And just like that, our Year 12s have enjoyed their final day at St Joseph's College!

The day began with our Year 12s recognising World Teacher's Day, handing out cupcakes to staff as a small gesture of thanks for their support throughout the years. The celebrations continued with a friendly game against staff, providing plenty of fun, laughter and a little friendly competition to finish their final day.

It was a memorable way for the Year 12s to bring their school days to a close, surrounded by the friends and teachers who have been part of their journey.

The Year 12 celebrations continued today with 'Throwback Thursday!' Students took a trip down memory lane, dressing as their younger selves and recreating some much-loved childhood looks. There were plenty of laughs as we continue to celebrate the final days of school for our Year 12s!

The Year 12 celebrations continued today with 'Aussie Icons' day. Students embraced the theme with plenty of creativity - Bananas in Pyjamas, Bondi lifesavers, Kath and Kim and other Aussie favourites making an appearance around the College.

Our Year 12s also wrapped up their weekly Year 7 Mentoring Programme, finishing their final Wednesday session with a fun Kahoot. It was a fitting way to celebrate the connections they have built with our Year 7 students throughout the year.

With only two more days remaining, we look forward to sharing more special memories as their time at the College comes to a close!

The final days of school are always a special time for our Year 12 students as they reflect on their journey and enjoy some memorable moments together. Last week, the Year 12s took park in their Final Secondary Assembly, where our Prefects delivered their final Portfolio reports and shared some words of advice with the younger year groups. To conclude the assembly, our Year 7 students formed a guard of honour, providing a fitting farewell as the Year 12s exited the gym.

The celebrations continued today with 'Anything but a pencil case', which saw plenty of creativity and laughter as students found some very inventive ways to carry their stationery!

Stay tuned for more updates as our Year 12s make the most of their final days of school and celebrate this very special milestone together!

The Year 7-12 student body took to the track on Tuesday for the eagerly anticipated Middle and Senior school athletics carnival. The Year 7-10 students have been working on their athletics skills over several weeks in PE lessons in preparation for the event. The carnival day saw the students participate in a variety of athletic events as well as some fun team games in their house groups. The tug-o-war held in the rain at the end of the day was a highlight with some of the closest match ups seen for a long time.

Congratulations to all participating student athletes and helpers for their efforts on the day. Whilst the final overall results saw fairly comprehensive wins to Cunningham in both carnivals, that didn't stop some outstanding achievements by individuals and teams.

Congratulations also to the Year 12 group for their efforts in getting into the spirit of the event with some great novelty dress up ideas.

The final Middle school results:

1st Cunningham 2639 points

2nd McCormack 2185 points

3rd Devialar 1921 points

4th Ozanam 1515 points

The final Senior school results

1st Cunningham 1650 points

2nd McCormack 1412 points

3rd Ozanam 1083 points

4th Devialar 1078 points

Congratulations to the following students for their individual achievement on the day.

Year 7 girls runner up champion Freya O

Year 7 girls champion Indi B

Year 7 boys runner up champion Benji D

Year 7 boys champion Mason B

Year 8 girls runner up champion Suri H

Year 8 girls champion Sarayah P

Year 8 boys runner up champion Tanner R

Year 8 boys champion Nathan N

Year 9 girls runner up champion Faith D

Year 9 girls champion Shesca L

Year 9 boys runner up champion Aaron G

Year 9 boys champion Josh M

Year 10 girls runner up champion Anima O

Year 10 girls champion Jonte L

Year 10 boys runner up champion Andre D

Year 10 boys champion Mason B

Year 11/12 girls runner up champion Taylor W

Year 11/12 girls champion Ella T

Year 11/12 boys runner up champion Xavier L

Year 11/12 boys champion Reef P

Saint Pope Paul VI

Feast Day:  September 26

Patron of: Milan

Life:

Giovanni Montini was born in 1897 in Northern Italy and became a Priest at 23 continuing his studies in literature, philosophy and Church law. in 1954, Fr Montini was named Archbishop of Milan, where he worked hard to help the working class after the destruction of World War II. In 1958, he was named a Cardinal by Pope John XXIII and was elected Pope in 1963 after the Pope's death, seeing out the Second Vatican Council and taking on the name of Paul. As Pope, he travelled to many countries before his death in 1978. In 2018, Pope Francis officially made him a Saint of the Church.

