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

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to those Year 4 students who made their first Holy Communion last Sunday. It was very special to see such a full church and lots of large family groups that turned out to support these children.

Founders Week

What a mammoth week we have had this week as we celebrated our Founders and the spirit in which our beautiful school was created. What is so beautiful about this time of the year is the way in which our school community comes together - watching the big high school kids play with the Kindy children is wonderful, seeing the classes come together for the MaJEC quiz is fun and watching a live band entertain the students as they danced on the oval was very exciting.

An enormous vote of thanks to Mr Reidy who so skilfully juggles about 20 balls in the air at one time to put together so many wonderful experiences for the students. In the last 8 school days, Mr Reidy has led the Yr 12 three day retreat, taken 4 Caminos, led the school for mass and been part of organising many of the other activities held this week. Mr Reidy, we think you are amazing!

One of the most special awards that we award throughout the year is the Founders Day Awards. These are awarded to students from each year level who consistently display the qualities of our Founders. I would like to congratulate these students and their families on being the recipients of this year’s awards:

Pre-Primary	Tate Haddrill	Darcie Tovey
Year 1	Lenny Leeson	Alyce Lawrence
Year 2	Paul Garcia	Scarlett Ryan
Year 3	Brodie Adams	Ryan Wolfenden
Year 4	Leah Syred	Alexis Bond
Year 5	Thando Moyo	Amelia Joubert
Year 6	Madalyn Bignell	Aaliyah Smith
Year 7	Harrison O'Driscoll	Harriet Vargas Hernandez
Year 8	Noel Mathew	Parker Byfield
Year 9	Akshi Jayakumar	Bailey Naughton
Year 10	Brayden Sibley	James Connell
Year 11	Brittney Malinowski	Gemma Post
Year 12	Madeleine Gilbert Hancock	Xavier Coe

Pupil Free Day – Monday 15 July

This whole day has been devoted to Parent/Teacher meetings. An email was sent out yesterday when the Semester One reports were released, containing the link to sign up for a time that works for you throughout the day. It is important that you take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers to ensure that you are aware of how you can help them to continue progressing.

To book appointments to see Primary teachers, go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code q2p8e.

To book appointments with Secondary teachers, go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code t8h7j.

"Spirit of Jesus" Winner

The winner of the Week 10 "Spirit of Jesus" Award is Campbell Allen.

Year 7 Camino

On Tuesday 18 June, the Year 7s embarked on their leg of the 'Camino Cabagniol'. The Year 7 cohort took part in the second stage of the pilgrimage from Northam town centre to Fremantle.

The students enjoyed their 18km walk entitled 'The Leonard Trek,' named after the wonderful Sister Leonard McCarthy who worked at St Joseph's for over 30 years.

This involved learning about the mission work Sr Leonard took part in within the Northam Community along with the key elements of Science, Sport, Arts and Literature she established at our school.

Our Year 7s arrived at Bakers Hill full of pride and they look forward to continuing their Camino in 2025.

Year 8 Camino

On Wednesday 19 June, the Year 8s embarked on their leg of the 'Camino Cabagniol.' The Year 8 cohort took part in the third leg of their pilgrimage as they continued the whole journey from the town centre of Northam to Fremantle.

The students enjoyed their 18km walk titled 'Like St Joseph,' named for the wonderful legacy of our Patron Saint.

Along the way, students developed an appreciation of the qualities of St Joseph and the reason why St Emilie De Vialar named her religious order after the great man.

Our Year 8s arrived at Wooroloo full of pride and they look forward to continuing their Camino in 2025.

Year 6 Camino

On Thursday 20 June, the Year 6s embarked on the first leg of their 'Camino Cabagniol.' The Year 6 cohort officially kicked off the journey of their pilgrimage from Northam to Fremantle and enjoyed receiving their Passports on the steps of Fermoy House. 

