Dear Lord,

We ask you to bless St Joseph's School Community.

We pray that you guide us to be just and to see,

listen, speak and act like St Joseph.

May we be inspired by our Founders to be the best
that we can be.

May we always keep Jesus at the centre of all we do.

St Emilie          Pray for us

St Marcellin      Pray for us

St Joseph         Pray for us 

And may we always remember to pray for one another.

AMEN

Dear Members of St Joseph's Community

As we come to the end of a long term, I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding for the events that we have had to postpone and reorganise throughout the term. 

Uniform Review 

Next term, we will begin a review process of our current school uniform. All families will be asked to complete a survey, students will be surveyed and a Committee will be formed to work through a very clear process. If you are interested in being part of a committee, then please email Marie Chomiak with your expression of interest and we will be in touch next term with a date for the first meeting. 

Family Movie Night 

Last Friday night, the P&F hosted a family movie night on the Secondary oval. It was lovely to be able to come together for a bit of fun on a balmy Spring evening. Thank you to all those parents who volunteered their time to ensure this event ran smoothly. 

NAIDOC Celebrations 

Despite the best efforts of Mother Nature to upset another event, our School managed a modified NAIDOC celebration last week. Students enjoyed the stories and dances of Daniel Gartlett and his family. Mrs Boyce cooked up some kangaroo sausages and patties for us to try and the Primary students enjoyed some arts and crafts. A huge thank you to Mrs Boyce for all of her hard work in organising the event. 

Primary Build 

We are finally able to see some wonderful progress with the building program. Concrete slabs have been laid, brick work has started and walls are going up. A lot will be happening over the holiday period so it will be exciting to come back and see the progress. 

Weekly Gospel Reflection

Please view the Gospel reflection for this week.

This week's clip has a focus on 'The Prodigal Son'

Year 6 Camino Cabagniol

On Wednesday 14 September, the Year 6's embarked on their leg of the 'Camino Cabagniol.' The Year 6 cohort officially kicked off their journey of the whole Pilgrimage and enjoyed receiving their Passports on the steps of Fermoy House.

The students enjoyed their 9km walk titled 'The Sister Jacqui Walk.' This involved learning the history of St Joseph's Convent, Fermoy House, the site of St Anthony's on Habgood Street and the last household of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition on Chidlow Street.

Our Year 6's arrived at Trimmer Rd full of pride and they look forward to embarking on the 'Leonard Trek' in Year 7.

Years 5 and 6: Game Changers Project

Our first Game Changers Projects task for 2022 completed today for select students from Year 5 and 6.

Game Changers Projects is a Marist Youth group that allows Year 5 and 6 students to complete a Social Justice Project over a 7 week Period. 'Projects' is a new initiative at St Joseph's and it allows Primary aged students the opportunity to serve in the wider community in a group situation.

This term's project has been focused on the aspect of us as 'Living Water' similar to the connection of living water in Marist Spirituality and the final task has been to provide soup for the last soup kitchen of the season at St Joseph's Care.

The Year 5 and 6's involved in 'Projects' would like to thank Mrs O'Driscoll for her incredible help and The St Joseph's Parish for the opportunity to serve.

Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Teacher

Parish Sacramental Program

The Parish Sacramental Program Coordinator, Mrs Kathy Pollard, wishes to advise families that the Parish is considering holding the Commitment Ceremony for each Sacrament prior to or at the first parent/student workshop.  If you have any queries regarding the Sacramental Program, please contact Kathy on 0429 685 632.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Term 4 will see Year 6 students, that are eligible, to undertake the Sacrament of Confirmation in November. If your child is catholic and you would like them to complete this sacrament please e-mail Kathy Pollard on kathy.pollard@cewa.edu.au to discuss and complete the necessary paperwork. 

Dear Families & Friends, 

Last week, our students’ sporting skills and sportsmanship were on display at the NSSA Athletics Carnival. Students from Years 1 to 6 competed in track and field events, such as long jump, javelin, individual races and relays. Our team won the Overall Shield by over 100 points and many of the students were also awarded individual medals.  Congratulations to all our athletes. 

Thank you to the team who represented our school so well and to Ms Frost for the energy and time put into preparing our students.  

Swimming Lessons 

During Term Four, students in Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 will be completing in-school swimming lessons at Northam Aquatic Centre. Lessons will be held across Weeks 5 and 6 with information regarding times and permission forms to be sent home to families at the beginning of term.  

