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

Class of 2022

Our Year 12 Class of 2022 students achieved some wonderful results at the end of last year and I would like to share a snapshot of their successes with you all. Our median ATAR was the highest in the six years since we began offering Year 11 & 12 here at St Josephs’s School. We are sure that since finishing, there have been other students who have moved into the workforce, however we are unaware of their movements.  

Sporting success

Over the last fortnight we have had many of our students representing our school and their various clubs to a very high standard. Secondary students took part in ACC basketball competitions as well as the Herbert Edwards Tennis Cup and achieved some great results. Our primary students also performed very well at the Classic Tennis Tournament in Beverley. Congratulations to all of these students and thank you to those parents who gave up their time to coach and transport students. 

Many St Joseph’s students took part in the Country Pennants for swimming over the long weekend. Congratulations to Northam Swimming Club and its incredible band of helpers for hosting such a huge event. We were very pleased to be able to host Manjimup Swimming Club on the Secondary Campus for the weekend. There were too many individual successes to name them all, but we are very proud of everyone who took part. 

de Vialar Day

Last Wednesday we came together as a whole school to celebrate our de Vialar Day assembly in our newly covered Performing Arts Centre on the Primary Campus. It was wonderful to put our new facilities to use and have a space where we can all meet. Thank you to the Student Leaders on both campuses who fundraised for Caritas Australia with their yummy treats and games. 

School Community Mass

Our first School Community Mass for 2 years is taking place this Saturday night at 5:30pm in St Joseph’s Church. I hope that many families will join us to celebrate all that is good about our community. 

Colour Run

This week a booklet and an email were sent home with information for the Colour Run on the 17th March. This is our major fundraiser for the year and we are hoping that all families will support the fundraising efforts. Every little bit helps. The P&F funds this year will be going towards the following items: 

Primary campus – new monkey bars, painted games on the ground and new bench seating in the junior primary corridor. 

Secondary Campus – outdoor exercise equipment around the edge of the small oval and new basketball rings and backboards. 

Please click on the link below or look up our event using the below address: 

https://www.mycause.com.au/events/stjosephsschoolpfcolourrun2023 

 Use the link above to go straight to our event 

1. Click on “Find My Class” 

1. Select class or House  

1. Make your donation 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Weekly Gospel Reflection

Please view the Gospel reflection for this week.

This week's clip has a focus on "Deserts in our Life" 

Second Week of Lent

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Tereesa, a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.  

Seeking a better future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Through Baabayn, Tereesa was also able to hear stories from Indigenous Elders and reconnect with her culture. 

Today, Tereesa is studying a certificate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community. Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generation of young people. 

Watch a short film about Tereesa’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

School Community Mass

The first School Community Mass will be held on Saturday 11 March at St Joseph’s Parish Church begining at 5.30pm.

Ministry aspects will be run by Secondary Students. After the Eucharist the mass will include the commissioning of the School Advisory Council, P & F, new altar servers and Student Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

It would be great to see students and their families present. This Mass will have a great community feel to it. Students are not required to wear their school uniform, please just come along and join the community. 

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, 

Next week, from Monday 13 March – Thursday 16 March, we will be holding Parent – Teacher Interviews for students in Kindy – Year 6. These meetings will provide you with the opportunity to meet with your child’s classroom teacher and discuss how your child has started the year. 
  
Interviews are strictly 10 minutes and can be attended in person or held over the phone. If you require more time with your child’s classroom teacher, or if you would like to meet with a Specialist Teacher, please email them directly to arrange a meeting time. 
  
To book in for your face-to-face or phone meeting please follow the below directions. 

1. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code x3snf 
2. Enter your details
3. Select the teaches you wish to see
4. Select the appointment times that suit your family best 

Bookings must be finalised by Monday, 13 March at 12:00pm. 
  
