We were blessed with sunshine this week, and it was gratefully soaked up by our students on the oval. Soccer fever has definitely hit the College!

Next week is Harmony week at St Joseph's and the Peer Support Team, led by Wellbeing Prefect, Febin, has put together a schedule of activities. In particularly, on Tuesday is a lunchtime dance performance and lesson, and on Wednesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear their National Dress. We are a very special school with families from all parts of the world - so let's celebrate it!

St Joseph - Pray for us

Amen

Rachael Keenan

Good Morning All,

Due to installation of the church carpark lights, the following interruptions will apply this week.

Monday

The top carpark(closest to Hardie Rd) will be closed for the day

Tuesday

The lower church carpark(closest to school) will be closed for the day

Please make alternative parking arrangements for the day.

Thank you

Come and join us at this year’s Book Fair. We will be set up in the Junior School Undercover area as follows:

Monday 26^th May 8-9am  2.30-3.30pm

Tuesday 27^th May 8-9am  2.30-3.30pm

We look forward to seeing you and your children to browse the books on offer and see what adventure you will go on.

Any questions, queries or concerns, please contact admin@sjc.wa.edu.au

Hero Day brought a bit of fun to the College last week! Students and staff paid tribute by dressing up as their favourite heros, and raised over $350 for Zero2Hero a WA based youth mental health organisation, which works to upskill youth to become mental health champions. Though there was the usual superheros there was a theme amongst the students emulating the every day heroes in their lives, with many dressing as their parents or family members, as well as nurses, workers, farmers, teachers and even a school counsellor. Natale Trichilo drew on his history knowledge coming as Albert Einstein, and the Lockyer siblings all got into the spirit of the day. However, the Doppelganger Award goes to Kylie Leusciatti for dressing as her hero - Christine Hunter. Needless to say, the day was a success and there were smiles all around the College.

It has been a busy start to Term 2, kicking off with some great wellness events. The first was Do it for Dolly Day. Blue butterflies and the kindness message were splashed around both the primary and secondary schools, reminding us of the importance to take a stand against bullying. There was a wonderful splash of bright blue brightening up most students uniforms, showing solidarity with Dolly's message. Thanks to the Peer Support Students from assisting with this event, particularly Bridie, Antonia, Taylor and Lachlan.

Kaya! Across Australia, National Sorry Day is commemorated on the 26th of May. It is a day to acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generation Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

The purple Native Cotton, Desert Rose, or Native Hibiscus was chosen to symbolise the scattering of the Stolen Generation and their resilience.

St Joseph's College would like to encourage all members of the College community to wear a purple accessory on Monday 26th May as a sign of respect.

National Sorry Day leads into National Reconciliation Week which aims to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait and non-Indigenous People for the benefit of all Australians.

On Monday our Year Eleven and Twelve students were paid a visit by Vinnies WA Youth Engagement Officer, Hannah.

Hannah spent some time explaining in detail the history of the St Vincent de Paul Society and the work that they continue to do in the name of Blessed Frederik Ozanam who also happens to be one of our House patrons at the College. After the presentation, the students split into groups to participate in a scenario activity where they had to decide on the necessities to survive.

In Western Australia there are currently around 3,000 Vinnies workers, including 2,000 volunteers who assist 61,000 locals each year.

On behalf of Vinnies, Hannah thanked the St Joseph's College community for our consistent generosity through our appeals, donations, volunteering and sleepout that all go a long way to raise awareness and help those in need in our local community.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator K-12

Saint Rita of Cascia

Feast Day: May 22

Patron Saint of: Difficult Marriages and Impossible causes

Life:

Born in central Italy in 1381, Rita was a wife, mother, widow and member of her local religious community. After a difficult marriage in which her husband was killed during a brawl and her sons died, Rita joined the Augustinian Nuns where her prayer and charity became legend. She was canonised a Saint in 1900 with many people visiting her tomb each year praying for the causes that we sometimes think are impossible.

Reflection:

Throughout her life, Rita became a holy person because she made choices that reflected her love for God. While she experienced many difficulties and challenges, she always trusted in God's grace and that she would be guided to exactly where she was meant to be. Sometimes its hard for us to let go and let God do his work, but we must never be afraid because God will always show us the way. St Rita of Cascia, pray for us.

Wellbeing Prefect, Febin Saji, along with his fellow prefects & Peer Supporters, have developed a week of Multicultural events for students across the College to embrace the cultural diversity of our school. The events are as follow:

Monday - Decorate your classroom in a Multicultural Theme

Tuesday - International Dance Albany will be perform and teach a traditional Italian folk dance to our students, at Lunchtime in the Junior School Undercover Area. All students and staff are welcome to attend.

Wednesday - Multicultural Dress Day! Come to school wearing traditional dress of your ethnicity or in the national colours of where you were born (ie. Australia - Green & Gold)

Thursday - Cultural Games at Lunchtime. Games for Years 1 to 3, 4 to 6 and Secondary Students.

Friday - Multicultural food - Come to the Peer Support Food Stall at lunchtime for some Curry Puff or Spring Rolls. $5 each. No pre-orders. There will be a line for both Junior and Senior School Students.

Friday - For Secondary only - A Multicultural Kahoot - 1pm in the Glasshouse. Break some Cultural Stereotypes to win prizes!

Please encourage your children to embrace diversity by participating the week's events!

St Joseph's College have accepted the invitation to tackle the mighty Denmark SHS Boys SS Country week basketball team on Monday the 9th June in the school gym.