Grandparent’s Day 

On Friday, 21 October we will be celebrating Grandparent’s Day on our Primary Campus. Students are asked to invite their grandparents along to a morning that will be filled with love, fun and laughter.  Our Year 1 students will lead us in a special Assembly starting at 9:00am.  Students across all year levels will then be invited to take their grandparents on a tour of the school and we will finish with a delicious morning tea. We look forward to seeing lots of grandparents experiencing the joy of our Primary campus.   

 

May you all have a wonderful September school holidays.  

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Class in Focus:  Year 1 Blue

In Year 1 Blue, we have been busy learning about managed, constructed and natural features. As part of this learning, we got to take a look at what a dam is and how they are constructed and managed. In small groups, we had lots of fun creating our own dams in the sandpit to identify the affects of a flood.

Hannah Hobbs
Year 1 Blue Teacher

Class in Focus:  Year 6 Gold

Wow, what a term! It’s been 'go, go, go' here in Year 6 Gold with not only a busy curriculum, but also what feels like one special event after another. We have enjoyed events like the Interhouse Carnival; Father’s Day cooking; NAIDOC Week celebrations; the Camino Walk and, of course, the Year 6 Camp!

In English, we sunk our teeth into the suspense narrative writing unit which was a crowd favourite here in 6 Gold. The students creative flair reared its head, and we had some terrifyingly good short stories that would send shivers down the bravest of spines. Watch out, Anthony Horowitz; there are some up and coming suspense authors over here!

In Mathematics, we dove deep into fractions. We learnt how to add and subtract fractions with the same denominators as well as how to convert fractions with related denominators. The students also designed their own fractions board game which they have brought to life throughout the term before taking them for a test run this week.

In Religion, we have been focusing on the Eucharist. With a link to sustainability, we have discussed the importance of working together to look after one another, as well as our planet. We also learnt what the Eucharist is, how Jesus is present in the Eucharist and how it strengthens us to go out and provide service for others.

This term we have integrated our Design & Technologies with Science and have been looking at renewable energy and electrical circuits. The students had lots of fun experimenting with how to make an electrical circuit using alfoil, batteries, a paper clip and a LED light, and are currently working on designing their own buzzer game!

It’s been a busy and exciting term and we are looking forward for some time to rest and recover over the holidays for what will surely be another busy term as the students finish off their primary school experience!

Sam Rodgers
Year 6 Gold Teacher

NSSA Athletics Carnival

The NSSA Athletics Carnival was held on Friday 16 September.  We were blessed with beautiful weather and our students were keen to participate.  Congratulations to all students who were selected to attend this year and represented our school with pride.  We were overall winning school and had many medal winners. 

Results are listed below.

CHAMPIONS AND RUNNERS UP

A special mention also goes to Jackson Byfield who broke the record for Year 3 Boys Turbo Javelin.

Once again, thank you to the parents who volunteered to help out on the field events in the morning and as place judges in the running and team events.  The carnival could not run without your help.

Carrie Frost
Primary Physical Education Coordinator

Sporting Schools

Thank you to everyone involved in our Term 3 Sporting School Soccer Sessions!

Thank you to the parents and students who continue to support us, to the coaches that helped me this term: Mr Natkanski, Mr Matthys and Mr Ewing.  We could not do it without all of you and thanks to the few sunny days, we finally managed to get our sessions in! 

Unfortunately, we were not successful in obtaining any funding to run sessions before or after school next term but we will be back next year!  Stay tuned! 

Ali Hince
Sporting Schools Coordinator

Head of Secondary

Term 3 has been an exciting but exhausting term.  From Camino Walks with Mr Reidy to help keep us grounded and in touch with our spirit and nature to dressing up as Heroes for Mental Health Week, it has been busy on the Secondary Campus.

Sadly, we have to say goodbye to the Year 12s on Friday. After 14 years of school, we sent them out into the world with our best wishes and love. While most of our Year 12s joined St Joseph’s in Year 7, the following four students have been with us from Kindergarten through to Year 12: 

                              Sandra Gustak 

                              Jack Howlett 

                              Tess Lawrence 

                              Don Nguyen 

In the last two weeks, we have taken Year 9s to TAFE, celebrated NAIDOC Day, Year 11s have been on camp to the Bibbulmun Track and the Year 12s have had a bit of fun in their last week.  

Last week, Mrs Caroline Marriot and I took some of our Year 9s to a Career Taster information session at Central Regional TAFE.  Here we learnt some of the jobs of a Ranger.  From how to find a chip on a lost dog to catching snakes, this job is not boring.

Unfortunately, due to heavy rains, Secondary students were unable to join the Primary Campus for the NAIDOC activities. Thank you to Mrs Noelene Boyce for organising the music, dancers and artifacts to come to Secondary at the end of the day on Tuesday and then for coming back to the Secondary Campus on Friday so we could try some delicious kangaroo burgers and sausages. 

