Dear Lord,

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

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

listen, speak and act like St Joseph.

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

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

St Emilie          Pray for us

St Marcellin      Pray for us

St Joseph         Pray for us 

And may we always remember to pray for one another.

AMEN

Dear Members of St Joseph's Community

As we arrive at the end of what has felt like a very long and cold term, I would like to take the opportunity to commend the students on their enthusiastic involvement in all school activities this term, in particular the sporting carnivals and last week’s Founders’ Week Activities. It is always a pleasure to receive feedback from others about the good manners or high standard of behaviour of the St Joseph’s students. 

Founders Week last week was a huge success, and everyone finished the day on Friday with large smiles on their faces. To undertake such a logistical challenge as planning a week of activities for 800 students, some may have called us crazy, but despite a few teething problems and a few changes to make for next year, it was a very successful week. We set out to embrace the joy of education and learning in all its different forms and the week certainly hit the brief. Whether it was Camino walks through the national park or kite making with buddies, there was lots of laughter involved. A huge thank you to Mrs Sandrini and Mrs Smith who fed the whole school, including staff on Friday.

The week culminated in the traditional Founders Day awards. These are the highest awards that the school presents to students, and they are awarded to students who consistently display the traits of our Founders. Congratulations to all of the award winners and their families. They should all be very proud! 

A full list of award winners can be found further in the newsletter. 

Reports  

School reports for students in Pre-Primary to Year 12 will be published through SEQTA Engage on Friday afternoon. If you are unable to access the reports please call Marie Chomiak on 9621 3500 and she will help you to log on. 

Term Three 

I will be on Long Service Leave for Week 1 of Term 3. Mrs Sharon Cusack (Head of Secondary) will be acting Principal for that week. 

I hope all families enjoy some down time away from the busyness of the school rush.

We look forward to seeing students return on Monday 17 July. 

Weekly Gospel Reflection

Please view the Gospel reflection for this week.

This week's clip has a focus on Founders Week.

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, 

It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of Semester One! Kindy reports have been sent home with students as part of their portfolio, and students in Pre-Primary – Year 6 will have their Mid-Year Reports released to families via SEQTA on Friday afternoon.  

We will be holding Parent-Teacher Interviews for Kindy – Year 6, across Week 2: Tuesday 25 July - Thursday 27 July. These meetings will provide families with the opportunity to discuss their child's Mid-Year Report and to set goals for Semester Two. Families are asked to please check their email for instructions on how to book in for a meeting.  

Founder’s Week 

What a brilliant time we had last week celebrating our first Founder’s Week. The week included: 

• Pre-Kindy & Kindy student making & flying kites with big Secondary buddies 
• Pre-Primary – Year 6 creating a Scarecrow to enter into our first Scarecrow Competition. Congratulations to Year 3 Blue for their winning entry! 
• Year 4 visited St Mary’s Cathedral 
• Kindy – Year 6 visited the Scitech Spacedome 
• Pre-Primary – Year 6 had the joy of experiencing Suitcase Circus 
• Year 6 walked their first Camino 
• Kindy – Year 2 had a Teddy Bear’s Picnic 
• Everyone shared in the warmth that was Pyjama Day 
• We had a range of guest speakers and a MAJQuiz 
• We came together with Secondary for our Founder’s Week Mass, Assembly & Tabloid Sports. 

May you all have beautiful school holidays with your families. 

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Class in Focus: Pre-Kindy

In Term 2 Pre-Kindy students have been learning about ‘The Farm’, which grew from the interest in Term 1 of playing with farm animals, animal stories and songs that have animal sounds and characters. We have looked at the different types of roles that farmers play and the different farms that we have in our world. Such as farms with animals, farms that grow fruit and vegetables, farms that grow grains and what the setting of a farm may look like.

Learning the role of the farmer, we made our own farmer craft which was placed on a farm scene. We looked at the different machinery and equipment that is used on a farm and how a Scarecrow is used to deter birds away from the fruits, vegetables and grains that can grow on a farm.

Discovering the different animals that you may find on a farm, such as sheep, horses, cows, chickens, and pigs, we investigated the sounds each animal makes and how they move. We played games, read stories, and sang songs that incorporated this into our daily program as well as learning the names for each animal and that of their mothers, fathers and babies.

The Pre-Kindy classes enjoyed looking at the role different farm animals play, what they produce and some facts about each animal and how they live on a farm.

