Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Junior News 1/2
- Senior News 5/6
- STEAM Term 3
- St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
- Regional Cross County
- Book Week 2021
- eSafety Webinars for Parents
- Remote Learning Attendance
- Enrolments 2022
- Parish News
- Ritchies Community Benefits
- Kindergarten in Bass Coast
- Bass Coast Shire Supports
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating break over the holidays.
The term did start well with students settling smoothly back into school routines. As you know, when the lockdown was suspected, we sent home the Remote Learning Packs. The teachers explained to the students why we were doing this - just in case of a lockdown. The students responded very well. It speaks to their resilience and acceptance of the situation. I hope they are all doing well with their Remote Learning. The packs have two weeks worth of work in them (which hopefully won’t all be needed) - mostly in hard copies, with some online options. The teachers will direct the students to the work each school day through the videos and timetables on Seesaw. Please help your children look after their packs. The packs are expected to be brought back to school when we return. Thanks to all of you for supporting your children through these challenging times! We are most grateful to be working with such understanding parents!
Last weekend many Grade 6 students were to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Gregory Bennet officiating at the ceremony. Unfortunately this event has been postponed. Thanks to the parents, parish and school staff who have helped prepare the students for this event.
This coming weekend the Presentation Masses for the children who will receive First Holy Communion on the 24th or 25th of July, were supposed to occur. We will have to wait and see whether this Sacrament will also be postponed. At the Presentation Masses, the children are asked to stand before the parish with a named Prayer Card. Parishioners are invited to select a child's card and pray for that child especially, as they prepare to receive this special Sacrament. I think this is a lovely tradition and I still recall the children I have been fortunate enough to pray for over the years. (One of whom encouraged me to keep praying for him over a whole year!)
Senior school staff have been working hard over the last few weeks in preparation for school camps. We did have intentions for the Grade 5 and 6 groups to attend a camp in Melbourne, on two separate dates. Staff spend a lot of time on these preparations in anticipation of the benefits the camp has for the students and we are disappointed that we will not be able to hold the Grade 5 camp as intended due to the current COVID situation and restrictions. The Grade 6 camp location is also still uncertain. Staff have found an alternative location for the Grade 5 camp and have been busy completing the substantial amount of paperwork involved. Information will be sent to parents once we have approval. We have not included these dates on the school calendar as yet, knowing that things could change. We apologise that therefore there is not much notice for these school events. However many other dates are on the calendar and I encourage parents to refer to the calendar to view upcoming events.
We will inform you as soon as we have official notification of any changes to schooling through Operoo. Please be aware that we find out about lockdowns, restrictions etc. at the same time you do- through the press conferences. Then we have to wait to be informed through the official channels of the details.
Please stay safe and positive everyone!
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
All students have had a great start to the term. We're learning about Light and Sound in integrated studies this term. Students have enjoyed learning about how sound effects are used in film and television and have had the opportunity to create their own sound effects using different objects, such as potatoes in sand to make the sound of horse hooves.
We have started learning about how to write an information report by recognising statements that are fact or fiction.
1/2 students have also enjoyed being creative and exploring different types of construction during wet weather play times.
1/2 Team
The first week of Term 3 has been a very busy one for the senior students. We are finishing our unit on subtraction and the different strategies we can use to solve subtraction problems. Next we will be working on multiplication, so this is a good time to be practising automatic recall of the multiplication facts up to 10 x 10. Knowing times tables facts well is a very useful skill in many areas of maths! We are working on building our reading stamina, by reading without interruption for up to 30 minutes at a time. Please help your child continue with this at home, and sign their reading diary each week before they bring it in to be checked by their teacher. We are continuing our work on information reports, and will soon begin working on explanation reports, which ties in with this term's Integrated Studies topic The Journey to Discovery.
We are looking forward to engaging in many science experiments relating to light, electrical circuits and the changing states of matter throughout this term. The students had fun recognising and roleplaying different emotions as we worked on our social skills, while many of the Grade 6 students celebrated reconciliation in preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, which sadly has had to be postponed.
