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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.
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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.
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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.
This is accomplished by ensuring that each student has access to a pertinent, motivating, and engaging educational pathway.
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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.
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.
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Embodying a growth mindset culture, St Joseph's College supports every student in their journey to become the best possible version of themselves.
Focus of each year level:
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Year 7 & 8: Foundation Years
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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:
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Religion
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English
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Maths
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Science
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Humanities
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Health and Physical Education
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Italian
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Performing Arts (Music & Drama)
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Visual Arts (Art & Media)
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Food Technology
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Materials Technology (Robotics, Wood, Metal & Textiles)
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Reading Room
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Pastoral Care Program
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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
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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.
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Middle School Subject Selection Handbook 2024
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Year 11 & 12: Pathways
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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.
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Senior School Subject Selection Handbook 2024
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:
St Joes on Show
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Our inaugural St Joes on Show was held in October 2022 and is now an annual fixture on the school calendar.
The event provides 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.
Cultural Immersions
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St Joseph's College has a long history of providing students with opportunities to travel internationally and immerse themselves in different cultures. Up close and personal educational experiences abroad help bring learning to life and create memories that last a lifetime! Other benefits for students include:
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builds confidence and independence
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builds a sense of identity and purpose
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increases understanding of cultural differences
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develops social skills
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helps to discover academic and career interests, and
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inspires broader thinking.
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Current Immersions
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We are excited to have international travel back on the calendar for our students in 2024!
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During September, students in Year 10 & 11 will have the opportunity to travel to Greece and Italy.
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Over 14 days, students will explore key cultural sites, to expand their knowledge of ancient history, art, languages, food, religion and humanities, all while having fun with their friends in a safe and controlled environment, during this once in a lifetime trip!
Living Justice
Living Peace
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
At St Joseph’s our objective is to continue to support students in years 7-12 who will graduate with confidence and then seek to further their education through a university degree, an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Many of our former Koorie students who have graduated from St Joseph’s College have carved out very successful careers and our alumni includes a chiropractor, nutritionist, doctor, dialysis nurse, graphic artist and artists, AFL footballer, professional singers, dental assistants and many more.
St Joseph’s College is built on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta people, and has strong ties with the local community. Approximately 5% of our student numbers identify as Koorie.
Our Koorie Educator, Auntie Donna Walsh, with the support of Mr Adam Prime, works closely with staff, students, parents and the wider community to ensure that our students get the best educational outcome when they graduate from St Joseph’s College.
Both Auntie Donna and Mr Prime work with staff on protocols, and in the classrooms and draw on the rich knowledge and support of our two local park rangers, Greta and Hilda, who visit classrooms and conduct cultural lessons in the bush.
We have many initiatives that specifically focus on improved outcomes:
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Fire (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers group, which is driven by staff and students to promote reconciliation.
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Indigenous youth leadership program (IYLP) provides opportunities for our Koorie students to develop leadership skills and a deep and passionate understanding of their culture.
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Targeted intervention, support and withdrawal offered through Donna Walsh.
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Cultural awareness and wellbeing development groups to support students to achieve smart goals relating to cultural enrichment and inclusion.
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Programs are facilitated by our social workers, Koorie Education worker and members of our wider community.
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Cultural awareness and immersion programs are provided throughout the school year, assisting students to better understand their personal cultural story.
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