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Foundation Report ____________________________Page
2013 has been a year of growth, not only for the Foundation but also for St Joseph’s College. Two new and exciting projects for the school have been the completion of the Trade Training Centre, and the development of the Westcourt Year 9 Campus on Minerva Road. These two developments are a clear indicator that St Joseph’s College is continually looking to add another dimension to boys’ education within the region. The College Board and Management Team should be congratulated on these fine achievements. Growth has also come in the form of students with enrollments set to exceed the 1600 mark in 2014. A remarkable book mark in the History of our great College. Similar growth can be clearly seen within our College Foundation. From its humble beginning in 1995, where the need to engage the community was paramount to its charter; to today, where engagement is still our basis, but a clear emphasis on support for the College. The Foundation realises the need to grow and evolve, to ensure it is prominent in the day to day activities at the school.
The Upstart Entrepreneurial Challenge has helped the Foundation not only engage with students, but with industry. The Upstart Challenge has once again exceeded all expectations and has provided students with an insight into what it takes to be an Entrepreneur. The Competition saw the development of ideas and the interaction between students and mentors.
The culmination of The Upstart Challenge happened at the Foundation Dinner, which was held at The Davidson Restaurant. Old Collegian Josh Rudd spoke about his journey as a student, to this day, heading one of the country’s large clothing brands - Ghanda. Guests were then treated to nine entrepreneurial pitches from both staff and students. The presenters of the pitches were attempting to convince the judges that their idea was the next big thing. In the hope that they would be one of the three winners of the $1000 cash prize plus an iPad. The Foundation also announced the appointment of a dedicated Legacy Coordinator. Susan Belluzzo, who is also the College Archivist, will be the Foundation Legacy Coordinator. Susan’s role will involve building relationships with various groups and supporters of the College. The Legacy program is an important part of the Foundation’s charter.
The Foundation also took another big step with its investment portfolio, by purchasing a second investment property. The purchase of 5 Yarra Street Geelong continues to consolidate the financial position of the Foundation and the College. 2013 saw the resignation of Rob Threlfall from the Foundation Committee. Rob has been a hard working member of the committee and his contribution and professionalism will be greatly missed. The strength and popularity of the College is underpinned by the extremely hardwork undertaken by the Foundation along with the other volunteer groups of the College. The Old Collegians, Parents and Friends, Josephines and Men’s Association provide incredibly valuable support to the school, and all go hand in hand, in making St Joseph’s College the wonderful school that it is.
Sincere thanks to our Principal Mr. Paul Tobias, for his ongoing support; to our support staff David Formosa, Lauren Salcombe, and Natasha Solczaniuk To the St Joseph’s Community, best wishes for the path ahead.
Peter Rudd - Foundation Chairman
The pitching showdown Keen entrants and mentors for the Upstart Challenge 2013 Keen entrants and mentors for the Upstart Challenge 2013
