Sorry for the pause on my Principal articles. Thank you to the mums who asked me where I have been!

This week I thought I would share the origins of our College Crest. I talked about this at the Secondary School Presentation Night. Our crest was designed in 1984 by Mrs Iris Rosen after consultation with important members of the St Joseph’s College community. The key design generators were:

The sailing history of Albany.

The shield as a symbol of shelter and protection. 

The shield as a symbol of leadership.

The hull or crucible at the bottom to carry the community as it sails through rough seas and challenges.

The form of the Cross, the symbol of Christ, in the mast and spars/poles.

The spars are representative of paths leading into the school and gathering a community united by faith and purpose.

The spars also represent paths out into the broader community to “go out into the world and spread the Word.”

The crest is a reminder of many important things and perhaps one more…For me, the journey by boat by our original founders - the French Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition and Irish Christian Brothers in the 1870s to Australia. It was a perilous journey undertaken by a very brave band of young men and women committed to the service of others. Quiet, amazing, humble people. 

The College crest reminds us to be brave and courageous in all that we do for the good of those we encounter in life and for God.

I hope when you now see the crest on your uniform, badges, letterheads, Wisdom page, you see it with different eyes. So much history and future dreams and well-wishes are captured. We are all part of the fabric of St Joseph’s College.

St Joseph – Pray for us.

Last week the Year 11's spent time giving back to junior school through sharing insights into religion, debating skills, and scientific curiosity (Push/Pull forces) through a game of Tug of War. This cross-college collaboration fosters a sense of community and shared learning.

St Joseph's College students performed at the Indigenous Leadership Conference held at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Wednesday.

The students have been preparing the dance since term two with the help of Mrs Colmer and performed at the school NAIDOC assembly.

It was the race that stopped a primary school, and it was Year 6 steed Andy who crawled to victory while his Year 1 jockey Xed clung on for dear life, leaving the big noisy crowd of spectators in awe during the running (crawling) of the annual St Joseph’s Cup on Tuesday.

The pair battled their way through the heats and semi-finals on the Junior School Undercover area track (rating = 5), before the field of Year 6 ‘horses’ and Year 1 ‘jockeys’ was whittled down to just four for the thrilling finale.

Wearing their silks for the big race and with the sound of Mrs Findlay’s bugle ringing in the air, the finalists Richard, Heath, Tarkyn and Andy, and their riders, bolted for the finish line, while the crowd erupted with excitement.

Heath and Charlie P’s race was over early as Heath lost his footing, sending Charlie tumbling, but it was Andy and Xed who managed to stay upright and won by a fingernail over their rivals.

Despite Chief Steward Mr Morcom’s effort to settle the crowd earlier in the event, the cheering was deafening as College Principal Mrs Keenan presented the Cup to the winners who held it aloft before their victory lap.

The highly anticipated event began with the hat parade, which set the scene before the racing began, with students and teachers showing off their wonderful and outrageous creations.

Story & Photos – Year 7G Paparazzi

On Tuesday the Year 9 Adventure sports elective class participated in a day excursion cycling the Munda Biddi trail from Denmark to Torbay Hall. While our ride was only 50km of the 1000km trail it was certainly a great sample for the class of bike packing and cycle touring. The final descent off Torbay Hill was certainly a highlight and a great respite after the pedal up the other side! The class will continue their excursions to Mt Clarence to ride during their Friday lessons. Thanks to Mr. Mola and Mr Polette for joining us on the excursion and to Mr Polette for joining the Friday rides too.

Can you spot the differences?

Finally, after coming so close last year, the St Joseph’s boys basketball team have broken the drought and brought home the bacon.

For the first time in College history, they won the GSHSSSSSB regional competition, which was held last week at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.

The team consisted of students from year 8 through to year 10 and they all played vital roles throughout the day, sharing the workload and stepping up when required to win the Grand Final with a dominating 24-8 win over arch-rival ASHS. 

It wasn't all smooth sailing after making it through the round robin stage with a loss by 9 points to ASHS, with young Watters catching fire and hitting four three-pointers in the space of five minutes to ruin any chance of a clean sweep. From there on it was 'game on' and the boys were inspired as they rebounded to beat NASHS convincingly with Pountney stroking them from everywhere to set up the rematch with ASHS in the decider. 

From the outset St Joseph’s took control, as the likes of Grimes and Manalo stepped up their efforts in offense, while the 'glove' Trichilo (Snr) showed his wears while keeping the dangerous Watters scoreless throughout, and adding some points of his own. When consistent Pass and Pountney checked out with five minutes to go it was left to the younger boys to finish it off, and with 30 seconds to go it was Trichilo Jnr with the final dagger, a three-point bomb from way beyond the arc that finished the contest and etched the St Joseph’s team into basketball history. 