If you need to view, cancel, change or print your bookings: 

• Click on the link in the confirmation email you received after you made your bookings 
• OR return to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code and the email address you used when making your bookings 

NAPLAN 

Next week, our Year 3 & 5 students will be participating in NAPLAN. If you have children in these classes, please remind them that it is simply one test, on one day. The work they do in class, the kindness they show towards others and that they try their best, are the most important things to focus on.

May you all have a beautiful weekend.  

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Year 3 Excursion - Old Northam Railway Station

Both Year 3 Blue and 3 Gold enjoyed exploring all the historical items at the Old Northam Railway Station. 

During our excursion, we looked at various rooms that contained metalwork and equipment that the Railway men used in the past including the Northam Army Heritage room.

Students loved the Northam Army Heritage room, where they could try on old army costumes and wartime uniforms including a nursing uniform. Students also looked at cultural dresses and community group photographs from the past. Two students (Elara & Ruby) also spotted that there was a Mr K in one of the old photos (no relation to Mrs K though!).

The telecommunications room consisted of old telephones, an old telephone exchange system, typewriters, cameras and cash registers.  There was also a cabinet made out of old packing boxes made by John Morrell, an original member of the Northam community.

In the Earth Solutions room a volunteer discussed the importance of recycling, reusing and reducing waste, and there was also a room with a 1907 replica of the Old Northam Railway Station where students could explore the front carriage and look at old bicycles from the past.

In each room we had a volunteer who gave the students commentary.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.   

Carroll Kowald
Year K-6 Teacher

Class in Focus: Year 4 Gold

Wow! Over halfway through Term 1 already! And what an incredible start to the year we've had. This term, 4 Gold have been working hard at building suspense and mystery in their narrative writing. I am seeing lots of incredibly creative stories about monsters, aliens and mystery creatures looming in the darkness... I am looking forward to reading the students published stories soon. 

In HASS, we have been focusing on our Geography unit, learning all about the natural environment of Australia, and countries such as Madagascar and Brazil. The students in 4 Gold have enjoyed researching the different countries and their environments, with the Anaconda in the Amazon Rainforest proving to be a crowd favourite amongst many.

Over the past couple of weeks, 4 Gold have enjoyed learning how to play NUMERO. Numero is a mental maths card game that can be played anywhere, across all age groups and maths abilities. In 4 Gold, the students have been practicing, playing, and enjoying every minute of our Numero sessions. The game can remain simple, or gradually increase with difficulty. Numero will assist the students in their recall of basic facts, mathematical fluency, problem solving and reasoning. 4 Gold enjoy playing Numero so much, I sometimes wonder if they realise they're doing maths at all! 

Mikala Thomas
Year 4 Gold Teacher

Class in Focus: Year 2 Blue

This term in HASS, we have been investigating 'changes in Technology', in the past and present. We explored artefacts from the past and were particularly fond of the antique opera glasses and old ink bottle. We are currently interviewing our Grandparents and making connections to their experiences of how technology has changed since they were our age.

This week we have created some awesome pictures of our Grandparents too! 

Mrs Jess Morris
Year 2 Blue Teacher

Class in Focus: Year 5 Blue

The amazing Year 5 Blues have started the year with an absolute bang! We are learning about the different levels of Australian Government, their roles, and responsibilities, and how we can be positive and contributing members in our own communities. We have formed our own parties, focused on making change in our school community and we are holding a live ballot to vote for who we think will make the biggest change to our school community.

In our Literacy sessions, we have focused on creating an engaging and enjoyable Narrative based around the different ways to describe action in a setting. The students have structured their own text and have been extremely enjoyable to see their ideas come to fruition.

Mr N is enjoying his time back in Year 5 and I hope the students are as well.

Mr Tim Natkanski
Year 5 Blue Teacher

Head of Secondary

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

Learning Area in Focus - Science

In Physics, our Year 11 students have been working on heating and cooling, examining changes to melting point and measuring the amount of energy required to change the state of particular solids. Our Year 12 Physics class have been developing an understanding of circular motion, applying concepts of acceleration and centripetal force and applying this to objects in motion such as vehicles, aircraft and roller coasters.

