Ad_Alta_virtute_Vol25_Sept2012

Ad Alta Virtute The St Joseph’s College Geelong Magazine VOLUME 25, SEPTEMBER 2012

Celebrations for Edmund Rice Day and the Gala Ball

Where are they now?

Some amazing journeys since leaving SJC

Compassion Innovation Integrity compassion innovation

integrity

www.sjc.vic.edu.au

SJC News The College Production of Parade - Check out the photo gallery on our website!

East Timor Receives Sports Gear and Classroom Equipment from SJC

Did you See ‘Parade’ ?

Congratulations to everyone involved with the College production of Parade. I attended opening night and was totally captivated for the entire performance. The singing and acting from the students was of a very high quality and the storyline was dramatic and engaging. The hard work put in over many months by the talented cast and crew certainly paid dividends.

I would particularly like to thank and congratulate staff members Janine McLean (Director),Vicki Mills (Producer) and David Gallaher (Musical Director). Thanks also to the large number of students, staff, families and others who generously volunteered their time to assist in the myriad of ways needed for a production of this nature to be successful.

Thanks to all the students and families who bought tickets and attended one or more of the performances to support the cast.

Finally, thank you to the very talented students who made up the cast for their tireless dedication and commitment to bring the performance to life.

Paul Tobias - Principal

Compassion Innovation Integrity

SJC decided to participate in both the Coles and Woolworths supermarket promotions where sports gear and school equipment can be redeemed from vouchers collected by the College community. Since the boys at St Joseph’s are already very fortunate with the amount of equipment and school supplies available here at the College, it was decided to donate the equipment to less fortunate schools.

Coles and Woolworths delivered the equipment to the College in Term 1, it was then divided up with a majority of items to go to East Timor. Through the connection with Viqueque friendship schools, who organised a shipping container, the equipment arrived in East Timor in Term 3.

St Joseph’s recently received some photos from a teacher at one of the schools, Mariano, who wanted to share his thanks to the St Joseph’s community for contributing to his school. As you can see from the smiles in the photos, such a simple gift is already making a difference to those less fortunate.

Students participating in the end of year trip to Africa will be taking along the remainder of the equipment to distribute when they arrive - hopefully creating more smiles in the process!

St Joseph’s also hopes to donate the goods redeemed in 2012 promotions to a similar cause. Thank you to everyone who collected vouchers for St Joseph’s - you have all contributed to ‘making a difference’.

Upstart Entrepreneurial Challenge Tuesday morning saw the culmination of our Upstart Challenge with the Upstart Business Breakfast held at Truffleduck.

The journey began earlier in the year with sessions held by our Upstart “mentors” discussing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Interested students and staff were invited to attend the sessions and put forward their own ideas for the “Ideas Challenge” to be judged by the mentors.

Next came a pitching session, where the Mentors gave the students and staff tips on how to pitch their ideas to an audience.

At the Business Breakfast, the ideas challenge finalists participated in a “pitching showdown” where they had the opportunity to present their ideas to the breakfast audience and a panel of our mentor judges. The calibre of presentations was extremely high, causing in depth deliberations by the judges before presenting the winners.

Congratulations to staff member John Harmon with his mobile phone app concept for eliminating dangerous potholes on the roads called “Pot Shots”. Well done also to students Antoine Saleh (Year 8) and Rory Kelly (Year 12). Antoine proposed to boost awareness of small Geelong retailers by placing advertising screens on buses and Rory pitched his “Helping Hands” app which would see money raised to support the homeless through app sales. John, Antoine and Rory won the pitching showdown receiving a cash prize and an iPad each.

Congratulations to all of the staff and students who presented such wonderful pitches on the day with some fabulous ideas. We look forward to seeing how these ideas will evolve in the future!

David Formosa - Development Manager

Edmund Rice Day 2012 Edmund Rice Day commenced with Eucharist celebrated by Fr Michael Moody, an Old Collegian and current Parish Priest of Melton. The weather looked threatening but the day’s Walkathon and other activities proceeded well.

After completing the Walkathon, students were treated to a lunch followed by a huge range of activities including a bungee run, sumo wrestling, water bombs, computer games, chook ball, giant slide, Edstock musical performances and the talent filled ‘staff vs students gaelic football match’. It was a day of celebration for the College community.

