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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
Yesterday we farewelled our outstanding class of 2024 at their final assembly. In a lovely celebration we were able to rejoice the end of 13 years of schooling for these fine young people. It is fitting that we reflect on the wonderful job they have done in leading the school. Ably led by School Captains, Antoinette and Lily, the class of 2024 have embodied the term ‘resilience’ in the way in which they embraced everything St Joseph’s had to offer and also pulled together through a very difficult time last year. As a cohort they will leave an indelibly positive mark for younger years to emulate.
On behalf of the teaching and support staff of the College, I would like to express how proud we are of the ‘Class of 2024’; not just for their sustained academic application and the results they have achieved – and will no doubt go on to achieve – but also for the hard work they have put into who they are as young people wanting to make a difference in our world.
I wish them well in all their future endeavours and encourage them to hold dearly, the School values of Fidelity, Perseverance, Compassion and Integrity. These values are the foundations of success, which I know awaits our seniors. Always remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of a true education.”
I look forward to their final Graduation early next term.
2025 Secondary Student Leadership
At our final Year 12 assembly, I also had the great pleasure of announcing our 2025 Secondary Student Leadership group. We had many wonderful nominations this year and it is exciting to see the high calibre of student leaders coming through our school. Congratulations to the following people on their election to their positions:
School Captain - Zoe Martin
School Captain - Swaka Yengkopiong
Ministry Leader - Ronvince Rubin
Ministry Leader - Jessica Howlett
Lenihan House Captain - Emily Street
Lenihan House Captain - Lachy Hargrave
Lenihan House Captain - Cody Taylor
Leonard House Captain - Susu Phung
Leonard House Captain - Nate Blackhurst
Leonard House Captain - Aaron Holley
De Vialar House Captain - Jianna Matres
De Vialar House Captain - Ava Jones
De Vialar House Captain - Connor Oliver
Marcellin House Captain - Ben Longmire
Marcellin House Captain - Monica Gustak
Marcellin House Captain - Jeremy Parker
Lenihan Deputy House Captain - Year 8 - Eli Mather
Lenihan Deputy House Captain - Year 9 - Jack Clements
Leonard Deputy House Captain - Year 8 - Cooper Marris
Leonard Deputy House Captain - Year 8 - Niki Tasker
De Vialar Deputy House Captain - Year 8 - Grace Brayshaw
De Vialar Deputy House Captain - Year 9 - William Elliott
Marcellin Deputy House Captain - Year 8 - Lucy Trinidad
Marcellin Deputy House Captain - Year 9 - Noel Mathew
Wedding Season
Over the last two weekends, we have had two staff members wed their lovely partners.
Our heartiest congratulations from all of the St Joseph’s community to Edward Ewing and his wife Giuliana and to Adrienne Suckling and her husband Chevy Abson. Adrienne also leaves us today to begin her maternity leave as she awaits the arrival of her baby next month. We look forward to some baby cuddles in the near future and wish Adrienne all the best for the next chapter of her life.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday. We look forward to seeing all students back on Monday 7 October.
With God’s blessings,
Andrea Woodgate
Principal
Dates for your Diary
Term 4 Week 1
Monday 7 October: | Term 4 Commences Year 6 Swimming Lessons - all week |
Wednesday 9 October: | Confirmation Workshop - 3:45pm |
Thursday 10 October: | Turn Up in Blue Day Excursion (Year 7-9) Early Close |
Friday 11 October: | World Teachers' Day |
Saturday 12 October: | P&F Parent Mental Health Seminar - 3:30pm |
Week 2
Monday 14 October: | Year 6 Swimming Lessons - all week 2024 Secondary Leaders Reward Day P&F Meeting - 6:00pm |
Tuesday 15 October: | Year 5 Camp departs - 8:50am |
Wednesday 16 October: | Primary Scitech Challenge Day Year 9 Career Taster Year 5 Camp returns - 2:30pm |
Thursday 17 October: | Year 10A Science Excursion Early Close |
Friday 18 October: | Primary Assembly (5 Blue) Year 12 Graduation Mass & Supper |
This leg of the Camino Cabagniol takes students from St Brigid's Church in Midland to Trinity College in East Perth. The distance of 19.3km was broken up into 5 segments that reflected on different stages of the life and mission of St Emilie de Vialar. Students journeyed along the banks of the Swan River for most of the day and enjoyed great scenery, awesome playgrounds and perfect weather conditions.
