Thank you for all your support to our College Production last year. This year, we will be doing again Celebration of Talents (A Variety Show). We know that we have lots of talents in the college that we can showcase and celebrate. Auditions will be on Term 2 Weeks 3 - 5 Thursdays (May 15, 22 and 29) from 3:30 - 4:30pm. It is open to all of college community members e.g. students, parents, family, staff. We would love to see you unleash your talents so start rehearsing now and see you on the auditions. Thank you in advance for all your support!

Mr Richard Habal, Ms Hiedi Rowe and Mr Mark Collins

Event Coordinators

The whole College came together as one on Friday to celebrate the Holy Spirit Opening Mass. Celebrating a whole school mass in the gym is now the norm as we have outgrown Holy Family Church. Students from Pre-primary to Year Twelve participated in the mass. The College Head Councillors and prefects were presented to the College and the Year Six and Year Twelve cohorts were blessed as they embark on their final year in Junior and Senior School respectively.

Thank you to Mr Palfrey, Mr Bogoni, Mr Polette and the grounds staff for their organisation and preparation of the event. thank you to Mrs Angela Gorman for her beautiful Music throughout the Mass.

Thank you to Fr Vince for celebrating the mass and his enthusiastic blessing of the whole community at the end of the mass.

The Mass was a wonderful coming together for the community to ask for God's blessing for the year ahead.

Mr Morcom

Acting Principal

Saint Peter Damian

Feast Day: February 21

Patron Saint of: Discerning a vocation

Life:

Born in 988AD, Peter escaped poverty and became a professor, spending many hours in study and prayer. After leaving teaching, Peter became a monk and eventually a Bishop. He wrote many letters, sermons and biographies encouraging prayer and love. He died in 1072 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to follow the teachings and example of Saint Peter Damian. By making Christ the first love of our lives, may we come to the joys of eternal light. Amen. St Peter Damian, Pray for us.

The College Sundowner on Friday evening was a lovely way to end Week 2. The weather was perfect and those who attended enjoyed a sausage sizzle cooked and served by our wonderful Year 12 prefects. Ice creams were the perfect after-dinner treat! Thank you to those involved in putting together this annual event for our community to enjoy.

There has been some confusion this week due to number of changes to Transperth bus routes and the Ulster Road roadworks are not helping the situation. Many buses are running later than planned. Hopefully, all buses will return to expected times when the Ulster Road roadworks are complete.

If your child lives in the Lower King / Bayonet Head region and usually goes home on the 735.

1. Please travel home on the  734 It will come to SJC at approximately 3.25pm and stops at the same stops in Bayonet Head and Lower King. 
2. The 735 is not suitable for St Joseph's students to catch in the afternoon (arrives at 4pm), however, students may travel to school on it.

If your child lives in the Gledhow/ South Coast Hwy area the best bus for you to catch home is the 742 which arrives at school at approximately 3.10pm. You need to be prompt in getting to the bus.

1. Do not wait for the 739 as it does not actually come to our bus pick up zone.

If you are confused at all, please contact Mr Morcom or Mrs Trichilo, we are happy to help.

Further details below

Albany TransRegional School Brochure.pdf

If you have ever been interested in trying the sport of orienteering now is your chance. The Albany and Denmark Hinterland Orienteering club (ADHOC) are hosting their next event at St Joseph's College on Saturday 22 February. Details for the event are listed below and for further information please check their webpage or contact ADHOC via email at jt.gone4run@gmail.com. The course at St Joseph's College is suitable for Year 5's and above to complete as solo. Students from younger years may be best to 'tag along' with an older sibling or parent for their first time.

Saturday afternoon, starts from 3pm to 3:30pm. Courses close (i.e. be back by) 4pm

2 courses: Short 1.2km Medium 2.3km PLUS an OPTIONAL mass start SuperSprint 1.2km (with butterfly loops) at 4pm (or a bit before).

Online Entry by midnight Thursday for both Members and Non-members.

Non-members need to create their username and password to Eventor and then join as a member of the 'club' CASUALS WA, then enter & pay online. Non-member fees are $8 for U18s, $12 adults, $20 for groups of 3-5 people.

