From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

Remembrance Day

On Wednesday, both campuses paused to remember the sacrifice of so many Defence Force personnel over the years.  We reflected on the freedom we now enjoy because of their service.  I attended the Northam RSL Service with Wendy Chen, Tess Lawrence and Ethan Budas.

                                                                   

NAIDOC Week

Throughout this week, classes have been taking part in NAIDOC Week activities.  These have ranged from storytelling, arts and crafts and season wheels.  On Friday, both campuses were fortunate to have Mr Frank Davis share some stories of his childhood and play the didgeridoo for us.  Mrs Noelene Boyce, our Aboriginal Teachers’ Assistant, also organised for our Primary students to take part in some food tasting – kangaroos stew, damper and some dips.  Some of our Indigenous boys also attended the Northam Police Station’s NAIDOC Week flag raising ceremony.

                                          

Exams

Today sees the end of the exam period for our Years 11 and 12 students.  We hope all these students are now able to rest and enjoy their Christmas break.  Congratulations to all of them for their hard work throughout the year. 

Annual School Community Meeting

Next Thursday 19 November we will be holding our Annual School Community Meeting.  This will take place at in the SMPAC on the Primary Campus.  The P&F will hold their AGM first at 1:00pm and the School’s ASC meeting will begin at approximately 1.30pm.  We hope you are able to come along and support these meetings.  

Leonard House Day

Next Friday is Leonard House day.  All students are encouraged to come dressed in red to celebrate.  Student Leaders on both campuses will have food available to purchase.  A gold coin donation is requested and all of the funds will be donated to St Joseph’s Care.

Have a great weekend. 

God bless

Andrea Woodgate
Principal 

Primary News                                   

NAIDOC Week

The Primary Campus took time this week to reflect and celebrate NAIDOC Week.  NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally from 8 to 15 November.  The 2020 NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.  On Friday, we held a special NAIDOC Week Assembly with Jaeda Loo [Year 5] proudly welcoming the School community to country in traditional Noongar at the beginning.  Mr Frank Davis, a local elder, joined our School community and lead the students through a traditional story using his didgeridoo. 

                         

          

Following on from the Assembly, Mrs Noelene Boyce, organised a range of activities for the students to do – food tasting, making bracelets and face painting.  Throughout the week, each class created a display in the Library highlighting their learning allowing students to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions.

Term 4 Interm Swimming Lessons

Interm Swimming lessons for all students in Years 5 and 6 will continue on Monday 16 November and conclude next Friday 20 November (Week 6).

Student Success

Congratulations to Ayla Grogan [Year 5] for receiving a National Young Writers Award run by the Mental Health Foundation.  Well done, Ayla!         

                                                                                                             

Leonard House Day

Red will be the ‘in’ colour at School next Friday as students celebrate Leonard House Day.  Leonard House is named after Sister Leonard McCarthy and recognises the wonderful work that she gave to our School community.

Save the Dates …

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

2021 Pre-Kindergarten Information Session & Transition Morning - Tuesday 24 November @ 9.00am (Week 7)

2021 Early Years Parent Information Session (Kindy & Pre-Primary) - Thursday 26 November @ 9.00am (Week 7)

‘Step-Up’ Transition Morning - Monday 30 November (Week 8)
On Monday 30 November (Week 8) 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 have been invited to attend).  Teachers in each cluster group will be doing activities with the students.  The Kindy to Year 4 transition will conclude at 10.50am (Recess).

Years 5 & 6 transition will be extending their activities to include a Tabloid Sports session 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 (Week 8)
The 2020 Year 6 students will be participating in a Transition Day on Monday 30 November.  More information will be available at the 2021 Year 7 Information Session being held on Wednesday 25 November in the Secondary Campus undercover area commencing at 6.00pm.

Presentation Award Assembly – Wednesday 2 December (Week 8)
The Primary Presentation Awards Assembly will be held in the Undercover Area on 2 December starting at 10.00am.  This is a compulsory School event and all students from Year 1 to Year 6 are expected to attend.  More information regarding this event will be sent out closer to the date.

