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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
Congratulations to our 15 Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last Sunday. It was a wonderful occasion and we were lucky enough to have Bishop Sproxton celebrating the Mass. Thank you to Mr Watson, Mrs Rogers and Mrs Pollard for their efforts n preparing the students.
A big thank you to our to Mr Natkanski's Year 3 Gold class who entertained us at this morning's assembly and a big congratulations to all our award winners. Well done!
Primary Building Progress
The Primary build is taking shape quickly and we are excited that the senior toilets will be ready for use before the end of the school year. We will also be able to use the PAC in time for the Year 6 final assembly. To see the current progress photos, please click the link below:
Secondary Orientation Night
The Information evening for all 2023 Year 7 students as well as any others new to the school will be taking place on Wednesday 9 November. A presentation will be given and then the campus will be open for a tour with lots of activities happening in the classrooms. All are welcome.
Congratulations to Kale Treloar who was successful in earning a bronze medal in the U15 boys 400m at the WA All Schools Athletics Championships this weekend. He also competed in the 100m & 200m, achieving a PB in both and qualified for the 200m final coming in 8th place.
Annual Community Meetings
Parents and friends of St Joseph’s School are invited to attend our Annual Community Meetings on Wednesday 16 November at 2:00pm in the PAC on the Primary campus. The P&F will present their ACM reports at 2:00pm, followed by the School Advisory Council (Board) ACM reports at 2:30. Both the P&F and School Advisory Council (SAC) have vacant position on their committees and welcome any nominations from the community to fill them.
If you wish to nominate for the SAC please email andrea.woodgate@cewa.edu.au and if you wish to nominate for a P&F position please email lauren.holten@cewa.edu.au
We welcome all families to attend to hear first hand about the school this year, its financial position and the goals moving forward.
2023 Planning
We are now planning for the 2023 school year and as we do this, we take into account our class size numbers when allocating staff to subjects and classes. This is also the time when we would like to let those on our waiting lists know whether they are likely to have a place for the following year.
If you are planning to withdraw your child at the end of this year and place them into another school, we ask that you complete the attached form so that we can factor these students into our planning. If your child is staying at St Joseph's School then you DO NOT need to complete the form.
It is a requirement that you let the School know, in writing, that you will be withdrawing your child. By completing this form, you will not need to send another form of notification - 2023 Destination Form.
Dates for your diary
Week 5:
07 November - Year 11 Examinations commence
07 November - PP, Year 1, 2 and 6 Swimming Lessons
08 November - Year 1 Scitech Excursion
09 November - Year 9 'Career Taster' at Murdoch Uni
09 November - Year 7 Orientation Night & Open Evening
10 November - Year 5 Camp (overnight)
11 November - Secondary Interschool Competition
Week 6:
14 November - PP, Year 1, 2 and 6 Swimming Lessons continue
14 November - Year 4 Scitech Excursion
14 November - 2023 Canberra Trip Parent & Student Information Meeting 6.00pm
15 November - Secondary Tennis Competition
16 November - School Community Meeting and P&F AGM
17 November - Yr 9 &10 Art Gallery Excursion
18 November - Years 12 ATAR exams conclude
18 November - Year 11 MaJEC Day
18 November - Yr 5 Excursion
18 November - Secondary Netball Competition
God Bless
Andrea Woodgate
Principal
Weekly Gospel Reflection
Please view the latest Gospel reflection.
This week's clip has a focus on "Holy Spirit".
Year 6 Confirmation Retreat
On Wednesday 26 October the Year 6 cohort had the opportunity to experience their Confirmation Retreat with 24/7 Ministries. Students immersed themselves in a series of games, skits, short video clips and activities that stressed the importance of the way the Holy Spirit works in our lives with the gifts we are provided. The team also made links with elements of community and the connections of our various relationships.
The Year 6's had a great day and are very thankful to Anthony, Georgia, Angela, Jesse and Claire for facilitating the Retreat.
All Souls Days Cemetery Visit
Year 10 Camino
We thank the staff, support vehicle volunteers; Campbell and Jaidev (Year 12) and Br Joe Hughes for helping facilitate the day.
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.
Dear Families & Friends,
Thank you to all of the Grandparents who attended our Grandparent’s Day Celebration on Friday, 21 October. We received some beautiful feedback from people who attended, and it was lovely to be able to open our school to the wider community. Thank you to the Year 1 students & staff for such a special assembly and to everyone who helped to make the day such a success.
Just a couple of reminders to families about before and after school drop off:
- The ACROD Parking Bays located in our school carpark are for those with ACROD permits. We appreciate that parking is limited, but please do not park in these bays unless you have a permit.
