From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

Extra Classes

Yesterday we received some fantastic news from Catholic Education Western Australia as they granted us the permission we had sought to add extra classes on the Primary Campus.  This means that as of next year, we will be a fully double stream school from Kindy through to Year 12.  This permission still allows us the option of having split classes in some year levels in the future if our numbers drop but our hope is that we will be able to maintain, if not grow, our current numbers so our year levels can remain separated.

The extra classroom we will need for this will be the room that is currently the computer lab.  Beginning almost immediately, this room will be decommissioned as a functioning computer lab and we are hoping to be able to donate the computers to some of our remote Kimberley schools.  By the time the students return in February, it will be refurbished and redesigned into a classroom.

Philippines Immersion

Late on Friday night, two of our Year 11 students, Katie Harris and Hannah Morrison, along with staff member Mr Shane Bransby, leave for their life changing immersion trip to the Philippines.  Our students are lucky enough to join with staff and students from Newman College for this adventure filled trip of a lifetime.  On Thursday morning we attended Newman College for the Commissioning Mass prior to the Immersion group leaving.  We wish them safe travels as they begin their adventure.

Parent Meetings

Thank you to all those who attended parent information sessions this week.  We had great numbers on Monday for the Extend Before & After School Care meeting and there was also a good turn for each of the Early Childhood class meetings.  While numbers were low for the Annual Community Meeting yesterday afternoon, it was lovely to see the interest from those who were there.

Leonard House Day

Leonard House Day Assemblies were held this morning on both campuses.  They were very informative and taught us about the impact Sister Leonard had on the school community during her long tenure in Northam.  Congratulations to Year 1 Blue and the students from the Leonard Homerooms for their hard work.

Marist Student Leaders

On Saturday afternoon, Mrs Parnham flies out to Melbourne with our 2020 School Captains, Isabelle Ochtman and Jelena Manuel.  They will spend three days with the leaders from other Marist schools around the country learning about ways that they can lead within their school community.  We look forward to hearing about their trip when they return.

Enjoy your weekend!

God Bless

Andrea Woodgate
Principal

Our Faith

Year 11 MaJEC

On Monday and Tuesday this week, our Year 11 students participated in their MaJEC Service Day.  Students chose from a variety of service opportunities both in Northam and across Perth.  All students applied themselves fantastically to the tasks they were required to do including building bicycles, constructing wheelchairs and visiting the elderly.

The students represented our School brilliantly and it was wonderful to see the positive impact that moments of service can have across the broader community.  It was very encouraging to hear many of the Year 11's plan on returning to their chosen service providers to volunteer again during the Christmas break. 

Help for the Parish

The St Joseph’s Care program that runs out of the Parish is in need of our help.  During the summer months they provide a sausage sizzle meal on a Monday night to those who need help.  Sister Nevisa and Father George have asked our families to help out with donations of sausages.  If you are able to purchase a packet or two of barbeque sausages as you do your family food shop, please drop them off at either the Primary or Secondary Admin Offices and they will be delivered to the Parish.  The final sausage sizzle for 2019 will be held on Monday 16 December.  Thank you to all those families who have donated this term.

Lloyd Reidy
Religious Education Coordinator

Children’s Liturgy Sessions @ Weekend Masses

The Children’s Liturgy team currently conduct sessions for children during the Sunday 8.00am Mass and they are now seeking expressions of interest from families who may like to bring their little ones to a session during Saturday’s 5.30pm Mass.  Children are fully supervised at these sessions which are held in the Parish Hall.  Readings, prayers and short activities based on the Gospel of the Mass are shared before the children return to their families at the Offertory.  If you would like to take advantage of this wonderful offer, please contact the Primary Admin Office and your details will be passed on to the Servite Sisters, who will contact you.

Parish Nativity Play

As the Advent Season is drawing near, the Children’s Liturgy team are also preparing to recite the story of Christ’s birth at the Children’s Christmas Eve Mass.  To enable an impressive performance, we are looking for support from the children (and families) of the Parish.  A meeting will be held for anyone interested in participating in the Christmas Play following the Sunday 8.00am Mass on 1 December.  If you are interested but cannot make the meeting, please speak to Sr Glory or leave your name and contact details at the Primary Admin Office and we will pass the information on for you.