Come along and support the students representing the College (your support is appreciated)

Wear your College Colours and cheer loudly

1. Free sausage sizzle / soft drinks available (special thanks to the College P&F)

Time: 4.30pm - School Gym

When: Monday Week 7

At the conclusion of the match (approx. 5.30pm) there will be a quick presentation and Q&A for parents regarding attending School Country week as a possibility in the future!

Vinnies WA has launched its annual Winter Appeal for 2025!

The theme of this year's Winter Appeal shines a spotlight on the unprecedent demand for assistance across Western Australia with more people than ever being forced onto the streets.

Each year Vinnies assists more than 61,000 Western Australians by providing vital support such as food, furniture, clothing and assistance with bills and rent and delivers a range of specialised services and programs in the areas of homelessness, housing, mental health, youth services, and financial counselling.

As part of our Catholic commitment to respect the human dignity of all, St Joseph's College works to assist those less fortunate in our community through our annual winter food drive. Collection boxes will be in each classroom and homeroom for any non-perishable food items that you wish to donate. This year we will also be collecting blankets and warm clothing (jumpers, trackies, beanies, scarves) that are clean and in new or good condition - these can be dropped in at either Library.

On behalf of the College, I would like to thank you all for your generosity and commitment each and every year to those doing it tough in our community.

Mr Luke Bogoni

Religious Education Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 2!

Thanks to those who already booked their audition. Please be reminded to Direqt Message Mr Habal or click the link below if you need the Audition form for Celebration of Talents so you can book it on Week 3 or 4 for Week 5 is already fully booked. The performance will be on August 16 at 6pm in the Port Theatre. Thanks.

Here is the audition form link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ebzZwW9lWx7xeuuKj5p6umFXvhTVmScC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115788568252160064161&rtpof=true&sd=true

Mr Habal, Ms Rowe and Mr Collins

Event Coordinators

The Communion Enrolment and Commitment Mass has been set for Saturday the 17th May at the 6.00pm Mass and Sunday the 18th May at the 9.30am Mass. Both Masses will be held at Holy Family Church, Spencer Park. If you are unable to attend either of these Masses, please contact Chris Palfrey or Fr Joel to make further arrangements.

You will need to bring the Presentation and Commitment Ceremony booklet that was distributed at the General Sacramental Meeting, as it contains the responses both you and your child need to make during the commitment process. There is also a form at the back of the booklet that needs completing and handing in at the Mass.

Secondly, the parent and child meeting for the Sacrament of Communion is to be held on Thursday 29th May commencing at 6.00pm. It is to be held in the Junior School Undercover Area and will not go longer than an hour and a half. You will need to bring with you the completed family activity book.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Chris Palfrey

Sacramental and Liturgy Co-ordinator

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.

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

Congratulations to Coco, Kiera, Reef and Charlie, the recipients of the St Joseph Bears for Week 4! Thank you for demonstrating the WESTIE values and positively contributing to our College community.

Water Corporation’s callout for people to join its community consultation group for Albany’s next water source.

See facebook link below

Future water source planning in Great Southern Region

Future Development Program (FDP) Trials, designed specifically for students born in 2012 and 2013. This program offers valuable skill sessions and a pathway into Basketball WA, helping young players develop their abilities.

Albany Roller Derby is hosting a high-energy roller derby game on Sunday, June 1, and it’s a great way for local families to enjoy a night out – especially those looking for something fun and indoors!

Event Details:

Albany Leisure & Aquatic Centre

📅 Sunday, June 1

🕔 Doors open at 5 PM

🎟️ Tickets available at the door or online

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages welcome – great family fun!

P&F Mother’s Day Stall & Raffle.

Changes to school bus routes 731 and 733 from St Joseph's College commencing Monday 26th May 2025.

Route 731 will now travel along Rocky Crosssing Rd in Warrenup.

Route 733 has been deleted and two new routes, 743 and 744 have been created to serve Bayonet Head and Lower King Suburbs creating shorter journey times overall.

The WA All Abilities Football Association warmly invites you to join us for an evening dedicated to promoting inclusion in sport within the Great Southern community.

This is a fantastic chance to network with other community members who are enthusiastic about creating an inclusive atmosphere in our local community and sporting organisations and athletic events, learn more about our programs, and exchange ideas.

We will talk about the value of inclusivity in sports and look at how we can carry out our initiatives locally that evening. This event will give us all important insights on how we can help make opportunities more accessible for everyone, whether you're a coach, volunteer, or just want to make a difference.

Approved Child Protection Training

At EPEC Education, we’ve made it easier than ever to stay compliant with our updated Approved Child Protection and Refresher Training courses.

You can choose between:

1. CHCPRT025 - Identify and report children and young people at risk
2. CHCPRT026 - Support the rights and safety of children and young people

Both are approved training options to help you meet your obligations while gaining the knowledge you require to keep the children and young people in your care safe.

School camps offer incredible experiences for students, but we understand that the costs can be challenging for some families.

The Saver Plus program can support them in saving and budgeting for camp expenses. Please share the following information with families whose children may attend a school camp in 2026.

About Saver Plus

Saver Plus supports parents to save $50 per month for 10 months with online financial education workshops. The savings are then matched dollar-for-dollar, providing up to $500 extra for education-related costs*—potentially giving families $1,000 to help cover school camp fees.

Families can join anytime throughout the year and have funds ready to pay for camps or other education-related costs after completion of the program.

*Education-related costs include camps, laptops, school uniforms, stationery and more.

Eligibility criteria for parents include:

1. Holding a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
2. Receiving a Centrelink payment
3. Having a regular income from employment, carer’s payment, or child support
4. Have a child in school

To check all eligibility families can visit our website or request a callback at 1300 610 355.

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!!