- Before school, students from Kindy – Year 6 are required to wait outside their classrooms until the door opens. Playgrounds are out of bounds before school, this includes the Kindy/Pre-Primary Playground. Children are also not permitted to play on playgrounds during assemblies.
SJS Market Garden
Across the year we have had a dedicated group of Year 6 boys, nurture and maintain our Veggie Gardens. Earlier in the term, they held our first SJS Market Garden and made approximately $80. Yesterday, I took these boys to Bunnings where they were able to purchase some new tools and a Summer crop. Thank you to Monty, Elliot, Rhys, Cam & Jack for all of their hard work.
Swimming Lessons
Students from Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 will complete 2 weeks of swimming lessons beginning Monday, 7 Nov. Families are reminded to please return your swimming forms as soon as possible.
Year 5 Camp
On Thursday, 10 November, our Year 5 students will be participating in their first Primary School Camp. The purpose of the camp is to provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their leadership capabilities in preparation for Year 6, and to have a short camp experience close to Northam. We wish these students a wonderful camp experience.
May you all have a lovely weekend.
Michelle Christian
Head of Primary
Science Talent Search
Students from the Primary da Vinci group recently entered the Science Talent Search conducted by the Science Teachers Association of Western Australia (STAWA).
The aim of the Talent Search is to promote science learning throughout WA through creative project work. Our students entered the Science Investigation category where they had to design and conduct a scientific investigation into an original question of their own choosing.
All our entrants put many hours of hard work into their projects, and they are to be congratulated on their efforts.
Seth Oldfield (Year 5 Blue) investigated “Can Molasses Dissolve Rust?”, Oliver Clarke (Year 6 Gold) conducted his research on the effectiveness of weed control “Fast Chemicals” and Noel Matthew (Year 6 Gold) surveyed other students in Year 6 to evaluate their levels of stress “Stress in Year 6”
One student in particular, Liam Ryall (Year 4 Blue) impressed the judging panel with his work on identifying the optimal conditions for Avocado seeds to germinate in his research called “The Avocado Growing Method.”
Liam and his family were invited to Scitech to be present at the annual awards presentation ceremony. He was a prize winner in the Middle Primary (Years 3-4) category. The quality of his work was further acknowledged when the judges selected Liam as the runner up in the STAWA Young Scientist of the Year in the Primary School Section.
Liam’s smile continued to grow when he discovered that his prize for the Middle Primary category was $50 and that his reward for being runner up in the STAWA Young Scientist category was a further $250.
Congratulations Liam on your well-deserved award – a fantastic achievement
Mr Ken James
Primary Mathematics Specialist
Gifted and Talented Coordinator (Primary)
Class in Focus: Kindy Blue
At the start of this term the Kindy Team took the opportunity when the fine weather presented itself to take both classes down to the big playground for some exploratory sand and water play adventures. The children had a ball and there were a chorus of “this is the best day ever” from many. It gave the children the chance to play and catch up outside of our Kindy area and with their friends in both classes.
This term in Kindy Blue we have been learning about the Nativity – the true story of Christmas and the reason for the season ahead. The birth of Jesus and the story of Mary and Joseph’s Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem has been explicitly taught and role played to the children through visual learning, stories and captured with actions in Talk for Writing. We have made our own Nativity collage, stars, mangers, and angels and learnt both Christmas songs and carols.
We look forward to the showcase for our parents and families when we celebrate together at the end of year Christmas Concert.
Mary Clark
Kindy Blue Teacher
Head of Secondary
The Year 9 Students had a wonderful morning at Central Regional TAFE, where they were able to explore all areas and careers offered in Vocational Education. Along with the automotive and manual technologies, we were given the chance to ask many questions of staff and current students onsite in small group tours. We were also given the opportunity to see if we had the fitness level to become a police officer or the skills to be a nurse or horticulturist. Year 9s were then invited to lunch with a sausage sizzle and delicious cupcakes.
On the Friday night, 21 October, we said goodbye to our 2022 Year 12s at Mass and then a Supper provided by Mrs Carol Farson and her brilliant Food Technology students. It was lovely to see such a wonderful turnout of family and be able to thank our parents who have seen these incredible young men and women through their schooling. Of course, the students got to eat their face on the graduation cake. Thank you to the staff who worked to make this evening possible.
Good luck and a sad farewell to the Class of 2022.
Our Secondary Student Leaders got the chance to relax and have some fun at Adventure World on Monday last week. Thank you to Mr Daniel Vernede for organising such a fun-packed day.
Last Friday was World Teacher Appreciation Day. I would like to thank the Parents & Friends Committee who arranged the delicious cookies that were placed in our pigeonholes. It was very thoughtful of you. I would also like to thank the incredible support staff we have at St Joseph’s who make the day to day running of the school possible. Thank you to our Education Assistants, IT Guru’s, Cleaner’s, Groundsmen and especially our wonderful Administration Staff.
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary
International Chemistry Quizz
Congratulations to Zackary Bowles (Year 10) and Leah Morrell (Year 9), who received a Distinction certificate in the International Chemistry Quiz. A Distinction certificate is awarded to students who are in the top 20% of Australia. This is an outstanding result for our students.
The International Chemistry Quiz is an annual academic competition organised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and supported by Queensland University of Technology. The event involved around half a million secondary students across 16 countries. Well done once again to our Distinction certificate recipients.
Mark Gargano
Year 7 - 12 Teaching and Learning Coordinator
Yr 10 Science Excursion Gravity Discovery Centre
In Week 3 the Year 10’s took a trip to The Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin. The 45m tall Leaning Tower of Gingin was well worth the trip alone! Students put on their brave-faces as they climbed to the top and launched water balloons down to study gravity. Did you know that all objects (big or small) will accelerate towards the earth at 9.81ms-2?
We were then shown a giant pendulum and a daring experiment. If you let go of a pendulum it won’t swing back to hit you because of the loss of energy between the swings (although it will get very close to your face).
Later on our brains got a workout with a mathematics session on calculating the Mass of the Earth! (hint: it’s very very big with a lot of zeros… 5.972 × 1024 kg!)
We were then left to a bit of exploring by ourselves. The students gravitated towards a giant slinky that would simulate longitudinal and transverse waves, and also to a G-force simulator that spun them around at high speeds. I am proud to say all students were able to hold down their lunch so we may have some future astronauts on our hands.
We finished off the day in the Cosmology Gallery. It was a large three-storey dome where we could walk through and learn all about the universe from the Big Bang, to intricate fossils, to the life cycle of a sun. How cool is it that the elements in our human body were originally made from stardust – this confirms my theory that the Year 10’s really are stars!
Miss Syona Fernandez
Year 10A Science Teacher
Secondary Leaders Adventure World Excursion
Mr Daniel Vernede
Year 10A Science Teacher
From the VET Office
Year 9 Career Taster : Central Regional TAFE
On Friday 21 October, Year 9s visited Central Regional TAFE and had an enjoyable opportunity to see students working in various areas of the college and experience some hands-on activities related to the qualifications on offer for school students in Years 11 and 12.
The McGowan Governments WA Jobs Plan is committed to fund the Year 9 Career Taster Program (CTP). This program has been developed to inspire secondary school students about potential career and further study opportunities and assist them in making more informed decisions on their subject selections and post school options.
The CTP aims to support Year 9 students to become ‘career curious’ and complement the existing career development and taster opportunities already provided by schools and industry. The program provides a framework of opportunities, giving schools and industry the flexibility to design career exploration experiences that allow students to learn about different industries, and current and emerging occupations and career pathways and the skills required for them.
Student Successes
Congratulations to Charlee Fricker, Azariah Wallis and Seth Clark for the completion of 55hrs Workplace Learning. Thanks to Wiggly Wag Tails, St Joseph’s School Pre-Kindy class, and Hi Powered Auto Electrics respectively for supporting the school’s work placement program in 2022.
Special acknowledgment to year 10 student Oscar Webster for not only completing his second work placement this year but also being offered a Heavy Diesel apprenticeship at the end of his work placement by host employer Boekemans Machinery for 2023. Many thanks to proprietor Andrew Boekeman and Service Manager Kirsty White. Congratulations Oscar!
If your child will be in Years 10 to 12 in 2023 and you believe they would benefit from being included in the Workplace Learning program, please ask your child to come and speak to me in the VET Office or contact me by email caroline.marriott@cewa.edu.au.
Caroline Marriott
VET Co-ordinator
Secondary Sporting News
WA All Schools Athletics Championships
Over the weekend Kale Trealoar, Lily Parker and Sebastian O’Reilly competed in a variety of events at the WA All Schools Athletics Championships at Ern Clark Athletics Centre. Kale came home with a Bronze Medal in the U15 400m and achieve PB’s in the 200m. Lily and Seb gained some valuable experience in the 1500m.
We are very proud of the students efforts and achievements.
Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp
Students from Year 10 Outdoor Education attended a 3 day camp in Dwellingup at the end of Week 3. The students stayed at Nanga Bush Camp, the first day students participated in a canoeing activity in Lane Poole Reserve, there were many splashes, laughs and a few rescues required.
Day 2 saw students participate in Mountain Bike Riding around the Dwellingup town Centre, while a second group cooked and orienteered around the Nanga Bush Camp site. Students finisihed the day with a 5.5km walk along the Bibbulmun Track followed by some camp games.
