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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
Welcome to Term 4!
I hope everyone enjoyed a well-deserved holiday and is feeling refreshed for the final stretch of the year. Believe it or not, there are only eight weeks left! The festive season is already being mentioned in passing—yes, someone in the office has already brought up Christmas, which feels a bit premature!
As we say goodbye to our Year 12s on the Secondary campus, we’re excited to welcome our incoming Year 6s through the transition program, details of which were sent to students and parents at the end of last term. It’s a big step, and we’re eager to help them settle into high school life smoothly.
Lastly, this Friday, 11 October, is World Teachers' Day. I want to extend a huge thankyou to all of our dedicated teachers. The hard work they put in—both during school hours and behind the scenes—makes all the difference. From organising camps and excursions to planning special events, their commitment to our students' success is truly appreciated.
God Bless.
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary (Acting Principal)
School Photographs
If your child was involved in one of the group photos taken on photo day, these are now available to order through the Fotomakers website.
For a list of the group photos available and instructions on how to place your order, please see below.
Dates for your Diary
Week 2
| Monday 14 October: | Year 6 Swimming Lessons - all week 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 |
Week 3
| Monday 21 October: | Pre-Primary, Yr 3 & Yr 5 Swimming Lessons - all week OLNA Writing |
| Tuesday 22 October: | Board Meeting - 6.30pm |
| Wednesday 23 October: | Year 10 Outdoor Ed Camp OLNA Reading 2025 Year 7 Information Evening - 6pm |
| Thursday 24 October: | Year 10 Outdoor Ed Camp Early Close |
| Friday 25 October: | Year 10 Outdoor Ed Camp Primary Assembly Grandparents' Day Morning Tea - Primary |
| Saturday 26 October: | School Community Mass - 5.30pm |
Future Events
| Monday 4 November: | Catholic Day - School closed |
| Wednesday 6 November: | Presentation Night - 6:00pm |
| Sunday 17 November: | Confirmation Mass - 10:30am |
| Wednesday 20 November: | P&F AGM - 2:00pm Community Meeting - 3:30pm |
Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator
Dear Families & Friends,
I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday break with your children. I have loved hearing about their adventures and sharing my own travel stories. A huge thank you to the staff who stepped up in my absence last term and kept things running so smoothly. It is a huge endorsement of our wonderful school culture and community when staff willingly put their hands up to help others.
Our Year 1 and Year 5 classes jumped straight back into learning with an incursion from Puppet Lab, where they designed digital puppets and manipulated them in virtual reality. The students very carefully chose textures and shapes to create their puppets and used ipads to then make them come to life. Very different from the sock puppets I made as a child!
Swimming lessons have begun with our Year 6 students, with Year 3, 5 and Pre-Primary beginning in Week 3. Water safety and swimming are vital skills for children in Australia and we are fortunate to have access to these lessons each year. Mr Watson is already talking excitedly about next year’s Swimming Carnival too.
Next week, our Year 5 students will be taking their next steps of independence as they go on Camp. I look forward to spending the days with them, and seeing how the activities help develop their friendship, leadership, problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Spirit of Jesus moments:
- Reading the lovely messages students wrote to staff to celebrate World Teachers' Day
- Helping Poppy, Pippa and Darcy (Kindy) to make mudcakes in the sunshine
- Watching the digital puppets come to life in Year 5
- Being super proud to bring new families around the school on enrolment tours and be met with beautiful manners from students
Linley Waters
Head of Primary
Class in Focus: Pre-Primary Gold
Wow, Term Four already!
We are so excited to welcome the Pre-Primary students back to school this week. We started off the term with lots of new and exciting things—new tables, chairs and plenty of new toys. The students came in with big smiles on their faces, ready to start the term and eager to learn.
Term Three was a busy one, with plenty happening. It was filled with excursions and incursions. We ended the term with lots of outdoor time, making the most of the beautiful weather. The students were able to choose from a range of activities set up on the veranda. These activities included water play, sensory drawing, chalk, painting and construction, along with other play and learning experiences.
This term, in Inquiry, we look forward to learning all about farms and how they sustain us. We have exciting play areas set up for the children to explore and use their imaginations to support our inquiry.
In Weeks Three and Four, the Pre-Primary students will have lots of fun as they begin their first round of swimming lessons.
Towards the end of the term, we will transform our classroom into a Christmas workshop and play area, where we will explore all aspects of celebrating Christmas.
Beth Ciallella
Pre-Primary Gold Teacher
Class in Focus: Year Two Gold
What a busy, busy semester this has been, and we have only just begun Term 4.
