I hope everyone is keeping warm and dry this winter season. As I sit at my desk with the heater going, I am thinking about individuals experiencing hardship. For some, hardship may be feeling cold. Others, access to nutritious food. Some individuals may be struggling with the cost of living but also the ability to connect with others. Whatever the case may be, they are in my prayers; however, we can all make a difference by giving to the St Vinnies Winter Appeal this term.

I would like to commend our Secondary School students for their preparation and sitting of their examinations this term. Especially our Year 12s for whom the countdown is underway. I would also like to congratulate the Year 11 and 12 students who are on valuable work experience. The College is very fortunate to have the support of local businesses who take on our students; some do so well that they are offered ongoing work or apprenticeships.

The Junior School Cross-Country team will be competing at the inter-schools this Friday. They have been training very hard at 7.30am! It is such a wonderful sight to arrive at school and see the students pushing themselves in preparation for what will be a great competition.

Congratulations to all St Joseph's College students who participated in the recent Albany Eisteddfod. Back in the old days (when I was a student), it was held at the Albany Town Hall. How wonderful it was to see our students perform at the Albany Entertainment Centre in a modern, state of the art facility.

Teachers are currently marking assessments and writing Semester One Progress Reports. These will be released at the end of term. Our Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled on Monday 27 July (week 2) from 1.15pm. Please mark this on your calendar. Booking instructions and more information will be sent to parents and guardians.

I will be on long service leave next term for 4 weeks - just in case anyone at our school wished to see me before I am away. Mr Jim Morcom will be stepping in as Principal. I know this wonderful community is in good hands. Mrs Jen Grimes will be acting Deputy Principal.

St Joseph - Pray for us.

Amen.

The College was represented by both the girls and boys at the recent year 7/8 AFL football carnival.

What a fantastic day of football for our Year 7 & 8 Girls AFL team! After two weeks of dedicated training, the girls arrived at the carnival ready to put their hard work into action. The excitement started on the bus ride, with coaches Maddy, Jade and Charlotte building the energy and confidence of the team as they prepared for their opening match against ASHS. The girls hit the ground running, securing a strong win against ASHS and carrying that momentum throughout the day. Playing with determination, teamwork and skill, they continued their winning streak against some very tough opposition. Every player contributed, with strong performances across the field helping St Joseph's remain undefeated throughout the pool matches. Their outstanding efforts earned them a place in the Grand Final against Great Southern Grammar. In a hard-fought and highly competitive match, the girls showed incredible resilience and never gave up. Despite their best efforts, Great Southern Grammar proved too strong on the day, with St Joseph's finishing as deserving runners-up.

A special congratulations goes to Freya O, who was named Best on Ground for St Joseph's after an exceptional performance throughout the carnival.

Unfortunately, it was a day to forget for the boys from a score perspective as they went 0-6 throughout the day and missed the finals. It was however a great effort to get enough support from students to participate in the carnival (after not looking very promising) with such a low number of footballers in the cohort. Daniel, Noah and William received the coaches votes for the day.

A huge thank you to all the helpers, coaches and umpires who contributed to the success of the day. Your support and commitment made this wonderful opportunity possible for our students.

St Anthony of Padua

Feast Day: June 13

Patron Saint of: Lost items, Travelers

Life:

Born in 1195 to a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, Anthony was a young man who left everything to follow the call of Christ. After joining the Augustinians and later the Franciscan friars, Anthony travelled and used his great gift of words to preach wherever he could, before finally ending up in the town of Padua, Italy. It was here where he was stationed before his death in 1231. He became a Saint only a year later and in 1946 was named a Doctor of the Church. His tomb and relics can be found in the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua.

Prayer:

St Anthony, faithful servant of Christ, you offered comfort and consolation to all who came to you in times of trouble. Pray for me now, that I may know true peace of mind, heart and soul. Help me grow in faith, so that I may be free from all useless and needless anxiety in this life. Amen. St Anthony, pray for us!

Vinnies WA has launched its annual Winter Appeal for 2026!