Michelle Johnson
Chaplaincy Worker

Our Primary Students

Congratulations

For the past five weeks, Mrs Adams and Year 1 Gold class has had the privilege of having Ms Hannah Harffey working in their class and completing her internship.  Hannah is a third year teaching student at Edith Cowan University studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.  As she completes her time here at St Joseph’s School, we wish her all the best in her future studies.

Term 4 Interm Swimming Lessons

Interm Swimming lessons for all students in Year 4 to Year 6 will continue on Monday 25 November and conclude Friday 29 November (Week 7).  Please ensure that your child brings sunscreen, a towel, thongs and a bag for their wet gear to come home in.

Thank you

Thank you to all the parents/caregivers for taking the time to attend the 2020 Early Years Parent Information Sessions this week.  It was wonderful to see a large group supporting these meetings.  For those that were unable to attend the meetings, the information packages will be sent home or are available on the School Website.

Leonard House Day

Red was the ‘in’ colour at school today as students celebrated Leonard House Day.  Leonard House is named after Sister Leonard McCarthy and recognises the wonderful work that she gave to our school community.  Students were asked to bring a gold coin donation or a non-perishable item to be donated to the St Joseph’s Parish Care Advent Hampers.  Thank you to Ms Muzzarelli and Year 1 Blue for a lovely Assembly.

Save the Dates!

As the term becomes busier, there are a number of dates that parents and caregivers may want to highlight in their calendars.

Early Years Open Morning - Tuesday 26 November (Week 7)
The Early Years classrooms (Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary) will be open from 9.00am-10.00am for families to visit, meet the staff and have a play in our classrooms and playgrounds.  If you know of any families thinking of joining our School community, please encourage them to come along on this morning.
‘Step-Up’ Transition Morning - Wednesday 27 November (Week 7)
On Wednesday 27 November (Week 7) 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 2020 from Kindy to Year 6 will be participating (new students have been invited to attend as well).  The teachers in each cluster group will be doing activities with the students.  For our 2020 Year 6 students, we will be extending the activities to include a Tabloid Sports finishing at lunchtime (12.55pm).

End of Year Assemblies

A number of End of Year Assemblies are planned for Week 9.  The Early Years Assemblies will be followed by a shared Christmas Party.  The Year 6 Final Assembly will be followed by a shared Morning Tea for the Year 6 students and their families.
Kindergarten Final Assembly - 9 December @ 11.00am
Pre Primary Final Assembly - 10 December @ 11.00am
Year 6 Final Assembly - 11 December @ 9.00am
Pre-Kindergarten Assembly - 12 December @ 11.00am
Final Primary Christmas Assembly - 13 December @ 11:30am

Invitations and reminders for these Assemblies will be sent home closer to the time.

Rebecca Clarke
Head of Primary

Primary Class in Focus:   Pre Primary Gold

We have had a wonderful year in Pre-Primary Gold.  We have learnt so many things and made lots of new friends.  To finish off our year, we have been travelling around the world.  This week we visited Africa and America.  We have loved learning about different cultures and people around the world.  Although this term has had many highlights, we would like to tell you our favourite things from our year in Pre-Primary!  My favourite thing from Pre-Primary was…
Adalynn:  Doing the activities
Amelia:  Doing Literacy activities
Ann:  Miss Drudi teaching me
Archer:  Doing Maths
Blair:  Playing with the cars
Deakin:  Doing activities
Evelyn:  Playing with the toys
Hamish:  Having free time
Harrison:  Playing football with Deakin
Hudson:  Playing games
Indigo:  Learning about families
Isabella:  Playing football
Jade:  Playing with my friends
Maddie:  Dancing
Matilda:  Playing with my friends
Mia:  Doing craft activities
Polly:  Learning about numbers
Quinn:  Doing Math activities
Rachael:  Playing in the sandpit
Sadie:  Doing colouring
Sophie:  Learning about farms
Thando:  Being nice to my friends
Thomas:  Learning
Tori: Learning about celebrations
Wesley:  Playing football
Wylie:  Getting taught by Miss Drudi
Xander:  Doing Maths                    

Rebecca Drudi
Pre Primary Gold Teacher

Our Secondary Students

Year 11 Reports

Year 11 Students will receive their reports early so that they can check/query them before they are uploaded to SCSA.  All uploads are required by 28 November, 2019.  Any discrepancies, please contact Mr Gargano or Mrs Parnham.  Thank you.

