No. 20 July 15th, 2010
FROM THE CO
CO--PRINCIPALS
Dear Parents and Guardians Things are underway! Greetings! What a cold start to term we’ve had, however this has been made a little more bearable by the returning faces of all our staff and students, who seem to have begun the term with greatly renewed energy! We welcome six new families to our College this term, and wish them all well for their journey with us. Mrs Marg Yates and Mr Toby Gilmour have returned from leave, and we welcome Mr Glenn Brotchie who will be with us for the first half of the term. Our Year 10 students have launched straight into the term, and are already off on their Careers Camp in Melbourne! We look forward to hearing about their experiences and in advance, thank Miss Geraldine Ryan for the incredible amount of time she has given to preparing for the Camp, East Timor Immersion The East Timor Immersion students returned from their experience early in the holidays. We will be printing their reflections on this experience over the coming weeks, but suffice to say that it was an amazing and life‐changing experience for all. It is difficult for us to express to you how grateful the community in Aileu and Lequidoe were not only for the visit, but for the amazing donations we were able to offer on your behalf. We can reassure each of you who donated to the cause, that the money we left will change peoples’ lives for the better – and have included an account within this newsletter of exactly where the money was donated. We look forward to continuing this experience in future years, so that more students and families can experience this amazing opportunity. Twitter/Online Newsletter In the next few weeks we will be making a bulk email out to anyone who wishes to receive our Newsletter via email. If you would like to register (and you can register as many email addresses as you like), please do so on the College website, using the eNewsletter tag on the left hand side of the page. If you would like short, regular updates on what is happening, you can also “follow” the College on Twitter, where we are: stjosephsechuca Curriculum Review Thanks to all those parents who have taken the time to complete the survey about our Curriculum for our upcoming review. There is still a few more days to complete this survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/sjcparentcurriculum Sr Marie Anne O’Brien & Sr Cecilia It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Sr Marie Anne O’Brien in the first week of the holidays at the age of 93. Sr Marie Anne was an institution of both St Mary’s and St Joseph's College in the time she served here from 1957‐1987. There are many in our community who tell marvellous stories of Sr Marie‐Anne’s amazing generosity and dedication to our College, as well as her strong commitment to upholding the rules and proprieties of the day! May she rest in peace. With pleasure, we note that Sr Cecilia Merrigan is travelling well after her recent operation, which seems to have been a resounding success, requiring no further treatment. We look forward to seeing Cecilia back around the place soon! Being Martha AND Mary In this week’s Gospel from Luke, the beautiful story of Martha and Mary unfolds. Martha bustles around preparing a meal, while Mary sits to chat with Jesus. Martha’s frustration with Mary’s laziness is evident, but Jesus reminds them that taking the time for sitting and listening is important. This week, let’s try and remember to balance the Martha and Mary within us all – to give time to the important things that need doing in the service of others, but also to stop and listen to the voice of God in our hearts, calling us every forward into the best version of ourselves. Kind Regards Kate Fogarty
Phill Healy
East Timor Reflections
Living with Strength and Kindliness
Happy Bastille Day!
I can’t help myself. I thought today
that I might write with my History
Teacher hat on. The 14th of July marks the anniversary of
Bastille Day in France. At the moment in VCE Unit 4 History
we are studying the French Revolution.
Each week this term we are featuring the reflections of one of
the students who went to East Timor on the Immersion. This
week we hear from Anna Clark.
When I was offered a chance to travel to East Timor I have to
admit, I was hesitant in applying. I had minimal knowledge of the
country and didn’t really comprehend the process of an
immersion. After experiencing the country and the culture of
East Timor first hand I would like to say that I have been
enlightened.
Bastille Day is a National holiday in France. It is very much
like Independence Day in the United States because it is a
celebration of the beginning of a new form of government.
In France’s case the new government was one that was a
long, violent struggle from oppression and for many citizens
a long life of poverty.
My minimal understanding of the suffering and hardships of the
East Timorese people has been vastly expanded. Although I
have been educated through experience about the negative
aspects of East Timor, past and present, it was through the
immersion that I was exposed to an overwhelming sense of
community and hope, two definite positive attributes of the East
At one time in France, the Bourbon line of kings and Timorese people.
queens ruled. Many people were very angry with the
decisions made by the kings and queens because all of the
decisions tended to favour the rich and did very little to
better the lives of the poor.
