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

Community Mass   

The Term 2 Community Mass has been rescheduled to Saturday June 10 at 5:30pm at St Joseph's Parish Church.

The Years 5 and 6 students will be taking responsibility for elements of the Ministry side of this Mass.

Weekly Gospel Reflection

Please view the Gospel reflection for this week.

This week's clip has a focus on 'The Ascension' and how Jesus is more with us than he is distant.

Rosary 

Throughout May, students from Years 5 to 12 have been praying the Rosary each Thursday morning in the Church. 

The month of May traditionally is the time for special devotions to Mother Mary which began in Italy during the 17th Century through the order of the Society of Jesus. 

Our students are to be commended for their reverence and sincerity in praying the Rosary, particularly those who have helped lead us in decades of the Hail Mary. 

We would also like to thank Father Konrad who joined us each Thursday before his move to the Kalgoorlie Parish. 

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, 

There have been lots of wonderful things happening on the Primary Campus. Last week, we had the team from Edu Marking come out and install some new games for students to play at break times. This included hopscotch, snakes and ladders, a number dragon, target throw, mirror me and a colourful four-square court.

Thank you to our Year 6 student leaders who took the time to make sure that our younger students knew how to play each game.  

CSBP Hockey Festival

We entered teams in the CSBP Hockey Festival and came 1st & 2nd place in Pool A, and 1st in Pool B.

Thank you to all of the students who represented our school so well in both their skills and sportsmanship.

Special thanks to Mrs Curtis and Miss Hince for helping the students out on the day. 

Pre-Primary and Year One Excursions

I had the pleasure of attending both the Pre-Primary excursion to Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm and the Year One excursion to Peninsula History Farm.

Both groups of children were shining examples of good behaviour and making Jesus real in the wider community.

Thank you to the parent volunteers who assisted on these excursions.  It is so lovely to have parent involvement in student learning. 

Year One

Pre-Primary

Primary Cross Country Carnival

Last week, we held our Primary Cross Country Carnival. Students from Years 1 to 6 tried their best and should be congratulated on their effort and participation. 

Thank you to Ms Frost for her outstanding organisation of this year’s carnival. 

Reconciliation Week

Throughout the past week, students across both campuses started each day with acknowledgment of Reconciliation Week through prayer, reflection and discussion. This year’s theme Be a Voice for Generations encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. 

Long Weekend

Just a reminder that this Friday June 2, is a Pupil Free Day followed by WA Day on Monday June 5. Students return to school on Tuesday June 6. 

School Photos

School Photos for Kindy to Year 6 will be held on Monday June 12. We are moving to online ordering with Fotomakers, and students should have brought home a letter outlining the process this week. If you wish to order sibling photos, this will require an separate Order letter which can be collected from Primary Admin. If you need any assistance with online ordering, please come and speak to our Admin Team. 

Kindy/PP Playground

We have an increasing number of families playing in the Kindy/PP playground before and after school. Although we love families talking and engaging with each other, can we please ask students not to play on equipment before school and that you move to the playground at the back of the oval after school.   

P&F Meeting

Our next P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday June 6 at 3:20pm in the Kindy classrooms. We have had low attendance for the last couple of meetings and would love to see Mums and Dads come along as we start planning for our Term 3 events. New faces are always welcome.  

May you all have a beautiful long weekend.  

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary/Acting Principal

NSSA Winter Carnival

On Friday May 19, students from Years 4 to 6 participated in the NSSA Winter Carnival.  We entered 3 netball teams and 2 soccer teams.  It was the first year that AFL did not have enough teams to make a competition.

It was a beautiful day and the students represented the school with pride and respect.

Final results on the day were:

A Grade Netball: Team 1 2nd place; Team 2 3rd place.

B Grade Netball: 1st place

Soccer:  Team 2 1st place; Team 2 3rd place

Thank you to the Secondary students for umpiring and scoring on the day.  Thank you also to all the parents who volunteered their help out on the day.

Class in Focus: Year 4 Blue

Time has flown by for us in Year Four Blue with lots of fun and exciting things happening within and outside of the classroom. So far, we have been busy with making our shrinking plastic key chains for Mother’s Day and the Cross-Country which just happened, with all students trying their best.

