Over the past few weeks, the College has been making a conscious effort to keep the College grounds clean. Jenny, Sustainability Prefect, has organised a friendly House competition and the aim is simple - for students to put any rubbish or lunch waste in the coloured bin that corresponds with their House. Each week, with student volunteers, the bin's contents are weighed and recorded. By the end of the term the House with the most rubbish collected and thus the biggest effort made to keep the grounds clean, will win a prize!

As of Week 3, the leaderboard is:

1           MCCORMACK

2           OZANAM

3           DE VIALAR

4           CUNNINGHAM

THEME :       Book An Adventure

WHEN :        Wednesday 20^th August, Week 5

WHERE :     College Gym

TIME :          9–10am

Please choose a character from any book.

Welcome to Djilba, the season of growth and the first spring.

Djilba is one of the six Noongar seasons, which occurs during August and September. It is usually the coldest time of the year here in Kinjarling (Albany), and there has been snow at the Stirling Ranges. The rains ease, and the rivers flow strongly, connecting to the ocean. There will be beautiful rainbows across the worl (sky), new plants start to grow, and the Boodja (Land) turns green. We will see yoornt (yellow) and cream flowers bloom and birds building their nests.

Keep warm this Djilba season and have a great term 3!!

Students from St Joseph’s College delivered some strong performances in the 2025 Royal Australian Chemical Institute Titration Competition, which attracted 320 students from 41 schools across the state.

The team of Hoa Nguyen, Naijal Santhosh and Peter Smit earned a High Commendation for their impressive team result. Individually, High Distinctions were awarded to Sophia Villanueva, Abbey O'Donnell and Peter Smit, who achieved remarkable state rankings of 3rd, 12th and 25th respectively.

Hosted by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), the competition challenges students to perform precise chemical titrations, with awards based on how closely their results align with true values.

These achievements highlight the scientific talent and dedication of the students at St Joseph’s College.

Congratulations to all involved.

Saint Mary Mackillop

Feast Day: August 8

Patron Saint of: Australia

Life:

Born in Fitzroy in 1842, Mary grew up looking after those around her. During her late teens she took a job in Penola, South Australia teaching young children and caring for the poor. In 1866 she was invited by Fr Julian Tenison-Woods to open a Catholic school and after doing so, felt called to religious life. Mary founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and by 1967, she had started 21 schools run by over 70 sisters. After a clash with the Bishop, she was excommunicated before being welcomed back a year later and spent her days providing education and care to those in need. She died in 1909, aged 67 and was canonised a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 - Australia's first and currently only Saint.

Prayer:

Mary, your dream in life was to live your love for God in a very real way by serving others. Help us to bring God's love alive in our daily lives through your inspiration. 

Saint Mary Mackillop, pray for us.

You are all cordially invited to join us for the 2025 Open Night to be held at the College on Monday 18th August 2025 from 5 - 7pm.

See you all there!

Tickets are now available on https://www.stickytickets.com.au/C660P for our Celebration of Talents (A Variety Show) with one show only on August 16 at 6pm in Port Theatre. Let's support the students from Pre-primary to Year 12, Staff Dancers and Parents who passed the audition and ready to perform and entertain us. Buy your tickets now and don't forget to invite your family and friends too. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Mr Richard Habal, Mr Mark Collins and Ms Hiedi Rowe

Events Coordinators  

Please be advised that the date set for Confirmation and all activities have been changed from Term Three to Term Four.

Confirmation Commitment Masses: Term Four, week two, Saturday 25th October, 6.00pm Holy Family Church AND Sunday 26th October, 9.30am Holy Family Church

Parent/child workshop: Term Four, week three, Thursday 31st October 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Retreat afternoon for students and to meet the Bishop: Term Four, week five, 12th November 1.30pm - 3.00pm

Sacrament of Confirmation: Term Four, week five, Sunday 16th November 9.30am Holy Family Church.

Thank you to the families who have sent in their sacramental initiation forms. For other families, if you wish your child to make the Sacrament of Confirmation and have forgotten to complete a form, please let me know and I will forward one to you.

Chris Palfrey - Liturgy and Sacramental Co-ordinator

Congratulations to our Junior School leaders for Semester Two. We look forward to seeing your leadership in action at St Joseph's College!

