QUOTE: “COURAGE IS RESISTANCE TO FEAR, MASTERY OF FEAR, NOT ABSENCE OF FEAR”.

Dear Yr. 11 Parents and Carers;

On Monday, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Joseph, with a day off school with activities at Queenscliff Beach, Golf plus Ice Skating and Movies at Macquarie Centre. Due to the rain, the boys who were scheduled to go to Queenscliff went to Top Ryde Cinema complex to put their feet up and take in two movies. It was a well-earned break for all our boys who gained much praise with how they conducted themselves. That night, with plenty of work on, we had a session of Study and the boys were straight back to the books as the work rate continues. Our boys work hard in their studies, sport and other co-curricular activities and it is equally important for them to enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxed and fun day.

Our Year 11 boys have now commenced their Lenten Appeal having contributed $300 so far and we look forward to increasing this amount each Sunday night and Monday morning on our boys return. Our aim is for Year 11 to raise $2000 for our various Lenten Projects.

Jade Tubnor, Heath Green, Will Elsley, and Joe Wisemantel maintained our service in helping with the evening meal at the Matthew Talbot Hostel for Homeless men today.

The meeting of the Year 7 & 11 Buddies on Wednesday afternoon went very well and I was very proud of how our boys talked and related with their new Year 7 buddies, helping them to write a letter home to their parents. Please find attached a list of the 156 boys who have volunteered for the Buddy Program and the name of their Year 7 Buddy. Please encourage your son to meet with his buddy often and even invite him to lunch if you happen to drop into the College for such occasions.

At our Assembly three weeks ago we were able to watch and listen to the experience of three students who were lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to Antarctica. Aaron Curtis and Brendon Follington along with Tim Hill (Yr.12) had the trip of a lifetime and they provide us with an insight through the following excerpts:

Antarctica November – December 2010
“During term two 2010 year 10 and 11 students were made aware of a 2 to 3 week expedition to the interior of Antarctica, generously supported and organised by joeys parent Mr Mike McDowell and my science teacher Mr John Cherry. This trip was to be the first Australian school trip to the interior of Antarctica and was nothing less than a trip of a lifetime. On this trip was Timothy Hill, Aaron Curtis, and I. Before I even applied for the expedition I really thought I would have no chance of making the cut, but with a bit of hard work, motivation and drive I was able to grasp an opportunity of a lifetime. At first I didn’t really know what to expect. When John Cherry explained to me that I was selected among the three boys to embark on this expedition I was both nervous yet excited at the same time. The idea of actually going to the most isolated, coldest and driest region on earth was a shock to me all the way to the icy runway which our Illusion-76 cargo jet landed on. But the moment we laid eyes on the landscape when the cargo hole opened we were instantly mesmerized with feelings which we can’t explain still to this day”.

Brendon Follington
“During our time in this icy cold continent we did a vast range of activities from marking out crevasse safe roads to every day jobs around the camp, such as building storage containers, helping the kitchen staff after meals, moving emergency supplies and transporting jet fuel from depots to ice ridden air fields in one of the most remote places on the planet. Not only did we do these activities in Base Camp but we ventured out into the Antarctic wilderness in the form of the Ellsworth Mountain Range where we stayed for two extraordinary nights in the unexplored regions of Union Glacier. It was here where Tim, Brendon, John Cherry, Mike McDowell, Darren (guide) and myself travelled by skidoos and cross country skis to unexplored corners of this area such as ‘Hidden Valley’ and never before climbed peaks which names are non-existent to this day. This was a life changing experience which will never be forgotten. We learnt many valuable lessons which cannot be learnt elsewhere such as the extraordinary people we had the great privilege of meeting and listening to their stories and ideas. We also had the benefits of learning the arts of glaciology and mountaineering through experts in the Arctic regions. Overall, I know I speak for the other two boy’s when I say this experience of a lifetime will never be forgotten and special thanks must be given to John Cherry for organising and taking care of this expedition and also to Mike McDowell who generously supported us before, throughout and after the expedition was completed”.
Aaron Curtis

TAKE A LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING VIDEO TO SEE THE BOYS REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELVES.

