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

Today we celebrated the end of the primary school journey for the Year 6 students with a lovely assembly and a morning tea for the families. While most of the students are continuing to our Secondary campus, we are farewelling some students and their families as they move on to other schools or move away from the town. We congratulate the Year 6s on the completion of this phase of their learning journey and we look forward to the exciting times to come as they head off to high school.

FunD Day
Today was the day that all the Year 6s look forward to all year. They planned for their stalls all term and today did a wonderful job of bringing all their planning together. There were many activities for the rest of the school to choose from and everyone had a great afternoon. All money raised from today is donated to St Joseph’s Care to help with their outreach program. Well done Year 6s!

What a busy couple of weeks 
The last two weeks has seen a huge number of activities taking place across both campuses - many excursions, Year 10 & 6 Reward days, early years parent information sessions, Year 10s took part in a Careers Week, the 2024 Yr 11 & 12 student leaders attended the Marist Student Leader Gathering and the Primary Step Up Day & Yr 7 Transition Day were held. I congratulate those parents who have managed to have their children prepared for the right activity on the right day.

With one week to go, it is important that you continue to be aware of all the end of year events for each year level. For Primary students, Tuesday’s planned Fun day is set to be epic, and the Kindy & pre-Primary Christmas Concert on Wednesday morning is sure to be beautiful. Secondary students in Years 7-9 will also have their rescheduled reward day on Wednesday.

Attendance 
Please note that, while it might be tempting to allow your children to miss the last few days of the year, staff have put a lot of thought (and often expense) into the organised activities. Payment for these is based on pre-given numbers so when students do not attend, the school is left paying a large amount of money for a much smaller number of students. Please let the school know if your children will not be attending.

End of Year Reports 
Reports will be published through SEQTA Engage for all students from Pre-Primary to Year 10 on Wednesday 13 December. If you have forgotten your password to SEQTA Engage, use the Forgot my Password to reset; if you have not logged in before, a welcome email will have been sent to you during the year. If you need it resent, please email Marie Chomiak at admin@sjsnortham.wa.edu.au. The student/parent portal on the school website has a link to SEQTA Engage or you are also able to download the App to a device.

Departure from the school 
This is one last call for families to inform the school of their intention to withdraw from the school at the end of 2023. Families of students who do not return in 2024, where the school has not been notified, may be charged Term 1 tuition fees. Notification can be sent to Marie Chomiak at admin@sjsnortham.wa.edu.au.

Wheelchairs for Kids

On Tuesday, the Year 6 Student Leaders went on a road trip to Wheelchairs for Kids in Wangara, with Mrs Woodgate and Mrs Collins. We were finally able to hand over the hundreds of soft toys that our families donated earlier in the year. We were lucky to have the CEO give us a tour of the facilities. It was inspiring to see the volunteers at work and hear about the way that these wheelchairs are changing lives all over the world. Did you know that for only $275, a wheelchair can be made and delivered to someone in a third world country who would otherwise have no means of transport? We are very keen to take part in some fundraising next year so watch this space! 

Year 6 Student Leaders

MaJEC Hours

The Northam Toy Library has a community project on the go at the moment - verge beautification of “The old Firestation” at 87 Duke st - and are looking for volunteers to support them by way of “watering the lawn” over the summer holidays. 

If you know anyone who might be interested in doing this - and getting a head start on their 2024 MaJEC hours - plase contact Katie Leeder on 0417 993 178.

Game Changers fundraiser

Our GameChangers Project task for 2023 was completed yesterday at the pool. 

GameChangers Projects is a Marist Youth group that allows Year 6 students to complete a Social Justice Project over an 8 week Period. 'Projects' is an initiative at St Joseph's that allows Primary aged students the opportunity to serve in the wider community in a group situation. 

The Term 4 Project that was carried throughout the term focused on the aspect of us being the 'Spirit of Fire' similar to the connection of fire in our hearts kindled by the Holy Spirit.  

Our final task at the end of the project was to complete a pool Lapathon in order to generate donations of canned items for St Joseph's Care Parish Appeal this Christmas. Sponsors chose to donate a can for their own chosen specific amount of laps we completed. 

