Ad Alta 2018

VOLUME 31

JUNE/JULY 2018

Ad Alta Virtute The St Joseph’s College Geelong Alumni Magazine MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN UGANDA

Compassion

Innovation

Integrity

A message from the Principal As alumni of St Joseph’s we have all been formed in some way by the education we experienced at the College. To a greater or lesser extent this has influenced who we are and the way we have lived our lives. I have been thinking about this influence, particularly its faith dimension. Late last year I attended a public conversation between former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Vice Chancellor of Australian Catholic University, Greg Craven. Rudd spoke at length about the influence of faith on public policy in Australia.

He pointed out that for the last half-century the importance of “keeping religion out of politics” has been emphasised. Prior to this time this was not the case and it was somehow expected and understood that the decisions and functions of government would in some way, consciously or unconsciously, reflect Judeo Christian religious values. Rudd went on to point out that about 80% of the world’s 7.5 billion people are people of faith and questioned the wisdom of trying to quarantine the government decision-making from the influence of faith.

I suspect that for many of us, the influence of the faith we were exposed to at secondary school on the way we live our lives is more unconscious than conscious, but I think that it is still valuable and recognisable. I hope that this continues to be the case for those students who graduate from the College each year.

When I’m introduced to people as someone working at St Joseph’s, a common response is “gee it’s a big school now”. And of course they are correct, as our enrolment is now approximately 1800 students. This awareness of the size of the school may also be due to the very visible nature of the new Year 8 centre currently under construction along with the development of our Westcourt Campus in Herne Hill.

This year we have not held an Open Day, choosing instead to provide a range of occasions for smaller groups of families to tour the College on normal school days. Many families ask about the size of the College, concerned that their son may become ‘lost’ (metaphorically rather than geographically) in such a big school.

This is an understandable concern as many boys come from primary schools where the total number of students may be less our Year 7 intake of 336.

There are some challenges associated with being a big school. The first and most significant is to make certain that every young man at St Joseph’s is well known and cared for and that he feels part of the College. This has been the experience of generations of our students and we will continue to do all we can to maintain it. In 2019 we will be making some structural changes to ensure this continues. These include implementing administrative structures at our Edmund Rice Campus which effectively create ‘sub-schools’ for Years 7-8 and Years 10-12, each with a Head of School and designated team of teaching staff.

We continue to experience strong demand for places and expect to be unable to offer enrolment to all applicants again in 2019.

While in some ways this is a nice problem to have, it creates additional challenges for College leadership. In this environment it would be easy for us to become selective in our enrolment and offer places only to the very bright, the talented or boys from wealthy families. Of course this would be at odds with our history and tradition as an Edmund Rice school so we are committed to remaining open entry. St Joseph’s has educated the young men of Geelong from all demographic, cultural and aspirational backgrounds since 1935 and this will continue.

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A St Joseph’s education has always been holistic both in the sense that it educates all aspects of the human person and in that it provides opportunities to excel in individual areas of interest. A glance through some of the significant happenings since the last Ad Alta demonstrate how successful we have been. The following is a random and non-exhaustive list of some of these.

An exhibition of the work of our alumni was held in the Mrs Pat Bourke Gallery at the College. It featured the remarkable creative work of artists, photographers, architects and a chef. Tom Doedee and Jack Henry became the latest in a long list of alumni to play senior AFL football. A group of 15 Year 9 boys spent six weeks studying in China as part of the Victorian government “Victorian Young Leaders to China” program and have been in contact with Darcy Moore (SJOC 2010) who is completing his PhD at Peking University in Beijing. Former Supreme Court judge Bernard Bongiorno joined us as guest of honour at our academic awards for our senior boys. In December our annual music showcase produced music of extraordinarily high quality. My only regret is that there is no auditorium available in Geelong to allow the entire school community to be present to enjoy it.

Students have had the opportunity to undertake immersions in the developing world in Timor-Leste and Uganda. They have also had the opportunity to live in indigenous communities at Daly River and Ampilatwatcha. Each student actively engages in community service supporting those in need, the practical expression of the ‘love one another’ exhortation of our Christian faith.

In the day-to-day life of the College, students are challenged to grow emotionally, spiritually, artistically, physically and academically.

Some will excel publicly and be lauded for their achievements.

Most will go about being as good as they can be in the best way that they can be. My hope and prayer is that all those privileged with a St Joseph’s education live out gospel values and pursue and obtain excellence in their own way.

In recent weeks the College launched our Strategic Plan 2018 2022. This document sets out our strategic priorities aligned with the four touchstones of the Edmund Rice Education Australia Charter; Liberating Education, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality, and Inclusive Community along with the additional area of Operational Sustainability.This document commences with an articulation of our vision which reads as follows: “As a Catholic school we aspire to form students hearts and minds to act with integrity and compassion within a learning culture that is engaging, rigorous, inclusive and innovative and within which each student is challenged to achieve excellence”. When you read this as a former student I hope it resonates with you as a contemporary expression of your educational experience at St Joseph’s.

St Joseph’s is not just a school but a community and all past students are an integral part of this community. As always, we look forward to the opportunity to welcome any and all of our alumni back to the College. I hope that you will be able to join us this year, either as part of the formal reunion program or other informal opportunities that may arise. God bless.

Tony Paatsch - College Principal

News from the President After the fervent activity of the first half of the year, it’s important to pause briefly, reflect and assess what the next half will bring and how we can continue to make it great!

We’ve accomplished many fantastic things this year already; the annual golf day was held back in March, the College reunions continue to welcome our Alumni back to SJC and our motivated leadership team has worked hard planning new exciting avenues for you to engage with the College.

The Annual Reunion was held at the College in the Paul Tobias Centre on 2 June. The night is always filled with great memories and laughs from times past. The reunion started with a tour of the College with many past students looking through the development of the school facilities, along with old classrooms from years gone by.

The Remembrance Mass for deceased Old Collegians, Staff and Benefactors was held on Saturday 11 November in the College Chapel. Fr. Peter Foley celebrated the Mass with us. During this Mass the deceased were remembered and afterwards those in attendance enjoyed afternoon tea in the College staffroom. We had a fantastic attendance on the Saturday morning with over 70 former students, staff and families joining us.

We are excited to be hosting a reunion in a different setting this year, with Old Collegians invited to join us on 5 July in Sydney for a casual afternoon get together at PJ Gallaher’s Pub. The location is convenient to the SCG where no doubt some patrons will end up after the reunion to watch the clash between the Sydney Swans and the Geelong Cats - both teams with some new

St Joseph’s Old Collegians amongst their player ranks with Tom McCartin and Matthew Ling being selected in the 2017 AFL draft to play with Sydney - Tom made his debut on 11 May, eyes have also been on Jack Henry who is making headlines as a rising star for his efforts playing with the Cats this year.

As in past years we have donated $20,000 to school bursaries, which assist families in need by providing the opportunity to send their boy to St Joseph’s College.

Thank you to all committee members for their dedicated commitment to the Association and to St Joseph’s College.

At the 2018 AGM the following committee was elected: Justin O’Brien - President Sam Hopgood - Senior Vice President Robert Hennessey - Junior Vice President Sam O’Dwyer - Treasurer Nick Jahnecke - Administrative Officer General Committee Members - Joe Virgona, Rhys Hegyesi, James Dillon, Andy McNeel, Michael Bonjiorno, Liam Jelley, Greg Thompson and Tony Honner.

Best wishes, Justin O’Brien - President

College Foundation St Joseph’s College Foundation aspires to “invest in the future to deliver the best Catholic education for boys in the Geelong region” . The Foundation has been supporting individual students and the College since 1995. The Foundation organises and administers continuing investment raising, fund placement, growth and expenditure programs.

We wish to thank Peter Rudd for his contribution to the St Joseph’s Foundation as Chairperson for the past seven years and at the same time welcome incoming Chairperson of St Joseph’s College Foundation, Paul McNamara.

Paul’s relationship began with the school prior to his family making the change from Melbourne to Jan Juc in 2007. Paul and wife Cathy sought a Catholic education for their boys and St Joseph’s College came highly recommended.

Paul has had one son complete VCE in 2012 and has another currently in Year 11. Paul has had once daughter attended Clonard College and another is also in Year 11 at Sacred Heart College.

After a career as General Manager with a multinational organisation, Paul has recently established his own business and is taking time to contribute more fully to the College through the role of Chairperson of the Foundation.

“Having joined the Foundation committee in 2016 I was immediately taken by the passion for and dedication to supporting the College in its endeavours to provide the best possible Catholic education for the boys of Geelong and surrounding regions.

I feel very privileged to come into the role as Chairperson and wish to carry on the great work of those who have gone before me. The Foundation committee is energised and looking forward to supporting the College Community wherever possible.”

Paul McNamara - Foundation Chair

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Building Works contribute significantly to alleviating the shortage of off street parking around the College.

