For the past week and a half, the year four students have been recording Albany's weather for Scitech, daily. The amount of rain, minimum and maximum temperatures needed to be gathered. This coming week the Year Five's take over. This project is an initiative from Scitech and Chanel 7, in conjunction with Mr Veerappan and the Science Department. At the end of each week we needed to submit the data. On Friday Mr Flores our IT expert, came and made a four second video which was aired on Chanel 7 on Friday evening. Everyone was very excited by this opportunity. Thank you Mr Veerappan for inviting us to share in with this experience. We have all learnt how to read the weather more accurately.

Chris Palfrey 4G

The Beginning of Lent marks the launch of Caritas' Project Compassion and the idea of 'almsgiving'.

Caritas meaning 'Love and compassion' in Latin, began in Australia in 1962 working at the grassroots to create lasting change in the community. The first ever Lenten appeal raised $90,000 with that number reaching over $11 million in more recent years. Today Caritas Australia serves in 18 countries, working through 67 partnerships in communities to bring hope, support and compassion to the worlds most vulnerable people. Project Compassion is their main appeal with contributions from nearly every diocese, parish and Catholic school across the country. In 2023, St Joseph's College raised $5,389.05

On Shrove Tuesday, St Joseph's College took part in the Project Compassion online launch for 2024 with the theme for this year being "For all future generations."

During the launch, our College leaders participated in a Liturgy, Q & A with the CEO of Caritas and formed an action plan for the College and brainstormed about how we can raise awareness and funds this Lent:

1. As always, the Project Compassion boxes can be found in each classroom/ homeroom throughout the school and ask that you donate to support this worthy appeal, if possible.
2. Wednesdays will also be 'Tapitas' Day where students can come to the stairwell next to the canteen and donate any spare change that they may have. In return they will receive a "water droplet" which they can write something or someone they would like to pray for this Lent.
3. Each fortnight the students will also watch a short video about the story of someone whose life has changed thanks to your generous support.

Please donate what you can this Lent to change the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable people. We thank the College Community for your tremendous support and generosity as we can continue to work towards a more just world, ensuring that the dignity of each person is upheld.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator K-12

The weather was perfect for the annual College Sundowner on Friday afternoon. Thank you to the families and staff who came along and enjoyed a BBQ dinner. Ice cream for dessert was a big hit! The evening was a lovely celebration of community spirit. Thank you to the BBQ chefs and those who helped organise the event.

Saint Giles Mary

Feast Day: February 7

Patron Saint of: The ill and outcast, people looking for work

Prayer:

Saint Giles, we pray for all the politicians leading our country that they may work for the betterment of the state and assist those most in need. Saint Giles, pray for us. Amen

Congratulations to our 2024 Year 6 House Captains, MJR Councillors and Sustainability Councillors who were presented with their badges at assembly today. We wish you well in your leadership positions and look forward to seeing the positive impact you have within our college community.

At the beginning of each school year, the whole College comes together to celebrate Mass and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout 2024. This is a wonderful occasion in which our students, staff and parents have an opportunity for prayer and reflection amongst the busyness of our lives.

Elements of College life were incorporated at different times of the Mass including our House flags, subject books and maps, serving as a reminder that everything we do here at St Joseph's is inspired by Christ.

Following the Mass, our College prefects were presented with their individual portfolio badges as well as our Year Six and Twelve graduating classes receiving their College badges for this academic year.

A big thank you to Fr Joel for presiding over the Mass and blessing of the College community, as well as Mrs Palfrey, Mr Morcom, Mr Landells, Mrs Findlay and anyone else who was involved in our celebration. The students are also to be commended on their reverence, respect and participation throughout.

Just as the Apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we too, hope that our St Joseph's College community will be inspired by the Holy Spirit this year and beyond.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator

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).

The College is seeking suitable applicants. Please contact Ms Rachael Keenan if you are interested. Additional details are on the College website under Employment.

On Tuesday, in the Year 2 classroom, the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes wafted through the air, to signify the special day, Shrove Tuesday. Amidst giggles and excitement, the students poured, flipped, and ate their pancakes while learning about this special tradition. Shrove Tuesday is the day before we start Lent. Lent is a time of fasting and traditionally people fasted from rich foods during Lent. The day before Lent, people would use up all these ingredients by making pancakes. The Year 2 classes relished not only the taste of their pancakes but also continuing this special tradition.

Week 2 in the Junior School has been full of new friends, fun and learning! It's been wonderful watching students demonstrate the WESTIE values by being Welcoming and Inclusive towards their new classmates!

All Ability activities and information sessions coming up in Feb/March.

1. Lets Go Surfing' - Disabled Surfers - Albany | HumanitixTo Register: Lets Go Surfing' - Disabled Surfers - Albany | Humanitix

1. Following on from the very successful 'Puzzle Project' in 2023, we are launching our very own Danceable class. This class for all abilities will learn varying dance genres in a safe environment where expression and creativity are encouraged and diversity and individuality are championed. Suited for all ages with a disability.

We will start this class on Friday February 23rd and run it for 5 weeks. Link to Register: Danceable | Humanitix

1. PWdWA's NDIS Reviews and Appeals Information Session - Albany Registration, Tue 20/02/2024 at 1:00 pm | Eventbrite

The Kids Club running this term along with our first hike this weekend.

Aberdeen Dental Centre is actively seeking passionate and highly motivated person to fill upcoming job opening as Dental Assistant for a full time/ part time role.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, resumes can be emailed to admin@aberdeendental.com.au or handed into our practice reception in person.

Visit our website for more information www.aberdeendental.com.au

Just a little reminder that the Great Southern Youth Art Award applications are currently open, with just over 2 weeks left to enter (entries close 2 March at 5pm)

You can find all the information here - https://artsandculture.albany.wa.gov.au/exhibitions/great-southern-art-youth-awards.aspx

Volunteer Family Connect Information Session.

Two free parenting workshops coming up in Albany in February.

BEST Program

Headspace Albany’s Behaviour Exchange and System Therapy (BEST) program is now taking bookings for Term 1.

This free 6 week program runs from Terms 1-3 for parents or family members of young people aged between 12 to 25 years old. The weekly sessions are held at headspace Albany every Wednesday evening from 5pm to 6.30pm, starting on the 14^th of February (Week 3).

The BEST program suits families who are worried about the mental health or hard times experienced by their young person and are looking for ways to help as a family member.

Please call headspace Albany on 9842 9871 for more information or to register for the program. 

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

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.