Prayer:

Saint Paul, through your example of unrelenting love for the poor and work for world peace, you give us great hope. Grant us your strength to uphold the dignity of human life everywhere; to work for the reconciliation of nations and to learn to love as you did, with courage. Amen. Saint Paul VI, pray for us.

VET (Vocational Education and Training) continues to play an important role at the College with ALL students completing or beginning a certificate course in year 10 (nationally accredited). As students transition into year 11 we are fortunate to be able to offer a number of alternative pathways to ATAR including;

1. 9 x Certificate courses at the College
2. 22 x VETdSS (Vocational Education delivered to Secondary Students) courses at SRTAFE
3. 10 x School Based Traineeship options in partnership with ATC Albany
4. ADWPL (Authority Developed Workplace Learning) Opportunities at various Businesses across Albany.
5. Certificate II in Light Automotive (VETdSS) in partnership with ITWS (Industry Training and Workplace Services)

and we are excited with a new qualification in 2027;

1. Certificate II in Animal Care (VETdSS) in partnership with AVT (Applied Vocational Training)

We have seen a record number of students apply for certificate courses at SRTAFE in 2027 this year and students should be receiving offers in the coming days and weeks as SRTAFE works their way through the applicants.

In 2026 we have had a number of positive outcomes including;

1. Simone completing her SBT (Certificate II in Hospitality) at Handasyde's Albany. Thank you to Lynn and her team for all of their assistance.
2. Cobi and Isaac accumulating a number of ADWPL hours at the Wildlife Park. Thankyou to Travis and his team for all of their efforts.
3. Quinn receiving an apprenticeship in Automotive Servicing at De Jonge mechanics.
4. Gianni, Jethro S and Jethro L receiving apprenticeships in Building and Construction at various builders around town.
5. Sports Coaching Certificate completing their provide First Aid Certificates

If any parents have any questions / queries regarding VET, please contact me at the College.

Andrew.ruck@cewa.edu.au

Andrew Ruck

VET Co-ordinater

St Joseph's College

The Secondary School Choir travelled to Perth on September 2^nd to perform at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival (CPAF). The trip also included three one-hour concerts for schools and the wider community.

The first concert was for the students at St Bernard's Primary School, Kojonup, where we entertained a very enthusiastic audience. After a complimentary morning tea of savoury rolls and scones with jam and cream, we boarded the bus and headed to Perth – singing all the way!

At Ursula Frayne Catholic College, we set up our beds, ironed our formal uniforms, shared Red Rooster roast and headed to Trinity College to watch twelve secondary school choirs perform.

On Wednesday morning, we were treated to a yummy breakfast in the Ursula Frayne Café. After a rehearsal in the school’s chapel, we headed to Notre Dame Primary School. Our performance captivated the 600 students. We were treated to a Subway lunch and home-made rocky road in the staffroom.

Our afternoon performance was at Swan Care Bentley - a large retirement village. After another outstanding performance, we chatted with the residents over afternoon tea.

Then it was back to Ursula Frayne for showers, and pizza before travelling to Trinity College for our Festival Performance. Despite a tie and a shoe malfunction just minutes before our performance, the choir entered the stage with confidence and sang beautifully before the adjudicator and several hundred people. The standing ovation from some audience members gave us wings as we exited the stage.

Friday morning saw us in the Ursula Frayne Café again for another spectacular breakfast before we boarded the bus for Albany.

