Monthly Archives: February 2011

Academic News Week 4 Term 1

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Parents and Carers

Last week I posted the term one assessment calendar for all subjects on the Year 11 blog. If you have had the opportunity to look at this document, you will have noticed that over the next few weeks the boys have a lot of work to be completed. It is hoped that this document is used by the boys as an organisational tool that will allow them to complete assessments on time and at a standard that reflects their abilities.  I have instructed all students, if they are having difficulty completing any task, to discuss this with their classroom teacher. We have an amazing staff at Joeys and all teachers are more than willing to help students who are having troubles. I have also encouraged the boys to come and see me if they are having any difficulty with assignments, class work or any other classroom issues. I constantly tell the boys that communication is essential to effective learning. If they are struggling, there are numerous networks and support people at Joeys who are more than happy to help them out.

At last week’s Division meeting Mr Lee MacMaster (Director of Teaching and Learning) discussed the HSC: All My Own Work program. This program is designed to help Higher School Certificate students to follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. This includes understanding and valuing ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their HSC studies. All Year 11 students must complete this online course by Week 8 and hand me a copy confirming successful completion of the quiz for each of the modules. Students must achieve at least 90% for each quiz in order to fulfill the Board of Studies requirements.

Below is Mr MacMaster’s presentation.

 

Study

Everyone is different and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. I believe that a student’s success is dependent on their ability to study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration and low or failing grades.

Effective study skills must be practiced in order for a student to improve. It is not enough to simply “think about” studying; students have to actually do it, and in the process, use information from what they do to get better.

Last week I encouraged the boys to make a checklist to help get them organised for each lesson and night study. At this week’s Division meeting I emphasised the need to develop a study schedule.   A good schedule keeps the boys from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed.    The boys’ schedule should take into account every subject, music practice and tutoring if appropriate. Their schedule should be:

· strategic : it assists them to achieve their goals

· measurable: they can tell when they have completed each task

· achievable: they are likely to succeed in completing their schedule

· realistic: it fits their circumstances

· flexible: it can be adapted if the circumstances change

I have asked all boarding supervisors, during night study, to monitor the study patterns of students. At last week’s Division meeting, I emphasised to the students the importance of a balanced study program. The boys need to realise that simply doing homework each night is not enough for successful academic achievement, a productive and consistent study program is also needed as well as planning and completing assessment tasks well before they are due.  I also discussed with the boys the importance of undertaking study on weekends. At times there seems to be a culture amongst the students that weekends are only for sport and leisure. This is an important part of being a teenager and a student at Joeys but the boys are now at a stage when weekend study is imperative if they are going achieve their personal best academically at the College.

Max Hall Assembly Music Performance

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any concerns about your son’s academic progress.

Regards

Darren Frost

Boarding News Week 4 Term 1

Posted on by
Reply

QUOTE: “You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and your down to your reflexes – which means your training. That’s where your roadwork shows. If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, well, you’re going to get found out now under the bright lights.” Joe Frazier.

 The above quote has been chosen as it is very pertinent at this time of the term. The gloss of the New Year has worn off, tiredness has crept in due to classroom and co-curricular commitments, yet the boys have been steadily working each day and they have been impressively consistent in their approach to all which has been asked of them.

On Thursday night I met with all of the new boys for a debriefing after their first four weeks at Joeys. They spoke about their first night being in a different bed, sounds of other boys snoring, jet planes above and bumping in the night. 20110224 026Many spoke of home sicknesses which became worst or better when speaking to family. All of them can’t believe how much Study they are now doing but know it will be good for them in the long run. They even declared that the food isn’t as bad as they thought it would be, but still missed Mum and/or Dad’s cooking.  It was great to hear our young men speak so frankly and honestly and listen to each other so attentively. One very pleasing aspect of the talk was how they all remarked on the friendliness, and openly welcoming and helpful demeanor attributed to them by the other boys in the Year group.  

