The school holiday is well and truly a distant memory for me, but it is wonderful to have everyone back at school. Our Year 12s are in countdown mode for their end of year completion of courses and examinations in the October holidays. At the other end of our school, students who turned 3 in June started Three Year Old Kindy this term. To them and all the new families across the College, a warm welcome to you!

Thank you to Staff and Parents for the smooth running of Parent-Teacher Night on Monday. I hope the conversations continue between home and school into the future.

Tonight, the Year 12 Prefects will be holding a Quiz Night. I know they have worked tirelessly with Mr Callaghan to ensure a successful evening. Thank you to members of the school community for their generosity in sponsoring the event. The Prefects are truly amazed at your support as am I.

Our intrepid Year 8s return from camp this afternoon and we look forward to the hearing all about their time away.

I would encourage families watch the College Production next month. Our students have been working hard. Ticket sales are now available.

Open Night is an event I very much look forward. Please mark it on your calendar - Monday 12 August 5.00-7.30pm. Our students are always so proud to showcase the work they have been doing at school. The School Advisory Council will be running "Saints Cafe" and the P&F, the sausage sizzle.

Drivers who use the top carpark thoroughfare up near the church are requested to please follow the 5km speed signs. Could drivers also avoid parking on the pavement and church roundabout. Thank you for your consideration.

Finally, how lovely for the College to be paid a visit by Dr Toni Buti, Minister of Education last week. He paid the school such positive compliments - nothing I did not already know!

Wishing you all a wonderful Week 3.

St Joseph's. Pray for us.

#### SAVE THE DATE #####

Start planning for the BOOK WEEK Parade 2024

THEME :  READING IS MAGIC

WHEN :  Tuesday  20^TH August

WHERE : The Gym

TIME :  9 – 10am

An amazing amount of creativity by our students (and their parents/ grandparents) went into last year’s costumes of BOOK characters and we eagerly await even more participants this year.

You may want to start thinking about the BOOK character you want to come as.

Please choose a character from any BOOK.

The judges will be instructed to choose the most original costume from a BOOK and the student who gets into character in their behaviour and manner in the parade.

Happy Planning!

The Library Staff

Twenty four students from St Joseph's successfully auditioned for a place at the About FACE Kids Choir Camp which was held in the second week of the holidays. Students from Years Four - Eight, learnt seven songs in four days and still had time to take on ZONK challenges and play archery tag in the afternoons. The camp concluded with a concert for the general public. Many new friendships were forged with children from as far away as Lake Grace and Perth. Rachel, Angel and Nigiel gave up a week of their holidays to help mentor the About FACE Kids.They were outstanding role models and a great asset to the leadership team. Mr Findlay was a vocal coach and Mrs Findlay was the camp's choral director.

On Friday 19 July Education Minister Dr Tony Buti MLA visited the college, along with Ms Rebecca Stevens Member for Albany. The special guests were greeted by the College Executive, Year 12 prefects, Marina Pietropaolo (Chair of the School Advisory Council) and Kareena Smart (President of the P&F), before taking a tour of the De Vialar building. Dr Buti greeted secondary staff and students on the tour and observed firsthand the excellent teaching and learning happening at St Joseph's College.

Click the below link to purchase your table!

The St Josephs College Prefect's Quiz Night | Humanitix

Saint Joachim & Saint Anne

Feast Day: July 26

Patron Saint of: Grandparents

Life:

Joachim and Anne were very holy people and tried for a baby for many years. After nearly giving up hope of falling pregnant, they remained faithful and were blessed with a child named Mary who would later became the mother of Jesus. As grandparents to Jesus, Joachim and Anne would've looked after him as he was growing up, teaching him many lessons that he would have carried with him throughout his own life.

Prayer:

Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, you were faithful to God, trusting in Him in your lives. Your patience and perseverance in prayer are an example to me. I ask that you pray for me, that I may be faithful and no matter what happens in my life, that I may trust in God and His timing. Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, pray for us.

