From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

I would like to start by wishing you all a very warm welcome back to Term 2.  We were very excited to see almost half of our students back on Wednesday and have loved hearing stories about what families have been doing to pass the time during their time away school.

Overall, this week we have averaged about 45% attendance across the School.  Classes from Kindy to Year 8 have close to half their cohort present, Years 9 & 10 numbers are lower but almost all Years 11 & 12 students have returned.  We have been notified by many families that they plan to return their children to school next week which we are thrilled about. 

Students have adapted well to the changes we have had to make regarding drop off and pick up, particularly on the Primary campus where they have taken the need to wave goodbye at the gate in their stride.  As you can appreciate, social distancing with little people is nigh on impossible but I must commend the students, this time in particular the Secondary students on their very responsible attitude towards social distancing and the need to use the hand sanitizer.  We appreciate their efforts.  

On both campuses, the teachers are working from the remote packages they have planned.  Teachers and Education Assistants are in the classroom helping the students who are at school with their online lessons and they are also connecting in with those at home either through Seesaw, Microsoft Teams or a good old-fashioned phone call.  While it has taken a couple of days to get into the groove, most staff and students are getting the hang of it and getting on with the business of learning. 

As I have said in previous communications, please do not hesitate to contact the teachers about issues that may arise.  I would ask that you direct any major concerns to the Head of Primary or Head of Secondary, questions regarding the lesson content should go directly through the class teacher.  Email is the preferred method of contact. 

I would like to reiterate the message given prior to the holidays and that is that any family who would like some help with their fees are asked to reach out to myself or Mr Steve Johnson and we will be able to assist you.  Whether it is reducing your direct debit for a while or putting a halt to your direct debit for a short period of time, we can help with an arrangement that will work.  The enrolment of all students is guaranteed, regardless of your ability to pay during this current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Earlier this week we sent an email saying that CEWA have brought forward their Remote Learning review date to Monday 11 May.  If attendance rates continue to climb and the zero reported cases of COVID-19 continues in WA, it is anticipated that we may see a return to normal, face to face teaching from the following week.  More information will be sent to families as soon as we know more. 

It is with my heartfelt thanks to all parents, students and staff for their ongoing support, patience, understanding and commitment to the new approach to schooling.  I think you would agree your children have displayed the admirable qualities of resilience, adaptability, and endeavour.  While our situation at present is not what any of us signed up for, everyone is doing their very best whether at home or at school.  

I look forward to seeing more smiling faces next week. 

Stay safe everyone and God bless. 

Andrea Woodgate
Principal 

Video Message from Andrea Woodgate

Our Students

Term 2 Start

We are pleased to share the following images taken during this week, highlighting the classes and activities in progress.  Enjoy!

Rebecca Clarke and Caroline Parnham
Heads of School

Our Community

EXTEND Before & After School Care Program

Safety has always been our number one priority.  We have expanded our usual safety procedures to incorporate national recommendations regarding COVID-19 prevention.

The Australian Government, in partnership with Aspen Medical, have designed a COVID-19 Infection Control training module.  All Extend Educators, Operational management and Executive management have completed this training.  This ensures, across the company, all staff have a firm and clear understanding of how to keep our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have already outlined some of our other initiatives in a previous email to all families and schools, but to remind you, some of our major priorities are:
Limit the number of adults who enter our services 
Appropriate social distancing measures for children and adults
Diligent hand hygiene 
Regular use of surface disinfectant on hard surfaces including door handles and light switches
Avoid use of playgrounds, shared books and dress ups etc.
Promote only games and activities that can be enjoyed by social distancing
Ensure exemplary food handling procedures
Allow children to bring food prepared at home if they choose
Ensure all children with even mild flu like symptoms do not attend the service

All these initiatives and the education of our staff promote the safety of children, parents, teachers, and our Extend Educators.  We are educating ourselves daily on up to date health advice to ensure we are following best practice health and hygiene during this quickly evolving pandemic.

Extend B&ASC is available to families of St Joseph’s School Northam, offering a Before School Care from 6.45am-8.45am; After School Care from 3.00pm-6.15pm.  Please note bookings are required and this can be done at www.extend.com.au.  Contact Stephanie Richardson, local Coordinator, on 0498 789 033 or email sjnortham@extend.com.au.

Auskick 2020 - Postponed

The AFL has determined that all centres offering Auskick 2020 will now suspend this program until 29 May. Auskick is for boys and girls from 5 to 8 years of age. It helps build ball-skills, hand-eye coordination and team work.  To register visit http://www.play.afl/auskick if you are experiencing difficulties registering your child please email aflauskick@afl.com.au Please keep in mind that this program is only possible with parent assistance to help keep the evening running well.

Northam Hockey Club 2020 - Registrations Still Open

Registrations will remain open for the 2020 hockey season in the expectation that we will be able to offer a shorter term later in the year. https://www.revolutionise.com.au/northamhc/registration/ Minky for new players aged 8 and under; Senior registration (18yrs +) also open.  Junior teams are: - school year 6 and under; - school years 7 to 9; - school years 10 to 12.  Kidsport is available for eligible people. Contact Allison Ferguson for more details on 0437 491 761 or illafergub@gmail.com  

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

Term 2 - Winter Menu

Families are advised that the Winter Menu is now in operation.  Please check this out on our Website for daily menu options and prices.

Carmel Moore
Canteen - 9621 3525