Today (Sunday) was First Holy Communion Mass for Year Four students celebrated at Holy Family Church in front of families, staff and parish members. It was a very special day and was so beautifully accompanied by the College Secondary School Choir.

I have included a third photo this week because on Friday, the Junior School filled the College gym for the Year One assembly. I wonder how we are going to fit as a whole school into the future. We were delightfully entertained by the students with their rendition of "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars; needless to say, they were very, very cute.

The College Advisory Council and Parents & Friends membership this year is phenomenal. Thank you to all those involved, especially Council Chair, Ms Tiffany West, and P&F President, Mrs Kareena Smart. The willingness of parents to support the school is very much appreciated, and the desire to develop a strong connection with the school just shows how special our community is. At a time when many schools experience low participation rates at parent-school meetings, St Joseph's College is defying the trend. The breadth of knowledge and expertise at our meetings ensures we can deliver the best to our students.

As we head into the final weeks of Term Two, I would like to remind parents that Semester One Progress Reports will be released in Week Ten. The teachers have been very busy marking assessments and writing reports to provide you with feedback on your child. Please take the time to read the reports together. Term Three commences on Tuesday 22 July (Monday is a PD day for staff).

Have a wonderful week.

St Joseph - Pray for Us

Amen

Rachael Keenan

St Anthony of Padua

Feast Day: June 13

Patron Saint of: Lost items, Travelers

Life:

Born in 1195 to a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, Anthony was a young man who left everything to follow the call of Christ. After joining the Augustinians and later the Franciscan friars, Anthony travelled and used his great gift of words to preach wherever he could, before finally ending up in the town of Padua, Italy. It was here where he was stationed before his death in 1231. He became a Saint only a year later and in 1946 was named a Doctor of the Church. His tomb and relics can be found in the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua.

Prayer:

St Anthony, faithful servant of Christ, you offered comfort and consolation to all who came to you in times of trouble. Pray for me now, that I may know true peace of mind, heart and soul. Help me grow in faith, so that I may be free from all useless and needless anxiety in this life. Amen. St Anthony, pray for us!

On Monday, we celebrated a special class reward in Year 3 Gold - Pyjama Day! The class worked together to show outstanding behaviour, teamwork, and kindness, earning this fun and relaxing treat. The class came to school in their comfiest pyjamas (even the teachers!), and we enjoyed a delicious fruit platter kindly provided by Mrs Dallimore. After recess, we warmed up with a cup of Milo. It was a wonderful way to celebrate all the effort we’ve put in. Well done, Year 3 Gold!

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.

Any year 10/11 students thinking of a Vocational Education Program in 2026?

SRTAFE Albany offer a variety of VETdSS courses and are holding an information Night on Tuesday the 24th of June.

This program is designed for students to attend SRTAFE one or two days to complete a Certificate course in 2026, whilst completing their WACE at the College.

For further information about courses etc please contact Andrew Ruck (VET Co-ordinator) at the College.

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.