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

Mother's Day 

It was absolutely wonderful to celebrate Mother’s Day events on both campuses last week.

The Year 8’s cooked up a storm and treated their mums, grandmothers or favourite female to a real treat. Special thanks to Mrs Pollard and Mrs O’Driscoll for the preparation of the food with the students.

On the Primary campus we enjoyed some tear-jerking songs from the Year 1’s at Assembly.  Mrs Spadaccini, who is like a mother to all the Primary students won our MJR Hero award for the care that she gives to everyone. Mothers were treated to all sorts of treats in the classes and we were blessed with magnificent weather for our picnic lunch.

Thank you to all those who were able to join us on the day.

Leonard House Day 

Last week we also celebrated Leonard House Day.  The whole school came together for an assembly where we remembered Sr Leonard for the work that she did in the School and the wider Northam community. We also introduced a new set of awards where we recognise students in that House who display the qualities of that particular founder.

Our Leonard House winners were:  Carmen Reynders (Yr 12), Susu Phung (Yr 10) and Xavier Ross (Yr 7) from the Secondary campus. The Primary winners were: Macey Chipper (PP), Daisy Ryan (Yr 4), Jordan Gayta (Yr 4) and Flynn Muhleisen (Yr 2). Congratulations to these students.

Soft Toy Drive 

St Joseph’s School is undertaking a soft toy drive for the next two weeks. These soft toys will be collected and taken to an organisation called Wheelchairs for Kids in Wangara. This is a volunteer based, not-for-profit organisation which makes wheelchairs for children in Third World countries who otherwise would not have access to a mobility device. With each wheelchair they send away, they also like to send a soft toy with it as many of these children have no toys at all.

If you would like to learn more about Wheelchairs for Kids please follow the link https://wheelchairsforkids.org/

Long Service Leave 

I am taking three weeks off on Long Service Leave and leaving the school in the very capable hands of Mrs Michelle Christian.  If you have any concerns, please contact Marie Chomiak at the Primary Admin and she will pass these concerns onto Mrs Christian.  

Dates for your diary

Weekly Gospel Reflection

Please view the Gospel reflection for this week.

This week's clip has a focus on how we 'greet, treat and speak' to people.

Year 8 Camino Cabagniol

On Tuesday 16 May, the Year 8's embarked on their leg of the 'Camino Cabagniol'. The Year 8 cohort took part in their third leg of the whole Pilgrimage as they continue the whole journey from the town centre of Northam to Fremantle.

The students enjoyed their 18km walk titled 'Like St Joseph,' named after the wonderful legacy of our Patron Saint.

Along the way, students developed an appreciation of the qualities of St Joseph and the reason why St Emilie de Vialar named her religious order after the great man.

Our Year 8's arrived at Wooroloo full of pride and they look forward to continuing their Camino in 2024.

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, 

Over the past two weeks we have had some wonderful experiences for our students and the wider community.  

da Vinci Decathlon 

On Monday, 8 May I had the pleasure of attending the da Vinci Decathlon with a group of Years 5 and 6 students at UWA. Our team participated in a range of academic challenges covering a diverse range of subjects including Cartography and Poetry.  Congratulations to the Team who came Third Place in Engineering and 17th overall out of 45 schools.  Thank you to Mr James for preparing our students so well.  

Hot Air Balloon 
As part of the Elevate Festival, we were excited to have a team of ballooning competitors visit our school last Thursday. Students from Pre-Kindy to Year 6 gathered on the oval and watched in awe as a balloon was inflated right in front of us. Thank you to Alana and her team for visiting our school. 

Mother's Day 
Thank you to everyone who attended our Primary Mother’s Day Event last Friday. We began with a beautiful Assembly led by Year 1 Gold, students then took their loved ones on a tour of the school and participated in everything from manicures through to jewellery making. We were blessed with sunshine and families finished with a picnic lunch. 

Primary Cross Country 

On Friday, 26 May we will be holding our Primary Cross Country Carnival. Students in Years 1 to 6 will race on a track around our school grounds and families are most welcome to come along and cheer on their children. We are still in need of parent helpers so please contact Ms Frost or our Primary Admin if you are able to assist.  

May you all have a lovely week ahead.  

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Cuddly Animal Farm Excursion

This term the Pre-Primary classes are learning about farming and how the products produced by farms help us within our daily lives.  

