My Year 8 Religion students reflected on our Opening Mass when we had class afterwards, and they all fondly remembered a number of things. Eucharist, the priest's blessing us with holy water, the school flags, the singing, and Fr Marvin's homily when he unpacked a kite! We are all like a kite sitting on the ground, and the wind is the Holy Spirit which lifts us to great heights in our connection with self and others in our everyday lives. Fr Marvin also blessed the 2026 Prefects and their badges. Celebrating the sacrament of holy eucharist as one school, was such a wonderful start to the year. Thank you to all parents and friends who came along.

St Joseph - Pray for us.

Amen.

Whilst their time at the College is now behind them, I must acknowledge the outstanding results of last year's Year 12s. Our ATAR students did incredibly well, as reported by the media. Even against over 40 Catholic schools in WA, St Joseph's was a high achiever. In a nutshell, 84% of our ATAR students achieved ATAR scores above 70, 31% over 90, and 15% over 95. Our students have been offered university places in the areas of Medicine, Law, Agriculture, Business, Computer Science, Information Systems, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Environmental Science, Pharmacy, Dental Studies and Studies in Human Society. Such a diverse range, which truly reflects our community.

St Joseph's College was one of only 9 regional schools in our state to be recognised as a top performing school in the two courses - Religion & Life and English.

Well done to the class of 2025. I am so proud of you.

St Joseph - Pray for Us.

Amen.

Ms Rachael Keenan

Principal

The Saints Swimming Club is a college run swimming club developing swimming technique and fitness. The Junior Squad is made up of students from Years Four-Six (and Year Three in Term Two onwards of each year).  The Senior Squad comprises students from Year Seven-Twelve. Students in both squads must be able to swim 25m of breaststroke, freestyle and backstroke. Training commences for 2026 on Friday 13 February.

Both squads train during term on Monday and Friday from 3.30 – 4.30pm with training commencing on the first Friday of each term and finishing on the last Monday of each term. The club is coached by College PE staff Mr Paul O’Donnell and Mr Andreas Bouzinekis, Mr Andrew Ruck, Miss Kelley Grove, and parent, Mr Ben Kagi.

The Saints Swim club welcomes swimmers from Years 4-12 to try the swim club during Term One but the official swim season will commence in Term Two. All swimmers need to have completed Stage 7 swimming.

Swimmers joining or returning for 2026 will need to complete the swim club permission form available on the College website. Should you have any further queries about the club please speak to Mr Paul O'Donnell (Secondary) or Mr Andreas Bouzinekis (Junior).

Our Year One students have made a wonderful start to the school year! From day one, they arrived proudly wearing their uniforms, full of confidence and big smiles. The classrooms have been buzzing with curiosity and enthusiasm as students eagerly engage in learning, make new friends, and settle into school routines.

St Jerome Emiliani

Feast Day: February 8

Patron Saint of: Orphans and abandoned children

Prayer:

Saint Jerome, watch over all children who are abandoned or unloved. Give us the courage to show them God's love through our care. Help us to lose the chains that keep us from living the life God intended for us. Saint Jerome, pray for us!

Year 6 students kicked off their beach swimming lessons in perfect conditions, with a stunning 24 degree day welcoming them to the water. Clear skies and crystal-clear waters set the scene for an exciting and successful first session. Students showed great enthusiasm and confidence as they began their lessons, listening carefully to instructions and supporting one another in the water. Everyone got off to a fantastic start, making the most of the beautiful weather and ideal swimming conditions. It was a wonderful beginning to the program, and we look forward to seeing their skills and confidence continue to grow over the coming week.

Headspace Albany in Term 1

1. B.E.S.T. (for families with young people)
2. Wise Minds (for young people 12-15 years)
3. Delving into Neurodivergence (for neurodivergent young people 12-25 years - diagnosed or not)
4. Common Ground (for young men 16-25 years)

Grandparents raising their Grand children group we run monthly in Albany. We meet for morning tea at the local CWA branch. The group is to provide connection, support and share information. This month we have guest speaker from Anglicare Financial Counselling.

WA Museum Great Southerns 200 Years ... 200 Words Writing Competition.

Awesome prizes including your work being published, have it aired on local radio and be included in an anthology plus prizes from sponsors Paperbark Merchants.

SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE, IT’S TIME TO ENROL!

Southern Edge Arts has now released our Term 1 workshops for Albany and Denmark. We also have a special program running for students to enrol in our Kaarla Wirren workshops and be a part of our Kaarla Wirren performance. 

Careers Expo 2026 | Education Training and Employment

Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May 2026

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Click here for more information

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a free, government-funded financial literacy and savings program for individuals and families on lower incomes.

It helps participants strengthen their financial confidence, develop long-lasting savings habits, and reduce the pressure of school-related expenses.

Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 65,000 Australians, helping families build financial skills that set them up for long-term success.

Who is eligible?

Participants need to:

1. Have not completed Saver Plus before
2. Have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
3. Receive an eligible Centrelink payment*
4. Be studying themselves or have a child in school (including children starting next year)
5. Have regular income from work (themselves or their partner), including Carer Payment, Child Support, or cash-in-hand work
6. Be 18+ years old
7. Take part in free online Money Minded workshops

How your school can support families

I’ve attached flyers you can include in your school newsletter or send directly to families.

We also have new social media images available if you’d like to share them on your school’s platforms.

