From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

It has been a fantastic week in classrooms as we’ve seen the return of almost all our students.  Teachers and students are pleased to be getting back into their regular groove.  

As you will have read in my email yesterday, all students are expected back at school on Monday 18 May, with exemptions for those whose are immune-compromised or who are living with someone who is.  We ask that these few families who meet this exemption criteria contact the School to confirm that your students will continue to be learning from home.  

It is now time for us as a School to start reflecting on the changes which were implemented during the remote learning weeks.  Some of these changes we will be very quick to move away from when we can but some of them have proven to be beneficial and we will look at keeping. 

We are asking for parent and student feedback on what worked well and what didn’t for your child when they were learning at home.  We realise that some students loved the more self-paced, self-directed style of learning while others really struggled.  We were thrust into a more technological style of teaching and learning very quickly and we are excited about the possibilities that those changes bring. 

Parents are asked to complete our Feedback Survey by Friday 22 May.  Feedback Survey - Remote Learning  

A summary of the Premier and CEWA’s announcement yesterday is as follows:

*  All students expected back on Monday 18 May, medically vulnerable exempt

*  Boarders will be able to return home on weekends

*  Parents still not allowed back on school grounds

*  Cleaning and hygiene standards to continue

*  ATAR – will continue as scheduled for a 2 November start, written exams of the same length

*  Therapists allowed back in schools

*  Year 9s – as they cannot sit NAPLAN they will use their Year 7 results and will have an option to sit earlier in 2021 for those who did     not meet the standard in Year 7 to give them an extra opportunity to reach it.

Fluoro Friday – 29 May

Students are invited to participate in ‘Fluoro Friday’ on 29 May to raise money for Project Compassion.  Project Compassion is normally our main fundraiser for Term 1.  However, this was disrupted due to CoVID-19 so I encourage everyone to come dressed up in their best fluoro!  Please bring a gold coin donation.
  
Enjoy your weekend, not long to go now until we can venture further afield.  

Stay safe everyone and God bless. 

Andrea Woodgate
Principal 

Primary News

Fun Afternoon with Secondary Leaders

On Friday 8 May, the Kindergarten to Year 2 students were treated to a fun afternoon with the Secondary Student Leaders.  The students went on Bear Hunts, played games on the basketball court and listened to stories in the Library.  A very big thank you to our Secondary Student leaders and Mr Vernede for such a wonderful afternoon!

Crazy Hair Day

Lots of adventurous students and staff arrived at school last Friday showcasing their hairdressing skills with a wonderful array of coloured, teased, creative and truly amazing heads of hair.  A few resorted to wigs and I lost count of the number of dinosaurs and animals nestled amongst some of the 'crazy hair'.  Thank you to everyone who joined in with the fun!  I hope you enjoy these images from the day.

                

                 

                            

Primary Cross Country

The Primary Cross Country will be held on Friday 5 June for all students in Years 3 to 6.  However, due to the restrictions of CoVID-19 the event will look a little different this year.  Ms Frost is busy being creative with designing a suitable course around the school grounds for the students.  All students will need to wear their correct sports uniform on the day.  Unfortunately, at this point in time, parents will not be permitted to come onto the school grounds to watch their child participate in the Cross Country event.            

Rebecca Clarke
Head of Primary

Secondary News

Learning Area in Action - Science

Week Three saw students across all year groups tackling fresh science challenges in the first week of our return to the ‘old normal’.  For a number of students, the few weeks away certainly has not altered their enthusiasm or scientific inquiry skills.

The Year 7 students have started this term studying physics.  We have been learning about all different kinds of forces and even used their knowledge to bend water using electrostatic force.  This week they embarked on making videos to explain gravity.

The Year 8 students are budding geologists this term.  We have been learning about the formation of different kinds of rocks.  We have been simulating crystal growth with salt and exploring the effects of weathering using skittles and water.

Our Years 9 and 10 students are all currently doing Chemical Sciences.  The Year 9 group are learning about sub-atomic particles and how the exchange of electrons leads to ion formation and chemical reactions.  The Year 10 group are examining different types of chemical reactions and investigating the all important Mole concept.

The Year 11 Physics students have been researching and analysing nuclear reactions and decay equations.  They have recently gained a better understanding of managing the physics and engineering of nuclear power, what can go wrong when this doesn’t occur and even though Australia does not have nuclear power generation, that the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) perform essential research and produce materials vital for industry and medical purposes, such as cancer treatment.

In Year 11 Chemistry, the students have had their personal flame of chemistry sparked recently with activities linked to analysing unknown solutions, before delving a bit deeper into saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.
 
Year 11 Biology student have been tasked with designing an experiment to study the effects of human impacts on the environment. They had the challenge choosing an impact that could be studied on seedling in the lab.  Some students have chosen to look at acid rain, detergents, salinity, fire and global warming.  I look forward to seeing the results.
 
Year 12 Biology students are studying Natural Selection.  We have been using lots of computer simulations to look at the effects of adaptations and evolution.