After every performance, the choir was urged “Please, come and perform for us again”

Our trip in a nutshell: sing – eat – sing – eat – sing – eat – sing – eat – sleep! What's not to love about Choir!

Cleaner Part Time and Casual

Monday to Friday

Hours:

School term time 3pm – 7pm

School Holidays: Hours can be negotiated

Commencing ASAP

Martin Road Albany WA 6330 * Phone: (08) 9844 0222

Please direct all applications to: admin@sjc.wa.edu.au.

The Cleaner, under the general supervision of the Cleaner in Charge, is responsible for a range of internal and external cleaning duties. This includes maintaining carpets and hard floor surfaces, cleaning toilets, furniture, fittings, and windows, as well as handling tasks like dusting and rubbish removal. Cleaners are also responsible for reporting faults, maintenance issues, and incidents to the designated supervisor.

The successful applicant will ideally have good attention to detail and will be able to work well with others to ensure a clean and safe school environment. In-addition, the successful applicant will ideally be able to work well both individually and as part of a team and have excellent knowledge of cleaning equipment and safe cleaning procedures, methods and practices.

Renowned author John Dowson recently launched Early Albany, a landmark publication commissioned to mark Albany's bicentenary.

Commissioned by the City of Albany to mark the occasion is the highly anticipated new publication by renowned author John Dowson. Marking Western Australia’s first bicentenary, this important work will captivate readers through its rich storytelling, meticulous research and remarkable historical insights. Exploring Albany’s early years and enduring legacy, Early Albany offers a compelling tribute to the city’s heritage and will offer readers a historical pictorial journey.

Early Albany is available locally through Paperbark Merchants. Your standard school discount applies to the RRP of $75. Please order direct to secure copies of this important book for your school library from orders@paperbarks.com.au or 08 9842 8044.

About John Dowson:

John Dowson’s previous work, Old Albany: Photographs 1850–1950, remains a landmark in preserving Albany’s heritage. Published in 2008 by the National Trust of Western Australia, this limited-edition hardcover featured over 250 original photographs, many previously unpublished, capturing Albany’s early days in remarkable detail.

Building on this success, Dowson’s new publication commemorates the 2026 Bicentenary. This book explores Albany’s rich history more deeply, encompassing early settlement, maritime significance, heritage, and local culture. It offers readers a historical pictorial journey through two centuries of Albany’s story.

Cataloguing information

Collation: 208 p. : ill. (some col.), facsims., maps, ports ; 25 x 31 cm

ISBN: 9780975127773

Dewey class: 994.12

St Jospeh's College P&F Summary of General Meeting

P&F Father's Day Stall & Raffle Run down!!!!

Thank you to SJC for putting on a wonderful breakfast for our Father's, Father figures and children - the car park has never seen so many tradie vehicles & there were smiles all round eating bacon & egg burgers!!

Thank you to Vicky, Angela, Camilla, Jamee-Lee, Danielle, Rebecca, Ebony & our Yr 5 helpers for making our Stall & Raffle happen. For these events to keep happening though, we need more parents to put their hands up to help, so if you can next time, please lend a hand.

Thank you to our wonderful Raffle Prize donators for enabling our awesome raffle to happen!! AFGRI Chainsaw & John Deer Packs (Max Kerkmans), T & C supplies Voucher (Aldo & Amanda DeGiambattista), BBQ Pack from Wauters (Vicky & Brett Joynes), Trailblazers Voucher (Graham, Melissa Savage) & Priceline Dog Rock Shaving packs (Amanda Owens)

Although donations from our families were down this year, thank you to those of you who provided some gifts or baked some lovely goodies to eat, it is much appreciated.

Thank you to your wonderful children for being so excited, polite and eager to buy a little something for their Dad or Father figure - it really is the best feeling watching them pick something out.

Congratulations to our Raffle Prize Winners.

We raised $2,443.20 which will go towards our new playgrounds!! Woop woop!

Try Something New These School Holidays: 'Have a Go' Workshops!

