College Captain’s Report 2016 was the beginning of a journey for the Year 7 cohort, and the end of a fulfilling one for the Year 12s.The opening of the Paul Tobias Centre in late 2015 provided the Year 7s with an excellent, updated quadrangle as they embarked on a nervous and exciting transition into their new home. St Joseph’s College is a very special and unique community that I have been so grateful to be a part of, and honoured to lead during my final year. The memories that I have gathered are ones that I will carry throughout my adulthood. Although the future beyond secondary school represents excitement, a touch of sadness lingers knowing that my precious time here is up. The student leadership team has worked hard throughout the year to present the students of the College with events such as the 15 Words Film Festival, as well as serving to raise money for many charities within the community. The Year 12 Winter Formal, organised collaboratively with the College Captains of the four Catholic Colleges in Geelong was a huge success – raising around $6000 for Headspace, a vital service for the youth of Geelong. In addition, we also came together to organise an Op Shop Clothes Drive to raise money for the Samaritan House Homeless Shelter. The event saw an extremely generous amount of clothing donations that were setup for sale at the Geelong West Town Hall in early September. Coupled with a barbecue, the event ran smoothly and attracted a larger crowd than expected, with the total revenue approaching $7000.
A huge thanks must go to Mr Lynch and Mrs Gleeson, as without their guidance and support the initiatives that the leadership team carried out would not have been possible.Their hard work was vital to our success and much appreciated by the entire team. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Deputy College Captains, James Mangar and Ben Kenworthy, who both conducted themselves excellently throughout the year, working tirelessly on both the academic and leadership front. They have served as commendable role models for the student body and I. Finally, to our Year 12 Coordinator Mr Dan Hale, your compassion and kind nature has been integral to our success. Your openness and support has created an excellent environment which ensures that we can achieve our best. Your hard work often goes unnoticed to the student body, but the way in which you conducted yourself throughout the year is a credit to your character. I feel very humbled to have led this College in 2016. Throughout my senior years, I have come to realise how unique and special the St Joseph’s College community really is. The opportunities provided to students are immense and plentiful, something I hope that those students still to come make the best of. To the student body, you are very privileged to attend this College. Always remember that it’s up to you to make the most of your opportunities. Jump into a challenge, and never look back, because every experience makes you wiser. - Rhys Hegyesi, College Captain 2016
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