At points in my journey, I began to think of the East Timorese
people has near saints, though as time progressed I realized
that people aren’t perfect, regardless their home country. There
will be people we encounter in life that have lost hope or have a
The Bastille was a prison in France that the kings and negative mindset; it’s part of human nature. I had to
queens often used to lock up the people that did not agree acknowledge that not all East Timorese people share the same
with their decisions. To many, the prison was a symbol of mindset.
the oppressive nature of the monarchy and the social It was a hugely inspiring experience to witness the amount of
structure of France at the time. So, on July 14, 1789, a hope we brought some people just by being there. Just by taking
large number of French citizens gathered together and a small interest in someone’s life.
stormed the Bastille.
Just as the people in the United States celebrate the
signing of the Declaration of Independence as the
beginning of the American Revolution, so the people in
France celebrate the storming of the Bastille as the
beginning of the French Revolution. Both Revolutions
brought great changes. Kings and queens no longer ruled,
more opportunity was given for people to rule themselves
and make their own decisions.
Many people across the world will be celebrating Bastille
Day with French toast or French crepes or a nice French
Baguette, a French Champagne might be nice too, just like
we might throw a snag on the BBQ. But what I think is the
most important thing that we should consider on a day like
today is just how lucky we are to live in our modern,
democratic Western society.
Two centuries ago in the American Colonies and in France
people fought hard in a very adverse environment to help
influence the freedoms that we enjoy today. A Revolution
is not generally a pacifist movement. Revolutions usually
involve conflict and sometimes bloodshed, and in the case
of France a lot or it. If we think about the freedoms that we
enjoy in our democratic society we should be appreciative
of those Enlightenment philosophers who saw liberty and
freedom as a right and those Revolutionary leaders who
had the courage to try to make equality and participation for
the everyday citizen a way of life.
Many of the people I met were aspiring to create a better future
for their country. It was repeatedly mentioned that East Timor is
still a developing country. To this I would reply “Yes, it is still
developing structurally, but the culture and the community in
East Timor are very developed.” I believe as this country is
slowly rebuilt or “developed”, society in East Timor should
nurture and protect their positive attributes.
The turning point or climax of my journey was meeting a young
man named Fidel. I was struck by his intelligence and passion
for education. After visiting Fidel and his family I got very
emotionally attached to them. Whilst leaving their family home
they told us that “East Timor and Australia are family now”. I
couldn’t stand the thought of their suffering. Something that
really troubled me was the chance that Fidel may not reach his
full potential because of lack of money as opposed to many of
my peers not reaching their full potential due to lack of ambition.
The thought of all his untapped potential going to waste really
bothered me.
In my mind I now hope that Fidel and his potential mean
something greater to me. My emotional connection with Fidel
represents all the East Timorese children with talent this could
go to waste due to lack of opportunity. This lack of opportunity
puts my vast world of opportunity into perspective. These
children struggle through life to get opportunities that we
disregard or take for granted. This thought helps me value what
I have been given. It also inspires a drive inside of me to provide
those kids with all those desperately yearned opportunities. It
inspires a vision of a better quality of life for those not only in
East Timor, but for people suffering all over the world. The hope
that equality could exist between Australia and East Timor is not
a far fetched idea. It is reasonable that two countries so close
could have a lot more in common. All we have to do is learn
from one and another. Immerse ourselves in their lives. This is
what we have achieved through our East Timor immersion.
There are many people today who do not have the rights
that we enjoy. Each day we read about the violation of
human rights across the world. Like those American and
French Revolutionaries, if we enjoy the freedoms that have
been won for us, isn’t it our responsibility to stand up, voice
our opinions and fight for the rights of those who are less
Upon my return to Australia, many people were under the
fortunate across the world.
Kirrilee Westblade
On behalf of the Faith and Ministry Team
assumption that I would be driven by guilt. It is when people
imply this that I employ a little piece of wisdom gifted to me
whilst on my journey. Guilt is not useful. Guilt will not help
anyone. So instead I am driven by hope.
By Anna Clark.
Page 2
East Timor Funds
Year 8 Student of Week
Thank you so much to all those people who donated money or
assisted with fundraising for the East Timor Immersion students to
use in the support of various projects. In total, over $8000 was
raised, which converted to $7126 in East Timorese currency
(which is USA Dollars). The following amounts were distributed:
$3000
$235
$400
$250
$150
$600
$1000
$1000
Sao Paulo College in Aileu. This was the main school
we visited. This donation will be used to provide much
needed educational resources. Sao Paulo does not even
have sufficient chairs for its students.