We're thrilled to announce that we completed 110 laps in 2 hours and were doubly thrilled to have had the Year 7 GameChangers group join us for the morning. 

The donated cans will be collected by students throughout next week and passed on to St Joseph's Care on Wednesday 13 December. 

The students involved in 'Projects' would like to thank Mr Reidy, Mrs Woodgate and Mr Sinclair for their support and guidance. 

Weekly Gospel Reflection

This week's clip has a focus on 'Leadership' and that Christ the King shows us how to be good shepherds of people. 

Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator

Dear Families & Friends, 

As our year draws to a close, we still have some exciting events planned for the last week of school. 

Tuesday 5 December: Primary End of Year Fun Day 

For: Students in Kindy – Year 6 

Details: To reward & thank our students for following the school rules, showing kindness & respect towards others and for trying their best in learning activities, we will be holding our Primary End of Year Fun Day from 10:00am. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of carnival games, go karting, mini-golf and much more. 

Dress: Students are welcome to come to school in comfortable free dress, suitable to do such activities as jumping on a bouncy castle – shorts, t-shirt and sneakers are recommended. There will be no water-based activities for students, just for the staff lucky enough to be rostered in the dunk tank.  

Additional: Students are required to bring their own morning tea/lunch as normal, or order from the canteen menu. 

Wednesday 6 December: Kindy & P-P Christmas Concert 

For: Families of students in Kindy and Pre-Primary 

Details: Kindy & PP students are to be taken to their classroom as normal at 8:30am. The concert will then begin in the PAC at 9:30am. There will be a coffee van on-site for families to order a coffee while you wait for the concert to begin. This will be followed by a shared morning tea, families are invited to bring a plate to share. Please remember that St Joseph’s is a Nut Aware School, we request that you do not bring foods containing nuts.  

Dress: Parents & guardians are asked to refer to the communication sent by your child’s classroom teacher. 

Additional: Siblings of students in Kindy & PP are not permitted to attend this performance. All classes will be an audience for a dress rehearsal performance earlier in the week. 

Thursday 7 December: Pre-Kindy Christmas Celebration 

For: Families of students in Pre-Kindy 

Details: Pre-Kindy students (Thursday & Friday) will sing a selection of songs in their classroom at 9:00am. This will be followed by a shared morning tea, families are invited to bring a plate to share. Please remember that St Joseph’s is a Nut Aware School, we request that you do not bring foods containing nuts.  

Friday 8 December: Thanksgiving/Advent Mass & Christmas Assembly 

For: Students and families in Pre-Primary – Year 6 

Details: All classes will join in our Primary Thanksgiving/Advent Mass being held in the PAC at 9:00am, families are most welcome to attend. All classes will then join in our Christmas Assembly, also being held in the PAC, starting at 11:30am. Following the assembly, all students will be provided with a free sausage sizzle lunch and families are welcome to take their children home early following the assembly. Please remember to sign your child out from their classroom teacher. 

Dress: Students are invited to wear their St Joseph’s sports shorts with a Christmas themed t-shirt. If students do not want to wear a Christmas t-shirt, they are required to wear their full sports uniform.  

May you all have a happy & safe Advent Season.  

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Class in Focus: Pre-Kindy

In Term 4, we studied everything related to the gardens, and this stemmed from children’s discussion about how they were helping their parents plant vegetables and flowers in their garden and the circle-time sharing of the bugs they discover in their garden, such as ladybirds, spiders and butterflies. To encourage the children's enthusiasm, we planted the sunflower seeds in their own pot to look after. We also learned that their seeds need water, sunlight, and dirt to grow into the plant. This also provided us with an opportunity to learn about the parts of the plant. 

We also discovered that we consume every part of the plant, such as seeds, roots, flowers, stems, and leaves, as vegetables and fruits. We played the sorting game where children sort all the fruits and vegetables in the group, which shows the part of the plant they come from. Finally, we did fruit and vegetable stamp painting. 

