Principal’s Message
No. 17, October 22nd, 2015
Time to pause
Every now and then we all need a little “stop and ponder” moment, just to take stock of how our life is going along. The
following few lines might give us a “ponder” or two on an all too familiar topic:
“We’re too busy it seems
To take time for dreams
Or to go for a walk in the sun.
Too busy today, no time for play
Too busy just getting things done.
Too busy to watch the children play
We don’t hear half the things they say.
Will our hearts be filled with misgivings,
When we learn we’ve been
Too busy for living?”
Adapted. Too Busy. Hilda.
It is true that the more we expect of life the busier it becomes and the more complicated and cluttered it gets.
Inevitably, this leads to less time we have available to appreciate the good things we have in life.
When St James wrote his letter to the new Christians round about 50 A.D., his words were directed towards practical
wisdom and guidance for Christian attitudes and conduct and contained the following, “… those who avidly pursue
riches will disappear like a flower in the field, in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.”
These words are particularly apt for our Year 12 students at the moment as they prepare for their final exams. When it
seems like we can least afford it is actually the best time to make the time to “stop and ponder”. Prayer, family,
exercise and scheduled breaks are never more important than when the pressure is really on:
-prayer and family to remind ourselves of the really important things in life;
-exercise and scheduled breaks to make sure that the mind has plenty of oxygen and the body
enough rest to sustain itself during the busy time.
Each Year 12 student should have worked himself or herself into a position where they can approach the
exams with confidence that they have used their time over the last thirteen years of schooling as well as possible to
give themselves the best chance possible of success. No doubt there will be some last minute nerves and doubt. To a
certain extent this is good because over-confidence can be just as dangerous as under-confidence.
We will be keeping all the Year 12 students in our prayers and thoughts this week for a finish to their schooling
days that is filled with Joy and Gratitude and also with Dignity and Respect. We will also pray that in the coming weeks
that they do as well in their exams as they possibly can.
For our students in Years 7 – 11 these events should be a reminder that the end of the 2015 academic year
will come very quickly and that it is important to make the most of every learning opportunity that is presented.
My prayer as we go into the very busy end of school year period is that we will all focus on making time in our
busy lives for those things that sustain us.
On Thursday, at Assembly, we will celebrate with, and farewell, our current Year 12 students. They have
concluded their formal time with us as students and only have their exams to complete before embarking on the next
phase of their life’s journey. We thank them for what they have contributed to our College and we wish them all the
best for the exams and the future.
Continued...
Principal’s Message Continued…..
As our 2015 Year 12 students prepare to leave us they will be handing the leadership baton to
a new group of House Leaders for 2016.
Nicholls
Grace Gray Naomi Liersch
Brigid
Danisha Wheeler Cathal McNulty
Chisholm
Edwina B O'Sullivan Angus Byrne
Moore
Erin Stone Alex McCann
Patrick
Stephanie Pearson Lachlan Huisman
Delany
Zoe Taylor Tom McKenzie
We congratulate these young adults and wish them all the very best as they begin their leadership roles. I am certain
that they, too, will make a fine contribution to our College.
Staffing
Mrs Rachel McAsey has been appointed as Assistant to the Principal – School Operations to succeed Mr Ben
Fitzpatrick who will be moving to Yarrawonga to take up the position of Deputy Principal at Sacred Heart College.
Rachel comes to us from Echuca College where she has very successfully been carrying out the role of organizing the
Echuca district bus network and coordinating the VET courses for schools in the area. She will bring a wealth of
experience to this role and we look forward to her contribution.
Other staffing appointments for 2016 are being finalized and I hope to be able to announce these soon.
God bless.
Michael Delaney.
Principal.
Re-Enrolment for 2016
Please note that if you are moving at the end of this year, or know
that your child will not be returning to St Joseph’s College in 2016,
can you please contact the front office to advise of these changes.
The earlier you can do this, the better, as it will help us alleviate the
stress of other families who are seeking to move their child to our
school. If we do not hear from you we will presume your child is
returning and count them in our numbers for next year.
Living Strength and Kindliness
It’s time to fertilise the soil!