The student leaders were invaluable in assisting the staff throughout the day. Thanks to all of our College community for supporting the fundraising activities of the day. Our target for the day was $40,000.

It is fortunate that Edmund Rice Day is conducted during the period of Lent because, like Project Compassion, the focus is on others rather than self. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, the Gospel was that of John. John begins his Gospel by reminding us that the light shines in the darkness. John continues that theme, talking about the light and darkness and reminding us that whoever does what is true comes to the light. At the time of Easter there are obvious times of light and darkness in the life of Christ.

In terms of Edmund Rice Day, I think what students do for others takes them away from selfishness and highlights the importance of selflessness.

For the recipients of our Walkathon money, the poor children of East Africa, I think our combined contribution can bring some light into the darkness that they sometimes experience.

Paul Tobias - Principal www.sjc.vic.edu.au

President’s Report 2011 was yet again a very successful year for the Association with all events well attended and well run.

At the AGM of 2011 the following committee was elected: Joe Virgona - Co-Vice President, John Fitzgerald - Co-Vice President, David McCusker – Treasurer, Tom Bennett – Secretary, Dean Bushell, Roger Hardwick, Jane Littore, Justin O’Brien, Sam O ‘Dwyer, Andrew Scaddan and Greg Thompson as General Committee.

For the first time in well over a decade the Annual Reunion was held at the College. The committee decided that with the extension to the Br O S Adams Centre it was a good time to showcase the wonderful development of the College to its former pupils, giving them the opportunity to witness the improvements made since leaving school. The reunion saw well over 200 Old Collegians attend from various year levels. The venue proved to be perfect and thanks to the Parents and Friends, who provided the catering, any profit from the evening could be kept by the College.

The Ad Alta Awards were presented at the Community Ball held in the Br O S Adams Centre. Professor Frank Larkins AM, Pat Bourke and Nick Maxwell were the worthy recipients. Ben Cassanella was MC for the evening and interviewed each of the recipients as they received their award. The night was capped off by fine dining and dancing and all in attendance had a good night.

The Mass for Deceased Old Collegians, Staff and Benefactors was held in November in the College Chapel. It was good to maintain the tradition of having an Old Collegian celebrate the Mass and on this occasion Matthew Thomas was able to travel from Camperdown to celebrate with us. During this Mass the deceased were remembered and afterwards those in attendance enjoyed afternoon tea in the College staffroom.

Get Your Team Ready For the St Joseph’s College Old Collegian’s Association

17th Annual

Golf Day

10 February 2013

The Annual Old Collegians’ Golf Day was once again held at 13th Beach Golf Club. A field in excess of 230 golfers enjoyed a fantastic game of golf on pristine fairways and manicured greens - with a few excursions into the rough. A breakfast was prepared by the Sacred Heart Rowing Club volunteers with the players enjoying a gourmet barbeque lunch. This event is the major fundraiser for the Old Collegians and this year raised over $13,000. The funds raised go towards the Old Collegians’ Bursary Fund which is used to help families send their son to SJC who otherwise could not afford the fees. Since its inception the Golf Day has raised approximately $170,000.

I would like to congratulate Principal Paul Tobias who, together with his management team, continues to maintain and improve all that is St Joseph’s. Under Paul’s leadership there is a constant project of improving all areas of the College, be it in academic achievement of the students or in the grounds or buildings. Old Collegians should be very proud of their school and be thankful of his work.

Thank you to all committee members for their dedicated commitment to the Association and to St Joseph’s. The success of the Association is down to their hard work. Thank you also to David McCusker who after more than fifteen years as treasurer has decided it is time to hand over the books. David has built a fantastic set of financial records which even I can understand, which I am sure the new treasurer will have no difficulty working with. I would also especially like to acknowledge the work of David Formosa which is invaluable and who is in no small way a great contributor to the overall performance of the Association.