Looking for fun, active, and creative activities for your kids this school break? Southern Edge Arts is running exciting Circus and Aerials "Have a Go" workshops on Wednesday, 30th September!

Whether your child wants to try acrobatic flips, mini trampoline, or soar on the aerial silks and trapeze, these high-energy sessions are a great way to build confidence, learn new skills, and make friends. Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Places are limited - check out the attached flyer or head to southernedge.org.au for session times, pricing, and registration details.

Discover Creative & Active Fun with Southern Edge Arts This Term!

Looking for engaging after-school activities for your kids, teens, or even yourself? Southern Edge Arts offers a wide range of weekly workshops designed to build confidence, skill, and creativity in a safe, supportive environment.

1. Circus & Street Acro: From beginner skills for ages 5+ to advanced tumbling, parkour, and mini-tramp.
2. Aerials: Learn techniques on silks, trapeze, lyra, and rope.
3. Theatre: Explore acting, improvisation, and stagecraft for all experience levels.
4. Adult Classes: Beginner to intermediate aerials and open training sessions—because it's never too late to join the circus!

Term 4 starts Monday, 12 October. Check out the attached flyer for full details on classes, times, and venue information, or head to southernedge.org.au to enrol today!

Kadadjiny Cup, a 3x3 basketball competition taking place on Saturday 10 October at ALAC.

The event is being delivered by Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation, with support from the City of Albany, and is a free community event designed to bring together young people, families and the wider Great Southern community. Alongside the basketball competition, there will be a kids’ play area, local community and agency stalls, a free sausage sizzle, and presentations and prizes following the competition.

Event details:

Saturday 10 October

9:30am–approximately 4pm, with presentations and prizes afterwards

Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre

Free to register

Team registrations are essential: Register here

Saver Plus is a free financial education and matched savings program that helps eligible parents and carers build their financial confidence while saving for education-related expenses. Participants who complete the program can receive up to $500 in matched savings to help cover costs such as uniforms, stationery, technology, books, camps, excursions, and other school-related needs.

While the matched savings are valuable, many participants tell us the greatest benefit is gaining practical skills and confidence to better manage their money and work towards future goals.

How families can get started.

Families can check their eligibility and submit an enquiry online via:

Saver Plus – Join Australia's longest running financial education and matched savings program

Alternatively, they can call 1300 610 355 to speak with a Saver Plus Coordinator.

Looking for something fun to do these school holidays? Come along to our FREE Family Fun Day at the Bornholm Hall located on Lower Denmark road halfway between Albany & Denmark .

Fun for the whole family with Jamie the Clown, Bunnings activities, Lockyer Child & Parent Centre, face painting, coffee van, CWA cake stall and MORE!

Friday, 2 October the first week of the school holidays | 10am–2pm

The Bornholm Volunteer fire brigade will also be opening their shed and holding fire safety education activities .

Please consider carpooling with family and friends to limit our carbon footprint and help parking congestion.

During the school holidays the Albany Town Hall Auditorium will host a ticketed audiovisual art-science project, Numen.

An immersive multimedia song cycle exploring the origins, climate and landscapes of the Great Southern region and Albany in Western Australia.

Suitable for a family visit- under 14s must attend with a parent or guardian.

For tickets, see the PDF attached and this link https://albany-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/numen

Cricket Registrations

Multicultural Day 2026

We run the female cricket programs here in Albany & surrounds & have a free another girl's cricket program coming up.

The October school holidays will be packed with amazing activities for all ages.

Please be informed that Spencer Park Dental Therapy Centre will be operating only on Monday and Friday from 07th September to 25th September 2026.

In term 4 - Monday and Friday from 12 October - 13th November 2026.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - from 16th November - 18 December 2026.

For emergency during weekday from 8am - 4pm (Tuesday-Thursday), please contact Yakamia DTC on 9841 3498.

Presentation Night 2026