Filter Content
- Child Safety Week 2022
- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Child Safety Week 2022 video
- Prayer
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- Book Week 2022
- Italian Day 2022
- St Joseph's News Podcast
- Assembly Award Winners
- Parent Teacher Interviews - Term 3
- St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
- Child Safety
- St Joseph's Comedy For A Cause
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2024
- Book Club - Issue 6
- Absences & Holiday Submissions
- Class Preparations 2023
- Careers - St Joseph's Wonthaggi
- School Fees Term 3
- Parish News
- Playtime OT for Kids - Holiday Program
- Fish Creek Children’s Literature Day
- Girl Guides
- Wonthaggi Club Cricket Club
- Wonthaggi Theatrical Group - School Of Rock
Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
Last week we celebrated Book Week with a character parade as well as our St Joseph’s Italian Day festivities. It was wonderful to see the effort that the students and staff (and parents!) went to with their costumes for these events. The excitement levels were infectious and the students spent time engaging in rich literature-based and Italian themed activities as part of these events.
We had the shade sail posts installed recently which will now allow works to begin on the final landscaping element outside of the 5/6 neighbourhood. This will provide an additional space for our students to learn outside with decking and seating complementing the area.
It is hoped, in the near future, that some further minor capital works will be undertaken, which includes: our Prep classrooms removing their dwarf wall and blades near their classroom entrance as well as the addition of large sliding doors so they too can access their outside areas with greater visibility; installation of handrails near the junior Basketball court; a single pivot double sided writing board to the 3/4L classroom; and additional pin board fitted to the green hexagon intervention space in 3/4F classroom. We should also have our main silver car entry gates automated during the holidays.
Parent/Teacher interviews are now open for bookings to arrange a meeting with the classroom teachers. These are important moments when you are able to have a discussion about your child/ren. This develops good relationships with your child's teacher and also gives you a valuable insight into how they are travelling at school. Please take the time to arrange a meeting should you wish .
With the start of spring this Thursday, all families are reminded that students will be required to wear their hats when outside and adhere to our sun safety policy. Please also ensure that your child’s school hat is clearly named.
A number of our students will be representing St Joseph’s School over the next fortnight in various competitions; these include the State Soccer Competition, 3-6 Basketball, and Divisional Athletics. We wish all of these students success as they compete, do their best and represent our school admirably.
As usual, we encourage and ask you to be part of the journey of your child's education. Together we can do great things for your children. Please ensure that you keep open communication with your class teacher.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Thank you
I dwell upon the goodness in my life.
Thank you.
I cherish in my heart Your gift to me.
Thank you.
I notice the blessings of life, breath, loving and sharing.
I am so very grateful.
Thank you, Lord.
We have had a very busy couple of weeks in the 1/2 area. We celebrated a liturgy for the Feast Day of Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop. Everyone participated respectfully, singing and reading readings. In our inquiry unit, “Celebrating Differences”, we have been exploring the continent of Africa. We welcomed Kofi from Ghana, who took us for an African Drumming session last Wednesday. It was safe to say we all had a ball and drummed our little hearts out. He taught us about his culture and we all left with big smiles on our faces and a spring in our steps. This week we enjoyed the Book Week parade and spent an hour with the Grade 5’s crafting gift bags from the shortlisted book “What do you call your Grandma?”.
On Tuesday we had another fun day celebrating Italian Day. We enjoyed an Italian play about Pinocchio and ate some gelato at lunchtime. It was Molto Bene!
1/2 Team
Students have been really engaged in our inquiry unit which is focusing on life cycles, classifications, along with the natural and human impacts on endangered animals and their habitats. They are excited about the upcoming open afternoon with parents where they can showcase their learning and tell/show you their call to action.
3/4 Team
Well done to our school community for celebrating Book Week by coming to school dressed as their favourite book character! There were so many great costumes. It is pleasing to see that our children’s enthusiasm and love of reading has helped them dream with eyes wide open.
It was great to see so many parents and younger siblings attend our Parade and watch the students show the school who their favourite characters are. Thank you also to the staff for immersing themselves in the enjoyment of books by coming dressed as their favourite characters too.
The school was a sea of green white and red on Tuesday August 23 as we arrived to celebrate this year’s Italian Day. Costumes included the Leaning Tower of Pisa (who leaned on request), gelato sellers, gondoliers, pasta and pizza. Italian enthusiasm and passion for fun was in the air.
The day included activities inspired by Italian art, sport, stories and drama.
Children created their own works of art inspired by such artists as Leonardo Da Vinci and Arcimboldo. PE included Italian inspired games and children explored the character of Arlecchino in Performing Arts. The senior children met a construction challenge building towers with pasta.
Children experienced the magic of theatre first hand with the solo production of Pinocchio, performed by the talented Jasper of Make a Scene, Theatre Arts Education. The children were enthralled and entertained by the one man show. The solo actor, who is a clown in Paris most of the time, performed in the Italian traditional Commedia Dell'arte style with masks, puppets and exaggerated physical comedy elements.
Their taste buds were not ignored with gelato to finish off their lunch on this special day.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support on the day. One can not underestimate how this contributes to the success of a day here at school.
Grazie
Maestra Daniel
Listen to the latest St Joseph's Podcast created by some of our very talented students.
Click below to check out their channel and all their episodes!
Well done to our award winners who were presented with their certificates at our last assembly, congratulations on all your hard work.
Parent Teacher Interviews - Term 3
Optional Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews are avaliable for Parents on Wednesday 7 September between 8.30am and 5:30pm. These interviews will be of 10 minutes in duration and will take place in the Parish Hall. Attendance at these interviews may be either face to face or via phone, of which you may select your preference at point of booking. Entry for onsite meetings will be through the front office, with all visitors asked to sign in. Please allow extra time before your interview to complete this process. Please note Parent Teacher Interviews for Trish Martin will be made avaliable in Term and parents will be made aware of dates closer to the time.
Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are to be made though PAM and will close on Monday August 5. If you have not setup your account please email the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au and we will help you get setup.
If you have been involved in PSG meetings, please do not arrange an appointment. These interviews are expected to be of 10 minutes duration.
If you have any queries regarding booking an appointment please contact the office.
St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
Thank you to all our wonderful families for their support of the St Vincent de Paul food drive. We will continue collecting goods for Vinnies until the final week of term for those who wish to still contribute.
Bel O’Brien
Religious Education Leader
Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2024
We are now accepting Expression of Interest Application forms for student enrolments for 2024. Current families with students attending in 2024 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
Absences & Holiday Submissions
A reminder that If your child/ren will be away from school for a family holiday outside of the school holiday period time that applications for holidays should be submitted prior to your holiday. It is important that correspondence is sent through to the school office informing us of the dates that your child will be absent for approval of this absence. This information can be sent via email to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Absence notes must be submitted via PAM each day your child is absent, before 9:30am on the day of absence. You can also email the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call 5672 1052.
As the process of planning and preparing for the 2023 school year has commenced, we will soon begin to work on class lists. If parents have a genuine reason for class placement requests for next year, you are required to put this in writing and submit it to the School Office.
Please be aware that a request has to be made for this current year, we will not be referring to requests made 12 months ago as circumstances change and it is important this is requested and submitted each year. Obviously, we cannot (and will not) accommodate requests for particular teachers; we can only look at the needs of the child.
All requests are to be submitted in writing to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au by Friday, 7 October 2021.
It is important to note that once classes are established for the year, no alterations to allocations will be made. While we welcome parent input about your child’s individual learning needs, please be mindful that preferences are requests only and school staff decide the final placement of children based on the learning needs of all students.
This year the school will be utilising the Class Solver program to assist in allocating students to classes. Teachers will input data into the program which will then sort the classes. It is hoped that this will make this process more efficient.
Ronan O'Mahony
Principal
Families not on a direct debit, fees for Term 3 have are now due. if you have any queries or have not received your statement please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Father Darren returns this weekend for the Masses.
On behalf of all the parishioners we wish to thank both Father Martin Dixon and Father Manny Lomagno for saying the weekend masses as well as attending to the sick and meeting with the families for the preparation of 2 Requiem Masses.
To those who prepared and delivered the weekday Liturgies another big thank you for all your thoughtfulness. Those who took Communion to parishioners at home, we are very appreciative of your care and outreach.
