The wide smiles at the carpark crosswalk last Wednesday morning, start of the 2024 academic year, was heartwarming! The joy of the parents and guardians were matched by the College staff who had four days to prepare for the happy return of students. At both the Junior and Secondary assemblies, there was a genuine feeling of positivity and readiness to make this a great year.

Our key priority this year is "Belonging". With the help of our WESTIE values across the College, I would like the members of the St Joseph's community to feel they belong as their unique and authentic self. One way in which we will gather as one community will be at our Opening Mass - Tuesday 6 February, 9am in the College gym. Parents and guardians are very welcome to celebrate Mass with us. The Junior School will host Parent Information sessions this week. On Friday will be our annual College Sundowner for all our families. These Week 2 events are a means to develop our spirit of community and sense of belonging, and I hope you will be able to attend one or more of them.

I wish all our students a very successful year ahead; in particular, the Year 12s who are in their final year. I know you will make yourself, family and school proud. Deo duce.

St Joseph - Pray for Us

Amen.

Ms Rachael Keenan

College Principal

The Saints Swimming Club is a College run swimming club developing swimming technique and fitness. The Junior Squad is made up of students from Years Four-Six (and Year Three in Term Two onwards of each year).  The Senior Squad comprises students from Year Seven-Twelve. Students in both squads must be able to swim 25m of breaststroke, freestyle and backstroke.

Both squads train during term on Monday and Friday from 3.30 – 4.30pm with training commencing on the first Friday of each term and finishing on the last Monday of each term. The club is coached by College PE staff Mr Paul O’Donnell and Mr Zak Mola, and parent, Mr Ben Kagi.

The Saints Swim club welcomes swimmers from Years 4-12 to try the swim club during Term One but the official swim season will commence in Term Two.

Swimmers joining or returning for 2024 will need to complete the swim club permission form available on the College website. Should you have any further queries about the club please speak to Mr Paul O'Donnell (Secondary) or Mr Zak Mola (Junior).

Canteen Menu now on the College Website and the College Information Page of Wisdom News.

What a fabulous first day in the Junior School! A short 'Welcome Back' assembly was held, where Mrs Keenan, Mrs Lister & Mr Morcom addressed the students. There were many new faces to welcome to our college community, both students and staff. We wish our students, families and staff a wonderful 2024 school year.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities near you, sign up to the South Coast Enviro-Experiences volunteer web platform and register your interests.

https://bttr.im/2qcsk

Many families are experiencing cost of living challenges as well as increased education costs.

Saver Plus supports eligible families to take some control of their finances by offering a matched savings incentive and financial education workshops.

If parents commit to saving up to $50 a month for 10 months, ANZ will match their savings up to $500 for families to put towards school uniforms, stationary, camps, laptops, sports fees and music lessons.

If families join in February 2024, they can claim their matched savings in December 2024 in time for 2025 school costs.

Please find attached some flyers for services affected by the closure of North Rd from 29 Jan to 22 April for the Sandford Rd Roundabout construction.

We expect the buses to arrive 5 minutes later in the AM than usual due to the deviation, but we cannot be sure until school resumes.

Justin Goldsmith

Operations Supervisor Great Southern

About FACE Youth Choir is auditioning singers for 2024 this Sunday afternoon. Ages 14 - 34. For more information see Mrs Findlay or visit the About FACE website.

The College is seeking suitable applicants for a Science Lab Technician. Details of this part-time position is available on the Catholic Education WA and College website.