Excursions have been providing the boys with invaluable learning experiences of late. Biology classes went to the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga where they had the opportunity of seeing up to 180 species of wildlife in their native habitats. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience provided to them by Mr Bruce Cook and Mr Ciaran Collins.

Geography classes had a relaxing day looking at the various coastal landforms at Palm, Narrabeen and Collaroy beaches.

Michelle Markuse and Michelle Tinta took their visual Arts classes to the White Rabbit Gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art. This gallery being one of the world’s largest and most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art.

Our Senior Scientists ventured to the Botanic Gardens to study the propagation of plants as well as the water conservation program used in the Gardens. Mrs Di Stewart was most impressed with the boys’ behaviour and general interest.

Mr Andrew Drewitt-Smith and Mr Jonathon Talbot took the Design and Technology students to the Powerhouse Museum to listen to lectures to give them inspiration in Design and then view the showcase of HSC Major Works from 2010.

Music saw our eight Music elective students, dressed most impressively in their Blues, head off to the Opera House for a concert from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
All important excursions in our boys’ educative process.

Our Debaters will be in action against Stella Maris tonight and Max Hall provides us with a brief update on how they have been performing:

“The Firsts and Seconds debating teams have begun their competitive season with debates in both the ISDA and FED competitions. Strong performances and improvements by all speakers and the assistance of coaches have led to both the Firsts and Seconds winning two out of their four debates. Last Friday night saw the teams cross the river to face off against the old enemy at Riverview. Fierce rhetoric ensued with the merits of Australia’s foreign policy coming under close scrutiny. The Seconds performed well and didn’t give much to the opposition resulting in a Joeys win. Firsts were exceptional in what was their best debate of the season. However, to the surprise of many the adjudication was awarded otherwise leaving the Firsts resolved to coming back even stronger. With two losses both teams cannot afford to lose another debate in their attempt to make the knockout rounds and will face up against Stella Maris tonight”.

This weekend is the final round of summer sports for our boys. A number of teams are well placed in their respective competitions and we know they will be very tough in their matches wherever they are playing tomorrow. The 1st and 2nd competition teams in each sport have all had fine seasons and special mention to the 2nd X1 who are playing Scots and a first innings victory will see them in line for a Premiership. I have asked some of the boys to provide a brief insight into their teams performances so far:

WATERPOLO
“Water Polo this season has been challenging and rewarding. The step up from the Seconds competition, which we won last year, to the first competition was a massive one. With 5 trainings sessions a week, many boys have struggled with the workload that has been put on us from the start. Special mention to Laurence Nelmes, who in his first year of playing, managed to score a goal against the winners of the competition, Riverview. Michael Thompson has been a legend in goals with great saves that has kept us close to the opposition. Henry Brindle is excellent in rallying the troops before games and giving us all a pump up speech to prepare for what lies ahead. Duncan Baxter and Nick Henry rejuvenised the team at the start of this year and helped us to our first and only victory against Knox. Harrison Holgate has been excellent on attack and played the full time of most games. Saxon Dunworth works hard and scored the most goals in the trial season to help lead our attack. Special thanks must go to our out of school coaches Jay Smith and Mr Frank who showed up at 6 in the morning to take our training sessions, especially in the winter, where most boys came out of the water with a headache. Overall this season has improved our skills and fitness for next season”.
Will Glenn

TENNIS
“The 2011 season has been a season of highs and lows for the firsts and seconds tennis. After experiencing a promising trial season in both divisions, we have not performed as well as we had hope to in competition season. Although there have been some good results especially in the seconds division each week who are currently placed 5th. However the season has been thoroughly enjoyed by all with a great team atmosphere present in both teams. We will be sure to take the disappointment from this season into training this winter in preparation for a hopefully better season next year. Congratulations to Maurice De Costa who has represented the firsts team well all season this year”.

A reminder that this weekend marks the conclusion of the regular Summer Sport Season with the exception of our Senior Rowers with the Head of the River being held on Saturday, 2nd April. This Saturday evening will be the Summer Sports Rally to be held in the Brother Emilian Hall commencing at 6.30pm. It will conclude by 7.30pm. All boys must be in attendance dressed in their Blues. The night has been shortened with the usual Mass transferred to the Sunday night, 27th March at 8.15pm. Therefore, all Boarders and Weekly Boarders, returning Sunday night, will need to return by 8pm on Sunday night.

