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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
This week saw the beginning of our Year 12 WACE ATAR examinations. This is the time that our ATAR students have worked so hard for during the last 18 months. We are very confident that their hard work will pay off and we wish them all the best for their upcoming exams.
Photos from the Year 12 Graduation on Friday 20 October
Last week was a busy week for many of our Primary students. We took part in our first CAPPS Interschool sports carnival in Perth against six other Catholic primary schools. The students represented St Joseph’s incredibly well and should be very proud of their efforts. More details can be found in Ms Frost’s sports report.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day at Primary was an outstanding success. With more than 220 grandparents in attendance, the Pre-Primary Gold class entertained us with some very gorgeous items about just how special their grandparents are. After a walk through the classes, the visitors enjoyed a delicious morning tea with their loved ones. Thank you to all those who came to spend the morning with us.
Congratulations to Mr Reidy and the Primary choir who performed at the Northam Multicultural Festival on the weekend. They sang beautifully and were a wonderful example of the talent we have here at St Joseph’s.
Presentation Night
Wednesday 8 November is our annual Presentation Night. A reminder that this is a compulsory event for all students in Years 1-12. We look forward to celebrating our award winners and farewelling our graduating Year 12s. The event will start at 6:00pm sharp at the Northam Rec Centre. Please ensure that your children are wearing the correct summer uniform.
We encourage all families to bring a long a gift for someone less fortunate. These will be distributed between St Joseph’s Care, St Vincent de Paul and SMYL. Your generosity in the past has made Christmas very happy for many who would not otherwise have received gifts. Gifts can be left near the Christmas tree as you enter the courts.
ACM & Nominations
The Annual Community Meetings for the P&F and the School Advisory Council will take place on Wednesday 15 November in the primary PAC. The P&F meeting will commence at 2:00pm and the SAC meeting at 2:30pm. The Primary classroom teachers for 2024 will also be announced at this meeting. You are all very welcome to attend.
We are calling for nominations to become members of the School Advisory Council. If you willing to nominate, please email Jayne Candeloro – jjcandeloro@iinet.net.au.
Dates for your diary
Week 5
Monday 6 November: | Primary Swimming Lessons this week: Yr 6, Yr 4, 3B, 2B Year 11 Exams Commence Year 12 ATAR Exams Continue Year 10 University Visit |
Tuesday 7 November: | |
Wednesday 8 November: | Presentation Night |
Thursday 9 November: | Year 5 Camp Early Close |
Friday 10 November: | Year 5 Camp Primary Assembly - 1 Blue (Remembrance Service) Secondary Interschool Sport Competition |
Saturday 11 November: | Remembrance Day |
Week 6
Monday 13 November: | Primary Swimming Lessons this week: Yr 6, Yr 4, 3G, 2G Year 11 Exams Continue Year 9 Career Taster Excursion |
Tuesday 14 November: | |
Wednesday 15 November: | Year 1 Excursion to Perth Zoo Secondary Thanksgiving Mass P&F AGM Community Meeting (Board AGM) |
Thursday 16 November: | Year 11 MaJEC Day Early Close |
Friday 17 November: | Year 12 ATAR Exams Conclude Primary Assembly - 5 Gold |
Saturday 18 November: | School Community Mass |
With God’s blessings,
Andrea Woodgate
Principal
Weekly Gospel Reflection
This week's clip has a focus on 'Love' and that our world needs us to show empathy for those who suffer.
Year 6 Confirmation Retreat
On Wednesday 25 October, the Year 6 cohort had the opportunity to experience their Confirmation Retreat with 24/7 Ministries. Students immersed themselves in a series of games, skits, short video clips and activities that stressed the importance of the way the Holy Spirit works in our lives with the gifts we are provided. The team also made links with elements of community and the connections of our various relationships.
The Year 6s had a great day and are very thankful to Anthony, Bella, Christian, Jesse and Guilia for facilitating the Retreat.
