Product Design & Technology _____________________Page

Here we are again at the end of another dynamic and lively year. This year once again proved to be a busy time for the Product Design & Technology (wood) department. Students accessed the subject in greater numbers and this has seen the facilities both at the Edmund Rice Campus and Westcourt used to a high level. This steady increase in the student numbers required another teacher to assist in the area. Therefore, in 2015 Daniel Salmon was employed to join the St Joseph’s Wood Technology team to assist in this increasing demand. He has been a great addition to the department and to the boys. I have observed him whilst conducting classes and must remark on his interaction with the boys, his humour, respect and professionalism do him credit. The Year 12s have continued the practice of producing outstanding works and Steve Catanzariti has once more invigorated the boys to produce works of value and quality that secured personal reward. The boys produced tremendous works that were creative and individual in their production. The pupils in the mid-school year levels have produced work that has challenged them both from a designing and manufacturing view point. It is always fascinating for the teaching staff to see the differing approaches that the boys take to solving a practical problem. Next year the Westcourt Challenge program will be doubling in numbers. This year clearly demonstrated that there was a real demand for the subject with so many boys unable to access the unit. This is very encouraging for the subject area, indicating how much young men wish to get involved in subjects that are project driven. The VET programs have been progressing extremely well under the support of Tom Trupkovic, Scott Ballan and Chris Gleeson. It’s been fantastic to watch the boys learn and become confident in their chosen areas of training. They will go into the work force well prepared to become excellent additions to our communities’ professional work force. With the year of 2015 drawing to a close I would like to take the time to thank everyone involved in making this dynamic and demanding subject area function smoothly. Both teaching and support staff continue to do their utmost to make an enjoyable, appealing and safe area for the boys to work in. It’s a real privilege to work with good staff and students.

Paul Melis - Product Design & Technology (Wood) Coordinator