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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
What a wonderful start we have had to the 2024 school year! New students and staff have settled well and returning students have had smiling faces all week.
We have been particularly impressed with the way in which students on both campuses have taken on board the messages about behaviour and the right for everyone at school to feel safe and be able to learn. Our classes have a sense of calmness about them which is making the teaching and learning so much more enjoyable.
A big thank you to those parents who have ensured that their children have returned to school with appropriate haircuts and the correct uniform. A reminder that jewellery should only be a watch, one set of sleepers or stud earrings in the ear lobe, no nose rings at all, and a chain should only be worn if it has a crucifix or religious medal on it.
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday 14th February. This is beginning of the season of Lent and is when we begin our preparations for the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time. Students on both campuses will take part in Ash Wednesday Liturgies on Wednesday.
Little Joeys
Today marked the first of our stop and play sessions for 0-3 year olds, which we have called ‘Little Joeys.’ There was a huge turnout of little people and their carers for the session run by Mrs Morris. We are very excited to be able to offer this fun introduction to St Joseph’s School and we look forward to seeing the excited faces most Friday mornings.
Right to disconnect
The recently agreed upon Enterprise Agreement for teaching staff in Catholic Schools, ratified the right of teachers to disconnect outside of working hours. Teachers at St Joseph’s School will not be expected to respond to emails, Teams or phone messages outside of the following time period - 8:10am-3.45pm. You are very welcome to contact them outside of these times, but please be aware that your email/message may not be seen until the following day. While we appreciate this may be frustrating, teachers deserve the right to disconnect and spend time with their own families.
Key dates
Please make note of the key dates for this term. A full calendar can be found on the school website or the school App. Key whole school dates are contained in this section. Key campus dates are in the relevant campus section.
- Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 14 February
- Interhouse Swimming Carnival (Years 4 – 12 only)
Friday 23 February
- de Vialar House Day – Gold coin donation & come dressed in yellow
Tuesday 27 February
- Labour Day Public Holiday
Monday 4 March
- NAPLAN (Years 3, 5,7 & 9 only)
Wednesday 13 March – Friday 22 March
- School Community Mass
Saturday 16 March @ 5:30pm
We are all looking forward to a wonderful year ahead.
With God’s blessings,
Andrea Woodgate
Principal
Dates for your Diary
Week 3
| Monday 12 February: | Primary & Secondary Swim Trials |
| Wednesday 14 February: | Ash Wednesday Liturgies - S @ 10.25am, P @ 11.15am |
| Thursday 15 February: | Early Close Secondary 'Digital Tech' Parent Information Session @ 6pm |
| Friday 16 February: | Census Day Primary Assembly @ 9am |
Week 4
| Wednesday 21 February: | Beverley Tennis Tournament |
| Thursday 22 February: | Year 7 Reconciliation Early Close |
| Friday 23 February: | Interhouse Swimming Carnival Years 4-12 |
Weekly Gospel Reflection
This week's clip has a focus on 'Fidelity' and that we are called to serve.
"Spirit of Jesus" Award
This fortnight on the Secondary Campus we congratulate Zackary Bowles for winning the Spirit of Jesus Award. Zackary was caught doing something 'good' on campus this week.
Year 7 Retreat
On Thursday of Week 1, our Year 7 students participated in their Retreat day at the church and Parish Hall. The students enjoyed a day of prayer and reflection on their emotional and spiritual state. Commitments to the service of others were made and special significance was placed on understanding the identity and significance of their House groups.
We thank the House Captains and special guests Mrs Doughty, Mrs Parker and Mrs Marasco for their insights into how to be a person for others.
Project Compassion Sunday
Dear Families & Friends,
Welcome back for 2024! A special welcome to all our new families, I hope that your children had a great first week and a half of school. It has been so lovely catching up with our students, hearing all about their holiday adventures & seeing their smiling faces. Special thanks to our classroom teachers who worked so hard in the lead up to the first day of term, to create safe and engaging spaces for our students.
Over the holidays we have had some exciting additions to our Primary Campus. We have installed a Sensory Playground behind our Year 5 classroom & a number spinner for children to use when playing the games outside the Canteen. Thank you to Mr Fallows & Mr Hargrave for their wonderful work in setting these up.
