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- Principal's Message
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- Religious Education News
- Book Week Parade
- School Access - Bus Loop
- School Raffle 2021
- Summer Uniform
- Hats - SunSmart
- Grades 3-6 Specialist Timetable Term 4
- Finance Information
- Enrolment Information
- Book Club Orders - Issue 7
- School Closure Information
- Face Masks 3-6 Students
- eSafety Webinars for Parents and Carers
- Parish News
- Ritchies Double Dollar Donations
- Wonthaggi Cricket Club
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
It was terrific to welcome back our Grade Prep and 1/2 students last week. We are thrilled to see our Grade 3/4 students today and look forward to seeing the 5/6s on Thursday and Friday. We hope to make this term as beneficial for the students as possible. We will be strongly focused on literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing. We know this has been another interrupted year for the students and that after these prolonged breaks from school, returning to school life can be challenging. Many students are excited but also a little anxious. Another strong curriculum focus will be in the Personal and Social area.
Teachers will work hard to provide predictability and reassurance for students through re-establishing class routines and procedures. Each class displays a Visual Timetable of the planned day at school which is discussed each morning. This helps the students know what they will be doing on that day and when. Research and experience verifies that this greatly assists students. Our whole school approach to positive behaviour will be constantly promoted in classrooms to assist with the students’ development of personal and social skills. Our three school wide expectations: Be Safe, Be a Learner and Be Respectful emulate appropriate behaviours for students to succeed in personal learning achievements and to learn to consider, collaborate and empathise with others. We believe that the development of these skills is as crucial as acquiring academic knowledge.
Learning involves taking risks and having a go at things. We strive to create classrooms where students feel safe to make a mistake- not only academically but in the social realm as well. When students do make a mistake that hurts others, they are encouraged to take the three steps so they can bounce back and move on: Admit Responsibility (own their mistake), Say Sorry and Make Amends. Students need to acknowledge their actions if they are to truly learn from them but they also need to realise that mistakes are part of life and we can learn from them and move on- they don't have to define us. Learning to accept our imperfections and do something proactive to rectify matters (when we have caused harm) is a wonderful life skill that promotes a healthy mindset and wellbeing.
As a parent one of the hardest things to do is to watch your child go through pain. Sometimes we want to protect our children from mistakes, find excuses for them and absolve them from blame. However if we are too protective of our children we deny them opportunities to learn and grow. One of the most valuable lessons to learn is how to cope with mistakes, how to be a person of integrity, admit truth, take responsibility and strive to improve- and appreciate how wonderful you feel when you do this. This is what we want for our students here at St Joseph's.
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
Grade 1/2s have made a great start to term 4!
In integrated studies we have been learning about building strong connections and relationships. We made a friendship chain and on each link students wrote something they could do to strengthen a friendship.
In maths we have been learning about how to describe location. We drew treasure maps and described how to get to the treasure. We have also started learning about multiplication.
1/2 Team
Father Darren and St Joseph's school have been working closely to ensure that the Sacrament of Confirmation can occur this term. There are still heavy restrictions in place on numbers in the Church, so these Masses will take place with small numbers over several weekends. We are grateful to the parishioners of St Joseph's Parish for their understanding and allowing the children of St Joseph's school to take their places at Mass over several weeks.
Parents of Grade 6 Confirmation candidates - you have been sent an Operoo letter stating the day and time of your child's Confirmation Mass. Please ensure that you check this note and respond as soon as possible.
This term we will also be fundraising for Catholic Mission with the return of the FROZEN CUPS. Children will be able to purchase these for 50c on a Thursday starting on the 28th October. If you wish for your child to purchase a cup, please pop 50c into their bag. The Liturgy captains will be taking care of sales and I know that they are looking forward to this - particularly with so many cancellations happening this year already.
Many thanks
Bel O'Brien
Religious Education Leader
On Friday October 29 we will have our annual whole school Book Week Parade (either in the gym or through an online meeting as restrictions allow).
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.
(Please ensure your child has warm clothing and appropriate footwear etc. for playing outside at recess and lunchtime)
This year the theme is: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.
We look forward to celebrating the day!
We have an increasing number of families dropping their child/ren off in the bus loop in the morning whilst the buses are still running which is causing safety concerns for bus drivers and students. We ask families to utilise the carline or the school crossing when dropping off your child/ren. If it is after 9am and the carline has ceased, please bring your child to the front entrance of the school.
Car parking is available at the front of the school when the School Crossing is not operational as the gate to the car park may be closed. Parents are able to access the bus loop for drop offs and parking between the hours of 9:15am and 2:45pm only.