At our Headmaster’s Assembly yesterday Fr Andrew spoke to the boys about the Christchurch Earthquake, with his own personal reflections as his family being from the Christchurch area.  The boys were obviously greatly touched and moved by Father’s words.  Ross Tarlinton spoke quite bluntly to all the boys regarding Cyber-Bullying, and while he pointed out that social networking sites can be used most positively and productively, and how he wanted the boys to have access to them to do this, he also issued numerous wise and blunt warnings on the use of these sites. The attitude of, “I’m not affecting anyone by what I send”, is totally false. Not only is it gutless, but transmitting images, without the full approval of who is portrayed in the image can be very damaging and once sent, you have no control over bringing it back. Ross pointed out to the boys that such misuse of these sites can be illegal, it cannot be denied, once there, it is a permanent record which you cannot claim, “I didn’t do it”, also, in the workplace it can be career ending and you may run the risk of prosecution. So where does the College stand? 20110224 045Access to these sites is productive if they are used positively which is what we want the boys to have the privilege of, not a right, to be used in such a way. However as Ross bluntly concluded, if your activity on any Social Networking site has a negative impact on another boy, or brings the college into disrepute, whether you sent the material from home or school, we will act in very strong and quick manner. The boys were told not to simply put up with any negative use, report it and simply remember, “What would you like done to you?”, when looking for an answer on what is and what is not acceptable in using such means of technology.

Declan Carroll then gave a report about the Marist Children Holiday Camp held in December last year for 40 very special children with either physical or mental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism, etc who spent four days under the care of 50 of our present Year 12 boys; 25 girls and 35 Staff and Parents, to give their primary carers a break. The video certainly demonstrated a very special experience for all who were part of this wonderful initiative. The boys involved were then presented to the College assembly and warmly acclaimed. This unbelievable experience will be available to and in fact targeting our boys to volunteer at the end of this year. Something for all to consider.

We had some of our boys recognised for exceptional efforts in sport. Seth Turnbull in the 2nd X1 took 5 wickets for 33 runs and 6 for 35 runs against Kings and Max Westacott, in the 3rd X1 took 5 wickets for 10 runs. Our lifesavers turned in some solid performances last weekend at the Manly Warringah Branch Championships. Amongst them was Curtis Witt gaining a Bronze Medal in the Surf Swim and James Harrison, Daniel Hughes and Tiger Parker taking part in the 006Beach Relay which gained a Bronze Medal. Whilst on matters of sport, next Monday is the annual College Athletics Carnival. All boys are to wear their PDHPE uniform with their House T-Shirt to school for the first two periods. Day boys need to wear their white PDHPE shirt under their Blazers or College Track suit top whilst travelling to the College just for Monday. The carnival will commence at 11.00am and be finished by 4.45pm. Recess and lunch will be provided for the boys as usual, and all boys are to run in at least a 100m and 400m event. That night there will be no study, so for the parents of the Day students you may wish to take this into account when finalising your son’s departure time with him for that day only. It is always an enjoyable day, and you are most welcome to come and have a look if you can spare the time.

Tonight sees the 1st Round of the ISDA Debating Competition and we wish Max Hall, Harry Maher, Hamish Elliot, Tim Litherland, Joe Coorey and Daniel Harrington well in their quest at Wenona.

Finally, next Friday night’s Dinner is another terrific opportunity for the Yr. 11 family to come together and enjoy each other’s company, once more. If you have not RSVP’d to Rose Unwin, please do so, as final catering needs to be accounted for on Monday. We look forward to seeing you all there and I hope you enjoy the upcoming weekend with your families.

Take care

Regards

Jeremy Ticehurst

Boarding News Week 3 Term 1

Posted on by
Reply

QUOTE: “Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Be a hard master to yourself – and be lenient to everybody else!”

Dear Parents/Guardians;

The honeymoon period is definitely over as the work load of Year 11 starts to kick in. All boys returning at the start of the year with the new found vigour and commitment are seeing their resolutions tested. All of their varying commitments from Study, Music, Drama and Sport plus other extra-curricula commitments have seen our boys facing new adult like responsibilities of planning and time management. All very real and important lessons that come with being a Senior at  the College.

