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Zoch Family Newsletter Diary
Zoch Family

Entries start at the most recent and go back to the first edition in July 2004. To read the diary in chronological order, jump to the first entry and read backwards.

Cathy Zoch is fourth daughter of Con and Bridget Collins  

2004    2005     2006   2007  2008  2009

November/December 2008 and January 2009
Elise
Well I finished my last year of school in 2008. Just waiting on whether I get accepted into any courses and I'll try and start my career from there! Not that I have much idea what I want to do but at the moment, it’s great just relaxing and being on holidays!!! All the sleep-ins and not stressing I have to get home and have homework sitting there or assignments to do or having school on the Monday. It’s GREAT!!

After finishing school, I worked for a couple of days and had my year 12 valedictory dinner. That was a fantastic night and one to remember! :)

Then we went to Bali on the weekend and that was a lifetime experience, such a huge culture shock for the four of us (John, Cathy, Jessica and Elise) but we enjoyed our holiday and especially how nice the Balinese people are! I would go back to Bali one day in the future, although they live a very different lifestyle to us, it's a country with beautiful people in it!! Oooo and their smoothies are the BEST! and it’s soo cheap too!
 
We went to this place called 'Safari Park' and that was really cool. We all got to hold an orangoutang which was awesome and Jess and I had a ride on the elephants which was also pretty cool!!!!

Unfortunately I got sick over there and wasn't the Bali belly. It was terrible and 1 day I spend most my day in bed. We got back home and went to the doctors the next day to find out I had the trifecta! I had a throat, chest and ear infection!!!! Plus on top of that because it was close to xmas work was really busy so I had to work and didn't get much time to rest!

So I worked quite a bit and going to a lot of parties and unfortunately I'm not 18 yet! But not long now! In March!

Then it was Xmas.

July/August 2008
Cathy
Jess has been flat out with her new beautiful boyfriend BJ (he's a really nice guy), short works plays at UNI, studying, working at Toy Kingdom, tutoring Asmahan in maths, going out with friends, occasionally seeing her Mum and Dad. She hardly has time to scratch herself. She has some great photos of her acting in her two plays for short works at UNI, some really nice ones of her and BJ. We had BJ for tea last night, she's going to his Aunty's tonight for tea, BJ back Tuesday night for tea. BJ was actually taking her somewhere at 10.30am this morning - it was a surprise, he always does nice things like that for her.

Elise and her boyfriend, Josh, and some other friends went to Mt Buller last Saturday for the day. She had an absolute ball, it even snowed on the day for her. She loved it. She's going again this Sat with Josh and friends and Jess is going to go too, because she's never been to the snow. She's also busy with her boyfriend and VCE studies. I'm seeing her careers/courses advisor from school tomorrow about what course she wants to do next year - maybe human movement or becoming a paramedic.

John and I have lots of time to ourselves now because the girls are never home - out for dinners, movies, breakfasts. We stayed in the city in July and went to the Waterfront for tea. Very flash. Friends of ours have a pub in Fitzroy and we went there for tea last Friday night and then back to their house for the opening of the Olympics. John has just finished painting Jessica's room - she's having her room done in an Egyptian theme. We had new carpet laid in the bedrooms last week, so it’s looking pretty snazzy. We've finally organized our passports and will be off to Bali in November with friends.

March/April 2008
Cathy and John’s 20th Wedding Anniversary
Cathy said, “Well I got spoilt rotten last week. Didn't know where I was going right up until Wed morning, had my suspicions we were going interstate somewhere when Jess started driving us  towards the airport.

We went to Sydney and stayed at Star City Casino, right near Darling Harbour. It was absolutely beautiful, very flash. Champagne and strawberries on arrival. We booked into the Sydney Tower revolving restaurant for tea. Would have to go down as the best restaurant I've ever been to. Food and views were beautiful. Spent time eating and drinking at Darling Harbour, The Rocks, China Town. Needless to say I've come home about 5 kilos heavier, but it was worth it. I also was given a nice pair of gold hooped
ear rings for a present as well.

Yes, I was definitely spoilt rotten.

