St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill

At this week’s Headmaster’s Assembly we recongised four staff members on their significant years of dedicated service to teaching and Marist education. Congratulations and thank you to Mr Andrew Mitchell, Mr Paul Howe, Mrs Amy Francis and Mr Jeremy Lane!

We were delighted to recently welcome Old Boy Sonny Matchett (2023) back to the College to present the First XI footballers with their Triple Bar jerseys before the opening round of GPS football. Congratulations to teammates Oscar (Y12) and Joshua (Y12), who were selected in the GPS First XI football team, playing in the Combined Independent Schools Secondary (Boys) Football Championships in May. Our footballers are now looking ahead to round 2 against Newington College this weekend.

Josh (Y11), our Captain of Robotics, recently spoke at an assembly about the growth of the Joeys robotics program, our strong STEM culture and real-world skill development. As Director of Co-curricular, Mr Simon Pennington shared, Josh has been involved in the program for three years and now “leads the design and construction of the robot, working closely with the coding team to ensure the robot and the team behind it are working well”. From humble beginnings in the Science labs with a handful of senior students, to the new STEM Centre, Josh and the team continue to bring STEM to life through engineering excellence, efficiency and empathy. “The team performed extremely well in the regionals this year, achieving the Judges’ Award,” noted Josh. “This award is presented to a team that has demonstrated exceptional qualities that cannot be captured by any single category. The award is rare precisely because it is not guaranteed.” Josh presented this prestigious award to Headmaster Mr Michael Blake on behalf of the team. We wish the Joebots all the best as they prepare for their next challenge, the Duel Down Under, at the end of June.

At a recent assembly, we presented pennants to Joe-Boys who finished in the top three for their Year Group at our College Cross Country Carnival, held earlier this term at Tarban Creek. Congratulations to all our cross country athletes who have been selected in the GPS team to compete at the Combined Independent Schools Cross Country Championships on Thursday 25 June.

With the launch of the St Joseph’s College 2026 Annual Appeal, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and invite you to make a gift to help boys like Liam and Cooper access the opportunities made possible by a Joeys education.

Liam (Class of 2025) grew up on a trout farm just outside Tumut in the Snowy Mountains foothills. Joeys changed everything for him. Today, he is studying a double degree in Commerce and Engineering at the University of Sydney – and he earned it, with an impressive ATAR of 97.75. His brother, Cooper (Y8), recently achieved a podium finish coxing the 4th IV at the Head of the River.

To help carry forward our values for generations to come, please give at: https://joeys.supporterhub.net.au/donations/2026bftb

Our students and staff were joined by their parents and our community for the Champagnat Family Mass last Sunday. Today, all teaching and professional staff gathered for our Staff Spirituality Day at St Patrick’s Church Hill, taking the opportunity to reflect and reconnect. We look forward to seeing all Joe-Boys back at the College after the long weekend.

Congratulations to our Year 12 students, who were recently presented with Academic Engagement Awards for Term 1. With less than two terms left at Joeys, this is an important time for all Year 12 Joe-Boys to reflect on the effort and commitment they are bringing to their studies. These awards recognise achievement and, just as importantly, the habits that lead to growth, including preparation, focus, perseverance and a willingness to make the most of every opportunity in the classroom. We are proud of the way these young men continue to engage in their learning and we look forward to seeing them make the most of the months ahead.

We have experienced some incredible vocal and instrumental performances recently as part of the College’s music program. At our assemblies this term, Sean (Y11), William (Y9) and Bruno (Y8) sang “World in Union”, while Risheet (Y11) delivered an impressive vocal performance of “Singing Up Country”. Musical sounds also filled the Br Michael Naughtin Theatre, with nearly 20 young musicians taking to the stage at the Year 9 Music Concert, delivering a rich and varied program. Thank you to our dedicated music staff, our Head of Music Paul Howe and to all our musicians for sharing their passion. They never cease to inspire and entertain us!

Friday 28 August. Save the date and get ready to join us for the 2026 Sport Lovers Lunch – a day to come together in support of Joe-Boys, celebrating our community.

The Br Emilian Hall was packed with nearly 50 exhibitors at our recent Careers Expo. Years 11 and 12 students took the opportunity to speak with representatives and explore the many pathways available to them beyond the College gates. From further study and apprenticeships to cadetships, defence, elite sport opportunities and residential college life, the evening gave Joe-Boys a valuable chance to consider where their strengths, interests and ambitions may lead. At Joeys, preparing boys for life, learning and leadership means helping them look ahead with confidence. We are grateful to all exhibitors, staff and families who supported the event, particularly Mr Rob Cousins, Head of Careers & Student Enterprise, for helping Joe-Boys as they take another important step in planning for their future.