St Joseph's Day 2024 will take place on Friday, March 22nd. We look forward to seeing as many family members as possible.

Students in Year Six and Eight participated in the Synergy Solar Car challenge on March 7th, showcasing their building and teamwork skills. Once again St Joseph's College hosted this event for the Great Southern region, where we have a number of schools represented within Albany and beyond. The competition was fierce, culminating in St Joseph’s College’s Liam, Bryn, Kohan, and Harvey securing 3rd place in the Year 8 category. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication. 

We would like to thank Synergy and STAWA for sponsoring this competition.

Year Six teams:

Team 1:

1. Bryon Gladish-Littlefair
2. Noah Piercey
3. Aditya Reddy
4. Tanner Reynard

Team 2:

1. Kiarah Alegria
2. Sienna Dean
3. Nathan Nagac

Team 3:

1. Archer Adams
2. Isaiah Swann
3. Josh Kelley
4. Cruz Gylling

Year Eight teams

Team 1

1. Liam Swadkins
2. Bryn Rivers
3. Kohan Maslij
4. Harvey Robinson

Team 2

1. Grady Robb
2. Jolien Catbagan
3. Charlie House

Team 3:

1. Jove Hannagan Wood
2. Elizah Breitkreuz
3. Anima Opoku

Saint Patrick

Feast Day: March 17

Patron Saint of: Ireland and Engineers

Life:

St. Patrick was two things - humble and courageous. At 16, Patrick was sold as a slave in Ireland and forced to work as a shepherd, suffering greatly from hunger and the cold. He escaped after six years and spent many years studying in France after a spiritual conversion which led him to be a bishop at the age of 43. His great desire was to spread the good news to the Irish which he did until his death.

Prayer:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in my eyes, Christ in my ears and Christ in my heart. St Patrick, pray for us. Amen.

St Joseph's College staff and students (K-12) are invited to wear their brightest and boldest socks to raise awareness of Down Syndrome on Thursday 21 March, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).

WDSD is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. WDSD is celebrated with socks. Unique, crazy, odd socks because when chromosomes are viewed under a microscope they look like pairs of socks.

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

In recent years, the uncertainty of rainfall in Samoa has become an increasing worry. As a result of climate change, they face longer dry seasons and briefer rainy seasons. With the hep of Caritas, a 3,000 litre water tank was installed at Leaia's home to harvest rainwater.

You can find her story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hP4tqlNIWY

"Tapitas" continues this week, with students in all years writing a prayer for something or someone that they would like to pray for this Lent. The prayers will be added to our prayer wall near the canteen.

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

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

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

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. 

This year, both Year Five classes attend their Library borrowing sessions with the Kindy Gold and Kindy Blue classes. In this half hour, the Year Five students assist the Kindy students to select books and then they read with them. This not only makes book borrowing much smoother for the Kindy students, but helps foster a positive relationship with students outside the safety of the ELC, making the transition into the ‘big school’ much easier for our younger students as there will be many familiar faces when they reach Year One.

The Year Five students are also benefited by practising their oral reading skills and are learning the value of patience when working with our younger students. Both the Kindy and Year Five students look forward to Library Buddies each week!

In a dazzling display of athleticism and camaraderie, Saint Joseph's Junior School recently hosted its annual IH Swimming Carnival. Excitement filled the air as students from Year 4-6 dove into the pool, showcasing their swimming prowess and team spirit.

After a fierce competition, Ozanam House emerged victorious, clinching the coveted title with an impressive total of 461 points. Their stellar performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Adding to the excitement, Luke M of Year 4 made waves by breaking records in all five boys' events for his year group. His remarkable achievement left spectators in awe and inspired his fellow classmates to aim for greatness.

Beyond the thrill of competition, the carnival was a celebration of fun and involvement, with students enthusiastically participating in races and novelty games. Laughter and cheers echoed throughout ALAC, creating cherished memories for all in attendance.

We would like to congratulate all participants for their outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork, making this year's IH Swimming Carnival a great day. A big congratulations goes to all our champions and runner up's from each year group photographed above.

Thanks to all the staff across the Junior School which made this day possible.

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!

We at Outdoors Great Southern are offering a great opportunity for those in Year 9 and 10 to get out and about this April holiday by participating in a 3 day 2 night expedition hike in the Walpole area.

Please see the link below:

https://events.humanitix.com/yr-9-10-expedition-hike-april-10-11-12

DENTAL THERAPY CENTRE NEWS

Spencer Park Dental Therapy Centre offers free dental examinations, oral care advice, preventative, restorative and emergency treatment for children from pre-primary to Year 11.

Enrolment forms will soon be issued to your child if they have recently changed schools or enrolled in Pre-Primary, please return the forms to your school by Friday 19th April if you wish to use our service.

Parents of enrolled students are reminded to contact the centre to update your details if you have moved in the last few years. All appointments are posted home, many are returned due to incorrect addresses, this means that your child misses out on their dental visit. If you no longer intend to use our service and attend a private dental clinic, please let us know as soon as possible as your valuable appointment could be taken up by someone else. You can call us on 9841 3967 or send us an email to spencerparkdtc@health.wa.gov.au.

Unfortunately, our clinics do not have reception staff, your child will be enrolled as soon as possible. They may not receive an exam appointment for up to 12months. Please call us if your child is in pain.

Our awesome skate programs are back!

Junior Learn to Skate ages 8-17

Junior Roller Derby ages 10-17

We start the first week of term 2.

Head to the website albanyrollerderby.com.au to register now! Places are limited

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.

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