Not once have I had anyone mention to me why I have not posted a Principal’s article on Wisdom all term! Perhaps the entries have not been missed. In any case, the consistent number of high-quality Wisdom news articles by Staff that showcase College activities supersede my usual content.

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to three things.

1.      It is Week Eight! Our Year Twelve students are on their final stretch before, well, the rest of their lives. They will embark on their post-secondary school – I know they are well-prepared to share their gifts and talents with the world.

2.      College enrolments for 2024 are very pleasing. Places across all year groups are limited. If you know of any families in the community who would like to send their child/ren to St Joseph’s College, please ask them to contact Kirsty.

3.      For Junior School, the Browning Bears are making a come-back. As mentioned at the assembly last week, teachers will be nominating students who display the WESTIE values. Four students from each House will be look after a bear for two weeks (starting next week).

Finally, please consider the message in Sunday’s second reading - Paul’s letter to the Romans. It really speaks to me…do not be conformed to what the world says, but instead choose to be changed in the newness of your mind, so that you may demonstrate what is the will of God: what is good and what is well-pleasing and what is perfect.

St Joseph – Pray for Us.

Ms Rachael Keenan

Congratulations to the St Joseph’s U12 Thunder soccer team on achieving an extraordinary milestone by becoming the first in the history of St Joseph’s Soccer Club to reach the cup finals! Coached by the amazing Guy Lembo, their dedication, hard work, and teamwork have reaped rewards this season and propelled them to this momentous achievement. As they prepare for the finals, we would like them to know that the entire St Joseph’s community stands proudly behind them, cheering them on with enthusiasm.

Best of luck Thunder, you have an opportunity to etch your names in the annuals of soccer history once again. Go out there and make the St Joseph's community proud!

If you would like to come down and cheer Thunder on this Saturday their game is at 9.45am at the soccer pitch on North Road near the Athletics Clubrooms.

In 2024, the Secondary School Choir will travel to Perth to perform at the Catholic Schools' Performing Arts Festival. Students in Years 6 -11 are invited to come to a special rehearsal to find out more about the choir and the Perth trip. Positions in the choir will be limited next year, so this may be the best chance for students to secure their place. We rehearse in the Junior School undercover area at 8:00 a.m.

Science week 2023 was celebrated with daily activities organised by Teachers and supported by our Senior School Students. A variety of activities was put together during lunchtime from Monday to Friday with a high level of enthusiasm exhibited by so many budding Scientists. The week started with the exploration of the microworld on Monday with Mr Veerappan, looking at various slides of insects, as well as looking at living critters from Lake Seppings. On Tuesday, students got their hands dirty making slime with Mr Honter and Mr Callaghan. On Wednesday, we had the Year Seven and Eight students present their Science-Fair project to various primary students explaining what their projects were about. It was great to see the older students explaining their work to the primary students. On Thursday, Chemistry was on show with its usual explosions and “magic” show, courtesy of Mr Lemmes and the Year Twelve chemistry students. Finally, we finish the week off with Physics, with the exploration of static electricity, creating rainbows and observing the power of convection air currents. These are just a small snippet of science activities that takes place on a weekly basis in our Science classes throughout the year.

Mr Suresh Veerappan

Head Of Science

Each year, the College community generously supports St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) in their annual Winter Appeal.

With over 61,000 Western Australians in need of vital support such as food, furniture, clothing and monetary assistance, St Joseph's College collects food items to assist those in our community as part of our catholic commitment to respect the human dignity of all.

On behalf of the College, I would like to thank you all staff, students and families for your generosity this and every winter to those doing it tough.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator

On Friday 1 September, the Year 10 students became pilgrims for the day and traveled around town re-living the story of the Catholic Church in Albany.

The aim of the Pilgrimage was to provide the students with an opportunity to journey together and re-visit the past, reflect on the present and look to the future.

Our students visited a number of sites including:

1. Mass Rock - where the first ever Mass in Western Australia was celebrated in 1838.
2. St Joseph's Church - built in 1878 and continued to be used today.
3. St Joseph's Convent - home of the sisters and first ladies secondary college built in 1881.
4. New Camfield - original home of the Christian brothers and site of the first boys college.
5. St Joseph's Lodge - built in 1955 by the Christian brothers for their new school, St Pius X College.
6. Albany Cemetery - resting place of the "Mother" of the Sisters of St Joseph, Julia Cabaniol and Lawrence Mooney, the first catholic in Albany.
7. Ave Maria College - new convent and college for girls in 1966 before amalgamating with St Joseph's Primary and Pius X to form our current St Joseph's College in 1978.
8. Holy Family Church - built in 1990 to cater for the growing college and parish community.

