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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 great start to the term we have had on both campuses. It has been wonderful to see such positive interactions between the students and to see the classes so settled and ready to learn.
Marcellin Day
This week we celebrated Marcellin Day. This started at the Primary Campus with a whole school assembly where we recognised seven students from Marcellin House who reflect the qualities of St Marcellin in their everyday interactions. Congratulations to the award recipients – Spencer Lawler (Pre-Primary), Ella Wood (Yr 2), Xander Joy (Yr 5) Dahkota Mellsop (Yr 6), Trinity Jakubow (Yr 7), Cooper Lyons (Yr 9) and Hannah Macaraeg (Yr 12).
Open Night
Open Night was a wonderful celebration of student learning! Thank you to all the families who joined us for this special occasion; having parents involved in the education journey of their children is vital so we really appreciate those who made the time to come and visit the classrooms on both campuses. A huge thank you to the staff too for their preparation for Open Night and showcasing the incredible student work.
New Uniform
Overall the feedback on the new uniforms was very positive and for those who were unable to make it to the Open Night to see them, they will remain on the Secondary campus in the Admin building for Monday and Tuesday and then will be at the Primary campus for Wednesday, Thursday and part of Friday before we have to return them.
Upcoming Events
The next big events on the school calendar are the school photo days on Thursday 1 August (Secondary) and Tuesday 5 August (Primary) and then the Year 4-12 Interhouse Carnival on Wednesday 7 August. There is a lot of information about these days so please check emails carefully for instructions as they come out. Please note that the House carnival is is a compulsory school day for all students from Years 4-12. It is important to encourage your child to be there to support their house for the day by either competing or cheering. Further information will be out soon.
As we head into the start of the Olympic games, St Jospeh’s will be cheering particularly loudly for the Australian women’s hockey team as Alisha Power - local Northam girl, and aunty to Flynn (Yr 3) and Nate (K), is the substitute goalkeeper for the Hockeyroos. While she may not get to take to the field, she has worked incredibly hard to get to Paris – Good luck Alisha and the Hockeyroos!
With God’s blessings,
Andrea Woodgate
Principal
Dates for your Diary
Term 3 Week 3
| Monday 29 July: | P&F Meeting @ 6pm in the PAC |
| Tuesday 30 July: | Year 9 Religious Literacy Assessment Board Meeting @ 6:30pm |
| Wednesday 31 July: | Year 5 Religious Literacy Assessment Career Directions Expo (Years 10-12) |
| Thursday 1 August: | Year 3 Religious Literacy Assessment School Photos (Secondary) Early Close Secondary Disco |
| Friday 2 August: | Census Day |
Week 4
| Monday 5 August: | Year 1 Liturgy School Photos (Primary & Siblings) |
| Tuesday 6 August: | |
| Wednesday 7 August: | Interhouse Athletics Carnival (Years 4-12) |
| Thursday 8 August: | Early Close |
| Friday 9 August: | Primary Assembly (P-P Blue) Avon River Festival Parade |
This week's 'Spirit of Jesus' Award winner is Summer Skelcher.
Marist Youth 'Connect' Night
On Wednesday 12 June, some of our Senior Secondary Students journeyed to Newman College to participate in the 2nd Marist Youth 'Connect' Night in WA for 2024.
44 Students gathered from Newman College and St Joseph's to reflect on the presence of God's spirit in all.
The night kicked off with what we know about Mary Magdalene and her role as a disciple and an advocate for women. Through this, students were also able to reflect on how God's spirit is also present in the marginalised members of our society, and what we can do to allow everyone to feel loved as Jesus intends.
The night included games, Liturgy and a Q & A session that allowed students to learn about God's plans for us in amongst a Marist setting.
We wish to thank Issy Ochtman, Marist Youth Ministry and Newman College for hosting us during our visit.
Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator
Fundraising for the Starlight Foundation
In May/June of this year, I signed up for Starlight Super Steps when the Year 12s had their exam break and I wasn’t required to be at School. I thought great, I really enjoy walking and I could raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. My goal was to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families in hospital.
So, I started walking around York daily, walking usually 8-9 kms each day. I am a Type 1 diabetic, so it was good exercise as well!
I needed to set a target goal in my profile so I selected $350 due to the current economic climate. Then I started to share my profile on Facebook and so many generous donations from family, friends, staff at St Josephs School and many businesses started to be donated. It took my overall total to $4092 and the 8th highest individual fundraiser in Australia!
I received a medal and two t-shirts from the Starlight foundation for my efforts. I am extremely grateful for all the donations that I received.
Emily Cormack
Year 12 Student
Dear Families & Friends,
The Primary School students have made a smooth transition back into learning after their holidays. It was wonderful to hear about the exciting adventures and relaxing activities they undertook while on break.
The Year Two students embraced their farming alter-egos on Monday as part of their Writing stimulus. They went exploring around the school and discovered many animals hiding! What a great way to hook students into their writing prompt for the next few weeks. Congratulations also to the Year Two students who have successfully read for 100 days this year; I have been inspired by their dedication and am on my own journey of improved reading habits now too.
Seeing the Spirit of Jesus:
- Discovering that Quinnley (Y1) and I are birthday twins and comparing our holiday celebrations.
- Hearing from staff about the productive conversations had with parents as part of our Parent Teacher meetings last week.
Linley Waters
Head of Primary
Class in Focus: Pre-Kindergarten
Term 1
In Term 1, as we began our journey into the ‘big school’, a few tears were shed as we waved our loved ones, but just around the corner loads of fun was to be had!
We spent our first term of preschool exploring, moving and singing along to nursery rhymes. Meanwhile, we began learning the routine and rules of school, as well as how to make new friends, share and take turns.
We got to meet our blue, furry friend, who ended up becoming our best friend in our class, which was interesting. We chose to call him “Mr baby”. He constantly accompanies and models us positive classroom behaviour for us.
Some other highlights from Term 1 were painting (especially with our hands), marking our first day at the preschool, and singing a special song, "5 Cupcakes in the Baker Shop," which helped us learn each other’s names. We ended the term by celebrating Easter and making our own Easter basket in time for our Easter egg hunt, which was a lovely way to end our first term together.
Term 2
We were excited to begin a second Pre- Kindergarten class in the new term. The Pre- Kindy students embarked on their school journey for the very first time. We studied farms, cattle, machinery and the vital duties that our farmers played. Using the timeless favourite, "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," the children delighted in learning about the movements, sounds and behaviours of farm animals. Students from farming backgrounds or those living nearby shared their firsthand experiences and insightful knowledge during class discussions.
We also made handprint keychains for our nannas, grandmothers, and mothers during the term. Mum Times even published a special edition to further showcase how exceptional they are. The end of the term was marked by Founders Week, featuring a special Pyjama Day. We had a wonderful time throughout, decorating cookies, making bracelets, slime and so much more.
Term 3
We began our third term with great excitement, embarking on our inquiry-based project titled "Community Helpers." Through dramatic performances, nursery rhymes, art, books, playdough and blocks, we engaged in exploring and discussing our first featured community helper - a Doctor.
Additionally, we also had the opportunity to share our holiday experiences.
Harpreet Kaur
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Jump Rope For Heart
Last term, our Primary students participated in Jump Rope For Heart, where we learnt new skipping tricks and how skipping keeps our hearts healthy.
In total, we have raised an amazing $7896 for the Heart Foundation to help prevent heart disease in Australia.
Thank you to everyone who was able to donate. The students' thank you prizes will be coming within the next month.
Cameron Watson
Primary Physical Education Coordinator
Welcome to Term 3!
I would like to start by thanking Mrs Amy Bennett for filling in for me as Head of Secondary while I was on Long Service Leave. Thank you for doing a wonderful job.