Construction of the Project Based Learning Centre at the Edmund Rice Campus is now well advanced with structural works nearing completion in readiness for fit out works. The building is due for completion in September 2018 and will provide nine general purpose classrooms, two science classrooms, two music classrooms, staff offices, meeting rooms, an extension to the band room and open areas for collaboration.

Design work is proceeding on an extension to the Performing Arts Centre building at the Edmund Rice Campus. The proposed extension will increase seating capacity from 250 to 360 thus allowing it to accommodate a full year level plus staff. A firm date for construction of this extension is yet to be determined and will depend on availability of funding.

Terry Fowler- Business Manager

It is anticipated that the College will go to tender later this year for the construction of a gymnasium at the Westcourt Campus.

The site of the gym will be in Douglass street where the College currently owns the house property adjoining the campus. The new gymnasium will house a single indoor basketball court, amenities, circuit training room, maintenance workshop, general purpose classroom and store rooms. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed late 2019.

The College has recently completed a new carpark in Queens Road. This off street carpark can house 45 vehicles and will

Wedding Bells Ringing

In The Chapel The College Chapel has served the local parishioners since its establishment in 1903 and St Joseph’s College students since the College was opened in 1935.

The Chapel remains the cornerstone of future Catholic education at St Joseph’s. It seems to be a bit of a local secret that the College allows past SJC students or students who have a family connection to the College to hire the Chapel as a wedding venue.

In the past 12 months the Chapel has been the venue for the following weddings: 11 MARCH 2017 Sean Trevakis (SJOC 2006) married Emma Smith.

21 OCTOBER 2017 Jamie Goddard (SJOC 2010) married Karlie Quick.

25 NOVEMBER 2017 Emmaline Moore (Clonard Alumni) married Reece Shand.

St Joseph’s Old Collegians’ Association

Golf Day Teeing off in

March 2019 3

For further information contact: Mr Kristen Gleeson. Email: kristen.gleeson@sjc.vic.edu.au or phone: 5226 8120.

News from the Archives Late in 2016, renovations on the Heritage Centre on Shannon Avenue were undertaken transforming the Centre both on a cosmetic and conservation level. The original footprint of the building went unchanged; instead works focused on bringing the Old Newtown Library’s facilities up to date. The façade of the Heritage Centre underwent a complete transformation with the original timber windows being replaced with double glazing with College branding being displayed on the canopy, to clearly tie it to the school. Internally the display space has been expanded with the removal of the airlock; the original 1953 kitchen and toilet facilities have been updated, with the new bathroom allowing for wheelchair access.

Further to this, the preservation capabilities of the Heritage Centre were improved, the installation of air-conditioning means that the records, artefacts and ephemera held in the Centre are held in conditions optimal for their preservation. Furthermore, it greatly improved working conditions, previous temperatures in the building fluctuated from 10 degrees in winter to 30 plus in summer.

St Joseph’s College is extremely privileged to have such an outstanding Heritage Centre. Recording and documenting our history is only part of capturing the past. Dates and events record what happened in the past but it is the cultural happenings around these events that shape our heritage and our future. Heritage is the cultural memory attached to those occurrences and the impact those events have on the shaping of a place and a culture.

It is important to actively record history and preserve the artefacts, ephemera and documents. It is through the recording

Morning Tea in the Heritage Centre. L-R: Des Podbury (SJOC 1944), and daughter Fiona, Margaret and Terry Phillips (SJOC 1959) and Anthony Smith (SJOC 1944).

of history and preservation of heritage that we can learn from our past and the impact it has had on our world.

The Heritage Centre is open all day on Thursdays and visitors are always welcome to drop in and look at the displays and ask about relatives who may have attended St Joseph’s. Thanks to a most generous donation by Old Collegian William Smith (deceased), our College Reception now houses two new wonderful Heritage Display Cabinets. Please make sure you check them out on your next visit.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Heritage Centre and myself during 2017, especially Old Collegian Terry Phillips, Kathleen Rawson and Lisa Brown; much is accomplished because of their input.

I would also like to thank everyone who has donated artefacts, documents and photographs and allowed me to make copies of photographs, it is because of your generosity that the Heritage Centre will continue be a custodian of the history and heritage of St Joseph’s.

Susan Belluzzo - Archivist

Thanks to a generous donation by Willliam Smith (SJOC 1945) (dec) there are now two beautiful Heritage display cabinets in the College foyer.

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Uganda Immersion Students Michael Bongiorno, James Dillon, Liam Jelley, Jack Kammerman, Patrick Kelly, Andrew McNeel, Brandon Stokes, Jacob Talbot, Laura Heard, Cleo Bailey and teachers Chris Lynch and Monika Ercoli spent the year meeting weekly to prepare for the 7th St Joseph’s College and Clonard College immersion to Mannya, Uganda in November 2017.

The aim of this experience was to immerse the students in the daily life of the schools and parish community and to maintain our friendships and continue to build relationships.

The group undertook various fundraising initiatives such as a sock drive, chocolate sales and the generosity of community donations helped to resource the schools with sports equipment and reading materials.

There is a vibrancy when you enter Mannya that is like no other place in the world. The welcome is spine tingling and the people are amongst the warmest in the world.The wide smiles are from the kindergarten children and the biggest gathering is on Sunday 6 am mass, with the church packed to overflowing.

Our program for the three weeks involved visiting many Primary schools in outlying areas such as Nabbunga, Kensekka, Busibo and Nsese.

Our days were filled with activities such as seedling propagation, preparing land for cultivation, tree planting, picking coffee beans, playing with and being entertained by the children in the kindergarten, primary and secondary school or learning to play drums and traditional dance. The senior students invited us for a dorm stay and a day stay with local families. We spent time in the health centre gaining a fuller understanding of the challenges

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that the community faces such as HIV and malaria. We planted coffee seeds in the school garden, helped wash down walls of the school, cooked together and played games. We taught the senior students about cyber safety and they taught us weaving and straw broom making skills.

We played a friendly Aussie rules football game with 100 students against our 12! We also challenged the debating, soccer and basketball teams. Formal occasions such as speech days, concerts and graduations were features of our stay. Our visit concluded with a visit to the Queen Elizabeth National Park on safari and a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel from Lake George to Lake Edward.

Without a doubt, staying in an African community such as Mannya is one of the most challenging and memorable experiences. Each visit continues to bring hope. We the visitors leave with the experience having changed our lives forever.

Monika Ercoli - St Joseph’s Staff Member

Alumni Art Exhibition The 2018 Alumni Arts Exhibition featured the creative talents of Brandon Aranyosi, Tom Arnel, Heath Kean, Liam Monagle, Luke Rush, Steve Salo and William Smith (deceased).

The exhibition inspired students from Years 7 to 12 and featured works of photography, communication design, food technology, drawing, painting and architecture.

Inspiring future artists at the Alumni Art Expo Heath Kean, Leanne Adams, Luke Rush & Simon Cahir

Exhibitors and guests enjoyed the opening night event held on 16 February. Heath Kean spoke at the gathering, sharing his extraordinary experiences and giving insight into the changing face of architecture today.

Special thanks to our gifted exhibitors. If you know of, or are an alumni that would be interested in exhibiting your work in the future, please feel free to leave your contact details with Julie Cole email: julie.cole@sjc.vic.edu.au or phone: 5226 8149.

Leanne Adams - Curriculum Area Leader & Arts Teacher

Past Staff Reunion It was lovely to welcome back past staff members for our reunion held on Saturday 14 April. Guests were warmly greeted by our College Captain Jurrin Romanis and Student Leader Sam Arnold before making their way to the Chapel for a liturgy. They then gathered in the staffroom where many wonderful stories were shared and friendships renewed. Our student leaders proudly toured our guests around the College, highlighting many of the improvements that have taken place over the past few years.

It is not just past students that can have a reunion! Some familiar faces returned to St Joseph’s for the Past Staff Reunion.

We were also very fortunate to have past Principals Peter Cannon and Paul Tobias and current Principal Tony Paatsch in attendance along with both past Principal’s Personal Assistants, Lorraine McDonald and Maureen Bryant.

We will be holding another event in Term 4 and would look forward to seeing you there.

Old Boys Morning Tea Friday 31 August 2018 A special invitation to past students who graduated prior to 1978, come and join us for a cuppa and catch up in the Paul Tobias Staffroom, St Joseph’s College Geelong at 10:00am.

RSVP & Information: Julie Cole Ph: 5226 8149 email: Julie.cole@sjc.vic.edu.au

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Celebrating our

Old Collegians On Sunday 25 March the St Joseph’s Old Collegians’ Association held the 2018 Associated Cold Tread Tyres Golf Day at 13th Beach Golf Links in tough windy conditions. Just under 170 players took part in an Ambrose-style team competition. Both courses were once again in pristine condition.

Many thanks to David Bowles and Alex Bowles from Associated Cold Tread Tyres, once again the master sponsor of the event. It was great to see so many players and sponsors come along again and enjoy the day. The Annual Golf Day is a major fundraiser for the SJC Old Collegians’ Association 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 $16,000 on the day.