We have been developing our mental maths skills with Bond Blocks, making clocks to help us learn about quarter to and quarter past and consolidating our understanding of chance with some fun dice rolling games.
We celebrated our fathers and the significant men in our lives with our special liturgy under the trees, enjoying breakfast with them at our Father’s Day breakfast before participating in the Athletics Carnival.
We engaged in a week of NAIDOC festivities, starting with an exceptional liturgy in the PAC, decorating our doors with some amazing artwork to represent the theme of ‘keep the fires burning’ and enjoying face painting with the year 5s.
We wore yellow accessories with our school uniform in acknowledgement of RUOK? day, and best of all designed and built the most amazing transports to take Terrible Ted up the hill, demonstrating our understanding of push and pull. We dressed up as our favourite book characters and danced around the undercover area in the parade.
We are looking forward to honouring our Grandparents on Grandparents' Day, exploring SciTech and making something special for our parents at Christmas.
Peta Robinson
Year 2 Gold Teacher
Welcome to Term 4!
I hope everyone enjoyed a well-deserved holiday and is feeling refreshed for the final stretch of the year. Believe it or not, there are only eight weeks left! The festive season is already being mentioned in passing—yes, someone in the office has already brought up Christmas, which feels a bit premature!
But before we get caught up in holiday cheer, there is important work to be done. Students in Years 7–10 will be sitting their Maths and English Reading PATs. These assessments, similar to NAPLAN, provide immediate feedback to help teachers tailor lessons to better support our students' strengths and areas for improvement.
For our Year 11s, exams kick off on Friday 1 November, starting with English. Meanwhile, Year 9 and 10 students begin their exams on Friday 15 November. Lucky for the Year 7s and 8s—they won't be sitting exams this term!
God Bless.
Sharon Cusack
Head of Secondary
Curriculum News
Science
Physics day at Adventure World
As a part of the Year 11 Physics program, the students took part in a special excursion to Adventure World on the last Thursday of Term 3. This is an activity organised by the Science Teachers' Association of Western Australia (STAWA) and linked to the topic of motion and forces that all Physics students in WA are currently completing as a component of Unit 2.
The basis of using an amusement park as a context in Physics is that Adventure World is an authentic STEM laboratory, comprising several large-scale devices that enable students to experience and quantify first-hand phenomena involving physics, technology, engineering design and mathematics that are not able to be achieved in any classroom. Some specific areas of study that were achieved on the day involve linear and circular motion, momentum, work, energy, power, ‘g-forces’ and weightlessness, with a range of these needing to be analysed further as a part of the linked investigation task.
The students were able to learn physics principles through an understanding of its real-world applications, along with scientific logging equipment used on some rides and activities to enhance the experience with data collection. The students got a grasp on acceleration and what g-forces, positive and negative, are all about from the various rides. The students will use this experience and the data to complete their amusement park physics task.
In addition to the physics data side, UWA and Curtin University were in attendance promoting Science and Engineering courses, along with the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) showcasing various pieces of equipment like solar scopes and available research to the 1000 attending Year 11 students, with hands-on displays, presentations, academic counsellors and university students to chat with allowing students to get very specific career guidance information.
Most of all, our students had a lot of fun and were thoroughly entertained by the Physics world in action.
Mark Gargano
Head of Learning Area-Science
On Thursday 10 October, Years 7, 8 and 9 were escorted to Bernard Park to participate in some fun activities and interact with local agencies who support wellbeing and mental health in our community.
This was a free community event run by over 25 local service providers hosting interactive stalls for all ages and providing information on local services available to support individuals and families.
There was live entertainment running throughout the day provided by local artists and Valley Heights Music School. There was a free BBQ lunch from 11.30am and students enjoyed a round of nine-hole mini putt putt, giant inflatable darts, interactive activities and games.
Students participated in competitions and won prizes throughout the day.
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.
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.
Please note that we are no longer accepting donations of preloved uniform at school. Current uniform preloved items will still be available outside the uniform shop on Monday and Thursday afternoons, until the end of this year.
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.
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: 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
Parent Mental Health Seminar
Don't forget about 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.
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/
See the Moon make a close approach to bright orange-hued star, Pollux, which is in the constellation of Gemini. Mars is there to see too. This one is for late night stargazers. You’ll have to be up at 2am on 24th October!
https://astrotourismwa.com.au/october-moon/
Teeball
Mental Health Resourses
For more information, visit headspace Northam or see their website.
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