All Souls Day Cemetery Visit
On Thursday 2 November, our Year 10s and our Year 5s contributed to the clean up of Northam Cemetery on All Souls Day. Students, staff and parents began the afternoon involved in a liturgy about the importance of the dead and the role we play in the journey of their souls to heaven. From there we were able to explore graves and learn stories about some local figures and relatives of students.
Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator
Dear Families & Friends,
We love to acknowledge and celebrate both team and individual success at St Joseph’s. Congratulations to Evelyn (4 Gold) who represented St Joseph’s in the "All Schools Athletics Competition" last Friday night. Evelyn won gold in shot put and silver in the javelin. Amazing effort, Evelyn!
As we enter the second half of Term 4, please make note of the following events in your calendar:
- Sunday 5 Nov: Sacrament of Confirmation @ 10:30am
- Wednesday 8 Nov: Presentation Night
- Thursday 9 Nov – Friday 10 Nov: Year 5 Camp
- Friday 10 Nov: 1 Blue Class Assembly @ 9:00am
- Wednesday 15 Nov: P&F and School Advisory Council AGMs @ 2:00pm
- Friday 17 Nov: 5 Gold Class Assembly
- Saturday 18 Nov: School Community Mass @ 5:30pm
- Tuesday 21 Nov: 2024 Pre-Kindy Parent Information Session @ 9:00am
- Wednesday 22 Nov: 2024 Kindy & PP Parent Information Session @ 9:00am
- Friday 24 Nov: 5 Blue Class Assembly
- Monday 27 Nov: Step-Up Day for students in Pre-Primary – Year 7 in 2024
- Wednesday 29 Nov: Year 6 Outback Splash Excursion
- Friday 1 Dec: Year 6 Final Assembly & FunD Day
- Tuesday 5 Dec: Primary End of Year Fun Day
- Wednesday 6 Dec: Kindy & Pre-Primary Christmas Concert @ 9:00am
- Thursday 7 Dec: Pre-Kindy Christmas Celebration @ 9:00am
- Friday 8 Dec: Final day for students including Primary Thanksgiving Mass & Christmas Assembly
Swimming Lessons
Term 4 Swimming lessons will continue over the coming two-weeks for students in Years 2, 3, 4 & 6
- Week 5 (6 – 10 Nov): 2 Blue, 3 Blue, and all classes from Years 4 & 6
- Week 6 (13 – 17 Nov): 2 Gold, 3 Gold, and all classes from Years 4 & 6
May you all have a wonderful week ahead.
Michelle Christian
Head of Primary
Class in Focus: Kindy Blue
This term has started with a reward for our efforts from last term, as we have watched our plants grow to fruition and we have reaped what we have sowed. To celebrate this, the children have each helped to pick a carrot and a potato from our vegie patch. We then washed and used these to make carrot cake, chips and mashed potato before sampling each and describing the look, texture and taste.
We have continued with our theme of “Under the Sea” from last term, learning about the characteristics, lifestyle and movement of ocean creatures, such as the seahorse, crab, octopus and starfish to complete our book of "Goldfish, Goldfish What do you See?" The children will be taking their own book home soon that they can read to you (using the practiced art of repetitive story-telling), show you their amazing crafted illustrations and discuss with you what they have learnt about each creature.
As the term continues, we will be moving onto a Christmas theme, learning about the Nativity story and the reason that Christmas is celebrated in the first place. Through Talk for writing, we will use actions and words to narrate this and look forward to showing you all at the Christmas Concert.
We look forward to celebrating this with you soon and thank you for a great year again in Kindy Blue!
Mary Clark
Kindy Blue Teacher
Class in Focus: Year 1 Blue
As we near the end of the term, we wanted to share some highlights from our Year 1B classroom. We've had an exciting and enriching time as the term has been filled with thrilling activities and special moments.
Just to name a few highlights...
First, our little swimmers made a splash during their swimming lessons, learning essential water safety skills and gaining confidence in the pool. Although windy and slightly chilly, we were thankful that at least the sun was out for the most part!