2018 Results: Winners - Creek Course 53.3 - Nick Talarico, Sean Anderson, Aaron Torpy, Will Fitzgerald, James Fitzgerald Runner Up – Creek Course 54.9 - Felice Male, Marty Rowan, Brad Liddicoat, Paul Bourke, John Bantow Winners – Beach Course 53.8 - Winchelsea Trading - Cameron Parke, Steve Cole, Anthony Worland, Brett Castle, Wade Vautier Runner Up – Beach Course 55 - Grant Ryan, Ross Mclachlan, Dean Mottram, Cooper Mottram, Grant Beaumont Nearest the Pin 3 Beach – Cooper Mottram 7 Beach – Cooper Mottram 12 Beach – Tony Seagrave 16 Beach – Nick Walsh 3 Creek – Simon Corcoran 6 Creek – Michael McKinnon 12 Creek – Brad Liddicoat 15 Creek –Tom Morrissy Longest Drive 14 Beach – Tony Seagrave 10 Creek – Felice Male

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Left to right Class of 1949 Jack Crotty, Alan Bruce, Gerard McDonald and Patrick Burke.

These four old collegians are regular guests at our College along with Gerard’s wife Maureen and Jack’s wife Joan. It is it is always wonderful to have them attend our events.

VALEDICTORY DINNER Nick Jahnecke (SJOC 2009) was the special guest at the 2017 Valedictory Dinner, welcoming over 200 new members of the College’s Old Collegians’ Association as they had their last formal gathering as the Class of 2017 at GMHBA stadium.

MELBOURNE REUNION A great time was had by all who attended our Melbourne Reunion lunch on Friday 16 March. It is always wonderful to see familiar faces and welcome back those who we have not seen for some time. A big thank you to Old Collegian Matt O’Kane for looking after us and hosting the event at The Cooper’s Inn. REMEMBRANCE MASS On Saturday 11 November, we welcomed back many former students, friends and families to the annual Remembrance Mass held in the College Chapel. Over 70 guests attended the mass which was followed by morning tea in the Paul Tobias centre.The Remembrance Mass for 2018 will be held on 10 November.

INTERSTATE REUNION The SJOCA is excited to be holding its first reunion in Sydney on 5 July. It will be wonderful to have an opportunity to catch up with past students who may have moved interstate since leaving St Joseph’s. It may also give some Old Collegians a chance to plan a visit to Sydney where they could combine the reunion with the AFL Swans vs Cats match at the SCG!

2017 College Captain & McNeill Cup Winner

Andy McNeel As a younger student, I looked up to the senior leaders of the school and I definitely admired the way they went about setting the example and this was a big reason behind why I wanted to be a leader. I particularly remember during my younger years that I used to get both anxious and excited when I was around one of the School Captains, which is why I put emphasis on getting around and mingling with the Year 7’s throughout the year of my captaincy.

In Year 11 when the opportunity arose to nominate for School Captain it was a simple decision to put my hand up. I had learnt to appreciate the values of the school, of compassion, integrity and innovation, and of how these applied within the school grounds, and how the College could have an impact as a part of the wider Geelong community. I had learnt that the consistent behaviour of the seniors was modeled by the junior school and they were the future. I really appreciated the fact that if I was to be a Senior Leader, I would have the opportunity to make a difference in the school community that I was proudly and passionately a part of.

I feel that Paul Tobias was one of my strongest inspirations toward leadership. I listened carefully to his speeches, and his manner and wisdom lead the culture of the school. I started to enjoy the messages in speeches listening to him. I read a lot both about leaders in the world and leadership.

Having great respect for the College ethos drove me, and my mates, to seek out the full experience of being a Joey’s boy by Striving for the Highest in all facets of our schooling. As Captain, I was assisted by the rest of the Senior Leadership team to succeed in our shared vision to innovate or improve initiatives that inspired the boys to do their best and to appreciate the school they are a part of.

Keeping it in the family. Andy received the 2017 McNeill Cup and is pictured with his brother David McNeel, College Captain and 2015 McNeill Cup Winner.

One of the initiatives that I helped coordinate during 2017 was the Year 12 Winter Formal, run and organised the four Catholic Colleges of Geelong, and held in the Geelong West Town hall with proceeds going to charity. The other large event that I helped coordinate was the 4th edition of the TRI-UMPH Music Festival which was incredible to be a part of. With many months of planning and dedicated teamwork from all involved, the outcome produced a brilliant result.

Aside from working with Geelong’s other Catholic schools, the Senior leadership team put emphasis on Mental Health as an area we wanted to address and we created the weekly event of ‘Friday Fizzies’ where boys were encouraged to chat about their mental health with mates over a soft drink while also aiming to break the manly stigma of speaking up.

The role of captain was quite heavy at times with plenty of responsibilities being thrust upon me during the year while trying to balance my time for studying, sports and a social life, which could be a struggle to manage. However I feel equally humble and appreciative at being given the role that allowed me to truly immerse myself in the school and to make a positive impact.

I feel the opportunities benefited me greatly as I grew and learnt many important qualities which I know will help me later in life.

Andy McNeel

Bequest The McNeill Society The McNeill Society has been established by the St Joseph’s College Foundation to recognise and honour those who remember the College in their will. Often the College is not able to thank a donor in his or her lifetime and The McNeill Society allows us to express our gratitude in the here and now.

It also allows us to make clear to bequestors just how valuable their gift to the College will be.

Our hope is that it will also encourage others to include a gift to St Joseph’s College in their will.

The McNeill Society – acknowledges the significant role bequests have played and will continue to play in the life of the College. The McNeill Society has been named after John McNeill, (SJC 1935-1937) A foundation student, John McNeill was a pupil at St Joseph’s during the first three years of its existence. One of the original House Captains, he took full part in all school activities, he was possessed of considerable ability as an athlete and was College Athletics Champion in 1935, 1936 and 1937.

John McNeill enlisted in the RAAF in March 1940 and in April 1941 Sergeant / WAG John McNeill (wireless air gunner) set sail from Australia, arriving in Singapore on 11 April, (Good Friday) and was

immediately sent to Kota Bharu the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base of operations in Northern Malaya, he returned to Singapore as the Japanese launched concurrent attacks on Malaysia and Pearl Harbour on 7 & 8 December 1941.

John McNeill was killed in a flying battle over Singapore on January 18th, 1942, age 23, he was the first St Joseph’s boy to be killed in action.

From its beginnings in 1935, bequests and other philanthropic gifts have enabled the College to move forward, and adapt to changing needs by providing students with new facilities, access scholarships, and bursaries. The McNeill Society honours the original men and women who believed in St Joseph’s College from its beginning and acknowledges the significant role bequests have played and will continue to play in the life of the College.

For more information about The McNeill Society, please contact the Bequest Coordinator, Mrs Julie Cole on: T: 61 3 5226 8149 E: bequest@sjc.vic.edu.au

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Top of the Class

College Dux I owe any successes that I had in VCE to the great teachers that taught me throughout my secondary schooling. These people become quite a big part of your life as you see them almost every day during a stage of your life when you are learning about yourself and forming opinions. All my teachers taught me more than just the contents of my subjects but also important things about achieving a life balance and enjoying extracurricular activities. I believe that its integral that students recognise how much teachers do for them and appreciate the importance of their roles, as they are raising the next generation of young men.

At St Joseph’s I also learnt the importance of mateship. I formed many friendships which I am sure will last a lifetime. Some of my best memories at the College include going on the City2surf in Sydney with mates from the cross country team, playing Uno on the bus whilst travelling to central Australia and our Year 12 Celebration Day final assembly. Each of these memories involved my beloved friends from various year levels and are simple moments in my life when all that mattered to me was that I was having fun with my mates, hence I will cherish them forever.

I think that one can learn more from their failures than their successes, so here is a little life story to exemplify this point.

I used to be quite a keen runner in my junior years at the College, often waking up at 6am to walk in the dark to cross country training whilst running every other day too. I would eat a strict healthy diet and do strength training as well. I was so motivated with the goal of qualifying for and running at nationals. But over time, after disheartening results and slow progress I began to cut

my runs short, skip training and almost give up altogether. These days the only run I do is a maccas run. Now I haven’t just brought this up to ramble about my mediocre running performances in Year 7 and 8, but to express that, as Yoda said in the movie the Last Jedi “the greatest teacher, failure is.�

From a young age, I often thought about what I would like to do when I become older. I wanted a profession which would be challenging, interesting and would enable me to give back to the community. Because of this, since year 7 I have had the dream of studying medicine at University in the hopes of one day going overseas for “Doctors Without Borders�. As medicine is a challenging course with high entry standards, I knew that I would need to commit to my VCE studies as much as possible. Every time I was about to skip an important study session or spend an extra hour watching videos on Youtube instead of finishing my homework, I would think about how I gave up my dream of running at nationals. And I said to myself that I wouldn’t let it happen again. Along with the burning desire to do what I love, the memory of failure is what motivated me last year and will continue to motivate me for the rest of my life.