This term the Human Biology students have been learning about cells in year11 and Hormones and Nerves in Year 12 by using microscopy, testing their reflexes and simple experiments.

Year 11 Integrated Science has been looking at Earth Systems and cycles in nature (Carbon cycle, Nitrogen cycle, Water cycle). We have also been looking at the natural resources essential for life processes, specifically photosynthesis and respiration.

In the laboratory we have been studying microscopy and also managed to make slides looking at leaf surfaces of different types of plants, especially interested in the density of stomata (the breathing pores of plants). All students made successful slides and we photographed the results using the school’s digital microscope.

The Year 10 students have been investigating motion and forces, after discussions a range of activities applying this knowledge to contexts such as cars and sporting events. The students in Course A are now moving onto advanced analysis of motion and energy transformation, which will include principles of the physics of flight and aerodynamics, which will be put into place during the annual rocket launch.

The Year 10A science group in addition to the Year 11 and 12 physics classes will be participating in a program with the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) next week where here at school they will learn more about satellite motion, orbital mechanics and the electromagnetic suspension.

The Year 9 students have been studying volcanoes and earthquakes, their first Assignment was to produce a PowerPoint to explain some aspects of the study area. Their second assessment is to design a 3 storey (minimum) building which can withstand an earthquake. This will be tested using a vibrating plate.

Our Year 8 students have been looking at cells, both plant and animal, using microscopes and simple experiments to discover the similarities and differences. Based on what they saw, they worked out the magnification of the specimens that they saw. It was interesting for them to see the letter “e”.

It was that moment in a secondary school when students learn to light and use a Bunsen burner. They had to start with lighting the matches, then the progressed to lighting the Bunsen burner. It was an exciting moment for all the students, which also enabled each student to be awarded their Bunsen burner license.

Mark Bundock, Jada Yengkopiong, Cam Greenley, Andrew Ellis, Steve Rigney, Gerhard Vogel, Nita Budas and Mark Gargano.

Science Learning Area staff

Learning Area in Focus - Art

During visual art for Year 9 and Year 10, students have been looking at sculpture and working in wire with the focus on balance and line.

Lucie Lombardini
Year 7 - 12 Arts and Language Teacher

Learning Area in Focus - Photography

In Design Photography, Year 11 students have been getting familiar with the cameras and settings. We have played with aperture and shutter speed to see their effect on the images. Students have also been learning the basics of editing and Photoshop in the computer room.

Year 12s have dived straight into some project work, producing a sports profile image, with Sebastian O’Reilly as their model. Seb kindly let the students take some photos in his athletics uniform.

Student also used the special talents of Harley Jongen on a bike to get some action photos. Year 12s will be working towards making a sports magazine cover with their action shots.

Nicole Parker
Photography Teacher

Marist Youth Ministry 'Connect' Night

On Wednesday 1 March some of our Senior Secondary Students journeyed to Newman College to participate in the first Marist Youth 'Connect' Night in WA for 2023. Students gathered with students from Newman College to discuss elements of life choices and avenues to identify how to respond to times of difficulty in Senior Secondary and beyond.

The night revolved around the charisms of Marcellin Champagnat and particularly the Marist year focus of 'Created and Called'.

The night included games, Liturgy and a Question & Answer session that allowed students to learn about God's plans for us in amongst a Marist setting. Our students enjoyed the time away to reflect and develop as a group. We wish to thank Issy Ochtman, Marist Youth Ministry and Newman College for hosting us during our visit.

Mr LLoyd Reidy
Religious Education Teacher

Sporting News

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

After last year's carnival was cancelled at the last minute due to COVID, this years Interhouse Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 24 February. Despite a chilly wind for the racers, it was a successful event with many records being broken.

Once again, we extend our gratitude to the parents who volunteered to help with the swimming trials and at the carnival. It is always greatly appreciated. We'd also like to thank Northam Swimming Club who give up their time and equipment to help run the carnival. It would not be such a successful day without them.

