Filter Content
- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Assembly Award Winners
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- Grade 6 Forest Lodge Camp
- Crazy Sock Day - Wednesday October 12
- St Joseph's News Podcast
- 1/2 Area - Bottle Collection
- St Joseph's Wonthaggi Parent Survey
- Acceptable Use of Information and Communications Technology Policy
- School Raffle 2022
- School Closure Information
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2024
- Hats - SunSmart
- Prep Orientation 2023
- School Fees Term 4
- Parish News
- Wonthaggi Fire Brigade Gala
- No Scaredy Cats - Reducing Anxiety Free Workshop
- Bass Coast Community Foundation
- EMBRACE KIDS: A special EVENT for Bass Coast Kids
Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
Welcome back to Term 4!
I trust the holiday break was refreshing and relaxing, and that the new term has started gently and kindly. We have certainly already hit the ground running with our Grade 6’s attending camp last week and our Grade 5 students and staff presently on camp in Melbourne, as well as our intensive swimming program beginning for our junior students. Looking at the term ahead, it involves many exciting and memorable events for all and, as nearly every week has something extra on, I encourage you to keep an eye on the school calendar so you do not miss any events.
Working in schools is such a gift, blessed with some of the most wonderful and joyous days, but also some of the most challenging. My prayer for us all, as we welcome the newness of Term 4, is that the weeks ahead bring us challenge, joy and success, interlaced with quiet days of satisfying work and achievement – that perfect balance of steadiness and normality, with the occasional lashing of excitement and extension!
I have always loved Term 4 – the sense of closure coming to the end of the year; the excitement, and sadness, as we farewell students, particularly graduating students; the renewed sense of hope and optimism as we plan for the new school year; and the excitement, joy and calm that comes with anticipating Advent and all that signifies.
Amidst all of this, it is important to stay grounded, to joyously and wisely live each day to its fullest, and to continue to look after all within our community.
Thanks again for all your support and trust that you give us. We don't take this lightly and it creates a culture of trust and mutual respect and understanding, that ultimately gives your children a great schooling experience. As we enter the final stretch of this school year, let us continue the great relationship we have established to ensure that 2022 will end in a very positive and enthusiastic way. I am excited for what the end of year will bring us all. Remember, we can't do it without every one of you.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Lord, as we prepare for a new term make us ready, attentive and available to hear you.
Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance that You walk through it with us.
Thank You for the gifts of creativity and uniqueness, and the energy to put them to good use.
May all that we are today, all that we try to do today, may all our encounters, reflections, even the frustrations and failings all be place in your hands.
May the work we do and the way we do it, bring new hope, new life, and courage to all we come in contact with this semester. We thank you, Lord.
We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord,
Amen
Well done to our award winners who were presented with their certificates at our last assembly, congratulations on all your hard work.
We have gotten off to a fabulous start to Term 4 in the Prep area. The children are very enthusiastic about our new Integrated Studies unit - Living and Non-Living Things. We are looking forward to learning more about animals, plants, humans, and the special features these living things need which suit the environment they live in. In Maths we are learning how to partition numbers and then how to use number lines to place and then order the numbers. We were lucky to have Delma come and visit us last Thursday and she taught us some fun new Maths games. In Religion, we are learning that God loves us and shows us His love in many different ways. The children are really enjoying learning water safety skills now that our swimming program has commenced. It's tiring but a lot of fun!
Prep Team
Grade 1/2s have made a fantastic start to the term!
In maths we have been learning about fractions and telling the time.
During our Term 4 inquiry Earth Ambassadors, we will be learning about sustainability and how to care for our environment. On Friday we completed a rubbish audit of the waste from our canteen orders. Students were surprised to see how much rubbish there was! We will be learning about what happens to different kinds of rubbish and how we can reduce our waste.
1/2 Team
The Grade 6 students had an absolutely fantastic time at Forest Lodge Camp. Students participated in lots of outdoor activities like the giant swing, flying fox and canoeing. Everybody loved getting wet and muddy in the mud run and all enjoyed the night walk through the state forest. The behaviour of the Grade 6 students was excellent and we were all impressed with how supportive everyone was and the beautiful manners students showed during the camp.
Listen to the next episode of the St Joseph's Podcast created by some of our very talented students.
Click below to check out their channel and all their episodes!
St Joseph's Wonthaggi Parent Survey
This year our school has been undertaking a school review. The purpose of the review is to help identify goals and targets to improve student outcomes in the school's next four-year School Strategic Plan.
As part of the review we are looking at renewing the Vision and Mission statements of the school.
We would like to invite parents to be a part of this process.
Please click the link below to answer a few simple questions which will help us formulate a Vision that reflects the desires of the school community. The survey will be open until Thursday October 20.
We would like you to name some words or phrases (small groups of words) that describe what type of characteristics you desire your child to have when leaving the school in Grade 6.
What sort of learner would you hope your child would be by the end of Grade 6?
What sort of person would you hope they are?
E.g confident, resilient, lifelong learner
Acceptable Use of Information and Communications Technology Policy
With an increased awareness of students obtaining mobile phones and personal devices (ie smart watches) that have internet access, it is timely to remind families of our Acceptable Use of Information and Communication Technology Policy, which all families have agreed upon.