Due to the challenges and upheaval of businesses since the start of 2020, we have decided to ensure we focus our support on the local businesses in our area
This year our raffle winners will be given the opportunity to spend their prizes within the local community with vouchers redeemable at all participating businesses within the Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association (WBTA). This allows the lucky winners more flexibility and choice. Vouchers will be issued in denominations of $100 and $50. What a great Christmas gift a voucher would make for your loved ones!
All details are located on the raffle tickets and can be returned with payment to the school or returned with payment made via CDF Pay. All Raffle books (sold or unsold) are required to returned to the school by Friday 10 December.
Our capacity to continue to undertake improvements around the school is dependant on the income received from this raffle. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our school parents and St Joseph’s parishioners for the ongoing support of our school and students.
Term 4 is the time for all students to be wearing their full summer uniform. Uniform items are available for purchase at our uniform provider Totaly Workwear Wonthaggi.
We have had lots of students at school without hats. Please ensure your child/ren have their hats labeled and in their school bags.
Hats are able to be purchased from our uniform supplier Totally Workwear Wonthaggi
Grades 3-6 Specialist Timetable Term 4
Due to changes in the Specialist Timetable in Term 4, the Grades 3/4 and 5/6 students will wear their sports uniforms on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Many in our school community continue to face financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to supporting families experiencing financial challenges through our School Fee Concession programs, and encourage any parent/carer/guardian experiencing difficulties to contact us regarding fee assistance.
Fee schedules for 2022 have been sent to families via Operoo along with relevent forms. For families who have a have a concession please complete the concession form and CSEF application, please remember that all concession and CSEF applications need to be accompanied with a copy of your current concession card. Could all forms please be emailed to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or returned to the office by Monday December 6. Please contact the office if you require a paper copy.
Term 3 fees are now due, if you have not received your statement via email or require any further information, please contact Kaye Carew on 5672 1052 or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au to explore confidential financial support arrangements.
School closure dates for your diary
Monday 1 November, Tuesday 2 November (Melbourne Cup Day)
Wednesday 15 - Friday 18 December - Curriculum, Compliance and Professional Development Days
The Victorian Chief Health Officer has expanded the mandatory use of face masks indoors to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the population of school settings to include primary schools.
The use of face masks assists in providing an additional physical barrier between people and to help reduce community transmission of COVID-19 across all of Victoria.
Students in Grades 3 to 6 at St Joseph's Wonthaggi will be required to wear a face mask when indoors on school premises, unless a lawful exception applies.
There are a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a face mask, including for staff and students who are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability, medical or a mental health.
At this time, there will be no requirement for students to wear a face mask whilst outdoors during school time.
Whilst not required, it is strongly recommended by the Victorian Chief Health Officer that students in Foundation to Grade 2 wear a face mask indoors at school.
Parents, guardians and carers are required to supply their child(ren) with an appropriate face mask that covers the nose and mouth. Appropriate face masks include single use face masks (commonly called surgical masks) or cloth face masks made from three layers of a mix of breathable fabrics. Further information on face masks, including what face masks you can and can’t wear (see attached document) can be accessed from the Coronavirus Victoria website.
All school staff at St Joseph's Wonthaggi are required to wear a face mask, including whilst teaching (wherever practicable), unless a lawful exception applies, to protect the health and safety of all students, staff and the wider school community. School staff are permitted to remove their face mask when necessary for effective communication.
Parents, guardians and carers are encouraged to inform their child(ren) of the face mask requirements, and to continue to reinforce with their child(ren) the need to keep 1.5 metres apart from other people, to wash and dry hands thoroughly and regularly, and cough and sneeze into a tissue or their elbow.
Parents, guardians and carers will also be required to wear a face mask when dropping off or picking up their child(ren) or if required to collect an unwell child(ren) from the school.
If you require clarification in relation to the use of face mask at school or additional support, please contact the school office.
eSafety Webinars for Parents and Carers
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 click the image below for further information.
Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus and experiencing such hardship in Afghanistan. For the anniversaries of Mary Dalmau, William Brian Fitzgerald, Fr. John Gavin, Fr. John Davis, Fr. Thomas Egan and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
AS YOU WILL HAVE HEARD REGIONAL LOCKDOWN NOW ALLOWS US TO HAVE WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY MASSES BUT THE NUMBER ATTENDING IS NOW RESTRICTED TO 20. WE WILL BE CONTACTING PARISHIONERS INDIVIDUALLY TO ALLOW A FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THESE MASSES.
