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

Year 12 Farewell 

Today we officially farewell our Year 12 students as they celebrate their Graduation with a breakfast in the morning and a mass and supper in the evening. We are incredibly proud of the hard work that all students have put into this year, and we are sure that, with the grounding they have received at St Joseph’s, they will head off into the world with a sense of excitement and adventure. For all those still to sit their ATAR exams, the thoughts and prayers of the whole school are with you during this time. 

Departure from the school 

A reminder that you are required to inform the school if you do not intend to return next year or you may be charged Term 1 fees for 2024. You can either email admin@sjsnortham.wa.edu.au or complete the departure form found on the home page of the school website here.

World Teachers Day 

Next Friday, 27th October is a day when teachers are recognised for their hard work and dedication. We are blessed at St Joseph’s with some amazing teachers so don’t forget to drop a word of thanks to your teachers – it really does mean a lot! 

Congratulations 

We proudly received word that one of our original Year 12 students (2017), Meg Lawrence, officially became Doctor Lawrence last week. Congratulations Meg! 

With the busyness of Term 4 kicking into full swing, please make sure that you are aware of the important upcoming dates. The calendar can be found on the school website for those who would like to download it. 

Weekly Gospel Reflection

This week's clip has a focus on 'Mass as a Mountain Top' and that our lives are to be lived for others. 

Dear Families & Friends, 

I hope you all had a wonderful school holiday with your children, it is so lovely to have everyone back & welcome to all of the new families who have joined our community this term. Congratulations to Year 3 Blue, whose winning Scarecrow from our Founder’s Week Competition was proudly on display as part of the Perth Royal Show’s Scarecrow Competition. My son & nephews (pictured below) loved telling everyone that walked past that "This is from St Joseph’s Northam". 

Congratulations also to a talented group of Year 5 & 6 students who represented St Joseph’s in the Scitech Challenge Day earlier this week. They represented our school proudly with their problem solving and creative & critical thinking skills. Thank you to Mr James & Miss Hince for supporting our students on the day.  

Grandparent's Day 

Just a reminder that all grandparents attending our Primary Grandparent's Day celebration on Friday, 27 October, are required to register their attendance by Monday, 23 October using the following link: Grandparent's Day Sign-up. 

Swimming Lessons 

Term Four Swimming lessons are being held across Weeks 3 – 6. All children from Pre-Primary – Year 6 will participate in 10 lessons across the following two-week periods: 

• Weeks 3 & 4: Monday, 23 October – Friday, 3 November
  Pre-Primary, Years 1 & 5 

• Weeks 5 & 6: Monday, 6 November – Friday, 17 November
  Years 2, 3, 4 & 6 (permission forms will be sent home closer to the date) 

May you all have a beautiful week ahead.  

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Class in Focus: Year 3 Gold

We have hit the ground running and can not wait to share with you all the fun we have had and are going to have this term.  

Maths: Fractions and Money 

In the realm of mathematics, our young learners have been diving headfirst into the world of fractions and money. They've been learning to understand and work with fractions, making sense of those tricky numerators and denominators. Equipped with this knowledge, they'll be well on their way to becoming maths whizzes. Handling money is another crucial skill, and our students have been introduced to the world of coins and notes, learning to count, make change, and budget responsibly. These foundational skills will serve them well in the real world. 

Language: Suspense Writing and Poetry 

The world of language has been nothing short of captivating this term. Our budding authors are exploring the art of suspense writing, crafting stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. It's incredible to see the creativity and imagination at play as they develop their storytelling skills. Additionally, our students have been channelling their inner poets. Poetry has a unique way of allowing self-expression, and the students have been experimenting with different forms and styles of verse, creating beautiful and emotionally charged poems. 

Technology: The Sweet Science of Ice Cream 

Technology class last term was a delicious success! Our young scientists turned chefs experimented with various ingredients and techniques to whip up some homemade ice cream that left everyone's taste buds delighted. They not only indulged their sweet cravings but also gained valuable insights into the science behind freezing and food chemistry. 

NAIDOC Week with Pop Trevor 

As part of our commitment to promoting cultural understanding, we celebrated NAIDOC Week with a special guest, Pop Trevor. He shared incredible stories and fascinating artifacts from his childhood. Our students were enthralled by the rich history and traditions of our indigenous cultures. It was an enlightening experience for all. 

Religion: Confirmation and Baptism 

In our religious studies, we've been exploring the significance of confirmation and baptism. The students are gaining a deeper understanding of the spiritual and symbolic aspects of these important rites. We have a Liturgy coming up in Week 4, when we will be able to share all of our understanding of Baptism with you.  

