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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
Kiss and Ride – Primary
If you know that your child takes a bit longer to get to the Kiss and Ride, please consider arriving a bit later so that that you do not hold up the flow of the line. The line moves quickly once the students begin arriving, but the little people do take a bit longer. Kiss and Ride is supervised for about 20 minutes after school so there is no need to get there early.
Founders Week
The last week of this term is when we are celebrating Founders Week on both campuses. Every year group will be taking part in a wide variety of excursions, incursions and other exciting activities. Parents will be emailed early next week with an outline of the week’s events, including what to wear and when the events are occurring. It is important that you familiarise yourself with what is happening. Please note that this is still a compulsory week of school. We are looking forward to a wonderful week.
P&F Bingo night
A huge vote of thanks to the members of the P&F who organised the 70s bingo night last Saturday evening. While the numbers in attendance weren’t huge, those that were there had a great time. It is always wonderful to see the community come together for the good of our children. Thank you to all those who came along.
With God’s blessings,
Andrea Woodgate
Principal
Dates for your Diary
Week 10
| Monday 17 June: | Feast of St Emilie de Vialar |
| Tuesday 18 June: | Year 4 Retreat Year 7 Camino Year 8 & 9 boys Interschool AFL Competition |
| Wednesday 19 June: | Year 8 Camino First Holy Communion Workshop 3:45pm |
| Thursday 20 June: | Year 6 Camino Early Close |
| Friday 21 June: | Primary Assembly (3G) |
| Sunday 23 June: | First Holy Communion Mass 10:30am |
Week 11 - Founders Week
| Monday 24 June: | Whole School Mass Jump Rope for Heart Day Year 12 Camino & NAHRA Retreat |
| Tuesday 25 June: | Year 6 Tree Planting Excursion Year 7 Excursion to WA Museum Year 11 MaJEC Day Year 12 NAHRA Retreat Board Meeting 6:30pm |
| Wednesday 26 June: | Year 6 Retreat Year 8 Excursion to Fremantle Prison Year 10 Excursion to Boshack Outback Year 12 NAHRA Retreat |
| Thursday 27 June: | Year 5 Retreat Year 9 Camino Early Close |
| Friday 28 June: | Whole School Assembly & Tabloid Sports All students dismissed from the Primary Campus |
Weekly Gospel Reflection
This week's clip has a focus on 'Sin within' and how God came into our dysfunctional world to kick Satan out.
Three weeks ago, Year 12 student Emily Cormack decided to sign up for Starlight Super steps to do while at home when Senior Secondary exams were happening. She chose to do 10,000 steps per day.
This foundation raises money for sick kids and their families in Perth Children's Hospital.
As she was a little late to the party, she only did it for the the last 8 days of May instead of all of May. Her diabetes got in the way a couple of times, but through careful personal management and the help of her family, she got through the challenge.
Given the financial hardships people are facing at the moment, she knew that donations might not generally be that high. However, this was not the case. Emily's family and the school should be particularly proud of her and it goes to show what people think of her as a person for others.
As a result, Emily is the Week 8 winner of the Spirit of Jesus award and the tally that she has raised so far is ...
$3708
This places her in the top 25 fundraisers for the Starlight Foundation in 2024.
Year 9 Retreat
The Year 9 Retreat was held on Tuesday 11 June. The day began with mass, celebrated by Father Ruben. Throughout the day, students were involved in reflection time, games, skits and Q and A sessions with the Youth Ministry Team of Western Australia.
The theme for the day was 'self image' and specific topics covered were:
- Appreciating our uniqueness
- The complications of changing behaviour for acceptance
- Value and dignity
Our school community extends a huge thank you to Luke and the YMT group.
Our Year 9 students look forward to seeing the team return to Northam for future retreats.
Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator
Dear Families & Friends,
It has been another busy fortnight in the Primary School. Yesterday, our Pre-Primary students celebrated a Liturgy of the Word based on Creation with Fr Reuben and while I wasn’t able to attend, I have heard from numerous sources about how beautifully reverent and prayerful the students were. Fantastic work!
Students who travel from school by bus have had a reminder on the expectations of their behaviour while they wait in the afternoon. I have been so impressed with our Bus Leaders setting an example to the younger students about how to sit patiently, and to walk in their lines to the gate. It is pleasing to see everyone understanding the need to follow the rules to ensure everyone gets on the bus safely. Keep an eye out for a special award for the best bus line coming soon!
This coming week, Year 4 students will be going on retreat to reflect on the meaning of Eucharist in preparation for their First Holy Communion. They will be participating in fun activities with the 24/7 Ministry Team which will support the work they have been doing in class. We keep the Communicants in our prayers as they take this next step on their faith journey.
God moments:
- Seeing creativity in action in Year 1 as they built dolls' houses earlier this week.
- Seeing Tania (Y3) warmly welcoming our new Counseller, Mr Williams, by saying good morning and good afternoon as she walks past his office.
- Watching Year 5 students discover how much the price of gold has increased since the Gold Rush.
- Reflecting with staff on the theme of ‘First Light’ in our Staff Meeting.
- Reading about all the wonderful progress students are making in their learning as staff finalise Semester One reports.
Linley Waters
Head of Primary
Class in Focus: Year One Gold
In Term 1, our class theme was animals, which connected to our Science unit 'investigating living things and how they grow'. We explored these topics through research, playful exploration and hands-on gardening to foster a deep connection with the natural world. Our mornings in Term 1 started with investigative play to explore real-world topics such as magnetic forces, cogs and building structures. With the use of interactive games, puzzles and play centres, students practised letter formation, spelling, interactive maths and counting skills. Our class ended the term with some thrilling swimming lessons. For many it was a chance to improve our skills, while for some, it was their first experience of learning to swim.
We ended our Science unit with an excursion to Perth Zoo, where students got to investigate the diet and habitat of popular rainforest animals. In 'Talk for Writing', students are learning about procedure writing by creating detailed, step-by-step instructions for making pizza, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Through this hands-on activity, the students understood the importance of clarity and precision in writing but also delighted in the practical experience of preparing and baking their own delicious pizzas.
This term, we dedicated a song at our Mother’s Day Assembly to how we know we’ve got the best mums! Then after our assembly there was a Mother’s Day Learning Journey, which allowed our class to show off all the amazing work we have been doing. We could choose to decorate some yummy cookies, paint or do some crafting with our Mums or Grans. Then our lucky students finished off by visiting their siblings’ classes and finally with a lovely picnic and play with their family at lunch.
This term has been packed with fun events like our Cross-Country Carnival, a West-Coast Eagles visit and Leonard Day and we have already had so much fun!
Carly Allen
1 Gold Teacher
Primary VANS Lightning Carnival
On Tuesday 28 May, all of Year 6 and some Year 5 students participated in the VANS (Volleyball, AFL, Netball and Soccer) Lightning Carnival where we competed against 6 other Catholic Primary Schools from Perth.
We left bright and early at 7:15am for a long bus trip to the Success Sports Grounds in Perth. Our students did our school proud with some great overall team success. The Netball and Volleyball teams were crowned the champions for the carnival; a magnificent achievement since this was our first time competing in this carnival. Our AFL team played quality football games and ended up finishing second. Our Soccer team showed great determination and sportsmanship against strong opposition.
We’d like to thank all the parents and teachers who helped coach, umpire and support all our teams.
Cameron Watson
Primary Physical Education Coordinator
Primary Cross-Country Carnival
On Friday 24 May, our Year 1-6 students competed in our school Cross-Country Carnival. All the students tried their best, with some very close finishes in some races.
We’d like to thank all the parents for helping out throughout the day and supporting their children.
The top two students from each year group will compete at the Interschool Cross-Country in Meckering on Friday 16 August.