The students enjoyed their 10km walk titled 'The Sister Jacqui Walk.' This involved learning the history of St Joseph's Convent, Fermoy House, the site of St Anthony's on Habgood Street and the last household of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition on Chidlow Street.

Our Year 6s were justifiably proud of their achievment when they arrived at Trimmer Road, and they look forward to embarking on the 'Leonard Trek' in Year 7.

Year 12 Camino and NAHRA Retreat

On Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 June, the Year 12s embarked on the final section of their Camino, finally reaching Fremantle, and their Nahra Retreat in Mooliabeenee.

The Nahra Retreat was a deep spiritual reflection for the Year 12s and encouraged them to truly see the Results of God's Friendship in their life. Many of our 12s were overwhelmed with the incredible influence God had in their connections to others and truly appreciated the time away from school to Spiritually Discern their relationships.

Year 11 MajEC Day

The year 11's completed their MaJEC service days in Perth and Northam on Tuesday 25 June.

Students contributed to Good Samaritan Industries, St Vincent De Paul Society and the Shire of Northam Rehabilitation Project. The students demonstrated a great amount of action and initiative and are to be commended for their excellent service to these vital institutions. All participants came back to school with a heightened sense of how good it feels to serve in order to make our communities better off.

Year 9 Camino

On Thursday 27 June, the Year 9 students completed the next section of their 'Camino Cabagniol'. They walked 'The Jordan Trek' from Wooroloo to Stoneville, braving the weather! 

Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator

Dear Families & Friends,  

What a fantastic end to the term we have had in the Primary School! With the theme of ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ guiding them, classes have spent time in numerous activities to promote the ideas of building, reflecting, helping, praying, creating, playing, learning, loving and more, as well as developing a greater understanding of our House Patrons. A huge thank you must go out to our staff for organising such an incredible week.

On Tuesday, as part of a Making Jesus Real incursion, Marty spoke to all classes about seeing the Spirit of Jesus in our daily lives. While there were hundreds of examples that I observed in our students and that they identified in each other during the week, below is just a small sample:

• Seeing the joy on Year 1 faces as they watched the Secondary students perform at the Link Theatre
• Banging up a storm with Pre-Primary students as they pattered, scratched and beat their instruments during the Drumming Incursion
• Sharing creative ideas with Year 5 students as they moulded clay to represent the theme of this week
• Seeing Kindy students proudly wearing the paper crowns they made with Year 11 students
• Watching students in Year 3 persevere and have 11 students all successfully jumping at once during the Jump Rope for Heart stations
• Tasting the wonderful lemonade made by Year 2 students as part of their writing task
• Helping Year 6 students plant trees down by the river to help revegetate the area behind the old swimming pool
• Listening to the beautiful singing at our whole school Mass on Monday
• Challenging Year 8 and Year 4 students to put their mental maths skills to the test in a Numero competition
• Hearing wonderful feedback from guest presenters about the lovely manners our children displayed in their activities

Mid-Year Reports are now available on Seqta Engage and information on how to book Parent Teacher Meetings has been emailed out. All students should be very proud of the hard work and effort they have demonstrated in their learning this semester.

I wish all families a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Linley Waters
Head of Primary

Founders Week 

Thank you to our staff and students for the enthusiastic organisation of, and participation in, Founders Week. Students were engaged in many activities throughout and were very well behaved. From the live band and carnival games on Monday, through to the Tabloid sports on Friday, it was a very successful week.

On Monday we started the day with a rather chilly whole school Mass at the Primary Campus. During the day the students enjoyed an excellent band along with carnival games such as sumo wrestlers and laser tag. The Year 11s spent time with the Kindergarten children in a range of activities. The Year 12s walked the final stage of their Camino and then began their retreat.

Tuesday was a busy day with the Year 7s out at the Perth Museum, the Year 10s attending a St Vinnies Incursion, and the Year 11s involved in a range of community services for their MaJEC day. Students at school completed the Great MaJEC Quiz as well as a Games – Inc activity for the Year 8s.

