One of the most special places I visited while on leave in Term One, was Penola, South Australia. This is a picture of the first schoolhouse established by St Mary MacKillop and the Australian Sisters of St Joseph in 1866. My sincere thanks to Mr Jim Morcom for taking on the role as Principal. The College was in very good hands, in particular, during the challenge brought about by the flood. Over the school break, our staff have continued with the cleanup.

I hope all our families had a wonderful Easter and that the students (and staff) feel rested and energised for the term ahead. Just a few reminders:

1. Students wishing to march in the Anzac Day Parade on Friday 25 April are still very welcome to meet us at 9.30am in front of the York St Post Office in full uniform. Parents will need to drop off and pick up (at the bottom of York St). Staff will be present.
2. Monday is a Pupil Free Day. The office will be closed between 10.30 and 1pm for important staff professional development.
3. Wednesday - Parent-Teacher Interviews in the gymnasium 1.15pm - 7pm. School finishes at 12.45pm.
4. Term 2 and 3 - winter uniform, in particular the wearing of ties in the Secondary School, and blazers for Senior students (Year 10-12).

Some other news:

1. With the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, we pray for the Catholic community. As a world leader, Pope Francis touched the hearts and lives of many.
2. Catholic Education of Western Australia has appointed a new Executive Director from Semester 2 - Ms Annette Morey. Annette takes over from Mr Wayne Bull. She is a very experienced principal and educator who has worked at several CEWA schools. She is currently the Deputy Executive Director and I look forward to working with her.
3. Finally, a warm welcome to the new families joining the College this term.

Have a wonderful Term 2.

St Joseph - Pray for us

Amen

What a journey! Students in Years Ten and Eleven set off on an unforgettable trip, exploring the heart of Australian politics, paying tribute to our history, and wrapping it all up with an afternoon in Sydney. The adventure began in Canberra, where we stepped into the corridors of power with a tour of Parliament House. Walking through the chambers where decisions shaping the country are made was an eye-opener. The guided tour gave us a glimpse into the workings of democracy, sparking plenty of conversations about leadership and policy. Next up was the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) and the National Electoral Education Centre (NEEC), where we dove deeper into the country’s democratic journey. With interactive exhibits, fascinating insights, and hands-on activities, students got a better understanding of how elections and governance work. Then came an early morning of reflection and respect at the Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial. As the sun rose over the capital, we joined thousands in honouring the sacrifices of Australian servicemen and women. It was a moving experience that left a lasting impact on all of us. Following the ceremony, we explored the Australian War Memorial, taking in exhibits that brought history to life. From wartime aircraft to personal letters, every display told a story of bravery and resilience.

To wrap up an already incredible trip, we headed to Sydney, where we spent a half-day exploring Circular Quay. Wandering along the waterfront, taking in the breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, was the perfect way to end our adventure. Through all the experiences—politics, history, and sightseeing—the best part was the friendships. From playing card games, cheering for our favourite team at the Bulldogs v GWS AFL game at Manuka Oval to laughing over who shot who at Laser Scape, this trip brought everyone closer together. Canberra and Sydney weren’t just places on a map—they were experiences that will stay with us forever. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government provides a rebate of $1275.00 per student. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

About FACE Kids '25

About FACE Kids will be holding auditions later this month for singers aged 9-14 years. Don't miss the chance to be part of this dynamic, fun-filled choir camp. Registrations close on May 20th.

Wear a flash of bright blue on May 9th for Do it for Dolly Day! Students across the whole college are invited to wear a flash of blue with their normal uniform, to take a stand against bullying both on and offline. For more information about Do it for Dolly Day and how to respond to bullying, please read the attached information. If you'd like to make a donation to Dolly's Dream please go to www.dollysdream.org.au. This event is brought to you by the Peer Support Team.

For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of May, dedicated in a special way to honouring and seeking the intercession of Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

"She is a woman who rejoiced in the presence of God, who treasured in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others. She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side. She does not let us remain fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us." - Pope Francis

May is also dedicated to recognising Mums, grandmothers, stepmoms, mothers-to-be and all men and women who in and through their lives encompass the qualities of motherhood.

It's also important to realise that Mother's Day can be difficult and painful for women longing to be mothers, those who struggle with the loss of a child and those who may be estranged from their mothers.

Mary is our spiritual mother and she cares for all of us day-in-day-out, interceding for us even in the tiniest of matters. May we be inspired and as trusting in the Lord as she was.

Holy Mary, mother of God... Pray for us.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator

Good Afternoon, 

 The church carpark will be closed Thursday morning for concreting bases of the new lighting poles. The carpark near the Early Learning Centre will be open. Parents are asked to prioritise the parking spaces for Early Learning Centre parents and use the drop off zone for students where possible. Staff and Year 12 Students have been asked to park elsewhere. 

Things will be back to normal in the afternoon

Kind Regards

College Executive

Good afternoon, Parents and Caregivers,

Please be reminded that parent teacher interviews are taking place tomorrow and the College is closing for students Kindergarten to Year 12 at 12.45pm. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up at that time. There is a limited capacity for a small amount of students to be supervised and parents need to contact teachers and relevant heads of school if this is required. 

