From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

As we draw towards the final stretch of Term 4, and into the busyness of December, it is important to remember that, this Sunday we enter the season of Advent.  This is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas.  Advent means ‘coming’ in Latin, and during this time we prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas – the memorial of Jesus Christ being born into the world. 

Secondary Thanksgiving Mass

Today the Secondary campus celebrated their Thanksgiving Mass.  It was a time to give thanks for the year and we also paid tribute to the Secondary Student leaders for their hard work throughout the year.  Thank you to Father Konrad for celebrating the Mass.

Primary Assembly

Congratulations to Year 5 Gold on their very entertaining Assembly this morning.  It was wonderful to see them so enthusiastically bringing us into the Christmas season.  Well done to all our students who received a Merit Certificate as well.

           

Transition

Transition is vital to help reduce the anxiety levels of the students and to make the first day of next year something to look forward to rather than something to dread.  This week saw the beginning of our transition program. 

Our 2021 Pre-Kindy, Kindy and Pre-Primary classes held their information sessions and orientation play.  

The 2021 Year 7 Information Evening and campus tour was successfully held on Wednesday.  

A group of Year 6 students who may need a bit more support with their transition to high school spent the day on the Secondary campus taking part in lots of fun activities to orientate themselves. 

This coming Monday, all of this year’s students from Kindy to Year 5 will step up for the morning to their new classes for next year. They will meet the two teachers who will be teaching their cohort and they will spend some time getting to know them. 

The entire Year 6 group will spend the day on the Secondary campus taking part in rotational activities and meeting their new teachers. 

On Monday, after the students have finished their step up program, Primary parents will be emailed with a list of the staffing for next year.  In January you will be emailed letting you know which teacher and which room your child will be in. 

Awards Assemblies

Families of students receiving an Award at the Assemblies next Wednesday were emailed on Monday.  It is important to note that there will be very minimal seating available and it will be mostly standing room only for parents/extended family.  We will be erecting shade structures around the edge of the covered area at Primary which will hopefully be enough to protect most of those who attend.

The two events will be:
         Primary Awards Assembly – 10:00am Primary campus 
         Secondary Awards Assembly – 12:00pm Primary Campus

This is a compulsory school event that all students from Year 1 to Year 12 are expected to attend.  Students are to wear the correct summer uniform on the day – no sports uniforms.

As with any school event, if you have any queries, please contact your child’s teacher or alternatively the School Office.

Staff Movement

On the Primary campus this year, we have two classroom teachers leaving us – Ms Caitlin Reynolds and Ms Sandra Murgia.  They are being replaced by Mrs Liz Grubisa and Ms Syona Fernandez.  Mrs Carroll Kowald and Mrs Sue Trenorden are also leaving us at the end of the year. 

The Primary Canteen position has been filled by Mrs Angela Sandrini and we are looking forward to tasting all the yummy things she has planned. 

On the Secondary Campus, Mr Shane Bransby and Mr Luke Bogoni are both on the move to Emmanuel College.  They are being replaced by Mrs Annette Fox and Mr Daniel Matthys.  Dr Michalie Ruoss and Ms Katie Enright are leaving to take 12 months maternity leave and Ms Shahn Johnston is taking a well earnt year off.  Incoming staff to replace them are Ms Arabella Adeline, Mr Mark Bundock and Mr Gerhard Vogel.  We are still on the look out for one more teacher.  Secondary is also gaining another Education Assistant and Ms Sally Wood will be filling this position. 

St Joseph Care needs help!

Sr Nevisa and Fathers George and Konrad are in short supply of sausages for their weekly sausage sizzle, provided for those in the community who need assistance.  They would be very appreciative of any donations of BBQ sausages.  If you are in a position to help, then the sausages can be dropped off at School at either the Primary of Secondary offices.  Thank you!

Have a wonderful weekend.

God bless

Andrea Woodgate
Principal 

Our Faith

St Joseph Care Christmas Hamper Appeal

It's that time of year again where we start collecting non-perishable items for the less fortunate in our community.  Each year, through the Parish’s St Joseph Care program, over 70 hampers are delivered to people less fortunate around Northam and districts for their Christmas Day celebrations.  St Joseph's School traditionally supplies about a third of the donations, while the remainder comes from the goodwill of Parishioners and businesses in town.

