St Joseph’s College is very excited to be participating in the Children’s University, with the help of UWA, Albany. This year we have 25 students from Years Four, Five and Six that have committed to this exciting learning adventure. 

Children’s University is all about helping young people discover their passions, explore new ideas and celebrate learning in its many forms.

Over the next few months these students will be completing diverse activities around Albany and beyond, working towards their goal of 30 hours of new learning opportunities. In Term Four, students will then participate in their very own Children’s University Graduation Ceremony, complete with academic regalia. 

We wish them luck on their learning adventure!

Each year the College community generously supports the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) in their annual winter appeal. Vinnies wish to thank students, parents, guardians and staff of St Joseph’s College for your kind and generous assistance this winter.

Your donated goods will continue offering a hand up to people in need, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society. 

We appreciate your ongoing support. 

SVDP Albany Conference

St Thomas More

Feast Day: June 22

Patron Saint of: Politicians, Civil Servants, Lawyers

Life:

Thomas was a man of conviction. Born in 1478, he was a "man of all seasons" including a literary scholar, lawyer, father of four children and a chancellor of England. He was a spiritual man who would not support or acknowledge King Henry VIII's choices including to establish the Church of England and breaking away from Rome. This cost him his life as he was committed to the Tower of London for treason and was executed in 1535, canonised a Saint four hundred years later,

Prayer:

Lord, give us a mind that is humble, quiet, patient and peaceful and a faith that is firm in hope, charity and a love of you. Give us the grace to work for the things we pray for and for those in need of our prayers. Saint Thomas, pray for us!

Today (Sunday) was First Holy Communion Mass for Year Four students celebrated at Holy Family Church in front of families, staff and parish members. It was a very special day and was so beautifully accompanied by the College Secondary School Choir.

I have included a third photo this week because on Friday, the Junior School filled the College gym for the Year One assembly. I wonder how we are going to fit as a whole school into the future. We were delightfully entertained by the students with their rendition of "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars; needless to say, they were very, very cute.

The College Advisory Council and Parents & Friends membership this year is phenomenal. Thank you to all those involved, especially Council Chair, Ms Tiffany West, and P&F President, Mrs Kareena Smart. The willingness of parents to support the school is very much appreciated, and the desire to develop a strong connection with the school just shows how special our community is. At a time when many schools experience low participation rates at parent-school meetings, St Joseph's College is defying the trend. The breadth of knowledge and expertise at our meetings ensures we can deliver the best to our students.

As we head into the final weeks of Term Two, I would like to remind parents that Semester One Progress Reports will be released in Week Ten. The teachers have been very busy marking assessments and writing reports to provide you with feedback on your child. Please take the time to read the reports together. Term Three commences on Tuesday 22 July (Monday is a PD day for staff).

Have a wonderful week.

St Joseph - Pray for Us

Amen

Rachael Keenan

On Friday 20th June, six students from Year 7 and 8 attended the ‘Have Sum Fun’ competition, which is an exciting mathematics initiative that uses a quiz-night format. Our team of six students raced against the clock to solve four intense rounds of eight challenging problems. This initiative was held at Albany Senior High School and many the schools from the region attended. Our students worked very well together to solve the challenging problems.

Although our team didn’t place, they scored very well in two out of the four rounds. The students all had ‘sum fun’ and are keen to return next year.

On Monday, we celebrated a special class reward in Year 3 Gold - Pyjama Day! The class worked together to show outstanding behaviour, teamwork, and kindness, earning this fun and relaxing treat. The class came to school in their comfiest pyjamas (even the teachers!), and we enjoyed a delicious fruit platter kindly provided by Mrs Dallimore. After recess, we warmed up with a cup of Milo. It was a wonderful way to celebrate all the effort we’ve put in. Well done, Year 3 Gold!

The Year Nine Outdoor Education elective class recently returned from their two-day, two-night excursion to Walpole where they were able to apply many of the skills they had learnt during their class lessons.

The students paddled on the Deep River, Walpole, as well as doing several short walks including visiting the Giant Tingle tree. The students planned, prepared and cooked their own meals on compact cooking stoves (Trangias). They maintained their enthusiasm despite some cold and wet conditions on day two! Thanks to Mr Magowan and Miss Markham for joining us for the camp.

The College is seeking applications for a Junior School position starting mid-Term 3. Those interested may refer to the College website or contact Ms Rachael Keenan (Principal) directly.

