One would be forgiven for thinking we may never leave these winter days. Happily, the daylight hours are increasing as we move ever so surely towards the warmer months.

The College Musical, The Addams Family, is being staged next week from Thursday 4 August – Saturday 6 August. I encourage all families to book tickets for this marvellous collaboration between St Joseph’s College and Mater Christi College.

Blog Post – July 15 2016

Talent is one of those things most of us wish we had more of when it comes to singing! Reaching The Voice Finale has been an extraordinary achievement for Adam Ladell (11 Ledda). Adam finished second from the initial thousands who auditioned and those who went on to perform in The Voice. Adam has achieved many of his goals, one of which was to raise awareness about Tourette’s Syndrome in order to help and support those who have this challenging condition. Back at school now and pursuing his VCE studies, Adam understands the importance of commitment to all facets of his busy life. He has a very supportive family including his parents, Shelley and Bryan Ladell, who have kept in regular contact with us during Adam’s journey.

Blog Post – June 15 2016

Recently, Adam Ladell (11 Ledda) performed in the first of the live shows on The Voice. He sang John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’. Please support Adam by voting to save him. You can vote for free via The Voice app or type ‘the voice vote’ in google and follow the prompts. Adam has already achieved so much and we wish him well especially in coming weeks.

Blog Post – June 3 2016

Of the many events which have taken place over the past two weeks, among the most significant was the sad news of the passing of Mrs Lorna Feeney. Mother of Vin Feeney, the immediate former Principal of St Joseph’s College, Lorna was well known in our community and many spoke of her enormous generosity to our College. Right from the beginning, Lorna gave her heart and soul to supporting our College.

Blog Post – May 20 2016

The remarkably talented Adam Ladell (11 Ledda – Rua House) made it through the blind auditions on The Voice and now enters the battle rounds. I am sure you join with the whole community in wishing Adam every success in the next stage of his journey. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the voting lines are something we can promote over coming weeks! As Adam said on The Voice, “make my life a musical!”

Blog Post – May 5 2016

The top performers from the 2015 VCE cohort were acknowledged at the Premier’s VCE Awards recently. Jesse Sondhu and Marcus Vincent, who earned perfect scores of 50 for Further Mathematics, accepted their awards in front of family and staff from the College including Mr Andrew Cooper (Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning) and Mr Michael Webbers who taught them this subject.

Blog Post – April 23 2016

Welcome to the start of Term 2. I trust the Easter period was a special time for families and that your sons have returned to St Joseph’s College with renewed energy and motivation so they can embrace every aspect of their learning and overall development.

Blog Post – March 17 2016

Last week I enjoyed the privilege of visiting the Year 9 Expedition in the Thompson River area of Victoria. The Expedition provided our students with the opportunity to be challenged in a number of areas culminating in significant achievements over the seven days. I acknowledge the leadership of Mr James Whiting, Mr Graeme Tucker and all staff who were part of this important learning process.

Blog Post – March 2 2016

As we move past the half way mark of Term One, there is plenty happening at St Joseph’s College.

Last week we hosted an Open Evening for prospective families with a large number taking the opportunity to learn about the “St Joseph’s difference”. Our student Ambassadors led families in small group tours providing countless insights into life at their College. Our next major School Tour is on Thursday 15 March at 9.30am.

Blog Post – February 16 2016

Welcome to the start of the school year especially to families new to St Joseph’s College. In the first few days of the term, I had the privilege of meeting many of you at the various information evenings which took place. In the brief time I have been part of St Joseph’s College, I have witnessed the Salesian values of presence, belonging and support which are truly alive in this wonderful community.

Ms Catherine Livingston