From 2–4 March, a group of 15 Silver Duke of Edinburgh students completed their practice journey along part of the Great Ocean Walk, just past Apollo Bay. Over three days, students hiked through spectacular coastal landscapes, following a section of the trail that offers views of the rugged coastline that can only truly be experienced on foot.
The group began at Elliot Ridge and walked to Blanket Bay on the first day, covering approximately 12 km. Day two took them from Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Group Campsite, and on the final day they continued to Aire River. While the distances ranged from 10–12 km each day, the terrain and the weight of full backpacks made the journey physically challenging.
One of the highlights of the camp was witnessing a Total Lunar Eclipse. Students were lucky enough to see the Earth pass directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to turn a striking reddish-copper colour. It was a memorable moment and a special experience to share together while camping in such a remote location.
The students also encountered a wide range of native wildlife along the track, including wallabies, koalas, snakes, echidnas and even a rare sighting of a Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Although hiking with heavy packs, sleeping in tents, and going without showers for three days can be tough, the students rose to the challenge and supported each other throughout the journey. Their resilience, teamwork and positive attitude meant that all participants completed the walk successfully and gained valuable experience for their upcoming qualifying expedition.
Denise Bowring - Teacher
From the 13th to the 17th of February, we had the privilege of attending the annual JJAMM Conference in Sydney, alongside 30 AJASS schools from across Australia and New Zealand. In total, bringing together a group of 60 student leaders and over 30 staff members.
On Day 1, we explored our college story, deepening our understanding of our identity as a Josephite school, while interconnecting our stories with those of the other AJASS schools. We reflected upon the lives of key figures in the Josephite tradition, unpacking the acronym ‘JJAMM’, Father Julian Tenison Woods, Saint Joseph, and Mary MacKillop, whose legacy continues to guide us today.
On the second day of the conference, we further explored leadership styles, exploring how to lead with purpose. On the third day of the conference, we shifted our focus towards prevalent social justice issues in today's world. As a group, we were challenged to call upon issues that affect our communities, engaging in meaningful discussion and collaboration.
On the final day of the conference, we put all of the JJAMM values we had learnt into action, discussing how we can take action in our college community, and reporting to the wider group.
After 4 JJAMM-packed days and a bittersweet goodbye, we headed home, connected through the Josephite charism. Above all, the 2026 JJAMM Conference was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience that has truly inspired us to lead in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop and the Josephite Tradition within our school community. We are incredibly grateful to have attended. With courage, compassion and service, the conference reminded us to embrace that ‘we all but travellers here’ - Mary MacKillop.
Arden R - Year 12
Our Year 7 Camp 1 students from 7 Cameron, 7 Kincumber 1, 7 McCormack and 7 Penola 1 recently enjoyed a wonderful camp experience filled with adventure, teamwork and plenty of fun. Students enthusiastically took part in a range of activities including stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, archery, the adventure tunnel, Amazing Race challenges and the ever-popular flying fox.
We were fortunate that the weather held out, with only minimal rain, allowing students to make the most of every moment outdoors. In the evenings, students came together for a beautiful student-led liturgy, followed by lively house games such as cup pong, Pictionary, trivia and card tower challenges, which brought out great teamwork and lots of laughter.
It was fantastic to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, supporting one another and building new friendships. Fun was had by all, and while there were many tired faces as students boarded the buses home, it was clear that the camp was a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Lidia Morlin - Year 7 Team Leader
With excitement in the air, Year 9 students headed to Camp Wyuna in the beautiful coastal town of Queenscliff last week for an experience that was equal parts adventure, challenge, and connection. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bellarine Peninsula, the camp delivered memories - and friendships - that will last well beyond the classroom.
Students threw themselves into a fantastic range of activities - from boogieboarding and beach games in the surf, to a scenic and challenging bike ride along the coast to the historic Queenscliff Lighthouse. Many were pushed well outside their comfort zones, discovering reserves of courage and determination they didn’t know they had. A fascinating session on local marine life rounded out a packed program, sparking genuine curiosity about the remarkable ecosystem of Port Phillip Bay.
Using courage and virtue to be the very best versions of themselves - true Mount St Joseph spirit.
Throughout the camp, students shone. Whether paddling into the surf for the first time, cheering other group members along the bike trail, or simply stepping up to something new, they demonstrated the courage and virtue that define the Mount St Joseph community. It was an absolute privilege to watch these young women support one another and grow.
A very special thank you to all the dedicated staff who gave so generously of their time and energy to make this camp such a wonderful success. Your commitment to our students is truly inspiring - Camp Wyuna 2026 would not have been possible without you.
Jenny-May & Bianca - Teachers
The Sea All Dolphin Swim was an unforgettable ocean experience, even without spotting any dolphins. Both Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies classes were able to explore all along the Mornington Peninsula and in Port Phillip Bay.
The adventure began at Queenscliff Harbour where everyone got all suited up. We ventured to Portsea Pier, where the underwater world was full of life and colour. Later, we travelled out to Popes Eye, a well-known marine sanctuary, where we swam with seals. Although most were very lazy, one of the Australian Fur Seals was playful, curious, and full of energy. It even got into the water as we were snorkelling!
One of the highlights was encountering a banjo shark resting along the ocean floor. Its unique shape and calm presence made it a fascinating sight, and it was amazing to observe it in its natural habitat. We also had the rare opportunity to see weedy sea dragons, whose delicate, leaf-like features allowed them to blend beautifully into the seaweed.
The guides ensured everyone felt safe and shared interesting insights about the marine environment throughout the day.
Overall, while dolphins didn’t appear, the Sea All Dolphin Swim still delivered an amazing experience. From weedy sea dragons to seals and a banjo shark, it was a day full of unique and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Natalie Janius - Teacher
On the 3rd of March, the Year 12 Physics class went to Luna Park as part of the Area of Study: Motion. When we found out about the excursion at the end of Year 11, we were all looking forward to it, and it was just as good as we expected. While it was a fun day, the main focus was to take measurements of the rides which we used to complete a booklet as part of our outcome.
Our entrance to Luna Park was delayed, so we began our day by watching an airshow on the beach. When we finally got into Luna Park, our first ride was supposed to be the Twin Dragons, but it was closed! Instead we went on the Enterprise, which allowed us to experience centripetal force and acceleration and the effects of normal force at different parts of a loop. Other rides were practical applications of other aspects of our course, such as the Coney Drop, which demonstrated how gravitational potential energy converts to kinetic energy.
As Luna Park was closed off to the public, we had the opportunity to meet Year 12 physics students from other schools, the same people who we will soon compete with. The lack of lines and freedom to go on whichever rides we wanted made the day fun, relaxing and ensured that we could go on as many rides as possible. We even convinced Mr Krishna and the lovely lab tech Thea to go on a ride with us.
Luna Park was essential to understanding and applying the theory we have learnt in class, though the booklet due soon after was a disappointing end to an otherwise fantastic day
Chloe A - Year 12
