What a busy week! The perfect bookend to Week 10 was FRIDAY - students and staff embraced the sentiment of Zero2Hero Day by dressing up as their hero. JS assembly run by our delightful Year 1s. Students from Year 5-10 competed in the Have Sum Fun mathematics competition - our Year 5/6 team won first place and Year 7/8 came third. The Year 12 bonfire was illuminated by the winter solstice moon, and Mr Dougherty's musicians entertained family and friends into the night.

As mentioned in my article last week, our final week is shaping up to be a busy but enjoyable end to Term Two.

1. We will be starting our NAIDOC Week with a special whole school assembly on Monday at 9am. The Aboriginal Education Team have organised activities for our students on Tuesday and Thursday. We will bookend our celebration with a NAIDOC liturgy on Friday.
2. Also on Monday, the Aquinas College choir will be visiting our school and will perform to Year 4-12 students period 3. Our College Choir will also be performing. All parents are most welcome to watch.
3. Wednesday will be our Harmony Day and students and staff are encouraged to wear their national dress.

I hope we are all coping with the Ulster Road closures and detours. Please plan your journeys and be patient at drop off and pick up times. I would strongly recommend Secondary School students get picked up a little later than normal so the traffic can ease a bit.

Students from PP to Year 12 will be receiving a Progress Report at the end of the week. It is an opportunity for review and goal-setting for Semester Two. The Year 12s have just one term left - so make it count! Parents and students are asked to download of reports from SEQTA. Requests to have reports printed after a student leaves the College (e.g. changing school or after Year 12), costs $25.

As we come to the end of Semester One, I would like to thank the College Executive, Staff, School Advisory Council, Parents and Friends Association, the Holy Family Parish and the wider school community for the ongoing support you have shown to me and to St Joseph's College. Wishing you all a safe and blessed mid-year break. Classes resume Monday 15 July.

St Joseph - Pray for us

Amen.

FriYay! Attached is a photo of my Year One (Blue) Chinese class this week. They have been learning the names of farm animals and we made masks to practice the new words.

Please take note of the following as we enter Week Ten next week:

From Monday 17 June, there will be Ulster Road closures and detours. Please plan your journeys and be patient at drop off and pick up times. I would strongly recommend Secondary School students get picked up a little later than normal so the traffic can ease a bit.

Cybersafety expert and regular College guest speaker, Paul Litherland, will be presenting a Parent Session on Tuesday, 18 June 6pm. Students from Year 5-12 will be listening to sessions with Paul throughout the day.

Zero2Hero Day on Friday 21 June. Everyone at the College is encouraged to dress up as their hero.

Transforming Lives Strategy (Aboriginal Education). The College will be working on our framework and goals with key Catholic Education consultants next week and I look forward to our formal launch this year.

Week Eleven is shaping up to be a busy but enjoyable final week of Term Two.

1. We will be starting our NAIDOC Week with a special whole school assembly on Monday at 9am. The Aboriginal Education Team have organised activities for our students on Tuesday and Thursday. We will bookend our celebration with a NAIDOC liturgy on Friday.
2. Also on Monday, the Aquinas College choir will be visiting our school and will perform to Year 4-12 students period 3.
3. Wednesday will be our Harmony Day and students and staff are encouraged to wear their national dress.

Parents are requested to go to the office if you are dropping off lunch to students during school hours. We will see that it is passed on. Please do not take it to the classroom as it may interrupt the learning programme.

Parents and students are asked to download of reports from SEQTA. Requests to have reports printed after a student leaves the College (e.g. moves school or after Year 12), costs $25.

My sincere thanks to members of the school community who have contacted me about concerning social media accounts and posts. It is a breach to use the College crest without my approval, and any social media activity which puts the school in a negative light will be dealt with; this may include contacting the relevant authorities. Any student involved in this sort of activity may put their enrolment at the school at risk.

At Friday's Junior school assembly, parents and students were delighted to hear a performance of "Kookaburra" from some of the Senior school students. Under the instruction of Mr Burnfield, their music instrument teacher, these students performed a wonderful rendition of this song. Fantastic work from all!

Friday was our Zero 2 Hero day and it was wonderful to see so many staff and students dressing up to promote discussion about mental health. This annual event encourages students to dress up as their favourite superhero or somebody that inspires them, stand up for their own mental health and encourage their peers to do the same in a safe environment, and speak up when support is needed. The creativity and effort was truly commendable and we look forward to continuing this event in the future.

