This is the photo I took after Wednesday's event. I joined our Year 9s out at Torbay for camp and it was the best self-care I could have given myself. Being in creation, laughing with the students, and connecting with colleagues.

On Thursday was Year 6 Graduation Mass with the Junior School. Thank you to all the parents, extended family and friends for joining us. I would like to leave you with my speech and wish you all a briiliant final week of term next week.

"Perhaps some of you have already worked it out, but today we not only congratulate our 2024 Year 6s, we also congratulate our future class of 2030!

I've been at the College long enough to remember the 6s when they were in Year 1 - and how cute (and small) you all were in your pinafores and baggy shorts. And now I'm so excited many of you will be in the secondary school. Just that a little bit closer to my office!

For those leaving us at the end of the year, I wish you all the very best. I hope you will share the spirit and love of St Joseph's with your new communities. Please say hello to your teachers and I when we pass each other in town. We will always be interested in how you are and what you're doing.

On behalf of the Year 6 students and parents, I would like to thank the dedicated staff of the College. To my colleagues, your commitment to the children shines through when I look at how welcoming, enthusiastic, able to say sorry when needed, thankful, inclusive and encouraging they are. Our Year 6s are testament to our Westie values.

To all our 6s, I leave you with a quote from the wonderful Dr Seuss - his last book written in 1990.

OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

Congratulations for being wonderful leaders of the Junior school this year. Your care for each other and the younger students has been outstanding. Let's all show our appreciation to the graduating class."

St Joseph - Pray for us

The Junior School Christmas and Presentation Night was a grand and joyous occasion. It was standing room only, as hundreds of parents and friends gathered to share the joy of Christmas. Awards were presented, achievements were acknowledged and then the party began. From the Three Year Old Kindy presentation to the thrilling "Lord of the Dance" finale, the evening ran seamlessly, and without a hitch.

What a wonderful celebration of the vibrant and excellent community that is St Joseph's College, and the great gift given to mankind on that remarkable night in Bethlehem, so long ago.

The Junior School and the Secondary School choirs performed at the final College assembly this morning. Their performances were of the highest order and enjoyed immensely by students and staff. The Junior School then treated the Secondary School to a repeat of their sensational Christmas and Presentation Night finale - "Lord of the Dance". Congratulations to Audessa and Isabelle who were awarded the "Member of the Year" trophies for outstanding contribution to the JS and SS Choirs.

The Year 10 Work Experience program provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore potential career paths and gain hands-on experience in various industries. Over the course of the placement, students developed essential skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while working alongside professionals in real-world environments. This initiative not only allowed students to apply their classroom learning but also helped them build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of their future career interests. It was an enriching experience that prepared them for the next step in their academic and professional journeys.

The Year 10 Dinner was a memorable celebration of achievement and camaraderie, bringing together students and teachers for a night of reflection and fun. Held at Motel Le Grande, the evening featured a delicious three-course dinner, Power-Point presentation of 'Guess the Baby' and special awards - all thoughtfully prepared by the Year 10 Business class. It was a chance for the Year 10 cohort to celebrate their accomplishments, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds within their school community, marking an important milestone in their high school journey.

On Tuesday the Year 7-10 athletics team headed to the North Road athletics field to contest the A Division carnival. With strong winds making running the back straight tough the team ran, jumped and threw their best for team and individual points.

Whilst the team finished fourth in the competitive A division carnival there where many outstanding individual performances including from the following medal winners. Richard O Year 7 champion boy, Joshua M Runner up Year 7 champion boy, Stella C Runner up Year 8 champion girl and Ella T Champion Year 9 champion girl.

Congratulations to Ella who had one of the most outstanding days breaking four individual records: 200m in 27.06sec, High Jump 1.52m, 100m 12.66sec and Triple jump 10.77m. Andre D also broke the Year 8 boys high jump record with a new height of 1.67m. To top it all off the Year 9 girls 4x100m relay team broke the record with a new time of 56.98.

Congratulations to all students who competed and especially those students who stepped up to fill in for their team mates.

Over the last week of classes, Year 8 English students have been busily preparing picture books to read to the preprimary classes. To start off, the Year 8s had to think about their audience, and the kinds of stories preprimary students might enjoy listening to. We brainstormed some different ideas, coming up with titles and ideas that could be turned into engaging stories. The class then got busy creating their Christmas masterpieces!

Our final lesson before reading the stories to the preprimary students involved rehearsing speaking skills and thinking of some questions to ask to help the younger kids develop their comprehension and listening skills.