Peter Madden - SJOCA President Compassion Innovation Integrity

For information on bookings or if you are looking at sponsorship packages contact: David Formosa Ph: 03 5226 8120 or email: davidf@sjc.vic.edu.au

Annual Golf Day On Sunday 19 February the Annual St Joseph’s College Old Collegians’ Golf Day was held at 13th Beach Golf Links Barwon Heads. 231 players took to the beautifully maintained Links course in an Ambrose-style team competition.

Whilst some teams burnt up the course, others were there merely for the social aspect of the day. Overall a most enjoyable day was had by all who took part. The Annual Golf Day is a major fundraiser for our Old Collegians with all money raised generously going towards the St Joseph’s College Bursary Fund.

Many thanks to all of the players and sponsors of the Golf Day who helped raise over $13,000.

David Formosa - Development Manager

www.sjc.vic.edu.au

Annual Reunion The Annual Reunion held on 26 May 2012 was well attended with over 260 past students coming together. The night began for those interested with a tour of the College. Many changes have occurred at St Joseph’s College both in facilities and programs offered. It is always affirming to have past students comment on how impressive the school is looking.

The reunion was a fantastic opportunity for old friends to catch up on news and reminisce about their time at school. From all accounts everyone had a good night.

Unfortunately the night was marred by some minor damage caused to the school property. The Old Collegians’ Association would hate to see this event affected by the actions of a few.

The Old Collegians’ Association would like to thank the members of The Parents and Friends who provided catering on the night.

To view photos of the reunion go to http://www.sjc.vic.edu.au/community-Old_Collegians_Association The graduating year levels for next year’s reunion will be: 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 and the graduating class of 2012. If you are a member of these year levels make sure your details (mail and email) are up to date with the College so as you don’t miss out on an invitation!

Compassion Innovation Integrity

Voulez-vous jouez le footy avec moi?

Forty years on,Vin Maskell recalls the dedication of a classmate during French lessons at SJC. In 1973 we had French before footy. We had masculine and feminine nouns before running around on the Frere Jacques Hamilton Oval.

We had singular and plural verbs before scratch matches amongst the boys of Form Three at le college de le Saint Joseph, dans Geelong.

Of course, no-one in the class really cared for French. It wasn’t Bridgette Bardot French. It wasn’t Audrey Tatou French and it certainly wasn’t Patti La Belle French (Remember the hit song ‘Voulez-vouz couchez avec moi, c’est soir?’).

Non, it was French from Mr Mullaney, a man who wheezed his way through French vocabulary and grammar, alternately hitching up his shiny strides, buttoning his bleu cardigan and brushing back his greying hair with brune Capstan fingers.

Thirty boys knew that the bounce of the ball and the touch of the Sherrin was only 45 minutes away and one boy in particular was doing something about it toute de suite. Mark Sczcesny, or Skeeter, used the French lesson as his change-room. He wanted to be first out the door and onto le terrain d’Australie de les regles as soon as the bell rang. So, quietly and surreptitiously, Skeeter would change into his footy gear while Mr Mullaney wheezed his way through the day’s French lesson.

Skeeter sat a few seats in from the back row, and well clear from the window, where a passing principal with a sharper eye than Mr Mullaney might detect something was up. As the class progressed, Skeeter undressed and dressed, all the while being seated and being sure to keep his eyes on le professeur.

Firstly he would reach into his SJC schoolbag and take out le jersey de le ballon d’Australie de les regles, a light bleu jumper with yellow collar and wrists. (We wore ‘house’ jumpers. Mine was rouge with jaune trimming.)

Skeeter would manage to leave on le jersey de le college while removing his tie and his grey shirt. He would then bend over and pretend to be looking for un stylo or a rubber or la regle while whipping off his school jumper, tossing on his footy top and pulling his school jumper back on. Then, of course, he would sit upright, a model etudiant. If Monsieur Mullaney had noticed anything, he didn’t let on. There would be a wheeze or a cough, or a hitching up of the shiny pantalons.

Skeeter knew when to play it straight, when to sit still and feign interest. The clock was ticking but he still had plenty of time.

Next came les bleu et jaune chausettes, a simple task after the jumpers. From a few seats away it looked like Skeeter was just adjusting his laces. He would nimbly slip off his school-shoes and socks, pull on the footy socks – easily hidden under his long school pantalons – and then slip his shoes back on, the laces left undone.