Throughout Term Two, students from St Joseph’s College have been shining on the stage both inside and outside the College. From Mr Dougherty’s Music room and lunch time performances, to ALOTCO’s We Will Rock You, and the Albany Children’s Theatre’s production of Lion King Junior. It’s been amazing to watch these students perform in their local communities in both leading roles and the ensemble.

During the school holidays some of our students had the opportunity to preform with Breaksea, a Great Southern production company that works across Western Australia to engage communities and emerging artists to work alongside world class singers, performers, composers, visual artists and musicians. Working under the direction of Matt RJ Ward, who graduated from the Royal College of Music, London, the students had the amazing opportunity of working beside industry professionals. Over the two-week intensive students learnt a variety of skills from conductor and world class soprano, Pia Harris, winner of the Aldama Scholar and Bliss Trust Award at the Royal College of Music London. Alongside the rest of the Breaksea team, including SJC’s very own Ms Colmer (who played the principal role of Aunty in Malkar), our students thrived during the two shows of Malkar (Thunderstorm) at the Albany Entertainment Centre last Friday.

Another fabulous opportunity took place on the holidays directed by Mrs Finlay and her About Face Choir, who ran the About FACE kids choir camp. With over seventy kids it is now one of WA’s largest youth choirs. The day camp saw kids from the ages nine to fourteen develop their singing skills in an uplifting and exciting environment where they learnt seven new songs, and sung in three part harmonies before preforming in a concert for friends and family. The school is privileged to have the likes of Mrs Finlay directing both the Junior School and Senior School Choir, who will travel to Perth later this year to compete in the Catholic Preforming Arts Festival.

As we move into Term Three, stages across Albany will continue to be graced by our students and faculty with rehearsals beginning for ALOTCO’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the SJC Drama club’s upcoming production of 16 in 10, directed by Mr Habal.

Cass Swarbrick

2024 Arts and Culture Prefect

Buy your tickets now for our College Production Sixteen in 10 minutes or less. The show will be on August 10 with 2pm matinee show and 6:30pm evening show. Tickets are only $10 for students/concession, $15 for adults and $40 for Family (2 adults and 2 children). Let's support our Drama club members from Years 7 to 12 and our Cert 2 and 3 Music Industry students. Invite your family and friends too and enjoy the different funny stories of our 16 years old characters! What are you waiting for? Click the link or use the QR code now! https://www.stickytickets.com.au/es4a7/sixteen_in_ten_minutes_or_less_a_st_josephs_college_production.aspx

Ulster Road wastewater pipeline replacement (watercorporation.com.au)

Vinnies WA has launched its annual Winter Appeal for 2024!

The theme of this year's Winter Appeal shines a spotlight on the spiralling cost of living which is forcing 1,600 australians onto the streets every single month.

Each year Vinnies assists more than 61,000 Western Australians by providing vital support such as food, furniture, clothing and assistance with bills and rent and delivers a range of specialised services and programs in the areas of homelessness, housing, mental health, youth services, and financial counselling.

As part of our Catholic commitment to respect the human dignity of all, St Joseph's College works to assist those less fortunate in our community through our annual winter food drive. Collection boxes will be in each classroom and homeroom for any non-perishable food items that you wish to donate. This year we will also be collecting blankets and warm clothing (jumpers, trackies, beanies, scarves) that are clean and in new or good condition - these can be dropped in at either Library.

On behalf of the College, I would like to thank you all for your generosity and commitment each and every year to those doing it tough in our community.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator

In preparation for the Year 7-12 Inter-House athletics carnival scheduled on Monday 19 August there will be several pre-carnival events held at lunchtimes. These events are voluntary for students wishing to enter.

In the event of rain the events may be rescheduled. Students may change into their PE uniform at recess in preparation for the events.

