PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
The start of a school year presents many new beginnings for students, parents, and staff alike. So many possibilities await with opportunities to try new things and enrich our lives with knowledge and experience.
An exciting time, to be sure, although not without its share of uncertainty. After all, there is always an element of the unknown in anything new. However, with the right amount of encouragement, everyone can find their footing. The college community supports its members throughout the year and helps them stand tall.
2023 is the Year of Excellence at St Joseph’s College, and it is off to an auspicious start. Students have settled into their new routines, embracing college life and all it has to offer. Keen to learn and discover where their interests will lead them, our young people have flourished over these first few weeks of term.
Within the pages that follow, you will see that everyone has been quite busy with their everyday studies, as well as special activities, daylong events, assemblies, and excursions. Each week has offered something special.
We invite you to join us every step of the way as we deliver an exceptional program this year, encompassing a wide range of subjects, extracurricular activities, and camps for all year levels.
I hope you enjoy the first issue of Community for 2023. Thank you for letting us share these moments with you.
God Bless
Mrs Marg Blythman
College Principal
STAFFING UPDATE
A warm welcome to our new and returning staff as well as those staff who have been appointed into new leadership roles.
NEW STAFF
Sam Chisari – Teacher of PE and Religious Education
Sam returns to the college following a year teaching at Merbein P–10 College.
Sophie Fox – Teacher of Psychology, Science and Mathematics
A former college student, Sophie completed her Bachelor of Psychology in 2019 and a Master of Teaching in 2022. Sophie returns to the college as a graduate teacher.
Emily Gigg – Teacher of Drama and English
Emily is an experienced educator with nine years of teaching experience. She completed her Bachelor of Arts/Education in 2013 through the University of Notre Dame with a double major in English Literature and Performing Arts. Emily is a passionate Drama teacher, is heavily involved in local theatre, and joins us from Coomealla High School.
Michael Quin – Teacher of PE and Religious Education
A past teacher of the college, Michael re-joins our community after spending the past three years teaching at St Francis Xavier College in Melbourne.
Chloe Stephens – Teacher of English and Science
Congratulations to Chloe on completing her Bachelor of Education through La Trobe University at the end of 2022. A former student of the college, Chloe also completed her studies at the college whilst working as our Literacy Tutor.
Sam Williams – Teacher of Biology and Science
Congratulations to Sam on completing her Bachelor of Education through La Trobe University at the end of last year. Sam was employed at the college as our Science Tutor whilst completing her studies in 2022.
Hayley Wilson – TTC & VET Coordinator
Hayley’s career in education spans over a decade, and she has held positions including VCAL Teacher and Mentor, Course Guidance Officer and VET Coordinator whilst employed at SUNiTAFE Mildura.
Carrissa Ernesti – Learning Support Officer
Carrissa is an experienced Learning Support Officer, having spent the past three and a half years supporting Sacred Heart Primary School students in a similar role.
Memphis Baker – Instrumental Music Teacher and Music Assistant
A former student and talented musician, we welcome Memphis to the college.
RETURNING STAFF
We also welcome the following staff members who are returning from leave:
- Eliza Burford
- Samantha Lowe
- Stacey Lawn
NEW LEADERSHIP ROLES
Congratulations to the following staff on their newly appointed leadership role:
- Mrs Casey Cadmore – Learning Area Leader Languages
- Miss Andrea Higgins – Learning Area Leader Arts
- Mrs Michelle Winderlich – Student Inclusion Leader
We acknowledge the following staff for their years of service and those leaving us for the next chapter of their lives.
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
- Ms Libby Fethers
- Mrs Shelley Rozario
- Mrs Rebecca Kilpatrick
- Mrs Jane Roberts
- Miss Stacey Lawn
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
- Mrs Joelene Cappola
- Mrs Katrina Oldham
- Mr Kevin Aston
- Mrs Tracy Aston
40 YEARS OF SERVICE
- Mrs Rose Op’t Hoog
- Mr Greg Kluske
DEPARTED
- Mr Jason Rodi
- Mrs Adele Kennedy
- Mr Ben Tallent
- Mr Nick Mazza
- Mr Jeremy Seward
- Mr Brett Walter