On arrival at Trinity College, students then took part in the Year 11 Retreat in the Foley Centre which focused on restorative relationships. The retreat was facilitated by YMT, who also run our Year 8 and 9 Retreats each year.
We'd like to extend our gratitude to the P&F and Joe Phillips (YMT) for helping our day run so smoothly.
Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator
Dear Families & Friends,
As we approach the end of another exciting term, we’d like to reflect on some of the significant events that have brought our community together over the past few weeks:
NAIDOC Week
Last week, we celebrated our NAIDOC event, beginning with a reflective liturgy. There were classroom visits from Mrs Moody, who shared her cultural insights with our Early Years students. Students participated in Indigenous-themed sports and enjoyed a door decoration competition as part of the festivities, with Miss Allen’s Year 2 class taking home the win.
R U OK?
We also acknowledged R U OK? Day, where students and staff wore yellow accessories, encouraging meaningful conversations around mental health and support.
Northam Show
Each class also contributed displays to the Northam Show, showcasing the creativity and dedication of our students. Their impressive work stood out and highlighted their hard work and enthusiasm.
Lenihan Day
We also honoured Monsignor Lenihan by wearing green to celebrate his contributions and remember his values of strong perseverance.
Footy Colours Day
To close out the term, we celebrated by wearing our favourite sports colours. It was a lively and energetic end to a productive and memorable term.
Spirit of Jesus Moments:
- Seeing our Year One students lead a heartfelt Liturgy in the PAC, creating a special moment of connection with their families.
- Witnessing the responsibility and leadership displayed by our Year 6 students, who worked hard selling green items at their stalls and playing with younger students.
- Observing the amazing sportsmanship shown by the three teams representing St Joseph’s at the hockey carnival.
Thank you to the Primary School community for your ongoing support and engagement in the important school events this term. We wish all our students and families a restful and safe break and we look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4.
In faith and unity,
Jessica Morris, Rebecca Curtis, Ruth Adams & Michelle Smith
Primary Leadership Team
Class in Focus: Year Two Blue
It has been a busy and exciting term in Year 2 as we’ve been diving into some fun and hands-on learning activities! Here's a glimpse of what we’ve been up to.
Literacy
At the start of this term, our students were captivated by the story of Farmer Tom as part of our Talk for Writing program. The engaging tale of a farmer who loses his sheep has sparked their imaginations and served as an excellent foundation for developing storytelling and writing skills. During the Innovation Phase, students added their own creative twists to the story, and it was incredible to see the wide range of ideas and conversations that emerged. This phase allowed students to modify the text, giving them the opportunity to personalise the narrative and bring their unique versions of Farmer Tom to life.
Fractions Fun
The students have been learning how to recognise and create fractions by dividing objects into equal halves, quarters, thirds and even eighths. From sharing playdough 'pies' to cutting paper shapes, the kids are really getting the hang of it! Feel free to ask your child how they would divide their favorite treat into equal parts—they’re becoming fraction experts!
Time Travelers
Learning to tell the time has been an adventure! We've turned into time travelers, using our handmade clocks to explore both analog and digital time. Students have been practising telling time by reading the clock to the quarter-to and quarter-past. We’ve also played many fun games in class to make learning time extra fun. Next time you’re out and about, try asking your child to help you keep track of time!
Super Shapes
Our exploration of 2D shapes has been filled with discovery! We have completed a variety of fun and engaging activities, including making shape robots, playing bingo and many more fun and exciting activities.
Marvelous Measurement
This term, we've also been learning about measurement—particularly length, area and volume. The students have been using informal units such as blocks, counters, paperclips and a variety of other units to measure how much the length of an object is, the distance around an object and the space things take up. Who knew measuring could be so exciting?
HASS
This term we’ve been exploring the theme of Connections to Country, focusing on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have deep spiritual, cultural and physical connections to the land, seas and skies. This unit has been a meaningful journey for the students, providing them with valuable insights into Indigenous culture and their rich connection to the environment. We have explored Dreamtime stories, examined local Indigenous groups and investigated the significance of their connection to Country.
Kayla Hyde
Year 2 Blue Teacher
Class in Focus: Year Six Blue
Week 10!
We have made it to the end of our second last Primary School Term! We kicked off this week with Lenihan Day, selling plenty of green coloured treats and raising almost $1000. What a success!
We finalised our Talk for Writing Units on Letter Writing – creating recounts about our double lives as secret agents. We have also completed our Geography unit, learning about natural disasters like the Boxing Day Tsunami and how it created a connection between Australia and the effected countries through relief efforts and fundraising.