Upcoming Excitement 

As we look ahead, the term promises even more excitement. In just a few weeks, our students will be taking the plunge – quite literally! Swimming lessons are on the horizon in Week 5, and with the water nice and warm, it's bound to be a splashingly good time. And to top off the year, we have an unforgettable excursion planned in Week 6 to Mundaring Weir. It promises to be an educational adventure full of intrigue and, of course, lots of fun. Keep an eye out for details as the date approaches. 

We can already feel the term flying by, and there's so much more to learn and achieve. The enthusiasm of our students is truly remarkable, and we can't wait to see what they'll accomplish this term. 

Here's to a fantastic term filled with growth, learning, and fun! 

Helen Sullivan 
Year 3 Gold Teacher 

Class in Focus: Year 4 Blue

We in Year 4 Blue can not believe that it is Term 4 already and have been left wondering where the time has gone. This term will be action-packed with lots of activities happening to keep us very busy, such as voting for student leaders, swimming lessons, Fun Days, Christmas activities, “Step Up” Day and many more.

Writing

This term in Writing we will be focusing on non-fiction text, looking at discussion text with a focus on presenting both for and against a topic. We have had a passionate discussion around the topic of our model text “Should Children Do Housework?” with the students coming to a general agreement that yes children should do housework, however there must be middle ground. Students were also given the chance to discuss their passionate opinions on the question “Should School Uniform be optional?”.

Mathematics

This term in Mathematics we will be exploring number patterns, continuing to learn our times tables; learning about solving multiplication and division problems with different written strategies; investigating data representations; and learning to use scaled instruments to measure different objects.

Looking Forward

Here are some of the things that the students in Year 4 Blue are looking forward to:

“I am looking forward to swimming lessons & Water fun day & fund day & everything else that is exciting.” Isabella Pearse

“I'm very excited for everything that is happening this term since I am new to this school. But my favourite one would probably be the year six student leader elections.”  Victor Kielbasa

“This year I am really looking forward to all of the new stuff to learn in maths, writing and history. And I am also looking forward to the joy that will come to the classroom later this term.” Matilda Belshaw

Edward Ewing
Year 4 Blue Teacher

Congratulations to our Year 12s for completing 14 years of schooling. It will be both sad and exciting to farewell you on Friday night!  On Friday morning we headed to the Northam Country Club for a BBQ breakfast and a round of golf. 

Last Week, students from Year 7 – 9 walked to Bernard Park, Northam, for the Turn up in Blue festival, as part of Mental Health Week. Students played Dart Soccer, Laser Tag, Nail painting and many other craft activities. The weather was beautiful, and students really enjoyed the time they spent at the festival. It was lovely to receive so many positive comments from the stall holders about our fabulous students.

 

Friday of Week 1 saw the Student Leadership Team head off for a well-deserved reward day at Adventure World. On Tuesday our Year 10A Science students went to the Gingin Gravity Centre to further their scientific studies and on Wednesday some of our Year 9 and 10 Art students went to the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Only the first two weeks back and the life of a school is very busy.

On Monday some very nervous students gave their speeches before voting for 2024 Student Leaders began. All the students did a wonderful job speaking and should all be congratulated. We had so many deserving applicants, staff and students had a hard choice to make. Announcements will be made at Presentation Night. 

Year 6 parents, please look out for a flyer coming your way next week on the transition activities we have planned for your children over the term. I have included dates below for your planning, but the details will be in the flyer. 

• Tuesday 1 November - 10am – 11am – Tour and Recess at Secondary 
• Tuesday 1 November - 2024 Year 7 Orientation Night - 6pm at Secondary 
• Monday 20 November - Beginning of school (Bus / parent drop off at Secondary) until end of Recess (11:15am) Teachers will escort Year 6s back to Primary. 
• Monday 27 November - A Day in the Life of a Year 7 - All day at secondary (Bus / parent drop off and pick up at secondary).

God Bless

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

Secondary Canteen

Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, we are unable to staff the Secondary Canteen at the moment and so it will be closed until further notice.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this will cause.

Curriculum Matters 

Year 12 Graduation Week

The Year 12 students have recently completed their final week at school. For some of the general students it meant completing a final task or two and for our ATAR students it was an opportunity to review examinations and go through a range of other examination style questions in preparation for the ATAR WACE examinations commencing on Monday 30 October.

I wish to acknowledge all our teachers for their commitment and ongoing academic support to bring out the best in our Year 12 students through afterschool tutorials, lunch time task reviews, supporting our ViSN students during their study line, assisting with the completion of Certificate courses and responding to students’ online questions via Teams posts. This has been a tough academic year but develops on the solid foundation work of not just Year 11, but every year of schooling that has led up to this moment.