Yesterday, we went on an excursion to The Cuddly Animal Farm.  As we were blessed with such good weather, we stopped at Sculpture Park in Mundaring for a quick snack and play. Once we arrived at The Cuddly Animal Farm, we were met by Farmer Kate who showed us what we could go and explore. 

The children spent quite a bit of time in the nursery where they fed and held some guinea pigs, rabbits and ducklings. We were able to enter paddocks where we mingled with kangaroos, a cow, alpacas, a llama, goats, sheep, deer and the wandering ducks. There were also several peacocks that were happy to get up close and personal with us and a big pig that laid against a gate the entire day. 

After lunch, we were lucky enough to feed the very hungry lambs and kids. Other attractions were the tractor rides, a bouncy castle and a merry-go-round which were firm favourites.  

On the way home some of us closed our eyes as it was a very busy and fun day. Some adjectives the children used to describe the day were great, fun, really awesome, cuddly, fabulous, lovely, best day ever and amazing.

Kym McCarthy and Harpreet Kaur
Pre-Primary Blue and Gold Teachers

Class in Focus: Year 6 Gold

In English, Year 6 Gold are learning about the importance that explanation texts have in our lives and where we see them around us. We find a question that requires solving and then we research credible facts and references to support our explanations. We are finding that this Talk for Writing unit is fun as we can add our perspective into the writing, just as long as we support it by including references to authority. 

In Mathematics we have been investigating fractions and the different types that exist. We have been solving addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators, converting improper fractions to mixed fractions and vice versa and we also have been looking at multiplying fractions. In the next week, we will look at applying our knowledge of fractions and translating it into a fractions board game of their choice, which the students are to create themselves. 

In Religion, we have been learning about Penance and how our emotions, thoughts and actions have rewards and consequences. We have been looking at how they can impact ourselves and those around us. This topic invites us to stop and reflect on our own behaviours, values and choices, which evidently draws us closer to God and the kind of person that we want to be. 

This term in HASS, we have been looking at the countries of Asia, the regions and how Australia is connected to such an influential continent. Our research project is coming up and I can’t wait to see what the students will produce! 

Here are some photos of our HASS and English activities: 

Lauren D'Silva
Year 6 Gold Teacher

Class in Focus: Kindy Blue

This term we have been busy looking after God’s creation of the wonderful world around us filled with minibeasts and plants. We have been learning about the parts of a plant and what it needs to grow. We are practicing sustainability in our Kindy playground:  watering  plants and collecting fruit and vegetable peels for compost which will be contributing to our worm farm and help to fertilise the soil.  

We are learning about the many creatures that make up our garden, beginning with snails and worms. We watched as snails made their slithery trails by bringing in garden snails and observing their movements on a large black piece of card. The children then used straw blowing to make their own trails and snails using spiral shapes and adding the eyes. We continued to consolidate our knowledge of 2-step patterns and used this to stamp out a pattern around a spiral shell on our snail drawings. 

We have learnt the important part that worms play in irrigating the soil as they make tunnels underground that helps enrich the soil in which we will plant our seeds. We will be introducing a worm farm this week.  

The children will be busy planting root vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, radishes, potatoes and adding colour to our garden beds with flowers and succulents. 

In Literacy we are learning through Phonological Awareness, the initial sound in words and the actions that go with each sound. We are looking at and identifying words that start with each sound through picture/word cards, Anamalia posters, class names and transitions. We are also learning new words to describe daily events with pictures and actions in Talk for Writing, such as “Today we made a spiral pattern…”. 

We are expanding our vocabulary by using picture/word cards and brainstorming charts to describe what we know about plants and creatures in our garden, how they move, look, feel, and live.  Using pre-writing practices in our writing corner we are making line formations that make up the letters and numbers we will learn to write. The children are learning to write and sort the letters in order of their names. 

In Maths we are learning about early number and amount through number songs and rhymes, number matching games in whole class and small group activities. We are learning the language used to describe measurement and size (small, medium and large) as well as tall and large and sorting groups according to these characteristics. 

We look forward to a fun term ahead full of learning and discovery through play-based experiences and can’t wait to show our garden creations in the Kindy playground! 

Mary Clark
Kindy Blue Teacher

The last two weeks have been very busy (ha-ha, what weeks aren’t!?)  We have had da Vinci decathlons, Netball tournaments, Mother’s Day Morning Tea, Year 8 Camino and our Year 10s are preparing to make decisions on their pathway for Years 11 and 12. 

da Vinci Decathlon

Congratulations to our da Vinci Decathlon students who have put in many hours of practice and study to go head-to-head with schools from around Western Australia. Many thanks to our exceptional teachers Mark Gargano, Mike Hillyer, Daniel Matthys, Daniel Vernede and Nita Budas for making this possible for our students.