Items that can be donated can include: canned food, packets of pasta, long-life juice and milk, party food, cool drinks, noodles, sauces, biscuits etc.

We ask that each family donates one item per child for their class hamper - donations are welcome from Monday 30 November. 

Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator

Primary News                                   

Early Years Information Sessions

Thank you to the families that attended the Early Year Information Sessions in preparation for 2021.  For the new Pre-Kindergarten students and families, it was a wonderful chance to meet the teachers and have a play with new friends.  A big thank you to the staff involved for presenting wonderful informative sessions.

‘Step-Up’ Transition Morning – Monday 30 November

On Monday 30 November we will be doing a ‘Step-Up’ Transition morning starting at 9:30am. and concluding at 10:50am (Recess).  All students attending our school in 2021 from Kindy to Year 6 will be participating (new students will be invited).  The teachers in each cluster group will be doing activities with the students.  Kindy to Year 4 transition will conclude at 10:50am (Recess).

Years 5 and 6 transition will be extending the activities to include a Tabloid Sports finishing at lunchtime (12:55pm).  Students are asked to wear the correct sports uniform on that day.

2021 Year 7 Transition Day – Monday 30 November

The 2021 Year 7 students will be participating in a Transition Day on Monday 30 November.  More information is available on the letter send out by Mrs Parnham (Head of Secondary).

End of Year Assemblies

A number of End of Year Assemblies are planned for Week 9: 
Year 6 Final Assembly & Morning Tea       4 December @ 9.00am
Early Years Final Assembly           7 December @ 9:30am
Pre-Kindergarten Final Assembly       10 December @ 10.00am
Final Primary Christmas Assembly      11 December @ 11:30am

Invitations and reminders have been sent home with students.

Year 6 FunD Day

The annual Year 6 FunD Day will take place next Friday 4 December from 12.15pm until 2.00pm.  Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be involved.  Our Year 6 students are busy organising a number of stalls where students will be able to purchase yummy treats, have their faces painted, compete in water balloon challenges and of course, the ‘Haunted House’.  This day is a wonderful end of year celebration and I know that the Year 6 students have put a lot of time and effort into organising some great activities.  Students are to wear their sports uniform on this day.  All monies raised will be donated to St Joseph Care.

P&F Book Fair

At the beginning of the term, the P&F ran a very successful Book Fair.  On behalf of all the students, I would like to acknowledge the generous donations from parents that have been added to class libraries.  Each book contains a book plate recognising the families that have donated the books.  A BIG thank you goes to the P&F for running this so successfully.  The enthusiasm, dedication and time that the Committee put into this event is unbelievable.  As a School community, we are very lucky to have such wonderful people supporting our students.

Lost Property

The collection of lost property has grown over the semester, in particular, school jumpers and lunch boxes.  Please encourage your child to check the lost property boxes in the foyer of the SMPAC to see if anything belongs to them.  At the end of term, remaining lost property items will be donated to the Uniform Shop or St Joseph’s Parish Op Shop.                                                                                    

Rebecca Clarke
Head of Primary 

Class in Focus:  Year 2 Gold

                                   

In our class, in our Year Two Class, 
We’ve been learning about ‘Under the Sea’. 
Designing and making and creating sun hats, 
writing poems with glee. 
 
NAIDOC week was really fun, 
Students became the teachers, 
Noongar seasons and naming colours, 
Year Twos are clever little creatures. 
 
In our class, in our Year Two Class, 
This week we started Christmas craft making, 
Sewing and tangling and untangling thread, 
Christmas gnomes left teachers shaking. 
 
We’re sad about leaving Year Two 
As the year comes to an end. 
We must enjoy time together, 
With each and every Year Two friend.             

Michelle Smith
Year 2 Gold Teacher

Learning Area in Focus:  Science (PP-3)

Pre Primary 
Over the year we have explored many different topics in science.  During first Term, in biological Science, we learnt all about living things and their needs and we planted seeds to watch them grow.