Please find below an outline of important Term One dates for the Primary Campus:
- Parent Information PowerPoints & Open Classrooms
Monday 12 February and Thursday 15 February
- Primary Swim Trials (Years 4 – 6 only)
Monday 12 February
- Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 14 February
- Interhouse Swimming Carnival (Years 4 – 12 only)
Friday 23 February
- de Vialar House Day
Tuesday 27 February
- Labour Day Public Holiday
Monday 4 March
- CAPSS Interschool Swimming Carnival (selected students from Years 4 – 6)
Tuesday 5 March
- Primary Parent-Teacher Meetings
Tuesday 5 March – Thursday 7 March
- Year 6 Camp (Woodman Point)
Monday 11 March – Wednesday 13 March
- Swimming Lessons (Years 1, 2 & 4 only)
Monday 11 March – Friday 22 March
- NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5 only)
Wednesday 13 March – Friday 22 March
- School Community Mass
Saturday 16 March @ 5:30pm
- Term One Assemblies: Will be held in the PAC @ 8:45am
Friday 16 February
Friday 1 March
Friday 22 March: 6B Class Assembly
May you all have a beautiful week ahead.
Michelle Christian
Head of Primary
Swan Boxes
Have you seen the St Joseph's Primary Swan Box down by the river? Have a look next time you are down there.
Join the St Joseph's Equestrian Interschools Team!
Are you passionate about horses and riding? Do you dream of competing against other schools in thrilling equestrian events? St Joseph's School invites both Primary and Secondary students to express their interest in joining our Equestrian Interschools Team!
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th April (Easter School Holidays)
- Location: State Equestrian Centre 303 Cathedral Ave Brigadoon
- Events:
- Dressage
- Eventing
- ShowJumping
- Combined training (Dressage & Showjumping/no cross-country)
- ShowHorse (Hacking)
Requirements:
- Students must be a member of EWA (Equestrian Western Australia), either as competitive or participant members.
Most competitive interschool classes require a qualifying event (except prep dressage and showhorse). Participant classes do not need qualifications.
Expression of Interest: Interested Primary students should talk to Ms Thomas in Year 6 Gold or email mikala.thomas@cewa.edu.au for any inquiries and to express their interest.
Welcome to 2024,
Thank you to a wonderful start to the new school year on the Secondary campus.
The Year 7s seem to have made a very seamless move to secondary school. They are enjoying moving from one class to another and all seem to have mastered their locks very quickly. Thank you to Mr Lloyd Reidy for engaging them in the Year 7 Retreat, which gave them some breathing space on their second day of secondary school.
Last weekend we had Year 11 students out at the ViSN Camp at UWA and Student Leaders at the Leadership Camp at Camp Leschenaultia. The ViSN Camp enables Year 11 students to get to know their online teachers and classmates. They had a wonderful time and, I’m told, feel like they have made lifetime friendships. Students were able to see what life would be like living on a university campus. Thank you to Mr Gerhard Vogel, who does a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to ensure that these online classes are successful, and to Mrs Amy Bennett who both supervised students at UWA.
The Student Leadership Team had a wonderful time at Camp Leschenaultia, despite some late-night feasting being thwarted at 1o’clock in the morning. “Miss, how did you hear me?” Students had an unforgettable time developing their leadership skills and empowering them to become inspiring leaders. Mr Daniel Vernede uses dynamic, interactive activities to draw out the best in our students and I know the student leaders would like to thank him for the impactful discussions and the enthusiasm he brought to the camp. Thank you, Mr Vernede, for giving our students the opportunity to build meaningful connections to see them through 2024.
The secondary students would like to thank the Parents and Friends Committee for the two new outdoor Ping Pong tables in the quadrangle. Students were very excited to start playing on these tables on Wednesday and competition has been fierce. Students understand these tables were a great expense as they needed to be durable outdoors and strong to withstand Northam’s diverse weather and are very grateful to the P&F Committee.
Next Thursday evening, (at 6pm) we invite you to join us at a digital information evening where we will explore the tools and platforms that enhance your child’s educational journey. We will show you how to use SEQTA, where you are able to track your child’s progress, communicate with teachers and stay informed about important school events, explore the collaborative features of Teams and OneNote and learn how we use Cambridge Go in maths to support the learning done in the classroom.
God Bless
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary
Curriculum Matters
It’s all happening in Science!