Please note that the 3YO Kindy Gold class will run as normal for the entire day.

If you are coming to school for an interview and you are bringing your child, they are your responsibility and either need to be with you or sitting quietly inside the gym.

Kind regards

College Executive

St Joseph's College was proudly represented in the ANZAC Day march down York Street on Friday 25th April. Thank you to the students who represented the college with pride and attended the 11am service at the ANZAC Peace Park, where Year 6 leaders Corben and Lily placed a wreath on behalf of the college. Head prefects, Bethany and Hoa also represented the college at the dawn service, laying a wreath.

With school returning for Term Two today, students across the college participated in ANZAC day liturgies to honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives in conflicts, and to pray for peace in our world.

Lest we forget.

Each year during Lent, the staff, students and families of St Joseph's College generously support Caritas Australia and their appeal 'Project Compassion'.

Through the idea of almsgiving, we are called to act, bringing hope and support to the worlds poorest and most vulnerable communities.

Through our fundraising at the St Joseph's Day fair and our classroom box donations, the College has raised an enormous $6,183.00 in 2025.

On behalf of St Joseph's College, I would like to thank all staff, students and families for your overwhelming generosity during the Lenten season and we look forward to doing it all again in 2026 in the pursuit of love and justice.

Mr Luke Bogoni - Religious Education Coordinator

The Holy Family Parish warmly invites you to the next talk of its Faith Formation series this Sunday!

Prayer has the power to transform us in both mind and heart, something that we can both underuse and underrate. Come and explore the importance of prayer through the eyes of a recent pilgrim in this Jubilee year of Hope. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!

Topic: The Power of Prayer: Reflections of a Pilgrim

When: Sunday 4 May @10:45am after 9:30am Mass and morning tea.

Where: Holy Family Church

Speaker: Mr Luke Bogoni (Religious Education Coordinator at St Joseph's College)

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

In the Year 8 HASS this week, students had the opportunity to engage with a fascinating collection of medieval artifacts, borrowed from the Western Australian Museum.

These replica objects offered a hands-on exploration of life in 14th-century Medieval Europe, highlighting key aspects of social, cultural, and political life. Students examined items such as knights' armour, merchant tools, royal garments and even mummified animals. Additionally, students explored timelines, photographs of the Bayeux Tapestry, articles on the Black Plague, and examples of medieval scripture.

Students were asked to reflect on questions such as:

·      What do you think the object is made of?

·      What occupation or role would have used this?

·      Who might the object be important to and why?

This immersive experience allowed students to imagine living in a medieval society and brought history to life in a truly interactive way.

This morning, Year Six explored the significance of ANZAC Day and commemorated it with a special ANZAC liturgy. We learned about the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served during World War I and in later conflicts. We reflected on the importance of ensuring that the legacy of the ANZACs continues to live on through future generations.

Lest We Forget.

On Tuesday 18th March, students in Years 4-6 participated in the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to compete in swimming races to earn points for their House and also to win individual awards. Congratulations to DeVialar for winning the shield! A special mention to Luke Molenda, who broke every individual record for the Year 5 Boys events on the day.

From the Interhouse Carnival, a select few students were chosen to represent the College at the ADPSSA Interschool Swimming Carnival on Thursday 10th April. The St. Joe's swimmers performed admirably and finished in a respectful 2nd place overall. Well done to Indi Vrbasso in Year 6, who was crowned Champion Girl on the day. I am very proud of each of the swimmers, who gave it their all and represented the College with excellence.

Every Wednesday, our enthusiastic Year 3 students visit the three-year-old Kindy class to lend a helping hand with changing library books. However, with the library currently out of action, today’s visit took on a different focus—strengthening friendships through play and storytelling!

Instead of swapping books, our Year 3s spent quality time with their younger buddies, reading stories, engaging in fun activities, and getting to know them better. The Kindy students were delighted to have their ‘big kid’ friends join them, and the bonds between the two groups continue to grow stronger each week.

These special visits are not only a highlight for both year groups but also provide wonderful opportunities for leadership, empathy, and cooperation. We look forward to more heartwarming moments as our Year 3s and Kindy students share their love for stories, learning, and friendship!

To view this newsletter online, please visit: Online Newsletter.

Grant Management and Acquittal Workshop

You were successful in your grant application, but what now?

Join us for a practical and informative workshop designed to help community groups effectively manage their grant obligations. Learn how to stay on top of reporting requirements, deliver on project outcomes, and communicate with funders in a way that builds trust and long-term partnerships. Whether you're new to grant funding or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide tools, tips, and real-world insights to ensure your group maintains a positive, professional relationship with funders.