Harpreet Kaur
Pre-Kindy Teacher

NSSA Cross Country 

On Monday the 26June, twenty-four students from Years 1-6 attended the NSSA Cross Country at West Northam Primary School. Every student did an amazing job despite the chilly and slippery conditions. As a result, St Josephs School won the shield and had many students win Gold and Silver medals.

The official results from the day were:

Year 1:

Lucas Morgan 2^nd, Caleb Holten 3^rd

Ellie Wesley 4^th, Heidi Wallis 7th

Year 2:

Chase Manners 1^st, Charlie Elkington 4th

Ariah de Blecourt 1^st, Imogen Smith 2^nd

Year 3:

Caleb Battista 1^st, Toban Buttersfield 4^th

Maia Parker 1^st, Evie Sharples 2^nd

Year 4:

Jackson Byfield 1^st, Wesley Gillingham 5^th

Charli Wallis 1^st, Lucy Dempster 2^nd

Year 5:

Liam Ryall 1^st, Ryan Gee 2^nd

Imogen Wesley 1^st, Indi de Blecourt 3^rd

Year 6:

Logan Collins 1^st, Nash Forbes 3^rd

Mackenzie Miller 2^nd, Makayla Dymnicki 3^rd.

Thank you once again to the parents who volunteered to help out on the day.  The carnival could not run without your help.

Carrie Frost
Physical Education Teacher

Founder’s Week 

Thank you to our staff and students for the enthusiastic organisation and participation of Founder’s Week. Students were engaged in many activities throughout and were very well-behaved. From the combined painting of a liturgical/Aboriginal seasons mural with the very talented Mrs Lucie Lombardini to the sell-out Horror Secondary Disco organised by an energetic Mr Daniel Vernede and the Student Leaders, it was a very successful week. 

On Monday we invited the Police Liaison Officer, Shayne Price, from the local police station to deliver the ThinkUKnow Australia program. This program is led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), delivered nationally in partnership with police and industry partners to prevent online child sexual exploitation. They incorporate up-to-date research, real case studies and examples from reports made to the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. The program is pro-technology and addresses topics including self-generated child abuse material, online grooming, sexual extortion, and importantly encourages help seeking behaviour. Our students were very engaged throughout the presentation and were able to ask and answer questions from Shayne. We would like to thank Shayne for giving up a day to talk to our students. 

Housekeeping 

Can I please ask you to ensure that students are not bringing spray deodorants or perfumes to school? We have many students with asthma and allergies that react badly to sprays. 

Reminder about jewellery. Students are allowed one earring (small stud or sleeper) in each ear lobe only. Students are not allowed to wear rings, bracelets (other than a medic alert bracelet) and only a religious necklace is allowed to be worn to school. 

Can I please ask you to check your child’s uniforms over the break? Teenagers have quite significant growth spurts, and some uniforms may now be too short or too small. The uniform shop is open on the last Friday 14 July, of the school holidays between 9am – 12pm. Appointments are preferred. 

Reward Day 

Today, Friday the last day of Term 2, is Secondary Reward Day. All students have been treated to a free sausage sizzle for lunch and those with Good Standing attended an activity of their choice, ranging from Lego Masters to Golfing or a Bush Walk. St Joseph’s would like to extend a grateful thank you to Avon French Bakery for the generous donation of bread for our Sausage Sizzle, thank you. 

Holidays 

I would like to extend my wishes for a safe and restful holiday and look forward to seeing all of our students back on Monday 17 July. 

God Bless

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

From the Teaching and Learning Office

We have come to the end of another semester - you got through it!

Well perhaps that is how some people might be viewing this, you got through it.

Look at your report, examine the good and the bad. There are the attributes, the story about you in that subject, perhaps descriptions about your organisation, behaviour, homework or effort.

These are not merely added to pad out the report, they can often tell a great story, especially if these sections contain several satisfactory, or even inconsistent or unsatisfactory descriptors. This would not be listed, simply because the teacher doesn’t like you, use these attributes as a means of self-reflection, why did you receive these, what changes can you make to your behaviour or effort that will enhance these descriptors next semester?

The required changes are up to you.

Now, onto the grades, if you didn’t get the grade you were hoping for, reflect on why that is the case. Consider better note taking next term, or possibly a definite study timetable, or just planning to study. Start considering what non-school commitments you have, these may be work or sport, then start building blocks of time around this, where you can complete homework, revise and study.