On Wednesday, we had two year groups out on excursions. The Year 8s went to the Fremantle Prison while the Year 10s attended the Boshack Outback Eco Farm. Both of these were new excursions for the School, and the feedback from staff, students and the very valuable parent volunteers was that these were excellent excursions. We had incursions for Making Jesus Real, and it was excellent to hear that the year groups involved displayed appropriate and respectful behaviour. This was also the final day of the Year 12s NAHRA retreat; thank you to Lloyd Reidy for all the time and effort to make this retreat run.

Thursday saw the student arrive in PJs with some very colourful and warm outfits. We had the Year 9s out on their Camino, finishing at the halfway point. The Year 8s enjoyed a Numero Challenge whilst the Year 7s enjoyed a PE challenge. The Year 12s visited the Primary school Pre-kindergarten students, and the Year 7s and 10s had their turn at the MaJEC Quiz.

Friday started with a whole school assembly at the Primary Campus with the Founders Day awards being presented. Congratulations again to the worthy recipients. Following the assembly, the Year 10s did an excellent job running the Tabloid Sports.

Holidays

I would like to extend my wishes for a safe and restful holiday and look forward to seeing all of our students back on Tuesday 16 July, after the Parent Teacher meetings on Monday 15 July.

Amy Bennett
Acting Head of Secondary

Making Toys

This term, the "Making Toys" ISP class has been working on ugly teddies, based on the fugglers currently being sold at Kmart. The students did a fabulous job of designing and producing their teddies. 

Carol Farson
Teacher

Physical Education

Year 10 Outdoor Education

In Week 8, the Year 10 Outdoor Education class travelled to Lake Leschenaultia to apply their Mountain Biking skills on more long distance and challenging trails. The students spent the day riding around the lake and using the down hill trails. Students also ran camp games such as sardines, mafia and team challenges.

All students involved demonstrated outstanding leadership and teamwork as well as improved mountain biking skills.

Thank you to Cameron Greenley for helping run the event and jumping in on the more challenging Mountain biking trails.

Eagles Cup

On Tuesday 18 June, a group of Year 8, 9 and 10 boys made their way to Northam Recreation Centre to compete in the Annual Eagles Cup. The students had the opportunity to play against two Northam Senior teams and a combined East Avon team. The team put on an amazing performance, winning the Carnival undefeated.

Congratulations to Jayden Oliver for being named the Best Player for St Joseph’s. Thank you to Mr Ryan Sinclair for coaching the team to success and Mr Cameron Greenley for coordinating behind the scenes.

AFLW Dockers Visit

On Friday 21 June, a group of AFLW Dockers players came to visit St Joesph’s. Among the group was ex-student Emma O’Driscoll, currently playing as number 3 in the back line for the Dockers. Female students from Year 7 to 10 were fortunate enough to get involved in some short training sessions run by the AFLW players.

During lunch, a meet and greet was set up with many students getting the opportunity to meet the girls and have posters and other memorabilia signed.

We are very grateful to have the AFLW girls visit our school and especially proud to invite our very own Emma O’Driscoll back to inspire the next generation of AFLW and AFL players.

Thank you to Michelle O’Driscoll and Tanika Pember for helping coordinate the sessions.

Adrienne Suckling
Head of Health and Physical Education

Secondary da Vinci Club

Our students returned to da Vinci Club activities after the semester one examinations, and were presented with three different opportunities to enhance problem solving and critical thinking over the three-week period. Each group had challenges to work through and use some practical content to provide a solution.

Robotics

Many of us recall having a remote-control car.  Did you ever imagine the car controlling itself? 

Our da Vinci robotics students have managed to solve this problem. They use LEGO Mindstorms, which are robotics kits that combine LEGO bricks (a computer) with programmable components, including motors and sensors. 