As a pilgrimage is a journey that often ends at a final destination or holy place, the Year Tens ended at the College Chapel where we prayed a decade of the rosary together in thanksgiving for all of the joys and opportunities that have been granted to us in our lives.

A big thank you to Mr Habal, Mrs Miller, Mrs Bogoni and Fr Joel for journeying with our students on their pilgrimage in 2023.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator

Today was a perfect day to walk while learning new things about Catholic religion in our town. I found out new things through the day such as the Christain Brothers founded the first boys' school. I also learned that our school, St Joseph's College, was the amalgamation of St Joseph's Primary, St Pius X College and Ave Maria College. I believe that this day was amazing and very interesting! Thank you to Mr Bogoni for organising this Year 10 Pilgrimage.

Ryan Goodall

Year 10 Student

Last Monday the Year 7-12 students battled it out on the College oval for the Middle and Senior School Inter-House athletics carnival. Students competed in a variety of traditional track and field events as well as numerous novelty events all contributing to the overall House competition.

There was some fantastic racing, jumping and throwing throughout the day with many outstanding performances including a number of new College records.

Congratulations to the following students who received finished champions or runner-up in their year group.

Year 7 Champion girl Stella Year 7 Runner-up champion girl Madeleine

Year 7 Champion boy Lachlan Year 7 Runner-up champion boy Tyler

Year 8 Champion girl Ella Year 8 Runner-up champion girl Taylor

Year 8 Champion boy Reagan Year 8 Runner-up champion boy Cameron

Year 9 Champion girl Violet Year 9 Runner-up champion girl Lilly

Year 9 Champion boy Luke Year 9 Runner-up champion boy Storm

Year 10 Champion girl Demi Year 10 Runner-up champion girl Sasha

Year 10 Champion boy Khenneth Year 10 Runner-up champion boy Valentino

Year 11/12 Champion girl Imojen Year 11/12 Runner-up champion girl Emma

Year 11/12 Champion boy Logan and Hervic Year 11/12 Runner-up champion boy Judson

Overall House results

Middle School Senior School

Cunningham 2308 points Ozanam 1661 points

DeVialar 2162 points McCormack 1567 points

McCormack 2136 points DeVialar 1235 points

Ozanam 1549 points Cunningham 918 points

Congratulations to the following students who broke or equalled College records on the day.

Lachlan Year 7 boys High Jump 1.40m (equal record)

Reagan Year 8 Boys High Jump 1.60m )equal record)

Natale Year 9 boys Shotput 12.91m

Demi Year 10 girls 200m 26.19sec, 400m 1:07.95, Discus 9.81m

Valentino Year 10 boys 200m 24.64sec

Hervic Year 11 boys 200m 24.63sec

The College team for the ACC athletics carnival to be held in Perth has been selected and students will travel to Perth on Sunday 3rd September to compete at the WA Athletics stadium on Monday 4th September. We wish them the best of success.

The 2023 Colour Run is coming.....

Save the date - Friday 13th October 2023.

Let the fun begin :)

Proudly brought to you by the St Joseph's College P & F.

Any student who receives a House Point for displaying WESTIE values will be in the running to look after a Browning Bear for two weeks.

We again have more programs happening in the near future.

Charna Gladish

Outdoor Program Coordinator

0404 787 134

charna.gladish@outdoorsgreatsouthern.org.au

Upcoming school holiday activations for September/October term break.

There will be an information session for parents and students (15 and older) who are interested in hosting an Italian student and going on exchange to Italy in 2024.

This will take place at the end of Week One - Term Four. Details TBC.

If there are any questions before then, please feel free to email me: hiedi.rowe@cewa.edu.au

Hiedi Rowe - Italian, HaSS and Exchange Contact Teacher

In the upcoming weeks, Youth Mission Team (YMT) will be coming to visit the College to run the annual Retreat for Years 7,9 and 11. The Retreats are an opportunity for students to take a step back from their day to day learning environments and spend some time focusing on who they are, the relationships they have and the leadership skills that need to be developed.

Youth Mission Team (YMT) Australia are a national Catholic youth organisation that has been operating since 1986. During the school holidays, YMT run events for students in years 9-12 (age 14-18) and are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow young people in a welcoming environment while learning more about themselves, others and God.

The next iSTAND camp will be held in Perth on 2-4 October and will include many activities such as games, group activities, prayer, reflection and workshops.