Wednesday 31 July Year 7-12 800m

Thursday 1 and Friday 2 August - Year 11 and 12 Discus and Triple Jump

Monday 5 August Year 7-12 1500m

The Confirmation Enrolment Masses have been set down for the weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July. Parents and children to be confirmed are expected to attend one of the Masses over the weekend to receive a Confirmation badge and to make commitment pledges. Mass times: Saturday Holy Family Church 6.00pm, Sunday 7.30am St Joseph's Church, 9.30am Holy Family Church or 5.00pm St Joseph's Church.

This will be followed the following week by the parent and child meeting on Thursday 1st August 2024. This will be held in the Junior School Undercover area and will commence at 6.00pm. The meeting is not expected to last past 7.30om.

Chris Palfrey - Liturgy and Sacramental Co-Ordinator

The Confirmation Enrolment Masses have been set down for the weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July. Parents and children to be confirmed are expected to attend one of the Masses over the weekend to receive a Confirmation badge and to make commitment pledges. Mass times: Saturday Holy Family Church 6.00pm, Sunday 7.30am St Joseph's Church, 9.30am Holy Family Church or 5.00pm St Joseph's Church.

This will be followed the following week by the parent and child meeting on Tuesday 1st August 2024. This will be held in the Junior School Undercover area and will commence at 6.00pm. The meeting is not expected to last past 7.30om.

Chris Palfrey - Liturgy and Sacramental Co-Ordinator

New shared path in Spencer Park which has recently been completed. The new path creates a safe link between Ulster Rd and Hardie Rd, along Bardley Rd and Maley Pl.

VacSwim offers fun swimming lessons over the October and summer school holidays. It aims to give children across Western Australia the skills to stay safe and confident in the water.

As we head towards summer, a lot of families are starting to get back into the water or planning holidays by the beach, rivers, or swimming pools. It is important we help them support their child to stay safe and confident in the water.

VacSwim provides children aged five to 17 years with the opportunity to develop and progress their swimming and water safety skills during the October and summer school holidays. We offer programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers at over 175 locations across Western Australia.

The easiest way to enrol is online.

Brand new Royals Basketball Club!

Summary of Meeting Held 16th July 2024.

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Open Day is nearly here! It’s the perfect opportunity for your students to find out more about the unique academic opportunities and life at ADFA. This year you can attend in person at the ADFA campus in Canberra, or if you can’t make it in person, you can experience all the action online.

Online: Register at adfcareers.gov.au/events

The City of Albany invites the community to take part in our National Tree Day Community Planting event on Sunday 28 July at Tjuirtgellong / Lake Seppings.

Weekly Tuition and Master Classes

Tuition for Years 7-12

Receive weekly support from experienced teachers to improve your understanding and boost school results.

Why choose Academic Task Force Tuition:

1. Expert high school teachers
2. Small group (max 4 students)
3. Targeted and individualised help to develop your skills each term
4. Tuition aligned with the WA syllabus
5. End of term feedback on your childs' progress

Enrol online: www.academicgroup.com.au | Phone: 08 9314 9500

Master Class for Years 10- 12

Specialised courses to help maximise grades and strive for a top ATAR score. Taught by WA's top teachers, each week students will receive in-depth syllabus teaching and extension to boost their grades.

Why choose Academic Associates Master Classes:

1. WA’s top teachers
2. In-depth syllabus teaching
3. Enrich your understanding of course concepts
4. Weekly coaching
5. Receive exam preparation & success strategies
6. Interactive online & in-class options

Enrol online: www.academicgroup.com.au | Phone: 08 9314 9500

Free parenting workshops offered in Albany starting in August. One for Dads of children 3-10years and Circle of Security for families with children 0-6 years.

Our upcoming science week event on August 16 and 17 Matt the Feral Cat - a play about what shouldn't be for dinner. With the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre we will be running two puppet making workshops and a performance and song, which will be filmed for a video clip, and we would love to have the whole community involved!

Southern Edge Arts have opened registrations for our Term 3 Act Belong Commit Arts Workshops.

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.

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.