I thought I might write a response to Sunday’s Gospel in today’s reflection but as I was looking through the scripture I decided that the
messages of Saturday’s Gospel reading were very thought provoking.
The reading is from one of Luke’s parables. (Luke 13: 6 – 9)
[ Jesus told them] this parable: “There was once a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on
it but found none, he said to the gardener, “For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut
it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?” He said to him in reply, “Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it
and fertilise it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not, then you can cut it down”.
My mum keeps giving me seedlings to plant in my vegetable garden. I am very grateful for her generosity but somehow this act of
kindness also fills me with dread. Despite the time that I spend in my garden, digging, fertilising and endlessly watering I do not feel that I
reap the rewards of my time with boundless vegetables over the Spring and Summer Season. If fact, the hot weather seems to have a
devastating effect if I cannot find the time to tend my garden. The lack of rain at present isn’t doing me any favours.
For those of us who are garden lovers and who spend our leisure time tending our gardens the value of cultivating the soil and fertilising
our plants is an essential process in the flourishing of our leafy friends.
I think the deeper meaning of this scripture reading has nothing to do with fig trees or zucchini plants. A deeper reading for me made me
think about the times when we forget to tend our own soil and therefore limit our own personal growth. It also made me think about the
times when we may neglect the growth of others or give up on them too soon. Our society today seems to encourage us to throw away
whatever doesn’t produce an expected or positive outcome. We are quick to disregard and move on.
God, who is the eternal gardener sees the great potential in all of us. This story encourages us to start afresh each time we are tempted to
give up on ourselves or others. It encourages us to look for ways for renewal and growth.
Having said that, I will still be doing my utmost not to let Mum’s seedlings come to a bitter end.
Let us pray with humble hearts:
God of all creation,
Your goodness pervades
Our entire universe and beyond.
You care for us as a wise and prudent gardener
Who neve gives up on what he has planted.
May we extend such loving care to ourselves
And to those around us.
Renewed in your Spirit
May we come to the full potential
Of your benevolent design.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Kirrilee Westblade
Catholic Identity Leader
Year 11 Outdoor Education
On Tuesday 13th October the Year 11 Unit 2 Outdoor Education class headed to the Cathedral Ranges State Park for a
4-day bush walk. This was the major practical component of the Unit and was a great way for the students to end the
year. We were blessed with some awesome weather over the 4 days and were challenged throughout with some steep
climbs and rocky terrain as we scaled the peak. The campsites of Neds’ Gully, Cooks’ Mill and the Farmyard played
good hosts and treated us with lush green grass and plenty of shade, which was needed after some of the walks
completed.
As the teacher I would like to thank the students for their behaviour and attitudes on the camp and think they should
be proud of the fact they pioneered the Cathedral Ranges in such a good manner. The staff (Brendan Moyle, Kevin
Morgan, Kerrin Smith and Phoebe Barnes) also need to be thanked for giving up their time and adding to the
experience had by all, you certainly ensured they enjoyed their time.
As the final camp of the year I would like to thank all who helped out this year, especially in the office and the
leadership for their support.
Cheers, Mr Parker
State Champion
Rhys Lias (Year 12) has won the 18-20 year old, 800
metre State Championships in Athletics in Melbourne
on Tuesday Afternoon in the time of 1.58.57
Well done, Rhys!
Georgy Awards
It is with great pleasure that the Production Team can announce today that
the school performance 'Aladdin Jr' and Ruby Green as an individual have
been nominated for a Georgie Award. This well-deserved, prestigious
recognition is a result of an enormous effort put in by our staff and students
who went above and beyond the call of duty!
Ruby played the part of the genie.
The Georgy Awards is an annual event which has been held since 1973 that
acknowledges outstanding achievements for productions and to individuals
in live theatre covering the Greater Shepparton District.
More Georgy Awards
Anthony Chalkley has been nominated for Best performance in a Musical (Male) AND Best
Singing Award (Male) as Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray".
Abbey Williams (Year 11) has been nominated for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in
a Musical (Female) as Penny Lou Pingleton in "Hairspray"
Congratulations to everyone!
