In the Classroom

Empowering Conversations: Students Engage in Consent Labs Workshops

Last week, all our students took part in important and age-appropriate workshops delivered onsite by Consent Labs, a nationally recognised organisation committed to promoting respectful relationships and educating young people about consent.

These workshops created a safe and supportive space for students to explore what consent truly means - not just in romantic or physical situations, but in everyday interactions, both online and offline.

Here’s what some of our students shared after the sessions:

"We talked about what consent really means – it’s not just a 'yes' or 'no', it’s about clear, respectful communication."

"It helped us understand how to set boundaries and speak up if something doesn’t feel right."

"We learned that healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and making sure everyone feels safe."

"Consent matters everywhere – not just in person, but online too, like when sharing photos or messages."

"We learned how to support our friends and be people who care for others and take responsibility for our actions."

"We talked about how to spot disrespect and how to call it out safely."

These workshops weren’t just about learning definitions - they were about developing empathy, strengthening communication and helping students reflect on how their actions impact those around them. The message was clear: everyone deserves to feel respected, heard and safe - always.

We’re proud to partner with organisations like Consent Labs that align with our values and help equip our students with the tools to build respectful, healthy relationships throughout their lives.

If you’d like to know more about the Consent Labs program or how we support wellbeing and respectful relationships in our school, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Lee Pethybridge

College Leader - Faith and Community

St Joseph’s graduate visits chemistry classes

On Monday, the Year 10 and 11 Chemistry classes were visited by Class of 2019 alumni, Jess Bennett, who was an extremely hard working and dedicated student, graduating with an ATAR of 93.45. Jess recently completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University and is now working full-time as a pharmacist intern at Bendigo Health while also undertaking her Master’s Degree.

As part of her Intern Training Program, Jess is running a Health Promotion Activity - but with a twist. Rather than focusing on common chronic illnesses, she’s chosen to promote pharmacy as a career option to rural VCE Chemistry students.

“When I was at school, pharmacy didn’t get nearly as much attention as medicine, nursing or physio,” Jess explained, “even though pharmacists play such a big role in healthcare.”

Her presentation gave students insight into the wide range of roles pharmacists take on, the journey that led her to choose pharmacy and what life is like as a university student and intern. The students were especially interested in the perks of working in rural settings and the varied career pathways within pharmacy.

This presentation couldn’t have come at a better time, with subject selection processes beginning toward the end of term. We thank Jess for her time and the insights she provided into the world of pharmacy.

Rhys Leslie

Chemistry Teacher