Growing in Self-Control and Responsibility

One of the most important and enduring lessons we can teach our students is the value of self-control. At school-and in life-self-control underpins so much of what it means to learn effectively, to achieve goals, and to live in harmony with others. It is the foundation of emotional resilience, sound decision-making, and respectful relationships. As children grow and develop, so too does our expectation that they will take increasing responsibility for their actions, their learning, and their interactions with others.

At our school, we are intentional in how we build these skills. We don’t assume children just "know better"- we teach self-regulation through our curriculum and daily interactions, always with a focus on supporting the whole child. Our Inquiry-based approach, inspired by Kath Murdoch’s learning assets, places an emphasis on students developing as self-managers-individuals who are organised, reflective, and able to manage their time, emotions, and responsibilities with growing independence.

These are not just classroom skills. The ability to manage oneself is fundamental to long-term wellbeing and successful participation in the wider world. Whether it's setting goals, resolving conflict, or persevering through challenge, self-management empowers students to be active contributors to their learning and to society.

Of course, developing these skills involves making mistakes along the way. As educators, we don’t encourage students to make excuses for poor behaviour or to shift blame onto others. Instead, we guide them to take responsibility-to own their choices and to see mistakes as opportunities to grow. This practice of accountability is a vital life skill and helps build self-respect and respect for others.

This is where our Catholic faith gives us deep guidance. The value of forgiveness is central to our belief system. We understand that no one is perfect. In fact, it is through our imperfections that we most often learn, change, and mature. We believe in second chances. We believe in holding each other to high standards with compassion and grace. And we believe that learning to forgive-ourselves and others-is part of building a loving, Christ-centred community.

Together, as families and staff, we are nurturing students to become responsible, self-aware, and kind individuals-people who can make wise choices, reflect honestly, and move forward with purpose. Thank you for your continued partnership in this important work. We are proud to walk this journey with you.

Jubilee of Prayer Assembly

On Monday, August 11th, we held our Jubilee Prayer Assembly in the school hall. During the assembly, students shared various forms of prayer used in our school, and the school choir led us in worship through song. It was a meaningful opportunity to showcase how our Catholic faith is actively lived and celebrated within the school, with parents, friends, and parishioners in attendance.

Thanks to all who attended and to the staff, particularly Hannah Parrett who organised this showcase.

It has been an exciting start to Term 3 in Year 1/2, with students busy exploring new ideas and building on their learning.

In Writing, students have been learning how to make sentences more interesting by exploring different parts of speech, such as nouns (people, places, things), verbs (action words), and adjectives (describing words).

In Mathematics, we have been exploring Multiplication, where students have been using drawings, hands-on materials, and number sentences to solve simple problems.

Our Integrated Studies unit ‘Listen Up!’ has encouraged the students to explore the variety of sounds around them. A highlight was creating harmonicas to investigate how sound is made.

Students have shown great curiosity and effort, and we are excited for all the learning still to come this term!

1/2 Team

In 3/4 this term, we are learning about Local History. We are very excited to be heading to the State Coal Mine and the Historical Society to learn more about Wonthaggi's past. We have had some volunteers who will be coming to speak to us about different aspects of Wonthaggi's history. We have also been using charcoal to draw some historical landmarks such as the mine and the whistle.

In Maths we have been focusing on multiplication and division and have all set our own learning goals for this.

Last week the Grade 3/4 girls were lucky enough to have Bec and Emily from Gippsport come and show them some basketball skills and drills.

Term 3 is shaping up to be a very busy term with swimming coming up in Weeks 5 and 6 and our Book Week Parade at the end of week 6.

3/4 Team

On Wednesday, July 30, our Foundation students celebrated a very exciting milestone – 100 Days of Prep! It was a day full of fun, creativity, and celebration.

The students arrived dressed as what they want to be when they grow up, with everything from doctors and dancers to builders and firefighters. The excitement didn’t stop there! Throughout the day, students took part in special “100 days” themed art and craft activities, including making portraits, crowns, and badges to mark the occasion.

We also enjoyed a special activity with our Grade 6 buddies, followed by a mini disco and party food to finish the day with a smile.

It was a joyful celebration of all the learning, growing, and friendships that have happened over the first 100 days of school. Well done to our amazing Foundation students!

Prep Team

As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, our students took part in a colouring competition to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

We were thrilled to see the creativity, care, and effort that went into every entry. 