ITALIAN CAMP 2015
Every year in September, just before school holidays, St Joseph’s VCE Italian
students participate in a full immersion 3 days Italian Camp, which takes place
in Myrtleford, Victoria.
The camp was created 30 years ago by an experienced Italian teacher, Mr
Franco Cudini, and every year it welcomes, in one of the most Italian, authentic,
hilly and green locations in Victoria, VCE students from many different schools
with the aim of creating an authentic Italian experience. During the camp the
students are surrounded by teachers and Italian people from all ages and
backgrounds, in order to improve their Italian skills and prepare for the VCE
exam. They get to practise their Italian in many different and funny ways, such
as role plays, games, team activities, songs, theatre pieces, exhibitions, oral
discussions… and much more!!!
The outcomes of the camp are always excellent!!!!
Here are some reflections on the camp from St Joseph’s students:
- The Italian camp last month was really enjoyable. My favourite part was the
red faces and the 'La commedia dell'arte' performance. I think it was super
beneficial being exposed to more Italian speaking to help with our own fluency
and also finding out where other Victorian schools were up to in Unit 2. The
group speaking activities helped us to realise just how much we have learned so
far and where we need to improve.
Georgie Jenkins – Year 11 Italian
- Last Term's Italian Camp was a really good experience for me. It was good to
have so many Italian people to talk to, all of the teachers, assistants and
students, too. We learnt heaps about the Italian culture, music and food, though
the best part was definitely being so immersed in another language. I learnt a lot
on the three day camp and I really recommend it to anyone who will be studying
Italian in Year 9,10, 11 and 12.
Campbell Gray – Year 11 Italian
- I found the Italian camp to be very helpful but also a lot of fun. I think the main
positive aspect of the camp was that I really feel I have improved in my ability to
speak Italian, but we didn't just learn by sitting down, we learnt by doing role
plays and playing games. I enjoyed the drama rotation and the oral speaking
the most as we got to have fun while doing it but there was an emphasis on
learning. In my group we had an Italian helper to every 2 students so I got two
days to work nearly one on one with someone who really helped to improve my
knowledge and the right ways to structure my sentences.
Jessie Hancock – Year 11 Italian
- The Italian camp was a very enjoyable camp! It helped me prepare for my
VCE Italian camp that is just around the corner. The mock orals, the practice
exams and also the valuable advice given by Mr Cudini (ex examiner) has
greatly assisted me in preparation for my Italian exam. Lastly, the ambience of
the camp also made me feel more relaxed and less stressed about the exam.
Alexis Mendoza – Y ear 12 Italian
- The Italian camp was a fun, helpful experience in which we were able to
meet Italian students from other schools, learn tips and tricks for our
upcoming exam and have ample time to study and improve our speaking
skills. It was so useful being able to practise conversation with Italian
assistants and past examiners to prepare for the oral component of our end of
year exam, I certainly feel more comfortable about it. One of the highlights
was a very funny and interesting 'Commedia dell'arte' performance. Overall
the camp was very enjoyable and I am much more prepared for my exams.
Riley Shannon – Year 12 Italian
POSITIONS VACANT
ECHUCA TRAVEL CENTRE : TRAVEL INTERN
Position Summary
•
To become an integral member of the team
•
To effectively sell travel arrangements to new and
existing customers for domestic and international
destinations through effective questioning
techniques and rapport building skills.
•
To achieve Certificate III in Travel

To complete administrative tasks in a timely and
agreed manner.