We would like to inform students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine that spots for The Future Doctors Australia 2026 program are filling up

The Future Doctors Australia program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students aged 14-18 who are passionate about a future in medicine. On the 16-19 July 2026 in Perth (Innaloo) over the course of 4 days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions led by experienced medical specialists, take part in practical learning activities, and gain valuable insights into the medical admissions process. This program is designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their path to a medical career.

Don’t miss this chance to help your students gain firsthand knowledge and mentorship from medical professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare.

Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company

presents SCHOOL OF ROCK

Albany Port Theatre

“Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme, you better get me to school on time!'

Featuring a cast of over 30 talented local performers and musicians, Albany Light Opera Theatre Company (ALOTCo) presents School of Rock - a high-energy, feel-good production for audiences of all ages. (Contains mild adult themes.)

Based on the hit 2003 Paramount film, School of Rock is a two-act musical (with intermission) that follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he discovers a classroom of straight-A students with serious musical talent - and transforms them into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can they make it to the Battle of the Bands without being caught by their parents or the school’s uptight headmistress?

With new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book by Julian Fellowes, and lyrics by Glenn Slater, the musical features 14 original songs by Webber alongside iconic tracks from the film. Show-stopping numbers like ‘You’re in the Band’ and ‘Stick It to the Man’ have become modern rock-musical favourites, while the electrifying finale, ‘Teacher’s Pet’, has audiences on their feet.

Complete with a sensational live kids’ rock band, School of Rock is a joyful celebration of music, confidence, and the power of teamwork.

Director & Choreographer: Lachy McLean

Musical Director: Kathryn MacNeil

Starring a talented local cast and musicians in every live performance!

Don’t miss the ‘next generation’ as ALOTCo rocks the stage!

Follow our pages for updates: www.facebook.com/AlbanyLightOperaTheatreCompany/ or www.alotco.com.au

Tickets: Child / Concession / Student: $35

General Admission: $40

Companion Card holders welcome.

Row Seating - 4 weekends only

May 2026

Friday 1st 7:00pm, Saturday 2nd 7:00pm, Sunday 3rd 2:00pm

Friday 8th 7:00pm, Saturday 9th 7:00pm, Sunday 10th 2:00pm

Friday 15th 7:00pm, Saturday 16th 7:00pm, Sunday 17th 2:00pm

Friday 22nd 7:00pm, Saturday 23rd 7:00pm, Sunday 24th 2:00pm

Summer Fun with 'Lets Go Surfing' mornings for All-Abilities.

14th February Valentine Day Theme - Pink or Hearts

Dates are 14th Feb, 28th March & 18th April

Any age or experience can help.

Please find attached some info for the students and parents regarding TransAlbany Bus Travel for 2026.

Calling all creative young people of Albany!

Breaksea is thrilled to announce that Breaksea Youth Ensemble will return in 2026 with two dynamic performance streams: Vocal and Dance.

Meeting weekly during term time, this vibrant ensemble will be fully integrated into Breaksea’s upcoming productions, giving participants the chance to build skills, confidence and friendships while creating bold, professional work. Supported by Healthway, young performers will develop singing, dance and performance skills through inspiring workshops and real performance opportunities.

Across Terms 1, 2 and 3, the ensemble will collaborate with local and visiting professional artists to rehearse and perform in a music video for a brand-new commission by electro/pop duo Flood The Moon. In the second half of Term 3 and throughout Term 4, participants will take the stage in Breaksea & West Australian Opera’s The Song Catchers, premiering at Albany Entertainment Centre on 23 & 24 October 2026 — an unforgettable performance experience. At its heart, this program nurtures self-love, connection, bravery and empowerment, grounded in evidence-based research through the Sew-Arts Framework. It’s about young people finding their voice, their confidence, and their place in a creative community.

Early bird registrations close 31 January — places are limited, so book your spot today!

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT FORM

Weekly sessions on Sunday mornings from 9am or 10am for 8 weeks during the school term. Focused on games-based learning and on course play. (Feb 8th start)

Click here for more info Golf.com.au

I’m getting in touch on behalf of the organising team for Walk for Jacob 2026, a community event raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charity. This family-friendly event is being held in honour of Albany local Jacob Wills who lost his battle with High-Risk Neuroblastoma in June 2023. Jacob would have been part of the current 2026 Year 9 cohort, and I believe that there are students at all of your schools that went to Albany Primary School with Jacob.

We would be very grateful if your school could help promote this event to your families through your newsletter, communication apps, or social media.

The Walk for Jacob brings together families, students, and local community groups in a colourful, positive event that aims to celebrate Jacob’s memory while supporting other families in need.

Event Details:

Walk for Jacob 2026

When: Saturday 21st February 2026 from 10am

Where: Middleton Beach to Emu Point (return) – 8km, but participants are encouraged to choose their own distance

Other details: Wear bright colours, then enjoy a sausage sizzle on the grass at the finish line to celebrate your achievement.

Registration: TryBooking – https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1517879

More information: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SFeWcbhVr/

We have just received word that Bayview Dr will remain closed for at least another two or three weeks.

Please see below and linked information about Academic Group Term 1 – Tuition for Years 7 - 12 and Master Classes for Years 10, 11 and 12.

Term 1 - Academic Task Force - Tuition for Years 7 - 12

Term 1 - Academic Associates - Master Class for Years 10 - 12

Enrol online: www.academicgroup.com.au | Phone: 08 9314 9500