Newsletter 19th February, 2015

Principal’s Message
No. 2, 19th February, 2015
Live Peace – Give Peace
Ash Wednesday approaches and with it the forty days of Lent.
As we all know, Jesus retreated into the desert for forty days to prepare for His ministry. It was for Him a time of reflection and
contemplation. For us, to pass time in the desert means to find occasions when we create a little emptiness and silence around us,
rediscover the road to our heart, remove ourselves from the noise of external distractions, and enter into contact with the deepest
source of our being and faith.
On Ash Wednesday, our foreheads are marked with ashes to remind us that life passes away on earth: “Remember you are dust
and unto dust you shall return”.
The ashes are made from the blessed palms left over from the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. These ashes are
“christened” with holy water and are scented by exposure to incense. Whilst the ashes symbolise penance and contrition, they are
also a reminder that God is gracious and understanding to those who are of goodwill: “For generous and merciful is He, slow to
anger, rich in kindness.” Prophet, Joel. 2:12.
Mourning our sins is about calling attention to them so that we can discard them; it is about improving our spiritual lives and
seeking a closer relationship with God. We should observe Lent, because we want to accentuate the positive influence of the Holy
Spirit in our lives and to eliminate the negative influence of sin.
During 2015 our theme is Live Peace – Give Peace.
What better way to implement this theme in our daily school lives than by spending the Lenten preparation period reflecting on
how the way that we go about our work impacts on those around us.
As staff members;
Do we make sure that we do not cause our colleagues or students undue stress?
Do we make sure that we are consistent in our expectations of self, others and students?
As students;
Do we behave in a way that allows teachers to teach and students to learn?
Do we respect all others people and treat them accordingly?
Do we wear our uniform correctly, submit our work on time, arrive to class on time with the required materials and mind
set so that staff members do not waste valuable teaching time getting class started/organised?
Do we respect our environment by making sure that it is clean and tidy?
Principal’s Message continued...
Lockerless school.
I am aware that this is a new initiative this year and have received a small number of emails raising concerns about this program and
its impact on students. I have enclosed with this newsletter the pamphlet that was distributed to families towards the end of the 2014
school year. This pamphlet outlines the rationale behind the initiative and the goals that it is intended to meet. The main concerns
expressed at this stage are associated with the weight of the backpack and its effect on growing bodies, the restriction that it places
on students’ recess and lunchtime activities and the unavailability of adequate storage for extra items such as sports gear etc.
Among the positives that have been expressed are things such as less student congestion in corridors as lessons start and finish,
rooms are much tidier and cleaner, students are arriving to class better prepared with all the required materials and class time is
utilised more efficiently.
The perfect school does not exist. Every school has problems. Every school faces all sorts of issues when trying to meet the
expectations of an ever diverse community of students, parents/guardians and staff. Therefore, there is not a model for designing the
perfect school. Schools evolve, mature, grow, and change over time to fit the needs of their unique communities. Successful efforts
to improve schools always address the concerns and timing of the stakeholders.
St. Joseph’s has been proactive in the change process rather than being reactive. Have we solved some problems? Very definitely.
Can we do it better? Again very definitely. Already some suggestions are being made as to how we work through this transition and
work to solve more issues as they arise.
Below are some tips, pointers, myth busters and reminders that I hope will prove useful as we move forwards
Students don’t need to carry the bag all day. They in fact only carry it when moving from one class to another. Students are also
allowed to leave their bag in a classroom over the recess and lunch breaks.
Students need to wear the backpack correctly. It is a chiropractic approved bag, but only if it is worn correctly. Both straps on,
worn high on the back, not hanging low.
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Students don’t need to bring to school heavier books like their Maths books or Bibles, unless their teacher instructs them to.
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Folder: Students don’t need to have the folder completely full of loose leaf paper, they can have a stack at home and add in
more when they need it.
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If a student has an appointment or needs to go down the street during the day, they can leave their bag either at the front
office or with their House Leader whilst they are off campus.
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Similarly we are working to identify places extra sports gear can be left during the day when students have swimming for
example, or when they bring sports gear for after school training.

Students should make sure that their name is on the bag and maybe tie something onto the bag to make it distinguishable. e.g.
A name tag.

Students are to use the pods when in the classrooms, teachers will make every effort to make sure this happens.
