Principal’s Blog – Term Three, Week One

Welcome back to St Joseph’s College for Term 3 of the 2026 school year. I hope you and your family found time to relax, whether you remained at home in Sunraysia or ventured further afield.

Term 3 offer students an exciting ten weeks and includes a College favourite – our Athletics Carnival, Australian Business Week, National Science Week, and camps for Years 11, 9 and 7. This year, as part of our annual Mercy Week celebrations, we will also hold a special 120 Years Celebration Mass on Thursday 20 August. I think you will agree that there is much for everyone to look forward to.

Before we move on to two journeys of discovery during the school holidays and updates from the first week of term, please take a moment to read about one of the families in our community. Consider donating whatever you can to help them afford treatment for one of their chronically ill children.

Family in Need

Douw Grobler accepted a teaching position at St Joseph’s College this year. He then moved his wife and five children to Australia from South Africa in search of a better future and a community to which they could belong and contribute.

When Kara, one of the Grobler’s daughters, fell ill, the family’s dream was nearly shattered. Kara lives with cystic fibrosis and is now recuperating in a Melbourne hospital after recovering from surgery to repair a collapsed lung.

Although the family has private health insurance, it does not cover Kara’s pre-existing condition. They are also not eligible for Medicare because Douw holds a Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) visa. Kara’s medical costs continue to increase sharply by $1600 per day and have already risen above $25000.

The Groblers are members of the St Joseph’s College community. If this story has moved you and you are able to donate, please do so via this special GoFundMe campaign. Any amount would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you.

Formula 1 Study Tour

Over the holidays, 15 young engineers and three of their teachers travelled to the United Kingdom and Germany on a special STEM-themed tour. During the fortnight, they attended the British Grand Prix, toured the Jaguar Land Rover Factory and the Porsche Factory, visited museums, and so much more. The photos below provide a mere snapshot (pun intended) of what these students experienced.

Hiking The Kokoda Trail

Year 11 student Asher Brigante successfully applied for a National Party of Victoria scholarship to join a group hike on the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. He was one of only two students in Sunraysia chosen from a field of several applicants. Look for an account of Asher’s experience in his own words in our next Community newsletter. Until then, enjoy a few photos from this once in a lifetime experience.

Senior Pathways Information Evening

Thanks to all the students and parents who attended the Senior Pathways Information Evening this past Wednesday 15 July. I was proud to see so many students investigating all their 2027 options and discovering all the boundless possibilities that await.

Debutante Ball

The first of our two Debutante Balls will take place this Saturday, 18 July, at Club Da Vinci. I wish all our debutantes and their partners a magical evening full of special memories. More from the first 2026 Debutante Ball next week.

In the spirit of hope and faith,

Mr Greg Kluske
College Principal