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Men’s Association & Care Group____________________Page
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. 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 “I like to give a bit back to the school, it’s good to meet a few new blokes and have a beer at the end.”
- Dave Keogh
“I enjoy giving back to the school community, enjoy the BBQ at the end.” - Derek Thomassen “A couple hours per month is a small effort to help out and I know it’s very appreciated. I also enjoy the interesting insights Pierre gives when he explains what’s going on around the school.” - Terry Koerntjes “I joined the working bee to give a hand, gain new skills and meet other parents.” - Philip Oyang “This is my first year of the Men’s Association and I have really enjoyed catching up with the other men to perform various tasks which help maintain and improve the College. It’s a great feeling knowing that you have contributed back something to the College given that I was a former student.” - Phillip Sprague “I have been on Team 2 for a few years now. I enjoy outdoor activity and the sense I’m not doing it on my own at home, which is normally the case. Nothing like hearing about other people’s work to cheer you up! Good to get out of the man cave for a morning and run with the pack.”- Cliff Paul “It’s not a lot to give a few hours every now and again to help out with a few chores that I know will help out my son’s school. You get to learn a bit more about some of the behind the scenes activities at the school. You get to meet other fathers from all walks of life. Anything you do to help the school is always appreciated so don’t be afraid to volunteer with the Men’s Association. It’s a valuable part of the College and it’s easy to be involved.” - Stuart Wong
“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
VCAL cooking for the Care Group the Care Group Care Group Our Care Group assists families during times of crisis (eg. illness, bereavement). Each year this group has done wonderful work supporting those in our Team 2 Setting Team 2 Setting community when they are most in need. The last up the Gym for thing people need to worry about is food, when Assembly they are under stress or strain caring for family members who are seriously ill or struggling with difficult circumstances. This year has been a very sad year for our College with a number of parents and staff illness and bereavements. We have been able to assist approximately 20 families throughout the year, with 60-70 meals supplied. The families we have helped are most appreciative of the support and a number of these have received ongoing support to ensure there is a meal for their family as they cope with complex and long term illness. We sincerely thank our wonderful band of volunteers who have generously prepared and provided meals throughout 2016. Our VCAL students have also prepared meals and snacks which has been a tremendous boost to our supplies. Without your hard work, we would not be able to offer this support to our families, so to ALL involved in preparing meals THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
- Zoe Callahan & Veronica van Galen, SJC Care Group
We would like to acknowledge the contribution both Zoe and Veronica have made over the last few years. Both girls have been a fantastic support. Zoe is stepping down from her coordinators role next year. We would like to thank Zoe for being an important part of the Care Group. Thank you so much for your support. - Adel
Mawson & Maureen Bryant, SJC Care Group & Principal’s Personal Assistants.
Team 3 Enjoying a BBQ Team 3 Enjoying a BBQ after mowing the College grounds grounds