Like with any change, there will be a teething period, we need to give the students a chance to get used to it. We will also be
keeping an eye on ways we can improve the system. I am constantly seeking feedback from students, parents/guardians and staff
with a view to working towards the best possible outcomes for the students entrusted to our care. A more formal review will be
conducted at a later date once we have had a chance to observe this new system in action for a reasonable period of time.
God, our Father,
We ask that You accept us as we are, vulnerable, flawed and in need of Your love. May Your Spirit be powerful within us so that
joy, love and peace may be expressed through the actions of our lives.
Amen.
God bless.
Michael Delaney
Principal.
Living Strength and Kindliness
We are entering the Season of Lent.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent – a season of prayer, fasting and giving. Through prayer and
reflection we can re-examine our relationships with others and with God.
Through fasting and giving we can examine how we are living our lives and ask how we can make personal
sacrifices and be more for others. It is also a time of preparation for the great celebration of Easter. The forty
days of Lent remind us of other significant times of preparation: the ancient Hebrews wandered for forty
years in the desert before beginning a new life in the Promised Land; Jesus spent forty days in the desert,
praying and fasting before beginning his mission.
Lent provides us with an opportunity to make our lives new – richer in love and compassion.
Accompanying our personal journey through Lent we are encouraged to participate in almsgiving, which asks
for us to give to others and put those who are in more need than we are, first.
Each year St Joseph’s College students spend the Season of Lent supporting Caritas Australia’s fundraising
campaign Project Compassion. Project Compassion invites us to assist the work of Caritas Australia to
assist those living in poverty so that we can put love and compassion into action –so that we can work to
promote justice and peace in our world. This year’s theme for Project Compassion is Food for Life.
Let us pray:
God of justice and peace, be with us as we begin the journey to Easter. Help us to remember that this
season of reflection and preparation is an invitation to a more loving relationship with God and with others.
Help us to try to build the kind of world that God would want to see. Help us to remember that if we want
peace, we must work for justice. Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Kirrilee Westblade
Catholic Identity Leader
Below is a copy of the pamphlet sent home to all families at the end of last year
explaining “Lockerless” schools.
UNIFORM
One of areas of conflict between parents and their students is the wearing of uniform. Please keep up the
struggle! Below are the uniform requirements for you to refer your sons and/or daughters to when they decide
to disregard these expectations. Shoes and socks seem to be an issue for many students. Socks are easy; plain
white is just that. Here are images of the correct shoes:
Correct sports shoes (any brand that is supportive for exercise)
These are not permitted:
Uniform and Grooming
Enrolment at the College implies acceptance of the following uniform regulations:
FEMALE – SUMMER TERMS
SJC School dress
SJC Shorts (worn with Girls School Shirt)
SJC Girls Summer Shirt (with logo)
Plain white socks (above ankle)
Black, leather, lace-up school shoes with low heel.
SJC Hat
FEMALE – WINTER TERMS
SJC Skirt – length is not to be altered from when originally purchased.
Grey Slacks (with grey or black socks)
SJC Girls Winter Shirt (with logo)
With skirt: Grey panty-hose/tights OR Plain white socks (above ankle)
Black, leather, lace-up school shoes with low heel.
Black, leather boots (worn with Slacks only) (optional)
School Scarf
Continued…….
Uniforms Continued
MALE - SUMMER TERMS
Grey shorts (Surrey)
SJC Boys Summer Shirt (with logo)
Plain white socks (above ankle)
Black, leather, lace-up school shoes.
SJC College Hat
MALE – WINTER TERMS
Grey Trousers or Shorts (Surrey)
SJC Boys Winter Shirt (with logo)
Grey or Black Socks with Trousers. White socks with shorts.
Black, leather, lace-up school shoes.
Black, leather boots (worn with Trousers only) (optional)
JUMPERS (worn by male and female students)
College Jumper
VCE Jumper (optional – Year 11 & 12 students only)
SJC Windbreaker (worn with Jumper, not instead of Jumper)
SPORT
College Polo Shirt
College Athletic Shorts
SJC Tracksuit
Athletics shoes (with laces)
OTHER
Undergarments should not be visible (including T-shirts). No colours or slogans should be visible through the white school shirt.
HAIR
Hair is to be of suitable style that befits the College uniform. Hair must be kept off the face and long hair must be tied back. Hair
should be clean, neat and tidy. Boys are to be clean shaven at all times.
Hair ribbons/ties/bows and headbands must be College Green or White.
JEWELLERY & MAKE-UP
Students are not permitted to wear make-up.