Enquiries should be directed to Allison Yeates – 0433 601 153
Managing director
Echuca Travel Centre
203 Hare Street, Echuca 3564
03 5482 2177
2015 TERM 4 CALENDAR DATES
October
Frid Oct 23rd
Mon Oct 26th
Tues Oct 27th
Wed Oct 28th
Year 9 Camp
Justice and Democracy Seminar
LMR Int Cricket
VCAL Vinnies Soup Van Excursion
VCE Art and Technology Expo
(5pm-7.30pm)
VCAL Vinnies Soup Van Excursion
Year 7 Immunisations
VCE Exams Unit 3&4 Commence
Year 7 Immunisations
November
Mon Nov 2nd
Tues Nov 3rd
Wed Nov 4th
Thurs Nov 5th
Frid Nov 6th
Cup Eve Holiday
Melbourne Cup Day Holiday
Public safety camp
Public safety camp
Year 8 HUMS Aspire Day Cadell Tilt
Year 11 Food excursion to Kyabram
Wed Nov 11th
Indigenous Heatlh Careers Day Echuca Regional Hospital
Thurs Nov 19th
Year 12 Graduation Mass and Formal
Frid Nov 20th
Student Leaders Formation Day
Mon Nov 23rd
Year 9 Drama Performance
Tues Nov 24th-27th
Year 11 Exams
Mon Nov 30th-Frid Dec 4th Year 11-12 Transition
December
Mon Nov 30th-Frid Dec 4th
Wed Dec 2nd-4th
Thurs Dec 3rd
Thurs 3rd—Sunday 6th
Frid Dec 4th
Year 11-12 Transition
Year 10 Exams
Year 8 Ball
The Australian Catholic Youth
Festival Camp
Year 10-11 Final Day
Wanted:
A puppy for Christmas
If anyone knows of a litter Small Jack
Russell Terrier type puppies available
around Christmas time, there is a family
who would just love one! Could you please
phone
Gary Jurey on 0409253441
Thank you.
CANTEEN ROSTER
Week Beginning October 26th
Monday October 26th
9:00-11:30 Samantha Edwards, Emma Webb 1:00-2:30 Di
Johnson
Tuesday October 27th
9:00-11:30 Sandra Biggs, Majella Pangrazio 1:00-2:30 Denise
Lalor, Jodie Stovell
Wednesday October 28th
9:00-11:30 Fiona Wymer, Sue Gundry 1:00-2:30 Jodie Armstrong
Thursday October 29th
9:00-11:30 Anne Hodge, Christine Coleston 1:00-2:30 Marita
Hancock
Friday October 30th
9:00-11:30 Trudy Jones, Yvonne Cain 1:00-2:30 Heidi Williams,
Catrina Monigetti
Week Beginning November 2nd
Monday November 2nd
Melbourne Cup Long Weekend
Tuesday November 3rd
Melbourne Cup Long Weekend
Wednesday November 4th
9:00-11:30 Andrea Forge, Fiona Simpson 1:00-2:30 Tanya
Godfrey, Sally Mitchell
Thursday November 5th
9:00-11:30 Susan Goulding 1:00-2:30 Jacqui Rosendale
Friday November 6th
9:00-11:30 Leanne Powell, Sheridan Pickens 1:00-2:30 Kim Moss,
Jodie Kelvy
Remember to always Back Up
your work!
Also please report any damage
promptly to the IT department.
From your friendly IT team.
Thank you
I was a stranger and you welcomed me…
This Gospel message was powerfully lived out our parish Echuca last weekend as hosted a group of refugee guests.
People opened their homes, they provided food, they served and cleaned and made donations, in short they served those
who could easily be seen to be ‘last’ among us. Our guests were so happy to make their first trip out of Melbourne after
arriving some years ago. They delighted in the hospitality extended to them but mostly they delighted in the
connections that they made with ‘real Australian people’. One guest expressed this powerfully when he explained that
their children will never know a grandfather, they will never know an aunt or an uncle but for just a few days they
experienced what it would be like to have an extended family and for that he gave thanks. For the hosts, there was such
joy in providing simple delights that we take for granted, a country sunrise, a rose garden, a dog to play with. As we
served we were enriched and reminded to count our blessings.
Parishioners were involved on many different levels. Thank you to the host families, to those who provided food, those
who helped with preparation and serving, those who brought us car seats and porta cots, and those who made donations.
We easily covered the cost of the paddle steamer rides and food and have almost covered the cost of the train fares (any
further contributions would enable us to repay the Brigidine sisters for the tickets). Special thanks is extended to the
Morris family for their extraordinary hospitality and to Margaret Spedding for a marathon at the parish Centre.