In second term, we explored the weather and seasons in Earth and Space Science.  We talked about how the seasons and weather affect us and plants and animals.  Did you know bears hibernate for the winter?

In third term, the topic in Physical science was how things move.  We made object move in lots of different ways including roll, bounce, spin and slide.

The study of Chemical science finished off the year.  We started off by revising our five senses and which body parts are responsible for them. We made popcorn to explore each of our senses.

                                         

We then used our senses to exploring materials and their properties. We sorted objects according to what they were made of and described their properties.

The children were always enthusiastic and loved exploring the world around them.

Year One
The year has been full of fun and exciting experiments helping us to discover our world.  We began by learning about light and sound in Physical Science.  We explored white light and how rainbows are made.

                                         

In Chemical science we were exploring how objects can change.  This was lots of fun as we changed frozen and melted things, including an ice snowman and chocolate and played with soggy spaghetti.  We cooked bread to change it to toast and we got to eat it, too!  YUM!

In Earth and Space science, we learnt all about day and night and why we can’t see the stars during the day.  We looked at the weather and seasons and how they affect our lives.  To finish the year, we studied Biological Science where we observed living things and how they adapt to their environment and how their needs are met.  Did you know that the Giraffe has a blue tongue and a long neck so it can reach the leaves up high on the tree, and the platypus had a duck bill so it can search through the dirt at the bottom of the river to find its food?

The children were enthusiastic and active learners in science and always excited to discover new things.

Rhonda Oliver
Early Years Science Teacher

Years 2B and 2G
Well what an amazing year it has been!  We have had loads of fun while learning Science.  With only three weeks of school to go, I cannot believe the year is nearly over.  The year has been filled with a lot of hard work, experiments, laughter and fun!

This term we are learning about ‘Forces’ in Physical sciences.  Students explored ways that objects move on land, through water and in the air and how different strengths of pushes and pulls affect the movement of objects.  They also identified toys that use push and pull forces and some that do both.  Students had the chance to play with various toys so that they could determine for themselves which toys pushed, pulled or did both.  In addition, students were introduced briefly to Sir Isaac Newton and one of his famous discoveries, gravity. 

Recently we have been experimenting with balloons, hula hoops and bean bags.  Students tested how a push or pull force affects an object to move.  They also explored how different strengths of pushes and pulls affect the movement of objects.  The Year 2’s discovered that gravity is an invisible force that pulls objects towards Earth.

                              

Furthermore, the Year 2’s conducted an experiment to test objects that float and sink in water.  Students investigated which objects would be pulled to the bottom of the container by gravity and which objects were pushed to the surface of the water by another invisible force.Last week students completed a STEM project, Air vs Gravity.  They designed and created their very own ‘floating ball toy’ that uses a push force to make a small ball float in the air… then put it to the test!

               

As we approach the end of the year, I took the opportunity to ask students, what have you enjoyed in Science this year?  Below is some of their feedback:

              

Well done Year 2’s for working so hard all year.  It has been a fabulous year and a great pleasure to teach you.

Year 3B
This term we have been focusing on Physical sciences.  We looked at heat, and how heat can be produced in many ways.  Firstly, we asked, is heat and temperature the same thing?

Students discovered that they are closely related but are not the same thing.  Students were soon able to define heat as a form of energy that is transferred when molecules bump into each other, and that temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is. The Year 3’s also explored how to measure heat with a thermometer and gained some knowledge on how to read a thermometer in degrees Celsius.

We also looked at natural and artificial sources of heat that included friction, burning and electricity.  We tried to produce friction in our lesson by rubbing our hands together slowly to create a little heat, then we rubbed our hands together at great speed to find that friction can produce a LOT of HEAT when rubbing two surfaces together!

Over the last few weeks, we discussed how heat can be transferred through radiation, convection and conduction and investigated which materials make good conductors and insulators.  We did an experiment on conductors and this week we will do our last experiment on insulators.

 

We will finish our term with a STEM project.  The project entails creating a mini documentary about using various, yet limited, materials (conductors and insulators) to keep warm in the cold and cool in heat when stranded on a deserted island.  I am looking forward to watching their magnificent documentaries!

