Educator and Friend of the Young 
Father Bill Edwards was the foundation Headmaster of St Joseph’s College. From everything I have read about him, he was an inspiring person who led our College in its humble beginnings. The education of the young was a centrepiece of Father Bill’s vocation as a Salesian. He also recognised the important place of parents as the first and primary educators of the young.
“Like Don Bosco’s first oratory, this school began with a playground, an oval, six classrooms, a toilet block and pavilion put up by local builder, Bill Martin. It was opened in February 1965 with about 90 enthusiastic pupils and two teachers, a Salesian (Fr Bill Edwards) and a lay teacher, Bernard McGrath. Forms One and Two had been planned but in some mysterious and unexpected way 15 of the students were meant to be in Form Three! So there were three rooms operating and two teachers! …Science room, library, staff room or secretary didn’t exist. All seemed to go happily until it rained and then we realised that we were surrounded by mud, and what mud. Nothing sticks like Gully mud.”
Fr Bill’s Principal’s Report, 1965
Source: ‘G’Day Cobber – Dare to be a Saint, The Life and Letters of Fr Bill Edwards SDB’. Author: Fr Stephen Ardill.
Mothers and Sons
The College extends to all mothers, the blessings of this extra special time. I encourage all mothers/guardians of Year 7 students to enrol in the Year 7 Mother/Son Evening being held on Thursday 16 May at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. This evening provides the opportunity for some very special moments to be experienced and I strongly encourage you to attend.
Generations In Jazz
Inspired by the creative work of Ms Bronwyn Dean, Ms Sophie McClure, Mr Giles Warren, Ms Trea Hindley and Mr James Ferguson, the College’s Choir and Stage Band performed magnificently in ‘Generations In Jazz’ in Mt Gambier. Fortunate to be present for the performances, I am so proud of everyone involved, especially our very talented young men. It is clear that our Music Program is flourishing. In addition to a strong Music Program, we have close to 90 students engaged in private instrumental lessons under the tutelage of our incredibly talented Instrumental Music Teachers.
Enrolments
Enrolments for Year 7 2021 close on Friday 23 August 2019.
Indigenous Game
A reminder about the inaugural Indigenous Senior Football game being held on Wednesday 29 May. The twilight game between St Joseph’s College and Mazenod College starts at 5.30pm.
Community Fundraisers
Please keep the Woolworths Earn and Learn Competition stickers coming in. Your son can hand in to his Homeroom Teacher or Student Reception. The Entertainment Book is also available for purchase. More details are located in the Community section of the Newsletter.
All the best for the fortnight ahead.
Ms Cathy Livingston
Principal