The annual ADPSSA Inter-School Cross Country was held at Great Southern Grammar, where students from five schools—Great Southern Grammar, Bethel, Parklands, ACC, and St Jo's—competed in a thrilling display of athleticism. St Jo's proudly secured second place overall and took out the Meritorius Shield, demonstrating remarkable endurance and team spirit.

The competition took place under uncharacteristically sunny skies, with a dry track that provided an excellent racing environment. The favourable weather conditions added to the excitement, allowing the athletes to perform at their best.

A special congratulations to all who represented St Jo's, with notable performances from those who finished in the top three and earned well-deserved recognition. Standout athletes included Sarah T (Year 3), Luke M (Year 4), Mason B (Year 5), and Benji D (Year 5), whose exceptional efforts contributed significantly to the team's success.

St Jo's extends heartfelt thanks to all participants for their dedication and sportsmanship, and looks forward to more outstanding performances in future events.

Zak Mola - HPE

From 17 June lane closures will commence along Ulster Road while Water Corporation’s authorised contractor DM Civil undertakes essential work replacing a pipeline under Ulster Road.

Detours will be in place during this work.

The work will begin at Lower King Road and progressively make its way to North Road. The first stage will see stop-start traffic control for a few hundred metres along Lower King Road (from the Ulster Road intersection) and a lane closure from Lower King Road / Ulster Road intersection to Hardie Road.

Traffic travelling from Lower King / Bayonet Head towards North Road will need to detour along Collingwood and Angove Roads. The northbound lane for traffic travelling from North Road towards Lower King / Bayonet Head will remain open.

Signage will be in place for the nearest Hospital / Health Campus access.

For the safety of the workers and community please follow all traffic signs and reduced speed limits.

Please see the attached map for more detail of the Stage 1 detour. The Project webpage Ulster Road Pipeline Replacement has a map showing the stages and the associated timings. This will be kept updated throughout the Project. You can also sign up for email updates of each stage via the webpage.

Water Corporation appreciates your patience and understanding while this critical work is completed.

2022 WA Australian of the Year Paul Litherland returns to St Joseph’s College next week to connect with the students and parents, giving his annual insight into the world of cyber safety for children and teens. On Tuesday, June 18^th, Years Five to Twelve will see an hour-long presentation, equipping them with the most up to date information on how to safely navigate the online world. 

A parent presentation will take place in the Gymnasium at 6:00 pm. We consider this evening imperative for families and strongly encourage attendance to help keep your children safe online. A number of door prizes will be given away to those in attendance, with Paul donating five Qustodio Parental Control App one-year subscriptions (valued at $150 each) and three copies of his recently published autobiography, while the College is giving away a $100 Retravision voucher. 

We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday evening.

On Friday June 21 2024, our school is taking part in zero2hero Day, a mental health awareness day. This annual event encourages students to dress up, stand up and speak up for youth mental health - dress up as their favourite superhero or somebody that inspires them, stand up for their own mental health and encourage their peers to do the same in a safe environment, and speak up when support is needed.

WHAT: ZERO2HERO DAY

WHEN: FRIDAY JUNE 21

TO DO: Encourage your child to dress up, stand up and speak up by coming to school as a superhero. Remember a superhero can be ANYBODY who inspires them.

Here are some dress up ideas;

A nurse, firefighter, soldier or police person.

A cape and a mask n

Their fave socks that make them feel super n

Their favourite sports team

Superhero face paint

Their favourite movie character

Dress as someone influential in their life (a grandparent, for example) 

A crazy, colourful hair-do

We recognise mental health as being an important conversation to have with our youth. With stigma often suppressing open discussion of mental health issues for young people, we want to take part in zero2hero Day to encourage the discussion of these issues in an open and safe environment.

zero2hero is a WA based youth mental health charity that is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people and preventing suicide in Australia. Each year they educate, engage and empower more thousands of young people, to unleash the heroes of today, to become the leaders of tomorrow. 

On Wednesday the Year 9 and 10 students were visited by the Australian Defence Force Careers team. The students heard stories about the careers and lives of personnel in the Army, Navy and Airforce. They explained that there are over 300 different roles in the Defence Force. The ADF offers many pathways to further your learning through studying with the ADF or getting an apprenticeship or traineeship. They also offer a Gap Year program where you can try out multiple roles before committing to enlistment. If you would like further information about careers with the ADF you can visit: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/

On Wednesday the Year 11 and 12 Volleyball teams took a break from their exams to contest, for some of them, their final ever Inter-School tournament. Some of the Year 12 students involved have been training and playing for five years and have dedicated themselves to the quest for Volleyball perfection.