In Literacy this term, we have been learning how to write explanation text with a focus on ensuring our ideas are in chronological order and joined with a variety of connectives. Each student has chosen a different topic on what to write for their final explanation text, such as “how to fly a hot air balloon” and “the life cycle of a unicorn.”

In Maths, we have been focusing on multi-digit addition and subtraction, with no regrouping and regrouping. We have also been exploring the language used in addition and subtraction worded questions, with students applying this language to create their own worded problems.

In Religion this term, we have been learning about living in right relationships, how Jesus taught us to live in these right relationships and why it is important to have healthy relationships and how they should feel. We have begun to connect the idea of relationships to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how reconciliation helps us restore relationships.

Technologies this term has been very busy. We have been applying what we learnt about design processes, components of playgrounds and safety procedures from last term to building our own dream playground with our groups.

In HASS this term, we have been focusing on Great Journeys of Exploration and the famous explorers from the period of exploration. To tie into this topic we will be visiting the Perth Museum to explore and investigate the early encounters and collisions of culture between the Aboriginal peoples of Western Australia, which we all are very excited for.

We in Year Four Blue look forward to the rest of the term and the year and cannot wait to see what happens!

Edward Ewing
Year 4 Blue Teacher

Pre-Primary Gold

Oh my! It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through Term 2. 

Our focus for this term is all about farms. The learning intention for this theme is to understand how significant the role of farmers and farms are in the circle of life. Our excursion to the Cuddly Animal Farm was definitely a highlight of the term. 

In Literacy, we have been focusing on our sound knowledge and letter formation by practicing writing letters in sand, coloured rice, playdough, and paint bags. With the addition of games, flash-cards, and natural resources to enhance our knowledge of blending sounds to make words, some of us are now reading! 

In Talk for Writing, the children did an awesome job of using the key connectives of first, next, then and lastly to retell their Cuddly Animal Farm excursion experience. It is clear through their retells that this experience was enjoyed by all. 

In Mathematics Pre-Primaries have loved playing with their new Bond Blocks. The students are learning to manipulate the Bond Blocks to make teen numbers and practise their counting sequence forwards and backwards. 

We are also using the concrete objects to understand the concept of addition. 

In Religion, we have been learning about Families and the overall connection of families in our lives. Jesus invites us to be a part of God’s family every day. This is how people learn to be a part of the Church. This week, we came together with Pre Primary Blue to participate in our first Liturgy together.  Thanks to Mr Reidy for leading us in the service and to all the parents that came out to support us. Both Pre Primary classes did an amazing job joining in prayerfully and respectfully during this time. 

Harpreet Kaur
Pre-Primary Gold Teacher

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

Learning Areas in Focus

Maths

Students from Years 9 to 12 are currently doing their examinations.  The Mathematics staff have been teaching students the following study techniques:

Active Learning: Engage with the material actively by summarising, questioning, and teaching it to others. This approach enhances retention and comprehension.

Time Management: Create a study schedule and allocate specific time slots for each subject. Prioritise difficult topics while allowing for breaks to maintain focus.

Practice Tests: Familiarise yourself with the exam format by practicing with past papers or sample questions. This helps you identify weak areas and improve your test-taking skills.

Study Groups: Collaborating with classmates allows for discussion, clarification, and sharing of knowledge. Explaining concepts to others solidifies your understanding.

Mindful Breaks: Taking regular breaks during study sessions revitalises your mind and prevents burnout. Engage in physical activity or relaxation techniques to recharge.

Incorporating these study techniques into your examination preparation routine will boost your confidence, increase your understanding of the material, and enhance your overall performance. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to achieving your academic goals. Good luck!

Students engage in active learning techniques by revising a topic taught to them by their teacher.

Mathematics Department - Mrs Kylie Wallis, Ms Michelle Ridout, Mr Andrew Ellis, Ms Sharon Cusack, Mr Daniel Vernede and Mr Mike Hillyer

Religion

In Year 7 Religion, students have been asking the big question, “What is the big deal with the Church?”

The question has had the students focusing on elements in the Church such as Sacraments, Prayer and the Creeds. From this study, Year 7’s have applied themselves to creating some brochures based on elements of Catholic life and the specifics of what ‘Church’ means to us.

Some select Year 7 students are excited about their GameChangers Youth Group that began last week and look forward to the activities and tasks in the upcoming weeks.