Admiring classmates sneaked glimpses of Skeeter’s efforts, working harder on stifling laughter than on French pronunciation.

The switch from long grey school pants to blanc footy shorts and the swap from Bata shoes to les bottes d’adidas had to wait til timeon in the French quarter.

For about dix minutes we actually did some schoolwork. Skeeter might have written in his French exercise book or even volunteered an answer to a question from Monsieur M. With deux minutes to go to the end-of-period bell le professuer de le Francais would begin his wrap up of the lesson and list the day’s >>> CONT.

>>> CONT. homework. With restless students all around him – loose men everywhere, you could say – Skeeter slipped off his school shoes, swapped the long pants for the footy shorts, pulled on les bottes d’adidas and tied the laces.

The coup-de-grace was when Monsieur Mullaney bid au-revoir, already reaching for his Capstan cigarettes, and Skeeter sprung from his desk, fully attired, arms raised in triumph, boot stops clacking on the floor and called out: “Voulez-vouz jouez le ballon d’Australie de les regles avec moi?”

As we cheered Skeeter, le professuer de le Francais continued out the door, tapped a cigarette on his Capstan packet and reached inside la poche de le cardigan for his lighter, keen to fumer un cigarette before the next class.

On le terrain de Frere Jacques Hamilton we chased le Sherrin, noone keener than Skeeter. He was a good player, Skeeter.

Tres bon.

Vin Maskell (SJOC 1971-75) Vin’s story was first published in June 2012 in footyalmanac.com.au and also in australianrules.com.au . His two older brothers, Mark and John also attended St Joseph’s.

Legacy St Joseph’s College Geelong Foundation

A legacy is an effective and meaningful way of supporting the College.

St Joseph’s College receives legacies of cash, shares or bonds, property or a percentage of the value of an estate. Legacies may be unrestricted, which enables the College to choose how best to apply the legacy funds, or designated, where you choose how the legacy funds will be used. We ask those considering a designated legacy to first consult the Development Office.

The most effective legacy is one that allows the College the flexibility to use donations in ways that best meet the College’s needs at the time.

If you intend to leave a legacy to St Joseph’s College, you need to have your will prepared by a solicitor or trustee company, and reviewed regularly or as circumstances change.

In Sympathy We pray for the following Old Collegians who have died and for their family and friends – Mr Lindsay Carroll, (SJOC 1953), passed away on 24 October 2011 following a bad fall.

Mr Wlodmyr Sharawara, (SJOC 1968), brother of Roman Sharawara, Old Collegian (1969). Wlodmyr passed away on 11 October 2011.

Mr George Guy, Old Collegian, passed away on 16 October, 2011.

Mr Hans Colla, (SJOC 1957).

Mr William Cannard ( 80 years) Old Collegian, grandfather of Patrick Cannard ( Year 7 ) and Old Collegian Ben Cannard (2005), Emily Cannard ( 2004) Sacred Heart , Stephanie Cannard (Year 11) Sacred Heart College, Sean Cannard ( 2007 ), Tim Barrand (2006) and Nathan Alsop (2002).

Mr Michael Hayes (50 years), (SJOC 1970s) passed away following ongoing ill health. Michael is survived by his sisters Mary Jane Hayes and Katrina DeGrandi. John is brother-in-law to Tim DeGrandi (Old Collegian) and uncle to Meg (Yr 9 SHC), Ned (Yr 6 St Roberts PS) and Olivia DeGrandi (Yr 5). Our thoughts and prayers are with you all with your sudden and sad loss.

Mr Paul O’Halloran (SJOC 1937) Rice Village November 2011.

Mr Adrian Dorrity Newtown. Old Collegian.

Mr John Boland (80 years), (SJOC 1949). Brian was an outstanding athlete at St Joseph’s College who later played football with AFL clubs Richmond and Hawthorn. Brian is survived by his wife, Grace, seven children and their extended families.

Our hearts go out to you all as we pray “That God will welcome these faithfully departed into His loving arms. And that precious memories will be of comfort to those left behind, knowing that their love will live on in their hearts forever.”