Year 12 ATAR students, please do consider utilising your class teacher as you lead into preparation for examinations. Send a post, ask questions, perhaps even organise to pop in to discuss answers to questions. Your teachers are still available to assist with your final preparation for the upcoming examinations, in fact they are anticipating your online contact, ask questions.

Year 12 students are reminded that they should check their Statement of Results as it is made available, and along with downloading and saving this document, if you haven’t already, to do the same for all your reports - as later this year your access to the system will be removed, as you have graduated, you are no longer secondary school students. Be organised, download all your school academic documents and store these where you can access them easily as you require them.

For those students gearing up for examinations, all the best for your preparation over the next couple of weeks, keeping in mind there are other groups in secondary also moving into examinations. The Year 11 ATAR examinations commence Friday 3 November and finish on Wednesday 15 November. Which means final assessments, not just for these ATAR students, but all Year 11 students, are occurring over the next couple of weeks before the examination period begins.

Year 9 and 10 Course A students are reminded that you too have an examination period, from Friday 17 November to Thursday 23 November. There are still plenty of learning experiences and study to go.

Returning to our departing Year 12 students, we wish our ATAR students success in your upcoming examinations, results and university offers. To all our general students, we wish you success with your endeavours to secure an apprenticeship, further education, or employment in the near future. As this door on your journey closes, many more will be there to open in the near future, just remember, for these new doors, you do have the key, all your skills, knowledge, gifts and talents. 

Mark Gargano
Years 7-12 Teaching & Learning Coordinator 

English Department

Year 7:
Year 7s have been looking at reading comprehension and decoding skills in preparation for their comprehension assessment. Next, they will be completing a short media piece as their final assessment for the year.

Year 8:
The Year 8 students finished a unit on the ABC’s documentary War on Waste last term. Students completed an essay analysing the effectiveness of the documentary at communicating messages and persuading its target audience. This term, the Year 8s have begun by looking at short stories. Students will be testing their analytical skills with a comprehension assessment at the end of this unit of study.

Year 9:
Year 9s have been learning about persuasive techniques and are busily preparing their speech about a social issue. We look forward to a host of animated speeches with plenty of rhetoric, repetition, anecdotes and cumulation. Year 9s have also been working on Fractured Fairy Tales where they have modernising or subverting a familiar tale with some very creative storylines. Following that, the Year 9s will be learning about Aboriginal Dreamtime picture books and identifying the symbols used in Aboriginal Artwork.

Year 10:
Year 10s have been focusing on Short Film and have learned about audio-visual film techniques in preparation for analysing short film and we will finish off the term creating a short film of our own in small groups.

Year 10B students have begun a film study focused on the 1999 classic, The Truman Show. Students are engaging with the themes of this film to establish its relevance as an example of contemporary media.

Year 11:
Year 11 Atar have been preparing for their last in-class assessment which took place on Wednesday, before we get into the business of preparing and revising ready for their exams. We wish the Year 11s all the best in their preparations for their final assessments of 2023.

The Year 11 General students have been looking at examples of the EST (Externally Set Task) which is a key assessment task in Year 12 used to moderate school marking. Students will complete a sample EST in the coming weeks to ensure that they are best prepared for this task next year.

Year 12:
The Year 12 ATAR students have completed their school-based assessment with their final assessment task being the school exams that were finished in the school holidays. Students are now preparing for their WACE exams, and we wish them all the best in all their preparations.

The Year 12 General students have completed their courses and we wish them all the best as they enter the world of work and further study.

Daniel Matthys
Head of English 

Canberra Trip

Over the holidays a group of 24 students from Year 9, 10 and 11 went to Canberra. While we were there, we learnt about the creation of our nation's capital and the things that make us Australian.

We visited Parliament House and had a mock trial where the students pretended to be the prime minister, shadow ministers and opposition leaders. Through this we learnt how our government is run and the decision making process for a bill to be passed.

On our visits to the Australian War Memorial we had the chance to explore and learn about the Australian heritage and history over the years.

We all enjoyed going to the Australian Institute of Sport and having a chance to look at the facilities and interact with the displays at the sportex area. 

Emily Street 
Year 9 Student 

Year 9/10 Visual Arts Excursion

On Wednesday 18 October, the Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts Students spent the day at the Western Australian Art Gallery in Perth.  The focus of the visit was the way we relate to two dimensional forms via painting and print and how it requires a different perception of the composition.  The students were all required to complete an aesthetic appreciation assessment on a piece of art work of their choice.  Thank you to Mrs Clements for accompanying the students and helping to make it a very enjoyable day.