For more information or for a registration form, please visit: https://www.ymt.com.au/istandevents

Spencer Park Dental Therapy Centre will be CLOSED from Monday 2^nd October to Friday 6^th October. We will reopen Monday 9^th October. If you have a dental emergency when we are closed please contact Yakamia Dental Therapy Centre on 9841 3498.

All appointments are now sent to your home address. If you have moved recently we may not have your correct address and your child could miss out on their appointment. If you no longer intend to use our service please let us know as soon as possible as your valuable appointment could be given to someone in need. Your child is eligible to attend a Dental Therapy Centre from ages 5 to 17.

Please contact us to update your details either by phone: 9841 3967 or e-mail: spencerparkdtc@ health.wa.gov.au

The staff at Spencer Park Dental Therapy Centre would like to wish all children and parents a happy and safe break.

A Hiking Expedition will be running these school holiday's, staying at the Sand Patch Campsite and Mutton Bird Campsite for Years 9 and 10 students.

https://events.humanitix.com/expedition-hike-yr-9-and-10

Hungry Jacks are currently hiring and looking for crew members. There are many added benefits in terms of discounts with other retail and hospitality. Hungry Jack also provides Traineeship, see attached flyer.

The link to apply is https://jedi.hungryjacks.com.au/careers/apply.php?id=12416&source=seek or reach out in-store.

A wop bop a lu mop a wop bam boom! ‘Grease is the Word’ for ALOTCo in 2023!

If you've loved Grease since you first saw it on the big screen or fell in love with one of the stage revivals ... Throw your mittens around your kittens and away we go ….

It's 1959 and Rydell High Seniors are in fine form - the too-cool-for-school Pink Ladies and T-Birds rule.

At times crass, tough, vulnerable, lusty, and romantic, Grease the musical follows ten working class teens as they navigate the complexities of peer pressure, personal values and love. It's not all about Sandy and Danny. The focus of this production will be developing a strong ensemble performance that takes the audience back to gritty roots of Grease before the highly polished, but beloved film version.

Adult themes.

Presented by

Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company

at

Albany Port Theatre, 256 Princess Royal Drive (Opposite the Boatshed)

Parking encouraged at the Boatsheds across the road.

Director: Fiona Kuiper

Assistant Director: Janet McArtney

Musical Directors: Cathy Rainey & Donna Markovic

Choreographers: Lachy McLean & Kelly Seaton

Row Seating ONLY - Tickets

$40 general & $35 child/student/concession Companion Card honoured

12 shows, only 4 Matinees

Doors open half an hour before performance

Fri 20, Sat 21 - 7:30pm, Sun 22 October- Matinee 2pm

Fri 27, Sat 28 - 7:30pm, Sun 29 October - Matinee 2pm

Fri 3, Sat 4 - 7:30pm, Sun 5 November - Matinee 2pm

Fri 10, Sat 11 - 7:30pm, Sun 12 November - Matinee 2pm

Wheelchairs/Carers - Albany Port Theatre

1. Suitable row seating are: A19 & A20 (side front) and J Row (8). Call Janet 0401 203 557 to let us know when and where you have booked, so we can ensure your access to your seat will be smooth.
2. Has accessible parking, a limited accessible toilet and a ramp access.

Kiosk Open

Sells hot/cold drinks, packet chips, chocolates and ice-creams before the performance and at Interval. Cash and Eftpos available.

COVIDSafe – all government mandates to be honoured

As we head towards summer a lot of families are starting to get back into the water or planning holidays by the beach, rivers or swimming pools. It is important we help them support their child to stay safe and confident in the water.

VacSwim provides children aged five to 17 years with the opportunity to develop and progress their swimming and water safety skills during the school holidays at many locations across the State. There are programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers.

We invite you to access the marketing resources on our website to promote VacSwim to the wider school community. 

We have also attached materials you can use in your school newsletters to promote VacSwim:

1. an article for your school newsletter

Enrolments are now open, and families can enrol online. Translated factsheets and enrolment forms are available from the website in multiple different languages.

Further information, details of locations and information on how to enrol is on our website.

The Little Athletics season starts on the 07th of October 2023 with a "come and try" day and will conclude in March 2024 after the State Championships for those attending.  

This coming season we are focused on running a three weekly program on a rotation basis, this will allow for shorter mornings and a wider variety of events over the season. The Albany Little Athletics program offers all age groups the opportunity to compete in running, throwing and jumping events. These events are modified to suit all ages and abilities of all members, catering for our very youngest members all the way through to our Under 17's.

Registration opens in September.

We have an exciting new volunteer opportunity coming up with St John WA in Albany.