For further information about legacies and the benefits contact David Formosa - Development Manager, Ph. 5226 8120 or email. davidf@sjc.vic.edu.au

S.J.O.C.A Committee The SJOCA Committee elected at this year’s AGM are as follows President: Peter Madden Vice Presidents: Dr Joe Virgona and John Fitzgerald Treasurer: Sam O’Dwyer Secretary: Tom Bennett General Committee: Roger Hardwick, Greg Thompson, Justin O’Brien, Dean Bushell, Andrew Scaddan, Andrew Conte, Nick Jahnecke, Sam Hopgood and Jane Littore Anyone wishing to make contact with the committee can do so by emailing correspondence to Tom Bennett at: tabennett@optusnet.com.au If you have any interesting news why not drop us a line.

We would love to know what you are up to.

St Joseph’s Old Collegians Association (Est. 1943) Wishes to invite friends and families to the

Annual Remembrance Mass In Memory of Deceased Students, Staff and Benefactors of St Joseph’s College Geelong

2pm, Sunday 11 November in the College Chapel Followed by Afternoon Tea “We have loved them in life, let us not forget them in death.” www.sjc.vic.edu.au

Gala Ball & Ad Alta Awards 2012 Gala Ball On Saturday 18 August, the Annual Gala Ball was held in the Br O S Adams Centre. 240 people attended the evening where they were entertained by local band Madhouse. The night incorporated the announcement and presentation of the Ad Alta Awards. These awards honour people that live the Edmund Rice Spirit.

A beautiful two course dinner was served by the professional team at Truffleduck in a wonderfully transformed venue.

Most people danced the night away whilst others were happy to enjoy each other’s company.

Many thanks to Gala Ball organising committee of Terri Stawyskyj (Parent), Kerstin O’Callaghan (Parent), Tom Bennett (Old Collegian), Nick Jahnecke (Old Collegian) and Sam Hopgood (Old Collegian) for all of their hard work.

Ad Alta Awards Recipients Fr PETER FOLEY

(SJOC 1954)

Peter attended the College from the mid 1940s until 1954, when he was College Captain. He was an exemplary student and a top sportsman.

After training in the Seminary at Werribee he was ordained in St Mary of the Angels Church in Geelong and then appointed to several assistant priest positions in the Melbourne area before becoming a parish priest. He was appointed Parish Priest to St Bernard’s in 1986 and became an outstanding and well known leader in the Catholic community of the Geelong Region. After 25 years, Fr. Peter Foley retired in 2011 from his position as Parish Priest of St Bernard’s.

Peter has had a very close relationship with the staff and students of St Joseph’s.

Mr RUSSELL ZAMPATTI (1963-2011) Old Collegian & Staff Member

Roy Hay author of the book “Boys on Newtown Hill” described Russell as ”the most valuable person ever to set his foot on the soil of St Joseph’s”.

Russell was a student at the College in 1963 – 64.

He was appointed the College Groundsman in 1970. Russell was an inspiration to many people – parents, teachers, students, the Brothers, little league and of course The St Joseph’s Cricket Club. He was honoured with an Australian Sports Medal for outstanding service to Geelong cricket in 2001. Russell spent most of his time helping others whether it was building stage sets at all hours to just driving someone down the street. Nothing was too much for Russell.

Mrs MAUREEN ZAMPATTI OAM (1996-present) Staff Member

Described as multi talented, Maureen joined the staff in 1996 and served in multiple roles including music assistant and editor of Virtus to name a few.

In 2011 she received the Medal Of The Order Of Australia In The General Division (OAM) for service to music as a teacher and to the community of Geelong. Maureen has been a dedicated staff member, a fantastic supporter of the College and an outstanding community oriented citizen of Geelong.

Mr JAMES BARTEL

(SJOC 2001)

Jimmy attended St Joseph’s College, where his talent for sports became evident early. Bartel displayed initial promise as a cricketer, representing the ‘Joeys’ in 1st XI cricket as a 16-year old, and winning the school’s batting awards in both 2000 and 2001. This led to selection in the state under-17 team, before a switch in focus toward football instead saw Bartel selected to play for the Geelong Falcons team in the TAC Cup competition.

