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- Principal's Report
- Senior News
- Assembly Award Winners
- Pen Licence -Awards
- Junior News
- 3/4 Dragsters
- Last Day of School
- Bus Travel First Day of Term 1 2021 - Thursday January 28
- School Uniform
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2022
- Finance Information
- Parish News
- Ordination Bishop Bennet
- 'Among Us'
- Dalyston Football and Netball Club
- Summersalt
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
Sacraments
Last weekend many Grade 6 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In place of the usual large celebration there were four intimate, very personal ceremonies. The children received the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel (right judgement), fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety (reverence), and wonder/awe of the Lord and we pray that these gifts will be utilised and developed as they continue to grow and face new challenges in the years ahead.
Next weekend the Grade 3 students will be receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. We pray that the faith of these young children is enriched and deepened by this very special occasion.
We thank Father Darren Howie, Catherine Cavanagh, the parish Sacramental Coordinator, the 5/6 and 3/4 teachers, Mrs Tracy Allan, our Religious Education Leader and the parents of the students for all their work in preparing the students and making the celebrations possible.
2021 School Captains
Last week Mrs Allan, myself and the 2020 school captains had the privilege of interviewing students who had written outstanding applications for the positions of School, House and Liturgy Captains in 2021. We are extremely fortunate to have such a terrific group of students aspiring to leadership. The students' pride, appreciation and gratitude for our school shone through in their applications. As always, it was a very difficult choice to make. We commend all the students who applied for the positions and assure them that the whole Grade 6 cohort will all be leaders next year, with or without a badge and we hope the students will use many opportunities to exercise their leadership throughout the year.
We congratulate the following students who have been appointed :
School Captains : Ruby Morris Nate Pugh
School Vice Captains : Samantha Carmichael Julia Lindsay
Liturgy Captains : Eddie Coyne Lani Horrocks
Harvey Richards Eleanor Smith
Red House Captains : Max Plenkovich Isla Spradbury
Blue House Captains : Jack Howell Finn McNally
Green House Captains : Lulu Curtis Michaela Shepherd
Gold House Captains : Brodie Magro Juliette Sibly
Teacher Positions and Grades for 2021
Prep Trust Kate Egan
Prep Love Patricia Martin
1 / 2 Faith Susan Holmberg
1 / 2 Trust Christie Panozzo
1 / 2 Love Belinda O’Brien
1 / 2 Hope Courtney Brann
3 / 4 Faith Rebecca Nielson
3 / 4 Trust Loreena Keane
3 / 4 Love Leigh Granger
3 / 4 Hope Travis Newton
5 / 6 Faith Hannah Parrett
5 / 6 Trust Jennifer Lawlor
5 / 6 Love Kate Morison
Each level will have support staff working in the neighbourhood on a part time basis.
Support Staff:
Prep Kasey Heim
1 / 2 Dianne Gin
3 / 4 Julia Foster
5 / 6 Kylee Bertacco
Each level neighbourhood will also have Education Support Officers to assist in catering for the diverse learning needs of the students.
Specialist teachers:
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Nicole Buccilli
Italian Rosemary Daniel
Physical Education Michelle Richards
Performing Arts Grades Prep-2 (Dance, Drama and Music) Kasey Heim
Performing Arts Grades 3-6 (Dance, Drama and Music) Danielle Paulson
Positions of leadership
Michelle Richards will continue in her position as Sports Coordinator, we are most grateful for her expertise, diligence and efficiency in undertaking this role. Kate Morison will continue to be our eLearning Leader. Kate endured a steep learning curve this year with her skills and talents being in hot demand- especially with the advent of remote Learning. She certainly delivered! We are most grateful for your knowledge and patience Kate!
The Planning Leaders for 2021 will be Ms Jennifer Lawlor, Mr Leigh Granger, Mrs Dianne Gin and Mrs Trish Martin. These leaders undertook this new role for the latter half of this year and the school has greatly benefited from their command of the curriculum and their extensive knowledge and experience in teaching and learning.
COVID 19 Easing of restrictions
The easing of some restrictions will enable us to revert to our usual recess and lunch breaks (rather than staggered breaks) from this week as it is no longer required to reduce mixing amongst different year levels. The outside drinking taps will also now be able to be used.
We still are required to ensure that students and families do not congregate at the school before or after school and that all maintain 1.5 metres between each other.
With this in mind we will continue with our current pick up and drop off procedures until the end of this year.
Staff and parent feedback have indicated that the morning procedure (where students enter the school independently and go straight to their classrooms) is working extremely well. The staff report that the students have never been more settled and ready to learn in the mornings and many parents have indicated that this has been terrific for reducing student anxiety, separation issues and encouraging the development of student confidence and independence.
We intend to continue with this morning routine next year, which is working so well, with the exception of the first day for all students and the first two weeks for Prep students. On the first day of school for 2021 (COVID 19 restrictions permitting) which will be Thursday January 28, for the students, parents may choose to accompany their children to their new classrooms. The morning carline will still be in operation for those who choose to use this option that day. From Friday January 29 all students should be using the bus, crossing or carline independently in the mornings with the exception of the Preps. We encourage parents to continue to contact teachers via Seesaw or email when they need to communicate.
The afternoon carlines have also become more efficient. We intend to continue this procedure as well. We do ask, however that parents not arrive too early if possible, as it causes traffic issues on Korumburra Rd.
Hopefully from next year parents will have the option of parking in the parish carpark and entering the school to collect children in the afternoons-COVID-19 restrictions permitting.
Canteen
We hope to reinstate the canteen on Thursdays and Fridays early in the new year. We will let you know when this will occur.
With the final day of student attendance being Monday December 14, this will be our last newsletter for this term. I want to sincerely thank you all once more for your incredible support over his year. The staff and I feel very fortunate to have such a compassionate, understanding and resilient parent body who have worked with us throughout this year. I hope everyone has a very happy Christmas and an enjoyable break!
May God bless you all,
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
School Advisory Committee AGM
For your information please find the Principal's Report attached.
It's been a hive of activity in the 5/6 space this last week! We congratulate our Grade 6 students who received the Gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Confirmation over the weekend.
As our Grade 6 students prepare to graduate from St Joseph's, they have been working hard preparing their graduation posters and practicing their graduation dance. We can't wait to share these with you all.
We are also very thankful to our Grade 5 students for their display of maturity and flexibility whilst all these preparations are taking place. We are all so proud of the effort and thought they have put into their captains applications this past fortnight. No matter what the outcome, you have all shown you are leaders, ready to take on more responsibility next year.
5/6 Team
Congratulations to the recipients of their Pen Licence / Handwriting awards. Well done everyone!
Prep's
The Prep children are really excited and very thankful for their brand new colourful tables.
We are all very busy making our puppet theatres and are doing a great job as well as having lots of fun. In Maths we have been learning about addition and subtraction and we are getting really good with our strategies. Mrs Martin and Ms Egan have just changed our reading group games and we are learning lots about reading strategies as well as how to work in a group. We are loving the Footsteps dance programme too. The songs are really cool and we are getting really good at the dance moves. In Prep T and Prep L we are focusing on being kind to each other as we get closer to the end of our Prep year.
Prep Team
1/2's
Over the past few weeks the students in the 1/2 area have been collecting an array of different boxes and items to make some very creative robots. Thanks to everyone at home who helped us collect our items to make these amazing robots.
1/2 Team
After all the planning and construction of our dragsters the finished product of racing was so much fun!
Bus Travel First Day of Term 1 2021 - Thursday January 28
Please make alternative arrangements for the first day back at St Joseph's as buses will not be running.
The bus co-ordinator has advised us that buses will commence as usual on Friday 29 January 2021.
For all your uniform supplies Totally Workwear Wonthaggi is our school uniform supplier.
Contact Brad and his team for your uniform need heading into the new school year. Click below for contact details.
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
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