Recent News and Events

Careers Assembly - 5 May 2025

This week, I had the pleasure of coordinating the school assembly, which centered on the theme of career exploration and the cultivation of one's interests, strengths, and sense of purpose. To inspire our students, we were fortunate to enlist the assistance of several distinguished ex-students from the Class of 2016.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sienna Casolin, Elise Conte, and Amalia Tavernese for generously dedicating their time to share their personal journeys with our students. Their diverse career paths vividly illustrate the many post-school opportunities available: Elise has embarked on a career in the Navy, Sienna has secured a position as a research scientist at the University of Wollongong, and Amalia has successfully established her own business, Marley Janes Cafe, in Albion Park.

The overarching message from our guest speakers was a powerful one: "Back yourself, pursue your interests and seize every opportunity with both hands." In an era where young people often look to compare themselves and seek validation from others, it is reassuring to hear such an empowering and positive message from our alumni. Their stories embody the foundational principles of developing interests, strengths, and purpose that our students are actively nurturing during their time at school.

Illawarra Careers Expo - 6 May 2025

On Tuesday, we had the privilege of taking our Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts to the Illawarra Careers Expo at the Illawarra Sports Stadium. With over 90 exhibitors, including major universities and local apprenticeship providers, our students had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals who could answer their career-related questions and provide guidance on their future pathways.

Year 10 TAFE Excursion - 9 April 2025

Students from Year 10, who are considering vocational pathways, were invited to tour the TAFE NSW Wollongong and Shellharbour campuses. This day-long event showcased the diverse learning faculties and state-of-the-art facilities available at these institutions. Highlights included visiting the School of Nursing, where students interacted with highly realistic dummy patients at the Shellharbour campus. Additionally, students had the opportunity to try their hand at virtual welding and boilermaking at the Wollongong campus. Overall, it was a positive and enlightening day, providing our students with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available at TAFE.

Upcoming Events at Joeys:

Step into Teaching Scholarship Talk - 22 May 2025

Jan Hutton from the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong will be delivering a presentation to Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching after completing Year 12.

Expression of interest form below:

https://forms.gle/GGVb518X7aMjRuZS6

St Joseph's Apprenticeship Careers Exhibition - 10 June 2025

This event will offer our senior students a valuable opportunity to explore various industries and career prospects within the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region.

We have secured representatives from a wide array of industries and training organizations. Each representative will be stationed at their own 'Industry Conversation Table.'

Students will rotate between tables, allowing each representative to discuss topics such as: a typical day in their profession, training pathways, employer expectations (including desired skills and qualities in new employees), tips on job preparation, strategies for securing employment, and future career opportunities within their industry.

More details will be provided in the next fortnight’s newsletter and via our social media channels.

UOW Y12 Early Entry Presentation + Y10 HSC Subject Selection unpacked - 16 June 2025

On Monday, June 16, 2025, our UOW school liaison officer, James Terry, will visit St Joseph’s. Accompanying him will be current university students who will assist our Year 12 students with their early entry and UAC applications. Additionally, James will conduct a separate session for our Year 10 students, guiding them through the HSC subject selection process and exploring pathways into university.