Year 12 Chemistry have been discussing and investigating Electrochemical cells, a part of this was to set up various ‘Galvanic’ cells to determine the voltage when connecting these up and comparing these to the theoretical voltage through a few calculations.  From this, the students identified the factors that effect voltage output, relevant observations and the importance of ensuring a completed circuit, all crucial skills and content for their course.

The Year 12 Integrated Science students have been admirably studious during an uncertain and challenge time, whether that has occurred online or face to face.  They have compared endemic and urban ecosystems and studied the effects of urbanisation and deforestation on the biodiversity of ecosystems.  Our current Year 12 Integrated Science students display a genuine understanding and interest in reducing the human impact on our ecosystems and I have enjoyed the conversations that have occurred around this.

Ryan Sinclair, Michalie Ruoss, Jada Yenkopiong, Mike Hillyer, Kylie Wallis and Mark Gargano
Science Learning Area staff

Years 11 and 12 Examinations

Semester One examinations for all senior secondary students completing ATAR courses will be held over 8 to 12 June.  A letter outlining the examination dates and times has been provided to students this week. 

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.  Please utilise all materials and any study guides provided to enhance your chance to maximise your marks and therefore your grades.  Details like being aware of the structure for each of the examinations (multiple choice, short answer, comprehension, vocabulary, essay), mark allocation, topics, suggested questions, areas of focus will assist with sound preparation.  Students will be receiving an outline in each Learning Area shortly about the examination format, structure and key content to enhance personal preparation.  The following points will apply during the examination week:

1.  All students are required to be in full winter uniform for the examinations.

2.  You are not permitted to eat during an examination, this includes lollies and chewing gum.

3.  Drink bottles must contain only water in a clear plastic bottle, with the label removed, with a capacity of no more than 1.5 litres.

4.  Students are not permitted to leave any examinations early.

5.  All examinations are three hours (and 10 minutes reading time) long unless otherwise indicated through Learning Area      documentation.

6.  Upon arrival at school, students are to immediately move to Room 4 to commence at 9.00am.

7.  If students need to wait for buses, there will be a room available for study until the end of the regular school day.

8.  Students are not expected to be at school on the days or times where they do not have an examination.

All students are reminded that full participation in the examination period is expected and if you miss an examination a medical certification will be required or a score of zero will be recorded.  Please note: NO catch-up examinations will be available.

All General students are not required to attend school during this week unless they have incomplete work/assignments.  In that case, they may be asked to attend school to complete these tasks.

We wish all students the best for your preparations and with the examinations.

Mark Gargano
Curriculum Coordinator (Years 7-12)

Our School

2020 Fees, Health Care Card & Pension Card

Term 2 School fees accounts have now been issued.  Unless families are paying by Direct Debit (DD) or another regular payment scheme, the School requires payment of the second 1/3rd by Friday 22 May.  Parents/guardians are advised that if you have a Centrelink Family Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or a Department of Veteran’s Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, and have not come forward with your card, please visit or contact the Business Manager through the Primary Office immediately, so that discounted fees can be calculated and the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) rebate claimed, if applicable.

Steve Johnson
Business Manager

Secondary Based Immunisations

Parents and Guardians are advised that the Avon & Central Primary Health Service Community Nurse Immunisation Team will be visiting St Joseph’s School Secondary Campus on Tuesday 2 June 2020.  This will be to administer the first dose of the HPV vaccination and the Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertusis (dTPa) vaccination to Year 7 students.  Year 10 students will also be receive their next round of vaccinations on Tuesday 9 June 2020.

A consent form has been sent home for completion to give consent (or non consent) for these vaccines.  If you have any questions regarding these specific vaccines, please notify your community nurse via a telephone call or a note to the teacher ASAP.  If you would prefer that your child is vaccinated at the community immunisation clinic, please ring your local immunisation provider to make an appointment.  Please note:  If your child is absent or if your child has not returned the consent form there are spare consent forms in the Secondary Admin Office.

School Nurse News

The WA Country Health Service advises families that the 2020 Childhood Influenza vaccination program is available.  This is free for all children aged 6 months to 4 years old and for primary school aged children who attend Pre Primary through to Year 6.  For more information about the free vaccine, please contact your local GP or your local Community Health Nurse on 9690 1320.  Bookings are required.

Our Community

Donations Sought

Extend B&ASC is seeking donations of dolls with hair so the children attending can play ‘hairdressers’.  If you have a doll or two with hair that is no longer being loved, please consider donating this to Extend.  Donations can be left at the Primary Admin office for collection.  Thank you!

EXTEND Before & After School Care Program

As school returns across Australia, Extend is excited to be able to again fully support our communities.  While restrictions are being lifted, we still need to remain vigilant with hygiene and social distancing practices.  We have expanded our usual safety procedures to incorporate national recommendations regarding CoVID-19 prevention.

Everyone at every Extend service can expect to be safe and it is a shared responsibility to ensure we keep all children and adults safe at our services.  We continue to be updated with the most recent health advice to ensure our processes are always the most current health and safety processes.

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.

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.  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