After careful consideration, the FIRE Carrier leaders are excited to announce our winners:

Prep- Ruby

1/2- Isla H 

3/4- Torah

Congratulations to our winners and to all students who participated! Your beautiful artworks helped our school celebrate NAIDOC Week in a meaningful and creative way.

Claire Shannon 

This week our school will be recognising Bullying No Way! Week, a national initiative that encourages schools to take a strong stance against bullying. This week is all about promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion, and reminding everyone that our school is a place where everyone deserves to feel safe.

Throughout the week, students will be taking part in activities and discussions to help them understand what bullying is, how to respond to it, and how to support others. By working together, we can build a positive school environment where bullying has no place.

Let’s join together and send a clear message:
Bullying. No Way!

Bullying no way: School TV

This exclusive, one-off event is fast approaching and we’d love to see families benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part III)
DATE: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include:

• New Social Media Regulations
• Digital Footprint and Reputation
• Screen Time and Brain Development
• Parental Controls

**** IMPORTANT ****

Please note: Participants MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.  This webinar will not be available to replay later.

Please register via the link below

http://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/webinar/east-coast-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-III

Use of Space 

The use of space can be a critical variable in creating effective environments to support behaviour, teaching and learning.  Consideration of the physical space acts as a preventative for behavioural issues and should allow access for all.  

The school environment includes the physical (e.g. learning areas, furniture placement, access to resources and materials, indoor and outdoor facilities, offsite locations), and the non-physical (e.g. movement, sound, temperature, lighting, air quality, seating arrangements).  

Student and staff collaboration in the personalisation of spaces can be empowering, increase motivation and develop connections and a sense of community.  

Use of space involves: 

• Learning environments that are safe and appropriate 
• Students being actively engaged in the personalisation and use of their space 
• Consideration given to the layout of learning areas 
• Planning for flexibility to suit the type of task and instruction
• Having clear traffic routes and access to resources, equipment, learning areas and entrances/exits 
• Resources, materials and equipment are safe and appropriate for use, accessible, clean and in good order 
• Students and staff being able to see and hear each other when communicating
• Having minimal distractions caused by sound and visual stimuli within the learning space
• Appropriate physical adjustments for all 

Trish Martin and Kylee Bertacco

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Co-ordinators

Our whole school Mass celebration for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will take place on Friday, August 15 at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church.
Parents are welcome to attend.

Term 2 Wellbeing Continuum Survey Results

Thank you to all families who took the time to complete the Wellbeing Continuum survey. Your honest and thoughtful responses provide valuable insights into how our students are feeling, the challenges they may be facing, and how we as a school community can best support their wellbeing. Your input is instrumental in helping us tailor our programs, resources, and communication to better meet the needs of both students and families. 

Students are continuing to engage in weekly wellbeing lessons that are driven by student data and the Victorian Curriculum, focusing on developing their social-emotional regulation skills. In addition, the whole school approach to positive behaviour and tools such as our problem solving wheel and catastrophe scale help students develop autonomy for solving social issues.

Claire Shannon
Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader

Thank you to everyone who has supported our St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. We are currently collecting non-perishable food items to assist those who are struggling during the colder months. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can bring warmth, hope, and comfort to someone in need. Donations can be placed in the baskets located in your child's classrooms.

Allocated times for Session Two have been emailed to all families who have confirmed their child's acceptance for Prep enrollment in 2026. If you have any questions, please contact the office. We are excited to welcome our new Preps during the orientation sessions!

Australian Dental Health will be visiting St Josephs School Wonthaggi in Term 4 

ADH will be providing free dental check-ups and treatment for eligible students.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining a healthy smile.

This service is provided at no cost to eligible families through Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Paper forms will be available, but you can also submit a consent application online using the link below.

 Click Here to Fill Out the Form Online

 Deadline for forms: Monday, 15/09/2025 by 5:00 PM

Don’t miss the chance to keep your child’s smile healthy!

If you have any questions, please contact ADH directly at info@adhv.com.au or 03 9323 9607.

School Closure Dates For Your Diary

Friday, September 5, will be a school closure day.
School will resume on Monday, September 8.

Reminder: OSHC Service Available for St Joseph’s Students

St Joseph’s students have access to an Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) program, hosted at Wonthaggi North Primary School and operated by the independent provider TheirCare.

TheirCare offers a safe and engaging environment where children can enjoy a range of activities that promote creativity, confidence, friendships, and life skills.