If entering as a group, please register and pay for one adult only and then contact the club to confirm how many more will be attending. Additional group members can be added on the day at the event with the additional $8 paid by EFT or cash on the day. One map and one timing chip per group.

**Entries on the day will be taken only if there are maps available for the course - contact the club beforehand if you want to participate but cannot enter online **

PARKING: north side of St Joseph's, ULSTER ROAD entry

START TIMES: 3pm to 3:30pm

COURSES CLOSE: 4:20pm

What is Saver Plus? Eligibility applies

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.

Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s helped set them up for a brighter future.

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

1. ​Assisting primary / secondary / Tertiary student’s education:

We are seeking people with disability or lived experience to participate in a community sports reference group.

This is aiming to increase the number of sporting/social inclusion opportunities for people with disability by discussing current barriers and increasing the knowledge/confidence of sporting/community groups to be more inclusive.

As part of Youth Week 2025, I’m excited to announce the opportunity for young people aged 10 – 25 years to participate in the annual Bazaarium Youth Markets. This market will provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

I would like to invite your students to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate. Whether it's selling handmade goods, thrifted/vintage clothing, or pedalling their home cooking, this market aims to celebrate the incredible talents of youth in our community.

Key Details:

1. Event: Bazaarium Youth Week Market 2025
2. Date: 16 & 17 April 2025
3. Location: Albany Town Hall
4. Participation: Open to all youth aged between 10 – 25 years who would like to display or sell their hand-made or thrifted items in a pop-up retail environment.

Spencer Park Hockey Club are looking for new junior players for the upcoming hockey season.

This is an opportunity from zero2hero for any young people aged 15-18yrs.

JOIN THE YOUTH WRITERS’ GROUP: CRAFT YOUR STORY, SHAPE THE FUTURE

The Albany Project is a fantastic opportunity for youth interested in writing and storytelling based in the Lower Great Southern. This Youth Writers' Group will explore the theme of a future where anything is possible, whilst honouring Albany’s rich history.

Are you passionate about writing? Whether you're dreaming of penning a play, poem, novel, or even writing your own songs, our Youth Writers’ Group is the perfect space to develop your skills and explore your creative potential.

Across 14 fun, interactive sessions, learn from industry experts and connect with accomplished writers who will guide you on your journey. Engage with local elders and hear the rich Menang country stories and histories that have shaped this land for generations.

Be part of something bigger—contribute your ideas to a groundbreaking new music production being crafted by Breaksea and West Australian Opera, set to premiere in 2026. Get an insight into the creative process for writing a new stage production. As Albany approaches its 200-year mark in 2026, dive into thought-provoking discussions about the complexities of colonisation and its ongoing impact.

This is your chance to share your voice and make your mark on history!

Don't miss out—join today and start writing the future.

Participants are welcome from Albany, Denmark, Mt. Barker and Lower Great Southern

● Sessions are:

Saturday 1 March 10:00-5:00pm Kalyenup Studio, Albany Entertainment Centre

Saturday 22 March 10:00-5:00pm Meeting Room, Albany Public Library

Thursdays 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 3 & 10 April 6:00-7:30pm Southern Edge Arts

For more information and to register your interest, visit breaksea.org/thealbanyproject

Blank Walls Youth Art Entries Closing Soon!

Blank Walls Youth Art Competition & Exhibition with the two themes “Hope” and “Connection” is an amazing opportunity for Great Southern young artists to have their artwork professionally exhibited from 31st March until 17th April 2025 at the Vancouver Arts Centre as part of Youth Week. Opening Night is Monday 31st March at 5:30pm. Winning artworks will be awarded cash prizes of up to $400 then permanently displayed in the refurbished headspace Albany centre.

The online submissions deadline is 24th March 2024 and only the first online 40 entries will be accepted. There is no entry fee and you can enter a maximum of one artwork. Art supplies vouchers are available for artists experiencing financial hardship. Find out more including who is eligible to enter, how to enter and the terms & conditions here: https://headspace.org.au/albany/blankwallsart/.

Artwork could be created in (but is not restricted to) oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolour, pastels, pencils, charcoal, ink, textiles or mixed media. Photography or digital media is eligible but must be printed by the artist.