West Coast Fever WBGF Netball Cup

Last week St Joseph’s took part in the West Coast Fever WBGF Netball Cup. We had an awesome day and this year we took a record number of 7 teams and competed in 5 divisions. St Joseph’s brought home the win in 3 of the 5 divisions, Middle 9/10 Girls, Upper 11/12 Girls and Upper 11/12 Boys! Our junior teams also played very well finishing in 3rd and 4th.

Thank you to Adrienne Suckling, Cameron Greenley, Michelle O’Driscoll and Nicki Parker for your help and support at the carnival and in the lead up to the carnival. 

Year 8 Mother's Day Morning Tea

Last Friday our Year 8 Food Studies students put on a delicious morning tea for Mother’s Day to thank the significant women in their lives.

Thank you to all of the ladies who were able to make it in for the morning, your children did a wonderful job. The food and company was wonderful.

A massive thank you also to Kathy Pollard and Michelle O’Driscoll for the many hours of work they have done over the last few weeks to ensure the students were prepared.

Year 10 Subject Selection Process

The Year 10 Subject Selection Process began last Monday with the Head of Learning Areas giving a snapshot of the Courses of Study available in Years 11 and 12. On Wednesday they were taken to Central Regional TAFE to see all of the Certificate courses that are on offer here in Northam. On Wednesday night we ran the Year 11 2024 Parent Information Evening. Thank you to all the parents and students who attended to find out the WACE requirements and courses available both at school, online through ViSN and at TAFE. Thank you also to our Heads of Learning for attending to answer parent questions and a special thanks to Peggy Fitzgerald from Catholic Education WA Office coming to explain the Virtual School Network and the many online courses our students can enrol in.

Push-Up Challenge

Thursday 1 June marks the start of The Push-Up Challenge. Between 1–23 June, staff and students will be completing 3,144 push-ups to promote better Mental Health in our community.

The link between physical and mental health is strong.  We know that exercise can give your brain a boost. The Secondary Student Leaders will be conducting activities throughout the challenge across both campuses to build better physical and mental health. If you would like to join our Community team or donate to Lifelink please go to https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/StJosephsElevate3652

Thank you,

God Bless.

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

From the Teaching and Learning Office

It’s Examination Season

I feel an appropriate comment to begin with is… Isn’t time just flying by?

In less than a week our Years 9 to 12 students will commence their Semester One examinations.

Years 11 and 12 ATAR students commence on Thursday 25 May and the first day for Years 9 and 10 students is Friday 26 May. All students are encouraged to follow the information letters provided several weeks ago with the details and sequence of the examinations.

Year 12 ATAR students are reminded to bring your personalised examination timetables to every examination. Years 11 and 12 students are reminded that during the examination period, there is no requirement to be at school, unless sitting an examination, with the next regular school day requiring attendance for senior secondary students being Friday 9 June.

Now onto preparing for these examinations.

How do you retain information, how do you reflect on your knowledge, what’s your performance plan, what’s your form on examination day?

Some students make a lot of notes on index cards, each linked to a category or topic. Others write out their notes and use different coloured highlighters, others change all their written notes into diagrams, charts and pictures - know what works for you and use it.

Routine is important!  Your body will respond to what it knows. Don’t suddenly cram until 1.00am the night before examinations, especially if this is three hours after your regular time to go to sleep, you will pay for this the next few days, not just the day after. If you are needing to cram it all in and do ‘an all nighter’, clearly something has gone very wrong with your preparation regime, don’t fall into this trap.

Eat well and healthy.  The day of the examination, a good breakfast is important, your brain is going to tick over and require many kilojoules for you to find the correct responses - don’t skip meals!

With each examination it is important that you have the confidence to back yourself. Don't listen to others and second-guess your choices. Trust that what you have done is right for you. This might mean, on the day of the examination avoid spending time talking with others and comparing your preparation.

If you are a person that naturally gets anxious before an examination, this will probably just increase your nerves and convince you that you don’t know anything. If you need to, sit by yourself, or chat with other students, who are not talking about the examination, now is the time to do the right thing by you.