Jessica
first of all no i don't have a boyfriend lol, someone's trying to smear my philosphy of 'no need for a boyfriend', lol
uni is really good i'm enjoying it so much, maybe because i'm only there 3 days a week, the rest of the time i'm at home doing homework, at my job at toykingdom, yes i'm still there or going out with friends. sadly with all this going on i haven't had too much time for my novel, but soon the mid year break will be here and i'll have a good two months to work on the novel

January/February 2008
Jessica
Well the big news is that I got my license. YAY!!  Finally now I'm the one driving mum and dad round. I have 18 years of lifts to repay. My novel is coming along really well. I’m up to chapter 17 - not sure how many chapters - maybe 40 to 60. A lot depends how much I want to write. I enrolled in my Bachelor of Creative arts at La Trobe the other day and will be starting at the end of February. Also I had a job interview last week at an advertising place called "REDZ" which does promotions sales and marketing for different companies around Victoria, so I have a second interview on Monday to see how I handle myself in the workplace.

December 2007

Jessica had her 18th birthday at home with family and some special friends. It was a few weeks after her actual birthday as Jess wanted to get all her study and exam commitments out of the way before the event.

Her mum, Cathy and Dad, John provided a fantastic spit roast meal and, in addition, John had prepared two huge lasagnes. Yum! John gave the birthday speech which was followed by some great favourite sweets like pavlova, fruit salad and trifle - all prepared by Jess’ paternal grandmother, Margaret Zoch. The large chocolate mud cake birthday cake was also a hit. 

October/November 2007

Elise
On the 20th of September I went on school camp to the Gold Coast for a week. 2 days was travelling up and back on a bus and the other 4 days was spent at the four theme parks! I had such an awesome time with all my girlfriends, except the bus ride up there was a nightmare!! It was 26 hour bus ride and I slept for a total of an hour!! On the way home, I got 4 hours sleep, but because my legs are so long, the chairs were really uncomfortable so I slept in the aisle of the bus!!

I’ve never been such a crazy person that goes on all the scary rides but I guess I have changed as I went on the five most thrilling rides at Dream World. They were the Giant Drop, Tower of Terror- 0 to top speed…160kph in 7 seconds, Cyclone, Wipeout and The Claw. Although the Giant Drop was pretty high up it wasn’t the height that freaked me out, it was “when is this thing going to drop?” It felt like my friend and I were up there for ages!!

Then there was Sea World…it was mostly about animals but had a few rides there, but it wasn’t my favourite park! My favourite would have to be Movie World because there are all the cartoon characters there! I also went on the Superman ride and I screamed the whole way!!!! It was going so fast, it was in creditable! It goes from 0 to 100k/h in 2 seconds!

Okay about school, I’ve finished Year 11 and completed all my exams! I’ve just got a week of Year 12 orientation then I get 10.5 weeks off…which is great because I need a break from school!!

I worked at the races this year, selling food and drinks! It was good experience but we got a lot of drunks coming up to us at the end of the day! It was funny but annoying!!

Jessica

Jessica had turned 18! She got a laptop from her mum and dad and some nice things to put her jewellery in from Elise. She will be having a small 18th birthday celebration for family an a few friends in early December.

Jess has bought the car she has been saving for such a long time. It’s a Hyundai Excel Sprint that was owned by a little old lady since new.  It’s in excellent condition and Jess is rapt!

September 2007
Cathy had a good birthday. She took the day off and she and Jessica did step aerobics in the morning, went to Highpoint after lunch and spent her birthday money. After a visit to Dad in hospital, the family went to a Thai Restaurant for tea.
Elise has returned from her Queensland camp and was so excited, she hardly got any sleep on the bus. But, she had a ball.

July/August 2007
Jessica

“This is the police put your hands up!”

The searchlight rests on me, it is far away yet I feel its heat, I raise my hand to block out the light, I take a break and speak to the light; “Please, don’t shoot, I’m innocent, you’ve gotta believe me…this crazy woman, she tried to kidnap me and there’s been the most terrible accident, but I’m innocent I tell you, innocent…innocent I tell you, innocent!”