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

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
Kindy & Pre Primary Final Assembly        7 December @ 11.00am
Pre-Kindergarten Final Assembly           10 December @ 11.00am
Final Primary Christmas Assembly        11 December @ 11.30am
Invitations and reminders have been sent home with students.

Rebecca Clarke
Head of Primary 

Class in Focus:  Year 4 Blue

We are nearly there!!!  It is Term Four and we are so close to the end of the year and feel like we have all learnt and experienced so much together.

In Science, Year 4 Blue have enjoyed exploring different materials of the world and looking at what our clothes are made from.  This has been extra special because many families have just sheared their sheep and we learnt wool is used for many different purposes.

                               

In Technologies, we have created some dioramas for a backdrop to a movie based on a UFO.  All students created some very imaginative UFO’s and their movie trailers were amazing.  We have some future directors here in Year 4 Blue.  The students also created their very own dominoes machine where one object needed to knock over another to fulfil a simple job such as turning on an iPad or opening a book.  This was lots of fun!

                               

In English, we have started with Talk 4 Writing, which is our new program for writing.  The program uses actions along with words to help students remember stories and specific vocabulary.  We follow a process to explicitly teach the students precise writing techniques for each text type.  I am super excited for in a few weeks’ time where we will see each student’s story about ‘Where is the treasure hidden?’

                                                                

This week we have been celebrating NAIDOC Week.  In the classroom, we have been researching events which are important in Aboriginal people’s history and learning Ballardong Noongar words for common English words.  This has been a highlight for many students this week.

Lastly, we have been lucky enough to welcome Miss Parlongo into our classroom for the next four weeks.  She is completing one of her teaching placements and doing a great job with the students.

We are all hoping to have a great end to the year and hope everyone has a lovely Christmas to finish off a rollercoaster of a year.

Ben Hewitt
Year 4 Blue Teacher

Secondary News

Learning Area in Focus:    Science

Year 7
This term the Year 7 students have been studying Biological Sciences. In particular, they have looked at the biological classification system and learnt how scientific names are used.  They have also looked at each of the classes of vertebrates in detail and what characteristics make each class.  This study has been capped off with an excursion to the Perth Zoo to look at adaptations and the roles zoos play in conservation.

                                   
 
Year 8
This term the Year 8 students have delved into the study of Chemistry.  We have investigated the three states of matter and changed the boiling point of water by adding sugar, salt or vinegar.  Students then explored the periodic table and are in the process of learning 20 elements and their chemical symbols.  We have also conducted many chemical experiments including collecting hydrogen and conducting the pop test and heating magnesium to the point of glowing to create a new substance.  I look forward to the Year 8 students exploring more chemistry by looking at various chemical reactions in detail.

Year 9
One class have been making a film segment that compares Wifi and Bluetooth technologies.  These students have certainly shown a lot of imagination in their productions.  For example, one group have decided to make their comparison like the recent United States elections.  The questions that arises is which technology will be the first to 270 votes?

The other class designed and constructed a model house that is energy efficient.  These students have been utilising various materials that provide sound proofing.  The students really enjoyed testing their models against other groups, to see who had the most effective design.  This was determined by a very impartial referee, in the form of Vernier probe, that measured decibels inside their houses.

Year 10
Our Year 10 students are working on a few diverse, yet linked areas of science; cosmology, sustainability and chemical reaction rates.  In the cosmology component, students have been following-up their investigations into relativistic motion linked to activities and data collected at the Gravity Discovery Centre a couple of weeks ago.  In the reaction rates component, the students are considering changing the surface area, increasing the concentration, changing the temperature, or adding catalysts to their reactants to speed up the chemical reaction so that they can get the product out quickly.  This is an important industrial process, to get a good yield in a timely manner, beat their competitors to the marketplace and ensure well-managed processes that enhance beneficial outcomes to the environment.  This takes us to the other section, sustainability.  This area currently involves the students in the designing of a bin sticker, they need to develop a catchy slogan, capture appropriate images, keep a positive message with persuasive language to discourage littering- all while delving into the background science.

