We are well and truly past the halfway mark of Term Two. I wish our Year Twelves the very best for their exams starting on Monday. To the students in Year Eleven and Twelve going out to Workplace Learning, I also wish you well in your endeavours. I hope the experience will provide you with the best opportunity to discover your vocation; or at least a step forward towards finding what you might like to do after school. Be brave!

Each year, the Catholic Secondary Principals Assocation of WA organise a retreat/conference for principals, which is called "Oasis". It is time away for faith formation and renewal, connection with other principals, meditation and prayer. I was unable to attend in 2024, but last week I was able to go and meet up with my colleagues in Metricup. Key presenters were Fr Edmond Nixon and Dr Pina Ford who took us on a ten-session journey over two days. I had the absolute pleasure to catch up with Mr Mark Browning and Mr Brad Hall, former St Joseph's College principals, who are now at St Mary MacKillop College (Busselton) and John Paul College (Kalgoorlie) and share with them the additional present chapters of our wonderful school. They both send their best wishes to you all.

I will end with the "Courage Prayer" by St Teresa of Kolkota (Calcutta) for those who may be at a crossroad.

There is a light that beckons you forward, and it comes from within you.

Embrace it. Don't try to hide in the dark shadow of fear that it casts behind you.

For if you are committed to having the courage to live with an open heart, there is no greater way to love others or to love yourself than to fulfill your unique potential, to express the unique greatness you have within you.

Finding the courage to be yourself and to touch the lives of others in ways that only you can do is the most profound act of love and service and significance.

Dare to want more from your life and to dig deeper into yourself to experience its mystery, its richness and its sacredness more fully.

For when you do so, you will see with greater clarity just how universal we all are. And sensing that we are all part of the bigger whole, you will come to know, perhaps for the first time, that your life is truly holy and that it is not just your responsibility to honour the sacred within you, it is your obligation.

This is the truth that speaks from my heart. I invite you to open yours to receive it.

St Joseph - Pray for us.

Amen

Rachael Keenan

Last Thursday, the Certificate Two Construction class travelled to Bunnings to build some playground equipment for the Jerramungup Community Centre. Upon arrival, we were given a brief tour of the building and then it was down to business. With all the tools at hand, the class went to work assembling a cubby house, a sand pit and a kitchen set, all painted beautifully (apart from the sand pit which had fried eggs all over it) N.B. The girls insisted they were daisies.

The playground equipment was assembled in no time and to a high standard. We then had about 5 hours to paint (we took all that time).

Everyone had a great day with a great crew to show us around, a huge feast of pizza for lunch and I’m sure Bunnings were relieved to finally find a use for 10 Litres of unwanted blue paint. We thank Bunnings for their generosity, Carol and Cameron for helping us throughout the day and we hope the Jerramungup Community enjoy some new excitement in the playground.

Reef Pietropaolo

The Year 12 leavers’ jackets were handed out this week at St Joseph’s College, marking a special milestone for our future graduates. It was a heartwarming moment that captured the spirit of unity and pride among the group. Seeing the students wear their jackets with such joy and excitement highlighted the strong bonds they’ve formed over their time at the College.

Saint Norbert

Feast Day: June 6

Patron Saint of: Safe delivery of children

Life:

During the 12th century in France, Saint Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Norbertines. His goal was to revitalise many of the faithful who had turned away from God and preaching peace and forgiveness among enemies. He faced many difficulties but knew that with God he could conquer anything. He continued his work until his death on June 6, 1134.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Norbert as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You he showed when he amended his life and began to seek holiness.

St Norbert, pray for us.

The City of Albany’s Live @ the Town Hall returns for a special All Ages edition, bringing an evening of original WA music to the stage on Saturday 5 July 2025.

Book now at https://bit.ly/3FdIPsr

Saturday 5 July 2025

Albany Town Hall

This is an all-ages alcohol-free event.

*Age 13 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This all-ages edition of Live @ the Town Hall is presented by the City of Albany and supported by Rio Tinto

The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science is excited to announce a Youth Mental Health Logo Design Competition. As our Youth Mental Health Team continues to innovate and lead research into the treatment of mental illness in young people, we are seeking a logo that visually represents the team’s purpose and identity.

We are inviting young artists and designers aged 15 to 25 to participate in this competition to create a compelling and meaningful logo for our team and its research projects.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with your students and colleagues who may be eligible or interested.

Key details:

1. Submissions are NOW OPEN
2. Deadline: 4 July 2025
3. Submission portal: Click here to enter
4. Competition guidelines: See attached document

Prizes include:

1. Winner: $1,000 + Design Mentorship Program with the Perron Institute’s Creative Agency
2. Runner-up (Under 18): $500
3. Runner-up (Over 18): $500
4. Additional incentives: Certificates, exhibition of shortlisted designs, and feature placement in Perron Institute materials

Winners will be announced during Mental Health Awareness Week (5–11 October 2025).

We can’t wait to see the creativity and talent of young people brought to life through this initiative!

Maritime Festival during the school holidays, the team are going underwater to create activities!

There is something for everyone.

Join us in the immersive art space The Luminous landscapes of the Deep , make Clay Fish Sculptures in a kid’s pottery class or join in Storytime with Dora.

Let’s have fun these winter school holidays!

Check these out these exhibitions in the school holidays.

-Maritime Art Exhibition at the VAC

-Generations Collection at the Albany Town Hall.

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