Jessica’s character in her last school production, “Shadow on the Lake”, was a naïve Betty White. Jessica has written a terrific reflective piece on her acting career to date for the newsletter and there are also lots of post production photos.

April 2007
Jessica

By the way I thought I'd let you know I finally have a job : Toy Kingdom in local shopping centre.... Hopefully I start next weekend!

Jessica Zoch, Bridget’s granddaughter, had a very special moment with Bridget before she passed. Jessica gave the eulogy at Bridget’s Requiem Mass and has recently written her thoughts about Bridget’s last years and days. This is a very special homily. Jess would have been about 13 when Bridget was admitted to Gregory Lodge and this piece gives her thoughts on how she saw her grandmother during this time and just before her death. It is an emotional piece and has moved all who have read it. Grandma would be very proud of these words Jess!

Elise

On Anzac Day, my friend and i and Alex Gough (cousin) went to Melbourne Central to get a few things and some piercings! Well most of the shops were closed, so we had some lunch said goodbye to Alex then caught a train to Broadmeadows because that day i really wanted to get my belly pierced!

So we went to Broady and HairHouse WareHouse was open and i really wanted to back out but my friend was like "no, i came all this way, ur not chicken-ing out, your getting it done". Well i had to fill out this sheet then wait 15 minutes, i was soo scared and freaking out.

I went into the room and the lady was soo nice, i chose which stud and colour i wanted.. (PINK...of course) then, she cleaned inside my belly button and clamped it and next minute the needle was already through and she was just putting the piercing in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well wasn't i excited!!!!!!! I got home and mum already knew but for dad it was a surprise and didn't i shock him. He said 2 me one day, "Elise, i bet you would never come home and have your belly pierced" well i proved him wrong and got it pierced!!!   :)

School has just been draining me everyday!!! Nothing new about that...lets not go there...can't stand that place..LOL!

Being going to the footy lately! Members with dad, so dad goes too every home game either at Telestra Dome or MCG!! But i have also been going to other games with friends.  Renato hasn't been happy because some are guys. haha ahhh Renato you make me laugh!

I've put my resume in at a few shops in Airport West and Melbourne Central because i'm going to Queensland with school in September and i need spending money!! And....i would just LOVE 2 have my OWN money to buy wateva i want with it!!! :)

March 2007

Cathy and John have had a lucky escape recently and are lucky to still be with us. They decided to go camping overnight at Mt Disappointment in King Lake National Park. In the early hours of the morning they were woken by the sound of a branch splitting from a gum tree. They could hear it heading towards them and within seconds it came smashing down on their tent and car. 

Both had been hit fairly hard on the back of their heads and after Cathy had put her hand to her head she realised it was severely bleeding. Her hand was also throbbing which later on was diagnosed as a cracked knuckle. John had a fairly big bump on the back of his head and could hardly lift his arm which days later turned black and blue.

They knew they were in trouble as they were not in a camping ground, and even if they had a mobile signal would not have been able to direct rescuers to them. So with Cathy holding a towel to the top of her head which was bleeding heavily, John threw what they could into the car – they had to leave their tent, mattress etc as it was pinned under the branch. He also managed to take pictures in this story before climbing into the badly damaged car, in considerable pain and shock, and somehow finding his way out of the bush.

They decide to drive home and call an ambulance from there as Cathy’s head had stopped bleeding. They made it to about 100 metres from home when a tyre blew. John called for an ambulance and luckily a neighbour was walking by and helped John change the tyre so he could get the smashed car back home. The neighbour was in just as much shock as they were and couldn’t believe they had driven all that way home in that condition.

John had told the ambulance service that they had been hit by a branch, so when the ambulance turned up, the officers looked at the car in amazement, scratching their heads as to where the branch might be. John had to explain they couldn’t get reception and had no other choice but to try and get help fleeing in the smashed car.