There are five award categories with two prizes awarded in each category: Ages 12-15 / Ages 16-19 / Ages 20-25 / Ages 26+ (must have been a previous client of headspace Albany) / Community’s choice (community members will be able to vote for this particular award during the exhibition).

Please find attached flyers currently being handed out to students for Albany School Bus time changes affecting your school from Monday 24th Feb 2025.

ClickView Parent Info Guide

2025 Hawaiian Ride for Youth Albany Launch

We are excited to invite you to our 2025 Hawaiian Ride for Youth Albany Community Event!

Join our 2025 riders and support crew, along with Youth Focus and headspace Albany staff, for an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration with the Albany community.

A highlight of the evening will be reflections on the connection between Albany and this event, shared by headspace Albany Manager Andrew Wenzel.

After the formalities, you’ll have the chance to chat with riders and support crew while enjoying light refreshments.

We’d love for you to mark your calendar and join us for this special celebration.

Monday, 24 March 2025

Retravision Stadium, 156 Lockyer Avenue

4:30pm to 6:30pm

Click here to RSVP

My name is Zak, and I'm the WA Events and Operations Facilitator for Ocean Heroes, a NFP who aim to improve the wellbeing of those on the autism spectrum and their families through surfing.

Ocean Heroes is well established in Albany and we have taken over 9000 people living with autism surfing since we started in 2016. Please check out our website and youtube channel to show you exactly what we do.

www.oceanheroes.com.au

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHVEDQt4OmDivrG93bvvwNA

We have an upcoming free event at Middleton Beach on March 22nd/23rd however, due to high demand for our events we have decided to reach out to local schools to gauge interest for a mid-week session for your students.

Alternatively, we are back in November (dates to be confirmed). We'd love to take your students during one of the week days leading up to the event. Or, we could potentially arrange a separate trip altogether if you have multiple student groups which we could take over a few days!

The cost will be lower depending on how many students, and we can be flexible with times and cost.

General guide however is:

60 min session/ 90 min session

1 Student: $110/$130 per student.

2 Students: $100/$120

3 Students: $90/$110

4 students: $85/$105

5 Students: $75/$95

6 Students: $65/$85

We provide all equipment including surfboards, wetsuits, and lifejackets. Each student will be paired with a coach 1:1 and provided with the support they need to succeed. We tailor each session to the specific needs of each student.

The primary purpose of the Surf Experience program is social and community access to help NDIS participants achieve their NDIS goals.

We have taken many schools and groups, and it is a great chance for their students to learn new skills and experience surfing and the ocean in a controlled environment.

Our support workers have completed autism awareness training at the Autism Association of WA, are Community Surf Rescue, First Aid and CPR certified, and have extensive ocean experience.

Please reach out if you have any further questions about this program.

Looking forward to providing your students with an exciting new opportunity!

Kickstart the School Year with the Better Health Program

Give your family a healthy start to the year with the Better Health Program! Learn with your kids how to pack nutritious lunches, keep your kids active, and build lifelong healthy habits and more —all for free!

🌟 What’s included?

📞 10 free calls with a health professional

🤸 Support from an accredited health professional

Join thousands of WA families making healthy changes today!

💻 Free spots are available all year—start whenever you're ready, but be quick, spots are filling fast!

👉 Signup - Better Health Program— it’s free!"

The Confident ADHD Parent Formula program is being launched.

This transformative eight-week program (starting on February 18, 2025) is crafted specifically for parents like you—PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH ADHD.

For more info visit: https://www.theconfidentadhdparentformula.com.au/confident-adhd-parent-formula-sign-up

With support from Healthway and DLGSC, Breaksea are providing weekly wellbeing focused singing, acting, performance skills & Noongar language sessions in 2025 with Lower Great Southern youth (ages 12-18), with performance opportunities at the Albany Entertainment Centre. The sessions will run on Thursdays 5-6:30pm, from 20th February, at Southern Edge Arts run by Choral director Neville Talbot, Repetiteur Julia Kershaw and Breaksea Directors. Participants will be coming from Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker.