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- Catholic Education Week
- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- Religious Education News
- May the 4th
- Mary MacKillop Grade 6 Activity Day
- Whole School Cross Country
- Sport Polos
- Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour
- School Closure Information
- Football Clinic
- Prep Tours / Application for Enrolment 2023
- Bus Information
- Parish News
- National Reconciliation Walk
- Richies Welcome Offer
- Wonthaggi Library
- Wonthaggi Drysdale St Open Day
Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
Children love to be praised. It is one of the joys of living and working with them to see them display pride and happiness when they do something well and we, whether parent or significant other, observe their achievement. Most importantly, children love to please those they care about the most - their parents, guardians and carers!
As parents, this can be difficult to remember at times, particularly after our children have done something mischievous or wayward; or we’ve had a busy, demanding and trying day; or we are just not feeling that well.
The task of being a parent is, to say the least - quite a challenge! There is no instruction kit available, user manual, or teachers’ guide to follow - that comes with the privilege of being a parent. However, what is available is the support and experience of those we love and trust, our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours who, through their life experiences, may be able to assist us with the challenges we face each and every day.
As parents we want to help our children to deal with life’s challenges, as well as build the necessary skills to deal the with these when they arise. We want to help develop resilience in our children. Resilience is defined as our ability to cope with problems and change and bounce back after these challenges. Outlined below some of the ‘tips’ for how parents can help children become more resilient:
- Show children you love them and accept them just as they are. Assure them whether they succeed or not, they have the same intrinsic value.
- Model positive attitudes and values.
- Have realistically high expectations for achievement and behaviour.
- Foster success – encourage your children in whatever area they are good at and value.
- Take time to listen to your children.
- Teach your children to solve problems and make decisions.
- Teach children about spiritual awareness – the capacity to reflect, to know their life is valuable, to know they have inner resources, to be prayerful.
At St Joseph’s we encourage children to accept themselves as unique and special and to be accepting of the uniqueness of others. We are ALL equal!
Insight SRC Surveys
Our school has been participating in our annual Insight SRC Surveys. A number of families have been randomly selected to complete the parent survey. I realise how busy families are and very much appreciate that you have spent the time to complete these as the information captured will provide us with valuable information about our school and helps to inform the development of the school’s Improvement Plans.
School Events - Parent Involvement
As a school we work in partnership with parents and carers to assist the children in all aspects of learning. It has been fantastic to hear (and see) so many parents, when you are able, join students for the various aspects of their learning journey over the last fortnight and with future events. Staff will continue to reach out to our community with enriching learning here at St Joseph’s. Please make sure you lock in to your calendars our ‘Celebration of Learning’ afternoon for families on June 20 at 2.30pm. Please keep an eye out through our relevant communication channels for future opportunities.
Building Update
We are almost there! It seems like we are running a slow marathon and are almost at the finishing line. Unfortunately there still remain some delays due to the ongoing impact of COVID. We are hopeful that the completion date will be mid June which will then allow our 5/6 classes to begin in their newly refurbished environments from the beginning of Term 3. Good things come to those who wait!
After School Care on the Horizon
Once the required administrative procedures have been completed we will be able to provide further information to when parents and guardians will be able to enrol their children in the program. The intent for this service is to operate from our Parish Hall between the hours of 3.25 - 6pm with the hope of beginning in Term 3.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us as we are always here to help and no question or concern is too small or unimportant. We always find that the sooner we ask for assistance or clarification, the sooner we can work together to resolve any situation that may arise.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
May God the Father bless me.
May God the Son protect me.
May the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me,
and forgive all my sins.
Amen.
We have had an excellent start to Term 2 in the Prep Area! The children have been excited to commence borrowing books from the school library. In Religion we have been learning about the groups that we belong to such as our family, our school, our parish and other groups in the community like Auskick and dancing. In Integrated Studies we are learning about the people who help us in the community. We were thrilled to have a visit from Sharnee the nurse who taught us about her job, as well as lots of information about the human body using her mannequin Denise to help her. We are very much looking forward to some more upcoming visitors from the community such as the police station, the fire brigade and the ambulance. Last Thursday afternoon, we commenced iHour and enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new friends. What rich and engaging learning experiences we are having at school this Term!