Year 8 students have been investigating the question of the origins and uniqueness of Christianity among the 5 major religions of the world. There has been a particular focus on the people and land of Israel and other elements in the history of the Middle East. This study has given them a well rounded idea of how Christianity grew in a tumultuous 1^st Century.

The Year 8 students are very proud of themselves after completing their part of the Camino that related to the characteristics of St Joseph. In connection to this, the Year 8’s are looking forward to their Retreat in Founders' Week with YMT Ministries. The day promises to be a great occasion for reflection, games and building relationships.

The Year 9 cohort have been investigating the broad question of ‘How can people be good?’ This question has led discussions to elements of service, morals, conscience and societal expectations. Mixed with this, the curriculum has provided the Catholic understanding of how the Holy Spirit guides us and has been doing so since the very first Pentecost.

While in the month of May, the Year 9’s have also connected the Holy Spirit with it’s influence upon Mary, the mother of Christ. With this understanding, the Year 9’s along with other year groups this term have participated in praying the Rosary every Thursday at St Joseph’s Parish.

In Year 10 the overarching question studied this term is ‘What does it mean to be Free?’ Contrary to some belief, it is acknowledged that freedom itself does have restrictions. We understand that in Australia there are rules regarding Freedom of Speech, Association, Gathering, Worshipping and Expression. This links directly to ideas of Freedom among religions where we are limited to what we should be allowed to do based on global ideas of right and wrong. Characters through history such as Mandela, Lincoln, Ghandi and of course, Jesus, have been researched to gain a better idea of society's thoughts on Freedom.

The Year 10’s are also excited once exams are completed to begin talking about and preparing for their Retreat. The Retreat will revolve around the idea of Lake Galilee and will occur along the old Heritage Trail to Midland during Founders' Week.

Year 11 Religion have looked into religious beliefs and have just completed a presentation on Baptism and its elements of initiation. Students have gained an understanding of how ceremony is such an integral part in not only religion across the world, but also celebrations within secular society.

In both Year 12 ATAR and General Religion classes students have looked into current issues that society faces. In connection to their courses, they have investigated how religion and particularly the Catholic Church have responded over the years to these issues.

The Year 12 cohort are also looking forward to their Nahra Retreat in Fairbridge during Week 9 and have developed a sense of excitement based on what benefits they will get from the time away with each other.

Lloyd Reidy
Religion Teacher

Year 9 Outdoor Education Orienteering & Bushcraft

The Year 9 Outdoor Education students are learning about bushcraft and sustainability, survival skills and orienteering.

Last week, students demonstrated their survival skills using a variety of strategies to collect water. Some success was had with the transpiration method and some even attempted an underground still. Although all groups had success collecting water they learnt quickly that to get the best results they would have to set up a number of water collection stations if they were to collect enough water to sustain their needs.

The students have also overcome challenges in orienteering finally in completing one of the large courses located in the old Scout Hall area. Students worked together to problem-solve when misplaced and find their way around the course, discovering different strategies to navigate their way through the bushland.

In the coming weeks, students will be working together to build shelters suitable for overnight camping and advancing their orienteering skills in different size groups and more advanced challenges.

Adrienne Suckling
HPE Teacher

Food Science

During Term 2, Year 10 students have been investigating and producing baked goods. Through these investigations, they identified the function of ingredients in baking.  Being able to produce a cupcake that is delicious as well as healthy for you was interesting. Identifying an appropriate icing and themed decoration was fun.

Students undertook a Cupcake Challenge which produced an array of mouth-watering cupcakes. The students designed four cupcakes with icing and decorations to catch your eye and invite you in to taste and enjoy.

Students did a great job and enjoyed themselves at the same time.

Mrs Kathy Pollard
Food Science Teacher

Children, Family & Community

Hi all, I'd like to introduce you to a new member of the St Joseph's Community. This is our new “Realcare Baby” infant simulator that has been purchased for use in a new Subject now on offer at St Joseph's School called Children, Family and Community.

The Year 11 students will be required to take home the baby for a weekend and it will need to be fed, burped, rocked, changed, kept warm and put to sleep. To date, 4 students have taken it home with excellent results.

The task requires students to understand why a baby cries and to recognise how frustrating it is to not know what the baby needs. It also introduces them to sleepless nights and unusual, sometimes judgemental, stares from people in the community. The idea is for them to learn how having a baby would change their lives.