Ms Adrienne Suckling, Mr Ryan Sinclair and Mrs Michelle O’Driscoll took our Year 11 Outdoor Education class on Camp along the Bibbulmun Track last week. While on camp they hiked, rode mountain bikes and abseiled while cooking and camping for themselves. I know they had a wonderful time. Thank you to our amazing staff for giving up their time and beds to make this possible. 

We have now completed Round Two of OLNA (Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment) and will have the results in Week 2, Term 4. The Year 9s who did not achieve Band 8 or higher in NAPLAN will be sitting OLNA in Weeks 3 and 4 in Term 4.  

This week, the Year 12s have had a bit of end of school fun. On Monday they had a shared lunch, Tuesday they left their school bags at home and brought their belongings to school in “Anything but a Bag”. They were very creative as you can see in the photo below. 

Wednesday was Footy Colours Day and the Year 12s played a range of sports against their teachers at lunchtime before walking to the Primary campus to play some tabloid sports with the students so they could say farewell to the Primary school.

Today saw the Year 12 Graduation Assembly at Church with parents in attendance. The Year 12s then changed and took the school bus for the last time to Zone Bowling and then Varsity for lunch to celebrate their last day. 

Term 4 will commence for students on Tuesday 11 October.

Have a wonderful and relaxing holiday.

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

Learning Area in Focus:  Year 7 HASS

Our Year 7 HASS class have been busy learning with their Ancient World topic. Their task was to create a model or a display for a museum. 

Students worked on their models over the past few weeks and have produced some amazing scenes and demonstration models.

Nicole Parker
Year 7 HASS Coordinator

Learning Area in Focus:  Science

Eadine Springs Biological Science Excursion

This term, Year 9 classes took part in an annual environmental field trip to Eadine Springs, near Clackline.  A site which was rehabilitated with the help of St Joseph’s School staff and pupils. This is an ongoing study, which our School has been conducting with various classes since 1995. The results of the survey contribute to an overall report of how well the rehabilitation of the site is going and the general condition of the ecosystem. Here is a view of the work carried out by one of our Year 9 students:

On Wednesday, 7 September, the Year 9 Science classes participated in the annual trip to Eadine Springs as part of their Environmental Science program. In the field, we conducted a series of ecological survey techniques we had learnt in class, which included quadrats and using a transect line. We also conducted soil and water samples and used digital probes to record and measure pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen in water.

This opportunity was very beneficial as we were able have a hands-on experience with field work and use the skills we had learnt in class. The field work also allowed us to have a greater understanding of the importance of such testing and how useful ecological surveys can be in assessing the environmental impact of human activities on such areas.
Jessica, Year 9 student.

The remaining lessons at the end of third term have focused on experiments which will assist in explaining the field work results, with soil and water analyses and plant and animal identification. The investigations will provide the additional information to compliment the digital data, images and discussions to write-up and submit our State of the Environment Report.

Thank you to the attending staff on the day; Mr Yengkopiong, Mrs Budas and Mr Gargano.  We look forward to reading your Eadine Springs reports, students.

Mark Bundock
Science Teacher

Learning Area in Focus:  Food Science

The Foods Area has been very busy over the last few terms preparing some amazing meals.

Year 7s have come in very excited to cook and are quickly developing their skills. They have so far completed a breakfast task and a 'design your own muffin' task.

Year 8s had Foods during First Semester producing some amazing dishes. They catered for their first function, the Mother's Day morning Tea and produced some impressive Easter inspired muffins. 

Year 9s are currently travelling around the world on a culinary journey studying International Foods. They have been trying some new and interesting ingredients and dishes they may have not tried before.

Year 10s began the year looking at Café Culture making Hot drinks and Menu items typically found in cafes. This culminated in a visit to Dome where they tried some commercial café food and experienced café ambiance. This week, the students had a go at pasta-making with some delicious results.

Year 11 Food Science & Technology Students have been very busy!

They recently catered for the Junior Primary Athletics Carnival and are now focused on catering for the Year 12 Graduation. Their baking skills were highlighted in the Big Bake Off Cake decorating competition earlier this year. They have been improving their skills all year and I am very impressed with how far they have come.

The Year 12 Food Science & Technology students had their last cooking class this week. They have covered topics such as Food in Society, Nutrition, Preservation, Hazard Analysis, Physical properties of Food, Commodities, Agriculture and many more.  I believe they have gathered some important skills and knowledge to prepare healthy nutritious meals throughout their adult lives.  Well done and good luck to our Year 12's!