Lucie Lombardini
Art Teacher

From the VET Office 

Congratulations to Nate Rose for the successful completion of his work placement in Term 3 with Stallion Homes.  Nate has been offered a Construction Apprenticeship for 2024 following his school work placement.  Thank you to Stallion Homes for their continued support of the Work Placement Program. 

Turn Up In Blue 

Students in Years 7-9 attended the Turn Up in Blue event at Bernard Park in Week 1.  This event was held in support of Mental Health Week and schools and community members were invited to come down and interact with an array of local service providers who hosted interactive stalls promoting mental health and wellbeing, individual & family safety, harm minimisation strategies and what services they provide. 

Caroline Marriott
VET 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 to download from 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 the Primary or Secondary Admin Office and Ms Quinn will arrange for the deduction of the Levy from your School Fees Account.

Sharon Quinn
Business Manager

Primary Canteen

Our Term 4 Summer menu has now been finalised and is available on our website.

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.

Halloween

Photos

Christmas

Christmas Treats will be available at Recess on Thursday 23 November - no more than 2 items per students - prices from 50c - $2.50 - cash only.

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 is up and running - click here. 

Our Primary Canteen Helper Roster for Term 4 is below. Thank you to those who have signed up. More volunteers are urgently needed so please consider offering an hour or two one morning.   

Primary - Week 3 

Primary - Week 4

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 

Secondary Canteen

Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, we are unable to staff the Secondary Canteen at the moment and so it will be closed until further notice.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this will cause.

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

During Term 4, students are required to wear their summer uniform.

Please also keep in mind when ordering, that your items will go home Tuesday and Friday of each week, as Monday and Thursday are the days the Shop is open.  When placing an order via the Online Shop, it will appear on a report the following day.  For example; if you place your order on Monday, the report issues on Tuesday which means it will not be organised until Thursday, and will go home on Friday.

Disclaimer:

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

Uniform information for the end of 2023 and start of 2024

Final day for ordering this term: Wednesday 6 December (Week 9). Items can go home with students on Friday 8 December, or be collected from Primary Admin by Thursday 14 December.

PLEASE NOTE: The online shop will be closed and unavailable for ordering from Thursday 7 December 2023, and will re-open Monday 1 January 2024.  Orders placed during the January holidays will be available for collection from Primary Admin from 9am on Tuesday 23 January 2024. 

2024 Opening

Tuesday 23 January, by appointment only. 
Current families - 9am to 12pm
New families - 1pm to 4pm
To make an appointment, please call Primary Admin on 9621 3500.

Thursday 25 January - 2.45pm to 4.15pm.

Monday 29 January, by appointment only. 
Current families - 9am to 12pm
New families - 1pm to 4pm
To make an appointment, please call Primary Admin on 9621 3500.

Michelle James 
Primary - 9621 3524

Next P&F Meeting

Our P&F AGM will be held on Wednesday 15 November at 2.00pm in the PAC - all parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and we encourage everyone to come along. 

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.

We welcome anyone, and 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: contact@northamcatholicchurch.com.au
Website: www.northamchurch.com

Parish News ~ Children's Liturgy 
Children’s Liturgy sessions are held during the 8.00am Sunday Mass.

VacSwim

Give Swimming a Go!

Northam Swimming Club's "Give Swimming a Go!" day is on Friday 3 November at 5pm for new swimmers.

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

Hockey WA - Looking for an affordable family day out?  

Please see the GREAT Offer below 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:
- 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!  

Country Stargazing - Here Comes Astrofest!

November has a bumper line-up of fabulous stargazing treats and the big-ticket item is this year’s WA Astrofest! Held on Saturday 18 November, this free and family friendly event will have dozens of big telescopes to look through, astronomy talks, children’s space activities, astrophotography and much more to overload your cosmic senses! For more information, click here!

For early risers, dazzling Venus will make a close approach to the lovely thin slither of the Moon on November 10. The best time to see this stunning duo is one hour before sunrise, looking low towards the east.

Adding to this month’s stellar diary, stargazers will be treated to a special display from the Leonids Meteor Shower. The Leonids meteor shower is generated from comet Tempel-Tuttle. The shower peaks on the night of the 17/18 of November but can be viewed several days either side of the peak. The best views will be under dark skies, after midnight.

When to look: From midnight to early morning, 17/18 November.

Which direction to look: Toward the northern horizon.

Meteor showers happen when our planet Earth crosses the orbital path of a comet. As comets pass by the sun, the extreme temperatures heat up some of the nucleus and cause debris particles to spread out along the comet’s orbit creating a comet tail. As Earth passes through this debris cloud, we have the opportunity of viewing the fiery spectacle of a meteor shower.

Enjoy the views and happy stargazing.

Carol Redford and Donna Vanzetti, Astrotourism WA

www.astrotourismwa.com.au