In the  last Newsletter we celebrated the academic success of twenty-two boys at the conclusion of last year. Though not every boy can come first in his chosen subject, every boy can obtain a Study Effort award. These are awarded each term to boys who have shown outstanding EFFORT in their studies.P1010273 This is what Joeys is truly about. We want all of our boys to give of their very best effort. It doesn’t matter where they come but as long as they have done the best they can, as our motto states: Strive for Better Things. Congratulations to the following boys who received Study Effort Awards for term 4, 2010:

James Allan, Henry Birtwistle, Henry Brindle, Mackenzie Broom, Ben Carolan, Oliver Coorey, Harrison Gould, Cameron Haddad, Matthew Hall, Maxwell Hall, Oliver Hartnell, Magnus Heywood, Max Honner, Thomas Laban, Michael Lawler, Tim Litherland, Henry Maher, Conor O’Gorman, Clancy Pattinson, Daniel Picone, Sean Quigley, James Quinn, Andrew Raumer, Jason Ren, Seth Turnbull and Allan Wu. All these boys are to be congratulated for having showed Excellence in Effort in their class work in Year 10, Term Four, 2010.

At the Headmaster’s Assembly, Mr Ross Tarlinton spoke to the boys and told them that at times in their lives they will be called and challenged in particular ways, both individually and in groups. How we respond to these challenges individually and as a community can be important to ensure others are safe and reassured. Sometimes we are called to help total strangers. Late last year, an ex – St Ignatius student, died tragically when he took his own life within the College grounds. This occurred on a Saturday which resulted in their Yr 11 Semi-Formal having to be rescheduled to a different venue, not an easy task, especially at 3.00pm in the afternoon before the occasion. However the night was relocated to our College Hall with the assistance and energies of many of the Joeys community and yesterday, the present St Ignatius College Captain, Callum Ryan and Vice Captain, James Tooth, came along to thank Ross and the Joeys community for their help during this tragic time. Callum said that one of the mottos of Jesuit education, being “Men and women for others”, was exemplified through this occasion and that the St Ignatius Community wanted to express their gratitude and thanks for the efforts of the St Joseph’s Community which enabled their special night to go ahead. Something, very important for the Year 11 students.

Ross then asked our boys that during times of desperation to always remember the extraordinary love their parents have for them, and urged them to reach out and ask for assistance during these times. He also implored them to always check on a mate, who they perceived to be struggling, to see if he was O.K, and it was their business to do this. Very important lessons for our young men to take on board.

Max Hall, played a magnificent piece of music for the College to enjoy and you can watch his tremendous performance on our blog by clicking on the picture below.

Each Friday afternoon at about 4pm, four of our boys go along with Ms. Helen Smith, to help serve the evening meal to the guests at the Matt Talbot Hostel for Homeless Men, in East Sydney. This practice has been running for well over P1010275twenty years where four Year 11 boys go each week. It is an important component of our Social Justice work in Year 11. The stories they come back with each Friday evening are really wonderful. On their return to the College at around 6.30pm they share a meal together having a de-briefing, discussing their experiences and swapping stories. They then proudly wear their volunteer name tags around for the rest of the evening. Lewis Mullins, Robert Kwan, Ben Chaplin and Curtis Witt were our first group to go in on Friday, 11th February, and spoke to the rest of the boys of the great experience they all had.

All of our boys will have an opportunity to help serve at Matt Talbot throughout the year.

Today James Goldie, Callum Flitcroft, Harry Mooring and Daniel Hughes will enjoy experience. I will put the names of the boys in the Newsletter each week who attend. Make sure then you catch up with your son and chat to him about it. Their stories are very animated and are true witnesses of the great power of volunteers. (As a postscript to this; there are old boys today who still drop in at Matt Talbot to lend a hand to serve the guests meals, coming from their busy corporate worlds to help.)