So when you find a dream you want to live whether it be academically, sportingly, musically, artistically, socially or in any other area, grab each opportunity to become better with both hands. Use whatever you can to find the motivation to be your best and even if you don’t succeed, use your failure as fuel to try again because eventually you will achieve your goals.

Maintain a balance between parties, hanging out with your mates, exercising, studying and extra curricular activities to maximise your wellbeing and make the most of your time at Joey’s. Enjoy the privilege of attending this wonderful school, everyone here wants to see you achieve your dreams, whatever they may be.

Michael Bongiorno - 2017 College Dux

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The Honourable

Bernard Bongiorno QC, AO This is a tale of one city and two formative influences. The city is Geelong and the influences are my Italian grandparents and the Christian Brothers.

I am 75. I was born on 1 January 1943 to Joe and Mollie (née Fogarty) Bongiorno. My father ran a service station in South Geelong and we lived in Belmont.Time has blurred my memories of kindergarten at St Stephen’s Church of England in Belmont and my early primary school years at St Bernard’s, taught by the Sisters of Mercy. Of the former, I recall the gentle Vicar, the Rev Vizard, pardoning me and a partner in crime when we were sent to apologise for breaking a branch off a tree in the churchyard.

Far from exacting a penalty, his wife gave us biscuits!

Of St Bernard’s, I recall the deep disappointment of one of the sisters when Grey Boots failed to win the 1951 Melbourne Cup, and the occasion on which I overheard another sister saying to my father: “This boy needs the Christian Brothers.” I had no idea what that meant. I was soon to find out.

In 1952 I transferred to St Mary’s Christian Brothers school in Little Myers Street, where I was taught by a succession of brothers, all of them fine men, even if, occasionally, a little enthusiastic with the strap. But that was the prevailing ethos. Attending St Mary’s meant two daily tram rides where a schoolboy could “assist” the conductor by “changing the points”, if such was necessary, or even unnecessary! It also meant daily lunch at my Italian grandparents’ (Antonino and Isabella (née Sangiolo) Bongiorno) home at 68 Myers Street.

Both my grandparents came from Malfa, a small village on the island of Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands, now an hour by hydrofoil from the north coast of Sicily. My grandfather migrated to Australia, with his three older brothers, in 1896, when he was 16. He returned to Italy some time later to undertake compulsory military service, and married my grandmother. Remarkably, two of her sisters married two of his three brothers. My grandparents had five children, of whom my father was the eldest.

My grandfather, whom I loved dearly, had no schooling whatsoever.

He was illiterate in both English and Italian. I have vivid memories of reading the Geelong Advertiser to him, and writing cheques for him, during those lunches on school days. He regarded education as of primary importance and encouraged his grandchildren to pursue our studies. Seldom did I leave his home without the injunction: “Make sure you do your homework, Bernardo”.

Despite his lack of education my grandfather successfully ran a large milk bar and fruit shop in Ryrie Street. When I was in secondary school I often helped in the shop and, over 60 years later, I am still flooded with emotion when I remember how he would introduce me to customers and say, in his inimitably accented English: “This is my grandson. One day he will go to the University”.

My grandmother was a diabetic and could only pick at the luscious food she cooked for us. She died in 1953 at the age of 64. My grandfather died almost exactly 6 years later, aged 77.

Less than two years later, I enrolled at Melbourne University as foreshadowed by him, which led to a career in the law, as a solicitor, barrister, Queen’s Counsel, Director of Public Prosecutions for Victoria and, eventually, as a judge of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Inspiring words Bernard Bongiorno was the special guest at this year’s Senior Awards Ceremony.

Our family were very close to our grandparents. Frequent visitors, we were the recipients of wonderful food cooked by Nonna and innumerable stories about the “old country” where, although naturalised Australians since the 1920s, they both still lived in their hearts.

Knowledge of my grandparents’ life in Italy and subsequent emigration was imparted to their grandchildren in countless stories, countlessly repeated, but not always totally congruent.

Nevertheless, such of them as I remember, are precious; they form some of the structure upon which my Italian side, such as it is, rests. There were stories of drowned fishermen and dogs which could sense an earthquake hours before it struck, of feasts and feuds, and of the phylloxera epidemic which destroyed Salina’s vineyards and, with them, the livelihood of its people, sending young men and women, like my grandparents, to seek a better life on the other side of the world. One of the few regrets I have is never asking the questions I now wish I had asked, about Salina, the lives of my grandparents and their grandparents who lived on that small island in the Mediterranean.

In 1954 I commenced my secondary education at SJC. From the beginning I enjoyed being there. Although I was almost totally incompetent at sport, except perhaps for tennis, there were more than enough extra-curricular activities to keep a curious teenage boy interested. For me, those activities included Cadets (to which my friends credit my practical - but strictly amateur skills with electric wiring and circuits), debating and the Sunday evening Literary Society meetings conducted by Brother P A Rahill, where the internecine politics of the day usually took precedence over Shakespeare and, for that matter, almost anything else.

At SJC I was taught by a succession of Christian Brothers, to each of whom I owe a great deal. On reflection now, I realise their enormous work-load. From the beginning of the school day to its end they taught a wide range of subjects, usually without interruption except for lunch, and even that was hurried.

Preparation for in-class teaching and correction of our inkstained efforts were undertaken in a brother’s “own time” after school, and often after he had coached a sporting team, attended to the needs of boarders, and undertaken his religious duties.

Brothers and students learnt each other’s foibles and often fell into well-rehearsed routines. One brother, I recall, could be distracted by asking him to tell us about his war-time experiences; another could throw a duster - with unerring accuracy - to clip the ear of a dozing boy. An “eh?” Instead of a polite query would elicit :”Don’t say “eh”, son, “say “what”, it sounds just as ignorant”.

But they soldiered on, building on our strengths, finding ways around our weaknesses, committed to their vocation as teachers, and providing us with a strong foundation on which to build our future lives.

Thank you, SJC.

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Australia Day Honours

John Mildren

OAM SJOC 1950

Article by The Miner Newspaper - Ballarat

Service to the Parliament of Australia and the community of Ballarat has earned John Mildren a Medal (OAM) of the order of Australia in the general division.

Mr Mildren’s service is varied and includes volunteering for organisations that he is still very passionate about.

Service includes: Member for Ballarat, Deputy Chair of Committees, Chair of Caucus; Member, Victorian Consumer Advisory Committee, Alzheimer’s Australia and current member; Former President, Past Vice-President and current Committee Member Ballarat Branch, Cornish Association of Australia; Ballarat Delegate to the Council and former Board Member, Pennyweight Park Services for the Disabled, Spastic Society of Victoria; Past Chairman, Pinarc Disability Support Services – Ballarat and Life Member; Past Head of the Department of School and Community Studies, Ballarat College of Advanced Education.

“I don’t know how many people I have put through this, for decades I have been sponsoring people (Honours List) and I have no idea who set me up on this one,” he said.

Touching briefly on his time in politics Mr Mildren admitted that it had been very hard work but ‘terribly interesting’.

“I had been interested in politics since I was 7, I met my first Prime Minister before I’d turned 8,” he said.

“Being in a regional, country electorate, it was very personal and I wouldn’t have wanted a safe Melbourne seat and this was much better for a person like me who really wasn’t involved in the machinations of the party.”

His involvement with Alzheimer’s Australia was very personal after his wife Denise was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

“We know that any of those dementias are terminal,” Mr Mildren said.

“I like to do things for people, I like to feel useful rather than just receiving and had a talk with my counselor from Alzheimer’s Australia, a wonderful man, who said they were starting up a consumer reference group and would I like to be in it.”

Mr Mildren’s involvement with Pennyweight Park began in 1971.

“We had a disabled child, she had spina bifida and other things – a beautiful kid, wonderful kid, just a delightful person and she died when she was 10 years and 11 months, but there was nothing here in Ballarat for people who had gross physical problems,” he said.

“We had McCallum House, which was very good but that was primarily for people on the other end of the spectrum.”

In July of 1971, Mr Mildren was part of a newly formed committee set up to help people with physical disabilities.

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“It took us quite a long while to raise the funds and in those days the government would give you one for one and with chook raffles you really can’t get very far,” he explained.

“Fortunately Channel 6 was very good ,we had two telethons and had some wonderful people, really good people, and with assistance from some other parents eventually in 1975 we opened Pennyweight Park with about six clients, including our daughter Bridget, within 12 months we had something like 126 and a waiting list.

“It’s all been the result of very hard work and dedication and some very wonderful people who were just ordinary people, ordinary in one sense, but who had great determination to change circumstances facing their children.”

Mr Mildren is also proud of the achievements of Pinarc Disability Support and his involvement with that organisation.

“I have discovered is that there are huge numbers of people in the community who are doing wonderful things without expecting public recognition and many of them have done far more than I have done and I don’t actually know how to get gongs for them,” he said.