The boys team had a great day, finishing third, with some impressive games and play along the way. Their first match against eventual winners, ASHS boys, went into overtime after being drawn at the end of play. Congratulations to these boys for their impressive performance.

The girls team went in as favourites after having won the previous two years in a row, but were going to have to overcome the other teams who were keen to topple them from the mantel. The girls built steadily throughout the day playing some excellent Volleyball and working hard to reduce their own errors. The team progressed through to the final against ASHS, whom they had defeated in the final in the previous two years. St Joseph's took the first set in a close fought battle before ASHS steadied to take the second set to force a sudden death third set. The game was tense but played at a very high level and when the final siren blew, St Joseph's were up by one point to be crowned champions three years in a row!

Congratulations to all of the students for their commitment and passion to Volleyball throughout their Secondary schooling. I hope it is only the beginning of the Volleyball journeys.

The Year 7 and 8 girls and boys AFL football teams competed at the recent Great Southern Inter-School carnival. The teams had completed several lunchtime training sessions and practice matches in preparation for the carnival under the watchful eyes of the Senior School student coaches.

The boys' team had a great start to the day but tapered in the afternoon matches, finishing third overall on the day. The girls' team were fantastic from the first match and won all of their round robin games. They lined up against Denmark again for the Grand final and played excellent football to win the Championship. The coaches, Charlotte C and Leilani W, had a difficult time choosing a player for the team player award with so many quality options. Congratulations to Anima O for taking the award.

Thank you to the numerous student assistants who helped on the day and with the training sessions.

Over the course of this term, all Junior School classes have been working through URSTRONG's Friendology 101 curriculum. So that you can best support your child at home, you are invited to take advantage of a FREE Parent Membership to access hundreds of resources – including an 8 session video series. This will allow you to learn the same language & strategies being taught in the classroom through the Friendology 101 curriculum. All Junior School parents and guardians have been sent a Direqt message with further information. We hope that, as a URSTRONG family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.

Michelle Lister & Jim Morcom

Heads of Junior School

A Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company Production

THE VISITORS

By Jane Harrison

Directed by Wesley Enoch

Albany Entertainment Centre

16th July, 2024 at 7.30pm

Tickets available at Box Office or call 9844 5055

1. $45.00 Adult
2. $35.00 Concession (Full-time Students, Pensioners, Seniors Card holders, Health Care Card)
3. $25.00 Under 25's
4. $30.00 Groups 10+ (one complimentary ticket per 10 purchased)
5. $15.00 School Groups 10+ (one complimentary ticket per 10 purchased)

Are you currently studying for exams?

Join us at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre every Tuesday in August 2024 for FREE Yogalates and Meditation sessions. These are aimed to assist you in reducing your stress and fatigue around exam time, while helping you increase your strength and flexibility.

Register for as many sessions as you like as each one will build on the previous!

Bring a water bottle and towel, mats will be provided. Open to ages 15 – 25 years.

Register here https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_ab5566e184fc4399b65e7479a1978261

For more information contact Community Development on 6820 3000 or commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au

This is a City of Albany run event proudly supported by Rio Tinto.

Audition Registrations Are Officially Open!

Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, we have roles for all ages. Step into the enchanting world of Roald Dahl and join Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka, and all the unforgettable characters in this beloved story.

Audition Dates: 29th & 30th June

Location: Albany Port Theatre

Register Now: https://www.alotco.com.au/charlie-audition-information

Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. Whether you’re aiming for the spotlight or an ensemble role, we can't wait to see your talents shine!

Be part of the magic. Register today!

Director – Lachy Mclean

Assistant Director – Fiona Kuiper

Musical Director – Neville Talbot Co-Assistant Musical Directors – Matthew Clarke & Will Elms

Choreographers – Kelly Seaton & Lachy Mclean

#CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory #Auditions

Summary of Meeting Held 11th June 2024.

We are pleased to announce that Yorganop is now providing foster care services in the Great Southern so that local children can remain in their communities and continue to maintain vital connections to family, culture and their Country. We have an office and staff based in Albany.

Yorganop is Western Australia’s first Aboriginal foster care agency with over 33 years of experience in caring for children and nurturing them to flourish.

To be able to provide this very important care to Aboriginal children, Yorganop is recruiting foster carers across the Great Southern region.