Carol Farson
Food Technology Teacher

Learning Area in Focus:  Year 12 General English

The Year 12 General English students conducted an interview with Chris Antonio (Shire CEO) about the Avon River.  They were required to create a documentary about a local issue, and this group chose the health and uses of the Avon River. 

The students did an awesome job, asked some great questions and created a very well-planned and edited documentary. 

Thank you very much to Mr Antonio for giving up your time to help our students with their final English task! 

Annette Fox
English Teacher

Years 9 and 10 Term 3 Canoeing

During Term 3, students in Years 9 and 10 Outdoor Education have been canoeing on the Avon River.  Students have developed their basic skills in canoeing and their communication, teamwork and leadership skills while participating in a variety of short and long distance paddling activities.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Bibbulmun Track Camp

In Week 9, the Year 11 Outdoor Education students participated in a three-day camp along the Bibbulmun Track. On the first day, students hiked with everything they needed for the three days from Bibbulmun track Northern Terminus in Kalamunda to Mundaring Hills Discovery Centre.

The first challenge of the trip was realising how well (or not so well) they had packed their packs and trying to appreciate the many different wildflowers while hiking up steep hills that felt like they would never end. During the hike, students enjoyed a few showers in the rain and the scenic views that trail had to offer.

Once the students arrived at Perth Hills Discovery Centre, they participated in an abseiling activity with Sven and Zack from Space Chameleon where they learnt to how to set up the abseiling rigs for Friday. On the second day, students participated in Mountain biking with Rock N Roll Mountain Biking at Kalamunda Camel Farm. Students split into two groups and completed a variety of challenging tracks including downhill trails, rock climbing and the Munda Biddi. The final night saw the students hike another 3 km into Ball Creek Campsite where they set up camp, cooked meals in their Trangia’s and spent time reflecting on the experience so far. While packing up on the final day, the students were greeted by a fury friend who as willing to come nice and close to say 'hello'.

The final challenges for the students was at Mountain Quarry in Boya.  Students were met by Sven from Space Chameleon and their knowledge was put to the test, setting up their own abseiling rigs. Sven challenged the students to work together in their teams to successful set up 3 abseiling lines and within an hour and a half our first abseilers had descended down the 15m wall.  Mrs O’Driscoll finished the day off, being our quickest abseiler down the wall.

Well done to all the Year 11 students for stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourselves during this camp. Thank you to Mr Sinclair and Mrs O’Driscoll for your motivation, support and dedication to ensure camps like this run smoothly.

Sports Achievement Award Weeks 7 – 10

Congratulations to Jayden Oliver for his outstanding performance during the 2022 Avon Junior Football League season. Jayden was awarded the Chance Bateman Best & Fairest Medal voted by the umpires in the League. Congratulations to all the St Joseph’s students for their outstanding sporting achievements this term.

Adrienne Suckling
Head of Learning Area - Health & Physical Education

School Calendar

We advise the school community that the 2022 School Calendar on the website is still a work in progress.  In the meantime, a PDF version of the 2022 Term by Term calendar is available from the Class Information page and also attached to the newsletter. https://sjsnortham.schoolzineplus.com/calendar

There are many events planned for Term 4, and you are encouraged to check the calendar for upcoming events that may involve your family.

Andrea Woodgate

Parent Participation Scheme

Parent Participation Levy cards are now due to be handed in to the Business Manager as soon as practical.  These can be dropped into either Admin Office and Ms Quinn will arrange for the deduction of the Levy from your School Fees Account.

Sharon Quinn

Business Manager

Opening Times:                           Mondays -   3.15pm to 4.45pm       
                                                     Thursdays - 2.45pm to 4.15pm    

Please don't forget that students are required to wear their summer uniform at the commencement of Term 4.

Please note that the uniform shop will be open during the school holidays on Friday 7 October.

Please also keep in mind when ordering, that your items will go home Tuesday and Friday of each week, as Monday and Thursday are the days the Shop is open.  When placing an order via the Online Shop, it will appear on a report the following day.  For example; if you place your order on Monday, the report issues on Tuesday which means it will not be organised until Thursday, and will go home on Friday.

Michelle James 
Primary - 9621 3524

Canteen Support - Volunteers Required

The Primary Canteen will operate with the yummy new Summer Menu in Term 4 so please check the current menu before ordering. 

You are encouraged to order online.  If we experience connectivity issues with the online ordering, please revert to using lunch bags to place orders for that day. 

Recess or snack items ordered online are available for students to collect from the Canteen at their Recess break.  Milo pops and icypoles can be collected from the Canteen following the second lunch bell.  

Due to high demand on our quality food and service we need helpers to ensure that our kids get their lunches on time.   In order to function to our highest potential, we ideally need 2 or more  volunteers a day.  Volunteering is a great way to teach your kids about giving, modelling them for the future.  Also, every shift you do at our School helps you towards qualifying for a Parent Participation discount on your annual fees.  

We would love to welcome you into our fun, and busy environment and see the smiles on your children’s faces when they see you in their school.  If you are able help, please sign up online at the new sign up link https://signup.com/go/esPvGqK

Our Primary Canteen Helper Roster for the first two weeks of Term 4 is below.  Volunteers are urgently needed so please consider offering an hour or two one morning.   

Primary - Week 1  

Primary - Week 2

I look forward to working with you.  If you have any queries, you are always welcome to contact the Canteen on the number below.

Angela
Canteen - 9621 3525 

Parish Priest - Fr George James

Assistant Priest - Fr Konrad Gagatek

Mass Times ~ Saturday Vigil @ 5.30pm

                   ~ Sunday Mass @ 8.00am  

Presbytery Phone: 08 9622 5411
Email: northamcatholicchurch@iinet.net.au
Website:  www.northamchurch.com

Parish News ~ Children's Liturgy 
Children’s Liturgy sessions are held during the 8.00am Sunday Mass.

Canteen Assistance

A reminder about Canteen assistance - if parents have an hour to spare after dropping off their kids, or between 11.30am and 12.50pm, Angela would appreciate any help you can offer her.  The number of lunch orders coming in is the highest it's ever been, which means more food to get ready.  You can also have these volunteer hours marked off on your Parent Participation Card, which deducts $100.00 from your school fees.  Your kids will also love seeing their parents at School!

See our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764507137145087/?ref=share for more updates.

Lauren Holten
President

Junior Tennis Coaching

Enrolments now open for Junior Tennis Coaching Sessions which will take place at the Northam Country Club on Wood Drive each Wednesday afternoon beginning in early October 2022.  Lessons cater for all ability and ages from 4 to 18 years and are conducted in small groups with experienced coaches from Frontier Tennis, who travel from Perth each week.  Groups will be set up dependent on ability, ages, enrolment numbers, and coordinator and coach decisions.

Coaching groups will be finalised during the school holidays and notifications sent soon after.  Placement cannot be guaranteed if a session group is already at capacity at time of enrolling.  Enrolment forms are available via email:  karthur22@bigpond.com  and completed forms should be emailed back to karthur22@bigpond.com by Friday 23 September.

Little Athletics 'Come & Try' Day

Northam & Districts Little Athletics Centre is holding a 'Come & Try' day on Saturday 24 September between 10am–12pm at Jubilee Oval, Northam Recreation Centre.

The season starts in October.  Come along for some family fun and fitness.  All abilities are welcome.

Registrations are now open for the 2022/2023 season. Register online: https://registration.resultshq.com.au/CentreRegistration. Kidsport available.

For more information contact Stacy ndlac.northam@outlook.com or 0488 776 459.

Aussie Hoops

The Northam Basketball Association is running Aussie Hoops for 6 weeks in Term 4.  Commencing on 25 October through to 29 November, children in Pre Primary to Year 2 are welcome to join in with drills, skills and fun.  Sessions start at 3.30pm.  Registration is required : htps://www.playhq.com/basketball-wa/register/514612

October Holiday Activies Program - Shire of Northam

The Shire of Northam in conjunction with local community groups is hosting a wide range of holiday activities over the coming two-week break.  Please see the attached flyer for the full listing of activities as many require students to register their attendance.  Each activity also shows if it is free or there is a charge to attend. 

Rugby League Holiday Program

Play League Stars will be held Wednesday 28 September from 10am-12pm at Charlotte's Sports Pavilion, Ellenbrook.

Please register at https://www.playrugbyleague.com/league-stars/

Astrotourism WA ~ Spectacular Night Skies

Find more stargazing tips and country events at www.astrotourismwa.com.au.  If you’re a budding “astro-enthusiast”, check out… Stargazers Club WA’s telescope classes and astronomy events for beginners at: www.stargazersclubwa.com.au.

Northam Art Prize - A.V.A.S

The Avon Valley Arts Society are holding the '2022 Northam Art Prize'.  Entry form and poster below. The Youth Award is for artists aged 12 to 18 and there is no entry fee for the first entry.  There is a total prize pool for the Youth Award of $500 with $250 for 1st, $150 for 2nd and $100 for 3rd.