Tuesday marked the final day the Year 12 students were required to formally be at St Joseph's College - and they certainly made sure it was a day to remember!

The morning began with a burst of energy (and a few cable ties!) as students “decorated” the Secondary School in true Year 12 fashion. Lockers were mysteriously cable-tied shut, balloons covered the corridors, and posters heralding the legendary return of Mr Cole appeared in every corner. It was joyful chaos that brought smiles to staff and students alike.

Following the early morning antics, staff treated the Year 12s to a delicious breakfast, lovingly prepared and served with a side of good humour and warm wishes. With full bellies and high spirits, students wandered the school collecting signatures on their commemorative t-shirts - harbouring nostalgia and laughter.

The day continued with a Graduation Mass practice, where students showed reverence and reflection as they prepared for the important event, which will take place tonight at the Holy Family Church.

But the grand finale? The much-anticipated Student vs Teacher Big Base Baseball Match! This year’s game featured plenty of water, with students gleefully soaking teachers as they dashed for home runs. Despite the staff’s valiant efforts (and some very soggy clothes), the students claimed a well-earned victory. The teachers, however, put up a spirited fight and took the drenching in good humour.

It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and heartfelt moments. We wish our Year 12s all the very best as they head into exams and beyond.

The Junior School Choir recently performed at the Primary Schools’ Music Festival. The choir spent the day at the Entertainment Centre rehearsing and watching other schools practicing their songs. In the evening, the choir entertained the capacity audience with beautiful harmonies and tight choreography. The thunderous applause was certainly well-deserved. The choir’s performance was exceptional, and Mrs Findlay was beaming from ear to ear.

A gentle reminder of the upcoming dates for Confirmation. There have been some changes so please disregard the original dates on your fridge magnet.

Commitment Masses either Saturday 25th October 6.00pm Mass or Sunday 26th October 9.30am Mass

Parent/child workshop - Thursday 30th October 6.00 - 7.30pm JSUCA

Reflection afternoon for students - Wednesday 12th November 1.30 - 3.00pm

Sacrament of Confirmation - Sunday 16th November 9.30am Mass HFC

Chris Palfrey - Liturgy and Sacramental Co-ordinator

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

Smith Thornton are inviting school leavers who are looking to take on a “Gap Year” opportunity in 2026 to send in their applications for consideration.

This opportunity is for a full-time, 12-month role as our Junior Office Assistant. Details about the role, employment conditions, and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer.

We’re excited to share some festive fun happening at Flourish Eclectic’s Inspire Studio in Albany this term and leading up to Christmas!

Our Term 4 Five-Week Festive Float Series invites children aged 6–12 to take part in creating a spectacular Christmas Float to be showcased in this year’s Albany Christmas Pageant. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to get hands-on, express their creativity, and proudly see their work come to life in our community celebration.

We’re also running a range of Festive Workshops for both children and adults — from crafting centrepieces and decorations to creative family sessions. Private group bookings and school class workshops are also available.

We have received valuable feedback from the community suggesting that a referral form would help connect parents and carers with the Saver Plus program more easily.

In response, we’re pleased to introduce a new Referral Form, designed to simplify the process of getting in touch with us. You’ll find the form attached.

This is a great opportunity to remind families about Saver Plus and the $500 they can receive to support their child’s education costs. The program not only provides matched savings but also equips eligible families with budgeting skills that help ensure children are prepared for school with the resources they need—contributing to long-term financial wellbeing.

As families move through different school stages, such as transitioning from Year 6 to high school, now is an ideal time for families with students in Year 5 to join Saver Plus and use the matched funds to help with upcoming education expenses for transition to year 7 in 2027.

Families can still enquire directly by calling our free number 1300 610 355, or by clicking the ‘Enquire Now’ button on The Smith Family website under the Saver Plus financial literacy program. A Savings Coach will then be in touch for a friendly chat.

Parenting Connection WA Term 4

Free workshops available for parents in Term 4.

New programs for Albany Youth Support Association.

Cancer Council WA invites you to a special screening of a new feature-length documentary, Conquering Skin Cancer, which aims to spotlight the importance of skin cancer prevention, early diagnosis, in addition to the incredible advances in skin cancer treatment.

Breaksea, a non-profit arts company, is seeking 100s of people to join in Albany's biggest line dance on Saturday 25 October, 3.30pm - 5.30pm.

This line dance will be filmed for a music video that will premiere at the City of Albany's New Years Eve 2025 event!

We are looking for community groups and individuals to join us in learning the dance via a short workshop with our dance team or you can teach yourself via our instructional video. Our dance team will also be teaching the line dance on the day of filming (and nothing has to be perfect - it's just about having fun!)

See information sheet with further details on what to wear, and what to expect on the day of filming.

To register as a group or individual please sign up at https://www.breaksea.org/breaksealinedancing.

If you would like to host a Line Dancing workshop for your school, club or workplace please email Jenna@breaksea.org

Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre will be hosting another FREE 4-Day Swim Teacher Course at the end of Term 4. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain a nationally recognised qualification in a vital industry.

Qualified swim teachers are in high demand across WA, and this course can open the door to rewarding part-time or casual work while studying, or to a long-term career in the aquatics sector.