Filter Content
- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Celebrating World Teachers Day 2022
- Prayer
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 1/2 Area - Bottle Collection
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- Mary MacKillop Discovery Day
- Dolly's Dream Incursion
- St Joseph's News Podcast
- Rotary Public Speaking Awards
- Last Day of Canteen - Thursday December 8 2022
- Children's Week 2022
- Specialist Open Afternoon Survey
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Conveyance Allowance Term 4
- Prep Orientation 2023
- Frozen Cups
- School Raffle 2022
- School Closure Information
- Hats - SunSmart
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2024
- School Fees Term 4
- Christmas Eve Mass
- Parish News
- Wonthaggi Club
- Library Remembrance Day Story Time
- Wonthaggi Little Athletics
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 to Week 4 of Term 4! With so many worthwhile experiences and educational activities the term is going by incredibly quickly!
As part of the School Review year for our school, we participated in our scheduled Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) compliance validation process against the minimum standards for registration. Every four years schools are audited to ensure their policies, procedures, curriculum and child safety documentation is up to date in the audit process and not only did we remain compliant, but we were commended for our high standards and excellence in all areas. At St Joseph’s we have an amazing staff who work together to ensure not only your child receives a high-quality education, but that the compliance side of an education is also nothing short of excellent. Thank you to Mrs Joanne Coldebella and staff for the work completed over the past few months with the VRQA.
This Friday, 28 October, Australia celebrates World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day provides the opportunity to draw public attention to the role of teachers worldwide as well as to the crucial importance of the role they play in society. It is a day on which students, parents and community members can demonstrate their appreciation for the contributions that teachers have made to their community and for the life-giving work they do in enriching the social, economic and intellectual fabric of our world.
As a Principal and as a parent, I would like to commend and thank all the staff of our school for the vital work they do, for the example that they set, for the support that they extend, and for the extra mile that they walk each and every day to ensure that students are given the very best of learning opportunities.
In staffing news, we wish Julia Foster (3/4T teacher) all the best with her maternity leave beginning at the end of this week. I ask that you join me in keeping her in our thoughts and prayers as she prepares for the arrival of a new addition to her family. This leads me to inform families of staff movement for the 2023 school year. Clare Guilford will be on maternity leave, while Phoebe Methven and Christie Panozzo both will be taking 12 months leave to travel. Though we continue to finalise staffing arrangements, we welcome Carly Zammit, presently working at St Leonards Primary School in Glen Waverley, to the St Joseph’s team.
Our next Prep 2023 orientation morning is tomorrow, Wednesday 26 October. No doubt they will have another great experience and are keen to be at St Joseph’s in 2023. Thank you to Trish Martin, Kate Egan, and Tracy Allan for making these sessions a big success. We will have 3 more sessions over the coming months.
Our numbers for next year are very healthy. We are constantly receiving enquiries about enrolling in 2023. This is very encouraging and indicates that St Joseph's is offering something families are attracted to and want. If you know that you won't be returning in 2023, can you please contact the front office and let us know. This will help us in preparing and organising the school for 2023. I thank you in advance for letting us know.
As a reminder to all families Monday 31 October is a scheduled school closure day. This is a non-school day for all staff and students and therefore the office will remain closed until Wednesday of that week as Tuesday 1 November is Cup day Public holiday.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Lord,
Grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me the courage to do whatever needs to be done.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
In the 1/2 area we have been looking at what sustainability is and how we can be more sustainable every day. Recently we buried different packaging we collected from our canteen audit. As the term goes on, we will dig up and monitor whether the different materials have begun to break down.
To integrate with other learning topics, during our canteen audit we looked at different single-use plastics we use at our canteen and explored more sustainable options. We wrote an exposition attempting to persuade our audience as to why we should swap these different items and what we should swap them too.
Last week we had a visit from Harold the Giraffe. During this time we looked at ways we can grow friendships by giving compliments. After the session we wrote ourselves a goal for the weekend on what we can do to help or ways we can be kind to our loved ones.
Over the past 3 weeks the preps and 1/2's have been participating in our swimming program at the YMCA. We have all thoroughly enjoyed our experience and we would like to thank our instructors for all of their hard work.
1/2 Team
3/4 Phillip Island Adventure Camp!
“Everyone was very excited, we all had the best time!!” Nyah
“The GIANT Swing was the best!” Eleanor
“The flying fox was really fun and fast.” Gianna
“It was fun learning how to shoot an arrow.” Lilly
“The lake was shaped like Australia and everyone got wet under the fountain during canoeing.” Sophie
“I ate SO much food!! Spag Bol YUM YUM!!!!” Bailey
“Canoeing was fun even though we got drenched!” Maya
“I ate 16 Weet-Bix!” Xavier
“Desert was delicious CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
with Choc Chips!” Caitlin
“Low ropes was challenging but fun!” Anette
The Grade 5 students were lucky enough to be invited to Mary Mackillop College to discover life there for the day. There were lots of other schools from around the district as well.
When we arrived we got name tags and we were put into groups of about 20 students from different schools. We rotated through some fantastic activities throughout the day.