The first two weeks have seen our students have an incursion with Jade Lewis called “Enough is Enough”, aimed at developing their skills at recognising boundaries and giving them strategies to protect themselves if they are feeling unsafe. The discussion, at an age-appropriate level, was around consent, harassment, sexting and protecting themselves at parties and gave them exit strategies and knowing who to reach out to for help. Jade will be coming back Tuesday 27 August to run presentations on cybersafety to Years 5 – 12 and a parent evening session to give parents some information about what to look out for as their child engages in social media.
Coming up is the Religious Literacy Assessment for our Year 9s on Tuesday next week. Good luck to our Year 9 students.
Secondary Photos are on Thursday 1 August. Students need to be in their full winter uniform. If you have purchased a jumper, can you please ensure your child brings it to school on Thursday. I am aware that some students don’t like wearing the jumper and wear the soft-shell jacket instead. We will have a small number of jumpers for those who don’t own one to wear for the photo.
On Thursday 1 August, we also have the Secondary Disco from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. This term’s theme is Neon so get those nineties outfits out and hand them over to your kids to re-cycle. Please note that the students must have returned a permission slip and pre-ordered the sausage sizzle if they are wanting to attend.
God Bless
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary
Awards Assembly
The Semester 1 Awards Assembly was held in the church on Wednesday 17 July. Congratulations to all those students who were awarded certificates.
News from the VET Office
Congratulations to Leila Beaton, Alyssa John and Mason Dymnicki, who have completed their Certificate IV Prep for Health and Nursing this week.
These students have completed their qualification online while studying in Year 11 and 12. They have gained knowledge and skills in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, applied mathematics, physics and chemistry to transition into studying at a Diploma level in the future or explore alternative pathways to university.
Congratulations also to Lachlan Wall for his successful completion of 55 hours workplace Learning at CLAAS Harvest in Northam. Lachlan will bank these hours and they will be converted to a WACE point in Year 11.
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.
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
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope everyone has settled in to the new term well! This term is a busy one for the P&F; not only with our own events but coordinating events with the school. Below is more detail about each event.
Interhouse Athletics Carnival
Once again the P&F will be running the canteen for the Interhouse athletics carnival which will be held on Wednesday 7 August. We are kindly asking for donations of baked goods to sell. We will also be offering yummy lunch options with a coffee van available as well.
Book Week
Book Week is back for another year! This year it will run from Tuesday 20 - Friday 23 August (specific class times will be released closer to the dates). This year, the theme is Reading is Magic. The parade will be held on Wednesday morning. More information will be released closer to the date.
Primary Disco
Get your dancing shoes ready for the Primary Disco! This year it will be held on Friday 30 August. Tickets are $5 each and will be available next week. The running times will be the following:
Pre-K, Kindy, Pre-Primary: 2.00pm-3.00pm
Years 1-3: 4.00pm-5.00pm
Years 4-6: 5.30pm-6.30pm
More information about the event will be released in the coming weeks.
Camino Walks
The two remaining Camino Walks will be held in September. The Year 10 Camino Walk will be on Thursday 5 September. The Year 11 walk will be held over two days on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September.
As always we are looking for volunteers to help out with each event. Remember many hands make light work and these events will not be able to happen without our volunteers!
If you wish to help out in any of the above mentioned events, please do not hesitate to contact myself or the school.
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.
Better Health Program
The Better Health Online Program is available year-round to support families to lead happy, healthy lives! Watch the full YouTube testimonial here to see what families have to say after taking part. ?
The Better Health Program focuses on healthy eating, being active, sleeping well, and managing screen time. Families receive free resources and are supported weekly by a dietitian/nutritionist. Forming healthy habits and fostering a healthy family lifestyle can be enjoyable!
- Available online when you are ready to start!
- Learn more at Better Health Program or call 1300 822 953.
- FREE of charge.
VacSwim Enrolments Now Open
For more information, visit education.wa.edu.au/vacswim
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