We will return to weekday Masses now that Father Darren has returned.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Friday 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi (Liturgy) 2/9/2022
Please pray for those who continue to be affected by the Ukrainian War. For Mary Butcher, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Martin O’Halloran, John Sandford, Fr. Patrick Cremin 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.
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.
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
Having the Conversation on Family and Domestic Violence: Parish communities from across the Diocese of Sale, have been participating in a pilot program since March 2022, which has enabled participants to attend ‘Shining A Light’ workshops across the six regions of the diocese. Led by Sr Nicole Rotaru RSM and auspiced by Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV), each workshop enabled key parish community participants to be better informed and equipped to respond to domestic and family violence.
To date, seven workshops have been held across the diocese since March, including Sale, Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Warragul, Wonthaggi and twice in Berwick. The intention of the program is to develop capacity for an effective whole of Church response to the prevention of violence against women and children. The pilot program was funded through a grant from the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
‘Both CSSV and Bishop Greg Bennet are highly concerned about the impact of domestic and family violence, so that’s why these workshops have been running across every region of the diocese.’ Sr Nicole Rotaru RSM
Read the full story and access useful resources at this website: https://bit.ly/3dDaHYP or via the ‘Catholic Social Services Victoria’ website.
The story can also be accessed through the news section of the Diocesan website www.cdsale.org.au/news
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month where we knit or crochet shawls and rugs that are then blessed and wrapped, ready to be freely given to those who are struggling with life in any way. New members are always welcome. After the recent blessings at all Masses, there are shawls, rugs and some bed socks at both Wonthaggi & Inverloch that are available to be given.
Please contact: Kristine (Parish Office) 03 56 721 111, Maureen Maartensz:0407 055 447, Philippa Warby: 0408 331 340, Julie de Bondt: 0407 535 032.
CATHOLICCARE VICTORIA SUNDAY APPEAL: Thank you for the wonderful response to the CatholicCare Appeal last weekend. We have forwarded $1,013.90 (UPDATED AFTER FURTHER DONATIONS) in cash donations on your behalf. If you missed this opportunity, there are still envelopes available in the foyer, online donations via website 222.catholicarevic.org.au
Parishioners can call (03) 9287 5513 and speak to one of the team members or directly transfer funds to CatholicCare Victoria’a bank account BSB: 083 347 Account Number 171 551 421 Bank NAB.
HEART OF LIFE AT HOME: ‘Interludes of Your Making-Spiritual Journaling’ (via Zoom), Saturday 10 September 2022, 10am-3pm (AEST). You are invited to step inside for a personal interlude-a day to be supported as you quietly listen to your heart and allow the Spirit within to lead you gently forward. Through intervals of creative expression, a private reflection, individuals can foster new ways of attuning, sensing and articulating inner experiences. Playful use of mixed media expands the contemplative attentiveness. A focused process facilitates a gentle unfolding of self-understanding and meaning. Spiritual journalling will enable participants to notice emerging possibilities, capture otherwise fleeting insights and ponder a path of growth and change. This is a private, companioned journey with no necessity to share. You can enter into your process at your own pace. No art experience is necessary. The outcome will be fresh awareness of your inner self. Led by Margaret Trainor, qualified spiritual direction and art therapy. Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation. Cost $60. Book and pay via www.heartoflife.melbourne, email
secretary@heartoflife.melbourne or Tel (03) 9890 1101.
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.
CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE: online unit via Zoom.AGEING PERSONS AND PASTORAL CARE: Six Saturdays: 30th July; 31, 27 August; 17 September; 8, 22 October: 10am-12pm plus 2pm-4pm To enrol or for further information: Email: registrar@ctc.ed.au Phone 03 9412 3309.
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
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 ACN is the Pontifical Foundation dedicated to supporting the suffering and persecuted Church.
Please consider leaving an eternal legacy by remembering Aid to the Church in Need in your will. This gift will ensure that the light of faith continues to shine brightly throughout the world and that persecuted, and suffering Christians will be cared for and given a voice. When you leave a gift in your will to ACN you can also rest assured that ACN will arrange Masses for the eternal repose of your soul. Visit www.aidtochurch.org./legacies
P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751
1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
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