In sport, I am pleased to say all boys are involving themselves fully and this is extremely important so that they keep the balance between classroom, study and physical activity. If you are concerned about your son’s involvement in sport, and I am not alluding to selection issues here, but simply that he is fully involving himself and is receiving the opportunity to do so to his ability, please do not hesitate to call me and I will look into it. A special mention to the 1st X1 Cricket and 1st V Basketball teams who had strong wins last weekend against Kings. The 1st X1 scored 165 runs, with Declan O’Donahue top scoring with 67 runs and last weekend the boys bowled Kings out for 161 with Hamish Bartlett and Ben Rodgers taking 3 wickets each. The 1st V had a strong 62 -34 victory over Kings with Andrew Hookey top scoring with 14 points. Although our 1st tennis were soundly beaten by Kings, they played extremely well and Maurice De Costa, played a most admirable match in his singles against some top class opponents. This weekend’s Sports fixtures are attached and there will be some exciting matches with most of our teams playing away against St Ignatius.

The plans for the Year 11 Dinner are progressing well and it promises to be a great night. It is very much for the parents to meet their son’s friends and respective parents. The boys are busily organising the tables of 9, 10 or 11 people for the evening to have a meal together and for your sons to entertain you with music and video highlights of the year so far. The RSVP for the Dinner have been going well, please reply as soon as you can, if you have not already done so. If it has slipped your mind, could you please send in a note and payment to Mrs Rose Unwin first thing next MONDAY morning, 21st February.

Take care and enjoy the weekend with your families.

Regards

Jeremy Ticehurst

Yr. 11 Boarding Coordinator.

Academic News Term 1 Week 2

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate your sons on their excellent start to senior studies. I have been Academic Prize Nightvery pleased with the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the boys in all areas of school life. Numerous teachers have commented on their application, commitment to learn and their maturity. During nightly study I have been most impressed by the boys’ organisational skills and productivity.

I have included in this blog the Year 11 assessment schedule for the term. As you are no doubt aware, boys, at times, are very good at telling you what you want to know and hear but the proof is in the hard evidence. Even though your son is at a stage in his life where he needs some independence and the opportunity to develop self-discipline, knowing that you will be looking for evidence of completion of assessment tasks may be the support that he needs to complete such tasks. I have asked all Year 11 teachers to indicate to me as soon as possible any student that they are concerned with, especially with respect to the completion of assessment tasks and I will be speaking with any boys identified to counter any problems. As the students undertake their preliminary HSC, it is imperative that they develop an attitude that will translate to success in the HSC.

 

At our Division meeting this week, the boys were informed that the final day to change subjects is the 16th of February. Before a change in subject can occur, I require the completion of a “Change of Course Application” form from all parents whose son wishes to change subjects. You son will also need to get approval from the subject coordinator, teacher of the class they wish to enter and the class they wish to discontinue. This process is immensely important as it allows us to ensure students are undertaking the right subjects at the right levels which will ultimately benefit their HSC program. Choosing the right subjects is the key to a student who is willing to work hard and put in the hours needed for success.

As you are aware, textbooks are now ordered through Better Books and are delivered directly to your home or the College. The process has been relatively smooth but there are still some textbooks on back order and disappointingly some students have still not ordered their textbooks.classroom Hopefully all textbooks will have arrived by early next week. For those students who change subjects, the process of exchanging and ordering new textbooks is to be organised through Better Books. Their details are:

• Fax: Fax: (02) 9816 3559
• Email: betterbooks@betterbooks.com.au
• Phone: (02) 9879 6411

At this week’s Division meeting the boys were informed about the free tutoring service at the College. It is a free service where two young Old Boys tutor Year 11 students in Mathematics and the Sciences. The sessions run for twenty five minutes. All Year 11 students will be told that if they wish to undertake this tutoring, they are to express their interest to Mr Ticehurst at lunchtime on the day they wish to have tutoring.

For those parents who wish for their son to continue with private tutoring, could you please email Jeremy and myself your son’s weekly tutoring schedule. If you decide to employee a new tutor to the College, all such tutors must complete a “Tutor Application Form” which is processed and administered through the College’s Teaching and Learning department. Please email me if you need an application form for your son’s tutor.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that your sons’ senior years at Joeys is one which exemplifies the sense of community we are so proud of at St Joseph’s College.

Regards
Darren Frost

Boarding News Term 1 Week 2

Posted on by
Reply

Year 11 Newsletter –

Term 1, Week  2

QUOTE

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Be a hard master to yourself – and be lenient to everybody else!” 