Medals were presented to the top 3 for each race at our assembly on Friday 7 June.
| Year 1 Boys | Year 1 Girls | Year 2 Boys | Year 2 Girls |
| Tomas de Blecourt | Maggie McPhee | Lucas Morgan | Holly Pearse |
| Myles Blackwell | Ivy Mackay | Jake Turner | Sharon Mathew |
| Luxton Moses | Macey Chipper | Caleb Holten | Violett Sharples |
| Year 3 Boys | Year 3 Girls | Year 4 Boys | Year 4 Girls |
| Chase Manners | Tia Bunce | Caleb Battista | Maia Parker |
| Elliot Spooner | Amber Dempster | Toban Buttersfield | Evie Sharples |
| Jude Leeson | Ariah de Blecourt | Miles Carter | Emma Chipper |
| Year 5 Boys | Year 5 Girls | Year 6 Boys | Year 6 Girls |
| Jackson Byfield | Mia Parker | Liam Ryall | Imogen Wesley |
| Thomas James | Isabella Pearse | Ryan Gee | Indiah de Blecourt |
| Wesley Gillingham | Daisy Ryan | Jax Don | Alexandrea Emin |
Cameron Watson
Primary Physical Education Coordinator
Week 9 has been a busy week with the Year 9 Retreat and Marist Youth Ministry Night at Newman College. The Marist Youth Night gave our senior secondary students the opportunity to gather with students from other Marist schools in a Youth Group setting with games, activities, guest speakers and prayer reflection.
The Year 9 Retreat was run by the Youth Mission Team with the motto of giving “Hope for young Australians”. As you can see, our Year 9s had a great day and there was opportunity for a lot of laughs.
Next week, on Tuesday 18 June, a group of Year 8 and 9 boys will be competing against other local schools in the WCE AFL Competition. Good luck to our boys.
We also have the Year 7 Camino on the Tuesday and then the Year 8 Camino on the Wednesday. A couple of prayers for fine weather are definitely in order. These Camino walks give the Year groups the opportunity to strengthen their bonds as a cohort and test their endurance, while being given the chance to reflect on their relationship with God.
Pope Francis will be taking to the mic, tonight in Italy, for a comedic conclave of “leading figures in the field of humour from various parts of the world”. The news is reporting 105 comedians with the purpose, “to celebrate the beauty of human diversity and promote a message of peace, love, and solidarity.” And the pope is the headliner. I will be looking forward to watching this when it comes out.
I will be on Long Service Leave for the next five weeks and Ms Amy Bennett will be stepping into my shoes as Acting Head of Secondary. Have a wonderful last couple of weeks and then a relaxing holiday. Just two weeks to go!
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary
Photography
On Wednesday 5 June, the Year 12 Design Photography class went on excursion to Scarborough Beach. The project was 'Beach Photography' and trying to capture the vibe of beach life in preparation for the next design piece, which will be 'beach merchandise'.
The surfers put on a great show for us and we were able to capture some great shots of the waves. Using the lens ball on the sand was fun, as well as creating a 'flat lay' with shells and seaweed. We walked up the beach foreshore and captured sculptures, street art, the iconic clock tower and the skate park.
We enjoyed the photography and the fine conditions, including some cloud and bright sun light. The fish and chips and ice-cream were excellent and so was Mrs Parker's music selection on the way home! It was a fun and worthwhile excursion.
Nicole Parker
Teacher
Physical Education
Year 9 Outdoor Education Excursion
On Tuesday of Week 6, a group of Year 9 Outdoor Education students participated in an orienteering and bush craft excursion at the Northam scout grounds. The students spent the morning orienteering followed by some team building games as the Year 9/10 Physical Recreation students joined us.
After lunch, students started building the bush shelters, choosing appropriate locations and materials to start to create the foundations of their water and weather proof shelters.
Thank you Miss Cassidy Graham for helping run the day.