Namilescu school is a small village school in Lequidoe.
We provided new blankets for the families and $100
for classroom resources. We also gave a set of
Football Jumpers to the school Principal, some soccer
balls and an AFL footy.
The Carmelite Clinic in Aileu runs a Disabled Bike
Workshop, where modified bikes are made by and for
people with physical disabilities. $400 represents the
cost of one bike being made.
Foscaca Youth Group welcomed us and spent time
telling us about life for young adults in Aielu. Their
founder, Jose Valente, spent time in Echuca prior to
World Youth day. This money will be used to buy
kitchen equipment so the group can cater for events as
a means of fundraising for their work.
ISMAIK Boarding House is a place for young girls
whose families can’t support their education. The
grow rice to sell to support themselves and walk long
distances to attend school.
Sr MaryAnne (ISMAIK) is a Mercy Sister from
Ballarat who has lived and worked in Aileu for seven
years. She will distribute this money to the girls at
ISMAIK for basic necessities as needed.
Lequidoe is the Friendship District of Campaspe Shire.
This money will fund a Health Promotion program
overseen by the Carmeline Health Clinic, providing
training for families to set up vegetable gardens & raise
chickens.
Year 8 Student of the Week is
Zack Bruns
Zack Bruns: For always doing his
best, being a positive role model
for others in the class and
always being willing to help his
class mates. Zack achieved
outstanding results on his report
as he ensured that he put time,
effort and thought into his
school work. Congratulations.
Sarah Mai & Michelle Anderson
Year 8 Blue Homeroom Teachers
Year 7 Student of the Week
Year 7 Student of the Week is
Georgia Pearson 7P
Georgia is a great member of class.
She consistently does her best in all
activities and encourages others to
do the same. Her positive approach
and lovely smile cheer up both
teachers and class mates.
Congratulations on being chosen
for student of the week, Georgia.
Peter Phillips
7 Purple Learning Advisor
School Calendar
July
Monday 12th July
This money will provide scholarships for students from Wed 14th - Fri 16th July
Lequidoe attend Sao Paulo College in Aileu (because
Monday 19th July
there is no senior secondary school in Lequidoe subWednesday 21st July
Thursday 29th July
Thurs 29th—Frid 30th
Term Three Commences
Year 10 Careers Camp
Year 12 Biology Excursion
Year 10 Beacon Pledge Day
School Girls Netball—Melb
Yr 11 & 12 Loddon Prison Excursion
Year 10 Work Experience
Sun Country Cup
VCAL Careers Excursion Melbourne
August
Week Comm 2nd Aug
Wednesday 4th August
Week Comm 9th August
Monday 9th August
Wednesday 11th August
Week Comm 16th August
Monday 16th August
Wednesday 18th August
Italian Week
Year 7 Retreat
Technology Week
Year 10 into 11 Information Evening
School Athletics Carnival
Science Week
Year 9 into 10 Information Evening
Year 12 Parent / Teacher Interview
district), and provide educational resources in Lequidoe
schools. It will be overseen and distributed by Sr
Thursday 22nd July
Susan Gribbins, who is an American Carmelite Sister
Mon 26th - Fri 30th July
who has lived and worked in Aileu for 19 years.
$100
Fahisoi School is a tiny primary school in the subdistrict of Lequidoe. This money will be used for
educational resources.
$400
Baucau Teachers’ College is the only internationally
accredited Teacher Training Centre in East Timor.
This money will support teachers in training, especially
those whose families can’t support their studies. It will
be administered by Br Tony Clark (Marist Brother)
$100
The ISMAIK Clinic in Dili is a place of treatment and
care for those with HIV, TB, Cancer, Hepatitis and
mental illness. They run on a shoe-string and this
money will be used to support visiting health
professionals.
Advanced Notice: St. Joseph’s College 125 Year Celebration
1st — 3rd April 2011
UNIFORM SHOP - OPENING HOURS TUESDAY 1.00 - 2.00 FRIDAY 8.30 - 10.00
If you are not able to attend at these times please phone the school for an appointment—5482 2577
Page 3
Benefit Concert—East Timor
B ur Best
8 Wa ys t o get kids t o ea t a va r ied diet
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1. Enjoy a variety of foods. Serve up a variety of healthy foods each
day. These include fruit and vegetables, legumes (such as dried peas, beans
and lentils), wholegrain cereals, low fat dairy, lean meat, fish and skinless
chicken. Low fat or skim milks are not suit able for children under two years
of age. However, for children over two years, low fat milk is recommended.