Dear Year 11 Parents & Carers,

Your sons have spent their first two weeks of getting back into the swing of school. The joy of February in Sydney with its humidity has tested the boys particularly wearing ties, long pants and rowingshoes but has not totally killed them with our boys just getting on with it. I was extremely proud of how well the boys behaved at the Prize Giving and Family Mass. Our boys are quickly learning all the structures of life as a Senior at Joeys.

The Academic Prize Giving Night for 2010 was held on Friday evening at the end of Week One. In addition to the HSC high achievers, the College welcomed special guest speaker, Mr. Peter Thompson, well known broadcaster and long running presenter of the Radio National Breakfast Program and the current affairs program AM, on ABC Radio. Mr. Thompson is an Old Boy of the College and spoke enthusiastically to the students and their families. The night certainly highlighted the success that our boys achieved in their final results and particularly in the School Certificate State exam.

Our Congratulations go to the following twenty-two young men whose outstanding efforts in 2010 were fittingly acknowledged.

Oliver Coorey: – 1st place in Science, Visual Arts and an Academic Excellence Award.

Edmund Dwyer: – 1st place in French and an Academic Excellence Award.

Hamish Elliot: – 1st place in Industrial Technology – Timber and an Academic Excellence Award.

Matthew Hall: – An Academic Excellence Award

Maxwell Hall: – 1st place in Religious Education, 1st place in Industrial Technology – Metal, 1st place in Music and an Academic Excellence Award.

Michael Lawler: – An Academic Excellence Award and a Consistent Study Effort Award.

Henry Maher: – 1st place in English; 1st in Australian Geography; 1st in Australian History;

1st in Commerce, 1st in Thinkquest, an Academic Excellence Award and a Consistent Study Effort Award.

Cameron Haddad: – 1st place in Agricultural Technology.

Daniel Picone: – 1st place in Latin.

Alexander Rainnie:- 1st place in Graphics Technology

Michael Thompson:-1st place in Drama.

Timothy Litherland: – 1st place in Elective History.

Magnus Heywood:- 1st place in Information and software Technology.

Brian Chung Hin Li:- 1st place in Japanese.

Max Westacott:- 1st place in Mathematics Course 5.1.

James Christie:- 1st place in Mathematics Course 5.2.

William McManus:-1st place in Mathematics Course 5.3.

Alex Newsome:- 1st place in Personal Development/Health/Physical Education.

Clancy Pattinson:- 1st place in Physical Activity and Sport Studies and a Consistent Study Effort Award.

Ben Carolan:-. A Consistent Study Effort Award

Max Honner:- A Consistent Study Effort Award.

Thomas Laban:- A Consistent Study Effort Award.

Sean Quigley:- A Consistent Study Effort Award.

From the School Certificate results the top performing students in each test were:

  • English – literacy – Maxwell Hall [98%];
  • Mathematics – Jonathon Canturi [97%]
  • Mathematics Accelerated – Jack Cullen and Paul Fortuin [96%]
  • Science – Henry Maher [97%]
  • Australian History Civics and Citizenship – Henry Maher [97%]
  • Australian Geography Civics and Citizenship – Maxwell Hall [98%]
  • Computing Skills – Maxwell Hall [98%]

Special congratulations goes to Maxwell Hall and Henry Maher who achieved a Band 6 result in the English – literacy, Mathematics, Science, Australian History Civics and Citizenship, Australian Geography Civics and Citizenship tests.

Well done boys, certainly laying a great foundation for their HSC studies.

 The Family Mass on our first Sunday marked the beginning of our Year with close to 2,000 people in attendance. A packed Hall enjoyed the celebration of the Joeys Family, led by our College Chaplain, Father Andrew Nee, marking the beginning of 2011 with our Family Mass of Dedication. Our boys sung with great gusto and spirit to make these Masses always a wonderful celebration never to be missed.