Anyway, Cathy had to have 10 stitches in her head and half a cast on the cracked knuckle. X-Rays cleared any damage to the spine. John could hardly lift his arm and was off work for nearly 2 weeks. John had to take the damaged car to AAMI at North Melbourne for assessment. He got some very strange looks from other motorists – with one actually taking a digital picture of him as he drove past!!!!!! Needless to say the car was a right off.

So, the family were very relieved that they survived this experience. We think Bridget might have been watching over them because the car took the brunt of the force and it was sheer luck that it was parked where it was beneath the tree.

No more camping for a while in the Zoch family.

Elise
Well i had my birthdaii party bit earlier than my actual birthdaii! My party was on da 24th March but my birthdaii was 27th of march.

I had a party for my sweet 16th at my house at night time. About 25 people were there! Had an awesome night.....at the start so many presents to open. Then on the dance floor for the whole night, oh and we also played the doughnut game! The next night i added up all my money including gift vouchers and a total of $315.00! i don't know what i'm going to spend it on at the moment! Off mum and dad i got a digital camera and a napolean dynamite pen (Napolean Dynamite......a realli funni moviie) Recommend that you should c it!!!
Off jess i got new ipod earphones and a pink rubber case for my ipod nano!!

My cake....we ordered and it was the best! There was so much left over we took some to mary's the next day for the family daii lunch because we needed 2 get rid of some because we had too much at home! Would never had got eaten if we didn't give some out!!!

Year 11 now at school!! Well it has gotten tough and its just going to get harder thoughout the year! Well i think everyone knows that i don't like school and if my friends i have weren't there i don't know how i could survive!!!

I gave up playing netball on saturday now because i got too much on. lol narr because it was alwaiiz a pain to play it half way through the day. And i alwaiiz had 2 try and work around it so now i only play monday nights and train thursday nights!!

January/February 2007

Jessica says, “Well I have started year 12 and already the heat is on! I have a persuasive oral that I have to present in the upcoming days and Sacs and tasks are being set. I had my last school photos and it’s sad to think I'll never have another embarrassing 'school' photo to fret over. Ha ha. I received my year 12 drama raw score late last year, a 34, which will contribute to my ENTER this year.... being the eager school goer I am, I went to a summer camp over the holidays and spent two days (4 hours each day) sitting through some psychology lectures giving myself a head start.   

UNFORTUNATELY I am jobless,,,,,,,,,,, yet again and the prospect of a job soon is bleak which is a downer because I have a car and schoolies to save for!

Apart from that it seems my days will be filled with school work, and my new fitness regime of jogging every day after school.

My book on Pa has come to a bit of a grinding halt but never fear, I am committed - so it will be finished by the end of this year or early next year!!!!!!!”

(Late breaking news: I did my oral today and it went REALLY well. I was a bit nervous and bumbling in the introduction BUT the teachers laughed and it kind of broke the ice and made me more relaxed and confident! Most likely find out our grades this week!!!!)

November/December 2006

Jessica has completed the first chapter for her novel about Con Collins and has started on the second.                

Elise had two weeks work experience at the kindergarten in her street.

August/September 2006
Jessica
A few weeks ago, I received DUX of year 11 for semester one along with about six other girls on my year level; this basically meant that out of the 180 girls in Year 11, I was in the top 6 as far as my results went..... though they weren't straight As - I got a B in business management - I was very proud and so was mum and dad... I really hope to do the same at the end of the year, despite the mounting pressure....

My progress on my personal assignment of pa (Con Collins) unfortunately is slow. Though I have decided how the story will be set out. I will be writing a NOVEL on pa, I will narrate it as if I were him, but it will be based on events and occasions that happened in pa's experience in the war. A lot of work still needs to be done, but at the moment school is very demanding, I hardly have time to do the things I love!!!!! But I aim to finish it before I go back to year 12!!!! It is my goal to have a published book before I leave my teen years behind!

The main reason I wanted to do the book and doco was because I had been studying the war earlier this year, and I knew pa had fought against the Japanese but that was about all. I felt like I had a great hero in my family that I didn't really know. I wanted to have something that would always remind me of pa and I wanted to do it for pa, like a legacy. I think there is not nearly enough recognition for the poor souls who fought for our freedom and the least I can do is show people one person who will always be my hero. I have also written poems and pa, it’s my way of imprinting him in my memory forever. I want to write a book, so what better way to go about it than write on someone special.............and yeah that's really why I'm doing this.