Date: Thursday 12 June, 2025

Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm

Where: City of Albany Civic Rooms, 102 North Road

Cost: Free

Register for the workshop here: https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/grantmanagement

For more information, contact the Community Development Team on 6820 3023 or commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au

Volunteer Retention Workshop

Volunteers are the heart of many community groups—keeping them motivated and appreciated is key to long-term success. These workshops will share strategies to help your organisation retain volunteers by making them feel valued, supported, and recognised. Whether you’re a volunteer coordinator or part of a small team, you’ll leave with practical ideas to boost volunteer satisfaction and strengthen your organisation’s volunteer culture.

These workshops are delivered in partnership with Albany & Regional Volunteer Service as part of National Volunteer Week

Date: Monday 19 May, 2025

Session 1: 2.30pm - 4pm

Session 2: 5.30pm - 7pm

Where: City of Albany Civic Rooms, 102 North Road

Cost: Free

Register here: https://tiny.expert/KmcsB

For more information, contact the Community Development Team on 6820 3023 or commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au

Disability and Inclusion Awareness Training

Join us for FREE Disability & Inclusion Awareness Training designed to help Albany businesses create more inclusive environments. Delivered by Inclusion Solutions and individuals with lived experience, this interactive workshop will cover:

Accessibility tips for physical and digital spaces

Inclusive language and communication strategies

Practical steps to improve inclusivity

Date: Wednesday 21 May

Session 1: 1.30pm - 4pm

Session 2: 5pm - 7.30pm

Where: City of Albany Civic Rooms, 102 North Road

Light refreshments provided

Register here: https://tiny.expert/xzJPL

If you can't attend in person, online seminars are available upon request. Please email us at commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au for further details and to receive the resources.

This training is part of the Good Access is Good Business project, supported by the City of Albany, Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Department of Communities.

For more information, contact Ross Evans at commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au or call 6820 3008.

We’re currently recruiting for two roles and are eager to connect with people who are passionate about making a difference in natural resource management. The positions are based in our Albany and/or Esperance office and are suited to individuals who value collaboration, sustainability, and community impact.

You can find all the details here: https://southcoastnrm.com.au/vacancies/

Term 2 - Tuition for Years 7-12

Receive one-on-one support from experienced teachers to improve 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

Term 2 - Master Class for Years 10- 12

Specialised courses to help maximise grades and strive for a top ATAR score.

Why choose Academic Associates Master Classes:

WA’s top teachers

In-depth syllabus teaching

Enrich your understanding of course concepts

Weekly coaching

Receive exam preparation & success strategies

Interactive online & in-class options

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

A great opportunity for parent who are raising children with ADHD to expand their knowledge.

A fantastic workshop for parents to create stronger connection with their children through play.

P&F Mother’s Day Stall Donations

A big HUGE THANKYOU to everybody who donated Easter Eggs and Easter Items for the P&F Easter Raffle this year.

We made an amazing $4,000 which will be going towards Gym/Exercise Items for our School and this wouldn't have been possible without all of your ticket purchases.

Congratulations to the 100 Prize Winners and thank you everyone for your support.

The Vancouver Arts Centre has programmed some interesting learning opportunities over the Easter break.

More information is available on the Arts and Culture webpage https://artsandculture.albany.wa.gov.au/workshops/workshops.aspx

The MSWA Albany Swim, now in its 13th year, is a family-friendly event that brings our vibrant regional community together for an unforgettable day at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre. Teams compete in an eight-hour marathon swim, pushing their limits to cover the longest distance in support of West Aussies living with neurological conditions. By getting a team together and participating in our swim, you are helping to make a lasting impact and help our Clients focus on life, not limits.

This fundraising event is for all ages and abilities, and we would love to welcome a team from your school to take part.

How it works:

1. Get a team together:

Form your dream team with family, friends, or colleagues and take on the ultimate swim challenge. Nominate a team captain who will coordinate the swimming roster on the day! (Swimmers do not need to be there for the full 8 hours; they are welcome to come and go.)

Register here: https://mswaswim.org.au/

1. Keep the water alive:

Teams must always have one swimmer in the water for the duration of the event. All swimming styles (including doggy paddle!) and swimming aids are allowed.

1. Count your laps:

On the day, each team will be given a tally sheet to record how many laps you're making over the eight hours. At the end of the day, the team that recorded the longest distance wins!

1. HAVE FUN!

It's also more than just a day of swimming! We’ve got exciting competitions and activities lined up to keep everyone engaged— including a thrilling inflatable race, which is simply for fun!

Prizes are awarded to the Highest Individual Fundraiser, the Highest Team Fundraisers, and Team Most Laps Swum.

We also supply refreshments on the hour to keep everyone energised.

If you have any questions about our event, please feel free to reach out, and I would be happy to chat about all things MSWA Albany Swim.

St Joseph’s College P&F are SO EXCITED to announce that MAGGIE DENT is coming to St Joseph’s College on Saturday 24th May from 10am-12pm to present her “Mothering our Boys” seminar!!

Tickets are on sale NOW via https://www.maggiedent.com/events/mothering-our-boys-albany-wa-may-2025/

Get your tickets early as this event will no doubt, sell out!

Our P&F will also run a raffle leading up to this fabulous event - with Free Tickets!!