A true highlight for us was the special visit from Mr Reidy, who visited our classroom to help answer all the intriguing questions our curious bunch of kids had about God and Jesus. This visit was not only engaging but incredibly exciting, sparking deep and meaningful conversations among the students, and fuelling their thirst for knowledge. The kids absolutely loved it, and it was a memorable experience that enriched their understanding and exploration of the world around them.
Looking Ahead...
But we can’t stop there! Looking ahead, we are all eagerly anticipating our upcoming excursion to the Perth Royal Zoo, where we'll have the opportunity to explore and learn about the fascinating world of animals, the six Noongar seasons, and the changing bushland habitat.
Stay tuned!
Shell Read
Year 1 Blue Teacher
Year 2 Incursion
Sebastian & The Seven Super Secrets to Grow Your Own Brain!
The Year Two students were lucky enough to attend a wellbeing session where they went on an interactive journey with Sebastian and his 7 eccentric friends, Amy Amygdala, Molly Movement, Gloria Good Thoughts, Solomon Sleep, Reggie Repetition, Healthy Helen and Gracie Growth Thinker, as they help him learn how to take control of his own emotions, thoughts, health, happiness and learning success.
This session followed a mind-brain holistic approach, helping children realise and reach their incredible true potential by helping them understand how their own mind and brain works, learns and grows best.
The Year Two classes would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful presenters and many parents that were able to attend the session.
Jessica Morris
Year 2 Teacher/Early Years Cluster Leader
Primary Sports
Athletics carnival
On Tuesday 24 October, 32 students from Years 3-6 travelled to the Len Shearer Reserve in Booragoon to compete in our very first Catholic Association of Primary School Sports (CAPSS) Athletics Carnival. It was an early start to get there by 9.15am for the field events. We feel very grateful for the opportunity to compete against St Columba’s (1st), Corpus Christi (2nd), Orana, St Benedict’s, St John Bosco and Hammond Park Primary Schools. We are very happy to say that we came 3rd overall which is an amazing achievement! We had two medal winners - Maia Parker was runner-up Year 3 girl and Liam Ryall was Year 5 champion boy.
Every performance was notable because, even if we were being beaten, all students gave it their all and never gave up. Some fantastic performances included the Year 3s coming first in both leaderball and passball; Cooper Marris first in Year 6 turbo javelin; Maia Parker first in the Year 3 400m and the Div C 80m, Emma Chipper first in the Div A Year 3 200m; Liam Ryall first in the Year 5 Div A 200m and Jackson Byfield and Evelyn Adams both came first in the Year 4 turbo javelin.
Second places went to Trinity Jakubow in the Year 6 Div C 100m, Nash Forbes in the Year 6 Div C 100m, Maia Parker in the Year 3 long jump, Shayla Don in the Year 4 long jump, the Year 4 passball, the Year 6 leaderball and the Year 3 girls 80m relay.
There were far too many fantastic 3rd and 4th place getters to mention here and I apologise if I left anyone off the list above.
Thank you to the parents who came and watched and offered to step in and help if needed. It was a wonderful day.
Carrie Frost
Primary Physical Education Coordinator
Sporting Schools
Thank you to all the families who attended our Sporting School Football Clinic this term. It is so great that we continue to get support to run these sessions. A big thank you to Brendan, our Football West Coach for coming out to show us some skills and teach us some new games.
We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us!
Ali Hince
Sporting Schools Coordinator
Northam Multicultural Festival
On Sunday 29 October, the St Joseph's Primary Choir performed at the annual NACHA Northam Multicultural Festival. The choir officially opened the event as they paraded the 24 represented national flags. Once the flag ceremony was complete, the choir lead the festival in singing the National Anthem followed by 'My Island Home' and 'We Are Australian'.
The choir is to be congratulated on their performance which set the tone for a magnificent day of celebration of culture. Their enchanting performance brought smiles to the faces of everyone in attendance and was made even more special by the symbolic display of different countries' flags, a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures celebrated at the festival.
