The General Sacramental Mass and Meeting for families and students wishing to make one of the Sacraments during 2024, has been set for Thursday, March 14, 2024. The Mass will commence at 6.00pm with a short meeting to follow. It is expected that proceedings will finish by 7.15pm. The venue for the Mass and meeting is Holy Family Church, Martin Road Albany.

For any queries please contact the Parish Office on 98 41 1129 or chris.palfrey@cewa.edu.au

Chris Palfrey

Sacramental Co-ordinator St Joseph's College

If you have any Ooshies, shopkins, stickeez fruit and vegetables, minions or any other miniature toys that are not played with at home anymore, the students would love to use them with Stop Go Motion videos during Digital Technologies.

Students can hand them to their teacher, the front office or me directly.

Many thanks

Mrs Cav

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.

smART Club is back for 2024

There are many benefits to being involved in our St Joe’s Art Club: it gives students from Years Seven to Twelve the opportunity to make connections with like minded art lovers; it enhances artistic and social skills; it helps create a vibrant visual environment for the College; and it offers our children a safe and worthwhile space in which to give their time in Christian Service.

We have already been commissioned to create the scenery and large props for the College Production of “16 in Ten” by the end of Term Two, and the painting of themed artworks on some donated surfboards to liven up some walls in the College, with many more jobs in the pipeline.

In 2024, Art Club will run on Monday afternoons from 3:15 until 4:30 in the Senior Art Room. Students are under no pressure to attend every single session, or every week. 

I look forward to a friendly, creative and productive year of art making with our enthusiastic crew.

For any queries, please contact Mrs Julia Goodlad. 

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.

The Junior School were lucky to have Rick the Rock Eagle soar into the College from the West Coast Eagles. Rick delivered a compelling message on the importance of encouragement and resilience.

The pre-primary students scored a bonus with an exhilarating footy clinic led by Brad Nisbett and Jaxon Liddelow, leaving the young ones buzzing with energy and sporting spirit.

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!

Registrations are now open!

U17’s winter indoor cricket competition commencing the beginning of term 2.

The competition will run through to the end of term 3, with a break for school holidays.

All enquiries can be directed to adca.indoor@outlook.com or contact 0468 420 184.

Interested in playing hockey? Join the club now!

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.

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