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

Term 3 Wrap-up

This week I have spent a couple of days at the Catholic Primary Principals Conference where the focus was on Staff and Student wellbeing as well as the future of education.  We are certainly moving into a world where building positive mental health needs to be prioritised and adapting schools to become more future focused is a necessity.   

Now that we have reached end of another busy term, it is also time to begin the farewell process for our Year 12 students.  The Year 12s took part in their final Assembly yesterday afternoon, where they were farewelled by the Secondary Campus with the traditional Guard of Honour out of the school grounds.  Some of these students will return next term to sit their final exams but many will now move off into their next phase of life.  This group has been a wonderful example of the type of person we hope all St Joseph’s graduates will become – people who understand what it means to make Jesus real everyday in their lives. I wish those sitting exams in the holidays all the very best and we look forward to their Graduation evening at the end of week 2 next term.

As I was away I created a video for the Year 12s of my final address. This can be seen here.   

Today, many staff and students attended the funeral for our Year 11 student, Tegan, who died several weeks ago. It was a wonderful celebration of her life and we move off into the holidays, we continue to keep Tegan and her family in our prayers. May she rest in peace.  

Weekly Gospel Reflection

This week's clip has a focus on 'How many times to forgive' and that our lives are to be lived for others. 

Years 1 & 2 Liturgy

This week, the Years 1 and 2 classes came together for a joint Liturgy.  Students actively participated; singing, offering prayers, readings, and reflections.  Thank you to all students, staff and parents for your attendance.  

Jessica Morris
Year 2 Blue Teacher 

Year 11 Camino & Retreat

On Wednesday 20 September, the Year 11 students embarked on their Camino experience titled, 'The Emilie Walk'. 

This leg of the Camino Cabagniol takes students from St Brigid's Church in Midland to Trinity College in East Perth. The distance of 19.3km was broken up into 5 segments that reflected on different stages of the life and mission of St Emilie de Vialar. Students journeyed along the banks of the Swan River for most of the day and enjoyed great scenery, awesome playgrounds and perfect weather conditions. 

On arrival at Trinity College, students then took part in the Year 11 Retreat in the Foley Centre which focused on restorative relationships. The retreat was facilitated by YMT who also run our Years 8 and 9 Retreats each year. 

We would like to extend our gratitude to P&F member, Mrs Kate Candeloro, Sister Lillian Bong (SSJA) and Sunny Fernandez (YMT) for helping our day run so smoothly. 

Lloyd Reidy 
REC Coordinator

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, 

As we conclude Term 3, I would like to thank all of our students for making Jesus real each and every day.  We are truly blessed to be working in a school filled with children who consistently try their best, are kind to one another and take on the challenges that school offers with a smile and sense of determination.

NAIDOC Week

Last week we celebrated NAIDOC Week across both campuses. Thank you to Elder Trevor Davis for spending time with our Pre-Primary to Year 6 classes, sharing stories and music, and creating a beautiful piece of artwork (pictured below). Across the week, classes researched an influential Indigenous Australian and created a presentation that was shared at an Assembly. Students also had the opportunity to taste some kangaroo dip and damper that was lovingly cooked by Mrs Boyce.

NSSA Carnival 

Congratulations to our Years 1 to 6 NSSA Athletics Team who won the Interschool Athletics Carnival held last Friday. Thank you to Ms Frost for preparing our students so well and to our amazing athletes who represented our school proudly with their great sportsmanship and athletic abilities.  

Tennis West

Thank you to representatives from Tennis West who visited us on Tuesday and ran tennis clinics with students in Years 2 and 5.  We truly appreciate when sporting organisations take the time to inspire our students.  

May you all have a wonderful school holiday and we look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, 10 October. 

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Class in Focus:   Year 1 Gold

What an exciting time we have been having in Year 1 Gold! Celebrating 100 days smarter with STEM challenges, practicing our skip counting by 10s with a fitness trail and completing our 100 days of school booklet. Go us!  

• Developing our understanding of what is personal information and how to keep ourselves safe online.
• Exploring the natural, managed and constructed areas in our school community and how local places have changed.
• Looking into how followers of Jesus show love and care for all people and become part of God’s family when they are baptised.
• We celebrated Science Week with learning all about garden worms with the Worm Shed and even creating our own worm farm to take home.
• Creating an optical illusion with a fish in a bowl spinner and making a balloon rocket. Soooo much fun!
• Learning all about Cancer with the Camp Quality Puppets and attending the Feast of Assumption Mass, the school disco, a virtual incursion with the West Coast Eagles, a fabulous Father’s Day breakfast followed by the junior sports carnival.
• Last week we celebrated NAIDOC week with meeting the amazing Trevour who taught us all about the names for the different implements he used as a child to hunt and forage for food.