First the robot is constructed with the kits LEGO for the mission. Next, the motors and sensors are programmed with the Scratch block code. The code includes loops, branches and variables and it instructs the motors and sensors to respond to the environment. The responses are prompted by information being returned to the sensors, which is processed by the code. The end goal of the robot is to locate a constructed cube, pick it up and bring it back to the starting point. The group has worked very hard and enjoyed the challenge of their project. 

Soil Environmental Analysis

Our da Vinci Club environmental analysis students have been conducting research on soil types, an educational activity that combines hands-on learning with environmental science.

Students began with soil samples from various locations from a farm, noting the differences in texture, colour and moisture. They then performed a series of tests to measure water content, carbon content, pH levels, nutrient content and composition, using tools such as pH indicators, test kits and microscopes. Throughout the process, students learned about the importance of soil health for plant growth, ecosystem balance and sustainable agriculture. This fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world, making science both fun and relevant to everyday life.

Goldberg Machines

A Goldberg machine, or a Rube Goldberg machine, is a device that completes a simple task in a deliberately complicated way. Goldberg machines can be observed in a variety of media settings, such as ‘Looney Tunes’ cartoons and movies such as ‘Back to the Future’ or ‘Wallace and Gromit’.

As our students discovered, designing and creating a Goldberg machine, relies upon identifying and utilising various energy transfer systems, where there is a conversion of one energy form to another to change a location or position of an object.

The students involved in this rotation certainly had a lot of fun (and learnt a bit about conservation of energy) creating their machine from a range of products including paper rolls, conduits, plastic piping, straws, pegs, dominoes, plastic cups, and various toys and other pieces of laboratory apparatus.

We look forward to our full cohort of 22 secondary da Vinci Club students returning in week one next term, where along with fresh rotations to fire up the neurons, the students have a couple of additional activities including a problem-solving workshop with the Questacon team and participating in the Big Ideas Challenge in Perth in September.

There are many exciting opportunities ahead for our gifted and talented students.

David Bundock, Mike Hillyer, Nita Budas and Mark Gargano
Secondary da Vinci Club staff

News from the VET Office 

Congratulations to Monica Gustak who has completed 55 hours of Workplace Learning at the Northam Police station. Monica gained experience assisting the community with firearm matters, police patrolling, attending crime scenes and observing police forensics.

Monica is now deciding on her pathway into the police force, either through the cadetship program or directly into the Police Academy.

Congratulations to Tom Adams who completed 55 hours of Workplace Learning with Verlinden’s Electrical Services in Term 2.

By learning basic skills needed as an electrician, Tom’s placement will put him ahead when it comes time for applying for an apprenticeship. 

Caroline Marriott
VET Coordinator

Introduction

Have a look at Mr Reidy's fantastic Founders Week Advert:

Fun across both Campuses 

Jump Rope for Heart

This term, the Primary students have been participating in Jump Rope for Heart to raise money for the Heart Foundation.

Each class has been practising skipping tricks throughout the term, which they showed off during our Jump Off Day on Monday. We'd like to thank the Year 6, 9 and 10 students who helped to run the Jump Off Day activities for all Year 1 to 6 students. All the students had so much fun.

So far, the students have raised over $7400 with donations closing on 5 July. If you would like to donate, please register your child on the Jump Rope for Heart website.

Cameron Watson
Primary Physical Education Coordinator

Year 6 Tree Planting

On Tuesday, the Year 6 students and some of the Year 11s, spent the morning helping with the rehabilitation project at the RV Park in Northam. In total, more than 180 native tress have been planted. 

Year 8 Fremantle Prison Excursion 

On Wednesday, the Year 8 HASS classes embarked on an educational excursion to Fremantle, traveling by bus to tour the historic Fremantle Prison as part of their History studies. The students were divided into two groups and walked in the footsteps of convicts who arrived in Western Australia from the 1850s to the late 1860s.

During the tour, the students explored various cells, including the escape-proof cell of Moondyne Joe, Western Australia's most notorious bushranger. After a short recess break, they learned about the lives of prisoners, including men, women and children. The students were particularly shocked to discover that the youngest inmate was just 8 years old.