Using the magnifying lens, we searched our garden for insects and discovered a large number of ladybirds. We added plastic insects and bugs to our sensory table, hiding them in the sand and using spoons and cups to catch them in order to gauge their level of interest. We painted the bugs in the end, which was a lot of fun. 

Moreover, we painted bird nests and constructed a bird feeder since we wanted some bird guests in our garden. 

After investigating everything in the garden, we moved into our favourite and most magical season of the year, Christmas! We learned about Christmas traditions and celebrations and made gifts for the families. The highlight of term 4 will be ‘Our Christmas Concert’ which we have been practising for. 

Harpreet Kaur 
Pre-Kindy Teacher 

Year 1 Blue and the Gluestick Challenge 

In our Year 1 Blue class, our young problem-solvers encountered a creative challenge – a shortage of glue sticks! Undeterred, these imaginative minds set out to find a solution. The journey began with a brainstorming session, where our students enthusiastically shared ideas on how to address the glue shortage in our classroom. ‘Sticky tape’, ‘honey’ and the ol’ ‘Get Mum to buy more’ were among the most popular suggestions. On a mission to solve our own problems though, we delved a little deeper into our brains.  

Facing a lack of conventional glue, the class turned to the wonders of the internet to find out if were possible to… MAKE OUR OWN GLUE! YouTube videos to the rescue! Bingo! We found an online tutorial! Armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, we gathered the materials required for our project. The classroom transformed into a lively lab, filled with laughter and excitement as they mixed, stirred, and experimented with the ingredients, turning the activity into a joyful and memorable learning experience. 

The collaborative effort and teamwork were truly heartwarming. The end result? Our classroom is now proudly stocked with an abundance of glue, showcasing the resourcefulness and creativity of our Year 1B students. It's a shining example of how our school community rises to challenges with innovative spirit and a can-do attitude. Kudos to our little scientists for turning a potential sticky situation into a fun and successful project! 

Shell Read
1 Blue Teacher

Year 5 Scitech Excursion

What an adventure the Year 5s had on Wednesday 29 November at Scitech! Not only did we learn a bunch of new concepts like the future of biotechnology (the current Human Potential exhibit), but we also had a great time while we were at it! 

Our ride to Scitech was enjoyable, with games of Spotto, and the occasional Christmas sing-along popping up between the two buses! 

On arrival, we made our way into Scitech, only being stopped by our hungry stomachs, ready for some recess! Following our meal, we made our way to the Planetarium with the help of our guide Laura, to enjoy an incredible show of constellations, and the process of how our Earth came to be! 

Following that exciting show, we took a walk into the main entrance of Scitech to experience the newest exhibit that they had on display, the “Human Potential” exhibit! A grand display of how technology is being used to make our society a fairer place with a look into robotic appendages, as well as some interesting technological concepts, like controlling machines with brain signals! 

After this excitement, we refuelled with a spot of lunch, then got to experience an awesome science show showing off how human technology progressed from one concept to another, like understanding that knowledge in basic physics helps to create the engine. 

After the show, we had a short period of free time exploring the main floor of Scitech, investigating machines that look into magnetism, sound waves and many, many more concepts! 

Finally, it was time to go, with our drive back to school. Thank you so much to all of the parent helpers who offered their time to help chaperone the students on our excursion. A special thanks to Ms Hince for giving up her time and coming along to help some of our more nervous (but equally excited!) students find their way around. Finally, one last thankyou to our guide Laura, for showing us the wonderful world of Scitech! 

Michael Chalmers & Tim Natkanski
Year 5 Teachers

As usual the last two weeks of school have been a whirlwind of activities. We said goodbye to our Year 10s and hello to our new 2024 Year 7s. And while it is so very busy and exciting at the end of the school year, we do need to remind our students that they still have another week of schoolwork to complete, and they are not on holidays yet.  

Thank you to Mrs Marriott for the wonderful alternative Year 10 program she put together with many visitors coming into the school to share the alternative programs available to those students not wishing to complete ATAR in Year 11 and 12. 