On Friday the 1st of August, two teams of Year 6 girls participated in the Great Southern Netball Carnival in Katanning. The two teams played in different pools on the day, and both teams finished on top of their respective ladders after the round robin games. This meant it was a St. Joseph's College derby in the grand final! In the end it was Team 2 who won the game, however both teams should be very proud of how they represented the College. Well done to Mrs House, who coached her team to victory. Thank you to Jessica Buck and Grace Gorman for coaching the other team on the day, and Ella Hanbury and Imogen Ireland for umpiring.

Upcoming dates:

Reconciliation Commitment Masses: Week 3, Saturday 9th August, 6.00pm Mass at Holy Family Church OR Sunday, Sunday 10th August, 9.30am, Holy Family Church. Please bring with you the enrolment booklets handed out at the General Sacramental Meeting. 

Parent/Child workshop: Week 5, Thursday 21st August 6.00pm - 7.30pm in the Junior School Undercover Area.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Week 8, Wednesday 10th September 5.30pm Holy Family Church.

If you are unable to attend either of these dates, please contact me to make alternate arrangements.

Chris Palfrey - Liturgy and Sacramental Co-ordinator

We have four amazing evenings designed to help students and their families discover courses and explore their future opportunities.

Our Open Nights allow students to engage with their future lecturers and mentors, meet current students who are studying the same course they’re interested in,

tour our facilities and get hands-on with interactive displays.

Come along to one or attend more! Register for your night/s below.

Murdoch University Nursing Open Night

Wednesday 27th August, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Murdoch University Health & Education Open Night

Tuesday 2nd September, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Murdoch University Sciences, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Open Night

Wednesday 3rd September, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Murdoch University Business, Law, HASS & Creative Media Open Night

Thursday 4th September, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Visit the links above to find out more.

We look forward to seeing you there!

In partnership with the Department of Health, the Better Health Company offers a variety of programs that provide up to 10 free health coaching appointments with a health professional that focus on improving nutrition, physical activity and health behaviour change. These programs are funded by the WA Department of Health and are tailored to a variety of age groups.

We believe that the Better Health Program is the most relevant and valuable to your school community. This program is tailored towards children aged 6-12 and their families and runs FREE and online all year round. Families can expect tailored support to build healthy family habits around nutrition, active movement, and reducing screen-time.

At the BHCo, we want to empower individuals and families in Western Australia to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices. Your help amplifying these services to your school community would go a long way in making this a reality! 

Enrolments for the October and summer holiday programs (December/January) are opening on Tuesday 5 August 2025, and we want as many of your families to benefit from the programs as possible.

This year, we want to make sure regional families can secure lessons in their local area. By providing you with this information ahead of time, we hope to give your families the best chance to book early and not miss out.

As we head into summer, many families will be spending time at the beach, rivers or swimming pools. VacSwim lessons help children 5 to 17 years of age stay safe in and around the water. These programs build confidence and develop vital swimming and water safety skills, with options available for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced swimmers.

Further information, details of locations and information on how to enrol is also on our website.

WA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION - ALBANY

Free Entry

ALBANY TOWN HALL

LOCATION: 217 York Street, Albany

DATES: 2 – 12 September

TIMES: Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Soroptimist International of Albany Inc and Inner Wheel Albany are hosting the 2025 WA Women’s Hall of Fame (WAWHOF) travelling exhibition. This display has been brought to Albany with the kind assistance of Abany Town Hall, City of Albany and Camtrans Transport.

The WAWHOF Exhibition displays portraits and the contributions of 2025 Inductees and its history. The Hall of Fame in WA was first established in 2011 in recognition of the International Women’s Day centenary to acknowledge those women who have been instrumental in the development of Western Australia. Nominations are received each year for Induction into the Hall of Fame and the Roll of Honour. Nominees are considered in the categories of Community, Business, Health, Education, The Arts, Culture, STEM (Science, Technology Engineering & Mathematics) and Sport. ( www.wawomenshalloffame.com.au)

SI Albany and Inner Wheel are encouraging the local community especially women, and the young girls in our school and community organisations, to visit this Exhibition and be inspired to make a difference.

Facebook event: www.facebook.com/share/172EAqNXyx/

Facebook Albany Soroptimists:www.facebook.com/SIAlbany

www.soroptimistinternational.org/

www.innerwheelaustralia.org.au

Can you believe it’s already Term 3?