It was not just a display of musical prowess but a celebration of unity in diversity, and we couldn't be prouder of their remarkable contribution. Being part of this vibrant event was an incredible experience, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the immense talent our school possesses.
We are very blessed in Northam to have the NACHA committee put on such a fine event and include all nationalities in this fantastic celebration of unity.
Lloyd Reidy & Helen Sullivan
It is already the end of Week 4 and we have reached the pointy end for a lot of our Year 12 students who started their ATAR examinations this week. We wish them well and will keep them in our prayers throughout the next two weeks.
Last week some of our Year 10s went to Nanga Bush Camp, Dwellingup. They had beautiful weather and had a wonderful time. Thank you to our incredible PE staff who also took some of our Year 9 & 10 Sports Science students on an excursion to the Malaga Indoor Beach Volleyball in Perth last Tuesday. Thank you to the staff that make these excursions possible for our students.
Thank you to St Joseph’s P & F for the beautiful biscuits they gave our staff to celebrate World Teacher’s Day last week. A very yummy treat!
St Joseph’s Year 6 Primary students walked to the Secondary campus on Wednesday for a tour of the campus. They were shown where they would be catching buses and where the classrooms are and more importantly – where the four-square courts are. The Year 6s had many questions which we were able to answer, and I was very impressed that they remembered the names of all their House Coordinators after their half hour visit to the Primary campus last week. We look forward to seeing them back on the Secondary campus on Monday 20 and 27 November.
On Wednesday night, we held our New Student Orientation Night. We started with a presentation at 6pm followed with a tour of the school and interaction with staff in the many learning areas of a busy high school. As always, the Science Lab was a huge draw card, with some of our amazing Year 9s conducting experiments with things that go bang and change colour.
Our VET Coordinator Mrs Caroline Marriott organised an incursion for our Year 9 Girls on Thursday. They took part in the Women in Trade incursion (SALT – Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen) where they used power tools to create beautiful wooden boxes. They learnt many skills in the whole day incursion, and it was such a wonderful opportunity for our girls to be introduced to some male-dominated trades that they may be interested pursuing in Years 11 & 12.
The Year 11s have now finished their classes, with their first examination - English - taking place today. Good luck to those students with exams and have a lovely break to those who have already finished up for the year. We will see you next year for Year 12 (scary)!
Year 7 Students are on their Science excursion to Perth Zoo today (Friday). I look forward to hearing all their news next week and hearing the science teachers tell me how well behaved the students were. Have a fantastic time, Year 7s.
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
Science Learning Area in Action
Year 7
Mr Ellis’s Year 7 class have been looking at classifying living things. This has meant that students need to classify things as living or dead. Ask your child if they can remember what MRS GREN is an acronym for.
They have then learned there are five main kingdoms of living things, of which we are firstly looking at animals. They are learning that animals are firstly classified as vertebrates or invertebrates and that these are then split again into smaller groups.
This learning is all leading into the science investigation students are currently completing at school and at home. This investigation will be reinforced by our visit to Perth Zoo where we will collect data on various species and receiving a talk on classification, from the real experts.
Year 11 Chemistry
Year 11 Chemistry students finished their chemistry on an excellent note. They carried out experiments to understand the effects of concentration, surface area, temperature, and catalyst on the rate of chemical reactions. These experiments occur in our daily lives without any of us taking notice. For example, nobody worries why we have to chew food in our mouth to break it into smaller pieces with our teeth or cut onions or meat to smaller pieces when we cook. With these experiments, the students are now experts in their own right.
Year 11 Physics
Year 11 Physics have been investigating speed, which had nothing to do with being in a vehicle that could not drop below 50 mph, but something more exciting, the speed of sound and light. The students used data from a microwave to assess the effects on food and from examinations of the areas of heat impact, and a few measurements, then some formula work, needed to confirm the speed of light, and the students got very close. For the speed of sound, the students measured a specific length outside and using a megaphone timed the difference between an optical to a heard signal. Then after checking the temperature and the humidity and collecting data, lots of data, we love data, the students then performed a calculation to determine the speed of sound. The results were not too bad, with many discussions about sources of error generated. All of this assisted with wave motion and velocities in their final topic for Year 11 Physics, as they lead into examination preparation and examinations for the next few weeks.