          

It has been such a privilege to teach this class and work alongside such a wonderful bunch of students.  Thank you so much Year 3’s - you are all truly amazing!!

Carroll Kowald
Science Support Teacher

Secondary News

Year 6 Transition

Recently, eight Year 6 students took part in a Mathematics lesson on Tangrams.  They reviewed the shapes in the ancient Chinese game and then proceeded to the challenge of making the animals and shapes asked of them.  All were excited to try and complete the task.  Some took their work home to complete.  Lunch at Secondary was cold and wet.  However, this did not dampen the students’ spirits.  Well done, Year 6 students!

NAIDOC Celebrations

Mr Frank Davis visited the Secondary Campus on Friday 13 November and presented a very good yarn about ‘respect’ working both ways to Years 8, 9 and 10 students.  His ingenious ways of telling a story through the digeridoo is always informative and humorous.  Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the short presentation and our new classrooms, when opened up, made for a very acoustic area.  At lunchtime, students were invited to participate in small crafts and activities in the quadrangle area such friendship bracelet-making, tasting and games.

Caroline Parnham
Head of Secondary

Learning Area in Focus:  English

Year 7
Year 7 students have had a wonderful term with a quick recap of the Film and Novel or Short Story they have been studying and are now writing a report discussing how inspirational characters are portrayed in each. In addition, they will share which format they found more appealing and why.

To finish off the year, Year 7 students will complete a final creative piece of their choice. Students may choose to write a
narrative, a picture book, diary entries or novel analysis and incorporate all of the concepts and techniques we have learned throughout the year.

Year 8
Year 8 students have spent the last few weeks studying Slam Poetry. They have explored and discussed how slam poetry can be used as a platform for change by using our voice and body language to send a message to others about the social issues of our world. Each student had to write two original slam poems before presenting one to the class. The following poem ‘Deforestation’ was written by Grace Treloar.

I see deforestation,
Loss of vegetation,
Animal starvation,
It’s like a stolen generation.

Trees are the lungs of Mother Nature,
But deforestation is slowly suffocating her.
We need air to survive,
If we remove trees, then what will we breathe?

They think money grows on trees,
But this is just corporate greed.
These trees are crying,
While their trunks are dying.

And all for what? A bit of paper?
As each tree falls, animals lose their homes.
Time and time again, we don’t learn.
We are ruining this great earth we call come home.
Trust me, there will never be another one.

Humans do this for money,
But deforestation is not funny.
We sit, relax, and ignore the destruction we have caused.
Tree stumps left to rot.

Animals left homeless.
The earth defenceless, left to die.
We could stop this.
But will anyone try?

Year 10
Year 10 A students have viewed and analysed the varying Film Techniques used in Films of Memoir.  They have also engaged in perspective writing and have spent many classes in examination preparation mode where we have been reflecting on our learning throughout the year.  We have identified, discussed and analysed all of the key concepts of the texts we have used.  Our final week has been practicing our writing and answering for Reading and Comprehension questions and possible Essay Questions in preparation for examinations.

As part of the Memoir unit, the Year 10 B class have been studying The Truman Show, a film that explores several concepts including freedom and the search for truth.  These students will write a letter from the perspective of a character in the film that focused on a particular event or time in their life.

Shane Bransby, Rebecca Doughty, Nicole Parker and Luke Bogoni
English Staff

Learning Area in Focus:  Mathematics

Australian Mathematics Competition
On Thursday 30 July, St Joseph’s top ten mathematics students from Years 7 to 10 sat the Australian Mathematics Competition.  The competition allows students to experience attempting challenging problems that increase in complexity.  They compete against students from up to 30 countries and certificates of achievement are awarded based on their performance.  These Certificates provide students and parents statistical feedback on how they went against other competitors.