The Year 11 ATAR Science crew are priming up for their first experiments as senior secondary students studying Physics, Chemistry and Human Biology with the arrival of our laboratory coats. A very exciting time indeed! They are armed and ready with all the Personal Protective Equipment for what senior secondary will throw at them. These students are now prepared for all sorts of work in our laboratories and will complete some amazing activities to compliment all the content that is so vital in ATAR subjects. We wish all the students the best in their scientific endeavours.
Mark Gargano
Head of Learning Area - Science
Food Technology
On Thursday, our Year 8s learnt about hazards in the kitchen & oven safety by cooking mini pizzas! They were delicious! Well done Year 8s!
With our pinkies raised & the sound of tea cups clinking, our Year 10s started their 'Café Culture' unit of work by having a tea party. They tried many different teas and analysed their colour, aroma and taste! We had a great time! Thanks to Mrs Farson & Mrs O'Driscoll for setting up a great lesson!
Faith Versaci
Teacher
House Coordinator Pastoral Program Initiative
The Secondary House Coordinators commenced their new Pastoral Program for the year in Week One. Coordinators were excited to welcome new Year 7s and new students to our school. It was a busy first few days distributing locks and allocating lockers, welcoming students to Homerooms and supporting students to feel comfortable at school.
Our program commenced with a scheduled session with Year 7 students during their Retreat Day on Thursday and continued with a double period of team building games and get to know you activities with Year 8s on Friday.
Early Monday Morning brought an early morning visit to the Student Leader Camp at Lake Leschenaultia to complete some House games and a meeting with our leaders for 2024. Exciting plans were made and shared and some fantastic ideas were raised. It should be a great year.
House Coordinators will be continuing the new Positive Pastoral Program with all students which will involve similar team building activity sessions with all year groups twice a year and attendance and participation at existing events such as Caminos, Retreats and other school events.
We are very excited to bring this new program to the students and will be working hard to support students to develop resilience, relationships and connections with House Coordinators as well as their House Peers.
The next House Coordinator Pastoral session will be with Year 11 and 12 students in Week 3, then Year 9 in Week 6 and Year 10 in week 8. Along the way we will be involved in other existing school events and activities to support the students.
Please remember that Home Room teachers are the first port of call for any issues, questions or queries; however, you are welcome to contact House Coordinators if needed through the year.
Thank you
Rebecca Doughty – de Vialar House Coordiator – rebecca.doughty@cewa.edu.au
Nicole Parker – Leonard House Coordinator – nicole.parker@cewa.edu.au
Renee Marasco – Marcellin House Coordinator – renee.marasco@cewa.edu.au
Daniel Vernede – Lenihan House Coordinator – daniel.vernede@cewa.edu.au
ViSN Camp
On Thursday 2 February, 21 Year 11 ViSN students headed to Perth, accompanied by Mr Vogel and Mrs Bennett, to take part in a three day CEWA ViSN Camp.
The aim of the Camp was to bring ViSN staff and students together to build connections, to work on key aspects of the course and for students to benefit from experiences not always available in all schools for Online learning students.
As well as their ViSN classes, students were involved in a range of activities such as Team Building, Digital Escape Room, Study Skills sessions and a talk from ex ViSN students, including our very own Kate Gentle, on how to be a successful ViSN student and how to stay motivated while doing online learning.
It was a very successful three days with lots of amazing feedback from students and teachers from around the state. The students had a great time meeting their online teachers and peers, who they would usually only see online, while learning the basics of how to be a ViSN student.
Mr Gerhard Vogel
ViSN Coordinator
From the VET Office
This year, a small space at the secondary campus has been converted into a multisensory room. Multisensory rooms are immersive environments which have been specifically designed to develop the user’s senses. They include specialist sensory equipment which can either stimulate the user’s mental activity, provide a relaxing environment, or promote interaction. The students have been enjoying meditation sessions and exploring the sensory resources and materials on offer.
Caroline Marriott
VET Coordinator
Join the St Joseph's Equestrian Interschools Team!
Are you passionate about horses and riding? Do you dream of competing against other schools in thrilling equestrian events? St Joseph's School invites both Primary and Secondary students to express their interest in joining our Equestrian Interschools Team!