Also a reminder that all boys will be attending the Head of the River in their “Blues” on Saturday, 2nd April leaving the College at 7.45am travelling with their Year 7 buddy to head up to Sydney International Rowing Centre. On return to the College, the Rowing Rally will then commence at 4.30pm in the Brother Emilian Hall with boys free to leave after the Rally from around 5.30pm. Whilst on the Head of the River I would like to thank the number of parents who called and gave me a “heads up” to a Harbour Cruise which was being organised by some of the boys for that evening. This was great, as because of the open and honest communications it quickly became evident that this social occasion should be knocked on the head for numerous reasons especially as it had the potential to put any number of our boys in grave danger. At a time in the term, when they should be prioritising their studies as well as their winter sport trials, I strongly suggest you keep a close eye on your son’s movements on that night, and this is definitely one of the occasions when they need to hear the word “No”. Next Saturday, we will be expecting the boys to compete hard in the Regatta, or assist in leading the rest of the College in support of the Rowers. This itself is quite demanding and tiring on them. This morning at breakfast there is plenty of tiredness and a good dose of some kind of a “bug” well and truly doing the rounds amongst the boys. I told them the last thing they need is a “big night” after the Head of the River or this weekend, with exams and some very competitive winter sport trials to face them in the final weeks. I ask you to join with me in doing the same, so your son has the best chance to perform to his abilities in the things which matter most at this important time of the term.
Less than two weeks to go! I spoke to the boys at our Division Meeting this week that Joeys never winds down but “Winds Up!” We are all here until 5pm on Thursday, 7th April, where we finish. This is a totally fair conclusion time as it is when all boys’ commitments are complete. Thank you for respecting this finishing time. Countrylink bookings close on Friday and these boys will obviously stay here on Thursday evening and commence departing early Friday morning.

Let’s hope for a successful end of season for our Summer Sports Teams.

Regards

Jeremy

Quote: “The difference between one person and another, between the weak and the powerful, the great and the insignificant, is energy – invisible determination. This quality will do anything that has to be done in the world, and no talents, no circumstances; no opportunities will make you a great person without it”.

The above quote is once again, most applicable at this time of the term. There are plenty of tired boys, but by and large they are all coping well with the workload they have, both in and out of the classrooms. As Darren and I pointed out to the boys, the more you get up and get into your commitments, providing you are getting adequate rest and food, the more energy you acquire. I related to the boys a brief meeting I had with one of our Dads, whilst grabbing a quick coffee on Wednesday morning. He had worked until 5.00am, went home, slept for two hours and was back on deck to go again. Although obviously tired, there were no complaints, just got on with it. I told the boys that there would be any number of examples such as this coming from many of you parents, and, that I had sincerely hoped that the effort put in by you all to give these boys the opportunity of a good education was reciprocated by the boys in the classroom and in evening study. I asked them to reflect sincerely on their efforts in all subjects, their study periods – are they productive or do they take the soft option and put their head on the desk for a sleep? Evening study – in the new dormitory set up, which is extremely comfortable for them, do they work hard when no one is looking over their shoulder, or do they simply waste time. This is the “work in the dark” which is where our boys should be at in this point in their development and, which is what the Father I bumped into on Wednesday morning deserves from our boys. Character is developed in these times.

A FEW TOUGH CALLS.
Whilst the boys efforts often deserve praise, I am not going to sugar-coat things all the time to give off a persona all is wonderful. Sometimes the choices our boys make are not always the right ones. Last weekend I was very disappointed at the immature decision of numerous boys in being up and disturbing others in the Dorms at 1.00am, Saturday morning. The boys were back here on Sunday for a few hours but I have put all on notice that any repeat by anyone will see them back here on Friday and Saturday of the holidays. With exams fast approaching, assessment tasks due and important sporting fixtures to compete in; such behaviour is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.

Another issue which is creeping up is Saturday night parties, and “Everyone is doing it”. I can assure you that is not the case, and I told the boys having taxing weekends will cost them in their performance on the following Monday and often Tuesday here in class and study time. If they want to set themselves up on solid foundations for good results next year they need to be doing this right now. “Big weekends” now will not do this. I know I am not telling you anything new here but if we work together on this we can help the boys make better decisions on this matter.

