The Secondary School Choir held its inaugural Choir Camp on Sunday and Monday.  The choir stayed at the Gilcreek Scout Camp overnight. Mr Probert, Mr P. Findlay and Ms. Rowe were in for the ride of their lives, joining in with all the singing. The choir exceeded Mrs Findlay’s expectations with the speed at which they learned the harmonies for five songs! The evening’s entertainment revealed a not-often-seen side of many of the choir and had us all rolling with laughter. A mock marriage proposal was also in the offering. But what happens at camp, stays at camp. The food was amazing, which was not surprising since our cook was former chef, Mr B. Findlay.

Saint Peter Damian

Feast Day: February 21

Patron Saint of: Discerning a vocation

Life:

Born in 988AD, Peter escaped poverty and became a professor, spending many hours in study and prayer. After leaving teaching, Peter became a monk and eventually a Bishop. He wrote many letters, sermons and biographies encouraging prayer and love. He died in 1072 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to follow the teachings and example of Saint Peter Damian. By making Christ the first love of our lives, may we come to the joys of eternal light. Amen. St Peter Damian, Pray for us.

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 Year 10 CERT II Sport Coaching students are honing their tennis skills at the picturesque Emu Point courts. Under expert guidance, from the local professional Nelson, they engage in practical sessions, mastering techniques, game play and strategies, laying the foundation for successful coaching careers in the dynamic world of sports.

Zak Mola

Enthusiasm filled the Year 2 Gold classroom on Wednesday of Week 4, with the arrival of special guests: a bunch of baby chicks. The tiny chirps grew louder as the cardboard box containing the adorable visitors was brought into the classroom. With lots of excitement and giggles, the children gathered around, as Edward shared his News and told the class about where the chickens roam and what they eat. The chicks continued to captivate as they were gently held and patted by the Year 2’s. Special thanks to Edward and his family for bringing the Chicks to school, for the class to enjoy.

To raise awareness for Project Compassion, Mr Bogoni is running a colouring competition for the Junior School.

There will be three competitions, with a winning and runner up prize for each year grouping:

1. Year 1 and 2
2. Year 3 and 4
3. Year 5 and 6

There are two colouring options for students to choose from which they can get from their teacher or from Mrs Nash in the Library. When finished, students can hand it in at the Library so it can be part of our Lenten display. Sheets are due by Monday 18 March, with the winners to be announced later in the term.

Happy Colouring!

The annual beach fun day was held on the 16th of February at Emu Point. We were blessed with good weather for the fun filled day. During the day Year 1-3 students worked their way round a tabloid of activities including beach soccer, boogie board relays, flags, time in the water and everyone's favourite the giant slip and slide!

Each Year 1- 3 group was lead by our wonderful Year 6 student leaders and our Head Boy Lachlan Gorman, who did an excellent job in looking after the younger students at each of the activities with the support of the teachers, EAs and parents.

The day concluded with a sand sculpture competition, which saw groups channel their creativity and create some awesome sculptures.

Well done to the St Joseph Junior School.

Zak Mola - Health and Physical Education

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.

We are excited to announce that our 2024 MSWA Albany Swim will be making a splash this April at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Saturday, 20 April.

This unique 8-hour swimming relay challenge aims to raise awareness and funds for people in the Great Southern region living with neurological conditions.

Teams of up to 10 challenge themselves in the swim - they must always have one swimmer in the water for the duration of the event. There are no rules on how the competitors swim the event (freestyle, backstroke, doggy paddle!) and we allow the use of swimming aids or devices (including flippers!).

Take your marks, get set… GO! Are you looking for your next challenge? Gather your classmates, teachers, friends, and family and register a team for the 2024 MSWA Albany Swim, Saturday, 20 April at the Albany Leisure & Aquatic Centre.

For more details, and how to register visit www.mswaswim.org.au

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.

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