From Small Steps To Making A Big Difference Nigel Austin

SJOC 1988

Earlier this year, Principal Mr Tony Paatsch along with College Fundraising & Alumni Coordinator Mrs Julie Cole spent a morning in conversation with past student and Cotton On Group Founder Mr Nigel Austin. Not only were they thrilled to have an opportunity to hear some of Nigel’s story, they were hopeful that future St Joseph’s students may also find inspiration and follow a similar path in achieving their goals and making a difference to those less fortunate.

Following our conversation with Nigel, we came away with the resounding impression that this is a man whose entrepreneurial journey is far from complete. From the beginning selling clothing merchandise from a small space behind his grandfather’s butcher shop in 1991, to today where Cotton On brand is a household name not only locally, but internationally. A man of integrity who avoids the limelight, Nigel maintains a strong sense of social justice and compassion for others. He was first able to act on this sense of social responsibility through participating in various programs and fundraising activities during his time at St Joseph’s College. He fondly recalls he and his classmates selling fruit tingle lollies at recess and lunchtime to raise money for social causes and taking butterscotch sweets to the residents at the nearby nursing home. Both the influence of his family and his time at St Joseph’s inspired him to look outside his own life at those most in need.

It may seem a large leap to go from building a clothing business in Geelong, to making a difference by building infrastructure in small communities in Uganda, Africa. Even the idea of visiting Uganda had not crossed the mind of Nigel until he was approached by Fr Peter Foley from St Bernard’s Parish Geelong, after the passing of his father Grant. Fr Foley spoke passionately of the work his late father had been undertaking in raising money for rural African communities in partnership with the Parish. Fr Foley asked Nigel if he would be interested in continuing the vital work his father had been a part of.

Curious to find out more, Nigel felt compelled to visit these communities and see firsthand the poverty, living conditions and difficulties that these communities faced. He quickly realised that Cotton On had the opportunity to positively impact and make a difference to families struggling in their daily lives. A conversation with fellow St Joseph’s Old Collegian Stuart Higgins saw the two of them embarking on another visit to Uganda to see how they could set about making a change. The result was the formation of the Cotton On Foundation whose goals are to improve education, health, sustainability and build infrastructure in these communities.

Nigel with his son Jett on his latest trip to Uganda from small beginnings and not lose sight of its core values. Our conversation with Nigel regularly returned to the importance of values in the success of any undertaking, and the importance of having people who share these values working with you. As the company has grown, it has continued to lead the way in the areas of social justice, with sustainable and ethical practices part of their day to day operations.

With the young men of St Joseph’s being encouraged to “Strive for the Highest”, we asked Nigel what advice he would give these boys as they complete their education.We were not disappointed with his reply.

“You have the ability to take action in life, not just be an observer.

You can make a positive difference.

Don’t be afraid to make a decision, to find a solution.

Remember a sense of adventure comes though confidence and a very small step can make a big difference.”

Cotton On Group Uganda Country Manager, Darren Sawyer (left) with Cotton On Foundation General Manager, Tim Diamond (SJOC 1998).

Early on Nigel realised that the only way to make things happen and to build upon an idea was to surround himself with likeminded people. People that were honest, acted with integrity, had resilience and strong values. The very values St Joseph’s encourages its young men to undertake, following them even as they develop to young adults. We were thrilled to see such a large number of past St Joseph’s students currently working within Cotton On Group and would like to think it may be some of these values which have given them the opportunity to be a part of something bigger, in making a difference and inspiring future generations to make a change.

Cotton On Group has demonstrated that big business can come

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Where are they now?

Damien Giurco College Captain, McNeill Cup winner and College Dux. Damien’s father Flavio was also College Captain, McNeill Cup Winner and Dux in 1969.

I attended St Joseph’s from 1983–1992. While the ten years ahead of me when I began in Year 3 seemed like a lifetime, looking back after more than twenty-five years since finishing brings to mind the encouragement to ‘fill carefully the pages of your youth, for they are quickly turned’.

An early memory is of Br Howe as Principal, seeking out new students in the playground to learn everyones name. He recognised our gifts and talents as unique; that as a school community we would by strengthened by making the effort to know each others names and stories. I remember the kindness of our chaplain Fr Prowse (now Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn) affirming a classmate who wasn’t a great speller and felt down about his latest test result, by saying, “don’t worry, spelling can be tricky, you have other talents”.

Yet in writing this article and turning my mind to both the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and to how at times we treated each other as students, it makes me reflect that in my time at SJC and since, there are also painful stories which are unheard.

Going back further in time, both painful and proud histories for Wathaurong people living on Newtown Hill thousands of years ago were also little heard whilst we were busy studying the pharaohs and pyramids of Egypt.

Yet we did learn stories of the poor from across the globe.

We raised money to build a new school in Arusha, Tanzania that continues to thrive today. We understood that expanding educational opportunities for the poor, in the spirit of Edmund Rice, could be transformational and that we should use our talents wisely in the world.... ...beginning with awakening our chess skills in Mr Hurley’s Year 4 class.

There was always plenty of chess in class or even over lunch.

It was twinned with lively discussions amongst ourselves as to whether the bottles of vinegar which accompanied Mr Hurley’s lunch were really filled with vinegar or maybe apple juice...and hoping, if we were well-behaved, that our requests would be granted for Sir to stand on his head with yoga-like dexterity on top of his chair.

SJOC 1992

In later years, Mr Wragg got people to love maths, as did Miss Lee for English and Mr Exton demonstrated that striving for excellence starts with the expectation that people will be their best selves.

Life advice came inYear 12 from Mr Merlino:‘study hard if you want a good job’ and indeed his engaging chemistry classes led me to study chemical engineering and science at Melbourne University.

After briefly working as an engineer in Altona, I began PhD studies at Sydney University. There my research apprenticeship investigated how the environmental impacts of copper mining and use could be minimised, by increasing recycling and through using renewable energy.

The PhD journey can be fun, lonely and long. Half way through I took a break and was lucky enough to join an entrepreneurship course at the MIB Trieste School of Management, Italy together with other descendants of families who had emigrated from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region to Australia after the Second World War. I now work as Professor of Resource Futures at the University of Technology Sydney, collaborating with government and industry to develop strategies that foster sustainable consumption and production.

Our planet’s ecological crisis is acute, arising from the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and profligate resource use.

By 2050 it’s projected that there will be as much waste plastic in our oceans as fish. New technologies may help us address these challenges, but not by themselves. Today’s St Joseph’s College students can use their talents to support a wiser culture – for individuals and society – which restores our environment, reduces global inequality and builds peace; at the same time as navigating new ethical questions arising from the advent of robots that might know more than we do.

When I began at St Joseph’s, the translation of our motto Ad Alta Virtute was a somewhat clunky ‘to strive for the highest, in a manly way’. Whilst I trust we would now think differently about what it means for students to be men of virtue and indeed about the virtue of inclusivity with respect to young men, gender and identity – I found present in my time at SJC an ambition to strive and set sights high, knowing that life is short and to be treasured.

This was brought home sharply when our classmate and ViceCaptain Adam Bryant was killed in a car accident the year after we finished Year 12. Words read at his funeral continue to capture the spirit of our purpose “like Adam, may we always have the courage to stand up for our beliefs and those around us”.

St Joseph’s Old Collegians’ Association

Boarder’s Reunion Friday 12 October 2018

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Past St Joseph’s Boarding Students are invited to Join us for our Boarder’s Reunion. There will be a tour of the College at 11am to be followed by lunch in the Paul Tobias Staffroom at 12 noon.

RSVP & Information: Julie Cole Ph: 5226 8149 email: Julie.cole@sjc.vic.edu.au

The Business of Adventure

Matt Natonewski SJOC 1995 Not for the first time in my life, I slowly look up at the sky and around at my surrounds, pausing to smile and savor the moment.

This time I am on a roadside surrounded by beautiful Tasmanian wilderness. Other times it is the deserts of Rajasthan, Himalayan mountains or the jungles of southern Asia. Stunning and ancient tree ferns line the roads side and the air is filled with the aromas of pristine rainforest.

However, the scene is not as serene as it should be. I have an injured client, a smashed motorcycle lays in a ditch and two cars litter the road in various states of destruction. One of these cars is my new Volkswagen support vehicle.

My autopilot setting kicks in and I calmly assess the scene. I have been in similar situations enough times over my life to know that any form of stress or uncertainty is the enemy. My job is to remain calm and take control of the situation. Today I play “sweep” travelling at the rear of the group of motorcyclists “sweeping” up breakdowns, accidents and emergencies. I ensure the area is safe and remove people from the road so nobody else can get hit by traffic.

No serious injuries only smashed glass, burst rubber, bent steel and bruised egos. All easily repaired.

The group of bikers is away and enjoying the day again. The cars are being towed and we all move on. I am surprised at my own efficiency and lack of emotion and anxiousness, perhaps due to a lifetime of adventure. I feel my entire life experience has lead me here to this time and place. I feel this is my life’s work, it feels so natural and comfortable.

