We will miss our Year 12s. Last Tuesday was their Graduation Breakfast and Big Base Softball against the Staff. On Wednesday the school community gathered at the Holy Family Church for a beautiful twilight mass. We wish them all the very best - we will always be interested in their endeavours.

We had a fantastic day on Friday for the Junior School Athletics Carnival. What a truly amazing community we have at St Joseph's College - parent helpers and spectators galore lined our banks.

Thank you to the school community for your efforts with the Quality Catholic Education School and Principal Review. The panel was very impressed with our wonderful school. I will meet with the Executive Director in November to discuss the report and recommendations.

I am looking forward to the Secondary School Presentation Night this Wednesday 7pm in the College gym. The talents of our students will be showcased as this annual event.

Have a great Week 3!

St Joseph's Pray for us.

Rachael Keenan

The 2024 Secondary School Presentation Night was held last Wednesday night, October 23^rd. The College Gymnasium transformed into an auditorium for the evening, with students, staff, families and special guests in attendance. 

Following an Acknowledgement of Country led by Year Eleven student, Jocelyn Gibson-Kungah, the congregation respectfully celebrated a liturgy. Next, the audience was treated to two performances by the Certificate II and III Music students. Hip hop was first up with Eminem’s Monster. The students then rocked out with Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane.

The awards themselves showcased a wide variety of talents and achievements across the Secondary School. The special awards are always unique, where students from different parts of the College are recognised, many of those who often those who go under the radar. The year level awards then recognise the top performing student in each subject for each year level. The final two awards deserve special mention. Congratulations to our Dux ATAR, Lillian Cooper, and our Dux VET, Jessica Williams. 

We welcomed our new prefects for 2025, before outgoing head prefects Lachlan Gorman and Smriti Keerthana Gowtham delivered a final address to the College community. The Year Twelves were farewelled by the community, but not before the Secondary School Choir performed a moving performance of I am Still Your Dreamer by Pinkzebra, that caused a few tears in the audience.

Presentation Night is always a beautiful event, and a reminder of the special community that is St Joseph’s College.

Year 10 Certificate II Sport Coaching students have the opportunity to complete their practical lessons at the Albany Golf Course this term, under the guidance of club professional Michael Draper. As part of the course's practical component, students engaged in a hands-on session focused on golf fundamentals, including swing mechanics, putting, and course strategy. Draper, with years of experience in the sport, provided personalised coaching tips and insights into the world of professional golf, helping students refine their skills and deepen their understanding of coaching techniques. These session have been both informative and enjoyable, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a community sporting environment.

This term, Digital Technologies is buzzing with creativity as students embark on exciting projects to plan, design, and produce captivating Stop Motion Animation videos. The app used for this process is free and easily accessible for download on iPads and tablets. Students in Year Three even helped the Pre-Primary students create some great movies. Some students even went to the extent of adding fishing line to their characters so it looks like they are flying.

Stop motion animation involves capturing photographs of objects that are physically manipulated within the frame. When these images are played in sequence, they create the illusion of movement, making inanimate objects seem to come to life. The process is straightforward: place an object in front of the camera, snap a picture, slightly adjust the object, and take another photo over and over again.

The St Joseph’s Junior School Athletics Carnival took place last Friday out on the college oval bringing together students, staff, and parents for a day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and strong athletic performances. The school oval was buzzing with excitement as students competed in various track and field events, and novelty games, with parents lining the sidelines to cheer them on.

The competition among the houses was intense, but it was Ozanam House that claimed victory, finishing with an impressive 1310 points. Devialar House followed in second place, Cunningham came in third, and McCormack took fourth place. The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by all students throughout the day were truly inspiring.

A big congratulations to all our champions and runner up athletes in each age group as seen in the photo above. A big special thanks go to the Year 10 CERT II Sport Coaching students, whose help in organising and officiating events was invaluable, as well as to the dedicated staff and parent volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the day ran smoothly. The St Jo’s Junior School Athletics Carnival was not just about competition but also about community spirit and creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Zak Mola - HPE

Stage 6 of the Ulster Road Wastewater Pipeline Replacement will begin on Friday, 11 October and will involve the northbound closure of Ulster Road between North Road and Bardley Road.

Studiosity is a vital tool available to students 24/7 and offers online subject specific assistance with Connect Live, Writing Feedback and Practice Quizzes for years 7-12.

We feel that offering this service for FREE is a great way we can support our regional students that may otherwise be affected by our regional location and not have the same access as our metro colleagues to weekly and weekend study camps etc.

Sign in FREE at studiosity.com/connect

2 free online parenting workshops. The third workshop is on offer in person in Albany.

Youth Girls is Year 7 - Year 10 and affiliated with GSFLW Clubs starting in 2025.

Triple P - Positive Parenting Programs

Bringing help to those who need it most is one of the most critical roles of Air Force. Whether it’s providing valuable support to people in times of crisis at home or abroad, the difference your students can make is limitless.

Want more information? Visit the Supporters Hub to find out how you can help. Alternatively, visit the ADF Careers website or connect with an expert by calling 13 19 01.

High school students interested in speedway and, who are willing to spare an hour with similar people, can find out more about the sport on Thursday October 31, 2024, at the Middleton Beach Bowling Club (Garden Street, Albany) when question time between 3.30 to 4.30pm will be open to answer your questions.

It's a chance to consider your options. Speedway is for the whole family, parents are encouraged. If you have the confidence to try calling races live, it may be your gateway working in the media. Questions on other facets of speedway will also be invited. Gary Bartholomeusz 0428 514 605.

We have our annual spring fair coming up on 16th November (Saturday) 10am – 1pm.

Please encourage any students interested to pop their expression of interest in as the position is available before the end of the year.

The DSF literacy clinic in Albany has been operating for nearly ten years providing specialist tuition, psychological assessments, advice and advocacy for families of children with learning difficulties, as well as resources and professional training for teachers and psychologists.

During this time, we have been able to help hundreds of families deal with the struggles of a learning difficulty and improve the level of educational and clinical services provided to the community. In turn, we have developed strong relationships with local schools and have received tremendous support from our families and community stakeholders.

It is therefore with regret that I inform you of the closing of the Albany DSF literacy clinic at the end of the current school year. The clinic will close its doors on Thursday, December 12th, 2024. Please be assured that this is not a decision that has been made lightly or without lengthy consideration. We have worked incredibly hard for a significant amount of time to find an alternative solution.

On behalf of DSF and all our employees, I would like to thank the parents, caregivers, students, teachers, and health professionals who have supported us and allowed us to provide such a vital service to the region. Although we are saddened to be closing, we are proud of what we have achieved and the level of service we have been able to offer.

If you have any questions regarding the clinic closure, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will continue to serve the community until we close.

Thank you, once again, to all those who have supported us. It has been a joy to work at the clinic and my personal pleasure to meet all of you.

Sincerely,

Mark Jones

Albany Clinic Coordinator

DSF Literacy and Clinical Services / www.dsf.net.au

Albany Clinic – Unit 1 / 70-74 Frederick Street, Albany WA 6330

+ 61 (08) 9842 2594