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- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- St Vinnies Winter Appeal
- Assembly Award Winners
- Socktober Is Back!
- Celebration Of Learning Open Afternoon
- Class Preparations 2023
- St Joseph's News Podcast
- Prep Orientation 2023
- School Raffle 2022
- Transition Summer Uniform
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2024
- Hats - SunSmart
- End of Term 3
- School Fees Term 3
- Whole School Assembly
- School Closure Information
- Parish News
- MELBOURNE Resilient Kids Conference 2022
- Playtime OT for Kids - Holiday Program
- Bass Coast Cycle Challenge
- Girls Cricket Blast
- Wonthaggi Club Cricket Club
- 2022 Fish Creek Children’s Festival of Stories
- Girl Guides
- Wonthaggi Fire Brigade Gala
Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
After three quarters of the academic year the students and staff are looking forward to a well-earned break. Term Three has been a busy and exciting one, filled with the challenges of study and many achievements. As with any time that we take a rest from the hectic pace of the day-to-day, the break provides an opportunity to take stock of our personal and collective progress. We are blessed to have many students who excel in a wide range of activities. We celebrate their achievements. In addition, we applaud those whose stories are not always told, but have achieved their personal goals. For some, these goals have been reached in the classroom where dedication and persistence has paid dividends. Not every child at St Joseph’s will be an academic world-beater, but every child can set goals that will challenge them to improve. To all who have taken up this challenge and stuck with it, congratulations! I hope the gratitude mindset allows students to say thank you to your teachers, your parents and to yourself.
Taking stock is not only about recalling our successes; it also involves facing up to those times where we have missed the mark; our blind spots. As students reflect on Term Three, some will acknowledge that the effort may not have been enough. This is not always determined by the result, but by the self-knowledge that the potential was there to do better. As I have often told students, there is no such thing as failure at St Joseph’s but there are opportunities to learn from our mistakes and to grow through our setbacks. For those whose results, whatever they may be, leave them room for improvement, I hope there is time for reflection over this holiday break. Let us all commence the final Term with the determination to be grateful, to improve and to see beyond our blind spots.
2023 Planning
It is hard to believe that we have come to that stage in the year where we must start to forward plan for the 2023 school year. If parents have a genuine reason for class placement requests for next year, could you ensure they are submitted in writing to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au by Friday, 7 October 2021. An enormous amount of time and effort is put into the creation of class lists and many factors are taken into consideration by the staff. A written request will be considered on its merits but it is not a guarantee. At St Joseph’s we work on a whole school approach and are blessed to have a committed teaching staff who collaborate to give the very best learning opportunities to all students in our care. With this in mind, I ask that you please do not request a certain teacher for your child. Please be aware that a request has to be made for the current year, we will not be referring to requests made 12 months ago as circumstances change.
As the school undertakes the enormous process of preparations for the 2023 year, it is important that we are aware of possible movements both in and out of the school community. The final weeks of any school year can be an enormously busy time for families insofar as transfers due to work or other personal circumstances. It is essential that we are made aware of families who may be leaving St Joseph’s in 2023.
Thank you for your constant support and commitment to your children's education. Your involvement makes a huge difference to their success. Remember, together we can achieve great things - Enjoy the upcoming break!
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Holy Lord, Thank You for grace.
Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
The Preps were fortunate to have a visit from Lisa from Bass Coast Landcare recently. Lisa collected water from the Wonthaggi Wetlands and transported it to our school and taught us about the water bugs that live in this habitat. Some of the bugs we found were sandhoppers, water boatmen, water strider, water mites, damselfly nymph, pond snail, fly larvae and pupa and backswimmers. We also found tadpoles and a fish!
Prep Team
In Grade 1/2 we have been learning about the Moon Festival that is celebrated in China and other parts of Asia. We tasted traditional mooncakes that were filled with red bean paste. Then we used a mooncake mould to press our own mooncakes out of salt dough.
We also made Moon Festival lanterns out of papier mache. It was a little tricky to stick the paper onto the balloons but students showed perseverance overcoming frustration and were really proud of the results.
We learned that sometimes lanterns have riddles attached. These riddles can be so tough to solve that they say solving a riddle is like fighting a tiger. They are known as lantern tigers. We wrote some lantern tigers. I wonder if you can solve them!
1/2 Team
This term all 3/4s were learning about people's negative impacts and the positive impacts on the environment. We were also learning about endangered animals and deciding what animal to choose to do an information report on.
At the start of term, we made an information report about the Amazon rainforest and all the 3/4s had different themes in each class. Mr Newtons was snow, Mr Grangers was a rainforest, Mrs Fosters was ocean and Mrs Neilsons was the outback. We loved making the classes look like our themes. All 3/4s absolutely loved making the themed reports as well.