It’s the perfect time to remind parents about the Saver Plus program—a great opportunity to receive up to $500 in matched savings to help cover their child’s education costs.

Not only does Saver Plus provide financial support, but it also helps families build lasting budgeting skills. These benefits ensure children are equipped with the resources they need for school, while also supporting long-term financial wellbeing.

If you know a family on a lower income who could benefit, let them know about this fantastic program!

Here’s a quick summary you could include in your school newsletter and/or share with your wellbeing team:

Saver Plus – Get $500 for Education Costs

Saver Plus is a free 10-month savings and financial education program that helps eligible families save for education expenses. Developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, and delivered by The Smith Family and receives funding from the Department of Social Services, it’s designed to build long-term financial wellbeing.

Program Highlights:

1. Save $50/month for 10 months and receive $500 matched savings
2. Use funds for laptops, uniforms, books, camps, excursions, and more
3. Complete MoneyMinded financial education online workshops
4. No fees to join
5. Support provided throughout the program

Eligibility:

1. Must be 18+ years old
2. Hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
3. Receive an eligible Centrelink payment
4. Have a child in school or be studying yourself
5. Have regular income from work (you or your partner) inc child support and carers payments
6. Not completed the program previously.

Contact & More Info: To learn more visit the Saver Plus program page or call 1300 610 355.

Join us at Jandakot Airport for an immersive day designed exclusively for teachers, educators, and career advisors who are passionate about connecting students and clients with real-world aviation career opportunities.

Location: AirFlite, 35 Eagle Drive, Jandakot Airport WA 6064

Dates: Friday 29 August 2025 & Friday 31 October 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

What you will experience:

1. Industry speakers
2. Practical resources
3. Career pathway insights
4. Behind-the-scenes tour
5. Information pack
6. Morning tea, lunch and refreshments

Plus, a BONUS Free Altitude Membership (valued at $249) for each attendee!

Cost: $165.00 pp (including GST)

Spaces Are Limited are limited so BOOK NOW!

For more information or to register online visit skycareers.com.au/events/aviation-professional-development-day

Holy Family Parish Bulletin: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

With a focus on preventing body dissatisfaction and serious eating issues, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image and healthy relationships with eating and physical activity in the home. It provides practical strategies to be a positive role model, reduce the impact of risk factors in a child's environment. The session also explores when to be concerned and what you can do, including referral and support information.

Date: 1st September 2025

Time: 7pm – 8.15pm (AEST)

Via Zoom (time-limited recording available)

Cost: $15pp

Register HERE copy this full registration link into your URL: https://events.butterfly.org.au/portal/event/?id=EP_Raising_Body_Kind_Teens4046978637&Name=01/09/25%20RBBC

Calling all Rockstars of the Great Southern!

Please book so we know you are coming. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1431105

Albany Port Theatre – Tuesday August 26th 5pm

Get ready to amplify your music journey because WAAPA is turning up the volume and bringing its Diploma of Music course right to your backyard in Albany!

Come along to our Q&A evening where you can learn about the course and have all your questions answered by the WAAPA staff in person.

WEX Canberra 2025 | Only 1 month left to go. Don't miss out. Get in now!

The application period is from Monday 16 June and closes on Friday 22 August. If you would like more information about WEX, please contact us: wex@etmp.com.au or wex@niaa.gov.au.

Parenting Connection WA, upcoming groups and workshops.

The Breaksea Youth Ensemble is back in the rehearsal room this Wednesday 23rd July as they start to prepare for the Albany 2025 New Years Eve Picnic!

For students aged 9 - 18 years that are looking for an opportunity to learn more about singing, acting, performance skills and Noongar language they will really enjoy joining the Ensemble.

Please see the links below for registration. Note that both registration and payment will need to be completed for enrollment to be accepted. There is no audition required to join.

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT FORM

Otherwise they can head to the website Breaksea.org or instagram link tree.

Breaksea has some Scholarships on offer for students who may be in financial hardship. Further information is in the registration form.

A great exhibition is opening at the Vancouver Arts Centre Friday 8 August, “Exploring Creativity through a Prohibited Culture”.

Feel free to promote through your newsletters, poster attached.

More details available here https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_69a9cc9902204ee5bd3e6a3433b3c2ae