Individual Winners are listed below -

ACC Basketball

On Tuesday and Thursday of week 5, 37 St Joseph’s students represented the school in an ACC Basketball competition at Warwick Stadium. Both the Junior Boys and Girls managed an impressive 3 wins with a great showing of teamwork and skill from all players. The Seniors faced tough competition, still managing to both achieve a win each, with the girls team having a few very close, down to the wire losses. Thank you to all the players for putting in a great effort on the day and playing with the right spirit. If you missed out his year, I hope to see you trying out again next year.

A big thank you to the Northam Basketball Association for lending the school playing jerseys for the two days of competition and Michael Dymnicki who volunteered his time to coach teams at both the Junior and Senior competitions.

From all accounts the students had a great time and enjoyed the experience.

Cameron Greenley
Secondary Teacher

Herbert Edwards Cup

Congratulations to the Tennis team that went to Cunderdin on Friday 3 March, they had some awesome results!

Winners

Junior Boys Team 1 – Aaron Holley, Wani Yengkopiong, Jeremy Parker and Conor Oliver

Junior Girls – Jiana Matres, Sinead Fergusson, Halle Chitty

Runners up

Junior Boys Team 2 – Patrick Sheridan, Cooper Lyon, William Elliott and Zac Parker

It was a great day with some excellent competition that was enjoyed by all.

Academy Plate

On Thursday 2 March we had three primary teams entered into the Academy Plate Tennis Tournament held at the Beverley Tennis Club.  We would like to congratulate the students on their performance at this event and an enjoyable day was had by all. 

Our thanks goes out to Mrs Aimee Leeson for organising the teams on behalf of the school.

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.

There are many events planned for Term 1, and you are encouraged to check the calendar for upcoming events that may involve your family.

Andrea Woodgate

Fee Concession Eligibility

If you have a current (eligible) Family Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) you may be entitled to a reduction in your school fees.  Applications for this assistance need to be submitted to our Finance Department by the end of Week 7, Friday 17 March 2023.
 
You will be required to complete the following documents and provide us with your current HCC or PCC to enable us to take a copy of your card.  These documents can be found on our website in the Enrolment Section under the School Fees tab or by clicking on this link: Link to Forms

• HCC Tuition Fee discount Scheme Form

• 2023 Secondary Assistance Scheme - Years 7 to 12

Please submit to our Finance Department before the advised cut off date.

Parent Participation Scheme

Did you know that the school offers a reduction in your school fees?

Families have the ability to work off a portion of their fees through voluntary help at the School. This is a great way to get involved and set a wonderful example of vollunteering for your child.

Whilst assisting in the canteen is an obvious way to help, other activities encouraged include:

• Classroom assistance
• Reading assistance
• Officiating at swimming & athletics carnivals
• Gardening
• Attending P&F or Board Meetings
• Running or assisting with fundraising activities
• Covering books for the Library

Forms and pamphlets are available from the Primary Office or download through the website at https://sjsnortham.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/86/parent_participation_card.pdf

Once completed, please hand in to the Business Manager Ms Quinn by the end of term 3, these can be dropped into either Admin Office and Ms Quinn will arrange for the deduction of the Levy from your School Fees Account.

Ms Sharon Quinn

Business Manager

Early Years School Entry Health Assessment

The Avon and Central Wheatbelt Community Nurse, Aimee Leeson, has provided each Kindergarten student with a Confidential Enrolment/Consent Form and asks that parents/guardians complete the Form and return this to School as soon as practical.  This important Early Years Health Assessment will be undertaken during this year with students being withdrawn from class.  Should you have any queries regarding your child’s Assessment, please contact Aimee Leeson, Community Health Nurse Avon & Central Wheatbelt Primary Health, phone 9690 1320 or email:  aimee.leeson@health.wa.gov.au

Year 7 School Based Vaccinations

Year 7 School Based Immunisations have been confirmed for Wednesday 5th April for HPV (Human Papilloma Vaccine) and dTpa (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis)

This program is delivered by nurses experienced in providing vaccinations at schools.