June/July 2006
Elise has send some news from her family: “Well, I know it was a while ago but Rick’s 40^th was lots of fun! Us girls, Jess, Alex and I, did catering which was pretty good as the food was delicious! We met a few guys there and have become friends with them although they live a bit far away.

After Rick’s party, Alex Jess and I went back to Mary’s house and that was at about 3.30am in the morning. Jess had production the next morning so she went straight to bed but Alex and I stayed up till 6 in the morning and finally went to sleep. The boys rang me at 7am so that only gave us an hour sleep and they came about 8.30am for breakfast. Although I didn’t get much sleep it was an awesome party.

The school holidays were alright …… Mum, Jess and I went to Mary’s house for 3 days and went ten pin bowling on the Tuesday. We didn’t have the bumpers up so every second ball of mine rolled into the gutter when it got half way down. I’ve seen 3 movies. I went to see the The Poseidon Adventure with Dad and Jess. I went and stayed the night at Judi and Renato’s and we went out for dinner at a Pizza and Pasta Place and that was nice. Then we went and watched Click and that was really funny. It had Adam Sandler in it. We also went shopping and bought a few tops. Then I went out to dinner with them to the Moonee Valley Racecourse and they had some luck and won some money and Renato was very nice to give some of it to me. And I saw on the last day of school holidays Superman Returns with Alex at Crown. We met up in the city and had some lunch at the Crown then watched the movie. As well as playing netball on Saturday and training Thursday nights, I’ve decided to also play on Monday nights too.

For the season, every game is played at 9.30pm on Monday nights. Well, only for this season because the time is too late when I get home, I’m only a fill-in. But my team is 1^st on the ladder and in about four weeks there will be finals so my coach wants me to qualify before it’s too late. Jess and I have started ballroom dancing. The first lesson is free so we gave it a shot. It’s a lot of fun but because this is our first time doing a dance lesson, it can get confusing and a bit tricky! We went back and had a second lesson and Jess wants to continue it but I’m not sure if I will.

Well, that’s about it for the Zoch Family (LOL – most of the news about me!)

Catchya all around ……”

May/June 2006
Jessica Zoch gave another fine performance as a secretary to the Minister for Education in The Belles of St Trinian’s at the Clocktower Centre. It was put on by the Pascoe Vale Girl’s College who are reknowned for their dedication to the performing arts. Too soon for photos but hopefully we will have some for the next newsletter. Meanwhile, Renato managed to get one on his mobile phone of Jessica being presented with flowers after the show.

April 2006
Jessica said, "I went to Stawell with my friend and that was a lot of fun but very very bery cold; and basically I've just been at school working really hard. Studying and practicing for my drama class ensemble. I'm still working at Toy Kingdom saving all my money spending very little and that's it. I would have more news - but it's all basically just school work at the moment!"

March 2006
Jessica is a dedicated student and a budding actress. She is on school holidays at the moment and says, “I have spent today and yesterday at school rehearsing for my drama class ensemble and it is coming along nicely. We have to do a piece of surrealism/non-naturalism with many different aspects like conflict, symbol, contrast, music, over-exaggeration, transition, repetition and many other elements and conventions. We have to perform it in mid-May in front of approximately 12 other drama classes from other schools. We're working hard and hope to get a high mark from the judges.

Not only am I back at school for drama class rehearsals in the last week of school holidays, I have to go back to school for another three days for production rehearsals. Opening night is around 11 weeks away and next Wednesday will be our second rehearsal of the year.

Also, I have started working again after a long drought of unemployment. HOORAY I work once more. If anyone needs toys for family and friends, you can shop at my work, Toy Kingdom in Melbourne Central. If you want me to serve you, please come by on a Saturday between 10 and 5. I love working at a toystore. Apart from being called "the lady" by mothers and fathers, I feel very young around toys and lollies and games. But no luxuries are to come of my hard earned money. Half is going into an untouchable account for my first car, the other half will be stored away for spending money when I go to Queensland in September with my school.”

