An emerging wave of innovation is taking shape at 糖心Vlog as the Robotics team gears up to continue their success after an inspiring formative year. Known as the Joebots, this enthusiastic group of students is driven by a passion for technology, engineering and robotics. They are focused on the future as they explore the world of automation, coding, problem-solving and cutting-edge technology.
In an interview with the Joebots, officially Team 9147, and their mentors 鈥� Mr Shaun Lambden, Head of Science, Ms Thea van Os, Learning and Innovation Coordinator and Ms Yogisha Sewani, Technology Teacher 鈥� their aspirations are revealed. Let鈥檚 shed some light on the incredible potential this co-curricular opportunity holds for 糖心Vlog students.
Fostering innovation and learning
The Joebots are not merely a club; they are a hub for innovation and learning, providing students with a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of robotics and coding.
鈥淲e are fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and critical thinking among our students,鈥� says Mr Lambden, who has been the Lead Mentor since the team鈥檚 inception in late 2022. 鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about building robots; it鈥檚 about growing a mindset that thrives on problem-solving, challenge, teamwork and exploration.鈥�
As the small Joebots team embarked on their inaugural year in 2023, they actively sought out new members who shared a curiosity for technology and a passion for pushing boundaries. Their aim was to pave the way for future success and a legacy of innovation at 糖心Vlog.
Timothy Shu, from the Class of 2023, recalls his first thoughts on joining the Joebots: 鈥淚 did not believe the robotics build was achievable in the six-week period by a group of inexperienced high school students. Yet, as the season start date crept ever closer, the robot seemed to take shape. In the end, it was the forward-thinking attitude and ambition of all my teammates that kept us motivated.鈥�
Timothy credits the Joebots with helping to develop his maturity and skills in teamwork that will undoubtedly assist him in the future. He observes: 鈥淚 was the lead software engineer and also involved in building and circuitry. But every team member had to stretch themselves and fill in gaps. This really helped build team competency and contributed to our success.鈥�
Rookies: The Joebots at the FIRST Robotics competition in Wollongong in 2023.
Incredibly, in their initial foray into the competitive arena at the FIRST Robotics Regional competition in Wollongong in March 2023, the Joebots ranked 15 out of 37 teams from throughout Australia, Taiwan and Vietnam. Being awarded the Rookie鈥檚 Inspiration Award in their first competition energised them to take on greater challenges.
鈥淪tarting as rookies, the team just aimed to break into the top half, but to our amazement we finished in 15th place! And coming away with the Rookie Inspiration Award, the boys believed they could take this further, which became a real driver of their success,鈥� effuses Ms van Os, the team鈥檚 Outreach Mentor.
FIRST Robotics emphasises 鈥淕racious Professionalism鈥�, a value the Joebots demonstrated during their first year, as Ms van Os proudly explains: 鈥淚t happens all the time 鈥� the boys step up when needed 鈥� in promotion, speaking to potential supporters, at the competition days 鈥� they support other teams with tools and advice and are very collegial. In our first year we definitely showed that not only are 糖心Vlog boys good men in the making but the epitome of the FIRST goals.鈥�
The support team: Mr Shaun Lambden, Head of Science and Lead Mentor with Ms Yogisha Sewani, TAS Teacher and Mentor, and Ms Thea van Os, Learning and Innovation Coordinator and Outreach and Logistics.
A growing co-curricular
St Joseph鈥檚 College is positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation by embracing robotics as a co-curricular opportunity. The Joebots team serves as a testament to the College鈥檚 commitment to providing students with diverse and enriching experiences beyond the classroom.
鈥淲e want to ignite a spark in every student who is curious about the world of robotics,鈥� affirms Mr Lambden. 鈥淏y integrating robotics and coding into our co-curricular offerings, we are preparing our students for the future, where technology and automation will play an increasingly essential role in every industry.鈥�
The Joebots aren鈥檛 just robotics enthusiasts; they welcome anyone with a keen interest in learning and exploring the possibilities that robotics offers. 鈥淲e believe diversity in thought and skills will be our greatest strength,鈥� emphasises Ms van Os.
