What is ASH WEDNESDAY?

1. It is the start of the Catholic Season of Lent.

What is LENT?

1. Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that precedes EASTER. It's a time of preparation and reflections for Christians.

From where is the Ash and what is its meaning?

1. Ashes came from burned palms from previous year's Palm Sunday. The ashes are blessed with holy water and incense. It is a symbol of penance and contrition. The ritual of giving out ashes dates back to 8th century and was called Day of Ashes. It is an outward sign that we are sinners and that we want to spend Lent focusing on restoring our relationship with God.

What does the priest or minister say while putting the ashes on the forehead?

1. 'REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL" or "REMEMBER YOU ARE DUST AND TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN."

What is fasting?

1. Fasting is having one meal and two smaller meals which if added together would not exceed one full meal. Fasting is required for Catholics aged 18-59 on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The sick are excused from fasting.

What is abstinence?

1. Abstinence is refraining from eating meat. Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and fowls. Catholics aged 14 years old and above are required to practice abstinence on Ash Wednesday, All Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.

Do you have a Passion for Creation? ... then the 2025 art competition is for you!

Any artwork created in your free time will be eligible

Separate prizes awarded for Junior School, Middle School & Senior School

YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT

Entries close May 30th – Week 5 Term 2

Winning entries published on Wisdom & the St Joes’ Facebook page

Exhibition of artworks in Weeks 9 & 10 Term 2

For more information, please see Rachel Lowry, your Arts & Culture Prefect, Mrs McGlade or Mrs Goodlad

On Wednesday, St Joseph's College celebrated Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Pre-Primary to Year Two students participated in a beautiful Liturgy of the Word in the Holy Family Church. Years Three to Twelve students celebrated Mass, and the Kindy children had a visit from Father Joel to receive their ashes. Thank you to all involved in the preparation of these special services.

This year, Holy Family Church will host Albany's World Day of Prayer event.

People of all denominations are welcome to come and listen, learn and pray for peace and justice in our world.

Theme: Cook islands - "I made you wonderful"

When: Friday 7 March, 9:30am @ Holy Family Church

All are invited with morning tea to take place afterwards. We hope to see you there!

Saint John of God

Feast Day: March 8

Patron Saint of: Nurses and Hospitals

Life:

Born in 1495, John was a soldier who suffered with mental illness, John dedicated his life to working with the poor. He established a small hospital where he would care for the needs of the sick and those who were suffering. A humble man, Saint John had a total concern and love for all he encountered and is an inspiration to us all. He died in 1550 with his followers later forming the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.

Prayer:

Saint John of God, help us to be selfless like you and to see Jesus in everyone that we meet. Intercede for all those who are suffering from illness, and bless all those who work to ensure the health of others. St John of God, Pray for us.

The Beginning of Lent marks the launch of Caritas' Project Compassion and the idea of 'almsgiving'.

Caritas meaning 'Love and compassion' in Latin, began in Australia in 1965 working at the grassroots to create lasting change in the community. The first ever Lenten appeal raised $90,000 with that number reaching over $11 million in more recent years. Today Caritas Australia serves in 18 countries, working through 67 partnerships in communities to bring hope, support and compassion to the worlds most vulnerable people. Project Compassion is their main appeal with contributions from nearly every diocese, parish and Catholic school across the country. In 2024, St Joseph's College raised $5,789.35

Every year, Project Compassion launches on Shrove Tuesday with the theme for this year being "Unite against Poverty" with the College coming together to raise funds and awareness through:

1. Classroom Project Compassion boxes that you are able to donate any spare change you may have.
2. Our College Lenten wall where students and staff will have the opportunity to write down what they may give up (or do more/ less of) during the 40 Days of Lent.
3. The proceeds from our St Joseph's Day celebrations.
4. Junior School Lenten colouring competition
5. Fortnightly video about the story of someone whose life has changed thanks to your generous support.

For more information please visit this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW00h7JaCbQ and donate what you can this Lent to help change the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable people. On behalf of the College, I thank you for your tremendous support and generosity as we continue to work towards a more just world, ensuring that the dignity of each person is upheld.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator K-12

In Science the Year Five students have been learning about the solar system. Today we created a scale model of the solar system, and were able to show it on the school oval with a ping pong ball representing the sun. At this scale, the size of the planets were represented by small sprinkles or beads. It gave the students a wonderful appreciation of the overall scale of our solar system and vastness. Students were all allocated rolls, including measuring, and holding planets. Teamwork was excellent with everyone doing their role well and two groups of students produced two scale models. A future project will be showing the solar system on a poster, so after today's task it will be interesting to see how each student represents their work.

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

Students in the Secondary school if they choose, may wear their house shirt each Friday for the remainder of the term. This is due to the prefects suggesting the idea to the College Executive and a trial being granted until the end of the term. 