THESE RESTRICTIONS ALSO MEAN THAT THOSE ATTENDING MUST LIVE REGIONALLY.
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.
JUST A REMINDER THAT MASS FOR YOU AT HOME IS AN OPTION FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR MASS ON TELEVISION (6am on Channel 10, 10am on Foxtel Aurora Channel 173) or online at www.massforyou.com.au or https://www.youtube.com/massforyouathome anytime from 7a.m. AEST
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL ONLY BE MASS ON TUESDAY 12TH OCTOBER, 2021 AT OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA INVERLOCH NEXT WEEK AT 11:00 A.M. AS FATHER WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY.
MEDITATION GROUP: POSTPONED
LITURGY GROUP MEETING: POSTPONED
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP There are now plenty of newly wrapped and blessed shawls/rugs ready for distribution to those that you may know who are struggling with life in any way. Enquiries to Kristine in the Office or Philippa (0408 331 340) & Maureen (0407 055 447).
PRAYER GROUP: POSTPONED
FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY: PLENARY COUNCIL: Keep up with the latest Plenary news:
- On our Sale Diocesan website or Facebook page
- Via the Plenary Council Facebook, website or YouTube channel.
- Use the Mass booklets for your parish celebrations visit https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/ or the Plenary Council YouTube channel.
- Listen to daily podcasts from Plenary Council members at https://anchor.fm/plenarypodcast
- As always, please accompany in prayer our Plenary Council Members during this week of intense dialogue and discernment and prayer: Bishop Greg, Fr. Peter Slater, Fr. Denis O’Bryan, Katherine Jelavic, Lize Privitera and Sr. Mary Olofu.
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.
CATHOLIC MISSION WORLD MISSION DAY APPEAL OCTOBER 2021.
I’m just getting in touch as we are getting close to the celebration of World Mission Sunday. Who knows what restrictions will be in place by then? As you’d understand the challenges we face are vastly amplified in countries where health systems are under even more pressure than our own. It is in places like these that Catholic Mission is committed to helping, with your support. Let’s hope that people are free to attend Churches on 23rd/24th October, the date for this year’s World Mission Sunday
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
CATHOLIC CARE: New self-help mental health service for parents, families and individuals.
The demand for mental health services is becoming more and more prominent across the State, and for many regions, waiting lists to access services are becoming overwhelmingly long.
As a response to the increased need for mental health support, we’ve recently commenced a new state-wide mental health service with minimal wait times, called the Psychological Wellbeing Service (PWS).
Using evidence based therapies, our PWS clinicians provide parenting support and mental health support focused on self-help skill learning to aid in recovery, such as problem-solving skills, progressive muscle relaxation, and traditional cognitive behavioural therapy as a more intensive support.
We’ve also launched a free Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide created by our PWS team. Read more about our new service and download the guide from CatholicCare Victoria.
PALMS AUSTRALIA: All professions and trades are called to assist this mission.Get Ready to Fly!
PALMS AUSTRALIA since 1961 Palms Australia has quietly prepared and supported humble Catholics like you for mission. It’s our response as church to calls from Australian and overseas communities to help bring opportunity to the poor.
Sharing our skills with local co-workers helps them to develop their essential community organisations, improving their self-reliance aids sustainable poverty reduction and removes dependence on foreign aid and influence. Your relationships within the local community will transform your heart and soul. To be prepared for a 2022 placement Enquire by Friday October, 29. Visit palms.org.au Email palms@palms.org.au or call Christine on 02 9560 5333.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis. This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: That Catholic Shop is an exciting development of ACN Australia. It is a go-to-shop for Catholic gifts and devotional items. From Sacramental gifts, statues, books, rosaries, Christmas items and more, there is something for everyone. The purchase you make at TCS go to support the work of Aid to the Church in Need to keep the faith alive in those places where it is most at risk. To browse our full range visit thatcatholicshop.com
P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: An opportunity to spend a weekend improving your communication.
This experience gives you the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living.
The weekend we offer is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome. Please check our website for more details. A non-residential weekend: 16-17 October, 2021 in west Gippsland. (Book early to avoid disappointment) Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
YOUTH MINISTER 2022: Expressions of interest are invited for the position of Warragul and Drouin Parishes Youth Minister From January, 2022 Current position is 8 hours per week equivalent, but it is hoped that, in combination with some neighbouring parishes, multiple days can be offered to the right applicant. Expressions of interest: Deacon Mark Kelly 0427 748 646 Mark.Kelly@cdsale.org.au
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