Educating young men of character

St Joseph’s College has a proud tradition of educating young men in the Geelong region for almost 150 years, with education “on top of Newtown Hill” dating back to the establishment of St Augustine’s Orphanage in 1857.

But what makes St Joseph’s different? From the days when education just consisted of chalkboards and slates to today’s modern education system providing a multitude of learning possibilities in wide areas, what then does it mean to be a “Joey’s Boy”?

The school believes it is character. St Joseph’s College focuses on developing the whole person – spiritually, morally, intellectually, physically and socially.

Its Student Leadership Team believe a true “Joey’s Boy” is someone who is “Strong in mind, gentle in heart” and have
promoted this message to the student body as part of our commitment to being a lead school in Respectful Relationships.

College principal Tony Paatsch said the college also aims to develop the whole person with a broad curriculum that engages students in a way which promotes and encourages excellence, providing learning pathways that cater for individual student strengths along with collaborative Project Based Learning.

“Learning extends beyond the college boundaries, students are encouraged to be an active part of both the college and local community, leadership opportunities at all year levels allow students to build Joey’s Boys can often be found helping out at local breakfast programs, aged care homes, outreach vans, environmental and community groups. confidence and support their peers,” Mr Paatsch said.

“Both faith and community service a key part of our curriculum.

“Students are encouraged to take part in a wide variety of Community Service and Social Justice activities.”

The action of serving and helping others teaches the young men to act with compassion and integrity.

“There is a special quality to each “Joey’s Boy” as he graduates,” Mr Paatsch said.

“Each has the ability to resolve to make his mark in the world by ‘striving for the highest’ – Ad Alta Virtute.”