PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
‘If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.’ —Chinese Proverb
Welcome to the first edition of Community for 2021. This year, St Joseph’s College has much to both celebrate and commemorate. Along with academic and sporting pursuits, our observances provide us with opportunities to enrich ourselves, our college, and, by extension, the world we all share.
Acts 20:35 tells us that ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’ As you may already know, the college is well into the Year of Service. Throughout the year, we will devote ourselves to finding ways to aid, encourage, and support those around us, whether on campus or out in the community.
It is no coincidence that this focus on Service comes at the 115th anniversary of the founding of St Joseph’s College in Mildura by the Sisters of Mercy. Our college has come so far since 1906, and we have the people of Sunraysia to thank for giving us a home and a place where we can continue to help our students learn and grow.
Our other notable anniversaries this year include the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Perth, 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia, and the 150th anniversary of St Joseph as the patron of the Catholic Church.
Remembering our history makes us appreciate our present and the sacrifices others made to get us here. So that we may honour the legacies of those who came before us, we must continue to uphold the responsibilities and obligations we are entrusted with.
This work is an ongoing labour of love that enriches us specifically because we choose to give our time and effort to it. We hope that you will join us this year as we add to the legacy of St Joseph’s College.
God Bless,
Mrs Marg Blythman
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
Mrs Bethany Presley - Teacher of Drama and English
Beth graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2018 with Master of Teaching (Secondary). Beth also has a Bachelor of Arts (English and Drama) from La Trobe University. Beth has an interest in reading, theatre, travel and music. Beth has taught English and Drama at Tyrell College in Sea Lake with previous CRT experience in primary and specialist schools.
Mr Andrew Greville - Teacher of Science and Mathematics
Andrew graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science in 2015. Andrew completed further studies in his Science degree with a major in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Physics. In 2019 he completed a Master in Teaching. Andrew’s main goal is to promote initiative in his students and foster a learning environment where taking risks becomes part of the learning process. Andrew joins us from Caulfield Grammar School.
Mr Keegan Blows - Teacher of Science and Mathematics
Keegan graduated from Flinders University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Mathematical Science. Keegan then joined the University of Adelaide and completed a Graduate Diploma in Education in 2016. For the past two years Keegan has taught Maths and Science across Years 7 to 11 at Red Cliffs Secondary College.
Mrs Carly Kost - Learning Support Officer
Carly joins us from Chaffey Secondary College, where she had been working in classroom support. She is currently studying Certificate III in Education Support at SuniTAFE Mildura. Carly joins Melanie Saleta and the Learning Support Team team at the college.
Mr Daniel Cox – Learning Support Officer
Daniel’s background has been in the Australian Defence Force, he had an interest in pursuing a career in Education Support. After leaving the Army in 2016, he commenced his studies in Education Support and is our third Learning Support Officer to join us full time. Daniel is a qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic and takes an interest in basketball, 4WD driving, custom manufacturing parts and fishing.
Ms Rebecca Davy - Learning Support Officer
Rebecca was employed as a casual Learning Support Officer in 2020. She is also a qualified hairdresser and has previous experience in Administration and Retail. Previously Rebecca was the Principal of Club Dance Pty Ltd where she taught tap, jazz and funk to students from pre-school to adult age. Rebecca now joins the LSO team in a full time capacity at the college.
Mr Anthony Keenan - Maintenance and Grounds
Anthony joins the college as our Grounds and Maintenance Officer. He has more than 20 years’ experience in this area and comes to us from Mildura Rural City Council. Anthony has a Certificate III in Turf Management along with a wide and diverse range of other qualifications.
Mr Shane Wilmore - Cleaner
Shane has joined the Cleaning team this year. He has years of experience in the requirements of chemical handling and cleaning and joins us from Mildura Motor Holdings. Shane has a Certificate II in Furnishing (Furniture Production) and a Certificate II in Building Construction.
RETURNING STAFF
We welcome back the following staff from leave:
Mrs Casey Cadmore
Mrs Lauren Dixon
Mrs Rebecca Kilpatrick
Mrs Kim Kelly
NEW LEADERSHIP ROLES
We congratulate the following staff on their new leadership positions:
Ms Danielle Duscher - Head of Mercy Campus
Ms Brittany Burns - Assistant Head of Mercy Campus
Mr Marcus Parker, Mrs Rebecca Miller, Mrs Jodie Noblet - Learning Pedagogy Leaders
Mr Dion Collins - House Team Leader
Mrs Jodie Birnie - House Leader; MacKillop
Mr Lachlan Murdoch - House Leader; McAuley
Mrs Nella O'Brien - Learning Area Facilitator - Religious Education
Miss Taylor-Paige Wilkie - Learning Area Facilitator - The Arts
2020 COLLEGE DUX SPEECH
To stand before the school community as the College Dux was something I never expected to experience. I wanted to do well, but I didn’t realise how well I had the potential to achieve. It’s kind of bittersweet to me, as although I am incredibly grateful to be awarded such a significant title, it’s a bit surreal to acknowledge that my high school journey is finally over.
However, the time also flew. The class of 2020 has grown together, developed from scared Year 7s to admittedly, scared, yet eager Year 12s who are ready to take charge of their destiny. Although our individual paths are diverging as we forge our own futures, the cohesive community created will forever be held dearly to me and for that I am grateful.
Our resilient cohort will be capable of whatever adventure they seek as we have always been taught by the school to pursue our potential. I could not be more appreciative for the opportunities offered, the communities cultivated and memories made during my time at St Joseph’s.
The immense support and dedication consistently demonstrated by the St Joseph’s staff is a crucial component of the high school experience. Honestly, we owe all of our successes to you, due to your continuous enlightening guidance, substantial resources and ongoing care. Whether it be the nurturing listening ear of a Homeroom teacher, the inspirational guidance of a House Leader or the unrivalled dedication of a Year 12 teacher, their influence is unparalleled and permanent. It took me my Year 12 to recognise this, so I hope I can help you acknowledge this too.
My advice to you, the current students of St Joseph’s, is to ensure your perspective is optimistic. The key to enjoying school, making the most of memories and cherishing your experience, is to perceive it positively. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, celebrate the small wins and small successes. This especially rings true for Year 12, as it is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You’ll hear this phrase a million times in your final year, specifically from Mr Brown, but my point is, not to get intimidated by the distance, but to celebrate every kilometre individually.
The main lesson I learnt from my Year 12 experience is to succeed to your expectations; this will allow you to truly fulfil your academic potential. Try not to compare yourself to others standards, and run your own marathon. Perception of success will vary, and that’s perfectly normal. Just achieve your successes and then you can easily celebrate these wins. Year 12 was one of the best years of my life, and if you can adopt this optimistic perspective whilst achieving your version of success, it can be yours too.
To the 2021 Year 12s, I wish you all the best. I struggle to give advice to you, as my Year 12 experience will be so drastically different from yours, but I encourage you to view your challenges as learning experiences and celebrate success whenever you can. You have the potential to achieve - you just need to believe you can.
To the younger year levels. Although you may feel the advice I give is not particularly relevant at the moment, I encourage you to enjoy your schooling. Cherish friendships and make the most of your experience. However, currently you are in the best position to positively influence your future. Remember this, as the choices you make and opportunities you pursue can eventually shape your adventure; I can attest to this, as a Year 10 camp got me my accommodation for university.
Once more, thanks again to the staff, students, and I’d like to thank my family as well - without their support, I would’ve been a mess throughout the year. Anyway, I wish everyone all the best in your future endeavours, and I am so grateful for all the guidance, assistance and inspiration this school community has given me.
Miss Sascha Leslie
2020 College Dux