The following students achieved merit awards:
Distinction - Joshua Patrick, Corey Childs and Cameron De Wit.
Credit: Leah Morrell, Susu Phung, Antoinette Matres, Madison Dymnicki, Elara French, Lily Parker, Kyran Reyes, Adrian Gargano, Gubek Yengkopiong, Sony Phung and Jaidev Singh.
Proficiency was achieved by Zeke Jennings, Josna Jojo, Benjamin Retallack, Swaka Yengkopiong, Gemma Post, Jesica Tony, Grace Treloar, Jazz Randhawa, Jacob Roberts, John Rocas, Liam Elliott, William Humphries, Kimberlea McCall, Hannah Morrell, Cody Peipi, Emily Beglin and Hilary Rocas.

The highest ranked student in the School was Joshua Patrick, ending up in the 93rd percentile of all competitors.  Second ranked was Corey Childs and third ranking went to Cameron De Wit.

Congratulations to the award winners and thank you to all the students who entered the competition.

Mike Hillyer
Australian Mathematics Competition Coordinator

Tips to Pass Mathematics Tests and Examinations
There are four simple tips you should do if you would like to pass any Mathematics test or examination.

First is practice.  To understand and remember the concepts, you need to set aside time to practice.  You can solve the exercise questions in your textbook or search for some more practice questions online.  Practice in mathematics means to practice solving questions.  It’s not a genuine practice session if you just look through the questions with the solutions beside them.  You need to get out a pen and paper and answer the questions as you would in an examination situation.  Practicing this way helps you to remember how to solve the mathematics problems you will face in the examination.

Second is to ask for help.  There is nothing wrong with asking for assistance, especially if you do not know how to solve a particular problem or there is a concept you are unsure of.  Your mathematics teacher is the best person to ask for help.  Any mathematics teacher will be glad to assist and do some tutorial lessons either during lunchtime or after school.  You only need to ask, especially if you really want to pass or get a high score in an upcoming mathematics test or examination.

You can also learn from your friends by forming a group discussion to collaborate, share ideas and discuss the solutions to your practice questions.  Your friends might have some clever ideas on how to solve a complex mathematics problem.  Teach each other, ask each other questions, and help one another.

Lastly, you will need to focus and pay attention to your mathematics teacher during class discussions.  Do not hesitate to ask questions in class and always do your part.

Practice, seek help and organise peer discussion groups among your friends.

Good luck with your preparation and in your end of term final mathematics tests and for the Year 9A students the examinations in Week Nine.  You can do it!

Mike Hillyer, Daniel Vernede, Rosendo Angeles, Kylie Wallis & Caroline Parnham
Secondary Mathematics Staff

Year 10 Visit to AGWA

On Monday 16 November, the Year 10 Visual Art students visited the Art Gallery of Western Australia.  Students viewed several exhibitions showcasing artwork by local and national Contemporary Artists.  Students then selected one artist to focus on, and completed an aesthetic appreciation process on their art piece.

Thank you to the Year 10 Art students for an enjoyable day.

Lucie Lombardini
Secondary Visual Art Teacher

Our School

Book Covering Assistance Request

Our Library Officer is seeking volunteers to assist with book covering.  Currently, there are several boxes of books requiring attention.  These boxes contain the necessary covering material and adhesive to use and Points can be accumulated towards the Parent Participation Levy, an annual levy set per family.  Please email: 8605svc_library@cewa.edu.au or leave your contact details with our Admin ladies.  If you would like to volunteer for the 2021 school year, you are welcome to leave your name and contact details and I will be in touch after school starts.

Kylie Dymnicki
Library Officer

Our Community

Child Health Nurse News

Pre Primary Check - Colour Blindness

Parents and caregivers will find an information leaflet about colour blindness in your children’s bags this week.  Feel free to contact me to discuss this or any other health concerns.  Take your child to your doctor or an Optometrist if your child:
* covers or closes one eye when reading
* holds books very close
* complains about eyestrain or headache
* complains about double vision or blurred vision with reading or blackboard viewing
* complains that words move on a page
* loses place with reading, or skips words and lines
* has a short attention span when reading
* rubs their eyes a lot.
(check with your Optometrist about bulk billing). 

Secondary Immunisation Program
Round Two of the Year 7 immunisations are to be held on Tuesday 8 December as these students need to have their second dose within the 6 month period and COVID-19 restrictions did not allow them to do it earlier in the year.  Parents do not need to do anything as your previous consent will cover this second round.  Please do not hesitate to contact your GP or the School Health Team if you have any queries regarding this program.

Aimee Leeson, Community Health Nurse (School Health), WA Country Health Service, Robinson Street, Northam WA 6401 P: 9690 1320 or email: Aimee.Leeson@health.wa.gov.au

Northam Residential College ~ Boarding Opportunities

Have you ever considered boarding at Northam Residential College for your children?  Here are some reasons why families choose to board at Northam Residential College:
Northam is able to provide the very best public or Catholic education and course options in the Wheatbelt.
There are amazing Government subsidies available to significantly reduce the boarding fees.
Your child can participate in any sporting or recreational activity they choose as we will transport them to and from that activity each time.
Healthy and nutritious home style meals provided each day by our own college Chef.
Your child will have their own private, comfortable, and secure bedroom.

Northam Residential College is a home away from home.  Perfectly located on the edge of town, we provide all the structure, routine and support your child will need to succeed.  Please contact us to find out just how affordable and worthwhile boarding at Northam Residential College can be.  T: 9621 0077 E: Northam.ResCol@education.wa.edu.au

EXTEND Before & After School Care

Come along to Extend and enjoy an engaging program of activities with your Extend team!  Enjoy an indoor and outdoor program of high and low energy activities, plus healthy food to fuel healthy bodies.

At all times our COVID safe practices are in place.  If you see us cleaning our surfaces, or the children and Educators washing their hands regularly, don't be surprised!  We look forward to welcoming your children to our program and encouraging them to embrace existing friendships and make new ones.

To enrol and book, head to https://www.extend.com.au/families/enrolments-and-bookings/  For more information on your school’s program, visit https://www.extend.com.au/families/find-myschool/  For further assistance contact us at support@extend.com.au

Summer VacSwim Lessons

Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays.  VacSwim in January offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations during the long break.  Not only are they a great school holiday activity, they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.  Your children can start as young as five years old.  There are programs for everyone, from beginners to advanced swimmers.  Students 13 years and over can enrol in stages 13-16.  Stage 16 enables them to achieve their Bronze Medallion.

Not only is VacSwim a great school holiday activity, they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.  Don’t wait!  Enrol your children in VacSwim now at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

Carols On Fitzgerald 2020

A free community Carols event will be held on Friday 11 December from 5.00pm to 900pm on the Village Green, Fitzgerald Street, Northam.  There will be market stalls, local food vans and a lighting of the Christmas Tree.  Bring a chair or picnic rug and enjoy the Carols service.  Activities will include water slides, traditional kids’ games, Nativity Photo Booth and family craft stations.  This event is alcohol free and is hosted by Bridgeley Church of Christ, YouthCare, Northam Chamber of Commerce and Northam Women in Business.

Uniform Shop 

Opening Times:                             Mondays - 3.15pm to 4.45pm       
                                                      Thursdays - 2.45pm to 4.15pm                               

Can’t Get To The Shop?

Families who find they are unable to attend the Uniform Shop during opening hours are able to place an order by sending in a request by email to the School’s email address : admin@sjsnortham.wa.edu.au  or families can now use the SchoolZine app to place an order.  Please note that all orders must be paid for before they will be released.  Once payment has been received, orders will be filled and distributed to students or sent to the relevant Campus Admin Office for collection as soon as practical.  For your convenience with payment, you can provide your credit card details along with your Order, pay by credit card over the phone through Primary Admin (9621 3500).

Michelle James 
Primary - 9621 3524

Primary Canteen

Term 4

Please note:  The Primary Canteen will not be open for students to access on Wednesday 2 December due to the Awards Assemblies taking place.  The Canteen will be operating as normal on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  

The Primary Canteen is operating with a modified menu in Term 4 2020 which is available on the website.                       

We would like to thank all the families who have volunteered their time to support the Canteen during this Term and look forward to working with you.  If you have any queries, please contact us on the number below.

Kerri & Sr Ana
Canteen - 9621 3525