The children are to be commended for their focused and reverent attitude during our final preparations for this sacrament and we look forward to celebrating it as soon as we are able to.
5/6 Team
Welcome back everyone to Term 3!
We had a fantastic term two in STEAMlearning all about Space and the Solar System.
This term we are beginning units focused upon Waste. Each year level will explore a different area related to waste materials, their properties and how we can be more environmentally minded when it comes to the amount of waste we produce.
To help support our learning in this area we will be conducting a GREEN Week to get us started! The Waste Education Officer, Shana Bremner, from Bass Coast Shire Council, will be coming to talk to the students during their STEAM sessions about waste and our bin system. We will celebrate at the end of the week with a visit from Olive the
Organics Bin!
Following on from this week the students will then explore, devise and share a range of ideas and solutions to help us continue to reduce our waste at school.
So, keep a look out as there will be lots to come!
Nicole Buccilli – STEAM Teacher
St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
Each year, St Joseph's school runs a Winter Appeal for St Vincent De Paul. This year, we had yet another amazing response from children and families to the drive, collecting items from toiletries, cleaning products, pantry goods to breakfast items. Representatives from St Vinnie's collected our donations in the last week of Term 2. They were blown away by the generosity and support that our school community has shown and assured us that our donations will be greatly received by those who need them the most. Our school Liturgy captains; Harvey, Eleanor, Lani and Eddie were on hand to help load the goods. Thank you all so much for your support of this very worthy cause.
Bel O'Brien - Religious Education Leader
On Thursday July 15th, four of our students headed to Lardner Park to compete in the Regional Cross Country. Well done to Rhianna Brown placing 38, James Dowson 25, Jude McNally 6 and Finn McNally 1. Finn and Jude McNally have qualified to represent St Joseph’s at State. Well done to all our students on an amazing effort!!
We will be having our Book Week Dress Up Day on Monday August 23.
Students may choose to dress as their favourite book character,
this may include wearing a mask or a hat if you don't have a complete
costume or if you don't have a costume you may wear your school uniform.
At St Joseph’s we are committed to helping students develop the skills they need to be safe online. We aim to work in partnership with parents to help keep children safe. The eSafety Commissioner provides opportunities for parents to be more engaged in their children's safety online through information and a series of webinars on specific topics that are challenging for parents to monitor and manage.
Please find below a link to a short video;
The eSafety Commissioner’s COVID-19 tips for parents
The eSafety Commissioner has also published some Online safety basics for parents, click the image below for details.
The eSafety Commissioner is running two upcoming webinars;
eSafety's guide to online sexual harassment and image-based abuse
This webinar will help parents and carers to understand online sexual harassment and image-based abuse, (non-consensual sharing of intimate images).
It is designed for parents and carers of young people aged 13-18.
It will cover:
- the difference between online sexual harassment and image-based abuse
- how to report online sexual harassment to social media companies
- how to report image-based abuse to eSafety and when to report to police
- where to get support if you feel upset or worried about something that has happened online.
You can choose to attend the webinar with your teen or share resources with them afterwards from the webinar package.
Dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Wednesday 28 July 12.30 to 1.30 pm
Thursday 29 July 7.30 to 8.30 pm
Tuesday 10 August 7.30 to 8.30 pm
Tuesday 24 August 12.30 to 1.30 pm
National Child Protection Week
Tuesday 7 September 12.30 to 1.30 pm
Thursday 9 September 12.30 to 1.30 pm
eSafety's parent guide to popular apps
Learn how to help young people safely use popular apps including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
This webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people aged 8-13.
It will cover:
- an explanation of the popular apps used by young people
- case studies, research, and targeted advice
- ways you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.
Dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Monday 16 August 12.30 to 1.30 pm
Tuesday 31 August 7.30 to 8.30 pm
NO MASSES THIS WEEKEND AND NO WEEKDAY MASSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN!
Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus. For Fr. Denis O’Callaghan and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS: Sunday, 25 July 2021, has been designated by Pope Francis, as the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (Ord Time 17). It coincides with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus, on July 26. Occurring in the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family 2021-22 with the theme. ‘I am with you always’, the day draws attention to the vital role grandparents and the elderly play in our communities and in the mission of the Church.
Catholic Theorological College would like to bring to your attention to the Ethical Issues and Human Ageing online unit commencing 31st July that may interest you or your colleagues. Please see the attached flyer at the end of this bulletin for more information, or contact registrar@ctc.edu.au.
MEDITATION GROUP: NO MEETING DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN.
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: NO MEETING DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN.
Enquiries Philippa Warby 0408 331 340, Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.
NO PRAYER GROUP MEETING DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN.
FAN THE FLAME: Towards Plenary Assembly One October 2021
‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’
(Mark 6:30-34)
Our Aboriginal culture has taught us to be still and to wait…We wait for the rain to fill our rivers and water the thirsty earth…We wait on God, too. We don’t worry. We know that in time and in the spirit of dadirri (that deep listening and quiet stillness) his way will be clear.
(Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr, “Dadirri: Inner Deep Listening and Quiet Still Awareness”, Miriam-Rose Foundation, accessed 23 April, 2021, https://www.miriamrosefoundation.org.au/about-dadirri.)
www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/fantheflame/
2021 Child Safety Week POSTER COMPETITION:
The Diocese invites all school-age children to participate in a poster competition.
Theme: Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.
Get creative,
Raise awareness,
Empower young people.
Visit www.cdsale.org.au for details, Entries close Friday 30th July, 2021.
BROTHERS WHAT MUST WE DO? 2021 Launching Nationally on Saturday 31st July, 2021
“They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other Apostles, Brothers-what then must we do?” Acts 2:37
The National Catholic Men’s Gathering for 2021 will be launched online on Saturday 31st July, 2021. Join a diocesan group with your Bishop, or with your Men’s Ministry/Parish group or individually.
Three sessions will be provided online, along with reflection questions for group discussion or individual reflection.
Aim: To inspire and encourage all Catholic men with a vision for personal discipleship,
Service and mission in the family, parish/diocese and the world.
Cost: FREE
Registration: www.catholicmensgathering.com.au
Program: Available from Saturday 31st July, 2021
ST VINCENT PALLOTTI SCHOLARSHIP TRUST The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral care More information and Applications Forms are available on our website https://pallottine.org.au/scholarships/st-vincent-pallotti-scholar-shipfor-lay-ministry.html Closing Date 30 July 2021
CATHOLIC CARE: We know that there are many people in need in our Gippsland community who are struggling to put food on the table or find their next meal. Financial difficulties, family violence and homelessness are just some of the reasons why families and individuals are struggling. In response to the growing issue, last week we launched the Baw Baw Soup Kitchen-a trial program providing warm meals and essentials to our Warragul and Drouin Communities.
CatholicCare Victoria 4-6 Peel Street North, Bakery Hill 3350
CARITAS AUSTRALIA:
There is still time to support our global neighbours as they tackle the challenges of poverty.
Your generosity today can help create a better tomorrow for people living in some of the most remote and marginalised communities in the world.
All donations over $2 are 100% tax deductible.
Caritas Australia: www.caritas.org.au
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: Today, Aid to the Church in Need continues to ensure that spiritual aid and pastoral care reaches areas of need. CAN ensures that tyranny of distance or harsh terrain stand in the way of the spiritual life of the Catholic people. Every year we will finance some 400 cars, 200 motorcycles, 300 bicycles and a couple of boats. aidtochurch.org./transport.
Aid to the Church in Need/ACN Australia
P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751
1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
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.
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, 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. Ritchies Stores members also receive special offers and member only specials via the App.