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- Principal's Report
- Grade 6 Camp
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- Senior News
- NAIDOC WEEK 2020
- Prep Orientation
- Assembly Award Winners
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2022
- Finance Information
- Conveyance Allowance
- Parish News
- Children and Youth Art Competition
- Bass Coast Sport Program
- Ritchies Community Benefits
- Wonthaggi Cricket Club
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
As we continue to prepare for 2021, new staff have been appointed.
We would like to welcome three new teachers:
Ms Julia Foster, who is working at St Joseph's Korumburra this year, Ms Hannah Parrett, who currently teaches at Don Boscoe, Narre Warren and Rebecca Nielsen who will begin her teaching career with us.
We also have another Education support Officer joining our team. We welcome Phoebe Methven to our staff as well.
We are excited to have these staff, with their individual expertise, join our community and hope they feel welcome and supported.
Religious Education Curriculum
As a Catholic school, living Gospel values and sharing the story of Jesus Christ is at the heart of everything we do. To Live in Christ Jesus is the Diocese of Sale’s Religious Education curriculum. The emphasis of this curriculum is on inviting all to learn about Jesus’ message and the Catholic story and discover its relevance and implications for us today.
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan expressed it best in his forward to the curriculum:
In our cultural context, where Christian truth is continually rediscovered and made real through a continuous search for it, all School community members are encouraged to be open to God’s revelation as something that inspires and shapes a living faith. Through all the activities of a School’s life, in its teaching and through its prayer, ritual and liturgical life, we want School community members to have the opportunity to have their faith shaped and nurtured. In this, Schools are able to draw on the richness and depth of Christian tradition for inspiration and guidance….
Each of us is called to work together to help the students, families and staff of our Parishes and our Schools to learn of this goodness and enter into a living relationship with God that helps to build the Kingdom of God here and now. Indeed, this is at the very heart of our work, bringing every child and young person to know God’s love and to respond in love.
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan- (former Bishop of Sale)
On one of our staff professional development days in December we will be focusing on how we can better bring this curriculum to life in our classrooms in a meaningful and poignant way.
Religious Education Leader
As you are aware, Mrs Tracy Allan will continue in her role of Deputy Principal in 2021 and she will also continue in the Learning Adjustment Leader position. So she can better focus on these two roles, she has resigned her position as Religious Education Leader. We thank Tracy for her hard work and dedication in the REL role this year.
Mrs Belinda O’Brien has been appointed to the position of Religious Education Leader for 2021. We congratulate and thank Bel for taking on this responsibility, she is already a much valued staff member and we look forward to her guidance, inspiration and leadership.
Specialist days for 2021
Due to the increase from 11 classes to 13 next year, specialist lessons (STEAM, Performing Arts, Italian and Physical Education) will occur over four days instead of two.
Students will wear their sports uniform on their class specialist day (listed below) and Fridays.
When to wear sport uniform:
Prep: Wednesdays and Fridays
1 / 2: Tuesdays and Fridays
3 / 4: Thursdays and Fridays
5 / 6: Wednesdays and Fridays
These days will be on the school calendar, accessible through our website for your reference.
Operoo / SIMON
In 2021 the school will be transitioning to a different learning management and operation system.
The Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Sale (CEOSale) have decided to implement the SIMON Learning Management System (LMS) in all primary schools in the Diocese.
- This decision reflects the CEOSale’s understanding of the many benefits to be derived from a Diocesan wide approach to Learning Management.
- The experience of Remote Schooling has also highlighted the advantages of an online learning environment as a platform for teachers in supporting student learning.
- The SIMON LMS has the capacity to:
o facilitate the online delivery of learning programs for individual students and student cohorts
o enable schools to track and monitor student progress over time
o facilitate reporting on student achievement
o provide a portal for communication with parents
o record student attendance.
We will continue to use Operoo until we have successfully transitioned to SIMON over the coming months. You will receive more information on this as we take steps towards the transition.
Yours sincerely
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
On the 9th of November we went to Forest Lodge for camp. On day one we did the low ropes course, flying fox and the mud run. The mud run was my favourite thing, it's an obstacle course but very dirty and smelly. At night we went on a night walk and watched a movie. On day two we did the giant swing, bush cooking and hut building. The giant swing was my favourite because it was exhilarating and there was a great view at the top. The food was very appetising. During free time there were multiple things to do such as volleyball, playing on hay bales, football, soccer, basketball and seeing the animals.
Eva Brown and Augustus Finsterer
It's been a busy time in the 1/2 Area!
We finished off our persuasive writing by publishing our best persuasive text.
The students have been learning all about maps and locations during mathematics and designed a treasure map. They used directional language to describe how to find their buried treasure.
We are very excited to start building our robots and have started the design process by thinking about the personality traits and look of the robots.
We celebrated NAIDOC week by sharing Indigenous stories, listening to traditional music and considered this year's NAIDOC theme 'Always was, Always will be' through colouring 'Shape of Land' by Tyrown Waigana.
Looking forward to another wonderful week of learning.
The 1/2 Team
The Grade 3/4 students have continued with our busy term. We have been working hard and really making the most of the amazing new learning space. Recent highlights include making movies using Stop Motion, as well as designing and racing CO2 dragsters as a part of our Integrated Studies. The Footstep dance program has also been an opportunity for some students to display their talents.
There has been a focus on handwriting and presentation of classwork this term. Everyone is taking more pride in their work and we continue to have students rewarded for their efforts in this area.