The final day was spent in the trees at Treetop Adventures Dwellingup. Students showed their bravery jumping straight into (or should I say, off) the 25m black and double black course. The students all overcame challenges, pushed each other to achieve new things and have new experiences.
Thank you to Ryan Sinclair and Faith Versaci for helping the camp run so smoothly.
Adrienne Suckling
Head of Learning Area - Health & Physical Education
School Calendar
As we have transitioned over to our new website you will be able to access our school calender via the website or the Schoolzine app. Please ensure that you keep refering to this calendar as events planned at the start of the term may have been moved or cancelled and new events added.
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
Important events in November & December
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
We are now in Term 4 where students are required to wear their summer uniform.
Families wishing to access the Uniform Shop are advised that the online shop is the preferred method of ordering uniforms. If items are required to be tried on, then an appointment should be made by contacting the Primary Admin on 9621 3500. We are continuing to limit numbers in the Uniform Shop so an appointment is preferred. Please note we can not accept email or telephone orders.
Bookings can be made by phoning the Primary Admin s or email Michelle James Michelle.James@cewa.edu.au
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 has a new Summer Menu in Term 4, please check the current menu and daily specials 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 5
| Tuesday | 08 Nov | Lisa Hasson | Leah Smith |
| Wednesday | 09 Nov | Help Needed | Help Needed |
| Thursday | 10 Nov | Help Needed | Help Needed |
| Friday | 11 Nov | No Volunteers Needed |
Primary - Week 6
| Tuesday | 15 Nov | Help Needed | Help Needed |
| Wednesday | 16 Nov | Khrystal Tatham | Help Needed |
| Thursday | 17 Nov | Help Needed | Help Needed |
| Friday | 18 Nov | No Volunteers Needed |
I look forward to working with you. If you have any queries, you are always welcome to contact the Canteen on the number below.
A huge thank you also to the wonderful people who decorated my Canteen this morning. It was a wonderful surprise and made my day!
Angela Sandrini
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.
P&F AGM Wednesday 17 November
Please come along and attend the AGM which is scheduled for Wednesday 17 November, all office bearing positions will be vacated and election of new positions will occur.
Class/Library Book Covering
Ever wanted to help from the comfort of your home?
We have boxes of books processed and ready to be covered, all supplies (tape and plastic) provided. Pick-up is from our primary campus.
Welcome to anyone new, grandparents and friends can cover on your behalf.
All support and help is appreciated.
Please don't forget to complete your parent participation form.
Email Kylie Dymnicki, Education and Library Assistant: 8605svc_library@cewa.edu.au
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
Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety
Karen Young – the founder of ‘Hey Sigmund’, an internationally popular online resource that provides contemporary, research-driven information on anxiety and the neurodevelopment of children.
This transformational session will provide parents and carers with the essential information and powerful, practical strategies to help their children and teens thrive through anxiety, whether it’s everyday levels of anxiety or more intrusive.
This FREE event has been brought to you by PCWA
Doors open 6pm with light supper provided.
For more info: wheatbelt@wanslea.org.au
Astrotourism WA ~ Spectacular Night Skies
A Total Eclipse of the Moon! Coming to Your Skies 8 November!
The FACET Workshop on Dark Sky Tourism has been rescheduled to 29 November 2022. It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet solar eclipse expert, Dr Kate Russo!
A Total Lunar Eclipse is occuring on 8 November when the Sun and Moon are perfectly aligned in their orbits, with the Earth in the middle. As the Moon travels around the far side of the Earth, it passes directly into the shadow of the Earth.
To add to the magic of it all, the Moon turns a coppery-red during a total eclipse, earning it the nickname of ‘Blood Moon’. As the Moon passes into the full shadow of the Earth, called the umbra, the Sun’s light passes through the atmosphere of our planet and is scattered, losing most of the blue light. This means that the light that reaches the lunar surface is predominantly red in colour. This effect is known as Rayleigh Scattering and this is also how our sunsets are created.
When to look: From 7.00pm to 8.50pm, 8 November.
Which direction to look: In WA, the Moon will rise, mid-eclipse, starting low in the eastern horizon.
Enjoy the magical transformation of the bright full Moon into a slowly darkening coppery ball, hanging mysteriously in space.
Another colourful grouping occurs on the 11 November with Mars forming an Orange Triangle with two red super giant stars, Betelgeuse and Aldebaran. The Moon lies right next to Mars, adding to this special spectacle.
When to look: After 10pm, on the 11 November.
Which direction to look: North-east.
Enjoy these confetti of colour in the night sky.
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.
NOTICEBOARD