Year 10A Excursion
The culmination of Year 10A Science 'Physics and Earth and Space Science' studies resulted in an engaging trip to the Gravity Discovery Centre (GDC) in Gingin. We all made the long trek to drop some water balloons of the 45m tall ‘Learning Tower of Gingin’. These drops were timed and would be used later for analysis using various motion equations. The students experienced the vast knowledge of our guide and astrophysicist ‘Hayden’, whose commentary pushed the students’ knowledge and understanding of everything around us and in the cosmos.
Going against their parent’s previous warnings, the students looked directly at the sun, although through a filtered telescope. Searching for solar flares and having a safe glimpse at the fiery ball of gas we rely on every day. The students explored everything gravity in the Centre’s Discovery Gallery, from timing how long it takes for sound to travel 1.2 km through a specially designed tube, to competing who can create and withstand the highest G-Force.
Hopefully some of these students will end up back at the GDC as physicists completing research on gravity, and various interactions with it. For now, the students are consolidating this learning and completing the topic, soon leading into revision for their upcoming end of year examinations.
Mark Bundock, Andrew Ellis, Cam Greenley, Jada Yengkopiong, Steve Rigney, Gerhard Vogel, Nita Budas and Mark Gargano
Science Learning Area Staff
Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp
During Week 4, the Year 10 Outdoor Education students attended a camp in Dwellingup. The students started the camp with a walk along the Bibbulmun track where they got to experience the beauty of the Jarrah Forrest.
On the second day we mountain biked along the local Dwellingup trails. All students challenged themselves throughout the ride and most developed new skills or added to their confidence. Later in the day, students paddled along the Murray River within Lane Poole Reserve. The paddle started with a stuck boat followed shortly by a few capsizes, some wondering boats and a few boat swaps. Despite all this, the group got their rhythm and manoeuvred their way through the challenges the river threw us.
Thursday night camp games were the highlight of the team building and making new friendships. Congratulations to Mr Greenley's team 'Up the Wahs' who stole the win on the last round.
Friday’s activities consisted of the high ropes course at Trees Adventures where some students jumped straight to the double black course whereas others pushed their limited on the longer course or just let the wind blow in their hair as they ziplined around the outside of the trees.
I am so proud of the way the Year 10 students pushed their limits and overcame challenges throughout this camp.
A massive thankyou to Kerry Grey and Susan Gates for preparing such amazing camp food for us as we finished our days of activities. I was greatly appreciative, especially after swimming in the cold Murray River. An additional thankyou to Mr Ryan Sinclair, Mr Cameron Greenley, Mr Haden Bond and Mr Sam Hancock for helping run the camp so smoothly.
Adrienne Suckling
Head of Health & Physical Education
ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network)
As part of Cooper and Santi's ASDAN Enterprise program they approached two cafes in town about stocking their "Snacks For Snouts" dog treats. Great success, Lucy's Tearooms and Zax & Co are both now stockists! Cooper, Owen and Santi will be making regular Wednesday deliveries. Get in quick if you want to buy some, as Lucy's sold out last week in a couple of days.
Thank you to Sally Clements for her coordination of this part of the ASDAN Work Awareness program for 2023.
From the VET Office
Congratulations to Year 10 students Kohen Romasz and Dylan Reilly who successfully completed their work placement in Term 3. Thank you to Verlinden’s Electrical and Ringa Civil respectively for supporting the St Joseph’s Work Placement Program.
Congratulations to Year 12 students Chloe Rector who also completed a successful work placement, before graduating this year. Chloe completed her placement at CLAAS Harvest in Northam and is in the process of applying for an apprenticeship with this organisation.
Congratulations also to Year 11 students Maddison Hampton and Amelia Davies who not only completed their Certificate IV Prep for Health and Nursing, but also fast-tracked this 2 year course, completing it in 12 months.
Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen
On Thursday 2 November, as part of the Year 9 Career Taster program, Year 9 girls attended a workshop lead by female tradespeople to learn how to use basic hand tools and small power tools. The SALT (Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen) Program was started after it was identified that the majority of women who were succeeding in apprenticeships had been taught to use tools at an early age. Being able to use basic tools is formative in a person thinking that they can apply for an apprenticeship. Students working in groups of 5 with a dedicated tradesperson learned the skills to made a tool caddy in one day and also listed to local female apprentices about their trade pathway. It is so important that women feel safe, secure and comfortable to be able to participate in the career of their choice. We want industries experiencing skills shortages to fill their empty roles with a previously untapped workforce – women!
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
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.
Families wishing to access the Uniform Shop are advised that the online shop is the preferred method of ordering uniforms. If items are required to be tried on, then an appointment should be made by contacting the Primary Admin on 9621 3500. We are continuing to limit numbers in the Uniform Shop so an appointment is preferred. Please note we can not accept email or telephone orders.
Bookings can be made by phoning the Primary Admin or by emailing Michelle James Michelle.James@cewa.edu.au
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
Primary Canteen
Our Term 4 Summer menu has now been finalised and is available on our website.
You are encouraged to please order online. If we experience connectivity issues with the online ordering, please revert to using lunch bags to place orders for that day.
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.
Photos from the Primary Canteen at Halloween
Christmas Treats
Christmas Treats will be available from the Primary Canteen at Recess on Thursday 23 November - 50c to $2.50 - cash only - 2 items per student limit.
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 5
Tuesday | 7 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
Wednesday | 8 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
Thursday | 10 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
Friday | 11 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
Primary - Week 6
Tuesday | 14 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
Wednesday | 15 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
Thursday | 16 Nov | Fiona Brayshaw | Need a Helper |
Friday | 17 Nov | Need a Helper | Need a Helper |
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.
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.
Information from the School Nurse
Keeping Ears Clean
Ears produce wax (called cerumen) for protection. Wax and tiny hairs inside the ear canal prevent small objects getting down inside the ear. The natural movement of old skin, wax and dirt away from the eardrum toward the outer end of the ear canal is the ear’s way of cleaning itself.
So all you need to do to clean ears is to wipe around the outside of the ear with a damp cloth or tissue regularly. If a build-up of wax blocks the ear canal, special ear drops available from a chemist may soften the wax. Sometimes a visit to a GP may be necessary in order to physically remove the blockage.
The old saying that you should never put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow is true! That’s because placing anything into the ear has the potential to cause damage.
If something does become lodged in the ear, seek expert advice about having it removed. Never attempt to remove it yourself.
Speech and Language Disorders
A speech disorder is when a child has difficulty pronouncing sounds correctly for their age. If it is not corrected, it can affect the ability to read and write. It may be necessary to seek help for your child if he or she:
- has trouble moving or coordinating his or her mouth;
- is six months or more behind the approximate age range for speech sounds;
- speaks very immaturately compared to other children the same age;
- gets frustrated about speaking;
- has hearing loss, and/or;
- is poorly understood by people who don’t know your child.
A language disorder is characterised by delays in learning to talk and understand language. It is different to a speech disorder – a speech disorder is when children have difficulty pronouncing words correctly.
It’s important to remember that children learn to speak at different rates, but if you do have concerns about your child’s speech and lanuguage development, talk to your child’s teacher or School Health Nurse (Aimee Leeson on 0400 182 654). Go to www.raisingchildren.net.au for more information.
Growing Good Blokes
Are you interested in a free presentation for parents and caregivers on raising boys? See the attached flyer for more information.
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
Give Swimming a Go!
Northam Swimming Club's "Give Swimming a Go!" day is on Friday 3 November at 5pm for new swimmers.
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.
The last home match will be held on:
- 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
NOTICEBOARD
Please ensure an absentee note is sent in on this day if your child is absent, thank you.
(Audit Requirement)
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