When the examination starts, execute your plan, do you complete all the questions you know first, do you complete all the extended answer questions, once again follow your plan, not what others say is a good idea. Remember to ignore what others are doing in the room, especially the teachers or invigilators, if you are doing the right thing, you have no concerns.

Remember, the only person who can determine your success is you. Let the examination scores be a true reflection of your ability and demonstrate your potential, try your best.

Just a little something stated on our School Crest 'fidelity'.  Indeed, have fidelity, be faithful to yourself and allow your talents to be on display.  Good luck, students! 

Mark Gargano
Years 7 - 12 Teaching & Learning Coordinator

da Vinci Decathlon

Last week we had 16 students represent our Secondary School in the annual da Vinci Decathlon at the University of WA. The event involves academic challenges across 10 disciplines including mathematics, science, code breaking, ideation, cartography and many others. Students work in pairs or small groups on the set tasks, which have set time limits for submission. This year there were 25 teams per year group competing. 

Our Year 8 team with Sophie McKenzie, Ayla Grogan, Akshi Jayakumar, Jeremy Parker, Jasmine Flint, Madison Potocznyj, Ava Jones and Bailey Naughton finished with 790 points with discipline highlights; 1^st place in Engineering, 10^th place in Creative Producers and 10^th place in Art & Poetry.

Our combined Year 9 and Year 10 team with Leah Morrell, Jesica Tony, Josna Jojo, Fredrick de Beer, Emily Street, Jonti Leeson, Jianna Matres and James Marwick finished with 590 points. A discipline highlight was a 9^th place in Creative Producers. 

Well done to our students and thank you to our training team for all your many after hours work with our students.  Thanks to Mike Hillyer, Daniel Matthys and Daniel Vernede. In addition, thanks to Nita Budas for all the background work with equipment preparation and ensuring the students' refreshments are replenished. I would also like to thank Mrs Catherine Naughton for attending and providing additional supervision for this event. 

Mark Gargano
Teaching & Learning Coordinator

Marist Youth Excursion

On Thursday 18 March some of our Senior Secondary Students journeyed to Newman College to participate in the 2nd Marist Youth 'Connect' Night in WA for 2023. Students gathered with students from Newman College to discuss elements of perspectives in our world. 

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 Q & A session that allowed students to learn about God's plans for us 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. 

LLoyd Reidy
Religious Education Teacher

Years 7,8 & 9 MJR Incursion

What a great day I had recently with the Years 7, 8 and 9's discussing a variety of issues including 'You are Not Alone, Grit and Respect.'

The students enjoyed the magic, the stories and interacted beautifully, often suggesting creative ideas throughout the sessions.

We also spoke about those who backchat at home and that this bad habit can be rectified by asking to discuss this issue with the adults at home.

I saw and heard so much encouragement especially when they were challenged. I call these moments 'Spirit of Jesus' moments and they are all around us. I saw so many of the St Joseph's staff today creating these moments to ensure that your child reaches his/her potential.

We had lots of laughs but also explored some difficult subjects like what they are viewing on-line, taking care of those who are alone and realising that they can also do magical things to bring joy to others' lives. Please ask them about their session with Marty.

God Bless 

Marty Ogle
MJR National Coordinator

Learning Areas in Action:

English Department

Year 7s: 
Our Year 7 students have been completing a unit on poetry. Students have revised various types of figurative language including similes, metaphors, assonance, alliteration and personification. Students have also investigated the structures of poetry cementing their understandings of rhyme, rhythm and poetry types. Students will shortly choose a poem to memorise and recite in class, practicing their oral presentation techniques. 

Year 8s: 
Year 8 students have been studying the dystopian genre in English (if you don’t know what the dystopian genre is, ask one of our Year 8s!). Students have been reading the novel Uglies by Scott Westerfield and have recently completed a book review. They are in the process of creating their own examples of the dystopian genre with an assessment task that allows them to choose between posters, advertisements or a short narrative. 

Year 9s: 
The Year 9 students are completing a film study on John Hughes’ teen comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Students have revised their understandings of visual film codes and are working on a group presentation of the film. Students are focusing on the key English concept of audience and discussing how the film appeals to adolescent audiences in particular. 

The Year 9 Course B students have been completing a novel study, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. The class reading of this novel has been enlivened by occasional tastings of the classic British food and treats mentioned in the novel. 

