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

St Joseph's College hosted the Denmark SHS boys basketball team on Monday the 9th of June in the school gymnasium in front of a packed crowd of students, teachers, parents and one pumped-up mascot.

It was a showcase evening for sport at the College, highlighting the sense of community as everyone pitched in to create a great atmosphere inside the 'Temple' that is the St Joseph's Gym. The BBQ was fired up (thanks to the amazing P&F), the crowd had arrived and DJ Bogoni had whipped them into a frenzy as 'We Will Rock You' belted out on the PA.

It was game time and the first tip off went the way of St Joseph's as the crowd roared with excitement.

It was a symphony in sneakers as Natale orchestrated the offense, Andre was waxing boards better than Mr Miyagi and Khenneth was flying around like Evel Knievel as St Joe's went toe to toe with Denmark across the quarter. The highlight was an early long-range bomb from Adrielle and celebration to match. The second quarter started a bit slower as the boys steadied and Denmark managed to pull ahead by a few points at the long break.

Enter DJ Bogoni and 'Westie' the Mascot bear who pumped up the crowd with the half-time show consisting of a three-point contest and some fun and games. Congratulations to Sally and Gary who nailed their three-point shots (rumour has it Mrs T is still practicing for next year).

The heat was turned up in the third quarter as Gianni and Natale brought some physicality with some questionable football tactics, however Denmark were up for the challenge and responded to lead by two points at the last change.

Two minutes into the last quarter Cameron hit a prayer from the rainbow to hit the front by a point as the crowd went crazy. However, as they say in the classics, that's all she wrote. This would not be the fairytale finish the home side had hoped for, with Andre and Khenneth posing no risk to wearing out the paint on the aging backboards, complete with retro decals, despite their heavy work under the bucket. Denmark proceeded to score the final 13 points of the match to finish 12 points ahead in what was a great spectacle played in top competitive spirit.

The community of basketball players and fans joined together post-match to enjoy the handy tong-work of volunteers Phil and Corey on the BBQs, with not a snagger to spare.

Big thanks go to Denmark’s coaching staff and players for making the journey, we wish them well in their Country Week endeavours, also to umpires Dot Ruck and Lee Magowan who kept things fair and square between the friendly rivals.

Stay tuned for the next episode.

Body Kind Week has been a Peer Support organised event for a number of years, all in response the youth wanting more body image support, and to live in a world where they are accepted for who they are and not what they look like. Day 1, students from years 4 to 12, took a few moments to write sticky note compliments which were displayed in Matheu and De Vialar. All compliments were non-image based and students could choose a positive affirmation for themselves or a mate. Peer Supporters put up body positive messaging around the school and created an amazing Hop Scotch for the Junior School - Giant steps, frog hops, spins and tip toes, were a few of the steps in the game.

Day 2, Peer Supporters gathered to create their annual art piece! The chosen art work for this year's event was to create a Giant Stick Person, made from over 300 stick people. The thinking was by bringing us all back to being stick people, we see each other for who were are and not the packaging we're wrapped in. In a great moment of inspiration, the remaining compliments were attached to all the people. Day was also free dress day, which resulted in a relaxed and happy atmosphere at the school for staff and students alike.

Day 3 brought something new - free healthy snacks at recess. Over 300 snack bags of carrot/apple sticks & sultanas/apricots were offered to all students at the school.

Thank you to the amazing support of all the Peer Support helpers assisting during the week and the parents who raised such community minded young people.

The Year Nine Outdoor Education elective class recently returned from their two-day, two-night excursion to Walpole where they were able to apply many of the skills they had learnt during their class lessons.

The students paddled on the Deep River, Walpole, as well as doing several short walks including visiting the Giant Tingle tree. The students planned, prepared and cooked their own meals on compact cooking stoves (Trangias). They maintained their enthusiasm despite some cold and wet conditions on day two! Thanks to Mr Magowan and Miss Markham for joining us for the camp.

The College is seeking applications for a Junior School position starting mid-Term 3. Those interested may refer to the College website or contact Ms Rachael Keenan (Principal) directly.

Saint Andrew

Patronage: Fisherman

Life:

Andrew was Saint Peter's brother and was called with him to be an apostle. Matthew (4:18-20) writes "As Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who now called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him". It is believed that Andrew preached the Good News in what is now modern Greece and Turkey and was crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Reflection:

While the Gospels give us little about the holiness of Andrew, he was an apostle, which tells us all we need to know. He was called personally by Jesus to heal and serve to others. This is no different today. Like Andrew, we are all called to do our part and love and serve others, just as Jesus would. Saint Andrew, pray for us.

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.

In the lead up to NAIDOC Week the students enjoyed completing a collection of jigsaws representing the six Noongar seasons.

The Saver Plus flyer is great for emailing to new parents/carers or including in info packs.

The program is open to eligible parents/carers all year, but we find it’s when these larger costs “Come up" that families start reaching out for support.

To join Saver Plus, you need to meet these requirements:

1. Be 18 years or older
2. Have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
3. Have a child in school, starting next year, or be studying yourself
4. Get a regular income (can be you or your partner in paid work or child support/carers' payment)
5. Agree to join in free online financial education workshops

What are the eligible savings goals?

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

1. Assist a primary/secondary school student’s education.

If families would like to check their eligibility and receive a call back, please include our enquiry link - Our Saver Plus financial literacy program (thesmithfamily.com.au), or they’re welcome to call our national number 1300 610 355, and a local coordinator will contact them directly.

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

Young Fellas Group starting up at headspace Albany for young men aged 12 – 25 years

Keep the kids busy these upcoming July School Holidays with the City of Albany's school holidays program with events such as:

Tennis Day - for ages 10–17yrs

When: Tuesday 8 July 2025

Session 1: 10am-11:30am | Session 2: 1pm-2:30pm

Location: Albany Agricultural Sheds, Western Pavilion, On Court Tennis

Description: Come along with friends, learn some new moves, and enjoy a day of active fun and friendly competition. Please bring your own tennis racquet (a limited number of spares will be available if needed).

Cooking Classes - for ages 10–17yrs

When: Wednesday 9 July 2025

Session 1: 9am-10:30am | Session 2: 11:30am-1pm | Session 3: 2pm-3:30pm

Location: Albany Cricket & Soccer Pavilion (Kitchen)

Description: Get hands-on in the kitchen and learn how to cook simple, tasty, and healthy meals! These fun and interactive classes teach young people the basics of nutrition, kitchen skills, and how to create delicious dishes from scratch. Will also include a brief nutrition education component too.

Learn to Surf Sessions - for ages 10–17yrs

When: Monday 14 July 2025

Session 1: 9am-11am | Session 2: 11:30am-1:30pm

Location: Binalup / Middleton Beach

Description: These surfing sessions are the ultimate polar plunge — a bold dive into the cold, salty thrill of the ocean. Whether you’re a complete beginner or building on your skills, you’ll learn to surf in a safe, fun, and seriously invigorating environment.

Register here: https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/

Full school holidays program coming soon!

For more information, contact Dylan Moir on 6820 3130 or commdevel@albany.wa.gov.au

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.