All students require parent/guardian consent before they can receive any vaccinations at school. The health department stongly encourages the online consent process.

All parents/guardians are requested to provide consent/declination thorough:
- VaccinateWA (external site).
- The paper-based immunisation consent form provided by their child's school. (Please note the completed form must be signed and returned to the school, even if you choose not to have your child immunised).

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

We are now in Term 1 where students are required to wear their summer uniform.

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

The Primary Canteen has a new Summer Menu in Term 1 - 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.  

Colour Run - Canteen Closed

Please note that on the day of the Colour Run, Friday 17 March that the Primary and Secondary canteens will be closed. A special Colour Run Menu has been sent home to students to preorder and we ask that you send cash only with your order please.

Canteen Support - Volunteers Required

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/TTaUbeJ 

Our Primary Canteen Helper Roster for Term 1 is below.  Volunteers are urgently needed so please consider offering an hour or two one morning.   

Primary - Week 7  

Primary - Week 8

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.

P&F News

The swimming carnival sausage sizzle that the P&F ran back in week 4 was a great success. A special thank you to Katie Candeloro who stepped in and ran the day. Thank you to Yvette Boyland for organising the supplies, Rebecca Potocznyj for setting up the volunteer sign up and a massive thank you to all the volunteers who helped out on the day. It was a great success! 

Our next P&F meeting will be held on Monday 27 March at 3.20pm (location to be confirmed). All parents and caregivers are welcome and we encourage everyone to come along and see how you can help out! 

Colour Run 

One of our major fundraising events for the year is coming up next week! A booklet containing essential information was sent home last week and a digital copy will be sent to all families this week. To donate simply follow the link below, click on ‘Find my Class’ and follow the link to your class. The class or homeroom that raises the most will receive a pool pass including slide entry and a pizza party! The runners up will receive a class pizza party!  

https://www.mycause.com.au/events/stjosephsschoolpfcolourrun2023 

To ensure the day runs smoothly, we require volunteers to help set up the course, help during the event and pack down. If you can help out, even for a couple hours please click the link below to sign up! 

https://signup.com/mobileweb/2.0/vspot.html?activitykey=15469234229017605#anonymous_invite_page 

If you have any questions about the Colour Run please do not hesitate to contact either myself or the school.  

Easter Raffle 

Once again we will be holding an Easter Raffle. We will be asking parents and caregivers to donate Easter related items in the coming weeks. Tickets will be sold before school and during lunch time. Donations are accepted at Admin on both campuses.

Class Catch-Ups 

Throughout Term 1 and Term 2, class reps from each year will be organising class catch ups for each of the year groups. This is a great way for new families to meet other parents in their childrens year group. Each year group will be notified of these events through their Facebook group pages.  

To stay up to date with the P&F please follow our Facebook page. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Class/Library Book Covering

Have you 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!

Casey Pearse
P&F Chair

School Dental Van

Auskick

The Auskick Program is run to help boys and girls from ages 5 - 9 to learn a range of footy skills, balls skills and hand eye coordination while having fun.

The season commences on 28 April and runs to 16 June.

Where - Jubilee Oval

When - Fridays 4.30 -5.30

Please register at https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/3ae713

Please note parent helpers are wanted. Please phone Ang on 0400 754 347 if you would like to help out.

Junior Hockey

Registrations are now open for the upcoming Junior Hockey Season which is expected to commence from the first weekend in May.

Games are played on Friday Nights or Saturdays in Northam, York, Beverley and Wongan Hills for the following divisions -

5/6s (school year 6 and under)
7/9s (school year 7 to 9) 10/12s (school year 10 to 12)
Minkey: is our learn-to-play coaching for school years 3 and under.
Adults: Men and Women

Early registrations are open online at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/northamhc/registration/
Contact us: northamhockeyclub@gmail.comX