January/February 2006
Elise gives us another great article on the Zoch Family over the Christmas Holidays. She says, “From the 27th December until the 3 January, we went to Tocumwal. We stayed in a caravan park and camped. It was hot every day so we had to spend all day down at the river. Our friends came up and they’ve got a boat and donut. So all the kids went on that. There’s about 10 of us, so it’s always fun and never gets boring. Everyday it was about 450C and it was so hot in the tent that when we woke up, we just had to get out! Once of the days, all the kids had to get out of the heat, so we went into town and watched ‘Harry Potter’. Jessica took a friend up, Megg, and we all got sick.”

“I went away for five days with a friend to Anglesea and that was good. We had pretty good weather down there and a nice beach.”

“Our bathroom renovation is nearly finished – we have all had a spa already.”

“Jess was on the radio in the17th and 24th January – on SYN 90.7FM. She got invited on there by a friend. We taped one session, but I stuffed up and pressed ‘rewind’ instead of ‘record’. So I told Brenton Collins (1st cousin) about it, lol and he listened to a bit of it at work. He said all he heard was a girl say “OMG, OMG, OMG” about 10 times and he got to a point where he switched it off!”

“Our parents went back to work so Jess and I get more sleep-ins. I saw ‘King Kong’, ‘Cheaper By The Dozen 2’, and ‘Harry Potter’ on these school holidays. They were all good. Megg said I fell asleep a few times in ‘Harry Potter’. I’ve also gone to the pool, the beach and shopping these holidays.”

“On the last weekend of the holidays, I’m going over to Judi and Renato’s house for two nights with Alexandra Gough (another first cousin) which will be fun”.

“One last thing, I’ve got a picture of my netball team last year. It’s after the Grand Final, so that’s why my face is so red! It’s not my copy so maybe I’ll look not so erd on my own copy when my photos are developed”. (Maybe we can have the picture for the next newsletter Elise)

Written by Elise Jayde Zoch 25th January 2006

November/December 2005
Elise has sent some news in for this newsletter. She says, “In netball, it’s come to the end of the season and my team made it to the semi-final on 3/12. We played really good and the final score was 14 -13 in our favour. We were so proud of ourselves. The Grand Final is on the 10th of December – I can’t wait!!

School has been all right – not much school work to go. We finish work on 7th December but then we have two weeks of activities and the last day of school for me is 21st December. So we go on a few exciting excursions like The Eastern Beach at Geelong, Ten Pin Bowling, Roller-Blading and the movies.

The Zoch bathroom is undergoing a major renovation, complete with spa bath. It will be great when it’s all finished but in the meantime, the ensuite is getting pretty crowded!

October 2005
Elise has been chatting with Mark Deacon and says he's a really nice guy. She has also been EXTREMELY busy and has written a couple of terrific reports on her latest social activities. She went to the Jesse McCartney Concert and loved it. In fact, she screamed so hard that she lost her voice – luckily, it did come back. Read her story here! And also this year, Elise wanted to be involved in the Rock Eisteddfod, so she tried out for backstage and was accepted. She was really happy because it gave her the experience of being on stage at Vodafone Arena and Rod Lava Arena. It also taught her how to use, move and look after the props and set. Read her great report on her experience at the Rock Eisteddfod here. It sounds like it was a fantastic experience for her.

September 2005

August 2004

July 2004

Cathy and John were off for a romantic weekend on the weekend of the last family lunch including a meal on the famous tramcar restaurant. However, they got a phone call on the Saturday and was told that the tram had derailed the night before and they were cancelling all bookings for that night. They couldn’t believe it? So, because they already had a room booked, they ended up going to a nice Chinese restaurant down at Southbank instead.

John’s Mum, Margaret, turns 70 on Friday 15th July. Happy birthday Margaret from all the Collins Family!

Jessica
Well, Jessica has wowed us all again in her role as “Slightly Soiled” in Peter Pan. Cathy booked out the entire second row of the theatre for all Jessica’s fans and we were not disappointed. The production was very professional, colourful and entertaining. 

