College Captains Report _______________________Page

“It is only now that my time at the College is drawing to an end that it has dawned upon me how fortunate I was to be able to attend St Joseph’s College Geelong.” - Jake Sykes

Well what a year it has been, for the Year 7s it was the start of something new with the beginning of their high schooling lives, and for the Year 12s it was the ending of a journey which has carried us six years together in an experience that will never be forgotten. The beginning of a new chapter in the College’s history will begin next year with the opening of the new Westcourt Campus in which the 2014 Year 9 cohort will operate from. It is only now that my time at the College is drawing to an end that it has dawned upon me how fortunate I was to be able to attend St Joseph’s College Geelong. The values and culture of the College is something that truly can only be experienced by the students and staff that witness the running’s of the school from day to day. From the annual athletics and swimming sports, down to the community work that student’s participate in it is a sight to behold the comradery present within the Joey’s walls. For myself, the journey throughout the year has been one which I am very grateful to have been a part of. Highlights have included the annual World’s Greatest Shave, Forty Hour Famine and The Cage which as usual ran smoothly as a result of the hard work of the students and teachers involved. 2013 was also the first year which the Mid-Winter Ball ran. It comprised of Year 12 students from the four Catholic colleges coming together to raise awareness for mental health, the night was an overwhelming success with well in excess of $4000 raised for Headspace. I would like to take this time to thank the leadership team of 2013 who have put in many hours and given up countless lunchtimes to help contribute to the College. I have also been fortunate enough to work alongside our leadership coordinator Mr Brendan Nichols, someone who I hold in high regard and wish him the best of luck into his teaching future. Finally to Jakeb and Lachie whom I have got to know during the past 12 months, I couldn’t have asked for any better people to work with and I know that both men will go forward into the post schooling lives and achieve great things. If I can leave the College with one final message it is this; utilize the resources and opportunities that the College presents you with. It is up to you to make with your time at St Joseph’s what you will. I wish everyone in our College community the best of luck into the future.

Jake Sykes - 2013 College Captain