Staff vs Students Netball
On Friday of Wellness Week, Year 11 and 12 students played against the teachers in a 'friendly' game of netball. The game was very competitive and, as expected, the staff won 9 goals to 8.
Thank you to all the staff and students who participated.
ACC X-Country
On Thursday 30 May, a group of students participated in the ACC X-Country competition at Perry Lakes reserve. Although it was a bit wet, the students had a great time and achieved some great results across both the 3km and 4km distances.
Well done to the following students who finished in the top 100 of their division:
U14 Boys
Parker Byfield - 65th, with a time of 10:43:20
U14 Girls
Marley Ferguson - 51st, with a time of 12:17:91
U15 Girls
Georgie Byrne - 72nd, with a time of 17:56:75
U16 Boys
Brayden Sibley - 16th, with a time of 16:34:00
U19 Girls
Lily Parker - 33rd, with a time of 17:17:14
Well done to all the competitors and thank you to all the parents who came to support the school.
Adrienne Suckling
Head of Health & Physical Education
News from the VET Office
Congratulations to Thomas Abbott, who recently obtained his Department of Transport Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.
A Recreational Skipper's Ticket is mandatory for operating a recreational vessel with a motor that exceeds 6 horsepower (4.5kW) in Western Australia. An RST is a nationally-recognised certificate of competency, which demonstrates that the holder has the minimum knowledge and practical skills needed to safely operate a powerboat.
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
REMINDER: Students are required to wear their winter uniform for Term 2 and 3.
Families wishing to access the Uniform Shop are advised that the online shop is the preferred method of ordering uniforms. Please note we cannot accept email or telephone orders.
If items are required to be tried on, then an appointment should be made through our online booking system. As the Uniform Shop is a small space, we continue to limit numbers, so an appointment is required.
For details of our new online Booking System for Uniform Shop Appointments, please see the attached flyer.
Please keep in mind when ordering that items will be sent home within 2-4 days of ordering.
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
The Primary Canteen is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
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 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
Not long now until our semester break - I hope Term 2 is going well for everyone!
Please see below for information regarding upcoming P&F events. More information about each event will be released closer to the date. If you would like to volunteer or help out, please do not hesitate to reach out! Remember many hands make light work.
Bingo Night
Our first big fundraiser for the year was a great success! Thank you to Kate Morgan, the event coordinator, for putting together a great night! Our guests had many laughs and some wonderful prizes were given out.
A special thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help set up, pack away and clean up. A special mention to Esther Bliss, who was our MC and caller for the night, Mr N for doing a great job behind the bar, and also to Yvette Boyland for doing an amazing job with the platters!
I also want to thank all those who came along to the event and supported our P&F committee.
P&F Events Next Term
We have some great events coming up in Term 3 and 4. Please make note of the following dates:
Primary Disco: Friday 16 August (please note the date change)
Book Fair: commencing Week 6 of Term 3
Parents' Sundowner: Saturday 12 October
Our next meeting will be held on Monday 29 July at 6:00pm in the PAC at the Primary campus.
If you require more information or would like to discuss any school or P&F issue, you can contact me at anytime on 0424 288 354. No question is too silly, I am here to help in any way. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out!
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: northam@perthcatholic.org.au *
Website: www.northamchurch.com
Parish News ~ Children's Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy sessions are held during the 8.00am Sunday Mass.
*Please note the new email address.
Parenting Connection Webinars
Better Health Program
Registrations are open for the Better Health Program running throughout the term. Better Health Program is supported by the Child and Adolescent Health Service and funded by the Department of Health. It is a free healthy lifestyle program for families of children aged 6-12 years who are above a healthy weight.
- Online places available as soon as you register! Start when you are ready to make healthy changes as a family!
- Online (available now!)
- https://betterhealthprogram.org/wa or 1300 822 953
- FREE
Bakers Hill Junior Golf
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
NOTICEBOARD