From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of St Joseph’s Family,

This week the new Head of Secondary for 2022 spent time with us.  Ms Sharon Cusack visited the Year 6s, attended the Year 7 Information Evening and the P&F meeting and also visited classrooms.  We are all excited to be working with Sharon next year and warmly welcome her to the St Joseph’s community. 

     

The Year 7 2022 Information Evening was a huge success and it was wonderful to have almost all of our Year 7s for next year present to hear all about the exciting things planned for them.  The Secondary da Vinci students wowed us with their work samples and the classrooms were open for inspection. 

Last week we rejoiced with the rest of Western Australia at the news that Cleo Smith had been found and that her captor had been caught.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family as they start to rebuild their lives.

ATAR exams commenced last week and we are confident that all the hard work these students have put into their studies over the last two years, will pay off.  We wish each of them the best of luck.

The school undertook it’s Cyclic Review last week.  This happens every three years and has a focus on school improvement over the preceding years and the improvement plans for the next three years.  I am pleased to report that we received a huge tick and were affirmed about the direction our school is heading.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind our families and caregivers to be mindful of our neighbours, especially those around the Primary Campus, and not to park in any way that obstructs driveways or rubbish bins from being emptied.  In the lead up to events that will see a number of families attending the Campus, we seek your cooperation with this request.

2021 Presentation Night Awards

Families and community members are advised that our annual Presentation Night Awards for students in Years 1 to 12 will be held on Wednesday 1 December at the Northam Recreation Centre commencing at 6.00pm.

Students are to arrive at the Recreation Centre by no later than 5.45pm 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.  Please note that student attendance at the Awards is compulsory.

Students in Years 1 to 10 are to wear their correct summer uniform.  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.

Christmas Giving

This year we are again going to be collecting Christmas gifts for children in need at our Presentation Night event.  Families are asked to donate a gift for a child or children and bring it unwrapped but in a gift bag, labelled with the gender and approximate age of the child. These should be placed around the Christmas tree set up on the night.  Some of these gifts will be passed onto Father George to distribute within the Shire of Northam and some will be distributed to other agencies to pass on to those who need them the most.

Non-perishable goods.  Shortly, classes will be asked to collect non-perishable food items which will be donated to St Joseph’s Care and will be used to make food hampers for people within Northam to collect close to Christmas.  More information will follow in the coming weeks but your generosity is appreciated.

Annual School Community Meeting

The annual School Community Meeting is taking place on Thursday 18 November.  At this meeting, the community is able to vote for new nominations to the School Advisory Council (formally known as the School Board).  IF you would like to nominate for a position on the School Advisory Council, then please send an email to admin@sjsnortham.wa.edu.au

God Bless

Andrea Woodgate
Principal 

Primary News                                            

Week 5

It is hard to believe how close we are to the end of the year.  Please find below a summary of some of our End of Year Events.

School Community Mass:  Saturday 13 November at 5:30pm

Please come along to our last Community Mass for 2021.  Thank you to all of our families who have attended over this year, it has been lovely to come together in prayer as a community.

Step-Up Day:  Monday 29 November

Step-Up Day gives students the opportunity to meet their teacher and classroom friends for 2022.  Students going into Pre-Primary through to Year 6, will spend the morning in their 2022 classroom to familiarise themselves with the learning environment, their teacher and peers.

Water Fun Day:  Tuesday 30 November

Water Fun Day is a day to celebrate the end of the year with our Primary students and to thank them for all of their great behaviour, hard work and perseverance demonstrated throughout 2021.  On this day, students will be invited to wear appropriate sun-smart swimwear (including a rashie).  Our oval will be turned into a water fun-zone with water slides of all shapes and sizes.  Students will be provided with regular breaks and there will be a Chill-Out Area for any students not wishing to participate or who just need a short break from the fun.  Thank you to our P&F who will be sponsoring lunch, as all students will receive a sausage sizzle and juice box on the day.

Year 6 Final Assembly & FunD Day

Please join us as we celebrate our Year 6 students at their final assembly on our Primary Campus.  The Year 6 students will also set up stalls to raise money for charities important to our community.  All Primary students are encouraged to bring some gold coins to participate in the fun.

May you all have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

Michelle Christian
Head of Primary

Class in Focus:  Year 3 Gold

Semester Two is proving to be a busy time for Year 3 Gold!

Through Design and Technologies, we have been writing, producing and directing our own short Stop Motion film.  The children have enjoyed the whole process and are very proud of their final production.

We had a screening for all the films and the students were enthusiastic to see what other students thought of their work.

During Term 3, we had an excursion to the Spare Puppet Theatre in Fremantle.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the puppet play and became critics when the Producer asked for their feedback on the play.  They also became prop designers, making their own hand puppets.

                                         

In Religion, we have researched Mary Help of Christians.  Australians pray and honour Mary Help of Christians from as early as the first settlers.  With the prayer Hail Mary and the use of the Rosary, Mary Help of Christians has been able to help all those that ask for her help.