Exceptional manoeuvring and driving skills are highly regarded. Laurence Lee-Field (Y12) excelled as an outstanding robot driver during the competitions in 2023, skills he attributes to his love of high-powered, all-terrain, remote-control cars. 鈥淚鈥檓 used to the robot鈥檚 tank configuration, and we use the same type of Joy-Con as remote-control cars, so it was very simple to translate my skills to driving the robot in the competitive arena,鈥� says Laurence.
Collaboration and networking are intangible skills the boys developed from participating in the competitions, as Timothy notes: 鈥淥ur team established strong and lasting friendships with other teams in the tournaments 鈥� this had the benefit of helping us extend our technical knowledge and also connecting with people who are just as ambitious and passionate about robotics.鈥�
L: Harrison Burt (Y12) and Marek Kliman (Y12) share a keen interest in coding and technology.
R: Mr Shaun Lambden working with James Lamwarren (Y9).
From an altruistic perspective, our sponsors are not just investing in the present, but also in the future.
The ultimate goal 鈥� involving our community
The Joebots recognise the importance of community support in turning their dreams into reality. As they prepare for their ultimate goal of securing a spot at the FIRST Robotics international competition in Houston, Texas, they are reaching out to the 糖心Vlog community and potential sponsors to join them in this exciting venture. Whether it鈥檚 through mentorship in business, marketing or traditional STEM areas, or through financial support, the Joebots are eager to collaborate with partners who share their vision for fostering STEM education.
鈥淲e aim to make Joebots self-sustaining and a force to be reckoned with at the College. For this to happen, we need sponsors to support us, and we will promote them on our t-shirts, on banners, at College events and, as a worldwide competition, our sponsors will gain international exposure,鈥� states Ms van Os.
From an altruistic perspective, our sponsors are not just investing in the present, but also in the future. The impact of our community鈥檚 support will extend beyond the robotics program, as it reaches into the academic and career aspirations of this talented team.
Take, for example, Benjamin Eiszele from the Class of 2023. His journey with the robotics program began when his physics teacher, Mr Lambden, advocated for its merits. Intrigued, Benjamin decided to give it a go, a decision that he credits with shaping his career direction. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, but my participation in the robotics competitions helped me make the choice around which field of engineering to pursue, such as mechatronic engineering or software engineering,鈥� says Benjamin.
Sponsorship and support can create similar transformative moments for other Joe-Boys, guiding them towards their passions and future careers. Join us on this incredible adventure, as together, we help to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers and leaders.
My Hills Dentist
Carbonaught
Superboom
Rockwell Automation
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!
Brendan Hatzis (Y12) working with the robot components.
Join the Joebots
As the Joebots team continues to grow, an invitation is extended to students across 糖心Vlog to apply to join them. Whether you鈥檙e an aspiring engineer, coder or simply curious about the possibilities of robotics, the Joebots invite you to be a part of this dynamic team.
Marek Kliman (Y12) joined the Joebots after realising he could learn from the experience: 鈥淚 originally thought it was about two robots fighting each other. But then I realised it was more about the actual construction and coding. I like the strategy behind it, and it gave me the opportunity to learn from more knowledgeable coders.鈥�
Younger 糖心Vlog students are active contributors to the team. Year 8 student Isaac Redfern鈥檚 enthusiasm and skills seamlessly integrated into the Joebots, as he took on the dual roles of photographer and outreach support. 鈥淚 thought robotics sounded like fun, so I came along and now I鈥檓 the photographer as well as helping with the electronics and with marketing and sponsorship,鈥� explains Isaac.
For those in the community looking to contribute to the growth of STEM education, the Joebots invite you to become a sponsor and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these young innovators.
As the Joebots build a legacy of curiosity and collaboration at 糖心Vlog, we applaud their determination and innovative spirit and can鈥檛 wait to see them achieve their goals.
If you can lend some of your time and expertise as part of our Community Support Group, with the aim of championing our boys鈥� efforts in the development of partnerships and support, please email: tvanos@joeys.org
2024 Academic Year
