![St_Joes'_Aug_2021_-_cindy_power-1-70[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/018971_7e85d3ab51b846938da22048280ff8f6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_133,h_89,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/018971_7e85d3ab51b846938da22048280ff8f6~mv2.jpg)
Our Approach
Education plays a critical role in the transmission of culture. The Catholic school has the responsibility of transmitting culture in the light of faith and of integrating faith and culture in the life of the young person. Its aim and purpose clearly are to assist the Church in its mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.
Catholic teaching supports all in the Catholic educating community in affirming the students’ inherent goodness in the image of God, developing their gifts to the fullest, and forming them as missionary disciples of Jesus. It calls on curriculum and pedagogies in which the learners are active participants who are engaging their whole person (“head, heart and hands”) in a systematic and critical synthesis of culture and faith, and of faith and life.
.jpg)
St Joseph’s College has an irreplaceable role in handing on the faith from generation to generation as well as for the purpose of evangelisation. Situated within a secular society our Catholic school is charged with forming individuals to take their place in that society as responsible citizens and effective Christian witnesses.
​
​
At St Joseph's College, we are dedicated to nurturing empowered learners who actively connect, interact, inquire, persevere, challenge and collaboratively learn from one another.
​St Joseph's College is unwavering in its commitment to delivering personalised learning programs for all students. Personalised learning endeavours to tailor each student's educational experience to align with their specific learning requirements and to foster the cultivation of their individual passions and interests.
​
To honour the hard work, growth and accomplishments of our students, St Joseph’s College proudly celebrates both endeavour and achievement through our annual Academic Awards Night and Co-Curricular Awards Night. These events acknowledge the diverse talents of our young people, recognising academic excellence, personal progress and outstanding commitment both in the classroom, and across sport, the arts, leadership and service. By celebrating each student’s unique contributions, we reinforce our belief in continuous growth and inspire all learners to strive for their personal best.
Our curriculum for students in Years 7-10 adheres to the Victorian Curriculum and Diocesan requirements. As students progress to their Senior Years, they have access to an extensive range of VCE subjects, including the VCE Vocational Major (VM) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), with expanded opportunities in Vocational Educational Training (VET). Our curriculum offers both academic and applied subjects to meet the needs and aspirations of each student.
​
Embodying a growth mindset culture, St Joseph's College supports every student in their journey to become the best possible version of themselves.
​
This is accomplished by ensuring that each student has access to a pertinent, motivating, and engaging educational pathway.
Focus of each year level:
​
Year 7 & 8: Foundation Years
​
In the first years of their journey at St Joseph's College, students are warmly welcomed into our school community. This period marks a crucial stage in which they become acquainted with themselves, their fellow students, their educators, and the expectations associated with secondary education. During this time, students are introduced to a diverse array of subjects, enabling us to identify their unique learning requirements, while simultaneously allowing them to discover and nurture their own passions and interests.
In Years 7 & 8, students complete a core program which includes:
​
-
Religion
-
English
-
Maths
-
Science
-
Humanities
-
Health and Physical Education
-
Italian
-
Performing Arts (Music & Drama)
-
Visual Arts (Art & Media)
-
Food Technology
-
Materials Technology (Robotics, Wood, Metal & Textiles)
-
Reading Room
-
Pastoral Care Program
​​
St Joseph's College embraces the use of essential questions to shape the curriculum for Year 7 and Year 8 students. These thought-provoking inquiries serve as catalysts for curiosity and promote a spirit of inquiry within our students. They inspire profound and critical thinking, motivating learners to actively seek answers and explore diverse perspectives. Essential questions are the cornerstone of our curriculum, providing it with a deliberate and meaningful structure. By nurturing curiosity, stimulating critical thinking, and fostering connections between ideas, they enhance the overall learning experience for our students.
In Year 7, our objective is to cultivate our students as change-makers—individuals who take meaningful actions to improve the world. To guide and connect our Year 7 curriculum, we pose the essential question: "What does it take to change the world?"
In Year 8, we aim to impart an understanding of the profound impact of freedom and its absence on individuals. The essential question, "How does freedom, or the lack of freedom, affect individuals?" has been meticulously crafted to inspire deep and critical thinking.
Both Year 7 and Year 8 students actively engage in self-directed deep learning projects. This framework for deep learning offers a structured pathway for the development of six global competencies essential for thriving in a complex world: character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
Years 9 & 10: Exploration
​
During the middle years at St Joseph’s College, students enjoy greater autonomy to delve into subjects of their interest and chart their educational path.
In Year 9, students participate in a program comprising both compulsory and elective subjects.
When they reach Year 10, students have the choice to opt for either an academic pathway leading to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an applied learning pathway toward the VCE Vocational Major (VM).
Comprehensive course counselling plays a pivotal role in assisting students in making informed decisions and selecting the most suitable pathway for their educational journey.​​​​​
​
Year 11 & 12: Pathways
​
During their final years at St Joseph’s College, students undertake the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM), or the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
These final stages of secondary education are designed to prepare our students for their future endeavours. Here, they acquire not only subject-specific knowledge but also cultivate vital attributes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. These years refine their abilities to analyse complex issues, communicate effectively, and collaborate seamlessly.
Furthermore, students develop a profound sense of responsibility, self-awareness, and resilience, empowering them to make well-informed decisions regarding higher education, career pathways, and life beyond the classroom. Our hope is that they are equipped with the tools and confidence to flourish in an ever-evolving world.
​
Senior School Subject Selection Handbook 2026
Art & Exhibitions
We take great pride in providing our students with the opportunity to present their art and technology works.
We take great pride in providing our students with the opportunity to present their art and technology works.
Here are some examples:
School Production
​
In 2025 we staged our first school production in seven years - Disney's Aladdin Junior. Staged across two evenings, this spectacular musical journey of courage, friendship, first love and genie magic was an absolute hit with our school and wider community.
Staff and students from both campuses worked incredibly hard behind the scenes preparing for their perfomances - rehearsing lines, perfecting choreography, building sets and bringing the magic of the story to life.
​
St Joes on Show
​
St Joes on Show is an annual fixture on the school calendar providing an important opportunity for our Art and Technology students to perform and display their various works for friends, family, staff and the wider community.
The show features drama and music performances, a media show reel, fashion parade, fabric exhibition, metal, wood and sculpture displays.
The VCE Art Exhibition opening night is a key highlight of the event, as is our Indigenous Art display, and food court facilitated by our Year 9 Personal Best Class.
​
We really do have a talented bunch of students at St Joseph’s College and we look forward to showcasing their talents through this wonderful event each year.
​
Spectacle of Dreams
​
This annual Arts Academy exhibition brings the spirit of our Arts Academy to life in a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination and student achievement. This showcase invites our community to step into a world where ideas are explored boldly, stories are shared courageously and dreams take centre stage.
​
Living Justice
Living Peace
​
The purpose of our justice activities is to provide practical support for people in need, growth and development of our school community and to raise awareness of situations in which justice is not served.
Justice is at the heart of who we are and what we do as a school community.
At St Joseph's College, students are presented with many opportunities to explore justice issues through the lens of Living Justice, Living Peace principles. Our commitment to justice is embodied in our pursuit of Living Justice, Living Peace, inviting students to transform their faith into serving others. Guided by the principles of solidarity, seeking change, creating an inclusive and welcoming community and healing creation, students actively engage in activities that contribute to addressing societal injustices.
​
Drawing inspiration from Catholic social teaching, scripture, and the ethos of St Joseph's College, students are actively encouraged to lead and express their faith into meaningful actions for the betterment of the world.
​
By participating in the planning and execution of effective justice actions, students are not only conveying solidarity with those facing adversity but also challenging structures that perpetuate injustice. St Joseph's College actively promotes justice through various events, including community celebrations, action projects supporting local organisations such as Echuca Neighbourhood House and St Mary’s Parish, and engagement in community service activities. Initiatives, including St Joseph’s Op Shop, Vinnies Sleepout and Buroinjin Reconciliation Match embody the Living Justice, Living Peace principles.
​
Actions for justice at St Joseph's College encompass prayer, reflection, awareness raising, as well as the gathering of donations and fundraising efforts. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only informed and compassionate but also actively contributing to positive change within the College community and beyond.
​
​
​
Koorie Education
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Yorta Yorta people as the original and ongoing owners and custodians of this land on which our school is built. We also acknowledge our neighbouring communities Wemba Wemba and the Baraba Baraba people who have connections with St Joseph’s College. We commit ourselves to actively work alongside Indigenous people for reconciliation and justice.
Indigenous Language Program Trial
In Semester 2, 2026, our Year 7 students will take part in a trial Indigenous Language Program, delivered as part of their Language classes.
​
Learning an Indigenous language is an act of deep respect, a bridge between cultures and an opportunity for our young people to develop a genuine understanding of the world's oldest living culture.
​
Students will be introduced to foundational elements of the local Indigenous language – including greetings, place names and words connected to the natural world. The program has been developed in close consultation with local Elders and community members, whose guidance and knowledge are central to its integrity and authenticity.
​
Alongside language learning, students will explore the stories, traditions and deep connection to Country that give the language its meaning and context. This holistic approach ensures that language is never taught in isolation, but always understood as a living, breathing expression of culture and identity.
This program aims to build empathy, deepen cultural understanding and nurture the kind of openhearted curiosity that we hope will stay with our students long after they leave our College. It also aligns beautifully with our Brigidine values – particularly our call to act with justice, to welcome others with hospitality and to approach the world with wonder.
Indigenous Justice and Cultural Immersion Day - All Staff
In this full-day immersion, our staff gather on Yorta Yorta Country at the Dharnya Centre in Barmah to gather in the spirit of learning, reflection and deep listening.
​
It is an important opportunity to strengthen our cultural understanding of justice by learning directly from the land, and from the stories and voices of First Peoples. The day includes a Smoking Ceremony and a guided walk through the Barmah Forest, reminding us of the enduring connection between Country, culture and community.
​
The experience reaffirms our shared responsibility as educators to create learning environments where truth-telling, respect and equity are lived each day, and to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in ways that honour their knowledge, resilience and leadership.
​​​​​​​​​​
​​​
St Joseph’s College is built on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta people and we are actively committed to the promotion of dialogue and respect between all cultures. Approximately 5% of our student numbers identify as Koorie and we have strong ties with the local Aboriginal community.
Our engagement with Indigenous education has been growing steadily over recent years. From the ways we acknowledge Country, to the stories and perspectives integrated into our classroom learning, we have been intentional in ensuring our students understand and appreciate the depth of First Nations culture and history.
​
Our Koorie Educator Aunty Donna Walsh, Aboriginal School Community Connector Aunty Vicki Walker, and College Leader - Enrichment & Inclusion Adam Prime work closely with staff, students, parents and the wider community to ensure our students get the best educational outcome when they graduate from St Joseph’s College.
Aunty Donna, Aunty Vicki and Mr Prime work with staff on protocols, and in the classrooms and draw on the rich knowledge and support of our local elders and park rangers who visit our classrooms and conduct cultural lessons in the bush.
​
​
Cultural Programs and Initiatives
​​​
We have many initiatives that specifically focus on improved outcomes:
​
-
Fire (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers group, which is driven by staff and students to promote reconciliation
​​
-
Reconciliation Walk
​​
-
Cultural awareness, immersion and mentoring programs provided throughout the school year, assisting students to better understand their personal cultural story
​​
-
Dharnya Rangers Program - connects students with nature, Country and First Nations culture through hands-on learning alongside Yorta Yorta Elders, Rangers and Dharnya Centre staff
​​
-
First Nations Immersion Camp - provides opportunities for our Koorie students to develop leadership skills and a deep and passionate understanding of their culture
​​
-
Establishment of the Elders Advisory for the Aboriginal School Community Connector
​​
-
Information sharing from Treaty Victoria guest speakers
​​
-
Partnership with Campaspe Shire in planting native grasses with Aunty Denise Morgan
​​
-
Partnership with North Melbourne Football Club's Next Generation Academy designed to identify and develop young multicultural and Indigenous footballers
​​
-
Inclusion of student artwork and performances with the Foundry Art Space for NAIDOC Week
​​
-
Targeted intervention, support and withdrawal offered through our Koorie Education team
​