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th April (Easter School Holidays)
- Location: State Equestrian Centre 303 Cathedral Ave Brigadoon
- Events:
- Dressage
- Eventing
- ShowJumping
- Combined training (Dressage & Showjumping/no cross-country)
- ShowHorse (Hacking)
Requirements:
- Students must be a member of EWA (Equestrian Western Australia), either as competitive or participant members.
Most competitive interschool classes require a qualifying event (except prep dressage and showhorse). Participant classes do not need qualifications.
Expression of Interest: Interested Secondary students should reach out to Ms Natalie Williamson-Holley at natalie.williamson-h@cewa.edu.au for any inquiries and to express their interest.
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
The Primary Canteen is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
On Ash Wednesday, there will be a special menu at the Primary Canteen:
The Secondary Canteen is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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.
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 send back your Canteen Assistance form or, for Primary, sign up online: the new Term 1 Volunteer Sign-up Page is now up and running - click here.
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 (Primary) Desrae Smith (Secondary)
9621 3525 9621 8104
Term Time Opening Times: Mondays - 3.15pm to 4.45pm
Thursdays - 2.45pm to 4.15pm
During Term 1, 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.
Michelle James
Primary - 9621 3524
Welcome Back!
Welcome everyone to the 2024 school year! For those families that are new to the school, I would like to extend a huge Welcome and for those families returning, Welcome Back!
The P&F helps to run some of the major events held throughout the school year. I encourage all parents and families to get involved in the P&F; many hands make light work! It is also a great way to get to know other parents and families, especially if you are new to the school!
Below is a list of events that the P&F will be involved in this term:
- Sausage Sizzle at the Swimming Carnival
- Year 7 parents sundowner
- Easter Raffle
More information on the above events, including how you can help out, will be released closer to the date.
If you require more information or would like to discuss any school or P&F issue, you can contact me at anytime 0424 288 354. No question is too silly, I am here to help in any way.
I wish you all a great first term and I look forward to working with you all!
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 for more updates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764507137145087
Casey Pearse
P&F Chair
Parish Priest - Fr Stephen Jean Paul Victor
Assistant Priest - Fr Rubenson Cardona
Mass Times ~ Saturday Vigil @ 5.30pm
~ Sunday Mass @ 8.00am
Presbytery Phone: 08 9622 5411
Email: 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.
ANZ Saver Plus
Many families are experiencing cost of living challenges as well as increased education costs.
Saver Plus supports eligible families to take some control of their finances by offering a matched savings incentive and financial education workshops.
If parents commit to saving up to $50 a month for 10 months, ANZ will match their savings up to $500 for families to put towards school uniforms, stationary, camps, laptops, sports fees and music lessons.
*We accept Child Support, Carers Payment and Cash in hand as regular income.If families join in February 2024, they can claim their matched savings in December 2024 in time for 2025 school costs.
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
This year Auskick will be kicking off from Friday 3 May to 21 June for 8 consecutive sessions. Our Friday afternoon sessions will run from 4:30pm - 5:30pm at the Pool end of Jubilee Oval at the Northam Recreation Centre.
We are looking for a new Auskick coordinator, if you are interested in this role, please contact us asap. The role comes with one season of mentoring by previous coordinator.
Auskick is for boys and girls from 5 to 8 years. It helps build ball skills, hand and eye coordination and teamwork, giving kids a basic understanding of team sports preparing them for later in life.
It is a requirement that you register online and to secure your place, Kids sport vouchers are available at https://kidsport.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/kidsport/apply-for-kidsport-1/. We strongly suggest that your register early so that your child receives their Auskick pack before commencement of program. Cost is $75 per player.
To register visit https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/608b64. should you have any issues please contact aflauskick@afl.com.au or contact the temporary coordinator.
Please keep in mind that this program is only possible with parent support and each family will be required to assist at least once over the course of the 8 weeks. If you can consistently assist by running groups, please contact Angela at northamjuniorfootball@gmail.com and I will make sure that you have all the required information. For up-to-date information, please like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077340198010
1, 2, 3 Magic
1,2,3 magic sessions for parents will be running on Tuesdays for 3 weeks on 16, 23 and 30 April. Sessions will take place at WANSLEA’s Northam office, 20 Gairdner St, from 9:30am-11:30am.
Bookings are essential, register by calling 0447 622 736 or online at WheatbeltPCWA@wanslea.org.au.
NOTICEBOARD