We ended the term with our Years 1 and 2 Liturgy and are looking forward to an exciting Term 4.  

Peta Robinson 
Year 1 Gold Teacher 

Class in Focus:   Year 5 Blue

On Wednesday, 30 August, our Year 5 students travelled down the hill to Brownes Dairy (many of us for the first time). We were given a tour of the processing factory, learning about the different assembly lines and the processes that are involved in preparing, packing, filling, and packaging bottles of milk.

We were then brought into a room and taught the different processes of creating cheese, through the use of Yoghurt and other simple dairy products.  Finally, we all lined up and got the opportunity to milk a cow, even some of the adults had a go too.

We have spent the last term learning about the different aspects of processed/unprocessed foods and what constitutes a food to be in each category. We are designing, advertising and eventually creating our own pizzas, focusing on understanding the importance of assembly lines when creating different food products. 

Tim Natkanski
Year 5 Blue

Primary NSSA Athletics Carnival 

On Friday, 15  September, 50 students represented our School at the NSSA Athletics carnival.  Thank you to the parents who helped by marshalling, place judging and running the turbo javelin and long jump events - the carnival would not be possible without you.

We had many successes, and some new records set.  Uli Koch broke the Year 3 Boys 200m record, Liam Ryall broke the Year 5 Boys 400m record and the Intermediate Girls created a new Leaderball record. 

Individual medal winners on the day were:

Well done to everyone for representing our School with pride and bringing home the Shield.  

Carrie Frost
Primary Sports Coordinator

Thank you to our parents for your work getting your children to school this term. Our teachers appreciate the arguments you may have had with your children around uniforms, hair, and jewellery.  We are aware of the “everyone else does” argument and parents standing their ground and supporting the School’s uniform guidelines helps us to enforce the rules at school. 

Thank you to Mrs Noelene Boyce for the massive work in cooking Damper and Kangaroo for both campuses during NAIDOC Week. To our PE Department for trying to take our Years 11 and 12 out on camp this term - it was the camp that just kept throwing obstacles in our way.  Thanks also to the staff who took our Year 10 students to the Paraplegic Benefit Fund Talk at Northam Senior High School. This is an organisation that raises awareness around spinal cord injuries and with this year level about to get drivers’ licences, it is a well-timed event. 

The Secondary Campus farewelled our Year 12s at a Graduation Assembly on Thursday afternoon. Thank you to the many parents who attended and sympathies for any tears caused by Stephanie and Kate’s speech. We are extremely proud of the Year 12 students and the hard work they have put into their final year. We wish them the best as they leave 13 years of schooling to begin their new journey and hope they come back occasionally to say hello.

First Week of Term 4 

A reminder that Monday is a Staff PD day with students returning on Tuesday 10 October.  On Thursday, our lower Secondary students will attend an hour at the Turn up in Blue Day on the river.  Details will be released at the beginning of Week 1.

Stay safe and have a relaxing school holiday. 

God Bless

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

Year 7 WA Museum Excursion 

Dinosaurs, historical relics, whale skeletons, pyramid models and mummies! There was so much to see at the WA Museum. Year 7s had a wonderful day exploring the museum and checking out the Ancient Egypt exhibition.  We discovered that the Ancient Egyptians even mummified cats and birds!  

We are very grateful to those parents who assisted us on the day and shared in the experience of the WA Museum. The Year 7 students enjoyed the day and were well behaved. 

Nicole Parker
HaSS Teacher 

Year 11 Photography - Dowerin Field Days

The Years 11 and 12 Design Photography class recently attended Dowerin Field Days to take photos. Students were there to capture Australian rural culture. Students had great fun walking around, soaking up the atmosphere and catching photos that show aspects of country life.  

Back in the computer lab, our Year 12s have been working on a Field Day Merchandise package of poster and t-shirt logo, using their original images. 

Students from the Hub also joined us on the day, exploring the free activities, patting the animals, watching machinery demonstrations and sheep dog trials. 

All the students were cooperative and well behaved on the day. It was a fun opportunity and experience. 

Nicole Parker
Photography Teacher 

Years 9 & 10 STEM – CO2 Dragster Competition 

On Friday 15 September, the Years 9 and 10 STEM class ventured down the hill to Belridge Secondary College to participate in the CO2 Dragsters State Championships.  During Term 3, these students researched and studied the specifications for their entries before designing and making their own dragsters.  St Joseph’s School Northam was one of ten schools involved and we entered 8 cars out of a total of 80 in the competition. 