We got to do Woodwork, where we made a wooden shelf using a drill, nails and glue.
In Food Technology we made delicious Honey Joys.
In Music we played tunes on bongo drums and we also learned a simple Bob Marley song using the keys A and D on the guitar!
Art was divided into two groups, one group drew a self -portrait and the other group followed a video and painted using acrylics.
Drama was also awesome fun! We played dramatic wink murder and a fun bobbing down game.
We were allowed to play outside at recess and lunchtime where we got to see past St Joseph’s students joined in soccer, basketball and played on the playground with Mary Mackillop students. It was a really fun day out!
Recently all of the 5/6 students took part in a cyber safety workshop presented by the Dolly's Dream organisation. This was a general cyber safety session. The workshop provided an overview of the key cyber safety topics and protective factors. The 3 Cs – Contact, Conduct and Content – ensure consistent approaches to keeping safe online.
Outcomes: Students will understand that the internet is a great place where we can do wonderful things, but like everywhere in life, following some rules can help us keep safe. Students will recognise the importance of being kind online and thinking before they post. Students will develop critical reasoning skills around what is safe to share and with whom.
Dolly’s Dream is a fantastic initiative that Wonthaggi Police have implemented, with the support of Bass Coast Council and local businesses, to ensure that young people across Bass Coast are educated and empowered to keep themselves safe online. We are thrilled to be part of it. We are hoping to organise a parent information session through Dolly's Dream later in the term.
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!
This term students in Grades 5 and 6 prepared and presented speeches on a range of topics in preparation for the Rotary Public Speaking competition. The top three students from each class were shortlisted and then presented their speech in front of the 5/6 students, teachers and Mr O'Mahony. Piper Richards was selected to go on and compete at the Rotary competition where she did a fantastic job coming in third place. Congratulations Piper! Piper will be presenting her speech at the next assembly so feel free to come along and view this award winning speech.
Last Day of Canteen - Thursday December 8 2022
Please note the last day of canteen for Term 4 will be Thursday December 8 2022. We thank families for their support and patronage over the year.
The Canteen Team
Specialist Open Afternoon Survey
There will be two Open Afternoons at the end of this year to showcase the specialist lessons of Italian, STEAM and Performing Arts (Dance/Drama/Music). This is to cater for our growing number of students and families.
The Prep- 2 classes’ Specialist Open afternoon will occur in the parish hall on Thursday November 24.
The Grades 3-6 Specialist Open afternoon will take place in the parish hall on Thursday December 1.
This will be a great opportunity to meet the specialist teachers and see some of the children’s work.
Each grade will be performing an item they have been preparing in their Performing Arts classes.
We are asking for parent input regarding the timing of these events.
Please click on the link below to fill out a very short survey by Wednesday November 2nd to indicate whether you would prefer these events to be from 2.00pm-3.00pm OR from 5.00-6.00pm.
Thank you for participating!
Applications for Conveyance Allowance are due to the office by November 21. You can download a form by clicking the tab below. Please forward completed forms to the office or email them for processing to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
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.
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)
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
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
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, and those experiencing floods and storms. For Dorothy Fitzgerald and Sister Maureen Phillips, who have passed away recently and the anniversaries of George Kavanagh, Paul Kavanagh, Fr. Peter Curran 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.
COMMUNION ON THE TONGUE: People who prefer to receive communion on the tongue, would you please come last for communion, as there is still widespread fear of COVID.
PRELIMINARY NOTICE FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE STALL ON SUNDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2022. There will be a cake and produce stall at Our Lady Star of the Sea next weekend. Any donations of cakes or produce will be most welcome. There will be terrariums and decorated plant plates for sale before and after Mass as well. These have been donated by parishioners.
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!
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.
Vincent de Paul Conference Wonthaggi: Thank you for your ongoing support. There is a container on the table at the entrance of St. Joseph’s Church in which we invite you to place used postage stamps for the Salesian Missions. This has been a long-standing St. Joseph’s SVDP activity. Thank you again.
YARRA THEOLOGICAL UNION (YTU) Holding its annual information Session via Zoom on Wednesday 9th November 2022 from 5:30pm -6:30pm
This event will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in studying Theology to meet the Lecturers and find out about our courses and pathways. Link to join Zoom on Wednesday 9th November: https://divinity.zoom.us/j/85121739377?pwd=cjVqZk9TL3NuZ2FoNk9Fd1JwU0daQT09
All prospective students are very welcome. No need to register. For further information or enquiries please email the Registrar- registrar@ytu.edu.au or Admin
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 ONLINE: ‘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
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.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN: AS WE ARE HOPING TO RETURN TO A ROSTER SYSTEM FOR READERS AND SPECIAL MINISTERS, THIS IS JUST A REMINDER TO CHECK THAT YOUR WORKING WITH CHILDREN HASN’T EXPIRED AND IF IT DOES NEED RENEWING, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE FOR ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS.
Our Parish is committed to the safety, well-being and dignity of all children, young people and adults at risk. Find out more at: catholic.org.au/childprotectionsunday and www.catholicregligious.org.au/safeguarding
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.
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2022
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi