PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Greetings and welcome to the third issue of Community for the 2026 school year. 

When we publish this update, nearly half of Term 2 will have raced by. The past five weeks have been filled with many exciting on- and off-campus opportunities for students to learn and grow. 

Our community came together for the annual Cross Country Carnival on 28 April. Everyone enjoyed getting active outdoors on a perfect autumn day. After lunch, impressive and hilarious performances at the Carpenter’s Classic Concert kept everyone smiling. 

Groups of students also investigated possible education and career pathways after their time at St Joseph’s College. Some attended events hosted by local education providers right here in Mildura. Others travelled to Bendigo and Melbourne on VCE Subject Camps and to attend the VIC Careers Show.

Our athletes demonstrated great sportsmanship in Sunraysia Secondary competitions, Loddon-Mallee Regional tournaments, and even in the Victorian State Finals.

Across the pages that follow, you will see students engaged in learning and eager to discover all the opportunities that life at St Joseph’s College offers them. We also share several important community celebrations that you will not want to miss.

I am also pleased to welcome new staff members to the College. Please see the full staffing update at the bottom of this page.

MERCY JUNIOR CAMPUS – COMING IN 2027

I am delighted to announce that a reinvigorated Mercy Junior Campus will welcome students in Years 7 and 8 for the 2027 school year. 

At St Joseph’s College, we continually search for ways to give students every opportunity to succeed. This dedicated home for our youngest learners will help them confidently transition to secondary school and gradually become more independent. (You can also see a larger copy of the above flyer on its page.)

When they attend the new Mercy Junior Campus, students in our youngest cohorts will benefit from:

• a smoother transition to secondary school
• enhanced pastoral care and support
• an improved sense of belonging
• greater access to their teachers.

Timeline

• December 2026 & January 2027 – New Modular Buildings Installed (No disruption to classes.)
• 2027 School Year – Mercy Junior Campus Welcomes Year 7 & Year 8 Cohorts

PRESERVING LEGACY

Members of the Mildura RSL honoured St Joseph’s College when they attended our Anzac Day Assembly on 23 April. One of their number, Mr John Searle, the Mildura Education Officer, delivered a moving and motivating speech to our students and staff. 

Mr Searle is a former student who served in the Vietnam War after he graduated in 1961. He discussed his experiences as a veteran and the great community support for veterans that he observes in the Sunraysia community. Mr Searle noted that, however they may have served Australia, many of his fellow veterans frequently continue to heed the call to service.

These men and women look for ways to give back to communities all over Australia even after retiring from the Defence Force. Citing his own example, Mr Searle mentioned that, in addition to his work with the Mildura RSL, he also volunteers his time and effort in support of other veterans through the Sunraysia Regional Veterans Centre. 

In his role as the Mildura RSL’s Education Officer, Mr Searle has taught young people about Australian military history and the importance of our country’s armed services personnel, as well as their service and their sacrifice. He reminded us all that it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve the legacy that our servicemen and -women have worked so hard to establish. 

The responsibility starts with us adults, who must pass down the legacy originally established by the Anzacs in Gallipoli to future generations of Australians and New Zealanders.

Mr Searle stated that he believed that families in Sunraysia were honouring this crucial responsibility and respecting Australia’s veterans. By way of example, he mentioned the students who participated in 2025’s public ceremonies and commended them.

If you recall, Anzac Day 2025 was an unusually rainy day in Sunraysia. However, despite the downpour, our students fulfilled their duties and showed enormous respect for the memory of those soldiers who gave their lives in service. By doing so, they honoured themselves, their families, and our College. The fact that Mr Searle's referred back to that day was a proud moment for all of us at the College, and for those alumni student leaders.

We thank them for their service and for helping us preserve the Anzac legacy at St Joseph's College. Lest we forget.

STAFFING UPDATE

Please join me in warmly welcoming our new staff members.

Mr Ezra Omollo – Teacher

Ezra Omollo previously served as a Director of Studies and an educator in Kenya, where he contributed towards curriculum development, mentorship, and collaborative engagements towards achieving success. That experience shaped his belief in the power of teamwork to transform lives and communities. Ezra believes in doing things with purpose and integrity. Now based in Mildura, his passion, through his work as an English teacher, continues to burn brightly.

Miss Paige Lock – Learning Support Officer

Paige Lock recently graduated with a Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Education and has joined the school community as a Learning Support Officer. Passionate about supporting students in their learning and personal growth, Paige values building positive relationships and creating an encouraging environment where every student can thrive. Looking ahead, Paige plans to continue pursuing a passion for education through a Master of Education.

Miss Meg McManus – Learning Support Officer

Meg joins St Joseph’s College as a Learning Support Officer while completing her Bachelor of Education (Prep to Year 10). With a passion for all things sport, Meg hopes to one day teach Physical Education after completing her studies. A former St Joseph's College student, Meg says that everyone has made her feel very welcome upon her return, and she is excited to help students continue to succeed and thrive.

In the spirit of hope and faith,

Mr Greg Kluske

College Principal