Shop healthy. If you haven’t got a healthy variety in your kitchen pantry or cupboard, you
can’t put it on the table. Try avoid having “sometimes” foods such as confectionary in the
cupboard as children will then see them as “everyday” foods.
Go for quality, not quantity. Children serves may be small. It all depends on their age and
appetite. Variety is the important ingredient.
Stick to three meals and two snacks every day. Growing children need to be fed regularly
and often.
Begin their day with a healthy breakfast. It improves concentration, assists learning and
builds stamina.
Give your children choices. Offer kids a few healthy choices. For instance, ask if they want
an apricot or a plum, beans or broccoli, an egg or tuna sandwich.
Lunch boxes that go crunch. Skip the chips. Fruits and vegetables make a great snack or
lunch box addit ion. Try corn on the cob, carrots, small Lebanese cucumbers, green beans,
cherry tomatoes, celery, stone fruit , grapes or berries.
Frozen fruits. Frozen fruits are great for snacks or dessert. Try frozen grapes, bananas, mango
wedges or even dried fruit like sultanas.
Source: www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au
GIRLS FOOTY
CANTEEN ROSTER
On Monday the 21st of June two teams of girls went to Bendigo Monday 19th July 10.00–2.30 Jemeel O’Keefe
to play in the CAS Girls Football Competition. There was a Year 9.00-11.30 Babs Stritch, Mandy Burtchell 1.00-2.30
Seven and Eight team, and a Year Nine and Ten team.
Yvonne Wolfe, Sandra Robinson
After arriving in Bendigo our team (nine and ten girls) played
Catholic College Bendigo in the first round. We started off very
slow whilst letting them take the advantage and were unable to
score for the entire match. Our second game was against another
CCB team, where we showed some improvements and scored a
few goals only going down by a small margin. By the time we
reached our third game we had improved heaps, managing to lose
by only a point. We were unable to play the fourth game as Swan
Hill couldn’t attend the day causing a forfeit. Bridget Powell
scored the first goal for the whole day whilst Mia Childs was a
stand out in the back line and as rover, helping stop many scoring
opportunities by the opposition. Our mid field improved in every
game, and the forward line played well getting some points on the
score board.
Tuesday 20th July 10.00-2.30 Helen Sivesind 9.0011.30 Karyn Monahan, Andrea McLellan 1.00-2.30
Jane Keely, Nicole Lunghusen
Wednesday 21st July 10.00-2.30 Lou Commandeur 9.00-11.30 Daph Deegan, Ruth Wild 1.00-2.30
Sue Proctor ……………..
Thursday 22nd July 10.00-2.30 Denise Street
9.00-11.30 Sue Pearson, Michelle Shingles 1.00-2.30
Sue Hawkins, Heather Albert
Friday 23rd July 10.00-2.30 Jane Glowrey 9.0011.30 Mel Slattery, Julie McNeill 1.00-2.30 Lisa
Oliver, Lisa Stephenson
We would like to thank Tom Stevens and Harry Shirley for
giving up there time to train us at lunchtime and to coach us on
BREAKFAST BAR DUTY
the day. We would also like to thank Miss Taylor for Coaching
us. Overall it was a fantastic fun filled day, that provided us with
Week Commencing 19th July: Rylee McMurdo and Zac Curtis
many skills and helped us bond with each other. Congratulations
on the days efforts girls and we hope you had a fantastic day.
By Kelsey Ward and Morgan Madill
EMA
EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance)
Parents/Guardians who hold a Health Care Card or
Pension Card and have a student enrolled under 16
years of age are eligible for Education Maintenance
Allowance. If you have already submitted an application
for 2010 you will automatically received the 2nd
installment. If you would like to receive EMA and have
not yet submitted an application, forms are available at
the front office and must be done by August 6th. No
late applications can be accepted.
Page 4
125 Year Celebrations
Advanced Notice
125 Year Celebration
St. Joseph s College
April 1st - 3rd 2011
Commences on the Front Lawn of St. Joseph s College
Many Activities over the weekend will be held. More
information to come over
the next few months.