                                        

Kathy Pollard
Year 3 Gold Teacher

Class in Focus:   Year 5 Gold

This term in Week 2, the Year 5’s travelled to Hillary’s Boat Harbour to visit the WA Aquarium.  The focus of the visit was to learn about the adaptions aquatic animals have made for living in their environment and to give students motivation and inspiration for their Information Report Writing task this term.

The day started with a talk from the staff at AQWA in which students learned about a variety of adaptions animals had made for live in their habitat.  For example, the students learned that sharks with a small lower tail fin usually swam close to the bottom of the ocean, whereas longer lower tail fins were better for more efficient swimming.  After the talk, students walked around the aquarium observing the different fish in different habitats.  Most exciting was the underwater tunnel, in which students could observe all kinds of ocean creatures, especially the large sharks and stingrays.

         

After lunch, students learned about the adaptions of a special fish known as the flying fish, which has evolved to escape predators by jumping and gliding for hundreds of metres.  Students then got into groups to design their own flying fish and had fun seeing which group could fly their fish the furthest.

                                      

Finally, the students explored the outdoor area of AQWA.  They learned about local conservation efforts and got to see the staff feeding rescued turtles.  Students then investigated the touch-pool and the other outdoor exhibits, which included an archaeological dig where students found real shark teeth in the sand!

                                                        

Overall, it was a wonderful and educational experience enjoyed by all the students.  A big thank you goes to our amazing parent helpers who came along.

Peter Matthys
Year 5 Gold Teacher

Secondary News

Learning Area in Focus:  Religious Education

Year 7
Our Year 7 Religious Education classes have been investigating how we are given the gift of love and the gift of prayer.  From this we are called to develop Charity.  Students are viewing the film, 'The Shack', which highlights aspects of Prayer and communication with God that draw us towards Charity and love.

Year 8
Students in Year 8 are learning about the requirements for getting the most out of their lives currently.  Their driving question asks, 'How can people live an abundant life?'  This question is connected to aspects of coming of age including the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Year 9
In Year 9 our students in Religious Education are developing an understanding of the importance of right relationships.  Students are involved in determining the purpose of Christian procreation and the benefit of being a part of the structure of local and global communities through the upbringing of children in family units.

Year 10
This week, students in Year 10B have just completed their 'Buddy Reading' program with Avonvale Primary School.  Children from Avonvale received gifts and books for their last session from our wonderful mentor students.  We look forward to continuing this partnership in future years.

                              

         

In addition to this service, our Year 10's and our Year 5's also contributed to the clean-up of Northam Cemetery on All Souls Day. Students, staff and parents began the afternoon with a Liturgy about the importance of the dead and the role we play with the journey of their souls to Heaven.  From there we were able to explore graves and learn stories about some local figures and relatives of students.

Year 11
Our Year 11 Religious Education students have completed their General Studies Assessments and the ATAR students are preparing for their exam next week.

Students are also looking forward to their upcoming MaJEC Day held in Perth at Good Samaritans Inc, St Vincent de Paul Society and Foodbank in Week 6.

Lloyd Reidy, Amanda McLaughlin, Daniel Matthys & Renee Marasco 
Secondary RE Staff

Year 7 Immunisation Team

The Avon and Central Wheatbelt Community Nurse Immunisation Team will be visiting St Joseph’s School on Wednesday 24 November 2021.  This will be to administer the second round of the school-based immunisation program to all Year 7 students, both females and males.

The Consent form you signed in Term 1 indicates consent (or non-consent) for these vaccines, therefore no further forms must be completed by you.  If you wish to withdraw your consent for your child’s vaccinations, or 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.  Samantha Mills, Community Health Nurse, Avon & Central Wheatbelt Primary Health, Northam Regional Hospital, Robinson Street, Northam – Phone: 9690 1320.

**Important information regarding school immunisations and COVID-19 vaccines
Please note that ALL vaccines MUST be administered either 7 days Before or After any COVID-19 vaccine.  Therefore, if the above date coincides with COVID-19 vaccine administration, please let the School Health Nurse know ASAP so we can organise a different date for the School vaccine or please re-schedule your COVID vaccine to reflect these time periods.

Our School

P&F Association AGM & Annual School Community Meeting

We will be holding the P&F Association AGM and Annual School Community Meeting consecutively next Thursday 18 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 School 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 become available 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 2021 with Reports to be received from the Principal, the Chair and the Treasurer.  

Employment Opportunity

The School is advertising for a part-time Administration Assistant to work two mornings and one full day during term time in 2022.  Our advertisement is on our website under the tab, Our School ~ Employment Opportunities.  The advert contains the details of the position, including a Duty Statement and our Code of Conduct.  Applications are due by 3.00pm on Monday 22 November 2021.

CHO COVID-19 Update

As you may have heard, all Western Australians aged 12 to 15 are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Health has also announced it is offering allocated times for school students aged 16 years and over and school-based staff to access WA Health clinics.

More information about clinic locations can be found on the HealthyWA website. The letter from the Chief Health Officer, providing details about the clinics, including information about consent is available from our website under the Class Information tab.

If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your child, please visit the HealthyWA website. Thank you for your support in keeping our students, staff and community safe.