The school recognises the need for some students to contact parents before and after school and provides safe storage for these devices at the office. We want all students to be safe and secure while at school therefore, to maintain all student’s right to privacy and good order in the school, we do not allow devices that can take photos, send messages or upload content to the internet during school hours or at school camps or excursions. These devices also can distract students from their learning. These devices MUST be handed to the office upon arrival at school.
We are excited once again hold our annual St Joseph’s School Raffle for 2022. Raffle books have been sent to families via students.
This year we have 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!
Tickets can be returned to the office with cash payment or via CDF pay. If you choose this option, please write Paid by CDF pay on the front of your booklet of tickets, before returning it to school. Please return all tickets either sold or unsold by Wednesday December 7. Raffle will be drawn Monday December 12.
Thank you to all parents and guardians and for your ongoing support.Our capacity to continue to undertake improvements around the school is dependent on the income received from this raffle.
School closure dates for your diary
Monday 31 October, Tuesday 1 November (Melbourne Cup Day)
Monday November 14
Thursday December 15 - Tuesday December 20
(Last Day of Term 4 for students Wednesday December 14 3:25pm)
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
All Children To Attend
Day |
Date 2022 |
Time |
Information |
|
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 Transition Day |
December |
6 |
9: 15am - 2:30pmPlease Note Date Change |
Children need to bring a broad brimmed hat, water bottle, a snack for playlunch and lunch. |
Tuesday
|
December |
13 |
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.
Families not on a direct debit, fees for Term 4 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
Weekday Masses:
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, Floods and Storms. For Bill Gelderbloem, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Beth Burgess, William Brian (Fitz) Fitzgerald, Barry Hebb, Barry McRae, Mary Sandford, Fr. John Walsh, Fr. Michael O’Leary 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: Next Meeting will be on 17th October 2022 at 2:30pm in the Inverloch Church Annex. New members are always welcome…even non-knitters who may like to help sew up the lovely donated knitted squares to create rugs or simply enjoy a cuppa & chat. If you know of anyone who is struggling with life in any way, feel free to give them one of our shawls or rugs. A selection is available at the Parish Office in Wonthaggi & also now in our new cabinet at the back of our Church in Inverloch. Enquiries: 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.
TOILETRIES: The Catholic Women’s League is running a Collection of goods for distribution to the homeless people and asylum seekers. Items requested are toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, also ladies’ sanitary items and babies’ nappies etc. A collection tub is available at both Churches for the month of October. Thank you!
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.
EXPLORING THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW. We begin a new Liturgical Year on the 1st Sunday of Advent and will be hearing excerpts of Matthew’s Gospel at Mass. You are invited to this free Zoom presentation hosted by the Diocese of Sale. Date: Monday, 7th November, 2022, 7:30-9:00pm Speaker: Fr. Chris Monaghan CP Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CCSYD Your Zoom link will be sent to you on booking. Teachers may apply for RE accreditation. Please Contact Sophy Morley (smorley@sale.catholic.org.au) if you have any question.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: “Live You Best Life in Love” 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 is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome. Please check our website for more details. 22-23 October 2022 at St John Bosco, Niddrie (Book early to avoid disappointment) Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
Heart of Life (Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation) ‘Walking with Wisdom Series’ (in person or via Zoom), 4 x Thursdays, 6-27 October 2022, 10am-12:30pm. This series offers a time to explore the depths of wisdom in our own heart, to recognise wisdom in the encounter with another… to dwell in the Heart of Contemplation. Led by spiritual directors Carole Carmody rsm and Julie Adam. Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation, Rear 41 Stanhope Street, Malvern VIC. Cost $30 per session or $100 for the series. Book and pay via www.heartoflife.melbourne, email office@heartoflife.melbourne, or tel (03) 9890 1101.
CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE: As Catholic Theological College marks its 50th anniversary as a college and a member of the ecumenical University of Divinity, we have invited a panel of speakers to reflect on CTC’s achievements and challenges and to consider future directions in theological education and ministry formation. You are warmly invited to join us for the conversation. Facilitators: Dr. Frances Baker RSM Panel: Rev. Prof. Austin Cooper OMI AM, Rev Prof. Frank Moloney SDB AM FAHA, Most Rev. Dr. Terence Curtin DD, Dr. Rosemary Canavan, Dr. Michelle Goh RSM Date Wednesday 12th October, Time 7:30pm Venus: Catholic Leadership Centre, Cnr. Victoria Parade and Hoddle Street, East Melbourne (enter via Victoria Parade, Street Parking is available on Victoria Parade. Booking: ctc.edu.au/know-public-lecture or phone 03 9412 3333
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.
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. In response to the devastating floods in Pakistan, ACN is sending emergency help by providing emergency aid to over 5000 families, in the form of food packages for one month, cash grants for the most vulnerable families, mobile health units, temporary shelters and even basic-but essential-items such as mosquito nets and repellent. Damaged churches and community infrastructure must be repaired to shelter victims of the flooding. To make an offering to the Church in Pakistan. Visit www.aidtochurch.org/pakistan 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
EMBRACE KIDS: A special EVENT for Bass Coast Kids
Discount available for group bookings of 10+ so grab your friends and make a night of it.