Tim Natkanski
Year 6 Blue Teacher
NAIDOC Week
Last week, our Primary School community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a special liturgy, honoring the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The liturgy opened with a Welcome to Country, a traditional acknowledgment of the land’s original custodians. We were privileged to have a local Indigenous Elder, Debrah McGuire, offer this welcome. Students listened intently, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich history that surrounds them.
The ceremony was filled with student-led prayers, readings and reflections, all centered on this year's NAIDOC theme, 'keep the fire burning'. In the spirit of inclusion and respect, the primary school came together in prayer to ask for guidance in continuing to walk hand-in-hand with First Nations people, honoring their cultures and fostering reconciliation.
The NAIDOC Week liturgy was not only a time for reflection but also a call to action—reminding us of our shared responsibility to build a future founded on mutual respect, unity and understanding. It was a meaningful celebration for all involved, reinforcing the importance of educating our students about Australia’s deep and diverse cultural heritage. Thank you to all the students for their beautiful readings throughout the liturgy.
We are proud to have celebrated this special week with such enthusiasm and respect, ensuring that the message of NAIDOC Week resonates deeply within our school community. Throughout the week, a variety of activities, storytelling sessions and games took place inside the classrooms to celebrate and honor Indigenous culture. On Friday afternoon, students in Pre-Primary to Year 2 completed a series of Indigenous Games.
Kayla Hyde
Teacher
CSBP Hockey Carnival
On Tuesday 17 September, 24 Year 4-6 students attended the CSBP Hockey Carnival at the Northam Hockey Turf, competing against Quairading DHS, York DHS, West Northam Primary School, Northam Primary School and each other.
The day kicked off with a training session led by Aleisha Power, goalkeeper for the Australian Hockeyroos. When the games started everyone played so well, showed great sportsmanship, and displayed true grit in the heat!
Congratulations to Team 1 for winning their pool and Team 2 for winning theirs. Team 3 came 2nd, so a very successful day out. A huge thank you to Louise McPherson, Cat and Bailey Naughton and Michael Hooper for coaching the teams. Thank you to Mrs Holton, for being our first aider, and Ms Hince for umpiring throughout the day.
Rebecca Curtis
Teacher
Sporting Schools
Thank you once again for the magnificent support we received from all our families while running our Sporting Schools activities. This term we ran hockey and basketball with overwhelming interest in our basketball sessions!
Thanks to coach Jarred Patmore for joining us and sharing his skills! I’d also like to thank Peter Matthys, Kayla Hyde, Mikala Thomas and Kylie Gorbig for assisting! We will take a break in Term 4 and see you again next year!
Ali Hince
Sporting Schools Coordinator
Congratulations to our Student Leaders!
A big round of applause to our Student Leaders for organising a fantastic RUOK? Day last Thursday. Your efforts in promoting mental health awareness and creating a supportive environment are truly commendable.
Well Done, Student Speakers!
We also want to extend our congratulations to the students who delivered their Student Leader speeches last Friday. It takes great courage to stand up and speak in front of your peers, and you all did an outstanding job.
Spirit of the Colts Award
A special congratulations to Jacob Roberts (Year 12) for winning the Spirit of the Colts Award for the Perth Football Club. Your dedication and sportsmanship are an inspiration to us all.
Year 10 Dodgeball Victory
Congratulations to the Year 10s for winning the dodgeball game against the teachers! It was a thrilling match, and your teamwork and spirit were fantastic.
Lenihan House Day
Well done to the Student Leaders for a fun Lenihan House Day. We enjoyed all things green and the sense of community it brought.
Farewell to Our Year 12s
Farewell and good luck to our Year 12s as they finished up their formal schooling this Thursday. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. We have had some fun activities this week. Anything but a Bag, When I grow up, and Uniform with a Twist was a very creative day.
Upcoming Mental Health Evening
The Parents and Friends Association is hosting a Mental Health evening on Saturday 12 October at the Primary campus. This event is for parents and will include drinks and nibbles. Tickets are $25 for a single and $40 for a double. We hope to see many of you there for an informative and supportive evening.
Summer Uniform Reminder
As we approach the next term, students will be back in their Summer Uniforms. Please take the time at the beginning of the holidays to check dress lengths and make any necessary adjustments to hems.