Transport Details:
Children travel via a short one-minute bus ride on Harley’s Buslines Wonthaggi township bus. The fare is $1.50 per trip, paid to the driver. A TheirCare educator will be there to greet and supervise students upon arrival.

Registration Required:
Parents must register their child through the TheirCare website:

https://theircare.com.au

We encourage all families who may need after school care to take advantage of this convenient service.

Term 3 Fees are now due.  Statements for Term 3 have been emailed to families.  If you have not received your statement or if you have any queries, please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

What is Conveyance Allowance ?

The conveyance allowance is a form of financial assistance to help families in rural and regional Victoria with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest appropriate school/campus. The conveyance allowance is available to eligible students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus. The conveyance allowance is also available to eligible students whose nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus.

Students attending a government or non-government school must:

• attend their nearest government or non-government school/campus appropriate to their year level at which admission is permissible
• be enrolled at a school/campus outside Melbourne’s metropolitan conveyance boundary
• reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from that school/campus attended
• be of school age (5 to 18 years old at time of application) and reside in Victoria.

Forms are available at the school office or download below. If you have any questions please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Any changes to be made to existing applicants, please contact Kaye at the office.  New applications are to be submitted to the school office by Friday, August 22 for processing.

Conveyance Allowance Application

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch No Service

Wednesday 9:30am: St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Friday 9:30am St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi

Weekend Masses Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch Sunday 9:00am

St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 10:30am

PLEASE PRAY FOR;

Recently Deceased: Fred Heesh  Anniversaries: Christine Heenan, Bill Munro, Eddie Kent For the deceased clergy of the Diocese of Sale. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. “May they rest in peace.”

We pray for the sick, lonely and those suffering from illness and pain. May God’s merciful love shine on them.

Parish Website is now available to view: https://www.catholicparish.app/wonthaggi

Jubilee of Prayer Groups - as part of the Jubilee celebrations, St Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi will Host this event on Saturday 16th August 2025. This will begin at Inverloch Church for Rosary and Stations of the Cross at 3pm followed by a Cuppa. PLEASE BRING A PLATE TO SHARE. Pilgrims will then travel to Wonthaggi Parish for prayers and chat with different Prayer Groups, followed by the evening mass at 6.30pm. More details to follow but please mark your calendars now for this Diocese of Sale Event.

Prayer Shawl Group : Next meeting will be on Wednesday 20th Aug @ 10.30am in the Inverloch Church Annex. Donations of wool would be gratefully accepted (preferably 8ply acrylic). Newcomers welcome. Enquiries Philippa 0408 331 340 or Marueen 0407 055 447

Prayer Group meet on Monday’s at the Wonthaggi Church from 1.15pm

St Joseph’s Wonthaggi Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Saturday & Sunday of the Month

Our Lady Star of the Sea—Inverloch Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Sunday of the Month

Keep the date free—Ladies Retreat with Fr Martin Dixon in Inverloch Monday 20th October 2025 10am—3pm. Shared lunch with Tea & Coffee Provided. More details to follow soon.

Our Parish is committed to the safety, well-being and dignity of all children, young people and adults at risk. Find out more at: catholic.org.au/childprotectionsunday and www.catholicregligious.org.au/safeguarding

If you are concerned about any form of abuse, or believe that someone is at significant risk, you should immediately raise your concerns with one of our Parish Safeguarding Officers. Contact the Parish Office: 03 56 721 111 or St. Joseph’s School Safeguarding Officer 03 56 721 052.   Take care, we are here to help.           

Parish Office will be open on Wed & Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. All items for the bulletin or Mass intentions to be received by 5pm on Thursdays.      

If you are in need of urgent assistance, please phone either Father Darren Howie 0356 722 923 or Ann on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.

Father Darren Howie                                                              Ann Hemming  
Parish Priest                                                                          Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi                                                                        

Live Your Best Life in Love...
A Marriage Encounter weekend is for you…

Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.
Time-out to nurture your most precious relationship away from life's distractions.  
The two of you will come away from your weekend feeling more deeply connected 
and with tools to help keep your renewed intimacy alive.
No group sharing is required.
The weekend is based around Catholic values. Couples of all faiths are very welcome.

Please check our website for details and to book your special weekend:

We have 2 further weekends on offer this year

    October 3-5 at Tooleybuc Sporting Club / Tooleybuc Motor Inn - a great weekend getaway

    October 10-12 at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South

Starts Friday evening at 7pm and finishes Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm

Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au    Website: wwme.org.au

Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Wonthaggi will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town from 9 to 19 September. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.