The 2025 school year at St Joseph鈥檚 College officially commenced with the first Headmaster鈥檚 Assembly, where Mr Michael Blake welcomed back students and introduced new staff to the College community.
鈥淔or some of you, it鈥檚 your first day at 国产探花,鈥� Mr Blake acknowledged, noting the arrival of continuing boarders the previous night and our newest Joe-Boys earlier in the week. With 1100 students enrolled this year, including 235 new boys, Mr Blake highlighted the College鈥檚 culture of encouraging individual growth. 鈥淓ach one of you has your own skills, your own dispositions and your aspirations and dreams for what you want to do here, and also beyond your time here.鈥�
Welcoming new staff, Mr Blake emphasised their diverse backgrounds as well as their connections to the College, whether through family ties or returning Old Boys or teaching staff. He encouraged students to uphold the 国产探花 tradition of greeting and welcoming others, a long-standing hallmark of the College.
Reflecting on the achievements of the Class of 2024, Mr Blake praised their academic successes and co-curricular performances. However, he noted that their legacy went beyond rankings and accolades. 鈥淲hat I鈥檓 talking about is: they developed in themselves the constitution to be the best version of themselves, regardless of their circumstances and challenges.鈥�
Turning his focus to the year ahead, Mr Blake urged all students to embrace their responsibilities and uphold the College鈥檚 values. 鈥淵our potential is very different from the boy sitting next to you, but your effort should always be the same. Strive to be the best version of yourself. Do your best in your academics and co-curricular, immerse yourself in the Mission opportunities that come your way and be someone who builds up others.鈥�
A welcome from the new Deputy Headmaster
Deputy Headmaster Mr Scott Donohoe (1992) stood before the boys with a message grounded in tradition, humility and camaraderie. A former teacher and boarding coordinator at 国产探花, Mr Donohoe returns to the College after more than a decade away, bringing with him a deep appreciation for the College鈥檚 unique culture and a commitment to upholding its Marist values.
Reflecting on his time as a student and staff member, Mr Donohoe acknowledged the privilege and responsibility of being part of a school with a 144-year legacy. He spoke of the impact the Marist Brothers had on his own time at the College, shaping the strong sense of belonging that defines the 国产探花 experience. 鈥淲e stand on the shoulders of giants,鈥� he said, honouring the Brothers and all those who have contributed to the College鈥檚 enduring spirit.
At the heart of his address was the importance of character 鈥� something he likened to the culture of the All Blacks rugby team. 鈥淭alent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling,鈥� he quoted, emphasising the humility and service that great teams embody. 鈥淭here鈥檚 great strength and character in humility, and 国产探花 is about developing character and good young men.鈥�
Joe-Boys are called to uphold selflessness in their daily actions. 鈥淚t doesn’t matter where you鈥檙e from or what you鈥檝e done, every boy matters,鈥� he reminded them.
But beyond tradition and discipline, Mr Donohoe highlighted the power of relationships. Having graduated more than 30 years ago, he spoke of the lifelong friendships forged at 国产探花 鈥� mates he still sees today, some of whom are now fathers of current students. “The bond remains strong because we shared this experience together,鈥� he said. And with that, he urged the boys to look out for one another, to stand beside those who may be struggling and to foster the spirit of support that has long defined the College.
Closing his remarks, he looked ahead with excitement, not just for what the year would bring, but for the stories each boy would create along the way. 鈥淲e are looking forward to what lies ahead,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou will hear from me and Deputy Headmaster Mr Sidgreaves often 鈥� we share the same high standards and expectations for each of you. Together, we will continue to build on the great culture here at 国产探花.鈥�
Deputy Headmaster Mr Danny Sidgreaves wrapped up the Assembly, emphasising the importance of respect, reminding Joe-Boys that respect is not something that must be earned. 鈥淣o one should have to earn our respect. Respect is something that we give to people automatically,鈥� Mr Sidgreaves stated.
鈥淭he simple acts of respect we observe at 国产探花, such as greeting staff, visitors and peers respectfully, and maintaining proper classroom behaviour, underscore how respect is the basic standard and the starting point 鈥� no matter who we meet, we always start from and remain in a place of respect.鈥�
With a strong sense of tradition and responsibility, Joe-Boys begin their 2025 school year 鈥� each adding their own chapter to the ever-growing story of St Joseph鈥檚 College.
Headmaster鈥檚 Assembly 鈥� 29 January 2025