Our entries performed well on the day but sadly we didn’t make the finals (top 16) for our division.  We did however learn a great deal and it was very educational to see all the different entries and note which designs were the fastest.  We took a great many photos and will be able to utilise this experience for future expeditions.  Each of our students were great ambassadors for our school.  We received compliments from the hosts and organisers of the day on the behaviour and participation of our students. 

Well done to our STEM students for representing the school in such a positive way!

Steve Rigney
Technologies Teacher

Curriculum Matters 

To all our Year 12 ATAR students, you’re almost there! 

The celebrations, the laughs, the tears have all occurred in a range of events this week, these are important memorable milestones. What we need to also remember are a few other, memorable milestones, the examinations! 

Some of you are well aware of these crucial tasks.  Commencing on Monday 2 October are your school-based Semester Two examinations. These are your final school tasks for the year, your opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of all the knowledge and skills you have accrued throughout the year; well, over the last few years actually.  

These examinations will be worth anything between 15 and 30% of your final school mark, depending on the course, so attaining a strong score is important. Please use next week wisely, referring to all your notes, trial questions, slideshows, worksheets, investigations and any information that has been supplied to you.  Remember to check your class Notebooks or One Notes.  This is usually your one stop shop for all things course content covered in class and SCSA for your syllabus, use it as a checklist-what do I know, what do I need to develop further? 

Some additional thoughts for your preparation and a greater chance of success in these examinations and the WACE examinations in November, if you haven’t already, establish a routine. Know when you are going to study and what you are going to study. Just sitting down one day-to study, without a specific plan, will lead to an aimless preparation session with no measurable outcome at the end.  

When you do sit down to a planned session of study, have all your materials with you, including your class notes and writing material. Constantly getting up and finding items, provides distractions, and will interrupt the flow of your thought processes. Something for consideration, is that on a regular school day, we only ever work for 40-55 min on one specific subject at a time, when studying you should do the same, rotate between content from different courses, start with your most challenging material first while you are fresh and energetic, you will be able to problem solve better and retain more this way.  

If you have concerns that you have missed the mark and need to put in some serious solid hours, working non-stop from dawn to dusk and beyond for the next week will help no one. Factor in break times, don’t suddenly change your routine to work in the late or even early hours. Try to follow a regular day, with breaks for morning tea and lunch, hydrate often and snack healthy. It is important that you get solid rest, eight hours of decent sleep per night is a great guideline to uphold.  

The upcoming examination periods are going to be stressful and will keep the adrenalin pumping, so build in some rest and recreation time, not only will this provide a healthy distraction, but allow your brain to process the material you were working on previously.  

By doing your best, you are absolutely helping yourself, but you are also helping others in your class.  Doing well lifts the class average, which through processes of moderation, helps everyone. Let the examinations demonstrate the best academic version of you!  Wishing you all the best for your studies and the upcoming examinations. 

Mark Gargano
Years 7-12 Teaching & Learning Coordinator 

Health & Outdoor Education News

Year 9 Health VR Lesson

Over the last two weeks in Health, a group of Year 9 students have been participating in a Virtual Reality program on Alcohol and Other Drugs run by the Department of Education. This project aims to educate Year 9 students about the effects of alcohol and drug use on the brain. As part of this project, students participated in 2 lessons that required them to use a VR headset to explore the effects, consequences using alcohol and other drugs. All students and staff involved commented on how engaging and interactive the program was and enjoyed the alternative learning experience.

Years 9, 10 and 12 Outdoor Education Canoeing

In Outdoor Education during this term, students from Years 9, 10 and 12 have enjoyed the wonders of the Avon River.  Students have been learning paddling skills, communication, leadership, capsizing and rescues as well as cultural awareness of the Ballardong Noongar area.

Students have participated in a number of challenges and games to enhance their skills and experience in the canoe. Over the last week the students completed a long tour paddle between Burlong Pool and the Northam Weir to finish off the term. It is great to see the students' improvement in their ability to paddle, control their craft, their communication and leadership over the last term.

Thank you to Mr Ryan Sinclair and Ms Faith Versaci for your support with these lessons.

Years 11 & 12 Outdoor Education Camp

In Week 9, our Years 11 and 12 Outdoor Education students travelled to Dwellingup for their final Outdoor Education Camp. The students were in high spirits as they started their hike along the Bibbulmun Track. After struggling up the ‘biggest hill they have ever walked’ they enjoyed lunch in the jarrah forest. Shortly after, we arrived at the Swamp Oak Camp site ready to set up camp. Unfortunately, the weather had different plans for our camp with a severe weather warning for a storm that only happens twice in a year!  The decision was made to travel back to Northam to complete the camp. Students enjoyed the surprise dinner in Byford and the over night stay in the school classrooms.