The Parish Centre was abuzz on Saturday evening, there was an atmosphere of joy and a tangible feeling of God’s love
shared among strangers who were made welcome.
A text message sent in thanks from one guest sums up the weekend: “Hi, you all did inestimable stuff which I am quite
sure came through your hearts… we just arrived in Melbourne with unforgettable memories of your community. God
bless you and your people”.
Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this weekend.
The Members of the Social Justice Team
Christine Sebire
Pastoral Associate
St Mary’s Echuca
[email protected]
54821127 0411627645
ST.MARY’S ECHUCA FUTURE PLANNING MEETING
TUESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
7.30PM
ST MARY’S PARISH CENTRE
Fr. Des Welladsen would like to invite you to an open meeting to discuss the future direction of St. Mary’s parish, Echuca. Everyone is very welcome to attend and share their thoughts, vision and opinions on where and how St.Mary’s parish should head in the next 10‐20 years. Some of the issues that will be discussed are:‐ HOW TO ASSIST & PLAN FOR THE RETIREMENT OF FR. DES FUTURE OF PARISH LAND & BUILDINGS INCLUDING THE PRIORY There are many exciting possibilities available to St.Mary’s and at this meeting all the facts and figures will be presented to you for your consideration. Please be a part of this very important decision making process so that St Mary’s parish can continue our development over recent years and meet the needs of Parish, school and local communities going forward. There will be a follow up meeting on Thursday 3rd December at 7.30pm to receive feedback and discuss potential options. If you require transport to this meeting, please contact the parish office and this will be organised for you. River Voices
Community in Harmony
River Voices is an Echuca community choir led by Martina Link, a classically trained professional singer and music teacher. It
comprises an adult choir and two children’s groups.
Members of the choir come from all over the district and range in age from 17 to 70 bringing a diverse range of life
experiences to the choir. Some are trained musicians and some are new to singing. All members treasure the opportunity to
make beautiful choral music accessible to people in our local area.
The music that River Voices performs is also diverse, including classical, popular, jazz and traditional songs as well as some
sacred music.
The group has performed at various community
events in Echuca, Moama and Tongala over the last
three years.
This year River Voices have invited Excelsis, a
Melbourne-based Catholic choir that sings primarily
for liturgical events and also gives occasional concert
performances to share a performance at The
Paramount in Echuca on Saturday 7th November
7.30pm.
The Excelsis choir sings a varied repertoire of sacred
music from numerous Christian traditions,
incorporating classical European works, traditional
African pieces, Gospel songs, Welsh hymnody and
contemporary Asian church music. Excelsis takes its
name from the Latin word, meaning
‘highest’. Through the music that it sings, the choir
aims to achieve the highest musical standards, in
order to give praise to the Highest.
Excelsis is a traditional four-part mixed choir
(Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass). Choristers range from
the very young, to the very young at heart, and all
singers share a love of inspiring people in their faith
and entertaining them through the gift of music. A
great deal of the repertoire which Excelsis sings is
unique within the Catholic experience, and offers both
the singers of Excelsis, and their audiences, the
opportunity to continually explore and discover the
vast body of Christian choral music which exists
today.
Don’t miss this unique choral spectacular.
Tickets are available from The Paramount for $15,
phone 54 8223399.
St. Mary's Parish Mass of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will be held
on Friday 6th Nov at 7pm.
We invite all families to join with us to remember their loved ones who
are no longer with us.
The Mass will be followed by supper in the Parish Centre.
The Australian Catholic
Youth Festival
This event will be held in
Adelaide from the 3 rd – 5th
of December. The Festival
is hosted by the Australian
Catholic Bishops
Conference and aims to
engage and empower young people in the life of the
Catholic Church. This is the second festival of its
kind to be held in Australia. The Festival was
initiated by our own Bishop Grech who was a well
loved Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst. We had
25 young people who attended the first festival in
2013. This year we are offering this opportunity to
students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Costs at this stage
are around $500 to attend (some sponsorship will be
available), this price will include all costs except
personal spending.