Jimmy now plays for the Geelong Cats AFL team where he is an integral player on the field.

His accomplishments include: AFL premiership medallion (2007, 2009, 2011), NAB Cup premiership winner (2006, 2009), Brownlow Medal (2007), All-Australian (2007, 2008), AFL Rising Star Nomination (2002), Norm Smith Medal (2011) and the Geelong VFL Premiership (2002).

Compassion Innovation Integrity

Past Student Profile

Eddie Obeliunas (2004) It’s been over six months since I started volunteering here at Edmund Rice Secondary School in Sinoni Village, Tanzania. The time really has flown and I am enjoying the more simple and laid back Tanzanian way of life…..

General Life

The Edmund Rice School is about 5kms out of Arusha town, it takes about half an hour to get into town by daladala (minibus).

Everything from your liver to your brain gets a good old shake on the way from all the ditches and potholes.

I find the village very peaceful, we are surrounded by subsistence and small commercial farmers and their plots. Everyone says ‘mambo’ and the neighbours look out for you. In town it’s a different story, certainly not as pleasant, but exciting. Street touts are constantly trying to sell you something. White people (Mzungu) are generally pretty rare unless they come and go through Arusha for safaris to the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

I’m glad we live in the village, away from the bustle of town I think we are getting a more authentic experience. We go in to town once or twice a week to do shopping or see a movie, that’s enough. I started my own veggie patch in January and it has delivered many a tasty treat. I also purchased 2 chooks and a rooster early in the year for eggs. Both the garden and the poultry are great.

School Life The School plays a big part in the village community, it is the landmark of the area and we have approximately 1500 students, around 1200 of those are boarding students. There is always something happening. I am teaching form 1 students (Year 7) a unique curriculum known as the ‘Special Program’ which they do for one term in their first year of high school. We have four Year 7 classes, so they do one term each in this program. I have my third group of students now and am trying to learn all their names. They age from 12-22 with around 55 in each class.

The students are fantastic, they are eager to learn and work hard.

When the bell goes for recess it’s not uncommon for me to have to pursuade them to leave the classroom. They want to finish their work. They do anything that is asked and undeniably ‘show up’ the majority of Australian students when it comes to respect. They take pride in their appearance - I am constantly asking kids to put their shoe polish brushes away in class. I think I polished my shoes twice in seven years at St Joey’s, both times when Mr Tobias was at the gate with the shoe polish and towels….

The students are split into teams of 5 or 6 and earn points for prizes each week. The teams are divided evenly, with 1 or 2 very bright students, 2 medium students and 1 or 2 lower level students in each. They truly help each other and it’s amazing to see how much they care about one another. Everyday you can see pens changing hands because everyone is sharing them.

Another thing that made me smile when I first started teaching were the names of the students. So far I’ve taught a Happy, Witness, Godblessus, Glory, Goodluck, Faith, Moses, Job, twins called Eric and Derick, Nickson and Dickson. They are extremely religious people.

In primary school, all classes are taught in Kiswahili. Then in high school, all classes are in English. This is a big jump for many and is why the special program is in place. As we can’t speak Swahili, we have to teach everything in English and it’s good for the students to hear native English speakers constantly for a few months.

Lighting Africa Cause

Many of you have generously donated to my ‘Lighting Africa’ project and I am truly grateful and so are the locals. Due to the electricity situation (or lack of) here, most families rely on kerosene lighting.

Not only are the fumes toxic, but people also spend considerable amounts of money on kerosene so as not to live in darkness. I found some small solar lights, for less than $10 each (Australian made) and have begun to distribute them. Once charged they last for up to eight hours and emit a surprisingly strong LED light. They are smaller, more versatile and create more light than kerosene lamps without the fumes and with nothing more than sunshine required to charge them.

I have over 300 lights still to distribute. The plan is to team up with ‘Food Water Shelter’, an Australian NGO near the school, and give the lights away when they have their HIV-AIDS testing day. The idea being that people in the village will come to get tested if they know they are getting a free solar light. HIV is an enormous problem in Tanzania and I thought that this was a cause worth combining with.

My Personal Experience

In the six months I have been here I think I have changed so much.