Come and find out more at an Information Session on Tuesday 19^th September 5.30pm at the Albany Sub Centre – 240 Middleton Rd. RSVP to 9841 4212 or RTDC.Greatsouthern@stjohnwa.com.au.

For more information, or if you are unable to make the information session, please phone or email Anne for more information: RTDC.Greatsouthern@stjohnwa.com.au or 9841 4212.

Registrations for our annual “A Day in the Life of a Murdoch University Student” event are now open. This is an event for Year 9 and 10 students that is being held during the school holidays, on Wednesday, 27^th Sept and Thursday, 28^th, Sept.

We have a free Pump Jam at Youth Challenge Park on Sanford Road the Saturday of the long weekend. Additionally, Albany are hosting the first ever State Pump Track Championship!

This year the Go for 2&5 Albany Kite Fiesta will be held at Anzac Peace Park, Albany from 10am to 4pm Sunday 24 September 2023

This free, popular event includes the spectacle of giant kites being flown as well as kite making workshops where families can make their own kites.

This annual, public event, supported by Healthway and the City of Albany, is attended by many hundreds of families each year, and provides a fun, educational outing during the September long weekend for young people, their parents and grandparents who live or are visiting Albany.

The John Curtin Scholarship Program is now open for applications.

The program invests in future leaders who intend to use their abilities and aspirations to lead positive change in the community.

Scholars will receive:

1. A high level of financial support over the duration of their undergraduate studies
2. Funding toward an international study experience
3. Opportunities to develop their personal qualities to become a future leader and to inspire change.

High school principals are invited to nominate students in the top 5% of the school’s graduating year who can demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities and engagement in community service.

The nomination form and the reference letter are to be completed and endorsed by the high school principal. These documents need to be attached with the student’s application and submitted online by the student.

Applications close for this program on 13 September 2023.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact the Scholarships Office at scholarships@curtin.edu.au.

The remaining 2024 scholarship information will be sent in the coming weeks.

Free parent program Tuning in to Kids, starting next week in Albany.

When: 9.30am to 11.30am

Thurs 17 Aug - 7 Sep 2023

Where: Wanslea, 26 Prior St, Albany

Bookings essential.

Limited creche available

Email: GreatSouthernPCWA@wanslea.org.au

Phone: 0448 137 192

Please find information about Academic Task Force - Year 11 & 12 ATAR Exam Boost Workshops and ATAR holiday Revision Courses and Years 7 - 10 Skills Development Courses.

October School Holiday Courses - ­Enrolments Open

ATAR Holiday Revision Courses for Years 11 & 12

ATAR Revision Courses will help your child revise and prepare for exams, maximizing their exam performance and grades. We offer 10-hour ATAR Revision courses (2 hrs a day, over 5 days) in most ATAR subjects including Essay Writing and Study Skills courses.

Courses available at Churchlands SHS, Leeming SHS and Online

Enrol Online: https://academicgroup.com.au/course/holiday-Coursess/ or Call 9314 9500 or Email: learn@academicgroup.com.au

Skills Development Courses for Years 7 - 10

Skills Development Courses will help boost your child’s confidence and help improve your child’s marks.

Each course is 6-hours (3 hrs a day for two days) in Maths, English, Essay Writing and Learning Skills.

Courses available at Perth Modern School

Enrol Online: https://academicgroup.com.au/course/holiday-Coursess-2/ or Call 9314 9500 or Email: learn@academicgroup.com.au

Term 3 & 4 – Exam Boost Workshops - ­Enrolments Open

Exam Boost Workshops for Years 11 - 12

Exam Boost Workshops delivers subject-specific, targeted, exam preparation in the weeks leading up to exams. In one day, each workshop packs in 6 hours of exam focused teaching from a WACE exam marker, workshops are specially designed to improve students' exam technique and performance.

Courses available at Churchlands SHS, Rossmoyne SHS, Perth Modern School and Online

To enrol: https://academicgroup.com.au/course/exam-boost-seminars/

We are again running the Anaconda Kids Adventure Club.

After a successful summer season in our southern waters, STS Leeuwin II has now entered a period of refit, in preparation for our northern rotation. During the winter months we head North, where trainees will get to have a very special experience in an extraordinary location.

Attached is flyer detailing the opportunities for your Duke of Edinburgh students to potentially achieve their Award levels before the year is over.

We have a range of generous sponsorships available. Information on each, and application forms will be available on our website. Please feel free to call me for more information on these. 

This voyage is open to any student aged 14+ wishing to have an adventure and develop leadership skills. 

For more information, please visit www.sailleeuwin.com or feel free to contact me on 9430 4105 or education@sailleeuwin.com.

Sally Jonasson

Education Manager