Darren and I spoke to the boys about the need to talk to their teachers and /or ourselves if they are struggling with any aspects of their work. Some are absolute experts at this, but others attempt to try and silently soldier on for numerous reasons. They must understand, everyone is here to assist them and make use of this. The attitude of “Us v the Staff” should never be an issue here, please encourage your son to learn to ask for help with the various challenges he has before him. The odd short cut, that some have tried, obviously does not acquire some of our boys the desired result but gain time to reflect early on Friday morning or on Sunday morning to ensure a return to the right way. Once again, working together from home and school we will be better placed in helping the boys get to where they are aiming.

Our commitment to serving the guest at the Matthew Talbot Hostel has continued over the last couple of weeks with Tom Cleary, Josh Wilde, Ned Tipping and Sam Barclay going on today.

Our debaters have been going exceptionally well, last week gaining the decision in two debates against Monte and Sydney High. Well done to Harry Maher, Tim Litherland, Max Hall, Hamish Elliot, Oliver Coorey, Daniel Harrington, Dom Price and Ben Chaplin.

Next Monday, the 21st March is our day where we celebrate St Joseph’s Feast Day. We will do so with a round of outings that see our boys off to Queenscliff Beach, a round of golf or ice skating and movies at Macquarie. If your son wishes to take his surfboard to the Beach, could you please email a letter of approval for him son to partake in this specific activity. Our boys work hard in their studies, sport and other co-curricular activities and it is equally important for them to enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxed and fun day. Also day boys do not have to be at the College until 8.45am.

A reminder that next weekend marks the conclusion of the regular Summer Sport Season with the exception of our Senior Rowers with the Head of the River being held on Saturday, 2nd April. Next Saturday evening, 26th March, will be the Summer Sports Rally to be held in the Brother Emilian Hall commencing at 6.30pm. It will conclude by 7.30pm. All boys must be in attendance dressed in their Blues. The night has been shortened with the usual Mass transferred to the Sunday night, 27th March at 8.15pm. Therefore, all Boarders and Weekly Boarders, returning Sunday night, will need to return by 8pm Sunday week.

Take care and enjoy the weekend with your families.

Regards
Jeremy

YEAR 11 NEWSLETTER

TERM 1, WEEK 6.

QUOTE: BE AWARE OF THINGS THAT MIGHT BE AMUSING TO YOU BUT PAINFUL TO OTHERS!

Dear Year 11 Parents,

Our boys are now really experiencing the reason for Joey’s success. Hard work. At the moment there is plenty on. Assignments, assessments, let alone commitments to sport, music and other extra curricula activities, at a time when some are getting a little tired. I spoke with our boys about these issues, pointing out a few short cuts that some people have taken, that do not work. We have refocussed our boys on to their organisational skills, particularly in relation to punctuality, responsibility for their gear, not resorting to immature behaviour and how they deal and work with others.

Darren Frost and I, however, continue to be impressed with the work ethic of the group as a whole, encouraging it to continue, as well as for a few who have wandered, to maximise the second half of the term to gain the satisfaction and being content with knowing they have put in an honest effort and worked hard. Many boys are entering new areas of responsibility and demands of work. Please keep reassuring your son he has the time and ability to maximise his potential at this busy time of the term.

What a great night it was last Friday evening at the Year 11 Dinner. It was wonderful to meet so many new people and catch up with others. As one parent said, “The night went too quickly. I needed a week to catch up with everyone!” I’m sure you were all very proud of your son as I indeed was of all our boys who made an effort in the little things, proving that chivalry is not dead and is still today so hugely valued and appreciated. Great food, great entertainment and great company, along with the great efforts made by many to be with your sons last Friday, made it a wonderful Joeys Family occasion.

Our helpers at the Matthew Talbot Hostel have continued with the following boys going on Friday, 25^th February, Alex Beasley, Joe Duffy, Mitchell Johnson and James Keenan. Today Dylan Burt, Jack Hamilton, Oliver Hartnell and Louis Jenkins will be our helpers. Often it is worthwhile to read the boys’ thoughts on this experience and I have included James Goldie and Daniel Hughes’ account of their visit:

 “On the 19^th of February Daniel Hughes, Callum Flitcroft, Harry Mooring and James Goldie put our names down to assist in the Matthew Talbot operation. My expectations of a rundown soup kitchen with muttering homeless men were straight away blown away by the up to date and strong community of Matthew Talbot. The opening scene to our experience was rather intimidating as 40 or so homeless men crowded a narrow alley way, our timidness was met with open arms and loud greetings by the homeless and we immediately felt comfortable.

When we entered the cafeteria of the Mathew Talbot hostel we were surprised to see that the cafeteria and facilities were very modern in appearance, well-kept and the men waited for their meals in a more orderly fashion then the boys do at school.  We were given a basic prep of our duties and then Merv gave us a short run down of what Matthew Talbot offers to the men.  The homeless are given rooms with a small fee, and offered many different classes to get them back on their feet and become functioning members of society.

I tried to stay as far away as possible as I collected the first plates and cups from a man finished eating, as I expected to get punched in the face or abusively sworn at, but when I asked if I could take the plate from the man, he simply looked up at my name tag and said “Thankyou Daniel”.  Our job, although small, of clearing the tables was greatly appreciated by the men and when they finished, they quickly went off to their next activity. As we worked they showed us respect by assisting our clean up and we showed respect by listening to what they had to say.

The day was a totally new experience and I observed the struggle of homelessness in its raw element. By the end I realised that no matter what class or age you are, you can still spiral out of control and end up in the mess that the men were working so hard to get out of. We saw so many different age groups and ethnicities and it helped me realise that no one is completely resistant to becoming homeless”.

Daniel Hughes and James Goldie

Last Monday greeted us with the ideal conditions of mild weather for the running of the College Athletics Carnival. It allowed our athletic talent to be noticed but also allowed a day of spirited performances and involvement with the Blue House taking out the honours of the day followed by Green, White, Red, Black and Gold. Special mention must go to Alex Beasley who won the U/17 Age Champion and Thom martin who came second. Ben Rodgers also stood out with some exceptional performances in the distance events. A special thanks to Mrs Mandy Harris, the Athletics Convenor, for the organisation of a great day. You can take a look at some of the action from our boys by viewing the video courteousy of Darren Frost.

Our Director of Mission, Mrs Helen Smith, launched our College Lenten Appeal to support the works of MAPS (Marist Asia-Pacific Solidarity) in furthering the work of Marist Missions, in particular, with our brother school in the Soloman Islands, East Timor and Cambodia.  Our aim in Year 11 is for each boy to contribute at least $10 over Lent to help us contribute $2,000 to these works. I have encouraged the boys to bring the money back with them on Sunday nights or Monday mornings. Father Andrew challenged the boys both collectively and individually to strive to improve ourselves in the areas in our lives, where we could be better, and to use our faith in doing this. Bullying issues, being jealous of other boys marks and lives or simply not making full use of our God given talents, Father implored the boys to not only be satisfied by where we are and what we have, but, in the words of our motto, strive to be better.

At yesterday’s Headmaster’s Assembly Ross Tarlinton asked the boys to reflect on a slide, seen below, which Fr. Andrew had used during his prayer. The slide was one of Jesus carrying the cross, with three people in the background, two of them being Joseph and Mary.  Ross asked the boys to reflect for a moment on how Joseph and Mary would have felt, knowing their son was about to die. He also asked the boys to reflect on how they would have felt in the time preceding Jesus birth and the tremendous “high” they would have experienced. He then asked the boys to reflect on the excitement you, as parents would have felt in the time leading into their own birth. This Lent, Ross challenged the boys to be aware of the significant people in their lives, and those who travel with you, Ross reminded the boys to always be aware that the “journey” is not always about themselves, and, in the week when we celebrated International Day for Women, he challenged the boys to be especially aware of the manner in which they treat the women in their lives. How we treat them and how we conduct ourselves around them. This being part of the challenge of this Lent, think about other people in your lives.

Br. Anthony has also challenged the boys with well-timed words over the last two weeks. He firstly told the boys what he believed were the characteristics of a strong Year group:

 A STRONG YEAR GROUP………..

