Celebrating 80 Years a refl ection on SJC _____________Pages

Maurice Albert McCartin (1924-2010) was a foundation pupil at St Joseph’s College, Geelong in 1935. He was a student at the College over the next 5 years until 1939 when he completed his secondary education and his family moved to Melbourne. Maurice McCartin was very proud of his connection with and attendance at St Joseph’s College and frequently told many amusing stories of his childhood and school days in Geelong.

He attended St Mary’s Primary School for his early childhood education before St Joseph’s College opened for day students in 1935. He commenced his years at St Joseph’s College in the Fourth

Standard with his friend Kevin Lynch.

One of Maurice’s most amusing stories, repeated often, was about a special event listed in the novelty races at the annual St Joseph’s sport’s carnival. Not being blessed with athletic abilities, his great claim to fame was winning the ‘Slow Bicycle’ race at the Sports

Carnival. Brother Brophy was the ‘Starter’ on the day and the idea for the participants was not to start in the race quickly, or indeed at all, in order to win the ‘race’. Maurice managed to balance on his bike seat and not commence pedalling for what seemed like an endless period. Other boys were encouraged to move by the Brother who was no doubt becoming impatient at the reluctance of the riders to move. Somehow Maurice’s irrepressible nature won the ‘Slow Bike’ race by defying the Starter and not moving hence being the slowest rider in the event!

- Information provided by Maurice McCartin’s Daughter, Ann Hickey

Reflecting on the last 21 years of my life since my arrival at St Joseph’s in 1995, there is so much of that time which is memorable. The school has changed dramatically over that time but good schools are more about culture and people

rather than the buildings. Two outstanding people who I have admired greatly because of their generosity, work ethic and care of others would be Russell Zampatti, and my personal assistant for the past 16 years Mrs Maureen Bryant. Both are outstanding example of compassion, innovation and integrity, the qualities which identify our College as special and different. People of that calibre lead those around them and for me that is why the College has been so successful over the past two decades.

Paul Tobias, Principal 2000 - Present

Secondary school is a turbulent time in any person’s life. It is filled with growth, development and challenges that help shape the people we will become. For the boys of St Joseph’s College, this is no different. Bullying, peer pressure, academic stress and inner struggles are something that students face every day. It is through the friendships we forge and the experiences we share that we can find refuge in such tumultuous times in our lives.

Female Staff Female Staff Daniel Belluzzo - SJC Class of 2009

Group - 1950s Group - 1950s There’s a unique togetherness that comes from spending five or so years with the same collective group of people. High school can be tricky at the best of times but knowing that you’re surrounded by your mates who are all in the same boat turned potentially awkward teenage years into some of my fondest memories. I got married earlier this year, ten years after graduating. All four of my groomsmen are mates from SJC who I still see regularly. Lifelong friends may sound cliché, but that’s what these guys are and will continue to be.

Lachy Porter - SJC Class of 2005

Students at the College front gate College front gate - 1950s Brothers with Polly Farmer - 1963 Brothers with Polly Farmer - 1963 Cadets at ANZAC Day Cadets at ANZAC Day - 1968

Front Entrance - 1970s Front Entrance - 1970s Swimming Sports - 1940s Swimming Sports - 1940s

From my time at St Joseph’s my most memorable experience was being a part of the college’s production All Shook Up when I was in year 11. I loved the collaboration with all the people involved as well all the friends I made. I will never forget the opening night, the sound of the crowds and the satisfaction of working with other creative students.

- Patrick West SJC Class of 2015

Memories of Roger Kenna enrolled at St Joseph’s as a boarder at the age of 7. Kitty O’Shea: she was our Elocution teacher and produced - directed the annual school play. I can recall being selected to play a part in the production of “Pied Piper of Hamlin Town.” Steve Hart: he was our gymnastic instructor –the school had a gym area made up of parallel and horizontal bars, Roman Rings, springboard, horse and matting. Because I was of bantam – featherweight build I was selected to regularly demonstrate my skills. I received a Certificate for my efforts. Brother Rahill: he was responsible for handing to us our weekly pocket money, usually three pence – sixpence. We would queue up of Saturday morning outside one of the ground floor class rooms and be given our pocket money. Every Saturday morning we would clean the chapel – this involved washing the floor and polishing the brass. On Saturday evenings we usually attended a film night in the hall. The projector was manually operated and watching the film was a very slow process – sort of a slide night – no colour. The script usually involved Charlie Chaplin, Abbot and Costello. Eucharistic Congress: This was annual event and involved the construction of outdoor Altar. Girls from St. Mary’s would visit for choir practice – apart from my family this was my first contact with girls and was exciting. Afternoon Tea: At around 3.30pm following classroom work boarders would queue and receive a “Rock Bun”. I remember this was made –up of bread dough and fruit peel and currents -raisins. To this day I have had a dislike for marmalade jam.

- Roger Kenna SJC 1952

I think I could say that most of my time at SJC was memorable. Lifelong friendships made (I still have contact with many after 60 years). Life as a boarder was an experience, we had mostly country boys, plus a few that had exited schools in Melbourne (for an assortment of reasons!). Colombo Plan students from a variety of Commonwealth countries all helped to make for an interesting group! Commitment to the Cadet Group was an integral part of school life, weekly parades, rifle range for shooting practice, annual camp (Puckapunyal or Mildura), day students found the food a bit of a challenge but boarders were a little less selective with the range of culinary offerings! There was always plenty to keep students busy after school hours, Sport, Football of course, Tennis, Cricket, Swimming and Athletics, and who could forget the cross country runs around Queens Park and the final punishing sprint up the hill from the River to Butler House. End of term boarders ‘banquets’ were always eagerly awaited (great work by Matron Kitty Curtin and her team) as was the occasional YCS social with SHC! All in all great days to recall and certainly a time to reflect on the outstanding efforts and dedication shown by the Brothers of the time, something that we can appreciate more with the passing years...We all owe them so much!

- Terry Phillips SJC 1959

The most memorable aspect I have from St. Joseph’s was the whole of Year 12. It was such a busy and exciting year with plenty going on, but I felt like the year-level really bonded well and became great mates. Despite putting in the hard yards with school work, it was my most enjoyable year at SJC, and one that definitely prepared me for the next stage of my life.

- Tom Cooper SJC 2010

In Feb 1950, as a very young boy and schooled in the bush by Nuns, I arrived at St Joseph’s College. I thought that it was a huge school, large buildings, so many students (about 300 - 1,630 now), steeped in tradition (when it was only 15 years old). 65 years on, 11 of my immediate family have either studied or taught at the College and now nearly all of my close male friends are St Joseph’s old boys. St Joseph’s has truly played a major part in my life!!

- Barry Hill

College history enquiries can be directed to the College Archivist: Susan Belluzzo. susan.belluzzo@sjc.vic.edu.au Ph: 03 5226 8100

Br Rahill - 1950s Gymnastics - 1940s

Art Class, Mrs Brophy Teacher - 1940s Art Class, Mrs Brophy Teacher - 1940s

Aerial Photo