Student Leaders ____________________________Page

THE MID-WINTER BALL

In the early days of January 2013, which now feels like years away, a small group of dedicated students, past and present, banded together to continue the ongoing idea of the inaugural ‘Mid Winter Ball’. As newly appointed head of the free-to-bes, I felt it necessary to carry out this vision and turn it into a reality. By early February our first meeting went by and concrete jobs were set, meeting after meeting we found ourselves halting at the obstacle of money. Suddenly when one of the keen sacred heart girls applied for a $1000 dollar grant (Given by GASP Geelong), everything began to feel more and more like a well-oiled machine.

Days, week’s months past, and after the introduction of the tickets, banners, sit-down meetings with headspace and conformation of entertainment, the night was upon us. Glitz and glamour were in abundance on the successful night of 20 June 2013, the night that held a candle to the sufferers of mental health and raised awareness and funds toward the organisation, Headspace. Mid-Winter ball rocked the St Joseph’s gym accompanied by the fellow Catholic schools of Clonard, Sacred Heart and St Ignatius that helped the night become a success. The music helped set the scene for a memorable night with the ‘Sacred Heart Vet Band’, Dj’s Ayden Green, Patrick Slack of St Joseph’s and Zane from St Ignatius leading the charge, assisted by the ever-famous iPod. Daunted as the group of organisers were, we couldn’t have imagined a more magically spectacular success. Roughly $5000 raised, hundreds of guests and a tonne of fun was had. So even as we reel back and ponder the great experience had, it is incredible the opportunity a humble Joey’s student can embrace, with just the right amount of motivation and support, from a great and diverse school. With much gratitude for the time I’ve had here, a big thank-you, from myself those a part of CLOGS and Headspace Geelong

Jakeb Fair - Year 12 YEAR 9 LEADERSHIP

2013 has been a productive year for the Year 9 Leaders. Every Monday at recess throughout the year, we met along with the Years 8 and 10 Leaders. We would discuss projects, fundraisers and other issues around the school with the Middle School Leadership Coordinator, Ms Westwood. Together, we combined our ideas to hold fundraisers such as the 40hr famine and ‘See the Person Not the Disability’ day. We also participated in many other initiatives. The Year 9 Leaders frequently spoke at assemblies and helped out the Senior Leaders. All students were grateful for this opportunity to gain confidence and to help improve our school.

Tom Fitzgerald - Year 9 IDAHO DAY

On Friday 17 May the student leadership team organised activities to celebrate IDAHO day (International Day against Homophobia). Students could receive a free wristband with the words ‘I will not stand by’ printed across them if they took the pledge to ‘stand up’ against any forms of homophobia or bullying alike. The day was a huge success with over 450 students signing the pledge. Hopefully the wristbands they received will act as a reminder of the pledge they have taken to make St Joseph’s a more inclusive and safe environment for ALL.

The junior school assembly on Monday 20 May was also run by the middle school leaders and was focused on the message of celebrating and respecting diversity and eliminating the use of the term ’gay’ as a derogative term in our school. Presented to the students was a list of alternative words they could use and that students using the term in the incorrect way should ‘buy a dictionary’ and stop sounding stupid. A big thank-you to all the middle school leaders that assisted on the day, you continue to surprise and exceed my expectations of you as leaders.

Rebecca Westwood - Student Leadership Coordinator

“The wonderfully magical night was made and it could not have been possible without the help of Shane ‘Smokey’ Dawson, Lachie Porter along with all groundsmen, helpful teachers of all schools and Headspace.” - Jakeb Fair