Potential carers can come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and be Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal however the key attributes are being able to provide safe care that promotes the wellbeing of children and a capacity to keep children connected to family, culture and Country.

There isn’t one type of foster care. Children can be with a carer for a few days, or they can stay for a longer-term period. At Yorganop we provide short-term breaks (respite), short term placements and long-term care arrangements.

In helping us to find Great Southern carers for Great Southern children, it would be very much appreciated if you would consider displaying the attached poster on noticeboards at your school and including it any upcoming newsletters or relevant publications that go out to your communities.

When you foster a child with Yorganop, it changes everything for the better – a child’s future, their outlook, and our community. It will transform your life too.

If you have any questions or require further information (including hard copies of the poster of any other materials about Yorganop) please do not hesitate to contact stephanie.marsh@yorganop.org.au or via phone on 0427 936 840.

Additionally more information about Yorganop and our services can be found on our website at https://yorganop.org.au/

During the July school holidays there will be two mystery events taking place, where attendees will piece together clues to find out who has committed the crime. These events will be conducted by an actor who will encourage everyone to get into character.

Taking place at the Albany Town Hall the first event runs from 12:30pm – 3:30pm and is themed “Wild West”.

Wild West

Saddle up for the Wild West Murder Mystery event on Thursday 11 July at the Albany Town Hall

Throughout the afternoon, you will interrogate suspects, examine evidence, and follow the trail of breadcrumbs leading to the suspect…

You may find yourself on a roll like a tumbleweed in the desert, but beware, danger lurks in every shadowy alley and dusty saloon, and not everyone may be who they seem.

Be quick to register! https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_d766588d1a0a4ef0ad672b4f70203066

The second event will be from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and is themed “Caribbean Cruise”.

Caribbean Cruise

Step aboard our Caribbean Cruise Murder Mystery event for an evening of intrigue, suspense, and tropical delight, complete with Hawaiian pizza

As the sun sets over Albany’s blue waters, you will be gathering clues, interrogating suspects and piecing together the puzzle to solve the ultimate mystery.

Whether you're a seasoned sleuth or new to the world of mystery, this event will have you on the edge of your seat or driving you “coco”nuts if you can’t solve who did it

Be quick to register! https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_e0447ce748574d55bb2fc4ba56fa0e83

For more information contact Laura Saunders on 6820 3130 or commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au

This event is run by the City of Albany and is proudly supported by Rio Tinto.

This year's West Australian ADHD Conference, which is happening on 29 June at the Perth Exhibition Centre.

The application deadline for parents, guardians and carers to apply for the Student Assistance Payment is Friday 28 June 2024. There is a significant number of families in Albany who are yet to claim the payment and I am keen to support them to make their claims.

Claims can be made via the ServiceWA app or via this form, which can be printed and made available to families: WA Student Assistance Payment - claim form (education.wa.edu.au)

I encourage every family to submit their application as soon as possible to ensure they receive the payment.

My office is happy to assist families with their applications. The Albany Public Library also hosts Digital Drop-In Sessions every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12noon and is assisting families with their applications at no cost. Visit: Events » City of Albany Library

Best Regards,

Rebecca Stephens

Member for Albany

We are thrilled to announce that the YAL Connect Scholarships open this Saturday, the 15th of June!

YAL offers scholarships to students aged 14-25, covering up to two years.

Our scholarship program empowers young Australians to overcome barriers and continue their educational journey with holistic support and financial aid.

Key Details:

Applications Open: June 15

Applications Close: July 31

Eligibility: Students aged 14-25

We invite you to help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity! By sharing this information with your networks, you can help us reach more students who could benefit from our support.

Click here to apply online.

Ahoy, adventure seekers!

Set sail for a month of excitement at the Maritime Festival! From 28 June to 31 July, the City of Albany transforms into a hub of nautical fun.

Dive into our treasure trove of events now listed on our website: https://bit.ly/4c3qM3O

Featuring an exciting lineup of events, from live music to art exhibitions, film screenings, markets, wine tastings, sailing opportunities, author talks, and activities for children like hunting for treasure – the Maritime Festival promises something for everyone.

Autism and Anxiety : practical strategies for supporting teens Webinar.

Online webinar is happening on Wednesday June 19.

The MACC is an ADF Careers Centre on wheels, bringing the opportunity of a career in Defence to regional and remote areas of Australia. Visiting MACC is a valuable way to learn how the Navy, Army and Air Force can offer much more than just a career.