I am here in these very special untouched landscapes often, this is my office and just one of the many isolated and untouched places I am so lucky to work. So many are trapped inside steel towers doing work that only serves to pay the bills. Travelling hours inside comfortable steel cages to get to these prisons in order to fund a life of comfort, security and pleasure. This was not my path.

I am eternally grateful and in awe at my life. I wonder how this came to be, perhaps it may be interesting to take a look into my dark past and see if there are any treasure hidden. Besides I just turned 40 and my own son is about to undergo his own path of discovery and into the school yard jungle of my old stomping ground St Joey’s.

Let’s step back to 1990 and my first year of high school. My year 7 teacher was Simon Jovic, still a young man himself but a kind and caring teacher who really helped my transition to secondary school. At the time I was 12 years old and still very much a child but quickly developing. Lacking in confidence, quiet and shy I made a few close friends and mainly kept to myself. I distinctly remember being in awe of the history of the school grounds. I had heard so many stories from my own father’s days at St Joey’s that it had felt like I had stepped back into a 1960’s movie set, I loved the atmosphere.

Already I had what would probably be described as an unhealthy obsession with motorcycles. Especially bikes with a retro or vintage styling, not dissimilar to those I specialise in today.

Going into year 8, 9 and 10 and all the changes that go along

with that I certainly became a “challenge” to the school.

My parents had separated and I had discovered some of the more distracting things that our society and species has to offer and education became something that I was forced to endure. To all of my teacher’s credit and a few of my good school mates at the time I managed to not only survive but complete my VCE…just. Hindsight being a wonderful thing, I would offer here that the students that did particularly well at the time seem to have at least some sort of a plan or vision for their future. I did not, so was like a ship without a rudder for most of my senior schooling. It was fun for the most part however.

After finishing school having participated in Army Cadets for most of my high schooling, the armed forces seemed the logical next step. I applied for Duntroon officer training and was rejected so I applied for general entry infantry and was told I was not ready yet and should apply the following year. Having a bad attitude toward authority, still somewhat of a problem of mine, did not help so I took a full time job at McDonald’s. I had been working at McDonald’s Belmont since I was 14 so I knew the systems well and it wasn’t long before I was made a manager. Straight out of school I found myself in a position of authority. Needless to say this didn’t last long. I learnt an incredible amount during my time at McDonald’s many skills I still use now to run my own business.

I had somewhat of a meltdown and midlife crisis in about 1997/98.

I was 20 years old working too hard, had a steady girlfriend and had recently purchased my first home in the Otways near Airey’s Inlet. “This is it?” I thought often as I made my 50-minute commute into Geelong. All of the Arnold Schwarzenegger movies and Wilbur Smith books I had watched and read as a kid must have ruined me. I could not settle. I quit my job, sold my dream home, left my girlfriend and purchased a one-way ticket to Johannesburg.

That was a major turning point for me. I have been travelling the world ever since. Often surfing and riding motorcycles. Not in any particular order I have lived, worked and started businesses in Africa, managed to get a degree in Environmental Science and work in Helsinki as a marine researcher. I have worked as a firefighter and for the Environment Protection Authority and on some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects. I played guitar in a rock band for a while, broke my neck, drove a rickshaw across the breadth and width of India, got married and had two children, appeared on a national TV show Shark Tank and started a school for poor kids in India.

Six years ago I started a company called Nevermind Adventure so that I could share my adventures with people and help as many people get out and see the real world as I could. The phenomenal success of the business has been completely unexpected and as much of a surprise to me as anyone else.

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Phillip Chappell

SJOC 1978

Channel Swimmer Article by Phillip’s wife Chris MacKinnon secured. Phillip knew the preparation, dedication and training required to achieve his intention. For the next 18 months, Phillip balanced his commitments to Chris, their daughter, Georgina, and his career, while tirelessly pursuing his ambition.

On the way to the Channel Phillip (left) and Peter Reaburn after the Burleigh Surfers 10km swim Phillip has always been a keen swimmer. During his time at St Joseph’s College he represented SJC at interschool level and competed for his club at district and country championships.

He was club captain for around four years in the late 70’s and was made a life member in the early 80’s. Moving on to Deakin University, he formed the inaugural Deakin University Swimming Club and, as president, oversaw the running of intra-university and club meets.

After completing his Commerce degree, Phillip began competing in longer distance swims auspiced by the embryonic Aussie Masters swimming initiative. By the mid 1980’s, Australian open water swimming was gaining a firm following. Phillip found that the endurance required to compete in greater distances played to his strengths, allowing him to overcome rivals with greater raw speed.

By the late 80’s Phillip was travelling to most Australian capital cities for work and competing wherever possible. In 1992, Phillip and his wife, Chris, whom he met through their shared love of swimming, headed to South Africa for a work opportunity, where open water swimming was firmly established and gaining popularity.

Here Phillip enjoyed the mass participation event, the Midmar Mile attracting over 18,000 swimmers, and established a new swim at Sun City. Phillip also formed a training group for others who wanted open water specific training. At this time, many were looking for a greater challenge. Enter the Robbin Island Swim, 7.5 km from shore. (If only Nelson Mandela had thought of that!) The water ranges from 11-15 cosy degrees and the area is a feeding ground for great white sharks. What’s not to love? In December, 2009, after twice completing the official swim, Phillip and three friends decided to attempt a return crossing to raise funds for charity. In the week of the swim, a cold current reduced the water temperature to ten degrees. Two of Phillip’s friends were forced to withdraw due to hypothermia whilst his third friend completed it with his wetsuit. Phillip managed to power on to set a record for the 15km assault - without a wetsuit.

Returning to Australia, Phillip was a competitive participant in the longer distance swims in Queensland waters. Once more, Phillip was on the lookout for a greater challenge. He now knew he could handle the psychological barrier posed by prolonged exposure to cold water and was beginning think that the most iconic of all open water solo swims, the English Channel, could become his next goal.

In January 2016, a place was booked with the Channel Swimming Association and a pilot, boat and seconder

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There were a number of criteria to be fulfilled to be eligible to enter the swim. Firstly, completion of a long event (in Phillip’s case, the Rottnest Island 20 km Channel Swim), was required. Then a trip to Melbourne in April, 2017 for something Queensland can’t provide - really cold water for a six hour endurance swim, a mandatory requirement. Phillip’s confidence in realising his goal increased when he achieved his target of 8 hours in extremely rough conditions.

Phillip flew to England and finalised plans for the Channel crossing with his crew. At 2:00am, on August 14 2017 they departed Folkestone Harbour. Last minute preparations (applying grease on the body, attaching glow sticks to togs and a flashing light on the goggle strap) were completed while boating to the starting point at Shakespeare Beach. As with all official attempts of the crossing, the boat stopped while Phillip swam the short warm-up distance to the beach. Three flashes of the light - and the timer started.

The swim, while it is continuous (even touching the boat, or any other flotation device, would result in disqualification) covers distinct sections of the Channel. Once through English coastal waters, the swimmer enters the northeast shipping lane where their pilot carefully guides them between the mighty cargo ships before entering the exclusion zone which separates the two shipping lanes. It is here during a well-timed swim that the tide will turn, having pulled the swimmer many kilometers north.

From this point it is into the southwest shipping lane as the tidal current sweeps the swimmer south toward the French coastal waters and Cape Gris Nez, the ideal finishing point on the French coast.

Of course there is much more for the Channel swimmer to contend, including the enormously long time it takes. Phillip’s swim took 11 hours, 33 minutes which is considered very fast for his age group. Staying mentally strong throughout is challenging, especially towards the end of the swim where the French coast appears tantalisingly close but is in fact further away than it seems. The water temperature is also quite a bit cooler than most Australians would find comfortable, averaging 18 degrees.

(Wetsuits are not permitted!) Feeding and hydration are carefully planned and executed to maintain energy over such a long period.

So what emotions follow the completion of a Channel swim?

Relief, jubilation and thankfulness to those who have helped on the journey. Sitting in the cosy bar of the historic White Horse Inn in Dover two days after his swim, Phillip enjoyed a pint and took part in an important tradition - finding an empty space on the inn wall to sign his swim time and a short message of dedication.

He was now “Phillip Chappell, Channel Swimmer”, joining an elite group of fewer than 1500 swimmers worldwide who have accomplished this feat since Captain Matthew Webb first crossed in 1875. Time to relax and recover before contemplating where his next challenge will lie.

F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S Club

Gerard Reed

SJOC 1978

FELLOWSHIP REFLECTING OLD SCHOOL TIE INITIATIVE (&) ETHICS SUCCESSFULLY. Founded February 1990.

After graduating HSC in 1978, several alumni sought a Commerce Degree at the Waurn Ponds campus of Deakin University. Upon completion of the degree, some found themselves embarking on careers at leading accounting firms in Melbourne. Of course there were others less inclined to follow the doctrine of Peter Cannon (teacher of accounting at SJC) or who didn’t grasp the intricacies of debits and credits.