Year 6 Transition Day – Wednesday 27 November 2019

Year 6 students will be welcomed for a whole day on the Secondary campus next Wednesday.  Students will sample a variety of lessons in the various Learning Areas, followed by a sausage sizzle for lunch and tabloid sports in the afternoon.  Students can wear their PE uniform for the day and bus students will leave from the Secondary campus.  Other students will walk back to the Primary campus with their teachers before the end of the school day.

Secondary Choir Award

At our Leonard Day Assembly today, we were pleased to award our Secondary Choir with a Shield for their performance in the Northam Performing Arts Festival last term.  We congratulate our dedicated singers and thank Mr Reidy for his work with the Choir.

Marist Student Leaders Gathering: 24–26 November 2019

Jelena Manuel and Isabelle Ochtman with be escorted by myself to the Marist Students Leaders’ Gathering this weekend. 

Both young ladies are required to deliver a 5 minute presentation on how St Joseph’s School is Marist.

The activities are planned to develop young leaders so they can share their experiences with other students and deepen their faith. 

I look forward to seeing our representatives develop during this time.

With three weeks to go, students are still covering the curriculum with examinations for some groups coming up in Week 9.  Students are encouraged to work hard until the final week.

God Bless
Caroline Parnham
Head of Secondary

 

Learning Area in Focus:  HASS

In HASS, the Years 7-10 students have recently completed Civics & Citizenship and have been studying Economics & Business.

The Year 7 students have studied making economic choices, pricing strategies of businesses and have chosen a career to research in order to tell their peers all about it.  Photo: evidence of psychological pricing by Chelsea, Lily, Alyssa and Charlotte.

The Year 8’s are currently working on a Small Business Plan.   Photo:  Emily, Brooke, Hugh and Julius with their careers they have chosen to research.

The Year 9’s have studied the circular flow of income and are covering information on how to manage financial risks including the topics of saving and investing, as well as strategies to be aware of and avoid scams and identity theft.  Photo:  Year 9's studying the circular flow of income.

The Year 10 students are currently exploring ways of measuring Australia's economic performance by studying Gross Domestic Product, inflation and the unemployment rate.

Katie Enright, Luke Bogoni, Mary Dinneen & Niall Oman 
HASS Department

Perth Zoo

Last Friday, the Year 7 students went on an excursion to the Perth Zoo.  We are currently studying ecosystems and conservation and the excursion provided the opportunity to see what role zoos play in the conservation effort.  Despite the sweltering hot day, the students enjoyed looking at the animals and learning about their ecosystems and conservation programs (the ones that were braving the heat that is)!  They also participated in the Danger Games, an education experience learning about adaptations of endangered animals and what poses the biggest threats to their survival.

At the end of the experience, we got to touch a real life woma python.  Thanks to the staff who braved the heat as well to make it an enjoyable day.

Michalie Ruoss
Secondary Science Teacher

Science News

Late last term, 40 students in Years 7 to 10 participated in the 2019 International Science Competition, which is coordinated by the University of New South Wales (UNSW).  A far reaching event, with almost two million students internationally competing this year.  We were once again pleased with the results of our students:
Distinction (Top 10% of Australia)
Tama Peipi - Year 10
Adrian Gargano - Year 8
Credit (Top 25% of Australia)
Tyler Kilmurray, Eric Good - Year 10
Cameron de Wit, Cody Peipi, Campbell Horsburgh - Year 9
Jazz Randhawa - Year 7
Merit (Top 35% of Australia)
Lineese Naughton - Year 10
Antoinette Matres, Braeden Lane - Year 7.

The remaining students have received a Participation Certificate.  Students who sat this competition are asked to use their unique UNSW competitions login provided on their Certificate to get a full report, which will also show areas of growth from previous events (helpful for those who have been involved for a number of years).

                                   

In addition, we have also received the results of the Australian National Chemistry Quiz, which is organised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and coordinated by Swinburne University of Technology that 52 our students sat in July.  Congratulations to the following students from Years 9 and 10 who gained Merit Certificates in the 2019 Australian National Chemistry Quiz:
High Distinction certificate (Top 10% in WA); Eric Good - Year 10.
Distinction certificate (Top 25% of WA); Cameron de Wit, Campbell Horsburgh - Year 9.
Credit certificate (Top 40% of WA); Cole Matjuszenko, Tyler Kilmurray, Gerard O’Driscoll, Tama Peipi - Year 10;
and Mackenna Cousinery, Roy Jones Dalena, Cody Peipi - Year 9.

Well done to everyone on attaining those excellent results!

2019 End of Year Examinations

Term Four is the scheduled time for the End of Year examinations for all Year 10 Course A and Year 9 Course A students in their five core Learning Areas of; Religious Education (RE), English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS). Examinations are an important part of the teaching, learning and assessing cycle and a positive performance in these exams demonstrates a successful level of competency of key content and skills in each relevant Learning Areas.  Students are asked to utilise all materials and any study guides provided to enhance your chance to maximise your marks and therefore your grades.

The time allocation for Year 10 Course A examinations is two hours with 10 minutes reading time.  The time allocation for Year 9 Course A examinations is 90 minutes with 10 minutes reading time.  Students are reminded that the Mathematics examination consists of two papers; the calculator and non-calculator section.

Students are expected to be at school for the whole day on each of the examination days and will receive adequate breaks, including recess and lunch.  Students who are in Course B classes for some of these core subjects will participate in the regular timetabled program for that group at that time.  Further details about the arrangements for these days can be found in the note that was distributed during this week.

Students are reminded that full participation in the examination period is expected, and if you miss an examination you will be required to sit it at a later time.  The examinations are a part of our annual assessment structure for Course A students, with the scores being a significant proportion for the overall mark and will appear in the end of year report.  Please consider the examination period when making any alternative plans for this time of the year.

We wish all the students the best for their preparation over the next couple of weeks and for the actual examinations on 9-11 December.

Mark Gargano
Teaching & Learning Coordinator Years 7-12

Our School 

Presentation Night – 4 December

Parents and caregivers are advised that the 2019 Presentation Night for Years 1 to 12 students will be held on Wednesday 4 December at the Northam Recreation Centre from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Students are to arrive at the Recreation Centre by no later than 6.15pm and must report to their class or Homeroom teacher upon arrival.  Students will be seated in their class or Homeroom groups with their teacher and other staff supervising.

Students in Years 1 to 10 are to wear their correct summer uniform (please note this is a change from previous years).  Students in Years 11 and 12 will wear their correct winter uniform, including tie.  Personal presentation needs to be excellent, with particular attention to hair style/length.  We appreciate parental support with personal presentation as we are showcasing St Joseph’s School on the night.

This year, there will be a Christmas tree set up as you walk into the court area inside the Rec Centre.  We are asking each
family to donate one gift that can be passed on to those who are struggling within our community.  Father George has said that he will gladly distribute them amongst families in Northam and neighbouring Wheatbelt towns.  The gift can be for someone of any age but should be (a) wrapped and, (b) clearly labelled with the age and gender most suited (e.g. girl aged 11 or adult male, etc.)  This is a wonderful way to model to our children that we need to be grateful for all that we have and that there are many who will be really doing it tough this Christmas.  If each family is able to donate one gift then we will be able to pass over 300 gifts onto Fr George – that is over 300 people whose Christmas will be brightened by our generosity!  We hope that you will support this initiative.

2020 Booklists

We would like to advise parents/guardians that the 2020 Booklists are now available on our School's website (see the link below).  We will not be sending printed copies home this year.  However, if you experience difficulties with the internet and are unable to access them, please contact the Primary Office (9621 3500 or by email at admin@sjsnortham.wa.edu.au) and we can send a print version home with your child.  Parents and guardians of students in Years 9 and 10, please note that electives for these years are still being finalised. Please hold off ordering any resources until the electives have been confirmed with you.
https://sjsnortham.wa.edu.au/parent-information/booklist 

Andrea Woodgate
Principal

School Nurse News - School Based Immunisations (Round 2)

On Tuesday 26 November, the Avon & Central Wheatbelt Community Nurse Immunisation team will be visiting our Secondary Campus to administer the second round of the school based immunisation program to all Year 7 and Year 8 students.  The consent form already signed gives permission for these vaccinations, no further forms are required.  If you have any questions regarding this round of immunisations, please notify the School Nurse, Aimee Leeson, on 9690 1320 or send a note in to your child’s Homeroom Teacher and the School Nurse will contact you.

Our P&F

P&F News

Thank you to all those that attended the AGM yesterday and those who put in an apology.  We have a great group of parents once again jumping on board the Committee for 2020.  We are still looking for a Vice President - someone who is willing to learn the ropes of the P&F and help lead the group forward.  If anyone is keen, please contact Georgia via email georgiahaddrill@gmail.com.  Exciting news and changes for meeting times going into next year.  We will be holding alternate times each term, so one meeting will be held during the day and the next at night.  We hope this will encourage more working families to come along and be part of the discussions and decisions for the Committee.  Stay tuned for more information regarding the next meeting. 

All families are welcome to every meeting, you don’t have to commit to each one but it really helps having numbers when decisions have to be made.  We look forward to seeing some new and old faces at the next meeting, due in February 2020. 

‘Toilet Project’

We are very excited to be taking on "The School Toilet Transformation Project" (https://www.enlighteneducation.com/school-toilet-project/) for the Primary and Secondary toilets.  They are in desperate need of a makeover and brightening up and research has shown by adding quotes, inspiration and colours to the toilet blocks it has had a positive impact on students mental well being.  The above article explains more on this subject. 

In order to get this project moving, the P&F are having a busy bee weekend which is scheduled for Friday 6 December, straight after school till early evening, with a BBQ and drinks supplied; Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December - all day.  If you are keen to be part of this fun project, please contact Georgia via email georgiahaddrill@gmail.com or phone 0439 9429 33.   More details are on our P&F Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764507137145087/ 

The Secondary toilets are going to be done in conjunction with the student leaders and staff to create a more positive atmosphere and will allow for the students to take some pride in their facilities.  This will be started at a later date. 

Georgia Haddrill
P&F President

Our Community

AustSwim WA Instructor Course

AustSwim WA is conducting a two-day instructors course over the weekend, 7 and 8 December 2019, at the Northam Olympic Swimming Pool on Mitchell Avenue.  This course will allow participants to develop essential knowledge, skill and understanding to teach vital swimming and water safety education lessons.  The cost of this course is $385.00 for the two full days of instruction.  Once qualified, instructors will be given the opportunity to work over the summer holiday VacSwim program in local Wheatbelt towns.  For details, please contact the AustSwim WA Business Centre on 1300 885 666 or 9328 2115 or email: wa@austswim.com.au 

Save The Date - Former Students & Staff 2020 Reunion

The annual Reunion Lunch for former students and staff of Northam’s Catholic Schools; St Joseph’s, St Anthony’s and St Paul’s, will be held on Tuesday 25 February 2020 at the Graziers Steakhouse, Greenwood Tavern, Greenwood. RSVP is required by 14 February 2020 and should be directed to David Rushton on 0429 999 705, email: davidrushton2@bigpond.com or to Elizabeth Turner on 0409 290 947.

VacSwim 2019-20

Enrol now for the VacSwim summer holiday swimming lessons!  With swimming pools and beaches a big part of the Western Australian lifestyle, it’s essential that your children learn how to swim and stay safe in the water.  VacSwim is for all children - from beginners to more advanced swimmers.  Your children can start as young as five years old.

There are over 180 VacSwim locations around Western Australia, so wherever your family is spending these summer holidays, there will be lessons near you.  Enrol your children in VacSwim now at education.wa.edu.au/swimming.

WAAPA - Summer School Program

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts is pleased to advise of their Summer School program to be held during January in the coming Christmas Holidays.  With a wide range of disciplines and activities available, interested students and families are encouraged to contact WAAPA on 9370 6775, email: explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au or visit: waapa.edu.edu.au/explore for full details.

Uniform Shop 

Opening Times:                             Mondays - 3.15pm-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.    Orders will be filled and distributed to students or sent to the relevant Campus Admin Office for collection as soon as practical.

Michelle James 
Primary - 9621 3524

Primary Canteen

Roster for Term Four Week 7:

Monday	Nov  25	Julie Sandrini Emma Monger
Tuesday	Nov  26	Maria Perry Emma Monger
Wednesday	Nov  27	Liezl De Beer Sandra D'Costa
Thursday	Nov  28	Jade Dempster Geraldine Anderson
Friday	Nov  29	Jacqui O'Driscoll

Missing Plates/Platters?

The Canteen has a few plates and platters that held donated items for our Grandparents Morning Tea in Week 2.  As these have no names on them, I need your help to get them returned.  Please let me know if your plate/platter has not come home and I will send it home with your child.

Canteen Assistance

I am seeking assistance to set up a Roster for Term 4.  Please contact me direct if you can offer even an hour one morning this term. Thank you.  

Carmel Moore
Primary - 9621 3525