From Sunday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon, of last week, twenty-four of our boys: James Allan, Joe Callaughan, Ben Carolan, Ben Chaplin, Joe Duffy, James Dressler-Smith, Hamish Elliot, Harrison Gould, Max Hall, James Harrison, Magnus Heywood, Max Honner, Josh Kay, Tom Laban, Charlie Landers, Michael Lawler, Tim Palmer, Harry Maher, Tom Murphy, Alex Newsome, Daniel Picone, James Quinn, David Ryan and Ned Tipping were chosen to go to Colo for a Leadership Camp. The boys partook in a series of problem solving tasks that required leadership and team work to solve. The boys discussed the virtues, skills and roles of leadership. The boys will put their leadership skills to work when they return to Colo throughout the year to assist the Colo Staff in the running of the Year 7 & 8 Colo Camps. This is a truly wonderful experience for these twenty-three young men to put their leadership skills into practice.

At The Headmaster’s Assembly this week, Mr. Ross Tarlinton congratulated our boys complimenting them on a great start marked by their behaviour at the Prize Giving Night and Family Mass particularly under hot conditions. Ross then highlighted to our boys the importance of the respect we must show to our neighbours and our local community stressing the need for all our boys to be good neighbours. Ross’s words provided our boys great encouragement based on a fine start that we look forward to continuing in all the boys classes and studies as well.

Assembly also saw the presentations of our AAGPS Firsts Teams in Swimming and Tennis. Congratulations to our Year 11 representatives in:swimming Senior Swimming Team: Elliott Blues, Ben Carolan, Harrison Holgate, Jackson Pittorino and David Ryan. Maurice De Costa was presented for being selected in our 1st Tennis team.  Best of luck to these boys and in fact to all boys, as they continue or commence their respective competitions this Saturday.

Darren Frost and I were very happy to compliment our boys with a particular fine start in their studies, their general behaviour and co-operation in the dorms. Many teachers have made positive comments so we are off to a very good start. The first two weeks has seen your sons with information overload but they have handled it all very well.

 I spoke to the boys about the strength of routine, particularly with Study. I stressed that Dinner Leaves, should be only for exceptional reasons, particularly on Friday night. Otherwise, our boys could go from Thursday night to Monday night without having completed any Study. The same applies for Saturday and Sunday evenings. The boys who remain at the College do a session of Study and attend Mass before they enjoy a pizza in front of a movie, the footy or a game of touch or basketball with their mates.

Thank you so far for the diligence of the Full Boarders Parents with your request for Overnights. May I please receive ALL requests by last communications Thursday evening (10.30pm). The Weekly Boarders obviously do not have to request Overnights or inform me of their Weekend Movements as the understanding is that they all go home with their families after their sporting commitments on Saturday during summer.

May I strongly urge, that all parents need to apply sensible restrictions to our boys movements on the weekends. The onus is now more than ever on the parents to educate their son’s about the frequency of going to parties, outings of where to go and not to go, setting curfews and then policing them. I’m sure you will hear from your son “Everyone else is going!” Be assured this is nothing further from the truth. Our boys are good, fair, developing young men who can indeed accept, NO! as an answer. Work out with your son how many outings are permissible each term. It would be disappointing if some of our boys developed a culture of not doing any work over a weekend as well as not having quality family time. I encourage you all as we work together to help educate our boys in this always uneasy topic about sensible expectations and most importantly a safe and balanced social life.

Yesterday I had quite a harrowing experience of attending the funeral of a young man from St Ignatius College Riverview, Joe Welch, 2009, he was 19 years of age. Joe was a much celebrated SIC student, whose love of sport , especially Rugby, where he was in the 1st XV for three years, a significant achievement especially considering he was a prop forward. He captained their Premiership winning team in 2009 and was subsequently chosen for the Australian Schoolboys side to tour the United Kingdom. Joe’s life was tragically cut short whilst he was participating in the Full Moon Festival with many of his mates, some of them ex St Joseph’s students. I have never been to a funeral where the Priest’s opening words were;

“There is nothing good about this today”.