The big day came today with the Year 8s presenting their stories to small groups of preprimary students. From the sound of the giggles and clapping, we could tell that the preprimary classes had a blast listening to the creative stories - everything from Santa going fishing, to Santa having to find a new animal to replace his reindeer (kangaroo was the crowd choice!).

After reading, the Year 8s let their inner children free and had a big play with their new preprimary buddies. A great way to end the school year!

Mr Shane Bransby and Year 8 English

Thank you to the P&F for supplying the pizzas for our annual House Winners Lunch. McCormack were again the lucky winners and students from Pre-Primary to Year 10 enjoyed delicious Domino's pizza for lunch.

Each year, the staff, students and families of St Joseph's College generously support St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) in their annual Christmas Appeal.

With the cost-of-living increasing, Vinnies focus on assisting the vulnerable in our community whom may be struggling financially or facing other challenges in their lives as we approach the Advent season. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, we are called to reflect upon how we can bring a little hope, peace, joy, and love to those around us.

Collection boxes will be in each classroom and homeroom for any non-perishable food items that you wish to donate.

This year Vinnies has asked for more of the following, if possible:

1. Christmas puddings, cakes and fruit mince pies
2. Long life custard and milk cartons
3. Cereal, chips, and sweet and savory biscuits
4. Long life Juice cartons
5. Canned Vegetables

For more information or if you would like to make a monetary donation to the Society, please visit: https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-wa/christmas-appeal-wa

On behalf of the College, I would like to thank you all for your generosity and commitment each and every year. For many people, Christmas is about creating precious memories with family and friends and your support will ensure that this upcoming festive season is far less stressful for some of the families in our local community.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator

The uniform shop will be closed all of Week 8 (24-29 November) and Tuesday 3 December. Apologies for any inconvenience. Quickcliq is still available but orders will not be processed until 4 December.

On Thursday, our Year 6 students marked the end of their primary school journey with a fun-filled excursion to the stunning Middleton Beach. Despite a refreshing ocean breeze, the sun shone brightly, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable afternoon.

The beach buzzed with excitement as students immersed themselves in a variety of activities. They strolled along the shoreline, collecting shells and soaking in the coastal beauty.  Friendly competitions unfolded on the sand, with games of volleyball bringing laughter and cheers, while others showcased their creativity by constructing sandcastles. The bravest among them splashed into the sparkling waves for a swim, making the most of the seaside adventure.

The day wasn’t just about fun in the sun—it was a chance for students to bond, reflect, and celebrate their achievements together before stepping into the next chapter of their educational journey.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Hines, Ms. Della Bosca, and Mr. Mola for organizing along with Mr Morcom and Mrs Wright helping with supervising this memorable outing. It was a perfect way to close the primary school chapter with joy and friendship!

P&F End of Year Raffle Winners

Job Advert for Junior Grounds

Contact:

BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park

28 Flinders Parade, Albany WA 6330

Ph: (08) 9841-3593 or 1800-644-674

W: www.big4middletonbeach.com.au

Seeking more members to join the 2025 P&F Committee.

WANTED VOLUNTEERS

ALL AGES FOR WATER AND ON LAND.

Without volunteers this program cant continue and only happens 4/year.

Summer Fun with 'Lets Go Surfing' mornings for All-Abilities.

Register here, Participants, carers/parents and volunteers: https://events.humanitix.com/let-s-go-surfing

Or if unsure say you’re going, then the event will remind you. https://www.facebook.com/share/c9zsJu2EPFhxxHoK/

Disabled Surfers Association Great Southern will hold four surfing days on Saturday mornings in 2024 at Middleton Beach in front of the Albany Surf Lifesaving Club

Dates:

11th January

15th February

22nd March

5th April

The About FACE Youth Choir is directed by Mrs Findlay and is considered to be the best choir of it's kind in Western Australia. Some of St Joseph's most talented singers have successfully gained places in this outstanding choir. Students interested in auditioning for 2025, should see Mrs Findlay or go to www.aboutfacechoir.com for an audition form.

From Day 1 next Term 2025, there will be a new TransAlbany School Bus Network with lots of new route numbers of travel patterns.

If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact (08)9842 2888.

P&F Car Park Bay

This year the P&F decided that instead of running a Car Park Raffle for the use of this bay, we'd allocate it to families within our St Joseph's Community who we feel would benefit from its usage. One of our new families with lots of little ones will be using it this term so please leave this bay for the intended family.

Christmas services at Holy Family Parish 2024.

For more information please contact:

Holy Family Catholic Parish

154 Aberdeen Street

Albany W.A. 6330

Office Hours:

9.00 am – 12.30 pm

Tuesday to Friday

PH : (08) 9841 1129

Email : albacath@iinet.net.au

To register visit www.prsc.com.au/events