Only the jewellery listed below may be worn with the uniform:
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




One plain wristwatch One simple necklace with small religious icon or crucifix. One pair small sleepers/studs, plain gold or silver only, worn in the lower ear hole (no coloured earrings). One simple gold or silver bracelet. No anklets. One fine, plain ring (silver or gold only) No plugs, stretchers or extenders. Students may wear a discreet, clear plastic stud in Eyebrow and Nose piercings (it should essentially be invisible). Otherwise, no
visible facial piercings. Excess Jewellery (or other than that listed above) will be confiscated and returned to students at the end of the day (from the front
office). UNIFORM PASS
Any student out of uniform must have a written explanation from his/her parent/guardian. This will be presented to the Homeroom
teacher who will exchange it for a signed uniform pass which must then be presented to any teacher on request. Failure to comply
with uniform standards may result in students being sent home to make corrections.
Thank you for your support.
Glenn Roberts.
Glenn Roberts
St. Joseph's College, Echuca
Assistant to the Principal: Pastoral Wellbeing
7th Anniversary of the Na onal Apology
February 13th 2015 On February 13th 2015 we commemorated a defining moment in our na on’s history, the Na onal Apology to Aboriginal Australians, made by the former Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd, on the 13th day of February 2008 on behalf of our na on.
On this day we are called to reflect on the suffering caused through policies and ac ons of invading cultures. In par cular we remember the disempowerment felt by Aboriginal families to whom such policies and ac ons caused terrible displacement, suffering and loss. We explore ways to walk, and work alongside Aboriginal people to build together a na on where rela onships are founded on goodness and trust, where all life is respected. We commit ourselves again, in light of the 2008 Apology, with renewed spirit and dedica on to a be er future for all people of this country. New Totem Poles at the
College
Healing Hands
Created in LM’s
Friday morning staff meditation,
run by Donna Walsh for the
National Apology anniversary.
Shrove Tuesday
Historically Shrove Tuesday was the chance to indulge yourself and to use up the
foods that weren't used as much in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on Shrove Tuesday
because they contained fat, butter and eggs which were traditionally foods that were
part of abstinence during the Lenten period.
On Tuesday our VCAL students flipped pancakes for our College community. The
proceeds of their work will be donated to Project Compassion.
Money, Law and Order
Guest Speaker: Sr Cecilia
Last Thursday the Year 10 MLO students were fortunate enough to hear Sister Cecilia speak to them about refugees
and human rights. Sister Cecilia provided the students with facts as well as engaging stories about her personal
experience. This was a valuable learning experience for the students.
Mrs Sarah Mai and Ms Sally Brown (MLO Teachers)
Year 12 Outdoor Education
On Monday 16th February the Year 12 Outdoor Education class
were treated to guest speakers Uncle Rick Ronnan and Bernie
Cowley. Our special guests were invited in to provide further insight
into the topic 'Indigenous relationships with the land'. The students
were given an understanding into how the Aboriginals used the
land for everyday practices and how their lives have changed since
European settlement. They were also given a hands on experience
with a variety of hunting tools, cooking utensils and communication
tools brought in for them to look at.
As a class we would like to say a big thank you to Uncle Rick and
Bernie for giving up their time and coming in to talk to us, we really
appreciated it.
Thanks, Yr.12 OE class
Moore House Welcome
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all the students and families to the beginning of 2015 school year.
An extra special welcome to all our new students and families joining our community for the first time in 2015.
Thank you to all the families that welcomed the new school year back by joining us in the BBQ festivities and it was
wonderful to see all the families sharing experiences from the festive season.
We hope everyone has had plenty of rest and are excited and enthusiastic about the coming year, and if the first two
weeks is a snap shot of the year to come, it looks very encouraging.
Moore has welcomed two new staff members into the Learning Mentor Role being: Sarah Mai (LM4) and Leigh Millard
(LM3). We are very excited to have them and look forward to their commitment and dedication to Moore house.
We congratulate the following students on their appointment to student leadership positions in Moore.
House Captains: Layton McCann and Bethany McKay
Vice Captains: Charles Hancock and Abby Poulton
Junior Captains: Brodie Kemp and Bonni McKay
Swimming sports kicks off next Tuesday and we would welcome all the support from our families to come and help
cheer the students along.
This year represents a new opportunity for Moore students to climb the ladder in the house competition. Participation in
the school events is vital to building a sense of belonging and passion to the Moore house.