Jewellery Guidelines
A reminder about our jewellery policy: the only jewellery permitted at school is a watch, one pair of stud or sleeper earrings in the ear lobe, and one simple chain with a crucifix or other religious icon. Rings, bracelets (except medic alert bracelets) and other jewellery are not allowed. Any jewellery that does not meet these criteria will be confiscated and sent to the office for collection at the end of the day. If it is confiscated a second time, parents will be asked to come in and collect it.
Piercing Policy
We have noticed an increase in nose and upper ear piercings among secondary students. These are not permitted during school hours. Despite repeated requests for removal, some students and parents have not complied. Unless there is a medical or religious reason, students are required to remove these piercings during school time. Covering them with tape or wearing clear ones is not an option. Parents are asked to ensure these piercings are removed as soon as possible. Failure to comply may result in a review of the student’s placement at St Joseph’s School.
Holiday Wishes
We wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday. Enjoy your break, and we look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready for the new term.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
God Bless.
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary
Curriculum News
HASS Department
Year 7:
Year 7 students have begun the History component of their HASS course by investigating the Ancient World. Students are currently being introduced to some of the concepts and skills required by the History discipline. They will shortly choose an area of focus to study which might include Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, India or China.
Year 8:
Year 8 students have begun work in the Civics and Citizenship component of the HASS curriculum. They are currently examining some of the freedoms, rights and responsibilities enjoyed by Australian citizens including Freedom of Speech, Movement and Association.
Year 9:
Year 9 students are currently studying the Geography component of the HASS curriculum. Students are looking at the importance of waterways as a part of both human and natural landscapes. Students will evaluate the importance of waterways and investigate how pollution and poor waste management threatens this important resource.
Year 10:
The Year 10s are currently studying the History component of the HASS curriculum with a specific focus on the Second World War and the development of civil rights movements around the globe. Students follow on from their study of the First World War in Year 9 to investigate how the resolution of that conflict set the stage for the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany and the beginnings of the Second World War.
The tragic consequences of the racial ideologies underpinning Nazi Germany, most devastatingly, the Holocaust, also form a basis of study. Students will investigate how the Holocaust led to the development of human rights doctrine which, in turn, fuelled the Civil Rights movement of the 20th century.
Year 11 Geography:
The Year 11 Geography class is currently studying the rise in globalisation over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will specifically focus on the music industry and will investigate how the spread of American culture and values, assisted by new technological developments, has lead to the music industry acquiring a truly global reach.
Daniel Matthys
Head of English & HASS
Secondary da Vinci Club - Term Three
This term in da Vinci Club, there have been a few fresh opportunities to engage our students with additional academic opportunities. On Tuesday 3 September, 18 students attended the annual ‘Big Ideas Challenge’ held at St Catherine’s College at Curtin University, run by Future Anything through the Bloom Centre for Youth Innovation for Year 7 to 10 students.
The students had a wonderful time, examining the process of designing and creating a unique product that provides a solution to a problem currently affecting them. The students worked in various teams, including small groups with students from over 20 different schools, developing their communication and innovation strategies. At the end of the day, the students were required to make a product pitch in a ‘Shark Tank’ style of delivery to a small group of judges, gaining an insight into marketing and entrepreneurial skills. The students gained many skills and have already implemented a number of these skills back at school, including being able to make a pitch in a confident manner.
In addition to completing this program, our da Vinci Club students have been working through a range of activities under the theme of ‘Space Science’. Early in the term, the students investigated seed germination and plant growth using different soil types. Specifically comparing the difference between seeds grown in dehydrated limited nutrient soil (imitating Martian soil) and soil rich in moisture and nutrients, referred to as our seeds grown in ‘human excrement’, mimicking the potato growth in the movie ‘The Martian’. Our students very quickly realised the difficulties in growing plants in poor soil types, making references, not just to off-world locations, but making recommendations for many soil types found locally.
Earlier in the term, the students completed a communication challenge, which developed clear speaking and active listening skills. The session culminated in a challenge, where the ‘mission control’ team had to communicate via two-way radios to the ‘off-world’ team, located in a different classroom to negotiate a course containing obstacles to complete a specific task. A challenging session indeed, and one that will be developed further in the future.
The students also investigated Astrobiology, examining concepts in Celestial Astrobiology, specifically to explore how to identify an exoplanet orbiting a distant star. To do this the students used a Vernier light probe and measured the light intensity being emitted under normal conditions and then as objects transit in front of the star, blocking some of the light at our end. From this, and a few calculations, we have a process to work out the size and speed of very distant objects in space. All we then need to decide is, are they habitable?
This then took the students to examine conditions in off-world locations and the study of Exo-biology. Students used the conditions to design and build the type of alien life form you may encounter in various locations, such as very cold, thin atmosphere, a water world with undersea vents, with many students creating some interesting organisms you might find in the seas of Europa.
As the students discovered, there are always procedures to follow when surveying a location. This meant the students looked at the processes behind remote sensing and what types of data can be generated from analysing distant objects. After a practical involving everyday objects, the students then experimented with a range of equipment that can be used to explore and prepare for mining operations. We would like to thank Australian Earth Science Education, who recently donated equipment which enables students to conduct gravitational and magnetic survey work in the classroom.
The students will further develop concepts and skills in these areas when we return to our da Vinci Club program next term.
Mike Hillyer, Mark Bundock, Nita Budas and Mark Gargano
Secondary da Vinci Club staff
Year 12 Food
The Year 12 food Science Class studied Preservation methods as their last topic in Food Science this year. As part of the task, they were asked to produce a Preservative to enter into the Northam Show Home Industries Class.
We had 4 Prize winners:
2nd place - Nathan Ward and Braedan Lane with their Dill Pickles
2nd place - Lilian Fergusson with her Beetroot Pickle
3rd Place - Summer Skelcher with her Tomato Sauce
3rd Place - Hugh Rocas, Ryan Nieuwoudt and Jack Kaszanski with their Raspberry Jam
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all the Year 12 Foods Class congratulations on their Graduation and I hope they keep on developing their Cooking Skills.
Carol Farson
Teacher
Sporting News
On Wednesday 18 September, we entered 2 teams into the Freo Dockers School Girls Cup - the Saints and the Swans - and both teams beat Northam Senior High School.
The girls did the school proud. They were hard but fair and showed equal measures of sportsmanship and skill. It was a warm day and some girls played 3 games of footy back to back.
Best player awards:
Saints - Henna Garnet
Swans - Hayley Cox
Coaches awards:
Saints - Isabelle Dymnicki and Kayla Wall
Swans - Genevieve O'Driscoll and Marley Ferguson
Unfortunately, at the end of the day only one team could win and the SJS Swans, captained by Jess Bishop, took the crown.
Massive thanks to Michelle O'Driscoll for all her help and Jake Roberts for umpiring for the day.
Ryan Sinclair
Teacher
News from the VET Office
Congratuations to Demi Collins on the completion of her work placement at Northam Regional Hospital.
After completing her Certificate IV in Nursing Prep earlier this year, Demi requested a placement in a hospital to see what real-world nursing was like. Demi worked in the Wound Clinic, Theatre, Chemotherapy and Maternity during her placement and loved them all.
Demi has just been accepted into Notre Dame University for 2025 to complete her Registered Nursing qualification and will ultimately work in multidisciplinary settings in the public or private health sectors. Congratulations, Demi!
Congratulations to Gunners Reineks-Parker on the completion of his Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Prep.
Gunnars has been completing this course one day a week for 2 years and has demonstrated skills in inspecting and servicing engines and maintaining workshop tools and equipment. He also followed environmental and sustainable practices while completing the course.
Gunners intends to apply for an apprenticeship for 2025.
Congratulations to Jack Kaszanski and Jayden Lugg for completing their Certificate II in Construction Pathways.
Jack and Jayden have been studying their construction course for both Year 11 and Year 12 and have had hands on experience bricklaying and blocklaying, interpreting plans and specifications, competing carpentry work and learning how to tile.
The Certificate II course has placed the students in a great position for continuing a construction apprenticeship.
Dowerin Field Day
On the Thursday of Week 7, the ASDAN students attended the Dowerin Field Day. The focus of the excursion was to identify agricultural career pathways. The students spoke to stall holders and learned about sheep breeding, mustering and shearing; agricultural machinery sales, crop and pasture management; farm vehicle sales and service and working dog breeding and training.
The students also experienced rock climbing and car simulators without a drop of rain. The students also met Mrs Woodgate who was promoting St Joseph’s School in the pavilion.
Career Taster Day
On 10 September, A select group of ASDAN students participated in a Career Taster focussed on Robotics in the workplace. The students identified many industries that are already using robotics such as agriculture, medicine, defence, hospitality, manufacturing and mining.
After learning about the components of a drone, students designed their own drone and then took turns flying a micro drone through an obstacle course and guiding robots to complete a variety of different tasks within a defined space.
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 Summer Uniform for Term 4.
Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open on Friday 4 October from 9:00am - 12:00pm by appointment only. Please call the Primary Admin during the second week of the holidays if you would like to make a booking.
SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!
Here’s a reminder of all the bargains on offer for our current uniform. Please remember that all current uniform items can be worn through to the end of the 2026 school year, so why not get a stash at heavily reduced prices.
All items can be purchased via the online shop, or in the shop when you make an appointment.
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.
Updated Summer menus will be available soon.
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.
When ordering online, make sure you don't close the page before your order has been competed or it may not be processed.
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 Term 4 Volunteer Sign-up Page will be available soon.
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
Parent Mental Health Seminar
Save the date for our parent Mental Health seminar on Saturday 12 October.
I am delighted to announce we have Claire Eaton coming to talk about tween and teen mental health. Claire has an extensive professional experience in teenage and family mental health. Claire combines her in-depth knowledge, experience and passion to create a wonderful talk on prevention-focused emotional and social wellbeing for both parents and teens. We are so excited to present this opportunity for parents to hear from Claire.
Our next meeting will be held on Monday 14 October 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.
To reach their full potential, children need to feel safe and nurtured. They also need to be able to express their emotions and have them ‘seen’ and responded to in a supportive and caring way. Understanding your child’s emotions and behaviours and knowing how to support them makes a positive difference to their development, learning, relationships and mental health.
Understanding behaviour as communication
Children may not yet fully understand, or have the language to express, their emotions, so their behaviour can be a way of exploring and communicating their feelings and needs. If your child’s behaviour is challenging, it’s normal to feel concerned or want to ‘fix it’ as quickly as possible. But this is not always the best way to support your child. Instead of only focusing on the behaviour itself, try to be curious about what’s behind it. For example, you might say, ‘I’ve noticed that you’ve been hitting your sister. I want you to know it’s never OK to hit someone. I wonder if you were feeling angry about something when you did that?’
Create opportunities and space for your child to talk about what’s going on for them and how they’re feeling. When children experience big emotions like anger or frustration, connecting with you (or another trusted adult) can help them to feel safe and calm down. Trying to understand what your child might be experiencing, feeling and trying to express can help you to understand their emotions – and help your child to understand them, too. Helping your child recognise and name their emotions can also strengthen your connection and parent-child relationship.
It’s not always obvious or easy for you or your child to pinpoint what’s behind their behaviour. As adults, we don’t always understand our emotions or reactions either! By taking the time to be curious and show empathy, you’re showing your child that their feelings and thoughts matter.
In this video (2 minutes, 53 seconds) parents and practitioners talk about ways children express emotions and the importance of being curious about what might be beneath a child’s behaviours.
Understanding and supporting children's emotions and behaviour
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/emotions-and-behaviours-understanding-and-supporting-childrens-feelings-and-responses/?audience=family
Taking care of yourself
To support your child’s emotions and mental health, you need to first look after your own wellbeing. Taking care of yourself will help you to ‘tune in’ to how your child is feeling and coping and be better able to support them. Also remember that children notice and learn from the behaviour of those around them – so watching you take care of yourself and use positive coping strategies will benefit them (and the rest of your family) too.
If you regularly find your child’s behaviours and emotions difficult to understand, it can be helpful to get some advice and support for yourself. Not all adults grew up with the support to understand and regulate their own emotions. It’s often not until we become parents, and we’re helping children understand emotions, that we realise how important that is. Click on this link for resources that can assist Support for parents: where to get it | Raising Children Network
What’s Up in the Night Sky?
The latest “What’s Up in the Night Sky?” stargazing article is available. It’s the best time to see the Magellanic Clouds!
When are the best nights to see the Magellanic Clouds? These are two galaxies in our Milky Way neighbourhood!
https://astrotourismwa.com.au/magellanic-clouds/
For more information, visit headspace Northam or see their website.
Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about enhancing financial skills, to develop (and keep) good savings habits. Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 60,000 people to start saving.
Saver Plus has helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And sets families up for a brighter future.
To be eligible You must have all of the following:
- A Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- an eligible Centrelink payment*
- Be studying yourself OR have a child in school (can be starting school next year)
- Have regular income from work (either yourself or your partner)* including Carers Payment / Child Support / Cash in hand
- Be 18+ years old
- Agree to join in free online financial education workshops called MoneyMinded
- Not completed Saver Plus previously
* Many types of income and Centrelink payments are eligible, see the Saver Plus terms and conditions for more information.
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.
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