Foundation Report ______________________________Page

The St Joseph’s College Foundation was established twenty one years ago, and today we have $2.6m in assets and cash. It’s a sound position to be in, but we must be diligent to consolidate the future for our students and families. In this scenario, we’ve focused our attention on a major Strategy Review this year, to reinforce our mission and cement our goals, so our College can enjoy even greater financial successes for a further 20 years. Our Foundation has come a long way since 1995, and so has the College. As an inaugural member, our Chapel was in a serious state of disrepair, and many of the school buildings were in drastic need of attention.

There was no Performing Arts Centre, the Br Adams Centre was a single basketball court, and extremely cramped conditions were experienced by our staff and administration. There was no Westcourt.

My involvement commenced when our first son started in 1987 and within my journey, the transformation of the College has been extraordinary. To be a part of that transformation, personally, has been a very exciting and humbling experience. Offering your time in a voluntary capacity can be extremely rewarding and one I would encourage all parents and friends within the St Joseph’s community to think seriously about. The more you put in, the more satisfaction you will get. The Secondary years go so fast. We’ve been fortunate to have two new members join our Foundation Management Committee Paul McNamara and Steve Madden. Steve has two boys who plan to come to St Joseph’s in the future and Paul has a son Luke who is currently in Year 9 and Ben graduated in 2015. We warmly welcome them both and are really excited about the contribution they will make into the future. Farewell to our retiring Principal, Mr Paul Tobias. His presence and leadership over the past two decades has been truly remarkable. We wish Paul and Dianne all the happiness into the future. We look forward to working with our incoming Principal, Mr Tony Paatsch. It is fantastic to have him return to the Joey’s fold, as he leaves St Bernard’s Essendon to join us at the helm. His experience as Principal at the largest Catholic College in Melbourne will certainly be most beneficial to our College moving forward. I work with such a loyal and hardworking bunch of volunteers and I thank them for yet another successful twelve months.

To all members of the St Joseph’s College community, please take the opportunity to really observe the magnificent facilities St Joseph’s offers our students and the contribution it makes to the Greater Geelong landscape. I would encourage those that can, to carefully consider a philanthropic contribution in the form of a donation or bequest and really be a generous supporter of our College. Please contact the College Development Manager Mr Kristen Gleeson if you require further information.

Peter Rudd – Chairman, The St Joseph’s College Foundation.

The old Gym

Mary’s Chapel Mary’s Chapel construction

PAC construction PAC construction

There have been many changes at SJC - and the Foundation has been a big part There have been many changes at SJC - and the Foundation has been a big part

Construction of the PAC Construction of the PAC Construction of the gym SJC Geelong