Elise
Elise says “On the holidays, I've been doing my backstage rehearsals for the school Rock Eisteddfod. Backstage people help the dancers get in and out of costumes. They have to put the stairs on the stage, do lights, sound, curtains and much more. Also, I saw two movies - Madagascar and Sisterhood of Traveling Pants. Alex (Gough) came down on the second week and stayed till the Thursday. We all went to see Madagascar then went shopping and bought clothes. I'm still playing netball and a few weeks ago we won our second game for the season. We had a break over the holidays but we start again this Saturday.”

June 2005
Jessica is busy rehearsing for ‘Peter Pan’, which is on later in June. Her Mum (Cathy), has booked out the entire second row of the theatre for all Jessica’s fans. Aunty Barb popped in to see Jess in her job at Video Ezy last week and she was very busy with customers (in fact she didn’t recognize Barb when she got to the front of the queue!)  

May 2005
Cathy’s Achilles is healing well but still needs work on it before it’s back to normal. She has gone back to work and reports that this was a relatively stress free exercise.  

April 2006
Cathy has not really enjoyed her torn Achilles adventure. Having your leg in plaster when you are a busy mum and valued employee is not easy. Luckily, Cathy’s family – John, Jessica and Elise – have been extremely helpful, but will be happy when everything is back to normal. For the last few weeks, she has been in a special ‘boot’ which means she can move around more now with the aid of crutches. 

Cathy, however, did not allow this to deter her from going on an annual camping trip to Tocumwal with a group of other families - although she was also very glad to come home again.

Elise says the holiday at Easter was great fun! She said “We only went swimming on the Saturday and Sunday! The water was freezing but I still went in and if I didn't, all my friends would splash me or throw me in anyway. On Sunday we went to the market and it was stinking hot - 32°C!!!!  The boat was there but I didn't go on. I did go on the donut and 100metres down we went over a wake (wave) and I fell off! It was fun at night time because I stayed with my friends and I stayed awake on Saturday night until 2:30am and got my present off Jess. So yeah that was fun!! I got into the Backstage Crew. That works all the lights and sounds for the production! So I'm happy about that. I'm going away with my girlfriend to Phillip Island so that should be lots of fun too. I think we’re staying at the same place Graham goes to at Christmas. We might go see the Penguin Parade and that will be cute.” Jessica will be in her school play again this year. She has been caste in the role of the mother of the Lost Boys. Last year, she shone in the dual role of Mother/Aunt Petunia. Can’t wait to see the new production! Jessica has also picked up a job at a Video Ezy store and is looking forward to earning some money in an environment she loves!

March 2005
Cathy has broken her Achilles Heel! She was playing Netball and thought she had slipped on a banana peel. She was running to get a pass when it happened. It was VERY painful! After a dash to an emergency department, she was operated on promptly and her surgeon later told her that it was like trying to put two mop heads back together. So Cathy has been in plaster for the last couple of weeks and is due to see her surgeon again on 17/3. Hopefully, she will be able to progress to a special therapeutic ‘boot’ which will allow a bit more freedom than the plaster caste. Poor Cathy! She’s out of commission for at least eight weeks. Luckily, Cathy has a very supportive family in John, Jessica and Elise who have been fantastic and are doing all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing etc etc. John leaves Cathy each morning with supplies for the day in a camp fridge next to the couch in the lounge room. Cathy has entertained herself watching DVDs, knitting and talking to visitors and people on the phone.

Jessica has scored herself casual job at Video Ezy and is sure to be a hit with the customers with her bright, cheery personality. She has also been cast in the school play this year as the mother of the lost boys in Peter Pan. Let Cathy know if you want tickets to the show. Last year, Jessica was fabulous in her Mother/Aunt Petunia roles.

 Elise has a birthday coming up on Easter Sunday but will be partying at a Ten Pin Bowling venue on the Saturday before.

February 2005
The Zoch Family had a two week holiday in Bright. Cathy said “There is so much to tell about Bright, here is  a bit of what we did. We had perfect weather 36-37 degrees every day. We spent most of our days at different swimming holes along the Ovens River. We went 4 wheel driving, passing through Beechworth for lunch, which gave us a chance to show the girls where Pa (Con) grew up as a boy. After Beechworth we went through Yackandandah back to Bright, that was a fun day. Also, the wine festival at Bright was a great day too. We all purchased a wine glass for $7.00 and that entitled us to as many wine tastings as we liked. There was also different gourmet food to be eaten as well as a band that played thru till 11.00pm.

Also, on one of the days we went for a bike ride to Porepunkah and back. On one of the days we went trout fishing at the trout farm and John put the trouts in his smoker that night and we all had smoked trout for tea. It was the best fish I have ever tasted. Yummy. The girls also went blueberry picking with the others we camped with and brought back a kilo of berries. When we got home Jess cooked up blueberry muffins and they were delicious. Oh, and one more thing we did, we went for a drive up to Mt Hotham, that was a beautiful drive.

I would highly recommend Bright for a holiday, as you can see there is lots to do.”  

November-December 2004
The Zoch Family have also been on a holiday to Queensland, staying in a 33^rd floor penthouse!  They could see all the way to Burleigh Heads. Jessica and Elise flew home after the first week so they wouldn’t miss any school and left Cathy and John on their own for a romantic break.

Jessica has finished her Year 10 exams – scoring eight As and one B. Congratulations Jessica on her excellent result.

Elise’s netball team just missed out on the netball finals. All the best for next year Elise.

October 2004
Cathy celebrated her 40^th birthday with a number of celebrations that extended over a week or so!!!!

September 2004
The Zoch Family is very excited with the news that they will be holidaying on the Gold Coast later this year. They will be staying in an apartment belonging to John’s boss – at no cost! What a great boss! They will be driving up but Elise and Jessica will be flying back so they don’t miss out on too much school. (Bad luck girls). They can’t wait to go.

Elise Zoch “We started our new Netball season competition and I lost 6-11 and Jess lost 13-19 because we’re in different teams this season. Our uniforms are these cool, but expensive, body suits! We also got new jumpers!
At school it's time to choose our electives for next year when I am in Year 9 - and am I excited? Well yes! I've decided that I want to do. Wood/Metal/Plastic because I like making stuff with wood and cutting with the saw! My other elective I've chosen is Material Fabrics and that’s sewing. Jess does it and she says it's fun so I decided to do it!”

August 2004
Well Jessica – what a night! You were not the lead role in the stage play “Colour my World” – but you should have been. (That’s the opinion of a biased aunty anyway).

The play transported the audience back to the ‘Sixties’ and showed the growth of a young girl who is confused, unhappy and bored and who eventually finds her role as a model in London.

The play was staged by Pascoe Vale Girls College and was shown on three nights. From our second and third row seats, we were treated to an extravaganza of colour, singing and dancing as all the girls displayed their talents. Jessica played dual principal roles as both Mrs Brown, the mother of the young girl, and also her Aunt Petunia.

Jessica has appeared for the college in Forgotten Summer and Silk as a member of the ensemble. She has trained in drama both at the college and the Victorian Youth Theatre.

Congratulations Jessica – you really are a star!

July 2004
Jessica Zoch
July 28^th:
tonight will be the opening night of my school production  'colour my world'
i have been working long and hard on my script, which has not been easy, but has been enjoyable and fun.
i am proud to announce that i am a main character, well actually i am two main characters so it should be good.
all wish me luck because i can't relax after tonight i have another three performances to do!!!!!!!  

July 28^th:
today is my second day of performing, but i have to do two performances today!!!
i have a matinee at 11 in the morning! once again wish me luck

July 29^th:
yay! closing night my favourite night because i have 15 family and friends coming to watch me and by now everyones nerves aren't so bad.
last night is always the best for me. but it's also sad because i have to wait a whole year before i can do it again!!!!!!
one more time for the record, wish me luck!!!!!!

This website has been made possible by the patronage and sponsorship of the late Cornelius Charles Collins.