The first Learning Mentor meetings for the year are in March, but please feel encouraged and welcome to contact your
child’s Learning Mentor at any time throughout the year should you have any queries or concerns.
Mr Kaine Anderson
Moore House Leader
(Brodie Kemp and Charles Hancock were absent when the picture was taken.)
Brigid House Patron Day
On Friday 6th February Brigid House hosted their Patron Day in honour of St. Brigid, whose feast day is celebrated on the 1st
February.
We celebrated in LM time, learning about the stories of Brigid, and we were all given a cupcake iced yellow as a treat. (Thanks
Mrs. Wood!). The integral part of our day was the market stalls held at recess time. Students from each LM brought in something
from home to sell.
We used the story of Brigid giving away her father’s jewel encrusted sword to a poor man so he could sell it and use the money to
buy food for his family as the theme for our stalls. Although we know Brigid’s father was not at all happy with her for doing this,
our parents were happy to donate something from home to sell, with products ranging from homemade produce, clothes, toys, and
even a whole watermelon!
As a House we were able to raise $230 from our stalls, which we have donated to our House charity, the Brigidine Asylum Seeker
Project. At lunchtime we came together for a BBQ and icy pole and Zoe and Jesse sold mini-milkshakes with ingredients donated
by the VCAL kickstart crew. Overall, it was a lovely day to celebrate the life and legends of St. Brigid and to share some time with
our House members.
Year 12 Retreat
Year 12 retreat to Howman's gap was
certainly a unique and enlightening
experience like no other. Located a few
kilometers from Fall's Creek and blessed
with beautiful scenery, we embarked on a 3
day journey which would take us back to
our childhood and bring us to the realisation
of who we have become as individuals over the years. Whether it was
participating in spiritual group activities or leaping off the high ropes course, we were able to continue to develop
relationships between fellow students whilst connecting with ourselves at the same time. We were therefore able to
realise and understand the true meaning of a 'retreat' and how it is so distant from just a school camp. Highlights for
myself included the op-shop formal, the giant swing and jungle trail challenge. As the new year 12's of the 2015 school
year, we soon realised a closer relationship would be made between staff and students, which I'm sure will allow us to
have an enjoyable final school year ahead. The Retreat was an experience I know I, along with the rest of the 2015
Year 12's will never forget.
Harris Monahan
POSITIONS VACANT
POSITIONS VACANT
APPRENTICESHIP
Junior
HAIR DRESSING
Casual Position
JULIE’S HAIRSTUDIO
BARGAIN BUYS
KYABRAM
Please take your Resume in to
Send your resume to
Bargain Buys
Julie’s Hair Studio
250 Allan Street, Kyabram
2014 TERM 3/4 CALENDAR
February
Thurs Feb 19th
Frid Feb 20th
Mon Feb 23rd
Tues Feb 24th
Wed Feb 25th
Frid Feb 27th
Year 7 Retreat
Year 7 Retreat
Justice and Democracy Camp
Justice and Democracy Camp
House School Swimming Carnival
Lenten Speaker Year 11
Senior cricket Round 2
March
Mon March 2nd
Tues Mar 10th
Tues Mar 17th
Frid Mar 20th
Sat Mar 21st
Mon Mar 23rd
Wed Mar 25th
Frid March 27th
Campaspe Swimming Carnival
Snr LMR Cricket
LMR Swimming Carnival (Swan Hill)
National Close the Gap day
Harmony day
Year 11 Excursion—Holocaust Centre
Years 7, 8, 9, & 10 Immunisation
End of Term One
April
Mon April 13th
Start Term Two
CANTEEN ROSTER
Week Beginning February 23rd
Monday Feb 23rd
9:00-11:30 Shevaun Lamb, Sam Edwards 1:00-2:30 Julie
Morphet, Annie Waters
Tuesday Feb 24th
College Swimming Sports
Wednesday Feb 25th
9:00-11:30 Katrina Horne, Heather Little 1:-00-2:30 Melissa
McKenzie, Jaimie Petterwood
Thursday Feb 26th
9:00-11:30 Christine Colestan, Sue Goulding 1:00-2:30
Jacqui Rosendale, Leigh Buntine
Friday Feb 27th
9:00-11:30 Andrea Fitzsimmonds, Kate McGillvray 1:00-2:30
Heidi Williams, Amanda Lochhead
Week Beginning March 2nd
Monday March 2nd
9:00-11:30 Sheryle Kettle, Meaghan Broom 1:00-2:30
Beverly Monigetti, Lisa Milligan
Tuesday March 3rd
9:00-11:30 Tracy Todd, Jacqui Kerr 1:00-2:30 Michelle
Alsop, Cate Ward
Wednesday March 4th
9:00-11:30 Fiona Wymer, Bernie Eade 1:00-2:30 Kelli
Stevens, Sam Nichol
Thursday March 5th
9:00-11.30 Helen Hogan, Andrea Smith 1:00-2:30 Sue
Neale, Nicole Leggett
Friday March 6th
9:00-11:30 Trudy Jones, Leanne Powell 1:30-2:30 Kim
Warde, Lara English
DIRECT DEBIT - 2015 SCHOOL
FEES
Families who would like to Recommence or Begin
a Direct Debit for the 2015 School Fees
please collect a Direct Debit Form from the Front
Office (or email request to the address below)
Payments are deducted each Friday fortnight,
commencing Friday 20 February, 2015
Enquiries to Kellie Bingham, Finance Officer on
5482 2577 or email: kbingham@sje.vic.edu.au
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
WEEKEND
Invest in your most precious
asset......Your Marriage!