Mr Vernede took some of our Student Leaders to Perth for the Marist Student Leaders Gathering. It is hoped that they shared many ideas that they can bring to the school next year. Mr Reidy had our Year 6 and Year 7 GameChangers students completing a lap-a-thon to support their Social Justice Campaign. 

Last Monday saw 66 Year 6s attending Secondary for A Day in the Life of a Year 7. They were enthusiastic and enjoyed moving around the school to get a glimpse of the classes they will have next year. I think that most are now feeling confident about the move to high school and at the very least know where they need to be on day one.  

Next week we have final tests and class assessments left to complete and the revised Year 7 – 9 Secondary Reward Day on Wednesday. Can I please ask parents to encourage their child to attend the Rewards Day whether they are staying at school or going to the pool / slides; it is a school day and part of building community and camaraderie. 

Thank you for a wonderful year. Please have a safe and happy holiday and we will see you all back in 2024.

Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary

Curriculum Matters 

As we conclude another dynamic and robust year, reviewing the many learning experiences in and out of the classroom, maybe we should also reflect on individual growth, the formation that has also occurred.

Throughout the year, students are presented with challenges and tasks to complete. How these challenges are approached, and hopefully completed, is important, but also relevant in the exercise is the character development.

A message from this year to take with you moving forward would be, what inner strength have you developed? Everyone’s academic journey suffers on occasion from a hurdle or two. What did you learn this year to enable the bump to be just that and not a hill or unsurmountable mountain? What toughness did you discover, that enabled recovery and getting back on track? 

From those hurdles, use them as an opportunity for next year and beyond. Have a positive outlook for 2024; look forward to accepting fresh challenges and persevere. If that end of year report looks healthy, please also consider that this is not the end point. Success this year is not final, any failures are not fatal, it is the courage to continue and go bigger and better that counts.

To those students who are leaving us to move to other schools to finish their secondary education, we wish you all the best with your journey. To our Year 12 graduates, as you begin to make waves in the world, keep in mind that inner strength, that spirit; be determined to go forth and make a difference and remember, you may have left secondary school, but the learning has not stopped. 

To each of our Year 12 students, all those awaiting final ATAR results and then university offers, all the very best with this in the next few weeks and indeed also to all the students who are awaiting the commencement of their TAFE courses and apprenticeships. To all Year 12 students, remember not to be a stranger. Please report back all your adventures, we look forward to hearing about your life and successes in the wider community, what splashes and waves you are making, wherever your journey may take you.  

To one and all, have a safe and Holy Christmas and New Year, see you in 2024.

Mark Gargano
Teaching & Learning Coordinator
Years 7-12

Thanksgiving Mass 

On Wednesday 15 November, the Secondary School held a Thanksgiving Mass. The 2023 Student Leaders were acknowledged for their service and each presented with a certificate by Mrs Woodgate. 

Nikki Parker
Leonard House Coordinator

Marist Student Leaders Gathering 

On the 26-28 November, our Year 11 and 12 student leaders embarked on the 2024 Marist Student Leaders Gathering.

The event was held at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp and included student leaders from Northam, Newman College, Bunbury Catholic College, Sacred Heart College in Adelaide and Cardijn College in Adelaide.

The three day gathering focused on the skills needed to be an effective student leader in the modern world and challenge participants to adopt characteristics of the Marist Way.

Our school’s ten participants represented the school with great confidence and developed aspects of their personal leadership styles. 

The connections and friendships that emerged between students of all schools were immediate and it is obvious that many will be long lasting. The opportunity to be able to gather as multiple school leadership groups was absolutely invaluable. 

We give our wholehearted thanks to the Marist Youth Ministry team and the extra support staff who made it all possible, including Mr Vernede and Mr Reidy. 

We, as members of the St Joseph's Student Leadership team, look forward to engaging with our peers throughout 2024 and allowing our skills to help enhance the charism and community spirit of our great school. 

Antoinette Matres
2024 School Captain

Digitech/RE Project

Recently James Marwick and Taj Coombes 3D printed the Cathedral of Fourviere in Lyon, France. 