Planning was a big part of our project. We were excited when we got to start putting our plans into action. We did it every day and once we have finished our project we were so proud of ourselves and we will share them to our parents and guardians for open day as well as every class will come and have a look of what we did.
Over the past few weeks we have been building boxes, badges and t-shirts for our animal we chose. It was a fun experience to do this project because we got to learn about an animal we might have not seen or heard of before. We have had a great Term!
Ava Foon 3/4L
We welcomed Peter Morrisey from St Vincent De Paul to assembly on Monday to accept our gifts for the Winter Appeal. We are proud to be able to help the people in our community, we thank all our families who donated items generously to this worthwhile cause.
SOCKTOBER is back! On Wednesday 12th October St Joseph’s will be raising funds for Catholic Mission and support children in Ethiopia who are experiencing a food crisis. Students are encouraged to wear CRAZY socks and donate a gold coin for such a worthy cause.
Celebration Of Learning Open Afternoon
Yesterday we held an open afternoon showcasing items students have been working on this term. It was wonderful to see so many of our family members come and see what our students have been learning this term.
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
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!
All Children To Attend
Wednesday |
October |
26 |
9:15am-10:45am
|
|
Wednesday |
November |
9 |
9.15am – 11.45am |
Children need to bring a broad brimmed hat, water bottle and a snack for playlunch.
|
Wednesday |
November |
23 |
9:15am — 11:45am |
Children need to bring a broad brimmed hat, water bottle and a snack for playlunch.
|
Tuesday
|
December |
6 |
9:15am — 2:30pm |
Children need to bring a broad brimmed hat, water bottle, a snack for playlunch and lunch. |
If you have any questions regarding session times please please contact the office on info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or 5672 1052.
We are excited once again hold our annual St Joseph’s School Raffle for 2022.
Last year we were very proud to support our local community and business in our area through the Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association and with the assistance of the Wonthaggi Club. This year we have been advised that the WBTA may not be a viable association with a lack of administration and members taking up positions on the committee.
We have this year opted to offer COLES MYER VOUCHERS as our major and minor prizes which offers our winners a large variety of options to spend their winnings. Vouchers will be issued in various denominations. What a great Christmas gift a voucher would make for your loved ones!
Our capacity to continue to undertake improvements around the school is dependent on the income received from this raffle. Raffle booklets will be sent out to familes in early Term 4.
Students may start to wear their Summer uniform now. Whilst not compulsory until the beginning of Term 4, it is important that students wear either full Winter uniform or full Summer uniform and not a mixture of both.
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
We have had lots of students at school without hats. Please ensure your child/ren have their hats labeled and in their school bags.
Students without hats will need to find a shaded area to sit as the no hat no play policy will be enforced in accordance with our SunSmart Policy.
Hats are able to be purchased from our uniform supplier Totally Workwear Wonthaggi
11 Murray St Wonthaggi Phone: 03 5672 5878
Just a reminder to families that Term 3 ends on Friday September 16 at the earlier time of 2:25pm.
We wish you all a safe and happy break and look forward to seeing you all back in the beginning of term 4.
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
10
Mon
10 Oct 2022
9:05 AM to 9:25 AM
10
Mon
10 Oct 2022
9:05 AM to 9:25 AM
10
Mon
10 Oct 2022
9:05 AM to 9:25 AM
School closure dates for your diary
Monday 31 October, Tuesday 1 November (Melbourne Cup Day)
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
Please pray for those who continue to be affected by the Ukrainian War and floods in Pakistan. For the anniversaries of Wyn Kelly, Fr. Thomas Hurley, Fr. John Howard 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
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: Blessed and wrapped rugs, shawls, beanies and bed socks are ready to be freely given to those who are struggling with life in any way. 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.
JOSEPH’S SCHOOL WONTHAGGI ANNUAL RAFFLE: Prizes will be Coles Myer Gift Cards $4,000, $750 and $250. Tickets will be available from mid-September. If you would like to take a book of tickets to sell please contact the school on 03 56 721 052.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
MELBOURNE Resilient Kids Conference 2022
AUSTRALIA’S TOP EXPERTS ON ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN AND TEENS!
For Parents, Educators, Welfare workers, Chaplains, Grandparents, Foster Parents, Youth Leaders, Pastors and anyone who works with young people. Tickets to attend in person or online.
Bass Coast Cycle Challenge will be held on Saturday November 5 and has a range of course distances for all ages and rider abilities. Challenge yourself with hills, the coast or both! See below for further information.