In 1990 a few alumni “found” each other in Melbourne, and decided a regular catch up would be in order.We called our group The F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. Inaugural members were: Peter Richardson, Damien Purcell, Brian Smart,Tim Casanelia, Paul McDonald, Mark Lewis, Gerard Reed (Convener).

Since 1994 till this day, (some 24 years) our Christmas convention has been held at F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. HQ, The Lewis Family’s Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne. We are indebted to Gerry & Faye (parents of Mark), and Andy, Jane and Paul – Mark’s siblings for their continued generosity. We number about 20 or so each year.

On a trip to Bangkok, Paul McDonald generously purchased matching ties, which were compulsory attire at lunch. We would convene at the RACV Club in Queen St on the 3rd Thursday of each month. After weighing in with (a Kingsford) $20 the order would be the beef wellington accompanied by two “crownies”.

Of course in 1990 there was change from your $20, and this was held as “kitty” for the end of year convention.

Those who reside in Geelong still “train it up to the big smoke”, however there is a stop-off at ‘Lloyds’ for a round of red hots in an attempt to garner some folding (via roulette) to assist with out of pocket expenses to be incurred at The Emerald. Regular attendees at ‘Lloyds’ include, Peter Kliendienst, Brendan Hovey, David Buckley, Peter Richardson, Joe Kiss, Todd Cheever, Geoff Beattie, Michael Anderson, and Gerard Reed.

In December 1991, much to our collective chagrin, the beef wellington was “off” the menu. Our typed letter of complaint (on hastily generated letterhead) was duly faxed to the Club Manager at RACV, Mr Aris Imbardelli. We received an immediate return fax from said manager… “Removal of the beef wellington was done after winter to ensure that new items reflecting the season could be included. However now that the needs of your Club have been articulated, the Club will ensure the beef wellington will be available each Thursday throughout the year”. We then knew the power of the Melbourne chapter of F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S.

Other attendees at the Christmas lunch – some regular, some intermittent, include, Luke Kelly, Darren Henry, Dave McDonald, Mark Hyde, Richard Coumans, Michael Collard, John Praztek, Anthony Fitzgerald, Richard Flanders, David Fitxgerald, Peter Bloink, Leon Czarnuch…as well as Inuagural members aforementioned. (Apology to any attendees not named.)

Increasing corporate responsibilities from early ’92 forced our gatherings to twice yearly. The Geelong chapter of F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. was formed in ’92. Brendan Hovey and Richard Coumans were the inaugural members. Members from Geelong would “train it up to the big smoke” to convene.

Our mid-year functions were held at some of North Melbourne’s finest establishments. Dom Camillo’s, Royal Park Hotel, 3 Crowns Hotel…followed by a stroll to the “Big House” or “Lloyds” (Crown Casino) where libation would continue whilst attempting to recoup the aforementioned luncheon outlay.

In ’93 the Inaugural F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. Masters was held at Anglesea Golf Club. In the absence of a Green Jacket, Peter Richardson the winner was presented with a Green Can.

In memory of our fallen classmate, Paul Boddington, we struck a trophy, “The Bodo Cup”, and this is played for from time to time at Royal Queens Park. The cup is proudly displayed above the main bar at Beav’s Bar (Richard Flanders establishment) in Little Malop St, Geelong.

Other members of our alumni year catch up external to our F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. events. Of course we are all bound by our common scholastic endeavors at St Joey’s. Many were at SJC from Grade 3, and several from Prep Grade at various Primary Schools in the region. Several F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. amalgamated after crossing from Chanel College to begin Form 5.

It’s great to recognise and celebrate enduring friendships. This year we celebrate 40 years post graduation in 1978. Wherever you are, and whoever you are with, raise a glass…and to all F.R.O.S.T.I.E.S. – SEE YOU AT THE EMERALD on Thursday 13 December for another great lunch.

Cheers, Reedy.

Sydney Reunion At PJ Gallaher’s Irish Pub

3:30pm - 6:00pm Thursday 5 July Book online: www.trybooking.com/VVCB

All past students are welcome.

Tickets $20 each.

Includes finger food.

Drinks at bar prices.

Info: Kristen Gleeson ph: 03 5226 8120 or email:

kristen.gleeson@sjc.vic.edu.au

Swans vs Cats playing at the SCG after reunion.

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Past St Joseph’s Students

In The Spotlight Past students achieving their dreams after leaving SJC.

LYNDON WATTS (SJOC 2011) Lyndon is a 2014 graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) where prior to his graduation he was cast in the 2014 Australian tour of Sweet Charity (male ensemble). Previous roles include Bernardo in West Side Story, Hud in Hair, and Jesus Christ in Reefer Madness.

Lyndon also featured in the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and performed alongside Hugh Jackman in the 2014 Jackman Furness Foundation for the Performing Arts launch.

Last year Lyndon joined the Australian cast of Aladdin and recent professional works are Sweet Charity, Anything Goes, and Singing In The Rain. He will also be appearing in Motown in July.

TOM MCCARTIN (SJOC 2018) The younger brother of St Kilda’s Paddy McCartin (SJOC 2014),Tom was the youngest player to secure a contract at the National AFL Draft last November, the then Year 11 student putting his studies on hold to sign up for the Sydney Swans. Tom was able to don the number 30 guernsey and take to the field in his AFL debut on 11 May 2018 v Hawthorn at the MCG. What a whirlwind of a year for the young player, who 12 months ago would have been kicking a footy on Zampatti Oval!

JACK HENRY (SJOC 2016) Jack was a late draft pick for the Geelong Cats two years ago, however he has hit the ground running and been nominated as the NAB AFL Rising Star after his stunning game in Round 7 with an 18 disposal, 11 mark effort. Henry’s whole family are athletically gifted, with his father Brendan a former state-level decathlete, his mother was once a sprinter who now completes regular 15km runs and his older brother Tom represented Australia in high jump at junior level. Clearly this is just the beginning for this dedicated young player.

TOM DOEDEE (SJOC 2015) Tom Doedee was selected in the 2015 AFL draft to play for the Adelaide Crows. His hard work paid off this year as he made his AFL debut in Round 1 in 2018 against Essendon and did not disappoint, he was nominated as the Round 2 NAB Rising Star in AFL. and has continued to play this season.

JOSHUA JASKA (SJOC 2016) Joshua was also drafted in the 2017 AFL Rookie Draft to play for the Gold Coast Suns. Whilst still awaiting his AFL debut, from the feedback he was getting at the Geelong Falcons he is sure to make a mark when he takes to the ground.

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CAMERON LING (SJOC 1998) & JIMMY BARTEL (SJOC 2001) Familiar faces were spotted at the College at the end of 2017 as past students Cameron Ling and Jimmy Bartel returned to the College to film a piece for the Toyota Hybrid Finals campaign. They took the opportunity whilst here to check out their plaques on the AFL/VFL representatives wall in the Br OS Adams Gym. SAM SIMPSON (SJOC 2016) Sam was selected in 2017 AFL Draft to play for Geelong Football Club. The son of former Geelong player, Sean Simpson, he was drafted

by Geelong under the father–son rule. Sam was actually in Uganda with the College on the Year 12 immersion when the draft was held. He made his debut in the draw against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium in round fifteen of the 2017 season.

MICHAEL SLEEP-DALTON (SJOC 2010) Past student Michael Sleep-Dalton has been working hard in the states - he is currently a punter for the ASU Sun Devils and was named on the Ray Guy Award watchlist last year.The Ray Guy Award is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding punter.

Michael has also recently graduated obtaining a degree in BA Interdisciplinary Studies (Communication/ Construction Management).

MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC (SJOC 2005) Matthew was again named a member of the Socceroos squad as they were set to compete against Japan and Thailand earlier this year.

Spiranovic has represented Australia during the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the 2008 Summer Olympics and at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which Australia won against South Korea. Matthew is pictured here with SJC staff members Adam Colak & Tom Trupkovic after the win.

CALEB WHITLEY (SJOC 2016) Caleb has reached out to the entire Geelong football region. Earlier this year he offered to give away some playing boots from his junior career. The idea slowly grew to a generous collection thanks to contribution from his friends and teammates at the Queenscliff Coutas.

Whitley, who is the grandson of GDFL president Neville Whitley OAM, was also a guest on the GDFL Football Show panel (airing on Channel 31) in August, 2016 after he helped guide St Joseph’s College to a Herald Sun Shield victory.

The College Says Farewell

In Remembrance We mourn the loss of the following students, staff and benefactors.

LARRY DAVIS (SJC Staff 1966 - 2007) We received some sad news at the start of the year, over the term break Mr Larry Davis passed away.Tony Paatsch Principal, the College Board, Staff, families and wider St Joseph’s College Community are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend and past colleague.

