STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG WOMEN

Anna Joseph, Year 11 - Anna will represent the Sunraysia district in 2022’s National Youth Science Forum. A remarkable experience for any budding scientist, the NYSF explores all things STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Hannah-Leesha Moodley, Year 10 - One of only two Victorian winners in the Country to Canberra (C2C) Leadership Competition, Hannah-Leesha will further hone her leadership skills when she participates in C2C’s multi-day virtual program. Her short essay captured the judges’ attention by discussing how rural women must combat gender norms as they empower one another.

Kate Moonpen-Euvrard, Year 11 - An expert marksman who won the Senior Girls Competition at the Northwest Zone Clay Target Championships, Kate also took aim at C2C’s Leadership Competition and was one of only five Victorians to place in the Top 40.

ALUMNUS - BAILEY COPLEY

Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way. For alumnus Bailey Copley, this is certainly true. His love of fire and working with his hands has led him on a journey to finding his unique passion, working with metal, blacksmithing, and creating custom items for clients whilst running his own business.

Copley's Custom Creations was founded in 2019 with a focus on smashing hot steel into all sorts of shapes as well as cutting and welding things to make creative ideas become reality. Bailey creates bespoke, often artisanal pieces, from campfire pokers, fire pits, and wall art, to knives, machetes, and cleavers, all with superb attention to detail and high-end quality finishes.

Copley’s Custom Creations was built from a passion of learning both new and old skills in the professions of blacksmithing and metal fabrication.

Located in Dareton New South Wales, this local artistic metal fabrication business has gone from strength to strength. Supplying both practical and giftware products and also taking commissions for specialised custom items, Bailey combines traditional and modern blacksmithing techniques to deliver unique metal products with flair.

I reconnected with Bailey while searching for the perfect gift and seeing some amazing-looking knives on a local Facebook page. I was blown away by the beautiful images, quality and craftsmanship evident in the blades, the glossy handles made of beautiful Mallee burl, and each image showcased items that were more intricate and amazing. I finally contacted the artist to order a custom Serbian cleaver. I was so surprised to find out that this talented creator of beautiful metalwork was an ex-student of St Joseph's College.

As teachers, we often wonder what becomes of our students, what path they have taken, and whether they are happy and successful. It is really lovely and uplifting to see young people that we taught going confidently out into the world, able to find their passion and take it to the next level.

Mrs Helen Gowers

English Teacher

Copleys Custom creations have a Facebook page, Instagram, and a website,www.copleyscustom.com.au