The Year Five/Six Mathematics Enrichment team did the College proud on Thursday, 26 June at the annual Have Sum Fun Mathematics competition, which was hosted by Mt Lockyer Primary School. Most of the local schools participated in the event. The St Joseph's team came second in the team-based competition, which involved participating in 4 rounds of challenging mathematical questions. In the event of a tie, the teams complete a fifth tie-breaker round. St Joseph's equalled the score of eventual winners, Mt Barker College, but lost on a count back as they were the slowest of the two teams to hand in their final scores, resulting in their admirable second place finish. The behaviour and teamwork of Benji, Imogen, Harry, Reyon, Craig and Hezekiah was excellent. The team can be very thankful of the support given by College Head of Mathematics, Mrs Coutts, in helping prepare them for the competition.

On Friday the 20th of June, 39 students from the Junior School competed in the inaugural Great Southern Primary Schools Interschool Cross Country Carnival at Centennial Park. Students from Years 3 to 6 represented the College in Cross Country races between 1.5km to 2km long. With 13 primary schools in attendance, each race saw up to 65 competitors taking off around the course. The St Joseph's runners were excellent all day, running with grit and determination. Out of 13 schools, St Joseph's finished in a very respectable 5th place; well done to the students who made it possible!

A huge congratulations to Mason Banham (6 Blue) who took out 1st place in the Year 6 boys' race. A massive achievement; congratulations, Mason. Well done also to Luke Molenda (5 Blue) and Benji Dryhurst (6 Gold) who both finished 8th place in their respective races.

What's on in July at the Museum of the Great Southern

The Saver Plus flyer is great for emailing to new parents/carers or including in info packs.

The program is open to eligible parents/carers all year, but we find it’s when these larger costs “Come up" that families start reaching out for support.

To join Saver Plus, you need to meet these requirements:

1. Be 18 years or older
2. Have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
3. Have a child in school, starting next year, or be studying yourself
4. Get a regular income (can be you or your partner in paid work or child support/carers' payment)
5. Agree to join in free online financial education workshops

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education-related products or services that:​

1. Assist a primary/secondary school student’s education.

If families would like to check their eligibility and receive a call back, please include our enquiry link - Our Saver Plus financial literacy program (thesmithfamily.com.au), or they’re welcome to call our national number 1300 610 355, and a local coordinator will contact them directly.

The City of Albany’s Live @ the Town Hall returns for a special All Ages edition, bringing an evening of original WA music to the stage on Saturday 5 July 2025.

Book now at https://bit.ly/3FdIPsr

Saturday 5 July 2025

Albany Town Hall

This is an all-ages alcohol-free event.

*Age 13 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This all-ages edition of Live @ the Town Hall is presented by the City of Albany and supported by Rio Tinto

Young Fellas Group starting up at headspace Albany for young men aged 12 – 25 years

Keep the kids busy these upcoming July School Holidays with the City of Albany's school holidays program with events such as:

Tennis Day - for ages 10–17yrs

When: Tuesday 8 July 2025

Session 1: 10am-11:30am | Session 2: 1pm-2:30pm

Location: Albany Agricultural Sheds, Western Pavilion, On Court Tennis

Description: Come along with friends, learn some new moves, and enjoy a day of active fun and friendly competition. Please bring your own tennis racquet (a limited number of spares will be available if needed).

Cooking Classes - for ages 10–17yrs

When: Wednesday 9 July 2025

Session 1: 9am-10:30am | Session 2: 11:30am-1pm | Session 3: 2pm-3:30pm

Location: Albany Cricket & Soccer Pavilion (Kitchen)

Description: Get hands-on in the kitchen and learn how to cook simple, tasty, and healthy meals! These fun and interactive classes teach young people the basics of nutrition, kitchen skills, and how to create delicious dishes from scratch. Will also include a brief nutrition education component too.

Learn to Surf Sessions - for ages 10–17yrs

When: Monday 14 July 2025

Session 1: 9am-11am | Session 2: 11:30am-1:30pm

Location: Binalup / Middleton Beach

Description: These surfing sessions are the ultimate polar plunge — a bold dive into the cold, salty thrill of the ocean. Whether you’re a complete beginner or building on your skills, you’ll learn to surf in a safe, fun, and seriously invigorating environment.

Register here: https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/

Full school holidays program coming soon!

For more information, contact Dylan Moir on 6820 3130 or commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au