Year 10s: 
Year 10 students have been introduced to one of the classic novellas of the 20th century through studying Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Students have investigated the concept of “the American Dream” and how Steinbeck’s work uses the tragic ending of Lenny and George’s friendship to critique the idea of the American Dream in the context of the Great Depression. Students are working on their assessment item for this unit of study choosing from a range of creative responses to the text and the ideas it contains. 

The Year 10 Course B students have recently watched and analysed the animated classic Ratatouille paying particular attention to the film’s representation of food. Students have used these ideas to create their own recipe blog showcasing a particular recipe with its own blurb on the dish’s cultural history and personal meaning for the student. 

Year 11s: 
The Year 11 ATAR students are beginning the preparation for their first round of examinations which will test their understanding of important concepts in the English curriculum. Students have been practicing their comprehending skills when reading or viewing unseen texts and improving their ability to respond concisely to the given questions. 

Year 11 General students have been working on creating resumes and cover letters for job advertisements on SEEK. Following on from the creation of these documents, students have completed mock interviews for their chosen advertisement with Mr Gargano and Mr Matthys and have received feedback on their interview skills. 

Year 12s: 
The Year 12 ATAR students completed their genre study of Gothic Fiction with a presentation that compared two gothic texts of their choice. More recently they have been focused on creative writing skills and preparation for Section Three of their exams. Students have practiced producing short narrative pieces with structural and language features designed to impress examiners. 

Year 12 General students have been completing a novel study on the book The Outsiders by S. E. Hilton. Students have looked at themes of crime, community and justice in the novel and grappled with the idea that just because a novel represents its protagonists committing crime does not mean that the novel endorses this behaviour. Students have concluded this study by constructing an argument against The Outsiders being banned in Western Australian Schools. 

Daniel Matthys
English Teaching and Learning Co-Ordinator

Photography

Our Years 11 and 12 students have been working on taking a range of sports and action images over the past term. Some of these images have been ‘staged’ photo shoots, while other shots were taking during school sport classes and activities. Back in the computer room, the students worked on cropping and editing their photos for best effect.  

The design brief was to create a magazine cover for a sports magazine, using original images. Year 11 students have tackled using the program Photoshop for the first time, while the 12s took to it more quickly as they were familiar with the program from last year. Students had studied the codes and conventions of a sports magazine and tried to recreate the same professional look. The results have been wonderful, with several examples given here. 

Thanks to students who posed as our models - you were fantastic! 

Nicki Parker
Photography Teacher

Science

The Year 7 science classes are studying Physics this term and as part of this they are carrying out an investigation into the effect of air resistance. Students are constructing parachutes and comparing two variables - firstly the size of the canopy and secondly the mass of the payload. Students are required to work cooperatively in small teams constructing their parachutes out of string and bin liners. The students also need to work together in collecting their data and how long the parachutes take to descend. Once we have finished collecting the data, students will need to individually complete a laboratory report explaining how they ran the investigation, their results and try to explain what happened in scientific terms.

Year 8 science classes have been looking into Earth Science, with discussions on how to identify various types of rocks and the processes occurring in the rock cycle. The students have also investigated mining processes and the impacts from mining on humans and the environment.

The Year 9 science classes have moved on from Earth Science last term to Chemistry this term. Some students are finding this area of study challenging because we are starting to explore technical matters such as subatomic particles, ions, charges, chemical symbols, reaction types and the properties of acids and bases.  To bring Chemistry to life we have recently carried out an investigation into exothermic and endothermic reactions. In this experiment they mix chemicals and measure temperature changes. This experiment leads into an assessment that students will commence at school and complete at home.

Year 10A Science students have moved on from Rocket Science and on to Chemistry. Learning how to identify unknown elements using a flame test by creating a spectrum of coloured flames using a Bunsen burner. Now the students are onto general reactions and balancing chemical equations, predicting the outcomes of the products of reactions. The students will then consolidate all this learning while revising for their upcoming examinations.

The Year 11 Human Biology class have been getting their teeth (not literally) into dissection of hearts and kidneys and the Year 12 Human Biology have been looking at diseases and the immune system; something which became all too real with Covid.

Year 11 Integrated Science have been studying ecosystems and their sustainability. Students have just completed a research assessment studying 5 marine ecosystems from around Western Australia. We have been looking at key water quality parameters and understanding that all living things in the environment are interdependent and that changing one aspect of the environment will affect other organisms. These students are developing an understanding of water quality in preparation for our excursion to Lake Joondalup where we will be conducting a Practical Investigation as part of the course assessment.