3/4 Team
NAIDOC 2020 invited Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations. The Preps and 1/2s enjoyed learning new Indigenous games during PE, Emu and Mer Kai from the Yulunga indigenous games resource.
We were so excited to welcome our 2021 Prep groups for their orientation sessions last week. It was great to see you all and we look forward to having you all back again soon!
Prep Team
Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2022
We are now accepting Expression of Interest Application forms for student enrolments for 2022. Current families with students attending in 2022 should also complete and return an application to ensure all details are current and up to date. The application form can be found below. Email completed forms to jblair@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Just a reminder to families if you have a concession and haven't already done so please complete a concession form and a CSEF application, please remember that all concession and CSEF applications need to be accompanied by a copy of your current concession card. If you have any queries please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Applications for Conveyance Allowance close November 25. You can download a form by clicking the tab below. Please forward completed forms prior to this date for procesiong to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Welcome back Father Darren and thank you to Ruben, Lola and Kath who organised the Liturgies. We are very blessed to have such help.
Due to Stage 4 Restrictions please contact the Parish office for Mass details.
Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus and the anniversaries of Bishop Arthur Fox, Fr. Emanuel (Manny) Spiteri, Fr. Wladyslaw (Les) Lisik S Chr, our own loved ones and the Souls who have no one to pray for them. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
LENT 2021 WITH BRUCE DOWNES THE CATHOLIC GUY Be inspired, Be refreshed, Be renewed! Come on a 40 day journey with me and I know this will be a powerful and prayerful Lenten journey together. Receive a short inspiring video each day during Lent. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org./Lent Call 1300 734 880 for more info.
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: As we begin a new year please remember the suffering Church. Your donation helps keep the faith alive during these difficult times.
Visit www.aidtochurch.org
Aid to the Church in Need/ACN Australia P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751
PH: 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
Meditation Group: Will recommence following the Lenten Program. Just thought you may be wondering. Such a special activity and will be welcomed back into our Diary.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE 2021: PRAY FOR VANUATU FRIDAY 5TH MARCH 2021 @ 10:30 a.m. St. Georges Anglican Church, Cnr Hagelthorn and McBride, Wonthaggi Contact Jennifer Boer 0431 44 00 73.
Don Bosco Retreat Centre: Lysterfield
Week Lent Easter Retreat with Fr. Peter Varengo 21-26 February,2021
Saturday 13th March: Family Retreat Day
Saturday 20th March: Youth and Young Adult Reflection Day
Friday 26th March: Seniors Retreat Day Further information: donboscoretreats.org.au
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP
If you know anyone who is struggling with life in any way & would benefit from receiving a shawl or rug, please ring Kristine in the Parish Office or come in and see the range available. There is no charge. Also if people wish to donate wool, we would specify that it needs to be 8ply acrylic. Newcomers are warmly welcomed, even just for a cuppa/chat & help with cleaning up.
Further enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz
0407 055 447.
Yarra Theological Union, a Catholic College of the University of Divinity in Box Hill is taking enrolments for study in 2021. New students can make an appointment with the Dean by emailing: admin@ytu.edu.au Or contacting the Dean directly via email: dean@ytu.edu.au. Further study details are available on our website www.ytu.edu.au.
PALMS AUSTRALIA: REACH BEYOND THE NEED IS ACUTE! (Please Read attached Letter)
Low-income communities are not asking us for money or gifts. They reject degrading dependence. They want you to share your skills to help develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. The call is to all trades and professions to assist build the ability of their people and the capacity of their organisations. To properly prepare for a 2022 placement you do need to enquire now.
Find out more: Ross House, Mezzanine-Sue Healy Room 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Saturday 20th February, @ 10:00 a.m. palms.org.au
- Yarra Theological Union, a Catholic College of the University of Divinity in Box Hill is taking enrolments for study in 2021.
New students can make an appointment with the Dean by emailing: admin@ytu.edu.au
Or contacting the Dean directly via email: dean@ytu.edu.au.
Further study details are available on our website www.ytu.edu.au.
PALMS AUSTRALIA: REACH BEYOND THE NEED IS ACUTE! (Please Read attached Letter)
Low-income communities are not asking us for money or gifts. They reject degrading dependence. They want you to share your skills to help develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. The call is to all trades and professions to assist build the ability of their people and the capacity of their organisations. To properly prepare for a 2022 placement you do need to enquire now.
Find out more: Ross House, Mezzanine-Sue Healy Room
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Saturday 20th February, @ 10:00 a.m. palms.org.au
A list of live streams across the Diocese is on www.cdsale.org.au/coronavirus page. This page has listed the Mass times which occur regularly, ie. Don’t change from week to week.
We have been emailing and sending out important communications from the Diocese and if you would like to be involved and receive this information then please contact the Parish Office on 56 721 111 or email your details to wonthaggi@cdsale.org.au.
We are a Child Safe Parish. Any children, young persons and vulnerable adults have a right to feel safe and be safe. 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 Kristine McRae via 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.
Wonthaggi Parish farewells the Sisters of Saint Joseph
Farewell to Sisters of Saint Joseph Wonthaggi - Sue McGuinness
If you are in need of urgent assistance, please phone eithe Father Darren Howie 0356 722 923 or Kristine on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi
Our Fundraising Partner Ritchies IGA, are launching their new Ritchies Card. The program now has an App for both IOS and Android smart devices. For those members who don’t have a smart phone, or would like a physical card, this option is also available and can be linked to the App. For further information please see the attached infomation.