As unprecedent demand for assistance across Western Australia continues with more people than ever being forced onto the streets, the College is committed to assisting those struggling in our community through our annual winter food and blanket drive.

Collection boxes will be in each classroom and homeroom for any non-perishable food items that you wish to donate. This year we will also be collecting blankets and warm clothing (jumpers, trackies, beanies, scarves) that are clean and in new or good condition - these can be dropped in at either Library.

On behalf of the College, I would like to thank you for the generosity and commitment that you show each and every year.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Director of Faith and Mission

Want to help your child grow up feeling good in their body? Butterfly’s webinar for parents of primary age children provides practical strategies to build body confidence, create positive relationships with food and movement, and know what support is available.    

Date: 17 June 2026 

Time: 7pm – 8.15pm (AEST) 

Via Zoom (time-limited recording available)  

Register: HERE  

Cost: $15pp 

(For info: Full registration link https://events.butterfly.org.au/portal/event/?id=170626_RBBC1751387700&Name=17/06/26%20RBBC 

Are you wanting to get fit and healthy? we have you covered

The Gym is open before school on the following days for all secondary school student (and staff)

Tuesday; All students - upstairs mezzanine, gym floor (basketball / volleyball / badminton)

Wednesday; All students - upstairs mezzanine, gym floor - Volleyball Training ONLY

Thursday; GIRLS ONLY - upstairs mezzanine, gym floor (basketball / volleyball / badminton)

All students are welcome to attend to use the facilities including the upstairs mezzanine which has recently undergone a refurbishment (see attached photos). the college also has introduced a GIRLS ONLY space on Thursday mornings with Ms Grove to encourage female student participation.

The H&PE team would also like to thank the P&F committee for additional funds to purchase some new equipment. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Please find attached notices to parents and students regarding some Albany School BUs Changes coming into effect from Monday 20th July 2026.

A brief overview is as follows,

1. Route 735 will commence in the AM 2 Minutes later from the Terminus along Bushby Rd in Lower King and will no longer service bus stop number 72784 on Lower King Rd
2. Route 729 will now start earlier from the terminus at 7.56 and will travel the length of Lancaster Rd before turning around at Menang Dr to follow Lancaster Rd and then turn right on McGonnell Rd.
3. Route 736 will now commence from the Terminus at the later time of 7.43 and will no longer travel along Lancaster To the turn around point at Menang Dr.

International Day of the Seafarer

Thursday 25 June is International Day of the Seafarer.

Each year, more than 16,400 seafarers visit our ports in Albany, Bunbury and Esperance, often spending eight months or more away from home.

We’re in awe of what they do. They help connect Western Australia to global markets.

To celebrate our seafarers, send a message of thanks by 22 June.

Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LR3HGJ

The City of Albany Events Team is excited to be bringing back the Maritime Festival, with a fantastic program of school holiday activities for local families to enjoy.

Further information can also be found here:

Maritime Movies | Albany Events

With the rising cost of living putting extra pressure on household budgets, many families in school communities are finding it harder to cover everyday education costs. Saver Plus helps eligible families build savings for essential school expenses and ease some of that financial strain.

Saver Plus is available year-round to eligible parents and carers, with many families seeking support when larger school costs arise.

To be eligible for Saver Plus, participants must:

1. Be 18 years or older
2. Hold a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
3. Receive an eligible Commonwealth social security benefit, allowance or payment
4. Have a child at school (or starting next year), or be studying themselves
5. Receive a regular income (including paid work, child support, or a carer’s payment, cash in hand)
6. Agree to participate in free online financial education workshops
7. Not completed Saver Plus previously

Eligible savings goals include school-related costs that support learning, such as uniforms, books, technology, and other essential items.

Families can check their eligibility and request a callback using our enquiry link:

Saver Plus – Join Australia's longest-running financial education and matched savings program

Alternatively, they can call our national number on 1300 610 355, and a coordinator will be in touch.

See you this 19th June (Friday) 5.45pm - 7.15pm at JS Under Cover Area.