St Joseph's Day 2024 is coming up fast and the Year Four classes need your assistance. We are again running the very popular and much loved, Trash 'n Treasure Stall at St Joseph's Day and need some donations of pre-loved and unwanted/unused toys, books, games, kitchen and household items etc. to help us. If you can assist us we would be very appreciative. Donations can be brought into school at any time and handed in to either Year Four classroom. We look forward to seeing you all on St Joseph's Day.

Chris Palfrey and Jane Landells Year Four

For Project Compassion this week we hear Ronita's story.

Ronita left school when she became pregnant as a teenager. She was at risk of never re-entering the education system when she had her first child, Clark, at 17. Without completing secondary education, Ronita faced life-long implications for family earnings and, in turn, the ability to overcome the cycle of poverty. Thankfully, Ronita heard about an Alternative Learning System (ALS) program run by Caritas Australia’s partner in the Philippines, the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).

You can find her story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89bJV-w_wXk

"Tapitas" will continue this Wednesday at lunchtime where students can donate any spare change they may have and add a prayer to our prayer wall.

Please donate where you can to the class/ homeroom boxes! The College thanks you for your ongoing and very generous support this Lenten season.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator K-12

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

Saint John of God

Feast Day: March 8

Patron Saint of: Nurses and Hospitals

Life:

Born in 1495, John was a soldier who suffered with mental illness, John dedicated his life to working with the poor. He established a small hospital where he would care for the needs of the sick and those who were suffering. A humble man, Saint John had a total concern and love for all he encountered and is an inspiration to us all. He died in 1550 with his followers later forming the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.

Prayer:

Saint John of God, help us to be selfless like you and to see Jesus in everyone that we meet. Intercede for all those who are suffering from illness, and bless all those who work to ensure the health of others. St John of God, Pray for us.

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.

At the recent Secondary school swimming carnival, McCormack took the win in both the Middle School and Senior school overall competitions. There was some close competition across the day in both competitive and novelty races.

Middle School overall

McCormack 628

DeVialar 605

Cunningham 556

Ozanam 490

Senior School overall

McCormack 423

Ozanam 355

DeVialar 334

Cunningham 319

Congratulations to the following students who were champions or runners-up in their respective year groups.

Year 7 Girls Champion Neha Reddy 54 points

Year 7 Girls Runner Up Abigail Molenda 44 points

Year 7 Boys Champion Tarkyn Hack 51 points

Year 7 Boys Runner Up Patrick House 49 points

Year 8 Girls Champion Hope Vbasso 49 points

Year 8 Girls Runner Up Ellie-May Stables 39 points

Year 8 Boys Champion Jack Heslop 60 points

Year 8 Boys Runner Up Connor Gorman 45 points

Year 9 Girls Champion Lillian Molenda 60 points

Year 9 Girls Runner Up Eva Hack 38 points

Year 9 Boys Champion Peri Wood 54 points

Year 9 Boys Runner Up Kalgan Simmons 35 points

Year 9 Boys Runner Up Ambrose Clayton 35 points

Year 10 Girls Champion Imogen Ireland 33 points

Year 10 Girls Runner Up Ruby Sprigg 30 points

Year 10 Boys Champion Storm Pietropaolo 54 points

Year 10 Boys Runner Up Gary Wun 43 points

Year 11/12 Girls Champion Jess Williams 55 points

Year 11/12 Girls Runner Up Alicia Coutts 46 points

Year 11/12 Boys Champion Max Vrbasso 60 points

Year 11/12 Boys Runner Up Hoa Nguyen 41 points

Congratulations to the following students who broke College records at the carnival.

Neha Reddy Year 7 Girls 25m Butterfly 18.75 seconds.

Max Vrbasso Year 11/12 Boys 25m Butterfly 12.78 seconds.

We wish the team for the Inter-School carnival on Tuesday 19th March all the best for their endeavours.

Calling all netball players! Mr O'Donnell is calling on nominations for next term's Inter-School netball tournament in Katanning. The tournament is a full day carnival on Thursday 2nd May.

Players will be selected from combined teams from Year 7 and 8 combined, Year 9 and 10 combined and Year 11 and 12 combined.

Please direct message Mr O'Donnell if you would like to nominate for selection trials.

The time for trials will be confirmed when the nominations close on Friday 15th March.

Any parents who are interested in umpiring or coaching at the tournament are encouraged to contact Paul O'Donnell.

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. 

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 Year Five and Six classes have been enjoying this week participating in swimming lessons at Emu Point. It has been windy, but still we have been fortunate to have the sun shining for us. The students have been learning many new important water and first aid skills, and spending time with their friends. Apart from the odd jellyfish sting and sharp shell which can be expected in the natural marine environment, the students have had a good week of training in the lead up to the upcoming Swimming Carnival in Week Seven.

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!

WE WILL ROCK YOU

Musical by

QUEEN and Ben Elton

‘Guaranteed to blow you mind!’

Tickets on sale NOW! Row Seating only!

12 performances over 4 weekends May/June

Book: https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/129832

Since 2002 over 16 million theatregoers in 28 countries have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring production which is based on the songs of Queen with a book by Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Blackadder, Popcorn).

Elton fashioned this hilarious futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs including 'We Are the Champions', 'Radio Ga Ga', 'I Want To Break Free', 'Somebody To Love', 'Killer Queen', 'Don’t Stop Me Now', 'Under Pressure', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Another One Bites The Dust' and of course, 'We Will Rock You'.

The musical takes place in a future age on a planet once called Earth that is now controlled by a mighty corporation...rock music is unheard, and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an unlikely resistance-an alliance of rebel Bohemians.

Directed - Donna Markovic

Musical Director - Jen Graham-Taylor

Choreography - Andrea Le Page and Carmen Fasolo

You're invited to join us at The Australian National University (ANU) Open Day 2024 on Saturday, 16 March.

This is your day to soak up new ideas, experience our vibrant campus and tour world-class facilities. You'll get the opportunity to meet current students and renowned academics, explore degree programs and attend information sessions.

This is your place – start making your mark at ANU.

Visit this link for more information: ANU Open Day - ANU

Join us at the Town Hall for a FREE Youth Week event on Friday 5 April 2024

Get dressed up for an evening of live music, dancing, food and a great time with your friends in an immersive “Winter Wonderland”.

There will be free winter themed face painting, games, a snow zone and a “chill” out zone. Ensure you line up at the photobooth created by talented local high school students to have your picture taken so you have a memento to remember the night!

Register here: https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_007c478f25c643409a005e52ac3fa91c

Event duration: 5:30pm - 8:30pm

What to wear? Formal attire

Ages: 12 - 15 years

Cost: FREE

For more information contact Laura Saunder at the City of Albany on 6820 3130 or via email commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au

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

Volunteer Family Connect Information Session.

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