Examinations
Our Years 11 and 12 students have just completed examinations and wish them all the best for their results, which for the Year 11 students will be delivered during our seminar days.  Year 10 students are reminded about beginning to consolidate their learning in preparation for their Course A examinations and final tasks and tests for Course B in Week 7 across all five core Learning Areas.  Year 9 students need to begin collating their notes and resources to prepare for their Course A examinations and Course B final tests and tasks in Week 9.

Mike Hillyer, Michalie Ruoss, Kylie Wallis, Jada Yengkopiong, Shahn Johnston, Nita Budas & Mark Gargano 
Science Learning Area staff

Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp

During Week 3, the Year 10 Outdoor Education group travelled to Dwellingup to participate in a three day camping expedition.  Students participated in a 14km bush walk through Lane Poole Reserve and Nanga Pine Plantation, travelling from Dwellingup town centre towards the camping grounds.  Unfortunately we were turned around due to burn offs and missed a section of Lane Poole Reserve. Despite delay, the students pushed on and were dropped back into the bush outside the Pine Plantations, finishing their walk with a 2.5km stroll through the cool Pine Forest.  During their walk, students experienced a large variety of vegetation and wildlife spotting rare red-tailed black Cockatoos, kangaroos and beautiful wildflowers.

On the second day, students were busy with a bush craft/orienteering challenge, archery and canoeing.  Starting the adventure at 8.00am, students were captivated by the knowledge and skill of Scott White from The Archery Centre and participated in an archery exercise at Nanga Bush Camp.  Later they demonstrated their Orienteering skills in a bushcraft challenge and orienteering activity where the winning team completed the 5km relay course in 1hour 5minutes, 43 seconds!  Canoeing was a blast as students got to experience some of Murray River small rapids, learn new paddling skills and experience another beautiful and diverse environment.  Harley Hanstrum from Dwellingup Adventures lead the groups along the 6km paddle, with support from Elena Lennox from Resilient People. Only a few students (and teachers) fell in over the obstacles but everyone had a blast and enjoyed the challenge.  A refreshing swim was well deserved after the challenging canoe activity.

Finally before the we departed for Northam, students participated in a variety of Tree Adventure courses and Lane Poole Tree Adventures.  Students worked their way along a course graded from green to black and a few even made it to the extreme black course seeing them climb 16+ metres into the tree tops, crossing different obstacles along the way to end with a 16m jump with only an inertia reel easing their fall.

Throughout camp, the students enjoyed a number of nutritious and most importantly delicious meals prepared by Kerry Grey.  Students helped with preparation and serving of food and were very grateful to have a warm meal at the end of each day.  I am very proud of the students who attended camp as they demonstrated so much resilience when faced with different challenges, worked well in teams and stepped out of their comfort zones to ensure that they had the best experience possible.  Thank you to Mr Patterson, Mr Bransby, Mr Vea, Ms Abbey and Ms Grey for participating in camp and helping make it such an enjoyable experience.

Adrienne Suckling
Outdoor Education Teacher

Our School

P&F Association AGM & Community Meeting

We will be holding the P&F Association AGM and Annual School Community Meeting consecutively next Thursday 19 November.  Our experience has shown us that this format was most convenient for parents to be able to attend both meetings.  Parents with younger children can bring their little ones and toys as help with child minding will be available.
 
The P&F Association AGM will commence at 1.00pm followed by the Community Meeting at 1.30pm.  The meeting will conclude at 2.30pm in time for the end of the school day.  Members of the St Joseph’s School community are invited to attend one or both meetings.  Positions for the P&F Association Executive will be vacated at their meeting and nominations will be called for.
 