The year is not over, there is a whole semester ahead to consolidate the foundation you have established so far. This is certainly the message that our Year 11 and 12 students received in the recent academic counselling, where a closer look at examination performance, comparisons between class scores and the examination, possible post-school destination and university course information along with an estimated ATAR. Senior secondary ATAR students, do spend some time over the ‘holidays’ consolidating semester one and maybe even getting a little ahead into the next unit, check your resources, such as the program to guide you. For our Year 12 ATAR students, not long now, effectively 10 weeks of content and that wraps up the academic year, yes that soon.

Well done to those that have established a firm foundation in preparation for semester two. We are all looking forward to everyone returning fresh and invigorated after a well-earned holiday.

Mark Gargano
Year 7 - 12 Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Year 6 'Camino Cabagniol'

On Thursday 22 June, the Year 6's embarked on their leg of the 'Camino Cabagniol.' The Year 6 cohort officially kicked off their journey of the whole Pilgrimage and enjoyed receiving their Passports on the steps of Fermoy House. 

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

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

Year 7 'Camino Cabagniol'

On Wednesday 21 June, the Year 7's embarked on their leg of the 'Camino Cabagniol.' The Year 7 cohort took part in their second leg of the whole Pilgrimage from the town centre of Northam to Fremantle.

The students enjoyed their 18km walk titled 'The Leonard Trek,' named after the wonderful Sister Leonard McCarthy who worked at St Joseph's for over 30 years.

This trek involved learning the mission work that Sr. Leonard took part in within the Northam Community along with the key elements of Science, Sport, Arts and Literature which she established at our school.

Our Year 7's arrived at Bakers Hill full of pride and they look forward to continuing their Camino in 2024.

Year 10 Camino Retreat 'Galilee'

On Monday 19 June the Year 10’s embarked on their leg of the Camino Cabagniol by walking from Stoneville to Midland along the Railway Heritage Trail through John Forrest National Park. The journey was a length of 18km. The Camino also doubled as their Year 10 Retreat named 'Galilee'. Students immersed themselves in the setting of the Sea of Galilee and visited townsites that Jesus would have preached in during his years of ministry, such as Bethsaida, Capernaum and Tiberius.

The themes of the Retreat day outline our callings in life. The themes outlined were: 'Called As We Are,' 'Called But Not Alone' and 'Called To Serve.'

Students trekked through awesome weather conditions and relished the opportunity to have Hovea Creek and its various waterfalls in full flow. 

We would like to thank the staff, parent helpers and support vehicle volunteers; Don and Sony, plus Br Joe Hughes for helping facilitate the day.

Lloyd Reidy
Religion Teacher

From the VET Office

Student Success 

Congratulations to Gunnars Reineks-Parker for successfully completing 55 hours of workplacement at Western Power in Term 2.

Gunnars performed so well at Western Power that a school-based traineeship position has been created for him. This means that Gunnars will continue to finish his Cert II Automotive Prep TAFE course and also complete a Cert III certificate linked to his traineeship in 2023 and 2024. Fulltime apprenticeships are often the natural progression after completing a school-based traineeship and we wish Gunnars the best of luck.

VR (Virtual Reality) Career Exploration Incursion

On Wednesday 28 June, Year 9 students were treated to a VR (Virtual Reality) Career Exploration incursion. The company ‘Mindflight’ provided opportunities for students to explore a variety of different career flights some of which included heart surgery, science laboratory dissections, space science walks, digital game design, and building and construction. 

Students practiced using the VR headsets while creating works of art and then selected different careers from the menus to explore. Students commented that the activity was challenging and fun. April completed 3 flightpaths including the Deep Ocean Nature Trek and said “I’ll now think about Marine Biology as a career path”, James completed 3 flightpaths and afterwards said “I will now consider more career options that might be available to me”.

Caroline Marriott
VET Co-ordinator

Secondary Sporting News

Founders Day Tabloid Sports

On Friday of Founders Week, the Year 10 students coordinated and ran the tabloid sports for students in PP - Year 12. All Year 10 students took responsibility for a station around the primary campus and helped run and coordinate different tabloid games and activities.

Throughout the week, and on Founders Day, the students in Year 3 – 12 participated in house competitions. It was a close score as we came into the tabloid sports but Leonard showed their dominance taking home the Founders Games Shield for 2023.