The students were up early ready to take on the second day's challenges. We travelled to Burlong Pool to complete some shelter building, scavenger hunt and team activities. Just like clockwork as we loaded the bus to return to school the sky opened up and the wind took hold. To ensure the students got the whole camp experience they cooked their lunch in their camp cookers (Trangia’s) as the rain came in sideways, trying to warm themselves up and fill their belly. The camp was finished off with some bushcraft bracelet making and team games.

We are extremely proud of how the students coped with the change of plans during camp and stepped up to all the challenges they faced. Thank you to Mr Cameron Greenley, Mr Doug Mafrici and Mr Ryan Sinclair for ensuring this camp ran smoothly.

We trust the Year 12 Outdoor Education Students had a good time and wish them all the best for their future.

WA School Challenge

On Wednesday 20 September, a group of 14 students from Years 7 to 10 participated in the WA School Challenge.  An Athletics competition open to all schools in WA, the aim of the competition is to compete as a team against other schools having each individual's score combine for an overall team score. We are very proud of the students who participated in this competition and their achievements. Thank you very much to Ms Natalie Williamson-Holley for attending with the students and our parents for transporting and officiating to ensure the event could run.

Adrienne Suckling
HOLA - Health & PE

From the VET Office 

Please join me in congratulating Liam Elliott on securing an apprenticeship with Dymnicki Carpentry: MFD Carpentry.  Liam is in the process of signing his apprenticeship paperwork and is due to commence working in October.   

Congratulations to Jessie Clarke who all completed her Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies.  The Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies has given Jessie a sound knowledge about the human body and health, as well as the study skills to support her further learning.  This course will assist in meeting the requirements for entry into a number of higher-level health related courses, such as Diploma of Nursing at TAFE or Nursing or Health Degrees at university. 

Congratulations to Fred Ochtman and Jason Jolliffe who have completed their Certificate II in Construction Pathways qualification this week.  This course has prepared Fred and Jason for work in the construction industry and gives them a head start in finding a trade apprenticeship. The students have learned how to read and interpret plans, take accurate measurements, and work safely on a building site.  Units of the course have included bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, plastering, tiling, and stonemasonry.  Best wishes for the future go to both students. 

Caroline Marriott
VET Coordinator

Our current Year 11 students have the opportunity to purchase a 2024 Leavers' Jumper for next year.  A letter has been emailed home and orders close on Friday 13 October 2023.  Orders can be made online at: https://www.reformclothing.com/au/order/11105125398   

2024 SJS Leavers Jumper Letter (Link) 

Rebecca Doughty
Secondary Teacher & Leavers' Jumper Coordinator

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

The Canteen will see the change over to our Summer Menu for Term 4.  As soon as the menu has been finalised, it will be placed up on our website and a notification will be sent out via Facebook and the SchoolZine App.

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: the new Term 4 Volunteer Sign-up Page will be up and running at the end of the school holidays.  Notification of this will be advertised on Facebook and through the SchoolZine App. 

Our Primary Canteen Helper Roster for Term 4 is below. Volunteers are urgently needed so please consider offering an hour or two one morning.   

Primary - Week 1 

Primary - Week 2

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 3, students are required to wear their winter uniform.

As we head towards Term 4, now is the time to look at your child's summer uniform and order replacements, if necessary.

Holiday Opening Hours: Friday 6 October 2023 (appointments required)

• 9.00am - 12.00pm: General Opening Hours
• 1.00pm - 4.00pm: 2023 new Families Only

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.

Disclaimer:

All returns and or exchanges of uniforms to be made within the school term (3months) of initial purchase.

Michelle James 
Primary - 9621 3524

I hope everyone has had a great Term 3 and are looking forward to the break before Term 4? 

Next P&F Meeting

Our next P&F meeting will be held in Term 4 on 17 October at 3.20pm in the Kindy classroom - all parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and we encourage everyone to come along, hear what is happening and maybe how you can help out.

Also, a reminder of our upcoming P&F AGM on 15 November at 2.00pm in the PAC. 

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 via the School or by phoning 0424 288 354. 

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

Casey Pearse
P&F President

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.

VacSwim

Wanslea Free Parent Online Webinar “Handling Tricky Friendship Days”

PCWA Wheatbelt have funded an online webinar with Michelle Mitchell on Thursday 5 October. This webinar will focus on tricky friendship days and is free. Parents can register and watch the recording up to 24 hours post the event.