The girls team competed in the B competition and missed out on the silverware by three meagre points to NASHS. The girls took the same ethos as the boys into their contests, sharing the workload and playing to their roles, which were masterminded by Coach Picard. Ireland and Buck dominated in the paint, while Knuiman, and Lethbridge were tireless on the fastbreak, covering for debutant Cuthbert who went down with an ankle strain early in the day.

The boys B team rounded out St Joseph’s squad at the tournament and had a mixed bag of results. They opened their account with a 40-point drubbing over Mt Barker, before Denmark’s well-oiled team set the standard for teamwork for the day. A competitive 10-point loss to ASHS dulled any hope of a place in the final, so it was the final round-robin match against NASHS which provided the last chance for the boys to chalk up a win. Despite a narrow lead at half-time, NASHS tenacity for the ball could not be matched and the boys suffered a valiant 4-point defeat.

All students are to be commended for the way they represented the College both on and off the court, and big thanks to all of the scorers, and Dot Ruck and Imogen Ireland for umpiring throughout the day.

'Tis the Season to be entertained, and About FACE has another joyful program to get you into the festive spirit.

Director, Sue Findlay promises a song for everyone. Alongside the merry melodies of Christmas, is a 'Doo-Wop' classic by Billy Joel, and choice picks from Frozen, Godspell and Mary Poppins. Fancy footwork and the rumble of kettle drums will immerse you in the splendor of the performance.

Don't miss this chance to hear some of the best voices from St Joseph's College as they perform with the About FACE Youth Choir.

Saint Didacus

Feast Day: November 7

Patron Saint of: San Diego, California

Life:

Born in 1400, Didacus (Diego in spanish) joined the Franciscan Order and lived for some time as a hermit. He was very generous with the poor and charitable to everyone volunteering for missionary work in different parts of the world including Rome and the Canary Islands. San Diego, California is named after this Franciscan who died on November 12, 1463 and was canonized a Saint in 1588.

Reflection:

Didacus is a saint because he used his life to serve God and God's people. Can we say the same for ourselves? Saint Didacus, pray for us.

The Annual St Joseph's Cup will be run and won on Tuesday November 7 at 12.00pm on the Cunningham lawns. there will also be a fancy hat parade so get your special hat out for that! Come and watch the Year Six and Year One students go through their paces. Parents welcome.

Each year, the staff, students and families of St Joseph's College generously support St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) in their annual Christmas Appeal. With the cost-of-living increasing, Vinnies focus on assisting the vulnerable in our community whom may be struggling financially or facing other challenges in their lives as we approach the Advent season.

As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, we are called to reflect upon how we can bring a little hope, peace, joy, and love to those around us. St Joseph's College works to assist those less fortunate in our community through our annual Christmas appeal. Collection boxes will be in each classroom and homeroom for any non-perishable food items that you wish to donate. This year Vinnies has asked for more of the following, if possible:

1. Christmas puddings, cakes and fruit mince pies
2. Long life custard and milk cartons
3. Cereal, chips, and sweet and savory biscuits
4. Long life Juice cartons
5. Canned Vegetables

For more information or if you would like to make a monetary donation to the Society, please visit: https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-wa/christmas-appeal-wa

On behalf of St Joseph's College, I would like to thank you all for your generosity and commitment each and every year. For many people, Christmas is about creating precious memories with family and friends and your support will ensure that this upcoming festive season is far less stressful for some of the families in our local community.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator

The 2023 Prefects will be running a College community trivia night on Thursday, November 16th, commencing at 6 pm in the Gymnasium. Tables of up to six people, at $60 per table. BYO food, no alcohol. Games will be played between rounds, with gold coin contributions to participate. Come along and enjoy the fun!

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/04PQV

The Pre-Primary's have been learning about materials and how things are made. They have learned how to describe suitable materials for different purposes. They planned, designed and worked together to make their final products, a safe home for the three little pigs that would withstand the huff and puff of the big bad wolf.

Festive Films at the Albany Town Hall on 25 November 2023

The ticket link is https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/116102

The Department of Education has a free Swimming Instructor course for students in Albany on 11 November 2023.

Students will:

1. obtain an accredited Swimming Instructor and CPR qualification for free
2. gain paid employment teaching VacSwim and Interm swimming lessons.

Who Can register?

Students who are at least 17 years of age.

Students do not require a minimum level of swimming stage to be eligible for the course, however they must be confident in the water.