TRIAL DETAILS

1. The trial begins Friday 28th February
2. Students on Fridays may wear either their normal Friday uniform or their House shirt with shorts, tracksuit pants and sports shoes
3. Year 7s will wear their House shirt on Fridays and stay in it for the day.
4. If you attend the Trade Training Centre on a Friday, you must wear your "Blues" If this is your normal uniform, then you may change out of it into your house uniform or stay in it for the day.
5. If you choose to wear the blue/gold Phys-ed top, you will be considered out of uniform (Possible exceptions for excursions). Students either bring a note or uniform infringement notices will apply.

At the end of term, the trial will be reviewed by the prefects and staff. They will review student and staff feedback, If students are abiding by the trial details and wearing the correct uniform on the correct day.

It is important that people remember that the trial is a wellness initiative and on Friday's students can choose the uniform they feel most comfortable in.

Any further queries, please see Mr Landells, Mr Trichilo or Mr Morcom

The Year 6 students had a beautiful Ash Wednesday Mass at Camp Quaranup, overlooking the stunning waters of the Princess Royal Harbour. It was a special moment of reflection as we commenced the season of Lent in such a peaceful and inspiring setting. A heartfelt thank you to Father Joel for visiting us and leading this meaningful celebration. Your presence made this experience even more memorable.

Registration is now open for St Joseph's Soccer Club

Please click on the link below.

https://www.playfootball.com.au/

Even though Clean Up Australia Day was officially on Sunday March 2nd, the City of Albany is keeping the clean up going with a Community Beach Clean Up & Sundowner!

This event is open to all ages – and pizza will be provided!

When: Friday 14 March 2025

Time: 4.30pm – 6pm

Where: Binalup/Middleton Beach – meet at Surfers Beach Carpark

Cost: FREE!

To register your attendance, head to https://tinyurl.com/2p8jejnu

I’m reaching out to let you know about an exciting opportunity at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC). We have secured the Swim Teacher Course by Royal Life Saving, which will be held at ALAC from 7th to 10th July (inclusive).

This four-day course equips participants with the necessary skills to complete their required practical hours here at ALAC. Once they have fulfilled these hours and obtained their Swim Teacher License, they will be eligible to apply for a position through our recruitment team. This course has the potential to be free for students aged 16 years and 9 months with a requirement being that they attend the course during school holidays. Hence why we have tried and successfully secured dates during the school holidays between terms 2 and 3.

For school students, work hours would be 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM, offering a great opportunity with competitive pay.

Here is the link for more information or to book now.

https://shop.royallifesavingwa.com.au/products/axRLSSWA-SwimTeacherbyRoyalLifeSaving4day-84298?booking-date-start=2025-07-01&booking-date-end=2025-07-31

We warmly invite you to join us for the Stations of the Cross, which will begin this Friday, 7th March, and continue every Friday throughout Lent at 5.30 pm in St. Joseph’s Church.

This special time of reflection and prayer offers us a chance to walk with Christ through His Passion, deepening our faith and preparing our hearts for Easter.

We hope to see you there as we come together in prayer and unity during this Lenten season. God bless!

I’m delighted to announce that Murdoch University’s Open Day 2025 will be held Saturday 5th April from 10.00am to 3.00pm. We’ve got an action-packed program with the opportunity to:-

1. Explore courses, pathways and scholarships
2. Meet with our friendly Academics and hear from our current students about their experience of studying at Murdoch
3. Tour our world-class facilities, and of course chill on our beautiful Bush Court!

Please visit this link https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/open-day

GET READY: Careers Expo will be here before we know it. Returning to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in May. Formal school group visits scheduled for Thursday 15 and Friday 16 May 2025.

Join us at The Australian National University (ANU) for Open Day 2025 on Saturday 29 March.

This is your day to soak up new ideas, experience our iconic campus and tour world-class facilities. You'll get the opportunity to meet current students and renowned academics, explore degree programs and attend information sessions.

This is your place – start making your mark at ANU.

Register Now!

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:

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.

Calling all under 13's players.

The Australian Air Force Cadets in Albany are now recruiting for F2025. Attached is a poster with information about 705(City pf Albany)SQN of the Australian Air Force Cadets.

A few quick facts

Cadets between the year they turn 13 and up to 16.

Your local Squadron is 705(City of Albany)SQN which is located at corner of Spencer and Serpentine Roads. We parade on a Wednesday evening from 5.45pm to 9.15 pm during the school term.

As well as undertaking a range of leadership training cadets can undertake learning about aerospace, drone flying, adventure training, flying, camping, parades, firearms training, drum corps, promotional activities, visits and overnighting at military bases.

The cost is minimal and uniforms are supplied free.

The Murdoch University School of Information Technology is delighted to announce that we will hold our amazing IT event – CodeCrush - for girls in Years 8 & 9 from June 4th to June 7th 2025. CodeCrush is designed to inspire and empower female high school students by introducing them into the myriad possibilities that a future in IT can offer!

The action- packed program is filled with fun workshops and talks by top IT industry professionals, as well as visits to sponsor headquarters to give the students a real-world insight into careers in IT.

For more information and to apply, please go to our website:

https://www.murdoch.edu.au/schools/information-technology/community/codecrush-immersion-experience

If you have any questions, please write to: codecrush@murdoch.edu.au

We look forward to meeting your students at CodeCrush!

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

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