The Annual School Community Meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the School in 2020 - a year like no other! Reports will be received from the Principal, the Board Chair and the Treasurer.

Administration of Schools (AoS)

Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) has committed to a new Administration software platform that has been a work in progress for the last couple of years.  As the demands of modern schools increase, the services required to support schools increase faster still.  AoS is a comprehensive engine designed to integrate all of these services and unit them in one central management system.  St Joseph’s School has been working with staff from CEWA with the installation of AoS, to replace our current Administration system.  There will be several changes such as a new BPAY reference number and SEQTA logins.

BPAY reference number: we will send you a Fee Statement showing your current balance and updates payment details in the coming weeks.  Please take note of your new BPAY reference number on the attached Fee Statement.  Prior to making any BPAY payments, please update your bank account details to the new BPAY reference number.

SEQTA Engage: parents/carers have been sent a link to set up their accounts.  All families are required to set up their new account within a week of receiving the link in order to access past reports.  Please ensure you keep your username an password, in order to use this again at the end of the year.  We appreciate your patience during the transition period.

Andrea Woodgate

Library Book Covering Assistance Request

Our Library Officer is seeking volunteers to assist with book covering.  Currently, there are 5 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.

Kylie Dymnicki
Library Officer

Our P&F

2020 AGM

Our AGM is being held next Thursday 19 November at 1.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre.  All positions are open and we welcome everyone to come along and be involved.  If you are interested in taking on a role and would like more information, please contact georgiahaddrill@gmail.com

The P&F have a private Facebook page and we would love as many families as possible to stay connected here, please click on the link to join:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764507137145087

Georgia Haddrill 
P&F President

Our Community

Child Health Nurse News

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

Extend offers the chance for children to learn and play in a fun and supported environment.  Our programs develop and nurture young minds with science, cooking, sports and imaginative play.  Enrol and book online at extend.com.au today!

Extend B&ASC is available to families of St Joseph’s School Northam.  Please note bookings are required and this can be done at www.extend.com.au.  The Chid Care Subsidy is a government fee relief program providing assistance to families for the cost of child care.  To register for CCS, lease visit my.gov.au  For all things Extend, please contact Stephanie Richardson, Coordinator, on 0498 789 033 or email sjnortham@extend.com.au.

Northam Lawn Tennis Club - Junior Tennis Coaching

Enrolments are now open for Junior Tennis coaching.  Sessions will take place at the Northam Country Club on Wood Drive each Wednesday afternoon for eight weeks beginning 14 October through to 2 December 2020.  Lessons cater for all abilities and ages from 4 to 18 years and are conducted in small groups with experienced coaches from Frontier Tennis.

Please request an enrolment form via email: lynnetagliaferri@hotmail.com.  Placement cannot be guaranteed if a session group is already at capacity at time of enrolling.  For further information, please contact Lynne on 0427 980 989.

Emergency Service Cadets

The Emergency Service Cadets program started in Northam on Tuesday 13 October.  If you have a child between the ages of 11-18 who has an interest in the Emergency Services, this could be the program for them.  Cadets will run on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm-7.30pm during school term and will continue into 2021.

Cadets will learn valuable life skills and form life-long friendships along the way; get to experience all facets of the Emergency Service Space in partnership with Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA, Wheatbelt District - WA Police Force, Northam PCYC, St John Ambulance, the Volunteer Bush Fire Service, the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service and the Volunteer State Emergency Service.

The Cadet Unit is run by volunteers from all of our local community volunteer services that we are so fortunate to have working within our communities.  Further information about the program can be found at https://dfes.vol.org.au/roles

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

WANSLEA – Engaging Adolescents

Wanslea is offering an online parenting skills course to families and caregivers which aims to provide easy to use techniques to support your teens in managing their own behaviour, emotions and to build better relationships.  This free Webinar will run on 26 November and 3 December from 7.00-9.00pm.  To register your interest, please email Jeni Pages on jpages@wanslea.asn.au for further details.

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

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