COLLEGE NEWS

IMPORTANT DATES

Read about upcoming important dates here. 

PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE

The long-awaited Performing Arts Showcase for 2023 is fast approaching!

The Dance, Drama, and Music departments are very excited to perform at the Mercy Theatre on Tuesday 14 November. Many students have been practising and rehearsing their talents this year in anticipation of a wonderful night of entertainment. The show will begin at 7:00pm and a gold coin donation at the door would be appreciated. A light supper will be provided. 

We cannot wait to see you all there supporting the Arts at St Joseph’s College. 

VISITING AUTHOR – ELLIE MARNEY

'Ellie Marney is a New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning crime author who has gone behind the scenes at the Westminster Mortuary in London and interviewed forensic and technical specialists around the world in pursuit of just the right details for her brand of pulse-pounding thrillers.'

Ellie spoke with Year 10 students about writing, making a living from writing, her career, and also held some writing mini-workshops.

The college chose Ellie as an author because the library staff had all read The Killing Code and None Shall Sleep. Students were very engaged and enjoyed the opportunity to listen, speak to, and learn from such a wonderful writer.

Mrs Amanda Corponi

Head of Library Services

POSSUM SKIN CLOAK

Year 9E English have started studying the film Rabbit-Proof Fence, and as part of an exploration of the theme of identity and belonging, the class constructed a version of a possum-skin cloak. 

In cooler parts of what is now Australia, possum-skin cloaks were made from numerous possum skins and were seen as a point of pride and status within Indigenous communities. Individuals would make their mark (painted or burnt) on the cloaks, decorating them to represent who they were, where they were from, and what group they belonged to. These symbolic markings would also distinguish a cloak's owner and inform others about that person's background. As the individual grew, so did the cloak. 

Against great odds Indigenous cultures have survived, and the making of possum skin cloaks has been revived under the guidance of Elders.

Each individual class member decorated their own 'cloak' with symbols that represent their identity. Then, we combined these cloaks to form one giant cloak – symbolic of the fact that all students belong to Year 9E English.

This activity was based on an Indigenous pedagogy known as 'possum-skin pedagogy' in which knowing oneself is central to learning. 

Mr Michael Carty

English Teacher

TERM 3 ASSEMBLY

On 12 October, the college recognised excellence during Term 3. We began by congratulating those who received Virtue Conquers badges and the Principal’s Awards. Next, the Founding Sisters of Mercy Scholarship recipients were announced. Students who had achieved success in sport then received special medals. Lastly, we celebrated our final ‘Unsung Hero’ for the year, a unique award for which students nominate their peers in special recognition of excellence that may not fall within the categories of the Catherine McAuley Excellence Awards.

Following the presentations, students spoke about the Year 7 and Year 9 camps, Australian Business Week, and student-led campus improvements. The first half of the Assembly concluded with a song from Matilda The Musical Jr. sung by Hazel Symonds, who plays the lead role.

In the second half of the Assembly, Fr Matt Thomas held a Liturgy for the Class of 2023. After the Liturgy, each Homeroom held fond farewells for their Year 12 students. We are so proud of our exceptional Year 12 cohort.

VIRTUE CONQUERS BADGE RECIPIENTS 

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Katie Hawkes

Mabel Morrison

Makayla Pel

Principal’s Award Recipients

Year 7 – Austin Jones

Year 8 – Tom Taylor

Year 9 – Hazel Symonds

Year 10 – Rebecca Hayes

Year 11 – Ashleigh Goss

Year 12 – Dominic Petrucci

Year 12 (Term 4) – Alexandra Leng

Founding Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Recipients

Unsung Hero 

Dominic Petrucci

HALLOWEEN STALLS

BOO! The Mercy Action Group sold tasty treats to hungry hordes of students at both Enright and Mercy campuses on Halloween. No tricks here: all proceeds went to Mercy charities. Well done, Mercy Action Group!