The side chapel of the Cathedral of Fourviere is where Marcellin Champagnat and 12 other priests began the Marist movement on 23 July 1816, after they were ordained as priests the day before. James and Taj intend to print the side chapel and attach it to the current print job. 

We look forward to seeing other RE and Digitech crossover projects throughout 2024. 

Lloyd Reidy
Head of Religious Education

New Flags

Earlier this week, after a request to his office, Darren West MLC, Member for Agricultural Region, popped into our school to deliver two new Australian National flags. These are to replace the existing flags on both campuses, which are now a little older and looking a bit worse for wear. From our school community, thank you for supplying these items. 

Mark Gargano
Teaching & Learning Coordinator
Years 7-12 

AFL Future Stars

Congratuations to former students Aiden O'Driscoll, who was selected by the Western Bulldogs at pick 55 in the 2023 AFL draft, and Coen Livingstone, who has been recruited by the West Coast Eagles on their Category B Rookie list.  We look forward to cheering them both on for years to come.

From the VET Office 

Year 10 Careers Week 

The Year 10 students who were not sitting exams during Week 7 participated in Careers Week with Mrs Marriott each day. Students were involved in information sessions and lots of fun, hands-on activities related to occupations and career pathways. There were guest speakers, including ex-students, industry guest speakers, and visitors from apprenticeship and traineeship agencies to answer students’ questions about their future. Students also engaged in school to work pathway activities and were provided opportunities to practise their employability skills and attitudes such as teamwork, perseverance, flexibility and adaptability, leadership, communication, creativity, and attention to detail.  

Try-a-Trade 

On Friday 24 November, a group of Year 10s and Year 9s attended a Bricklaying Try-a-Trade at Northam TAFE. Students tried their hand at laying bricks after a demonstration by the lecturer. The lecturer supervised and taught the students tips and tricks that are used in the industry, as well as sharing his wealth of knowledge with the students. The day was a hands-on, fun experience where students were provided an opportunity to practise skills to determine if this is an industry of future interest. Feedback from the students was a resounding ‘yes’ to offer this again to other students in 2024.

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 and Term 1, 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

Primary Canteen

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.

Last Week of Term:

There will be a modifed menu available for lunch during the last week of term due to class parties and reward days taking place. The Recess menu will operate as normal.

Canteen Support - Volunteers Required

Mrs Sandrini would like to thank all our Parents and Students who have helped the canteen run for 2023.  Don’t be scared to lend a hand, the canteen is very welcoming.

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. The 2024 volunteer page will be available soon.   

Primary - Week 9 

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 

I hope everyone has had a great Term 4 and is looking forward to the holidays!

As the last newsletter for the P&F I want to thank you all for a great year. In particular, I would like to thank all the parents and caregivers who gave their time generously and supported the P&F events through out the year! Our events are not possible without the help of our many parents and it is so wonderful to see so many people get involved! Thank you all!

I would also like to take a moment to thank my fellow executive committee members. Your help and support has been amazing and I can’t thank you enough! I look forward to working with you all next year! 

Please note our next meeting will take place next year, Monday 5 February; time and place to be confirmed closer to the date. 

To stay up to date with the P&F please follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764507137145087.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! 

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

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.

Christmas Eve Schedules

Sunday 24 December:

Northam - 5.00pm Mass with Children's Nativity Play*
Toodyay - 5.00pm Children's Nativity Play
                 - 5.30pm Mass
Jennacubbine - 6.30pm Mass
Northam - 9.00pm Mass

*If you would like your child/children to take part in the Northam Nativity Play, please contact Sr Glory on 9615 5382.

Christmas Day Schedules

Monday 25 December:

Northam - 8.00am Mass
Bakers Hill - 9.30am Mass
Cunderdin - 10.00am Mass

Christmas Gathering

This year's St Joseph's Parish Christmas Gathering will be held on Saturday 9 December at 6.30pm in the Parish Hall. If you are available, please come and join us. If possible, please fill in the list near the church entrance, for catering purposes.