Larry was a dedicated teacher for over 41 years and a number of current staff members were taught by him, a fact Larry was very proud of. Larry was a legend of St Joseph’s College Geelong and even once he finished teaching was quite often to be found at the College for events and reunions sharing stories with his numerous past students. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to all who cared for and helped Larry in any way on his life’s journey. He was surrounded by much love. Reunited with his dear Gill in God’s care. We remembered Larry at our Remembrance Mass held on 11 November along with many other past students, staff and benefactors of the College. Some lovely comments were posted on our Old Collegian’s Facebook page, we share a couple of these below: “A gentleman and a great teacher. Always with an eye on detail and perfection. I remember him constantly having a small camera on his belt and telling us that photography was all about composition and balance.” - Burny Whyte “When my dad passed away, Larry came up to me and said, in his fantastic accent; “It’ll be okay, because death is oooooonlyyyy the beginning of the next great journey.” A legend of SJC who will be greatly missed. RIP Larry.” - Matt Biscombe BILL MADDEN 18/12/1924 - 2/2/2018 An extract taken from Bill’s eulogy, written by Bernie Madden.

A faith-filled man, a most devoted husband, a father who didn’t preach to us but showed by example, who taught us strong moral values, to have a good work ethic and to have respect for others.

A man who loved his wife Noreen and all his family and extended family. A man who gave willingly of himself to the communities he lived in. A man with a wicked sense of humour. A man with a strong independent streak. So many people have told us he was a true gentleman.

At the start of 1947, aged 22, Dad started teacher training. This was the start of a career which he loved and which took him to many parts of rural Victoria chasing experience and promotion.

In Geelong, apart from school and home, Dad’s life centred around St. Bernard’s Parish and St Joseph’s College where each of us 4 boys attended over a period extending from 1967 to 1982. He then had grandsons attending from 1989 to 2001. Dad enjoyed the monthly Sunday morning working bees at St Joey’s which started and finished on time and after which he sat down for a couple of beers with guys on his team like his good friend Ken Moorfoot, his team captain and staunch one-eyed Cat fan, and Collingwood hater. Dad made many good friends on those working bees from the time he started in 1967 to the time he finally finished several years after his last grandson left. I think he was 80 when he decided to let younger guys do the work.

Rest in peace Dad. We all love you.

STEPHEN BEAUGLEHALL (66 years) Past parent, husband of Diane, father of Old Collegians, Luke Beauglehall (1997), Todd Beauglehall (2000) and Tracy Dillon (2002), Sacred Heart College, grandfather of College students, Ethan (Year 9) and Myles Beauglehall (Year 7). Steve and Diane were loyal supporters of both the College and the St Joseph’s Football & Netball Club over many years. Our hearts go out to Steve’s family and friends as they come to terms with this sudden loss. His love lives on in their hearts always.

MATTHEW CLATWORTHY (SJOC 1988) Son of John (1952) and Marie, brother of Therese, Elizabeth, Maryanne, Margot, Peter Clatworthy (1984), John (1985), Tim (1992) and Mark (1995), uncle of Hugo Clatworthy (Year 10), Fraser (2013), Lily and to many of our past students. To Marie and all the extended Clatworthy family and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Matthew’s love will live on in each of you.

BRIAN COLLIS QC (SJOC 1961) Known as “Stick” at St Joseph’s, a name that followed him to Newman College and later to the Bar. He was an outstanding tennis player and also participated in athletics and football. Brian practised in Common Law and had experience in Administrative, Criminal, Commercial and Insurance Law. He was accredited as a Mediator under the Victorian Bar Scheme in 1995 and under the national Scheme in 2008. Brian was also the Chairman of the Victorian Football Association Football Tribunal for 16 years, a Member of the AFL Tribunal for 9 years and since 2005, he was Vice Chairman of the AFL Appeals Board. His service to Australian Rules Football saw him receive the Australian Sports Medal in 2001. He was a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport since 2004 and Chariman of the Anti-Corruption Commission for the Australian Tennis Open and Adviser to Tennis Australia. His passing is a loss to many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

MATTHEW DE GRANDI (SJOC 2010) Loved son of Bernadette and Shane De Grandi Old Collegian (1982), brother of Old Collegians Jack De Grandi (2012), Joshua De Grandi (2008), Emma De Grandi (2007), Rebekah De Grandi (2006) both past Clonard College and Luke De Grandi (Grade 4) St Patrick’s Primary School, cousin of Oliver Wright-Janocha (Year 11), Patrick De Grandi (Year 11), Thomas De Grandi (Year 9) and Ned De Grandi (Year 11). We extend our deepest sympathy to all of Matthew’s family and friends. May his love be with you always.

BILL O’LOUGHLIN (SJOC 1976) Brother / brother in law of Therese,Terry and Catherine,Anthony and Pamela, Old Collegian Michael O’Loughlin (1974) and Clare, Barbara, Margaret and David. Bill was teaching Year 10 & 12 English and he has been a committed staff member at Damascus College in Ballarat for the last 6 years. He has educated thousands of young men and women in Catholic Education and other settings over his career. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family, friends and the Damascus College community.

St Joseph’s Old Collegians’ Association

Remembrance Mass 10 November 2018 Join us for our annual Remembrance Mass, paying tribute to past students, staff and benefactors of the College. The Mass will be held in the College Chapel at 10:00am to be followed by light refreshments.

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Thank You For Your Support We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the members of our community for their thoughtful and generous gifts to our 2017 Gifting program.With your support, the Foundation is able to continue to assist with the significant programs undertaken by the College, enhancing the day to day learning of our students.Thank you for enabling our Joey’s boys’ to ‘Strive for the Highest’.

Mrs E Costa Mr J Crotty Mr & Mrs G Dean Mr & Mrs P Dean Mr K Dunn Mrs J Earle Mr & Mrs C Edmondstone Ms J Evertsen-Mostert Mr D Fanning Mr & Mrs E Filiti Mr K Flanders Foxwell family Mr K Gannon Mr V Gigliotti

Anonymous x 11 Mr & Mrs J Adamski Mr W Amor Mr A Bruce Mr & Mrs G Callan Mr A Cieciura Cole family Cole family Mr & Mrs D Collins Mr & Mrs F Costa Mr & Mrs D Costa Mr & Mrs K Costa

Mr & Mrs K Gleeson Mr & Mrs D Greco Gulli family Gulli family Mr & Mrs A Gumina Mr & Mrs D Harris Mr B Hill Houghton family Mr B Jackson Ms A Shearman Mr J Lamont & Ms R Beech Mr R Lawysz Mr & Mrs B McFarlane Mrs J McGregor

Mrs J Sgambaro Mr C Silcock-Delaney Mr A Smith Mr P Steedman Mr & Mrs T Trupkovic Vassallo family Mr C Valmadre Mrs S Walsh Mr P Webb Mr & Mrs S Wong Mr & Mrs M Wrigley Mr M Zyppel

McHarrys Buslines Mr & Mrs C McLachlan Mr J McMahon Mr & Mrs G Moosbrugger MSP Photography Mr A Natoli Dr T O’Brien Mr D O’Farrell Oosterlaan family Dr B & Mrs J O’Shannassy Mr & Mrs B Rudd Mr & Mrs P Rudd Mr R Schostak Mrs M Schroeder

We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the many local businesses and companies who have generously supported our fundraising efforts throughout the year.

13th Beach Golf Club 63 Degrees Ali Waight Stylist Allsure Insurance Anglesea Golf Club Aqtive Business Consulting Ash Reed Locksmiths Associated Cold Tread Tyres Barwon Club Belmont Physio Centre Bendigo Bank Bendigo Bank Business Blood Toyota Boom Gallery

Box Office Cafe Callaway Golf Carli Hester Travel Coles Coaches Costa Asset Management Cotton On Freida And Gus Fresh Smiles Gartland Real Estate Geelong Confectionery Gold Diggers Arms Green Earth Electrical Grovedale Cabinets Hello World Ocean Grove Hennessy Plaster

Hogans Axle Correction IST Auto Shop Jovic Accounting K Mac Powerheads Kardinia Vet Kelly & Associates Kennedy King Kings Funerals Lauren Barton Art Len Day Car Audio Leopold Transport Maxwell Collins McHarrys Buslines Merv Jennings Signs Milana’s Lingerie

T&W Plastering The Crafty Lorisan The Gordon Studio The Lip Lab The Ponds The Sands Torquay The Valley Inn Tick Tock Concierge Times News Group Trak Constructions West Carr & Harvey Wilson’s Real Estate Winchelsea Trading

Mt Duneed Estate Narellan Pools National Hotel Natures Direct Paywise Salary Packaging Pizzas With Attitude Real U Skincare Ripeto Sawyers Arms Tavern Scooda Branded Merchandise Scotchmans Hill Sensation Of Smooth & Tan Smellies Snap Printing Geelong St Goliath

St Joseph’s College Geelong 135 Aphrasia Street, Newtown VICTORIA 3220 / Ph: 03 5226 8100 / Fax: 03 5221 6983 Email: sjcoffice@sjc.vic.edu.au / ABN: 74 114 857 147 / CRICOS Provider Code 02670A

www.sjc.vic.edu.au We acknowledge that we are educating on the traditional land of the Wadawurrung people and honour and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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