I have never been to a funeral where the Priest openly wept whilst giving the coffin the final blessing, before two younger brothers (current SIC Yr 11 students), a sister and a few more close mates, were waiting tearfully, to carry it out of the church. Fr Kelly did a magnificent job.Cricket As I stood and reflected on numerous things, whilst standing with a group of SJC 2009 students, I thought how brave and sensible Joe’s parents were, when in their eulogy they said that Joe had made an error of judgement whilst being on the holiday and that alcohol and drugs combined can lead to decisions, which can change lives forever. And whilst they deeply loved their son and were tremendously proud of who and what he had become in his short life, Joe’s parents were still strong and wise enough to leave such a strong message for all people, especially the young, and it was one which I shared with our boys when I returned at lunch. It would be good to take some time to reflect on this with your son, if you can, and hopefully they will take something positive from this tragic loss of an outstanding young man.

In early January, you should have received an invitation to the Year 11 Dinner to be held on Friday, evening, 4th March. Being at the end of Week 5 of Term One, it allows for our boys to have settled in as well as mark the very significant beginning of their HSC studies. If you have not received your Invitation please contact Mrs. Rose Unwin at runwin@joeys.org for your Invitation.

I look forward to seeing you around the College. Take care and enjoy the weekend with your families.

Regards,

Jeremy Ticehurst

Yr 11. Boarding Coordinator

Year 11 Boarding News Term 1 Week 1

Posted on by
Reply

 

“THINGS MAY COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT, BUT ONLY THE THINGS LEFT BY THOSE WHO HUSTLE!”

Dear Year 11 Parents,

 I have been impressed with the way in which the boys have started the year. They are very positive and eager to face the challenges ahead of the H.S.C and fulfilling leadership roles of the College. As 16/17 year olds, Year 11 is very much a big year of maturity. I spoke to the boys about the importance of RESPECT, particularly for themselves and for others in the way we deal with each other and their property. It is a very manly thing to be respectful of others in every capacity.

I aim to send weekly newsletters to keep you informed of Joey’s life and most importantly the involvement of the Year 11 boys at the College. I usually send the newsletters out on a Thursday. I hope you enjoy reading the Newsletters.

The “Quotes” are the ones we use on the Daily Programs for the boys. I try to find things which I hope will benefit and challenge them. This week’s quote I thought was appropriate, as, after such a long break often the boys are slow to get going for numerous reasons, which are quite obvious as the relaxing holiday mode has come to a crashing end and there is also some homesickness to deal with. LunchDarren Frost, David Drain and I have made a point that it is important for each one to start fast and be on top of his routines immediately otherwise the work can quickly build up and things blow out of proportion. The same goes for their training and sport, turn up with a purpose and get into things immediately or otherwise things go to those who do hustle. If you do have any quotes which you find beneficial, please feel free to send them in and I will definitely use them. Whatever challenges the boys to achieve their best, all helps!

The new Dormitories have certainly helped the boys and given them every opportunity to start the new year well. Despite the hot, sticky weather, the boys have managed to sleep very well each night due to the air – conditioned dorms and this has certainly assisted them in waking ready to put their best into each day. Study has also been greatly assisted. Not only the cooler air has helped, but also a new environment, where every boy has commented on the ease which it is to focus in on his work. Whilst we kept the boys in the classrooms for the first few nights to establish some firm and needed routines, tonight we have just completed our first full night of two sessions in the dorms, with many boys commenting how they had got more work completed than they normally do, due to the new and comfortable surroundings. We expect them to keep this up.

Briefly on study, we are very fortunate to have an experienced and energetic boarding staff to assist the boys.

 Darren Frost: (Academic Coordinator): Darren looked after the Academic endeavors of the Graduating Class of 2010 and was very instrumental in the outstanding results achieved by the boys. We are all very fortunate to have him fulfilling this role for the next two years. Darren teaches Legal Studies to our senior boys and is the 1st XI Football coach as well as Convenor of Swimming.

David Drain: (Assistant Boarding Coordinator) teaches Business and Legal studies to our Senior Students. David is an old boy who is heavily involved in Rugby and Athletics at the College. He brings much passion and energy to the position.

Mark Conlon: Is also a Business and Economics teacher at the College and he has worked in Yr. 11 Boarding for the past 3 years.