I’ve never taught before, so that has been a huge learning curve in itself. Explaining things in different ways and watching the students grow and grasp concepts is very rewarding. It’s also very challenging teaching some kids who barely speak a word of English. Not knowing anyone before arriving has also opened me up a lot to meeting new people and trying new things.

The people here have next to nothing but always seem to be smiling their big smiles. While we are in the village, we are hardly living as the locals know it. We have electricity (most of the time), running water and four brick walls with an iron roof that is more than most of them in their mud and stick huts, goat and pig out the front.

I think education is a huge part of reducing the gap between poor countries and places like Australia and I know now how miniscule a role I am playing in doing this. However, being present in the classroom and passing on to these kids what I know makes me feel that some of them at least will make a future for themselves. I think what I have taught them is far less than what they have taught me.

When I was young I was one of the fussiest eaters. Grandma used to cook me one meal and my sister another. My children certainly won’t be given that option. It’s an old and common saying to get kids to eat their veggies, but such a true one: ‘some people in the world don’t even have food and you won’t eat what’s given to you.’

We really don’t know how lucky we are at home.

Regards from Tanzania, I hope you’re all well.

Eddie

www.sjc.vic.edu.au

Where are they now?

RICHARD SCHMEISZL (1961)

Dr JAMIE MAPLESON (2001)

I finished at St Joey’s in 2001. I then studied medicine at Melbourne Uni over the next seven years before graduating in 2008. During this time I spent a year in Darwin doing research in the health of Aboriginal people in a large remote community compared to those living in remote homelands. My final 2 ½ years of study were in rural Victoria in Shepparton, Wangaratta and Ballarat.

In 2007 I had a year off study to travel the world, spending 2 months working as a volunteer in a refugee camp in Ghana before travelling further through West Africa, the Middle East and South America. Highlights from this year included meeting so many wonderful people around the world and seeing so many incredible places.

I worked as an intern in Bendigo in 2009 before returning to Darwin in 2010 initially working at Royal Darwin Hospital.

After commencing Masters studies in Health and International Development through Flinders Uni, I have now moved into Aboriginal community development, working with Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS) since late 2010.

With ARDS I am now working closely with the Yolngu Aboriginal people of northeast Arnhem Land to deliver health education in a dialogue based format in the language of the people (Yolngu matha). This is done both face to face in small groups with adults and elders, as well as broadcasting education programs through Yolngu Radio (ARDS community development radio station which is broadcast throughout northeast Arnhem Land). ARDS does community education on several topics including health, law and economics. This education identifies existing Yolngu knowledge, knowledge gaps, misunderstandings and questions around a topic and then builds new information onto the existing knowledge base. This is challenging but important and rewarding work which is important in reducing the inequality between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians. I have learnt much in this short time about Yolngu language, culture and worldview.

I am otherwise enjoying life in the top end of the country exploring the amazing environment and enjoying the lovely tropical climate and relaxed lifestyle.

Dr Jamie Mapleson Compassion Innovation Integrity

Richard Schmeiszl attended St Joseph’s College, as a boarder, in 1960-61. He recalls having a superb English teacher, in Br. Joe O’Keane, who was also school principal. Richard gained honours in English Literature in Year 12 (Matriculation in the old format).

He is greatly indebted to the school for that opportunity. On the advice of several teachers, Richard aimed for a journalism career.

That began with a cadetship at the old Melbourne Sun, now the Herald Sun. It eventually led to over 46 years in a satisfying career, working around the world. There were many interviews with celebrities, including the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and a host of other artists while an entertainment journalist. Publications involved TV Week, Go-Set, Scene, Everybody’s, the Sunday Observer, the Sydney Mirror, and London’s Sunday Mirror.

Richard had several world exclusives, led by an interview with a famed Bradman-era cricketer, who had become a derelict.

The story was also published in England. Father John Brosnan, known for a vigorous campaign to save Ronald Ryan from the gallows, spoke for the first time publicly about that drama, to Richard at the Catholic Advocate. That report was bought by The Age, which described it as “chilling”. Richard’s most vivid memory, however, is a scoop interview with Mother Teresa, at her order’s Fitzroy centre. It concluded by praying aloud with the Nobel Prizewinner, in the complex’s small chapel. The two knelt alone, in the aisle, reciting most of the best-known prayers. That was a “moment to savour”. The story was judged to be the best feature that year, in a religious newspaper.

