From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

Step Up Day

On Wednesday, all students from Kindy to Year 5 spent time with the teachers who will be teaching their year level in 2020.  While the students will not know exactly who their teacher will be until January, our hope is that by getting to know the teachers a little, the anxiety levels will be lower as it gets closer to back to school time.  Our current Year 6’s spent the day on the Secondary Campus, experiencing what it is like to have to move from subject to subject.

We had almost all of the students who will be new to St Joseph’s School next year attend the step up day as well and it was lovely to see our current students being so inclusive of their new classmates.

Secondary Build

We are very close to having finished classrooms!  By Friday 20 December when the builders break for Christmas, there will only be some minor finishing off to do.  The carpet has been laid, the glass operable walls are in, the lighting has been installed and the landscaping along the two street verges has begun.

The asphalt for the new driveway will be going in on Monday 2 December.  However, it will need a couple of weeks to settle before it can be used.

Volunteers ‘Thank You’ Morning Tea

Next Friday 6 December at the conclusion of the Primary Assembly, we would like to invite the members of our School community who have volunteered their time over the last year, whether it has been assisting in a classroom or spending some time in the Primary Canteen to join us for a 'thank you' morning tea.  We would love to see you all there to say a hearty and sincere ‘thank you’.

Presentation Night – 4 December

Parents and caregivers are reminded 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.

Doors open at 6.00pm and students are to arrive at the Recreation Centre 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.

Enjoy your weekend!

God Bless

Andrea Woodgate
Principal

Our Faith

School Movie Night Fundraiser

A Movie Night Fundraiser is being held on Thursday 5 December for students in the Primary years 4 to 6.  The movie, “The Lion King”, will be held at PB Kirby Hall between 4.00pm and 6.00pm.  The entry charge is a non-perishable food item which will be donated to St Joseph’s Care Christmas Hampers.  Snacks will be available to purchase from the Candy Bar.  There are only 90 seats available so please speak to Mrs Bogoni or Mrs Adams at School to secure your seat.

Primary Choir Performance

Earlier this year, St Joseph's School Primary Choir visited the RADA Recording Studio in Perth and recorded some backing vocals to a track by local band, Refractory Road.  The students have finally heard the finished product and they are to be commended for their incredibly professional sound on the song.  The song is called “A Change Is Arising” and can be streamed or downloaded from Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes.

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

‘Step-Up’ Transition Morning

On Wednesday 27 November, we had our ‘Step-Up’ Transition Morning on the Primary campus and I must say it was very successful! Students, both existing and new, were able to meet their classroom teachers for 2020 and get to know what it will be like to be a year older.  A BIG thank you to our staff for making this morning a wonderful experience for all.

Activities on Campus

On Tuesday, the Year 3/4 class had a visit from the Northam Volunteer Fire & Rescue Centre.  The students learnt about fire safety in the home and were shown the various items of equipment used on the fire truck during emergencies, including the operation of the 'Jaws of Life'.  Each student was able to have a go using the water hose!  Thank you to Fireman Matt for sharing lots of fire safety tips with our students.

Also on Tuesday, the Year 6 students organised a staff v student Soccer match which was held during the lunch break.  We were treated to some expert commentary by Reagan and Dean and the staff were captained by Ms Muzzarelli (Ronaldo).  Well done to all the students and staff and congratulations to the students for taking out the win!

Uniform & Personal Presentation

With Presentation Night and End of Year Assemblies looming, this is a gentle reminder to parents and students regarding the school uniform and personal presentation, including hair, standards.  Please refer to the Parent Handbook regarding the expectations.

Year 6 FunD Day

The annual Year 6 FunD Day will take place on Friday 6 December from 12.00pm until 2.00pm.  Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be involved.  The 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’s Parish Care.

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.

Lost Property

The collection of lost property items 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, all lost property will be donated to the Uniform Shop and the St Joseph’s Parish Op Shop.

Rebecca Clarke
Head of Primary

Primary Class in Focus:   Year 1 Gold

Wow, what a year!  We have been very lucky to have had Ms Hannah Harffey in our classroom for five weeks this term, completing her third year practicum as she studies to become a teacher.  Ms Harffey was a lot of fun and taught us so much!

In these last few weeks of term, we are starting to wrap things up.  In Religion, we have begun our Jesse tree.  The Jesse tree was created to help people remember important stories in the Bible that lead to the birth of Jesus.  We read a new story every day and add it to our tree to celebrate Advent.

                                   

In English, we have just finished learning about persuasive texts.  We learnt all about the structure of persuasive writing through a text called ‘Come to Alien School’ and then had a go at writing our own.

In Maths, Ms Harffey had some awesome activities to teach us ‘capacity’, which is the amount something can hold.  We got to do this by using popcorn, sand and water to measure the capacity of lots of different items.

Drama has been great fun this term as we have learnt to use the green screen to add a new element to our performances.  We have been astronauts blasting off into space and even gone for a moon walk!

                                   

Science saw us exploring why the sun is important and how seasons are made.

As we enter the last couple of weeks of Year 1, the students were asked to reflect upon what was the best thing about being in Year 1. Their responses were:
Zavier:  What I liked best about Year 1 was that we always had lots of fun.
Lukas:  The best part about Year 1 was making milkshakes.
Paige:  This year I have enjoyed helping everybody.
Bentley:  Year 1 was great because the teacher was nice.
Amelia:  I have enjoyed so much about this year, but my favourite things were making scarecrows, watching movies, crafting and cooking.
Klay:  This year my favourite things were doing Maths and having lots of fun.
Adeline:  Year 1 was great because we got to do art, watch movies and make teddy bears.
Bailey:  We got to do fun stuff in Year 1 like going to the computer lab, doing drama, making puppets and doing art.
Aida:  My favourite part of Year 1 was when we got to cook all the food for our parents for afternoon tea.
Christyiana:  I liked Maths, Indonesian and making photos using the green screen in Year 1.
Halo:  I really enjoyed having lots of fun in Year 1, especially cooking.
Patrick:  What I liked best about Year 1 is that we are all friends.
James:  In Year 1 we had lots of fun.
Ted:  This year I have really enjoyed going to the computer lab.
Dahkota:  In Year 1 I have enjoyed doing the Maths work and going to the computer lab.
Sophie:  The best part about Year 1 was going on excursions. I liked Scitech the best
Summer:  My favourite part about Year 1 was making our teddy bears for Book Week.
Oscar:  Year 1 was great because we got to do Go Noodle and fitness with the Year 6’s.
Jasmine:  Year 1 was wonderful because I got to make lots of new friends.
Alexandrea:  Year 1 was so good because we got to make flour and make our own bread.
Maddison:  The best part about being in Year 1 was having lots of fun.

Thanks Year One Gold for such an awesome year!               

Ruth Adams
Year 1 Gold Teacher

Our Secondary Students

Student Success

Congratulations to Maddison-Jayne Sumpton on her achievement and for graduating as a Public Sector School-Based Trainee with a Certificate II in Government. 

Maddison-Jayne was presented her Award at a graduation ceremony on 8 November at Martin Jull Professional Development Centre, Dumas House, West Perth.

 

 

Marist Student Leaders’ Gathering 2019

The two School Captains for 2020, Jelena Manuel and Isobel Ochtman, and I attended the Marist Student Leaders’ Gathering from 24 to 26 November.  Both Captains represented the School and were well-received by all the Marist School Leaders.  To see so many like-minded young people, who not only showcased their schools, but could recognise areas for improvement within in each of them, was extraordinary.  Their enthusiasm shone through in everything that they did which shows that they will be our country’s emerging leaders.

I would like to publicly acknowledge the wonderful Marist hospitality afforded to us by the Marist Brothers in Fitzroy, in particular Br Greg, who arranged accommodation on either side of this student Gathering.  We also had the privilege to meet the first Co-ed Principal of St Joseph’s School, Brother Doug Walsh.  I would also like to thank the School for this opportunity to take these two students to this event.

God Bless
Caroline Parnham
Head of Secondary

Marist Gathering Report

The three days of Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) camp in Melbourne was nothing short of amazing, exhilarating, uplifting and totally worthwhile.  From meeting some amazing, new, like-minded leaders with brilliant ideas to apply in our School, to workshops and activities that helped us thrive to become the best leaders we can be.

The camp kicked off with a few ice-breaking games and separation into discussion groups where new and lasting bonds were formed. We were then honoured to talk about the culture and history of our family-spirited School to the other leaders and staff of Marist Schools across Australia.  We investigated the five different Marist characteristics; ‘in the way of Mary’, ‘simplicity’, ‘presence’, ‘family spirit’ and ‘love of work’.  These are the characteristics that we now hope to make more prevalent in our School community for 2020 and the many years to come.  In particular, we have found a drive to enhance the Marist characteristic of ‘presence’ at St Joseph’s.

Across the three days of camp, we were introduced to new forms of prayer, such as ‘Taizé’ (a chanting prayer), ‘Dadirri’ aboriginal prayer (of reflection) and the Labyrinth prayer (in which the person focuses on letting go of worldly attachments or coming to God with a question).  We became immersed in new forms of experiencing our spirituality and plan to spread that further at St Joseph’s.

Multiple workshops enhanced our ability to respond to and implement new ideas and plans at the School.  We worked on our
contributions to stopping world issues, such as climate change and bullying, within the school community.  We learnt the importance of relying on those around us and staying true to ourselves.  We discussed the qualities that we, as leaders, will need to embrace and discovered how to balance both schoolwork and leadership work throughout the year.

Further to this, activities such as the ‘The Amazing (G)race’ and the ‘MYM Trivia Night’ was full of laughter and illuminated what we can do when we gather in the name of and follow what St Marcellin Champagnat displayed throughout his whole life.  These activities allowed and urged us to see what it means to be a part of a team that communicates well, lifts each member up and obtains patience in times when it is required.

Ultimately, the entire camp revolved around allowing all the future leaders of Marist Schools across Australia to unlock their full potential so that we can make 2020 the best year possible for all our peers.  We are incredibly excited for what we have to bring to the School and are grateful for all the kind and genuine friends that were made on camp.

We would like to also thank Mrs Parnham for accompanying and mentoring us along the way, Brother Greg for organising and allowing us to stay at Marcellin House which provided beautiful accommodation, and St Joseph’s School, as we are extremely grateful for this opportunity that has allowed us to grow as people and as leaders.

Isabelle Ochtman and Jelena Manuel

Mathematics Achievement

On Friday 22 November the Australian Mathematics Certificates were presented during the Leonard Day Assembly.  These awards were as follows:
Proficiency (top half of the state):
Elara French, Jasmine Hodgkinson, Jazz Randhawa, Clayton De Wit, William Humphries, Zara McCagh, Hannah Morrell, Kyran Reyes, Carmen Reynders, Tim Bretschneider, Campbell Horsburgh, Hilary Rocas, Cole Matjuszenko, Stephanie Gargano and Jack Fricker.
Credit (top half of all countries involved):
Isaac Childs, Madison Dymnicki, Braeden Lane, Antoinette Matres, Grace Treloar, Corey Childs, Kimberlea McCall, Liam Clarke, Sony Phung, Ben Vincent and Amaris May.
Distinction (top 20% of countries involved):
Adrian Gargano, Don Nguyen, Cameron De Wit, Jaidev Singh, Lara Schmidt, Tama Peipi and Tyler Kilmurray.
Best in school
Cameron De Wit and Don Nguyen.

Congratulations to all our students who took part in the competition.

Mike Hillyer
Mathematics Teacher

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 

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

Our P&F

‘Toilet Project’

Toilet Transformation Project is happening next weekend, starting Friday 6 December straight after school to get everything prepped and possibly some painting done.  A BBQ tea and drinks will be supplied.  On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, we will be painting and hanging quotes and sticking pictures up.  Morning tea and lunch will be supplied for our amazing volunteers!  The colours are set and quotes chosen so it's going to be a fun and exciting weekend brightening up the bathrooms for the children.

If you can assist in anyway over the weekend with an hour or three, even if you can come and go, please contact Georgia on 0439 942 933.  The more people on deck, the quicker the tasks can get done. 

2020 Planning Meeting

A very quick get together with Committee and members of our School community to discuss events for next year will be held one evening during the last week of school.  The events we will be discussing include a Colour Run, Easter Raffle, School Welcoming events, etc.  A night is yet to be finalised but keep a look out on our Facebook page regarding this; see link below: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764507137145087/?ref=bookmarks

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 

Northam Lawn Tennis Club – Junior Tennis Coaching

Enrolments are now open. Sessions take place at the Northam Country Club on Wood Drive each Wednesday afternoon for eight weeks beginning Wednesday 5 February to 25 March 2020.  Lessons cater for all ability and ages from 4-18 years and are conducted in small groups with experienced coaches from Frontier Tennis, who travel up from Perth each week.

Session times are approximately between 3.15pm – 6.30pm and are offered for the following levels:
Pre Tennis (PP)      30mins/45mins per week - no tennis experience or coaching (Limited to ages 4-7)
Beginner      45mins per week - little tennis experience or limited coaching, which includes three seasons of pre-tennis
Intermediate      45mins per week - some ability to rally, some coaching experience but learning to serve and score
Pre-Squad/Squad      1hr per week - able to rally and prior coaching experience but working on serve, technique and scoring

The above groups are a guide only and are dependent on ability, ages, enrolment numbers, Coordinator and Coach decision.  Please request an enrolment form via email below.  Coaching groups will be finalised by 27 January 2020 with notifications sent soon after. Placement cannot be guaranteed if a session group is already at capacity at time of enrolling.  Please request an enrolment form via email: lynnetagliaferri@hotmail.com For further information, including coaching fees, please contact Lynne on 0427980989.

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 8:

Monday	Dec   2	Fiona Brayshaw Catherine Naughton
Tuesday	Dec   3	Stacey Manners Emma Monger
Wednesday	Dec   4	Karen Carter Emma Monger
Thursday	Dec   5	Sacha Tomlin Angela Sandrini
Friday	Dec   6	Jacqui O'Driscoll Pat O'Neill Melissa Rutter Julie Sandrini Melanie Ambrose

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