Mrs Carol Farson
Home Economics Teacher

Year 11 Integrated Science Excursion to Lake Joondalup

On Thursday May 25, Year 11 Integrated Science students, along with Ms Budas and Mr Rigney, boarded a bus to head to Lake Joondalup to participate in a program run by Nearer to Nature (Parks and Wildlife).

The day was all about studying Aquatic Ecosystems and involved practical observations and participation in analysing water samples taken from Lake Joondalup. Students started out by looking at a water sample and isolating and identifying macro-invertebrates found in their sample. They learnt how to use a dichotomous key to identify the different species.

After lunch, students participated in a discussion about the different factors that can affect water quality. They learnt about the use and significance of different tests employed in analysing water samples. The students were then tasked with collecting water samples from the lake and testing the water samples for pH, temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Phosphates, Nitrates, and Electrical Conductivity (salinity).

Finally, students recorded and discussed the results they obtained from the water samples with the presenters.

We were blessed to have a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze keeping the temperature cool. The journey home was a safe one and saw us return by 4:30pm.

Mark Gargano
Year 7 - 12 Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Secondary Sporting News

ACC Cross Country

On Thursday June 1, our ACC Cross Country team travelled to Perry Lakes Reserve in Floreat. The students enjoyed a beautiful and sunny start to winter running in a number of 3km and 4km events. 

Some highlights from the day:

3km results -

Marley Ferguson U13 girls (00.13.00.76) 28th place 

Isabelle Dymnicki U14 girls (00.13.03.12) 50th place 

Toby Della U13 boys (00.13.17.54)

William Elliott U13 boys (00.13.53.86)

Jeremy Parker U14 boys (00.13.20.62)

4km results -

Brayden Sibley U15 boys (00.15.31.15) 57th place 

Kale Treloar U16 boys (00.16.30.30) 

Lily Parker U19 girls (00.17.36.82) 16th place 

Jayden Oliver (00.17.47.36) 

Congratulations to all the students who participated, you all put in such a great effort and your hard work at training paid off. A big thank you to the parents who came to spectate and Mr Cameron Greenley for jumping in to help get the team down to Perth and have the day run smoothly. 

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

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 continues to operate with the 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 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 Sandrini
Canteen - 9621 3525 

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

During Term 2 our 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

Assistant Priest - Fr Rubenson Cardona

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.

Primary Discos

The Primary Discos will be held in Term 3; Kindy and Pre-Primary will be Wednesday August 2 and Years 1-6 being held on Friday August 4. Thank you to those who have volunteered to help run these events. Ticket sales and more details will be announced soon.

Camino Walks

The Camino walks for Years 10, 7 and 6 will held during Founders' Week (Week 9) of this term. We are looking for volunteers from each of these years to help drive the support car and assist 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.  

Next P&F Meeting  

Our next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday June 6 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.

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.  

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

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.

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

Casey Pearse
P&F Chair

School Dental Van

(Information from Aimee, your School Nurse)

Parents play an important role in assisting children and young people to build self-respect. This leads to the development of the values and skills needed to express respect to others. There may be some variation in what represents respectful behaviours across different cultures. However, in any cultural context, respect is about behaviours that convey valuing and caring about another person.

Helping your child develop the following skills will help them to form healthy, respectful relationships with peers and adults.

• Understanding and empathy: Encourage your child to think about how another person may feel about something.
• Empathic listening: Teach them to listen and show they understand another person’s point of view
• Anger Management: In times of conflict, encourage them to think first before speaking, stay calm and avoid hurtful reactions.
• Conflict resolution: Disagreements are normal in any relationship. It’s helpful to teach your child that to work through a problem by understanding another person’s point of view. To achieve a compromise or agreement is better than winning an argument that leaves the other person feeling bullied, hurt or embarrassed.
• Problem-solving and decision making skills: Rather than you offering solutions for your child’s problems, hold back and support your child to generate a few possible solutions themselves. Encourage them to think about the impact of each option on themselves and others before deciding on their action.
• Honesty: In a relationship where there is trust and acceptance there should be no reason to lie and honesty should be encouraged.
• Assertiveness: Help your child to learn how to stand up for themselves or to speak up about their values or needs in a way that is non-confrontational and still respects others.

More information on helping children develop healthy relationships can be found at https://kidshelpline.com.au and http://raisingchildren.net.au

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 June 9 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!