Following the success of the College Sleepout to raise awareness for the homeless, the Year Eleven Religion and Life students have been working hard to put together personal care packages for those doing it tough in our community. The aim was to create as many care packages as possible with a variety of sanitary products that are not always easy to attain when money is needed for more urgent items, such as food.

For two weeks, the College staff and Year Elevens teamed up to gather as many products as possible which included razors, body wash, deodorant, tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste and more. The students then sorted and packed the items, making a total of 75 individual packs for males, females, children and families. In conjunction with Vinnies Albany and Albany Youth Support Association (AYSA), these care packs will be distributed to those in need. We thank these organisations and the College staff for their support as well as teachers, Mr Zak Mola and Mrs Montana Bogoni for coordinating the project.

Our Catholic faith demands that we see the human dignity in each person and this initiative is another way that the College is working for solidarity and to assist our "neighbours," just as Jesus would.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator

On Wednesday a group of Junior School students from Years 4, 5 and 6 enthusiastically participated in a challenging LEGO robotics competition at North Albany Senior High School. We had two teams compete. They were The Pink Rangers and Da Cookies. The teams used their innovation, engineering and programming skills against nineteen teams from twelve other schools in the Great Southern including as far away as Katanning. Despite not securing the top position, Da Cookies came away with the Motivation and Spirit Award recognising their positive attitude, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. The journey was marked by collaborative brainstorming, tireless coding and hours working on an innovation project trying to incorporate Art and Technology into their teams hobby. The competition was not just about winning, it was about gaining a wealth of knowledge into coding, robot design, teamwork, and resilience.

A mime of the Nativity will be performed during the Gospel reading at Holy Family Church on Christmas Eve this year. There will be two practices for this, and parents are asked to bring their children along to both practices if they would like to participate Some costuming is available and will be supplied at practice after characters have been chosen.

Practices: Friday December 22 and Saturday December 23 from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m. at Holy Family church.

Anne Smith  0478 616 137

Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro

Beatified: 25 September 1988

Life:

Born into a prosperous, devout family in Mexico in 1891, Miguel fled to Spain in due to religious persecutions in 1914 and was ordained a Priest in Belgium ten years later. Fr Pro immediately returned to Mexico, where he served the Church "underground." He celebrated the Eucharist to small groups of Catholics.

He and his brother Roberto were arrested on made-up charges of attempting to assassinate Mexico's president. Roberto was spared, but Miguel was sentenced to face a firing squad in 1927. His funeral became a public demonstration of faith with his final words being "Viva Cristo Rey!" - Long live Christ the King!

Reflection:

When Fr. Miguel was executed in 1927, no one could have predicted that fifty-two years later the Pope would visit Mexico welcomed by its President and celebrate Mass in front of thousands. Those who outlawed the Church in Mexico did not count on the deeply rooted faith of its people, and the willingness of many of them, like Miguel Pro, to die as martyrs. Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, pray for us.

The Joseph Marello Choir (Kids choir) welcomed 4 new members this weekend at the 9.30am Mass. The new members were absolutely wonderful, adding to the beautiful, spirit filled music ministry. 

It's not too late to join! Please call Angela Gorman on 0407389751

The North Road Athletics Track became the arena for an exhilarating showcase of skill and talent as St.Jo's emerged victorious at the annual ADPSSA Athletics Carnival. The carnival saw spirited competition among schools, including Bethel, ACC, Parklands, and GSG.

The event attracted a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters, creating an awesome atmosphere that fuelled the athletes' performances. Against a backdrop of cheers and applause, St. Joseph's athletes showcased their exceptional talent, leaving an indelible mark on the competition in both track and field events.

One of the standout moments of the carnival was Luke M's remarkable feat in the Long Jump, securing the ADPSSA record for Year 3 Boys. Richard O also demonstrated incredible skill in the Triple Jump, breaking records and solidifying himself as a top athlete.

We would also like to recognise the efforts of: Luke M, Suri HW, Mason B and Richard O for obtaining champion status in their allocated age and gender division.

The win for the college is a testament to the collective effort, determination, and sportsmanship displayed by the school's athletes. Thank you to all teachers, parents and students in there efforts in making the day a success.

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 WAATI Student Exchange Program is an 8-9 week cultural and academic full immersion program, run in partnership with AFS Intercultura (Italy). It is one of WAATI’s most successful programs which offers students the opportunity of a lifetime and opens a world of possibilities to all involved. The program began in 1981 and has grown massively over the last 35 years. Last November 44 students stayed in various parts of Italy for two months and we are currently hosting 68 Italian students until late August 2016.

The first stage of the program is hosting. In late June students arrive from Italy for a 2 month stay. The students are hosted by an Australian family throughout the metropolitan area as well as country towns like Bunbury, Busselton, Australind and Esperance. At times students have even been hosted as far away as Canberra. They attend school and are totally immersed in Australian family life. It is an opportunity for them to improve their English and really experience what life is like as an ‘Aussie kid’!

Stage two is sending and this offers students here the opportunity to spend two months in Italy. Students leave in late November and return in January. They attend school and many experience a white Christmas for the first time. For students studying Italian it is opportunity to immerse themselves. For those that go simply for the cultural experience, it is the opportunity to experience the Italian way of life and explore the culture.

I am looking for expressions of interest in hosting a student in 2024 with the intent of sending St Joseph's students at the end of 2024.

Students need to be 15 years or older at the time of sending and there are costs involved.

If you are interested in hosting in 2024, please send me an email by Thursday 7th December.

hiedi.rowe@cewa.edu.au

We are accepting new enrolments for 2024 for our Out of School Hours Care program.

This is the 4^th consecutive year our community has come together to turn our town orange during the 16 days campaign, to raise awareness. The 16 Days in WA campaign runs from 25 November (International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day) each year. This year’s theme is “ Play your part” and even though we have had great participation to raise awareness, this year the focus is on how you can play your part and what can you do to make a difference in our community. 

As part of this years 16 days, AnglicareWA is hosting a sundowner to learn more about practical ways you can take action through an informed and in-depth understanding of the necessity to develop supportive ecosystems that can hold both victim survivors safe and people who use violence accountable.

We are looking forward to an evening of robust conversations, ideas and learnings while enjoying a glass of wine in good company.

Book your free ticket now, to reserve your seat and lets come together to make a positive impact and work to create a safe and caring community.

Hawthorn House is holding a Christmas Fair.

Festive Films at the Albany Town Hall on 25 November 2023

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

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

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