There is so much to be grateful for in this new year. The College extends a special welcome to all Year 7 students and students who have chosen to come to St Joseph’s College in other year levels.
Mr Austin Scanlon has joined Victoria Police and I thank him for his contribution over many years in a range of roles. As you are aware from my correspondence to families, Mr David Bull has had to leave the College due to serious health issues. I acknowledge David’s contribution over the past five years, particularly to Mathematics, and I wish him well for the future. Four staff are on leave during 2018: Ms Sarah Simpson, Mr Troy Hickmott, Mr David O’Dea and Ms Trish Campbell. Best wishes are extended to Ms Gina Di Stefano and her husband, Ben, as they await the arrival of their first baby.
We have a number of teachers joining our team this year for the first time – Mr Sean Bickers, Mr Ranjith Dediwalage, Ms Nicola Hewitt, Mr Rob Huxtable, Ms Elizabeth Isaacson, Ms Moe Osugi, Mr Matt Pritchard, Ms Lily Ramsden, Ms Katrina Renouf, Ms April Rogers, Mr Luke Spiezia, Mr Daniel Tommasini, Ms Josephine Wain and Ms Michelle Wilson.
We have have two new trainees on staff this year. Richard Kiel (Class of 2017) has joined our staff as part of ‘AFL SportsReady’. Richard is completing a Sport and Recreation Traineeship. Brooke McNamara joins us as a Business Administration Trainee. In the role of ICT Manager, Mr Philip Skiller is with us this year.
The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime sbd, in line with the Pope and the whole Church, has presented the 2018 Strenna for us to reflect upon throughout the year: “Sir, give me this Water” – Let us Cultivate the art of Listening and Accompaniment.
I encourage fathers/guardians/mentors of Year 8 students to consider registering for the Father-Son evening being held in the stadium Tuesday 27 February at 7pm. Correspondence has already been sent out to you about this event.
We have continued to receive positive news about the tertiary offers which have been made to our Class of 2017. 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.
Congratulations to Mr Umberto Buccalossi and his wife, Mariana, on the birth of their second child, Arya.
As you know, Mr Tony Di Donato’s beloved daughter, Lisa, died recently. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Tony, Elena, David and their extended family and friends.
With every blessing as we continue in the season of Lent, and for the year ahead.
(Ms) Cathy Livingston
Principal