Student transition to employment with the Department of Education

The Department will support students to transition to employment for VacSwim and Interm swimming programs through:

1. ongoing support and mentoring
2. covering the costs of relevant screening including Working with Children Check and Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

Students will be able to apply for swimming instructor positions across the State.

For more information about the training program call 9402 6195 or email swimming.administration@education.wa.edu.au.

Academic Task Force - January Head Start Program

ATAR January Head Start Program - ­Enrolments Open - Increase your understanding and boost your confidence for Year 11 and 12. 6 hour subject courses where you will gain an overview of the syllabus, receive expert teaching from ATAR subject-specialist teachers and preview important concepts.

Year 7- 10 January Head Start Program - ­Enrolments Open - Get a flying start to the new school year with engaging courses in NAPLAN Preparation, Maths, English, GATE Preparation, Learning Skills and Essay Writing.

Enrol online: www.academicgroup.com.au | Phone: 08 9314 9500.

Email: learn@academicgroup.com.au

Junior MyGolf RR flyer

7 – 15 years old and all equipment provided

Thursday 16^th November, 4pm – 5pm - https://www.golf.org.au/mygolf/programdetails?programId=33100

Sunday 19^th November, 3pm – 4pm - https://www.golf.org.au/mygolf/programdetails?programId=33101

Women and Girls Come&Try Flyer

Welcome to all females aged 7+, welcome mums to bring daughters or ladies bring their friends!

Thursday 16^th November, 5pm – 6pm - https://www.golf.org.au/getintogolf/programdetails?programId=33102

Sunday 19^th November, 4pm – 5pm - https://www.golf.org.au/getintogolf/programdetails?programId=33103

The University of Newcastle is conducting research to develop a well-being program to improve teenage girls' physical and mental health, as well as support fathers to nurture their bond with their daughters.

We are hopeful this program will achieve similar success to our multi-award winning Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program which targets primary school aged girls and their fathers for improved wellbeing, sports skills and physical activity.

We have developed a short survey for high school aged girls to complete and another one for father/father figures of high school aged girls. The surveys ask questions about well-being, sport, physical activity and family relationships and have been approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee.

Dads of high-school aged girls.

Have your say in developing a program that aims to enhance the father-daughter connection & wellbeing of your teenage daughter.

Complete a 10-minute online survey - https://redcap.link/DDteens_fathers_survey

Chance to win one of 6 x $50 gift vouchers!

Parents of high school aged girls, we need you!

Register your daughter to complete a survey to help us develop a program to support teenage girls’ wellbeing, physical and mental health https://redcap.link/DDteens_teens_survey

Your daughter will go in the draw to win one of 6 x $50 gift vouchers!

GAP YEAR STUDENT OPPORTUNITY

A position is available within the Department of Communities - Housing for a school leaver to be based in Albany, work business hours and earn a great wage!

The role is as a Customer Service Officer, Level 2, with a starting wage of $70, 432 per annum and includes four weeks of annual leave, five additional leave days and 15 days of personal leave, plus a range of other great benefits.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be trained on the job, build your skills, and be part of something bigger.

You don’t need to be pursuing a future career in the housing industry to be suitable for this role.

We have had school leavers complete a gap year of work, then progress to further university or other study, with the option to transfer to an office in the same Department in a different region. We have flexible work options in multiple locations and the opportunity to try different roles.

For further information or to apply, please contact Meg Slattery at meg.slattery@communities.wa.gov.au or 6414 2183 or visit the link below.

https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=315939

Off the Beach Sail Training Program. Sailing provides such a rich and interesting experience for those children and teens who take it up.

Museum of the Great Southern Events

Term 4 Saver Plus promotion

IGA Spencer Park & IGA York St are currently looking for casual staff to join the team. They are seeking friendly, enthusiastic workers for various positions in the family-owned supermarkets.

Applicants will be required to have:

- A strong moral work ethic with a mature outlook

- Show a strong focus on customer service

- An ability to gain knowledge & skills quickly

- Self-motivated and enthusiastic personality

- Good personal presentation

- Reliability & Trustworthiness

- Display a passion for the grocery retail industry

Key responsibilities will be dependent on the position applying for. The successful applicants will contribute to the growth/success of our store and will enjoy working as part of a team.

Works hours are flexible depending on the position of employment and the requirements of the store. If you think you would make a great fit, please email your resume to admin@lionetti.com.au

If you have any questions, please contact the office on 0898423690.

TCWA are pleased to advise that we are now actively recruiting for our next round of Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprentices to join our Albany team, for an early 2024 start.

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