Men’s Association & Care Group This year has been a very active one for the Men’s Association, performing all the tasks I have presented to them. The usual tasks of setups for assemblies, Artisan Market, exams, mowing and weeding were complimented with other tasks such as unloading production props and equipment and rock breaking in the B block garden. These tasks were performed with good humour, banter and of course the occasional complaint that was quickly ignored by everyone.
“When my boys started at St Joseph’s I wanted to be a part of the school community and the Men’s Association seemed a good fit. I was amazed to see fathers on my team who did not have boys at the school any longer but still came to help in a small way to maintain the school grounds. Jobs included mowing, setting up for assemblies and cleaning up after functions. After the work is done we end the morning with a BBQ, a couple of drinks along with a chat and a laugh. I am now one of those dads with no boys at the school, and still enjoy catching up with new and old dads in the St Joseph’s community.” - Rohan Crowe, Men’s Association President I would like to thank all members of each team for their contribution throughout the year, special thank you to Team Captains, Des Nolan, Team One; Rohan Crowe, Team Two; Danny Sheedy, Team Three; and David Cogan, Team Four. Pierre Belluzzo - Property Manager
I decided to request assistance from Team Two members to write this article, I asked them to express in their own words why they attend working bees, I hoped this would give some insight to why these great men continue to support me for two hours on Sundays when I’m sure they could be doing other activities. “To help the school, to set an example to my son about community service, to meet and talk to other fathers and learn about the school.” - Shayne Hill VCAL cooking for “I like to give a bit back to the school, it’s good to Our Care Group assists families during times of the Care Group meet a few new blokes and have a beer at the end.” crisis (eg. illness, bereavement). Each year this group - Dave Keogh has done wonderful work supporting those in our Team 2 Setting community when they are most in need. The last “I enjoy giving back to the school community, enjoy the up the Gym for thing people need to worry about is food, when BBQ at the end.” - Derek Thomassen Assembly they are under stress or strain caring for family “A couple hours per month is a small effort to help members who are seriously ill or struggling with out and I know it’s very appreciated. I also enjoy the difficult circumstances. This year has been a very interesting insights Pierre gives when he explains what’s sad year for our College with a number of parents going on around the school.” - Terry Koerntjes and staff illness and bereavements. We have been “I joined the working bee to give a hand, gain new skills able to assist approximately 20 families throughout and meet other parents.” - Philip Oyang the year, with 60-70 meals supplied. The families we “This is my first year of the Men’s Association and I have helped are most appreciative of the support have really enjoyed catching up with the other men to and a number of these have received ongoing perform various tasks which help maintain and improve support to ensure there is a meal for their family as the College. It’s a great feeling knowing that you have they cope with complex and long term illness. contributed back something to the College given that I We sincerely thank our wonderful band of volunteers was a former student.” - Phillip Sprague who have generously prepared and provided meals “I have been on Team 2 for a few years now. I enjoy throughout 2016. OurVCAL students have also prepared outdoor activity and the sense I’m not doing it on my meals and snacks which has been a tremendous boost own at home, which is normally the case. Nothing like to our supplies. Without your hard work, we would not hearing about other people’s work to cheer you up! be able to offer this support to our families, so to ALL Good to get out of the man cave for a morning and run involved in preparing meals THANK YOU VERY MUCH. with the pack.”- Cliff Paul - Zoe Callahan & Veronica van Galen, SJC Care “It’s not a lot to give a few hours every now and again Group to help out with a few chores that I know will help We would like to acknowledge the contribution both Zoe and out my son’s school. You get to learn a bit more about some of the Veronica have made over the last few years. Both girls have been a behind the scenes activities at the school. You get to meet other fantastic support. Zoe is stepping down from her coordinators role fathers from all walks of life. Anything you do to help the school is next year. We would like to thank Zoe for being an important part always appreciated so don’t be afraid to volunteer with the Men’s of the Care Group. Thank you so much for your support. - Adel Association. It’s a valuable part of the College and it’s easy to be Mawson & Maureen Bryant, SJC Care Group & Principal’s involved.” - Stuart Wong Personal Assistants.
Care Group
Team 3 Enjoying a BBQ after mowing the College grounds
VCAL students cooking for the Care Group
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