The visit also included a trip to a gun tower overlooking the prison yard. Students experienced being temporarily locked up in solitary confinement and were introduced to the concept of capital punishment.

A special thank you goes out to all the parent helpers who attended, making the day trip even more memorable for the students.

Natalie Williamson-Holley
Teacher 

Year 10 Boshack Outback Excursion

On Wednesday, the Year 10 cohort travelled to Bolgart to Boshack Outback. The students participated in a farm tour, feeding farm animals and taking a stroll through marsh land, prospected for Crystal Quartz and learnt to throw a boomerang.

Students were also given the opportunity to visit the she-oak Forest and build some bush shelters. After a short Canoe, students enjoyed some damper and a sausage sizzle before heading back to school.

Thank you to Mark Bundock, Cassidy Graham, Rikk Hargrave, and Renee Allen for helping with the excursion.

Adrienne Suckling
Head of Health & Physical Education

Primary Drumming Incursion

Making Jesus Real

What a privilege it was to recently work with staff and students from both the Primary and the Secondary campus. We shared ideas about striving to bring JOY to those around us and making good choices.

Sadly, many of the students, at both campuses, shared that they back chat or talk back at home. We discussed how this can become a habit that creates hardship for parents and carers – AND I reminded them that parenting is a hard job! A few teachers stated that they are striving to ensure that this habit will NOT creep into the classroom as well, but sadly it does occur and YES the disrespect does hurt.

Some of the younger students would have come home with ‘OK’ written on their hands – this is to remind them that when they are asked to help with a chore, stop gaming, go to bed etc, that by getting into the habit of saying ‘Ok’ (with a smile), it can create a positive atmosphere at home. This is a much more desired response than answering back or saying ‘No!’

The secondary sessions were on ‘You are NOT Alone’, Respect & Mental Wealth. We reminded ALL the students and staff that it is not only Okay but essential to put your hands up for help when you are struggling. The responses from the participants was fantastic BUT parents/carers please ask those in your care: 1) about the sessions 2) if you need to sit down and have a chat about helping those in your care to stop back chatting.

We spoke about ‘Spirit of Jesus’ moments that occur all around us – there are so many, we just have to look for them and name them up. Please ask your children about ‘THE MAGIC’ they can create because we had many magic moments during the two days.

Marty Ogle
Incursion Leader

The Misadventures of Frog Girl

Mrs Parker's Drama Production ISP Class entertained the Primary students with a play they have been working on during Term 2.

The play is a story of a girl who did not like who she was and wanted to find a magic spell to make herself taller. She met a unicorn and a troll who then turned her into a frog. On her adventures she then met a sneaky goblin and a friendly dragon. She learned to accept herself as she was and be happy with her appearance. 

The performers were truly wonderful and did an amazing job. The performers were Niki Tasker, Lucy Trinidad, Amelia Gardner, Milly Davey, Halle Hortorene-Shortland, Lily Bliss and Kaizer Winch-Buist. 

We were also assisted by Mrs Doughty, whose feedback and support was wonderful,  Leah, Georgie and Susu from Year 11, who helped with make up and three very capable Year 7 boys, Nash, Archie and Sam, who were brilliant as sound and lighting technicians.

Thanks to all the Primary teachers and students who were the audience and the the Link Theatre for the venue.

Nicole Parker
Teacher

Founders Day Fun

Congratulations to the winners of the Founders Day Shield... Lenihan!

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.

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.

Holiday Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be open on Friday 12 July 9:00am-12 noon.

To make an appointment, please phone Primary Admin on 9621 3500 during the second week of the holiday.

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.

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.  

We look forward to working with you. If you have any queries, you are always welcome to contact the Canteen on the numbers below.

Angela Sandrini (Primary)    Desrae Smith (Secondary)
9621 3525                                   9621 8104

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.

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.