2022 School Year

Parents and caregivers are reminded that if your child/children are not returning to St Joseph’s School in 2022, please ensure you let us know as soon as possible and place your intentions in writing addressed to the Principal.  This helps us with forward planning and allows time for interviews and orientation.  We thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Andrea Woodgate

Our P&F

P&F News

Our AGM will be held on Thursday 18 November at 1.00pm in the Primary Performing Arts Centre, to be followed by the annual School Community Meeting.  We invite all our parents and caregivers to come along and listen to the Reports that will be presented at both meetings.

Georgia Haddrill
President

Our Community

Northam Catholic Schools Reunion Lunch

Former Students and Staff of St Joseph’s School (including St Paul’s) are advised of the 2022 Northam Catholic Schools Reunion lunch to be held on Tuesday 22 February 2022 commencing at 11.30am.  The venue is the Graziers Steakhouse, Greenwood Tavern (cnr Warwick Road and Coolibah Drive, Greenwood).  Bring your spouse, partner or BFF along to share in the day.  For more information, please contact David Rushton (0429 999 705 or email: davidrushton2@bigpond.com) or Elizabeth Turner (0409 290 947).  RSVP required by Friday 11 February to David or Elizabeth.

Extend B&ASC - Summer Holiday Program Bookings Open

Extend offers the chance for children to learn and play in a fun, safe and supported environment.  We are now seeking enrolments into the Summer Program and have a great range of exciting, energetic and educational activities lined up.  Our programs develop and nurture young minds with science, cooking, sports and imaginative play.  So, what are you waiting for?  Enrol and book online today!

Enrolling ensures we have the right information to safely care for your child.  Once enrolled you can book into any programs - simply select your school and book sessions as required.  Book for the whole term, or just for one day right up until the last minute.  Book from anywhere, anytime, any day on your mobile or computer.  For more information, visit our Enrolments and Bookings page at extend.com.au.  Book 14 days in advance to receive the Early Bird Rate!

Extend are seeking expressions of interest for an OSHC qualified Service Assistant to work in their Northam centre over the holidays and into 2022.  Information on this position is available from the job board on the careers page at extend.com.au

Ngala Support for Country Families

Ngala supports families with children aged from birth to 8 years of age living in regional, rural and remote Western Australia.  In partnership with WA Country Health Service, we provide free child health parenting information and support to these families through a Facebook group, Live Tutorials, online ‘live chats’, individual consultations and even a Country Dad SMS service!  If you would like to learn more about what Ngala can support you with, call 9368 9342 or email: countryfamilies@ngala.com.au

VacSwim Summer Program

Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays.  VacSwim offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations.  They are a great school holiday activity and they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.

If your child is over 13 years old, you can enrol them in VacSwim so they can get their Bronze Medallion during the summer school holidays.  They’ll learn advanced survival, rescue and resuscitation skills to help keep them and others safe in the water.  Applications should be made online at; education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

Uniform Shop 

Opening Times:                             Mondays - 3.15pm to 4.45pm       
                                                      Thursdays - 2.45pm to 4.15pm    

End of Year Clearance
The Uniform Shop is offering an End of Year Clearance sale on superseded uniform items.  Please note these items are not on the current Uniform Listing but may be purchased for wear at home.  A full listing of bargain-priced items and sizes is attached to the newsletter.  Be quick as clearance stock quantities are limited.

Can’t Get To The Shop?

Due to the restriction on the number of families able to access the Uniform Shop at one time, families are encouraged to continue to order uniform items via the online shop.  Please note we no longer accept email or telephone orders.

Please also keep in mind when ordering, that your items will go home Tuesday and Friday of each week, as Monday and Thursday are the days the Shop is open.  When placing an order via the Online Shop, it will appear on a report the following day.  For example; if you place your order on Monday, the report issues on Tuesday which means it will not be organised until Thursday and so go home on Friday.

Michelle James 
Primary - 9621 3524

Canteen News

Canteen Support - Volunteers Required

The Primary Canteen is operating with the Summer Menu during Term 4.  Please check out the daily menu options before ordering lunches.  A new item on the lunch menu and proving very popular is our range of frozen smoothies and milos.

Our Primary Canteen Helper Roster for the next two weeks of Term 4 is below:   

Primary - Week 6  

Tuesday	16 Nov	Julie Sandrini
Wednesday	17 Nov
Thursday	18 Nov	Julie Sandrini	&  Lisa Hasson
Friday	19 Nov	Desrae Smith

Primary - Week 7

Tuesday	23 Nov	Julie Sandrini
Wednesday	24 Nov
Thursday	25 Nov	Julie Sandrini	&  Lisa Hasson
Friday	26 Nov	Desrae Smith

We continue to seek volunteers to work in the Canteen.  Anyone can volunteer; mums, dads and grandparents are all welcome and appreciated!  We are more than happy to operate with two shifts per day if this is more convenient for volunteers.   If you are able help out, please sign up online at   https://signup.com/go/LQaHAbC

We are both looking forward to working with you.  If you have any queries, you are always welcome to contact us on the number below.

Kerri & Angela
Canteen - 9621 3525