Prep Team
The 3/4 Neighbourhood have had a busy start to Term 2 with the preparation and completion of NAPLAN. Our Grade 3 students have done a fantastic job in completing the tests and we are very proud of them.
Whilst the Grade 3's were busy with NAPLAN, the Grade 4 students were working on designing a theme park that fit within a $50,000,000 budget. In maths, we have been building our addition and subtraction skills, so they were able to put that into practice, whilst also considering what attractions and facilities would bring people to their theme park.
In writing we have been working on our Narrative stories which is lots of fun as we get to use our imaginations. Our reading has been focused on building our skills to become great readers by making text-to-self, text-to-text and text-to-world connections.
In religion we have been generating a deeper understanding of all the events that happened around the Easter period, including the death and resurrection of Jesus
Our inquiry unit this term focuses on the difference between rules and laws, how they support people in our community, features of local government & how democracy is used to make decisions in our communities. We will be hosting an open day at the end of this Term to showcase what we have learnt and look forward to greeting more parents, family members and carers on site.
3/4 Team
Our school, along with the 44 other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, will celebrate Catholic Education Week from 27 May to 3 June. The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Go out into the world and spread the Good News to all creation’, from the Gospel of Mark 16:15.
As Catholic schools, we are called to do more than just promote faith: we are invited to translate our faith into actions to make present the Kingdom of God. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools to celebrate our distinctive mission and share features that are special about our schools. Members of our staff will be attending the Leadership Mass and Dinner held in Traralgon on Friday, 27 May.
You are most welcome to join our school in a Mass to mark Catholic Education Week at St Joseph's Church on Monday 30th May at 9.30am.
Staff and students celebrated May 4th, Star Wars Day with a fun filled Star Wars-themed lunchtime club! Lots of students participated in various planned activities and as they joyfully indulged in their Star Wars Day celebration, the phrase: May the Fourth be with You, could be heard repeatedly throughout the playground and hallways of the school, as friends and staff greeted each other in passing.
Mary MacKillop Grade 6 Activity Day
On Wednesday May 4, the Grade 6 Students visited Mary MacKillop. The purpose of the day was for the students to get a snapshot of how a Year 7 day would run. During the day the students were able to participate in a range of classroom activities including: Math, PE, Science, Drama and English. The students had a great day and are looking forward to their Year 7 adventures in 2023!
5/6 Team
Students from Prep - 6 participated in our school cross country on Monday May 9. Students ran a 1, 2 or 3 km course around the school
Students had been practising their long distance running this PE and their practise has paid off, with some fantastic results.
Congratulations to all participants, and it was great to see parents and grandparents out supporting our students.
As previously mentioned in the newsletter over the years we have received parent feedback on various aspects of our school uniform and that we were in the process of ordering a new blue and red sport polo. Many had commented on the practicality of our white sports uniform shirt, that it was hard to keep clean and presentable. We are pleased to announce that these new shirts are now available for purchase at Totally Work Wear. The white polo's will be phased out over the next 12 months to 2 years.
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour
Routines
Routines are a sequence of actions or procedures that through repetitive use become habit. They can provide a predictable, safe environment where independence is increased and positive habits develop. This maximises efficiency, by allowing teachers to focus on learning. When people can predict the events throughout their school day, they are more likely to be engaged and acts as a preventative for behavioural issues. Routines should be explicitly taught, modelled, practised and reinforced frequently. Routines involve:
- Identification of routines required and planning for them
- The engagement of students in the formation of identified routines
- Teaching the identified routines
- Modelling the identified routines
- Displaying and/or providing easy access to the identified routines
- Practising the identified routines
- Consistently using the identified routines in learning and teaching
- Consistently using the identified routines for student movement
- Consistently using the identified routines for administrative tasks
- Consistently using the identified routines to create opportunities to build culture and cohesiveness
- Having routine, data informed meetings to discuss student learning and patterns of behaviour
- Reviewing the identified routines to ensure effectiveness in meeting desired needs
Trish Martin and Travis Newton
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Co-ordinators
Friday June 10 is a School Closure day, Curriculum, Compliance and Professional Development Day.
Due to unforseen circumstances the Football Clinic planned for Monday May 16 was postponed, it will be reseduled later in the Term.
Prep Tours / Application for Enrolment 2023
We are now taking bookings for Prep tours and accepting Applications for student enrolments for 2023. Please contact the office on 5672 1052 to make a time. Current families with students attending in 2023 should also book a tour 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
We have been notified that the information previously relayed regarding buses not running on Friday May 20 and Wednesday June 1 has now changed and buses will be running on these days.
AS OF FRIDAY 25TH FEBRUARY,2022 AT MIDNIGHT, THE WEARING OF MASKS AT MASS BECOMES OPTIONAL, YOU NO LONGER NEED TO QR OR SIGN IN.
PLEASE NOTE: THAT ALL HELPING TO CONDUCT THESE MASSES HAVE BEEN DOUBLE VACCINATED, HAVING ALSO RECEIVED THE 3RD BOOSTER, INCLUDING FATHER, THE SACRISTANS, CLEANING STAFF AND PARISH SECRETARY.
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 people of the Ukraine. For Margaret Haines, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Noreen Dalmau, Tony O’Halloran, Des McRae, Fr. Robert Mead and our loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine.
PRAYER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN UKRAINE.
God of peace and justice,
who change the hardened heart and break the power of violence, we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.
Protect them in this time of peril;
let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom.
You are Father of all;
we are brothers and sisters.
Give us the strength to live that truth in love,
choosing peace not war.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
DIOCESE OF SALE: DIOCESAN FACILITIES CO-ORDINATOR:
(Part Time 4 Days per fortnight)
The Bishop of Sale is seeking to appoint a Facilities Coordinator on a part time basis of 4 days per fortnight (0.4FTE) to assist Parishes in the management of Parish Church facilities. The appointee will be responsible to the Bishop of Sale through the Business Manager. The Facilities Coordinator has responsibility for working with Parishes to ensure the maintenance of Church buildings and other Parish facilities, ensure compliance with essential safety, have a process to identify hazards, and compliance with Occupation Health and Safety in the maintenance of Church properties. The successful candidate will ideally commence early to mid-June with a handover from the current Facilities co-ordinator who is retiring. The appointee is expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and support of the mission of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Sale and a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children. A high level of professionalism, capacity to work autonomously, initiative and superior communication skills is required in this key role. Ideally the successful candidate would have experience in the building industry, engineering or project management.
Applications: A Position Description, Application Form, and other relevant information is available. Please email dos@sale.catholic.org.au to receive this pack.
St Vincent de Paul Society St. Joseph’s Conference
As a Conference, we would like to thank you all for your ongoing support for the work we do in the community. Your donations of cash and the food items you place in our baskets in the foyers are of great assistance to our work.
Our conference meets together at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church foyer every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Here, we pray together and plan our activities for the next fortnight. On four days each week we go out, in pairs, visiting people who have called for assistance. Each member has allocated visits once per fortnight. We always
ensure that our visits are carried out in a COVID safe manner. In the last quarter we made 166 visits, assisting 232 adults and 161 children.
We are always looking for new members. If you feel that you can volunteer a couple of hours per week to be part of our group, you will find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Please give this request some consideration; then contact the Parish Office on 56 721 111 and one of our members will ring you to talk about your involvement and answer any questions.
- WALKING IN THE SPIRIT NATIONAL PRAYER PILGRIMAGE FOR THE PLENARY COUNCIL:
People across the country are invited to participate in a national prayer pilgrimage as the Catholic Church in Australia prepares for the Second Assembly of the 5th Plenary Council of Australia in Sydney from 3-9th July 2022.
We pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and grace for the Members who will gather and for ourselves and the Church, that we may have the courage to follow where God is leading us.
Access Walking in the Spirit Prayer Resources at:
www.plenarycountil.catholic.org.au/walkinginthespirit
MAY IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH.
In 2016 the Catholic Bishops of Victoria released a statement committing themselves to the elimination of domestic and family violence in which they say:
Our goal must be a society where all people are safe in their home, families, and close relationships; where violence and abuse are not acceptable; and where all relationships respect the equality and dignity of each person. This is part of the Gospel vision of love and respect. With domestic and family violence on the rise, we are all called to work in ways to eliminate this type of violence.
The contents of this statement remain relevant as domestic and family violence incidents have increased since 2016. This month, you are invited to read the Bishops 2016 statement to learn more about a Catholic response to Domestic and Family Violence. To read the statement visit
http://www.faithsafe.org.au/images/catholic-kit-family-violence.pdf
(Please read the statement that is posted on this site at the end of the bulletin.)
(There is also a Flyer for SHINING A LIGHT A workshop about Domestic Violence on Saturday 4th June, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Church (Marian Room) 3 Witton Street, Warragul. RSVP 31/5/2022 Parish Secretary: Warragul @cdsale.org.au. A WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI ON 25TH JUNE, 2022.
Mary MacKillop Australian Pilgrimage:
The Sisters of Saint Joseph have prepared an Australian Pilgrimage. “In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop” commencing in Melbourne on 18th October, journeying through Victoria and South Australia and ending at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney on 29th October 2022. During the pilgrimage we visit many places associated with Mary MacKillop’s life and ministry.
I am happy to answer any questions and provide an itinerary and application form, and may be contacted at
National.pilgrimage@mmp.org.au or 02 891 24818.
Annie Bond rsj
Assistant Director-Responsible for Ministries.
DIVINE RENOVATION: “Do you want to help parishes move from maintenance to mission?”
Divine Renovation Ministry is hiring! We’re currently seeking candidates for 3 Relationship Guide roles for Queensland, NSW, and Victoria. If you (or someone you know) feels called to serve the Church through ministry work by accompanying and offering support to priests and parishes on the renewal journey, we encourage you to check out the position and apply at www.divinerenovation.org./jobs. Please contact us at australia@divinerenovation.org for more information.
FEDERAL ELECTION: Read the Australian Catholic Bishops’ 2022 election statement. Towards a Better Kind of Politics, to help you reflect on the good you can do for the community by using your vote for the common good of all. The statement includes a Prayer for the Election and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Download a copy from catholic.org.au
EMMAUS SALE:
INTERNATIONAL IGNATIAN ECOSPIRITUAL CONFERENCE (llEC2022) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=713pwSLiTV4
PARISH MISSION AT NARRE WARREN:
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish will be holding a Parish Mission led by Fr. Richard Leonard SJ on Sunday May 22nd. Timetable:
Midday-1pm shared lunch.
1-2:30 session 1
2:30 -3:00pm afternoon tea
3:00-4:30 session 2
4:30-4:50pm break
4:50-6.20 session 3 including Q & A
6:20 pizza and wine.
For any further information please contact Fr. Brendan or OLHC Parish.
BISHOP’S LAUNCH STATEMENT FOR TRINITY FAMILIES 2022 APPEAL:
I am delighted to launch the Diocese of Sale Trinity Families 2022 May Appeal. Trinity Families is the charitable arm of the Catholic Diocese of Sale and provides funding through grants to other charities working to provide services and programs for families within the boundaries of the Diocese. Since its inception (originally named Bishop’s Family Foundation), Trinity Families has provided over $2,000,000 in grants. For the past two years this Annual Appeal has been on hold due to the impact of COVID but Trinity Families, through sound management, has still been able to provide grants in 2020 and 2021.
Your donation to the Trinity Families 2022 Appeal will assist with the ongoing support given by Trinity Families throughout the Diocese of Sale. I encourage you to give generously and pray for those who are providing the programs services.
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
(Please see the attached flyer for further details.)
COME JOIN OUR PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: We gather once a month (3rd Monday of the month) to knit or crochet shawls & rugs that are blessed at Mass, wrapped with a prayer card, and then freely given to those who may be struggling with life in any way. Simple patterns and wool are available. Wool donations are gratefully accepted (8ply acrylic preferably).
We next meet on Monday 16TH May, @ 2:15pm in the Inverloch Church Annex (following the Meditation Group). All welcome, even non-knitters who may like to make the tea/coffee and enjoy a chat. You can also still be a part of this valuable ministry by knitting at home if you cannot attend meetings. For enquiries or to obtain a rub/shawl for someone you know who may benefit from receiving one (no cost), please contact the Parish Office or one of the following ladies:
Philippa Warby: 0408 331 340
Maureen Maartensz: 0407 055 447
Julie de Bondt: 0407 535 032
MARY MACKILLOP HERITAGE CENTRE (MMHC)
‘Cuppa with Mary’ When visiting Melbourne, please include a visit to the Mary MacKillop Museum that tells Mary and the SOSJ’s story. Entry is free. Do a walking tour of the Mary MacKillop Heritage trails and Mary’s place of birth. Consider organising a Parish group and have a ‘Cuppa with Mary’. Group bookings which include a presentation, tour and prayer reflection in the Chapel where Mary prayed, cost $20 per person. Contact Kate on 03 9926 9300 for a group booking.
Learn about the Mary MacKillop’s story and ministry through participation in a two-day program at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre. Titled Mary MacKillop “Daughter of Melbourne” in this program, you have opportunity to explore the Life and Spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop as well as have a guided tour of places in Melbourne that were connected with Mary and the Sisters of Saint Joseph Victorian Story and time for personal reflection. While this is an opportunity to learn about and be touched by the life and spirit of Mary MacKillop, it is also an opportunity for you to explore and share the challenges and stirrings in your own heart as you respond with others to action today. You can access more information, obtain a brochure, and register for this two-day event.
Mary MacKillop Gift shop- With Easter coming up, please consider supporting the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph by purchasing a present from the Museum Gift Shop (communion and confirmation gifts, devotional items, Vatican Library collection, rosary beads, holding crosses, candles, cards, statues, crucifixes, books, and Peruvian handmade items).
Accommodation Specials- With Melbourne opening up again, book a stay at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre Accommodation in the heart of Melbourne. Contact Kate on 03 9926 9300.
PATHWAYS VICTORIA: Bishop Greg Bennet said: I join the Catholic Bishops of Victoria in our renewed and sincere apology to all victims of sexual abuse by clergy and Church personnel. We pledge ongoing commitment to ensure all those who have allegations of abuse have an appropriate independent process in order for them to tell their story in safety, and to have an appropriate pastoral response which respects their particular individual needs and circumstances. For further information about Pathways company and the new model is available in the Pathways website: www.pathwaysvictoria.com
ASSSEMBLY: PLENARY COUNCIL: Keep up with the latest Plenary news:
The Connection between the Plenary Council and the Synod of Bishops.
There has been some confusion amongst people about the Synod and the Plenary Council. In preparation for the 5th Plenary Council of Australia, we have been on a four-year journey of listening, dialogue and discerning what God is asking of us in Australia at this time.
Now Pope Francis is asking us to a similar thing, but together with the entire Church worldwide. As Christ’s church, we are all called to living in a synodal way, attentive to others and ready to walk alongside one another. In your parishes you will have already experienced aspects of living synodally as a faith community. The synodal journey is not something which ends with the Synod of Bishops meeting in Rome in 2023 but is meant to be the way in which we are to be disciples of Christ, bearing his Good News for the transformation of ourselves, the church and the world.
Bishop Shane Mackinlay (the Plenary Council’s Vice-President) is featured in a brief video (1.5 minutes) explaining the connection between the Plenary and the Synod of Bishops.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-JgRwx5NnQ
To watch the full video (6-minute version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnz0DCXGZ10
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/.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis. This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
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. Teaching children and young people how to keep safe online (on how to use technology wisely) is important for their mental health and wellbeing.
But as a parent or carer, ensuring eSafety for kids and teens can feel overwhelming or unachievable.
Whether you’re worried about cyberbullying, privacy, online content, social media, or time spent using technology, there’s things parents and carers can do to help keep kids safe.
To learn more please contact CatholicCare Victoria.
- Aid to the Church in Need Australia
This month can you provide transport to help priests and religious reach and nourish the faithful in Tanzania? Your offering will bridge the divide between priests and their people in Tanzania due to the harsh terrain and dangerous travel. By providing a means of transport, the faithful will be able to participate in more frequent Masses and partake of the Sacraments, as well as providing a means of help to the people, including pregnant mothers, to reach medical facilities. To make an offering to ACN’s Project of the Month visit www.aidtochurch.org./monthlyproject
P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
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.
Australian Catholic Bishops’ 2022 Election Statement
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi