Parents & Friends ___________________________Page

“Our fi nal event for the year was a fun, food fi lled day especially for the boys, the Food Frenzy. It certainly was a frenzy of activity preparing food for 1500 boys with seemingly insatiable appetites!” - Jackie Richards

The Parents and Friends primary focus is on being the link between the school and its parent community. We aim to make St Joseph’s a place where parents feel welcomed and are able to contribute in a meaningful way. Importantly, we also plan fundraisers, and events raising money for the school, or Africa and to benefit the boys. Being part of such a large secondary school community, can have its challenges for parents wanting to be involved but we try to be a welcoming and friendly group which is open to everyone. Events are planned and run by small sub-committees and there is always a need for extra helpers during the planning stage or on the day. Earlier this year we held two movie nights at Reading Cinemas in Waurn Ponds. Over 320 people enjoyed ‘The Great Gatsby’ the spectacle of this famous book brought to life on screen. A second movie night followed in Term 2, the new Superman movie, ‘Man of Steel’. This action packed film was enjoyed by around 130 people. In May, the Parents and Friends once again provided the catering for the Old Collegians’ Annual Reunion with over 300 old boys in attendance. The food was gratefully savoured by those catching up with old mates and reliving school memories. Thanks to those who gave up their evening to prepare serve it all to the masses! This year we decided to make a change to a regular event. The Art Expo has been held at the school for many years to showcase the work of many local artists. A decision was made to expand on this theme to include craft and gourmet food with the hope of making this event more appealing. So on a cold weekend in July, the inaugural ‘Artisan Market’ was held. Over 50 stalls were set up in the warm, dry gymnasium and over two days nearly 1600 people came to browse the great variety on offer. We received wonderful feedback so we are planning on making this event bigger and better in 2014! Many thanks to the sub-committee for their time, and to all those who volunteered to help out over the weekend. The annual Fashion Show is an event eagerly anticipated by many and this year, held out at the beautiful Hill winery, didn’t disappoint. Around 300 guests enjoyed a drink whilst browsing retail stalls and our silent auction, before being ushered into the wine vat area (providing a unique atmosphere) beside a T-shaped catwalk. Fashions from various local stores were paraded by models of all ages and sizes. Casual, elegant, race day attire and bridal were some of the clothes on display. The models were fabulous with professional hair and make-up and choreographed to a high standard. We were joined by Father Nestus from Mannya in Uganda who spoke passionately about his people and how money from events like this helps to make a difference to their lives and futures. Over $17,000 was raised on the night. Congratulations and thank you to the very hardworking sub-committee and to everyone who volunteered their time, skills and energies to make this such a successful event. Our final event for the year was a fun, food filled day especially for the boys, the Food Frenzy. It certainly was a frenzy of activity preparing food for 1500 boys with seemingly insatiable appetites! Hot dogs, pizza, egg and bacon rolls, hamburgers, pies, cakes, lollies and more were eagerly devoured. Thanks to the army of volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day to feed the ravenous hoardes! An initiative the parents and friends are very proud to provide, is a basic CPR first aid course which is offered to Year 12 students. This year 33 boys took the opportunity to gain this valuable life saving knowledge. This year we have been able to raise around $37,000. A tremendous result, testament to the hard work of the committee and everyone who gave their time to help out in any way and to all those who came along or supported our events. Apart from the money raised by the Fashion Show, the remainder of these funds will be used to support the bursary program and be of direct benefit to the students by helping fund a shelter on O’Driscol Oval as well as other projects throughout the campus. The P&F meets once a month in the school staff room. We hold relaxed meetings where new ideas and new faces are always welcome. David Formosa helps to keep us all on track as we discuss how we can help foster our school community, raise funds and assist the school in many ways. If you’d like to join us, don’t hesitate to come along. Or maybe you’d prefer to receive our monthly minutes or P&F updates via email and volunteer your time or expertise when you have the chance? If you’d like to be involved, you can, in whatever capacity you like. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jackie Richards - Parents and Friends President

A night of glamour at the Hill winery for the Fashion Show A night of glamour at the Hill winery for the Fashion Show