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- Last Day Of Term 4
- School Closure Information
- Term 1 2022
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- Christmas Night Market
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
We are now in our second week of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration commemorating Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Teachers have been exploring these themes with the children and looking at the church’s traditions and their meaning. Learning to ‘wait’ and ‘prepare’ have certainly taken on a new meaning this year as we have been dealing with the implications of the COVID 19 pandemic. We are very grateful to have had the last few weeks at school returning to a relative normality. Many other schools have not been so fortunate.
2021 School Captains
Last week Mr Leigh Granger, myself and the 2021 school captains had the privilege of interviewing students who had written outstanding applications for the positions of School, House and Liturgy Captains in 2022. We have been working with the students to unpack desirable leadership attributes. We have highlighted that good leaders demonstrate humility, inspire trust, and are authentic and transparent. They take responsibility for their actions and have a deep respect and empathy for others. They are enthusiastic, have good communication skills and are willing to serve. They are also exemplary role models, adhering to our school expectations, wearing the uniform with pride and able to work well in a team. We feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful 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: |
Rubi-Jean Hallam |
Archie Dynes |
School Vice Captains: |
Teerawhat Panyo |
Olive Clifford |
Liturgy Captains: |
Andrew Binnichen Jett Hutchinson |
Jasmine Hitchings Roman Carr |
Red House Captains: |
Jade Galati |
Will Hullick |
Blue House Captains: |
Dylan Fincher |
Lincoln Newton |
Green House Captains: |
Reeve Weir |
Joe Brusmarello |
Gold House Captains: |
Taj Babb |
Jojo Joma |
Next Monday will be a school Fun Day, organised by our SRC (with a little help from staff). Students are invited to wear casual dress (please ensure they have a broad brimmed hat and suitable footwear). Our school raffle will be drawn at 9.30am and announced over the PA from the office. Sincere thanks to all those who have supported our raffle. On Tuesday we will have our final whole school assembly for 2021.
As this is the last newsletter for 2021, I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank our wonderful students, incredible staff and caring parent body for their support and understanding over the last two years. I have certainly relished my role of Acting Principal in spite of all the ups and downs and feel very privileged to have been able to serve the community in this way.
May God bless you all and I hope you all enjoy a safe and festive holiday!
Yours sincerely
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
For all that was good during the
past school year,
Both the things we remember and
the things we have forgotten.
We ask you to continue to take care
of us during the Summer holidays,
Keep us safe from harm, protect us
from danger.
Help us to enjoy the long hours of sunlight
And be glad of the company of family and friends.
We pray for all in this school community –
And when School comes round,
May we be glad to meet together again.
Time flies when you’re having fun and learning and the Prep Neighbourhood have been exactly that, busy and having fun whilst learning. Ms Heim has been doing some amazing art with the preps and teaching them all about some of our most famous artists.
The children's habitat work was fantastic and they did such a great job of researching facts about their chosen Australian animal and transferring these fats onto their ‘fact file’.
We have been busy in maths over the last few weeks doing division and subtraction. We used concrete materials, number lines as well as some mental strategies to work out the answers.
In Prep we are practicing being kind, caring and friendly to each other. We have been talking about how we can do this and what it actually looks and sounds like when we are being kind, caring and friendly.
Mrs Martin, Ms Heim, Louise, Susanna and Ms Egan are so proud of all of their Prep children this year as they have done amazingly well in their first year of school. Congratulations Preps
Prep Team
Wednesday December 1 the Grade 5 Students participated in an Open Water Learning Experience run by the Cape Patterson Surf Lifesaving Club. They learnt about water safety and played some water games. They all had a great time.
5/6 Team
It was with great excitement that the Grade 6 students were able to attend camp at Forest Lodge Farm in Yarram last week. We were blessed with warm weather which was perfect for our adventure activities, which included canoeing, the flying fox, archery, low ropes course, bush cooking, hut building, the mud run and of course, the giant swing. These outdoor activities require students to practice their communication skills and teamwork with partners and in small groups, and to step out of their comfort zones to try new things. There was plenty of delicious food to keep our energy levels up between activities.
The evening activities included a night walk, a movie and a trivia night, with some fun "minute to win it" activities between rounds of trivia questions. Evenings were rounded off with some delicious warm Milo and cake for supper.
Students and teachers had a wonderful time, with some great examples of cooperation and encouragement observed over the three days. Sincere thanks to the parent helpers who gave up their time to come along and help supervise the activities.
5/6 Team
Ben fatto (well done) 3/4T. They are this year's winners of the school wide pasta competition. Throughout the year each class from Year 1 is given pasta weekly in recognition of their attempts at Italian and their spontaneous use of the language in class. 3/4T was a standout learning team with 99 pieces of pasta ahead of their nearest competitors 3/4H. They celebrated with some special outdoor fun, exploring some new colourful designs which had just been painted around our school. They quickly spotted Italia on our new world map. Bravi!!
Each year, the Preps learn the first verses of the song "Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle" You Came Down From the Stars. One of Italy's most famous Christmas carols, written in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. The lyrics are printed on their stars.
Buon Natale a tutti!
Maestra Daniel
Language Teacher
A group of Preps after decorating their Christmas stars.
Below are links to a children's choir, singing this beautiful traditional song including translated lyrics as well as an interpretation by Andrea Bocelli, one of Italy's most famous singers, for you to enjoy.
Congratulations to Alvin and his winning CO2 Dragster "Solo". This dragster covered 20 meters in an impressive 1.056sec. Alvin designed and created a unique car, with specific consideration of shape and weight. Well done to all of the grade 3/4 students for their participation.
3/4 Team
Students in the 3/4 area have been honing their Trick Shot skills this term during iHour.
With the end of the school year fast upon us, I would like to thank the families and students of St Joe’s for their consistent and enthusiastic support of fundraising causes this year.
The Preps have had an amazing year in Performing Arts, despite all the disruptions.
They have been preparing for this performance for the past few weeks. They have had to learn how to sing together as a group, remember their positions and actions.
They also got crafty and made the beautiful star hats you will see in their performance. They took great pride and enjoyment in their work.
Just to make their performance even more special, the Preps learnt the song in both Italian AND English. They are so clever! A special thank you to Maestra Daniels for helping prepare and practice the Italian verse with our Preps.
Kasey Heim
Junior Performing Arts
Students in Grades 3-6 have been learning about arranging music. Students were given a choice of 6 songs and voted collectively on their class song. As a class, students decided on what instruments (if any), the actions, the tempo, and everything else. Students were supported in this process, but ultimately what you see is a student-based musical arrangement made with love from each class for you.
Keep an eye on our school facebook page for our 5/6 performances during the week.
Have a safe and happy holidays!
Danielle Paulson
Grade 3-6 Performing Arts Teacher
In recent days all families would have received a communication from PAM, if you did not do so we would like you to be aware sometimes these emails are put into JUNK or SPAM as they come from a no reply email address. We encourage parents to flag these emails as Not Junk and set that email address to be accepted in the future so that it comes through as normal next time. As we make the transition from Operoo, Nforma, Parent Teacher Interviews and roll all these services into PAM we thank you for your cooperation and patience. Please contact the office if you require your login details to PAM, call the office on 5672 1052 or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Semester 2 reports are now available via PAM. Follow the link below to login
https://pam.stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Attached is a quick user guide to view reports once logged in. If you have any issues please contact the office or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
The last day of term 4 for students is Tuesday December 14, we will finish at the normal finishing time.
School closure dates for your diary
Wednesday 15 - Friday 18 December - Curriculum, Compliance and Professional Development Days
Term 1 2022 begins for students Monday January 31. Buses will not be running on this day, please make alternate travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming back all students after the Christmas break.
Term 4 fees are now due to be finalised, If you have not received your statement or have any queries please contact Kaye Carew at kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call the office on 5672 1052.
For families who have a have a concession please complete the concession form and CSEF application below, 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 asap. Please contact the office if you require a paper copy.
School Fees Schedule 2022 Direct Debit Form
Christmas Masses are Christmas Eve Our Lady Star of the Sea Inverloch 5:00 p.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi 6:30pm
Christmas Day Our Lady Star of the Sea Inverloch 9:00 a.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi 10:30a.m.
YES IT IS TRUE!! MASS IS OPEN WITH DOUBLE VACCINATION CERTIFICATION TO BE VERIFIED ON ENTRY.
SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE RESPECTED, WITH MASKS OPTIONAL IF YOU FEEL SAFE IN MAINTAINING YOUR DISTANCE.
PLEASE NOTE: THAT ALL HELPING TO CONDUCT THESE MASSES HAVE BEEN DOUBLE VACCINATED, INCLUDING FATHER, THE SACRISTANS, CLEANING STAFF AND PARISH SECRETARY.
BUT NO Weekday mass for this week in Wonthaggi, FIRST HOLY COMMUNION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE PARISH AT ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI SUNDAY 12TH DECEMBER, 2021 AT 10:30a.m. (ALL FULLY VACCINATED PARISHIONERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE MASSES)
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 pray for the Anniversaries of Fr. David (Dave) Cagney, Fr. Frank Young, Fr. Patrick O’Donohue and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
SYNOD JOURNEY: 2021-2023 COMMUNION-PARTICIPATION-MISSIONOUR WEBSITE IS LIVE
I am pleased to announce that our Diocesan webpage for the Synod of Bishops 2021-2023 is now love. https://www.cdsale.org.au/synod-of-bishops
Our site is your one-stop shop for all the information and resources that you need for beginning to engage in the journey of walking with one another, in listening, learning and sharing with each other, as Pope Francis urges us to do. This synodal journey, which was launched by Pope Francis on 10th October and then in local churches around the world the following week, is the way that we are called to be the Body of Christ, his church. It sets us on a path of transformation: of ourselves, of the church, and of the world.
- ASSSEMBLY: 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.
JOSEPH’S SCHOOL WONTHAGGI: ARE CONDUCTING A RAFFLE THIS YEAR WITH FIRST PRIZE BEING $4,000, 2ND $750 AND 3RD $250 OF SHOP LOCAL VOUCHERS. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SCHOOL AT $5.00 EACH OR $50 PER BOOK. DRAWN 13TH December, 2021. PHONE 03 56 721 052. (PLEASE RETURN YOUR BOOKS EITHER TO THE SCHOOL DIRECTLY OR VIA THE PARISH OFFICE. THANK YOU AND GOODLUCK ?
MORWELL CATHOLIC PARISH: CHURCH 50TH ANNIVERSARY Saturday 18th December, 6pm-12pm Kernot Hall, Morwell 3 course meal, Destiny Band, DJ Junior Trinidad and lots of prizes and surprises $50 per person CONTACT: 5134 2849 Attendance is strictly for fully vaccinated only. QR code check in or manual sign in system will be utilised ensuring A COVID safe environment at all times. Holy Mass at St Vincents on the 18th December @ 2pm-celebrated by Fr. Jude Pirotta (our very own locally born priest) and on the 19th December @ 11a.m. Holy Mass at Sacred Heart celebrated with our Bishop Greg Bennet. Josephite sisters are coming and we have invited our past clergy-this will be followed by fellowship BBQ at the back of the Church.
Cry of the Earth the Social Justice: Statement can be read on https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/06/24/social-justice-statement-2021-22/
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP & MEDITATION GROUP: END OF YEAR GET TOGETHER: Wednesday December 8th @ 6p.m. The Wonthaggi Hotel (Whalebone). RSVP essential by Dec 1st to either Philippa (0408 331 340) or Maureen (0407 055 447) Next Blessing of Shawls/Rugs will take place at the Healing Mass in Inverloch Tuesday December 7th @ 11 a.m.
PRAYER GROUP: WILL RECOMMENCE ON MONDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2021 AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, WONTHAGGI @ 1:15pm. COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY INCLUDING DOUBLE VACCINATION, MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Cry of the Earth the Social Justice Statement can be read on https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/06/24/social-justice-statement-2021-22/.
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP & MEDITATION GROUP: END OF YEAR GET TOGETHER: Wednesday December 8th @ 6p.m. The Wonthaggi Hotel (Whalebone). RSVP essential by Dec 1st to either Philippa (0408 331 340) or Maureen (0407 055 447)
Next Blessing of Shawls/Rugs will take place at the Healing Mass in Inverloch Tuesday December 7th @ 11 a.m.
ANOINTING MASS AT St. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, WONTHAGGI ON FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER, 2021 AT 9:30 a.m
VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL: Many thanks to all parishioners who continue to assist us in our work. So many needy families in our area benefit from your generosity.
Christmas is particularly important time as we combine with other churches and community groups to provide hampers for about 160 families.
Should you wish to offer further assistance at this time, here are some options.
Donate over the phone: using a credit card by calling 13 18 12
-Donors can allocate donations to a specific conference by giving the name of the conference over the phone.
- Receipts will be issued by the Fundraising Team.
To make an online donation, go to vinnies.org.au
-Donors can allocate donations to a specific conference by putting conference name in the comments field.
- Receipts will be automatically emailed out to donor.
Cash donations: You will find a collection plate at the church exit on Sat/Sun 11th/12 December.
Thank you again and a Happy Christmas from your St. Vincent de Paul Conference. We wish you all the Peace and joy that this season brings.
ADVENT GROUP: Running on 6th, 13th & 20th Julie de Bondt is hosting a group. If you are interested in participating, please contact Julie on 03 56 741 464 or 0407 535 032 for more information. This will be in the annex of Our Lady Star of the Sea and COVID PROTOCOLS WILL APPLY.
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.
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi
With Christmas around the corner, Bunnings Wonthaggi invites you to attend a Christmas Night Market on Thursday the 9th of December from 6pm to 8pm.
With a sausage sizzle, Kids DIY and activities, as well as a visit from Santa and local Community Groups , we can’t wait to see you there!