Year 11 Physics students are concluding their topic on Electricity and electrical circuits, using theory on Ohms law to identify data in constructed circuits and impacts of different devices that load the circuit and factors which alter resistance. The Year 12 Physics class are taking these electrical concepts further with examination of forces and work conducted by circuits and then investigating electromotive force and the interrelationship between electricity and magnetic fields leading to the processes behind generators and alternators.

All Years 9 to 12 groups are finalising their theory, leading into a period of revision for the examination period. We wish all our students the best for their revision and the upcoming examinations.

Mark Bundock, Cam Greenley, Andrew Ellis, Jada Yengkopiong, Steve Rigney, Gerhard Vogel, Nita Budas and Mark Gargano
Science Learning Area staff

Art

Visual Art for Years 9 and 10 in Term 2 has a focus on complimentary colours.  During the term, students in Year 10 will be painting a composition combining landscape and myth in their own choice of colours.

Year 9 students are working on their portraits and adding a moving pattern behind their portrait which identifies the colours that they personally like.

Year 9 High Tea

On Tuesday 16 May, the Year 9 Food Class held a High Tea at lunchtime.  Students each invited a guest and presented sweet, savoury and gluten free treats. The High Tea was a great success and the students excelled in their roles. 

The students learnt the folllowing skills: 

-How to plan and host a function 

-What is a High Tea? 

-Types of Hot Drinks  

-Principles of Food Service. 

We received a thank you letter from Mrs Beglin who wrote, “ I received a very warm welcome. The setting was lovely, and the food plentiful and scrumptious! Well done to you all for your hard work.”

Thank you Mrs Beglin and well done Year 9s! 

Carol Farson
Home Economics Teacher 

From the VET Office 

Central Regional TAFE Open Day

On 17 May, Year 10 students visited the Central Regional TAFE to participate in a showcase of courses that will be available to study next year. 

Students joined in some interactive activities, watched presentations, and listened to course lecturers explain what is involved in studying each course.

Students will now have a better understanding of each course and perhaps include a VET qualification in their Year 11 subject selection process.

Caroline Marriott
VET Coordinator

Secondary Sporting News

West Coast Fever Netball Cup

On Thursday 11 May we had an awesome day at the WCF WBGF netball cup in northam. This year we took a record number of 7 teams and competed in 5 divisions.

St Josephs took home the win in 3 of the 5 divisions with outstanding results from all teams as follows:

Lower Girls Division: 3rd and 4th   

Open boys Division: 3rd and 6th  

Middle Girls Division: Champions  

Upper boys Division: Champions  

Upper Girls Division: Champions  

Thank you so much to the staff involved for your help and support in the lead up to the carnival and to Gemma McPherson for coaching.

Years 11 and 12 Outdoor Education Camp

On Thursday and Friday of Week 4, the Years 11 & 12 Outdoor Education students attended an overnight camp at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp.

Students participated in a variety of activities from cycling, high ropes, sand castle building competitions, paddling, and team work and leadership activities.

All students who attended pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and pushed themselves to new heights.  

Thank you Mr Sinclair for another successful camp. 

Adrienne Suckling
Head of Learning Area - Health & Physical Education

School Calendar

The school calender is accessed via the School website or the Schoolzine app. Please ensure that you keep refering to this calendar throughout the year.

You are encouraged to check the calendar for upcoming events that may involve your family.

Andrea Woodgate
Principal

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
• 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 - the forms 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

Donations needed - Newborn clothing and toddler items

We are running a new course in Year 11 called CHILDREN, FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY.  It teaches students about the development of children from conception to age 12. As such, we will be purchasing a reality baby.  Therefore I am requesting some donations of newborn clothing that anyone may be wanting to get rid of. I am also seeking baby and toddler-age toys and books that you may be wanting to donate. If you are able to help, please drop donations into the Secondary office.

Carol Farson
Home Economics Teacher

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

The canteen is now operating with the new WINTER MENU - please check the current menu and daily specials before ordering.

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.  

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/client/invitation2/secure/99628346012/false#/invitation

Our Primary Canteen Helper Roster for Term 2 is below. Volunteers are urgently needed so please consider offering an hour or two one morning.   