• Respects one another and one another’s differences. It does not mock, bully or put others down. These behaviours are not tolerated.
• Has broad leadership. Boys mix with each other readily from different backgrounds and with different ethos. The number of leaders is a good indicator of the spirit within a form.
• Does not have ‘clicks”, all boys are accepted.
• Respects the property of others at all times.
• Keeps areas clean and tidy. They are well aware that people live and work in the surrounds which they occupy.
• Relates well and respectfully to staff.
• Is proactive, always displays initiative.
• Shows character…. Speaks up when they know things are not as they should be.
• Contributes strongly to all areas of College life.
• Is prepared to make sacrifices to achieve its goals.
• Does the little things well…. And does so over an extended period of time.
• Is proud of each other’s’ achievements and congratulates others successes.

WHAT AM I DOING TO ENSURE MY YEAR GROUP IS A STRONG ONE?

 Yesterday Brother spoke to the boys regarding their obligations in carrying on the College’s traditions. He asked the boys to think about why others feel a strong spirit when they walk into the gates of St Joseph’s College. Is it because we never give up? Is it because we don’t mind hard work? Is it the pride in the School? Or is it the bonds and friendships forged through boarding? Brother said he could not answer the question, however what he could say that every boy here belongs to that spirit, that feeling and each boy has a duty to carry that on, and not only on a sporting field but in the classrooms and in evening study. He challenged the boys to show the same dedication to our classwork which they showed to other areas of College life…… make sacrifices, be prepared to do extra work and work on weekends. The same spirit we display on fields, we must display in the classrooms. Timely advice for all the boys.

In Sporting maters, yesterday our 1^st Eight left to compete in the National Rowing Championships in South Australia. We would like to wish all of the crew every success and enjoyment in this terrific opportunity and especially mention Sam Clarke, Conor O’Gorman, Alec Rainnie and Ehtan Shaw for their efforts in being selected in the crew. I am confident they will do themselves and the College proud by their efforts.

In Cricket the 1^st X1 bounced back from the loss to Riverview with a strong victory over Kings. The boys scored 165 runs, with Declan O’Donahue making an impressive 68 before bowling Kings out for 161, with Hamish Bartlett and Ben Rodgers taking 3 wickets each. The team had a midweek 20/20 match against Oakhill and scored 120 runs with James Williams making 23 and Jesse Fenech 16 and then they bowled Oakhill out for 60, with Ben Rodgers taking an amazing 7 wickets for 7 runs, including a hat-trick. Currently the boys are playing Newington where we scored 177 with Hamish Bartlett scoring a very solid 73 and Jackson Watts making 34. Ben Rodgers has taken 2 Newington wickets in their reply of 5 – 46.

The 2^nd X1 had a strong win over the Kings School, scoring 127 and having Kings out for 71 and then 7 for 38 in their second innings. Tom Laban took 3 for 14 and 1 for 6 and Seth Turnbull took 2 for 15 to be the chief wicket takers. Currently they are in progress against Newington. They have bowled their opponents out for 101 with Tom Garrick taking 4 for 28 and Tim Litherland 2 for 7 being the pick of the bowlers and we are presently 7 for 118 with Josh Schwager scoring 38 runs.

In Basketball, our 1^st V have had a couple of tough weeks running into the Number 1 and Number 2 ranked teams in the country in High and Newington. They put up a very brave performance against High leading at half time by 5 points before going down 86 – 56 with Harrison Goodrick achieving 12 points and 10 rebounds. Last week against Newington the boys had a tough day losing 81 – 48, with Harrison Goodrick scoring 20 points and Andrew Hookey 13 points.

Next week I will have some updates on how the boys in our other sports have been performing. If you have any pictures of the troops in action, I am always grateful to receive any so we can share their efforts and achievements in our Blog.

Just to remind you End of Term 1 (Travel dates Friday 8^th April and return for Term 2 on Monday 2^nd May). The booking form is available on the website www.joeys.org under Travel. Please note the closing dates for bookings and cancellations. These are provided on the booking form. As Countrylink are firm with closing dates for student travel, it is best that you attend to bookings as soon as possible. Cancellations can be made if necessary.

I hope this keeps you up to date with all that is happening with the boys. Take care and enjoy your weekend with your families.

Regards

Jeremy Ticehurst