Thank you to all the staff for their support in running the event and especially to Mr Cameron Greenley for helping prepare the Year 10 students for the afternoon.

Year 9 & 10 Physical Rec Day Around Town

Students in Year 9 and 10 Physical Recreation put their knowledge and skills to the test and ran a recreation day around Northam.

Starting in the morning with a scavenger hunt along the river, students searched for all things significant to the Avon region and Northam town centre. This was followed by a sustainability activity where students played plastic bottle bowling, Jenga and Recycling Rob the nest. The students then moved to Northam Skate Park and Rec Centre where they participated in tabloid sports with a whole class dodgeball game and social sports of basketball, netball and floorball.

I am very proud of all the students involved, they showed great leadership and skill while running and participating in the activities of the day. Additionally a big thank you to Mrs Sally Clements for helping make 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

Founders Day Award Winners

Congratulations to the recipients of our Founders Day Awards.

The full list of recipents are listed below

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 have purchased 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 continues to operate with the WINTER MENU into Term 3 - 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.  

Founders Day Lunches

At our recent Founders Day Friday, the canteen served an amazing record of 800 lunches to staff and students from both campuses! 

This is a mighty effort and Mrs Sandrini would like to thank all her helpers on the day with a very special mention to Eddie and Julie, Des, Doug and Lisa.

Canteen Support

It has been wonderful having our Year 6 students stepping up and helping out by assisting in the canteen this Term. Mrs Sandrini could not survive without her band of Year 6 helpers, particularly the responsibility and commitment that they have shown and would like to extend a very big and warm thank you.

Thank you to all our parent helpers this term, who have helped support the school canteen, ensuring that the service and quality of food continues to the benefit of our children, unfortunatley numbers have been down with parent helpers and we do encourage each and every parent, carer, guardian or family member to please put your name down and volunteer.

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 3 is below. Volunteers are urgently needed so please consider offering an hour or two one morning as at this stage, numbers are limited.

Primary - Week 1, Term 3

Primary - Week 2, Term 3

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: (During Term)  Mondays -   3.15pm to 4.45pm       
                                                    Thursdays - 2.45pm to 4.15pm    

School Holiday Hours:                 Friday 16th July - 9am to 1pm

During Term 2 and 3, 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

We have reached the halfway point of the school year with many exciting events so far and have many more planned. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for P&F events; these events can’t happen without volunteers and your hard work is very much appreciated. I hope that everyone enjoys their break and I look forward to welcoming you all next term.

Primary Disco

The primary disco will be held in Term 3 on Friday 25 August. Thank you to those who have volunteered to help run the event. Ticket sales and more details will be announced soon.

Book Week

Book Week and the Book Fair will be returning in Term 3 during Week 6. More information regarding the parade and the book fair, plus details on how you can help out will be available soon.

There are some exciting events being held in Term 3 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.    

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

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 Monday 24 July at 3.20pm in the Kindy room. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend 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.

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

Casey Pearse
P&F Chair

Parish Priest - Fr Stephen Jean Paul 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.

School Dental Van

Screen time

Children and adolescents should not spend more than two hours a day on screen based activities.  Excessive screen time often leads to poor health, poor fitness and becoming overweight.

Activities like surfing the net, social networking, watching TV and playing screen games can be educational and fun, but all involve sitting still for long periods of time. Set family rules around screen time and encourage your child to try a range of active pastimes, especially during daylight hours.

For more information, go to http://raisingchildren.net.au.

Drinks - what should children drink?

Drinking plenty of water is essential for people of all ages.  When your child is thirsty, encourage them to drink plain water.
It is recommended that:

• children aged 5 – 8 years drink 1000ml per day (4 big cups)
• children aged 9 – 12 years drink 1500ml per day (6 big cups)
• young people aged 13+ years drink 2000ml per day (8 big cups).

Drinking milk is also important, as it provides children with the calcium they need for growing bones and teeth.  If your child doesn’t drink milk, try yoghurt, cheese or calcium-fortified soy milk. The drinking of cordials, soft drinks and fruit juices should be limited, as the sugar in these drinks may contribute to tooth decay and unhealthy weight.

Energy drinks and artificially sweetened drinks are not suitable for children.
For more information go to https://livelighter.com.au/

Aimee Leeson

Clinical Nurse | School Health (Tuesday’s & Wednesday’s)

WA Country Health Service - Wheatbelt