Richard won 21 journalism awards, led by the coveted Walkley and Quill, believed to be a national record. He was also a Quill runner-up, on three occasions. Not bad for a student of this school who was warned about his future, by Br Rahill, after whom the library is named. The great man feared that Richard would become a “car thief”. There were many other interviews, memorable for varied reasons. Perhaps the most pertinent was writing Graham Kennedy’s life story, which ran for five weeks in Scene, then in other News Ltd publications in all states. Sadly, Richard recalls Kennedy, then Australia’s TV king, as troubled, vindictive and paranoid.

Richard retired from work late last year, although he is considering several offers, and a chance to write a book on his career, and senior school days. His time at St. Joseph’s was often colourful.

Richard now leads a quiet life in San Remo, near Phillip Island, with his wife Jane. The couple, who met through journalism in Melbourne, have two adult children. There is also time for golf at Cowes, holidays at Lorne, and following the mighty Cats. A visit to his old school is also mandatory, whenever Richard is in Geelong.

Where are they now?

A CHANCE SJC REUNION

On a CFA recruit course in 2011, three ex-Joey’s boys (from three different decades)met for the first time, Marcus McDowell (1989), Joe Lambert (1996) and Brett Gladki (2004). We decided that we should notify the Past Students’ Association “Where are they now?”, and inform them of our status, and new found friendship.

MICHAEL CROWE (1972)

As a bit of post St Joe’s history...

I went on to Monash & completed a BSc in Physiology & Pharmacology (taking into account a very social year, that only through the kindness of the authorities, I completed in 4 years rather than 3...)

Afterwards, I returned to Canada and spent a couple of years in Immunochemistry research, got married and moved to the UK. I decided to get out of Science & became a Civil Servant for 7 years, but finally went back to school and got an MBA. I then got out of the Civil Service and worked for a variety of international firms as a HR Director - Aon, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Johnson & Johnson but I eventually set up my own business working with financially distressed businesses with a lot of people issues.

I live a comfortable life in a small village outside of London, near Windsor and travel quite a bit through Europe. Over the past 20 years I have made good friends with a number of excellent wine-makers throughout France, so now the car journey starts out empty and inevitably ends up with the suspension close to suffering critical failure.

As you can see from the attached picture, I have turned out quite prosperous....a nice euphemism for fat...and still enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc any chance I can get.

My best wishes to all my survivors from my Year Group (1972).

Regards, Michael

OLIVER THEOBALD (2008)

Former St Joseph’s student, Oliver Theobald, is set to represent Australia at this year’s G20 Youth Summit in Washington D.C. Oliver is currently completing the final year of his degree at RMIT, Bachelor of Arts (International Studies), and was one of six students chosen nation wide to join the Youth G20 delegation.

All six students will fly to Washington in June to participate in a five day youth summit to discuss many of the issues that will soon feature on the discussion tables at the official G20 in Mexico. Each youth delegate will represent their own portfolio and Oliver has been selected as Head of State.

As part of their preparation, Oliver and his fellow delegates were invited to speak to top level policy makers in Canberra and included a meeting with the prime minister.

Oliver’s developed a strong interest in economics, international affairs and Mandarin studies while studying at St Joseph’s. Oliver has also studied in China on three occasions.

At this year’s G20 Youth Summit Oliver hopes to focus the negotiations on strategies to alleviate international youth employment and to implement structures to enhance the voice of young people on international issues.

Oliver’s opportunity to attend this year’s Summit is available due to the generous support of Global Voices.

Established in 2011, Global Voices is a non-profit organisation seeking to promote an understanding of and participation in international diplomacy by young Australians. Global Voices is responsible for selecting and preparing youth delegations to attend international youth summits such as Youth G20 and APEC.

Do You Have a Story to Share?

St Joseph’s College is proud of the acievements of its past students. If you have a story to share as a past student of St Joseph’s then let us know what you have been up to by contacting David Formosa at the College: 52268120 or davidf@sjc.vic.edu.au

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