Forget life’s tensions and interruptions
and rekindle the closeness, intimacy,
love and romance that brought you
together. Recharge your relationship
batteries and explore the precious
nature of your marriage, allowing you
both to share your feelings, hopes and
dreams with each other in ways that
normal, daily living tends to inhibit.
There is no group sharing. Couples
and a priest present the weekend. It is
based around Catholic values but
couples of all faiths are welcome.
2015 Melbourne weekend dates : 17
-19 Apr, 19-21 June, 21-23 August
and 23-25 Oct
Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday.
Accommodation and all meals provided.
Information/Bookings: PH: Marianne
& Marcel (03) 9733 0997 Email:
vicbookings@wwme.org.au
www.wwme.org.au
InterestedInTheDefenceForce, OrJustWantToTrySomethingNew?
ThenJointheAustralianAirForceCadets!
419Squadron’s
*Information&
enrolmentNight*
Friday the 6th of March, 2015
1845 Hours (6:45pm) – 2100 hours (9:00 pm)
110 Sobraon Street Shepparton (Somme Barracks)
If you are a Female or Male, aged between 13 and 17, you are invited to
come to the information night being held by 419 Squadron. There you will
find out about the Australian Air Force Cadets Organisation & how it can
help you to become a Cadet.
The AAFC is a youth development organisation, which instils the skills of leadership, discipline
and organisation in the next generation of citizens. Whilst also providing many facets that interest
and strengthen the cadets involvement in many areas of the community.
If camping or aircraft are a hobby, then air force cadets provide ample opportunity for cadets to
increase their bush survival skills, or to set them on their first few steps of becoming a fully licensed pilot.
The Australian Air Force Cadets also provides an exceptional education of the Royal Australian
Air Force and other services, all of which is highly prized knowledge in each arm of the Australian Defence Force.
The AAFC is also not lacking in fun & excitement for those looking for it, as many activities,
such a competitions, camps, social events, and even international exchanges are available to all
members
For more information on the Australian Air Force Cadets
PLTOFF Jim Dickson 03 5868 2259 or CIV Barry Spencer 0417 532 275
www.aafc.org.au
Parents are invited to stay
ECHUCA & DISTRICT NETBALL ASSOCIATION INC A0000568P
SATURDAY NETBALL REGISTRATIONS
Net Set Go, Primary & Senior Registrations can
be downloaded at edna.org.au. Primary
commences 10.30am
Due date MARCH 25TH.
All enquiries telephone
Netball Office 54801725.
Betty McCoomb
President
NEW for back to school – Even more
homework help at your library
With Term 1 in full swing, students already have plenty of
homework. Now, thanks to your library, your child gets free, one-toone help right when they need it – between 3pm and 10pm, either
from the library or at home.
Students simply log in using their library card and ask a question in
maths, English, science, research skills and more. A live, real-time
expert tutor is waiting to help them work it out ethically, without
giving the answer but ensuring that each student understands how to
overcome their problem.
Students can sign up for their own library member card number to
sign in for free, 3pm - 10pm Sunday to Friday.
This year you can get even more homework help from Campaspe
Regional library. Our free online personalised tutoring service,
yourtutor, will now be open 3pm – 10pm, Sunday – Friday, starting
February 15th. Students log in using their library card and have access
to a wide network of expert tutors in all core curriculum subjects. Try
it out tonight. www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library - online resources your tutor