Founded in 1965, this college is in the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic order committed to working with and for young people. With a school population of just over 1000, the college is divided into the senior campus (Years 10 to 12), junior campus (Years 7 to 8) and Valdocco campus (Year 9); all situated on an eight-hectare property at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. The college aims to provide each student with a pathway to academic, vocational and personal excellence. While priority is given to Catholic boys from the six local parishes, all are welcome.
Facilities: The college contains a chapel for religious services in addition to the three campuses. The grounds feature a vineyard, market garden, sporting fields, stadiums and equipment such as a fleet of mountain bikes. Specialised classrooms for the study of food technology, art, media and science are available. Students have access to individual iPad and MacBook programs plus MacBook and PC computer labs.
Curriculum: St Joseph’s College focuses on providing a differentiated ‘boys education’ with a specialised approach to teaching and learning at each year level. Year 7 and 8 students participate in the LEAP program, aimed at easing the transition between primary school and high school by retaining some of the common elements of primary education. The Valdocco Program for Year 9 students combines traditional teaching and learning approaches with applied learning approaches. Year 9 students have a broad range of elective choices as well as a 7 day expedition camp and frequently participate in weekly community meetings. Senior students have the opportunity to undertake advanced VCE study in Year 10 and choose from more than 30 VCE subjects in Years 11 and 12. Learning pathways including VET and VCAL are also provided and encouraged.
Sport: The college prides itself on its commitment to providing opportunities for participation and personal excellence in sports. St Joseph’s College is part of the Eastern Independent Schools inter-school sports association and students are able to take part in the weekly inter-school competition or, alternatively, participate in school-based sport. The college is active in a variety of competitions state and nationwide, including cycling and basketball. Basic and advanced golf programs are also available.
Extra-curricular activities: Students can take part in study skills programs, debating, the annual college production, outdoor adventure programs including the Great Victorian Bike Ride and human-powered vehicle competitions and cross-cultural programs such as an annual Italian trip and a pacific cross-cultural exchange.
Student welfare programs: St Joseph’s College has comprehensive pastoral care programs and policies that are fully enacted. All programs and policies are grounded in Salesian traditions with the uniqueness and sanctity of the individual at the heart of all that is done. Supporting these programs is a comprehensive personal development program (curriculum program from Year 7 to Year 12) and student welfare support (including homeroom teachers and college counsellors).