At this practical online event, Michelle Mitchell will offer parents strategies to help young people better understand themselves, develop robust self-esteem and forge healthy friendships.  This session is recommended for tweens (8-12 years) on Thursday, 6:30pm 5 October online.  To book, please visit: https://bit.ly/trickyfriendship

Parents can join live or watch the replay. The replay will be available 24 hours after the live event and is yours to watch and view as many times as you want for 3 months.  There will also be time for Q & A at the end of the session.

School Dental Therapy Centre

Please note that the School Dental Therapy Centre is available to see school-aged children from Pre-Primary to 16 years of age at their Northam Centre, located on the Northam Primary School campus.  If any students require Dental Care, please contact us at the following:

Northam Dental Therapy Centre
c/- Northam Primary School (entry via Duke Street)
0458 644 530
NorthamDTC@dental.health.wa.gov.au

Better Health Program

The Better Health Program is a free, 10-week healthy lifestyle program for you and your child run during each school term. Weekly discussions include topics such as good nutrition, forming positive habits, becoming a healthier family and being physically active.  

The program is available online and face-to-face formats.  Both versions include a bunch of great freebies and a reward at the end!

Visit at Betterhealth
Phone 1300 822 953

Better Health Flyer

Better Health Flyer 109.34 KB

Northam Youth Art Prize Competition

Avon Valley Arts Society are pleased to announce the 2023 Northam Youth Art Prize Competition is open to all youth who reside in the Shire of Northam and are aged 12 to 18 years.  First entry is free with cash prizes for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places.  Entries close on 20 October with the Exhibition Open Night set for 4 November.  The Exhibition will open to the general public between 5 and 12 November.

Entry forms and information are available from avas1@wn.com.au or find AVAS on Facebook.

Northam Inclusive Holiday Activities

This coming school holidays will see the return of a jam-packed two weeks of fun and interesting activities on offer for school-aged children living within the Shire of Northam. 

For full details, including sessions, venues, booking and/or fees payable, please see the attached flyer. 

Hockey WA - Looking for an affordable family day out?  

Please see the below GREAT Offer for attending Perth Thundersticks Matches in 2023. 

Picnic on the grass and watch the State’s best hockey athletes go for gold as the Perth Thundersticks fight on the national stage this Hockey One season. As a valued hockey Sporting Schools participant, we are pleased to offer discounted child tickets (age 5-17) to Perth Thundersticks home games this year!  Use the code below to purchase single-game general admission child/concession tickets for just $5 – that’s a savings of more than 70%!    USE CODE: PTXSCHOOLS  
Visit https://www.intix.com.au/artist/perth-thundersticks to purchase your tickets.  

Home matches will be held on: 
- 7 October 2023
- 29 October 2023
- 12 November 2023 

Please note – this offer is only available for child/concession(age 5-17) single-game general admission tickets (please select GA box on the left-hand side of the seating map to purchase).  Children under 5 are free!  

Springtime Stargazing

Spring is the perfect time to get out under dark country skies and be in awe of the sparkling stars and planets overhead.  But that’s not all, let’s throw in a close encounter between Saturn and the Moon, the Spring Equinox AND Scorpio!

The Spring Equinox is on 23 September and marks the transition from winter in the southern hemisphere. The number of hours of daylight will almost equal darkness! 

Spring is a great time to find the constellation Scorpio!  It’s a large constellation that forms the shape of a scorpion!  It is currently visible throughout the evening, lying directly overhead at around 8.00pm.  Look for a reddish star called Antares that lies in the centre of the constellation. See if you can find the curve of Scorpio’s body and the sting in its tail stretching across the sky!

Something interesting: Antares is a super-giant red star several hundred times the diameter of our Sun and is about 600 light-years from Earth.

When to look: after 8.00pm during spring.

Which direction to look: Directly overhead.

For some fun stargazing, the full Moon makes a close approach to brilliant Saturn on 27 September and the pair will look stunning together. For those with telescopes or high-powered binoculars, check out the beautiful ring system of Saturn.

The Six Aboriginal Seasons Of The South West
We are entering Kambarang, October to November.  Although mainstream education teaches the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, Western Australia’s Noongar Aboriginal people lived by six seasons. 

Kambarang means ‘rains decreasing’ and brings warmer days and brilliant blossoms of the Australian Christmas Tree or Moojar. Bark from the tree was obtained to make shields and the gum that oozes from the wound can be eaten raw as a sweet treat. Many communities moved closer to coastal wetlands for estuary fish, nesting birds and birds’ eggs.  Quandong fruit and yams were also collected.

Donna Vanzetti and Carol Redford, Astrotourism WA

www.astrotourismwa.com.au