Bruce Carr: Bruce has just commenced as Religious Education Coordinator  at SJC this year. He comes to us from Parramatta Marist and we are very fortunate to have his presence on our boarding team. Bruce is married with 3 young children.

Matthew Rollo: Another SJC Old Boy who teaches PDHPE to our senior students and who coaches Rugby and Athletics. Matthew has been involved with Yr. 11 Boarding for the past 3 years.

John Summers: Teaches English and is the Colleges Convenor of Debating and Public Speaking. John brings a great balance to the staff and if your son is keen on Public Speaking, John will certainly assist and challenge him. He has been on the Yr. 11 Boarding staff for 4 years.

Damian Chase: Is the Yr. 11 Coordinator at Marcellin College Randwick. He brings much knowledge and understanding of working with 16 – 17 year old boys to the staff. Damian’s wife Bec Smith is an English teacher at SJC.

Paul Graziani: Is the PDHPE Coordinator at Holy Cross College Ryde. He is married with two children and he has worked with Yr. 11 Boarding for the past two years.

Michael McCormack is Assistant Principal at Holy Cross College Ryde who also enjoys giving plenty of his spare time to work with our boys, which he has been doing for the past 2 years.

Adam Whalley: Is from Grafton who has a PDHPE and Science Degree. Adam played prop for the Western Force Super 14 team for 4 seasons before spending last year playing out his career in France. This is his first year with St Joseph’s College and we are very happy to have him working with our boys.

Darren Fitzpatrick: Darren performs the very important role of being one of two adult live in staff, who is in the dormitories to assist and oversea the boys during the night.

You should all feel very comfortable and secure in the knowledge of the people who will be looking after your sons.

We have a busy start to the year as usual. So here is a quick run down on the events in the next few days. 

  1. The Academic Prize Giving evening is on tonight starting at 7.00pm in the Hall. All boys must attend in their Blues.Lunch It is pleasing to note the numbers of boys that are receiving awards for the work that they did in Year 10.
  2. Sport begins on Saturday and all boys have been encouraged to be organised with training in preparation for this. I have attached a copy of the fixtures. This may be useful when planning for Saturday.
  3. This Sunday is our Family Mass which is an important event in the Joeys calendar. It is a tremendous way to start the year by coming together as one family to celebrate mass before undertaking the challenges of the year. All boys must return to the College and be seated by in the Hall by 9.45 am dressed in their Blues. There will be a name check at the conclusion of the mass in my office.
  4. On Saturday night the P and F are hosting the Parents Cocktail at the pool to welcome new parents to Joeys.

I would like to go over the weekend leave procedures for borders as well as weekday leave times for dayboys. Dayboys, weekly boarders and those with overnight leave permission may leave after their sporting commitment has been completed on Saturday. If you are requesting an overnight for a full boarder this needs to be done by Thursday night each week by completing the relevant form on the Portal on our website.  Each Thursday night in study the boarders complete a Leave form for the weekend. I check these closely and if there are any concerns I will question the boys or contact you. Please communicate with your son each week in regards to his plans for the weekend. I ask that you contact the host family to confirm details if your son has asked to stay at a friend’s place – there is a question relating to this on the form. I have a duty of care for the boys and it is imperative that I know exactly what they are doing each weekend. Feel free to contact me if you have any concerns in regards to weekend leave.

Could I also ask that day boy parents fill in your son’s times for the week on the Portal by Sunday night, 9.00pm.  As mentioned before, please try to keep the times routine, as this greatly benefits all boys.study If there are regular changes, once you have agreed to the departure times, have your son log them. This will be one less job for you, and it also gives him some responsibility and ownership of what he is doing in the ensuing week.

The boys need to be back by 8.30pm on Sunday night if they are leaving at the conclusion of the Mass. It is important that the boys do get back on time as we have 9.00pm study and it is good they arrive back with some time to prepare for this and have them focus on the week ahead.

I look forward to seeing you all throughout the year; a year which I hope will be most productive and rewarding for your sons and yourselves. Take care.

Regards

Jeremy Ticehurst

Year 11 Boarding Coordinator