Primary - Week 5  

Primary - Week 6

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 Sandrini
Canteen - 9621 3525 

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

During Term 2 all students are required to wear their winter 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

Parish Priest - Fr Stephen Victor OSM

Assistant Priest - Fr Rubenson Cardona OSM

Mass Times: ~ Saturday Vigil @ 5.30pm

                   ~ Sunday Mass @ 8.00am  

                   ~ Monday to Friday @ 8.00am

                   ~ Saturday @ 9.00am

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.

I hope everyone has had a great start to Term 2? The two Primary classes that raised the most for the Colour Run have held their class pizza parties. Thank you for all your hard work in fundraising- we hope you enjoyed your pizza! 

Primary Disco

The new dates for the Primary Disco have been confirmed. The Disco will be held during Term 3 with Kindy and Pre-Primary on Wednesday 2 August and the Years 1-6 being held on Friday 4 August. Ticket sales and more details will be announced soon.

Camino Walks

The Year 8 Camino walk was held earlier this week. It was a great effort by all! A special thank you to Katie Candeloro and her helpers for driving the support car and helping out at the event.  

The Camino walks for Years 10, 7 and 6 will held during Founder's Week (Week 9) of this term. We are looking for volunteers from each of these years to help drive the support car and help out during the walk. Please reach out through the P&F Facebook page or contact the School if you can help. 

Class Catch Ups

Throughout this term, we will be holding the remainder of class catch ups. This is a great way for new families to meet other parents in their child’s year group. Each year group will be notified of these events through their Facebook group pages. 

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 Library.

Welcome to anyone new, grandparents and friends can cover on your behalf.  All support and help is appreciated.  

Please remember to complete your parent participation form.

Email Kylie Dymnicki, Education and Library Assistant: 8605svc_library@cewa.edu.au

Next P&F Meeting

Our next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 June at 3.20pm in the Kindy room. All parents and caregivers are welcome and we encourage everyone to come along and see how you can help out.

Follow us on Facebook

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.

There are some exciting events being held this term in which the P&F will be assisting with. Any help is very much appreciated and can be used in conjunction with the Parent Participation Cards.

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

Casey Pearse
P&F Chair

School Dental Van

Really great news!  The Premier’s Reading Challenge has just started.

Students can start logging their books from 8 May and the challenge finishes 8 September.

Please access The challenge - Premier's Reading Challenge (premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au)

https://www.premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au/the-challenge

Let’s get behind it and encourage our students to read as much as they can.

2023 CBCA WA Make Your Own Story Book

The 2023 CBCA WA "Make Your Own Story Book" competition is for all the budding young writers and artists in your lives.

Closing date for entries is Friday 9 June 2023.

Details plus very helpful videos (made by local author/illustrator Sean E 
Avery) are available on the CBCA WA Branch website.

https://wa.cbca.org.au/make-your-own-story-book.html

They look forward to receiving lots of entries in 2023.

Astrotourism WA ~ Country Star Gazing

EVENTS COMING UP

23 June - Gascoyne Junction Stargazing – More details to come.

24 June - Carnarvon Stargazing - More details to come.

24 June - BYO Telescope Class

22 July - Dark Sky Night

IN THE NEWS

WA Researchers Discover Shockwaves Disturbing the Cosmic Web

Matter merging in the Universe has been found to produce shockwaves that amplify intergalactic magnetic fields.

https://www.icrar.org/polarised-shockwaves/

Former NASA Astronaut Visits Curtin University

Colonel Pamela Melroy, one of only two women to ever command a NASA Space Shuttle mission, inspired students from CSIRO’s Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy when she recently visited.  A senior leader in space exploration, she drove the establishment of the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium.

https://www.curtin.edu.au/news/media-release/trailblazing-nasa-astronaut-shares-big-dreams-with-curtin-students/

WHEN IS THE NEXT TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE FOR WA?

Following the spectacular April eclipse, the next will be visible from WA in July 2028, crossing the coast and traveling right through the Kimberley region.  It’s amazing to think that WA sees more total solar eclipses than anywhere else in the world, over the next 15 years.  Following the 2028 eclipse, we can look forward to 2037 and 2038. 

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2028-july-22

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

New Light Pollution Study Reveals Urgent Action Is Required

The Globe at Night community science project finds that light pollution is doubling globally every eight years.  This is far worse than was expected.

https://www.darksky.org/new-study-highlights-the-need-for-urgent-action-to-reverse-runaway-light-pollution/

For more dark sky tourism news and events visit Astrotourism WA. For more astronomy for beginners visit Stargazers Club WA and dont forget to look up!