This month CLA is offering an amazing Mindful Mandalas workshop in partnership with Parenting Connection and Denmark Art Club. This workshop is free and open to support staff and parents of children with disability. NON CLA Support Staff and parents of Non CLA participants are also welcome to attend. Morning tea and all art materials will be provided.

Spaces are limited so please book your spot today by contacting reception as soon as possible.

For any further enquiries please contact Claudia on 9843 3855 or email reception@mycla.org.au

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Pride Lands as Albany Children’s Theatre brings to life this beloved Disney classic.

Based on the 1994 film and the iconic Broadway musical, this enchanting show brings the timeless tale of Simba, the lion cub destined to be king, to life on stage like never before. Witness over 80 talented young local performers as they sing, dance, and roar their way through this heartwarming story of friendship, courage, and the circle of life.

From the stirring opening number 'Circle of Life' to the Academy Award-winning ballad 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight', every moment of this production is infused with the unforgettable music of Elton John and Tim Rice. Get ready to groove along to the lively 'I Just Can't Wait to be King' and join in the carefree spirit of 'Hakuna Matata'.

Join Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, and an unforgettable cast of characters on an epic journey of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. With stunning costumes, dazzling performances, and timeless music, Disney's The Lion King Jr promises an experience that will leave audiences of all ages spellbound.

Tickets are available from the Albany Entertainment Cente box office 9844 5005 or online at:

https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/albany-entertainment-centre/whats-on/disneys-the-lion-king-jr/

Please find information about Academic Task Force – July Holiday Skills Development for Yr 7-10 and July ATAR Revision Courses for Yr 11-12.

Visit website below for more information.

https://academicgroup.com.au/july-holiday-courses/

UWA Albany is holding an Information Session for the Smart Start Enabling Course for students considering this entry pathway into university in the future.

Smart Start offers you:

1. A course delivered over 14 weeks or one semester gull-time study (or equivalent port-time);
2. The opportunity for entry into first-year degree studies delivered through Albany campus upon successful completion;
3. No fees are charged for this course;
4. A supportive study environment;
5. The opportunity to learn new skills and experience the rewards of university life; and
6. Contemporary coursework that provides an excellent foundation for university and lifelong learning.

Applying for Smart Start:

The application steps for the Smart Start course can be found here and are listed below.

1. Apply online

Fill in an application form here — uwa.edu.au/albany/Study-at-Albany

Be sure to attach a copy of your Australian Residency to your application.

2. Complete two literacy and numeracy tasks

Complete the English & Maths tasks either in person at the Information Session or online using the links below.

Written Task

Maths Task

These tasks are simply to gauge the support you may require in these areas.

3. Attend the Information Session

You should attend the Smart Start Information Session held prior to every semester.

(semester 1 entry — December & January; semester 2 entry — 19 June 2024 10am).

You can register for the next session via the link here or emailing uwa-albany@uwa.edu.au

4. Attend a short interview

Attend a short interview, either in person at the Information Session or online. This interview is an informal chat about your future study plans.

It is that time of year again when we are getting the kids out and about! Please see our Term 2 kids club.

After a couple of months of uncertainty, it is with great pleasure that I am writing to let you know that the foundation finds itself sailing again. Although Minderoo Foundation are now providing financial assistance for the next few years, this does not cover sponsored voyage places. This funding is only for maintaining the ship.

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation provides a range of tailored programs suitable for various ages, backgrounds and abilities. Our voyages aim to

1. Foster Leadership: Develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and challenges aboard our iconic tall ship, STS Leeuwin II.
2. Promote Teamwork: Encourage teamwork and collaboration in a dynamic and engaging maritime environment.
3. Enhance Personal Development: Unlock hidden potential, boost self-confidence, and instil a sense of responsibility and accountability.
4. Inspire Environmental Awareness: Connect students with the marine environment, fostering a deep appreciation for our oceans and promoting sustainable practices.

MyTime is a facilitated peer support program for parents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical conditions.

Parents/Carers are welcome to attend even if they are yet to receive a diagnosis and would like to meet parents/Carers who may be in a similar situation to theirs.

MyTime groups are for all parents and family carers of children under the age of 18 who need a higher level of care than other children.

We meet weekly on a Tuesday afternoon from 12:30-2:30 during the school term.

MyTime now meets at the Child and Parent Centre near Mt Lockyer Primary School. Click link here.