Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

As this is our final newsletter for 2022 I would like to thank the students and parents in our community for a terrific year. While not without its COVID challenges it has been wonderful to see the student’s enthusiasm for learning continue to grow and develop in the classroom setting. We have been delighted to witness great parent participation in the students’ learning through each level’s inquiry units and attendance at Open Afternoons, assemblies, the Footsteps sessions, excursions and camps. The teachers were most grateful for the parent guest speakers who shared their expertise during the year, this certainly had an impact on the students’ engagement and knowledge building. Thank you also for all the boxes, materials and items the students were able to bring from home to assist with projects and enhance the children’s learning. We have also welcomed and most appreciated parent input into our Vision, Mission and Strategic Intent statements (goals for the next four years) which will underpin everything that we do here at St Joes.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Mr Ronan O’Mahony in leading our school over his years as Principal. Ronan’s integrity and commitment to Catholic Education has been an inspiration for the staff and wider community. Our school has flourished under his leadership and we thank him for all his hard work and dedication. We wish him and his family all the best for their exciting future in Queensland.

We are so fortunate in our school staff who are passionate about always improving the teaching and learning at our school. I thank them for their enthusiasm, resilience, collegiality and professionalism.  

Today the students will meet their 2023 teachers. Teachers have been preparing students for the transition, reinforcing that every child will be with a friend they have nominated and while they may not be with their first choice, they will still be able to engage with them at recess, lunchtime and during various activities. Parents can help by reminding students that even though change can be confronting, over time we can and do get used to new things and that it is good to meet and get to know other people and have new experiences. 

Staffing for next year is outlined below. Christie Panozzo will be on leave for 2023 and we wish her a wonderful year of travelling and exploring.

Staffing for next year:

Principal                                                                         Joanne Coldebella

Deputy Principal/Learning Adjustment Leader    Dianne Gin

Learning Adjustment Leader                                    Patricia Martin

Religious Education Leader                                       Nicole Buccilli

Planning Leaders                               Kate Egan, Susan Holmberg, Leigh Granger, Jennifer Lawlor

Sports Coordinator                            Michelle Richards

eLearning Leader                               Kate Morison

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support Leaders Trish Martin, Travis Newton

SRC Coordinator                                 Travis Newton

Child Safety Team                               Jennifer Lawlor, Kate Egan, Courtney Brann, Bek Nielsen

Last week, after a rigorous process, we appointed the school captains for  2023. Congratulations to all the students who applied for positions, we look forward to welcoming all the Gr 6s as leaders of the school. The successful applicants are as follows:

School Captains: Zoe Diesner and Ella Braumann

School Vice Captains: Lilah Zun and Jesse De Menech

Liturgy Captains: Sambriddhi Sapkota, Rhianna Brown, Jaxon Blackman and Jed Caddy

Gold House Captains: Will Coyne and Hayden Purton

Blue House Captains: Jude McNally and Ollie Donohue

Green House Captains: Cooper Davis and Piper Richards

Red House Captains: Isla Curtin and Hector Leggett

Things to remember for 2023:

The first day of school, for all students is Monday January 30th, commencing at 9.00am. 

Parents are more than welcome to escort students to their classrooms on this (or any other) day. 

Please remember that the carlines will be operating so if you park at the parish car park, look out for traffic and use the paths and school crossing.

As we do each year, we will send out the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement just prior to the students returning to school. We ask parents to please respond as soon as possible so that students can use their devices.  

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and I wish you all  joy and blessings for the new year!

Yours sincerely, 

Joanne Coldebella

Acting Principal

We have had such a busy and wonderful Term 4 in the Prep area. We have worked very hard and learnt so much this term.
The Prep children had a wonderful excursion to the Wildlife Nature Park and The Penguin Parade. Not only did we have lots of fun, we also learnt alot about animals. The Prep children did some amazing writing about their day, Mrs Martin and Ms Egan were so proud.
We are now researching and making animal habitats to conclude our Living and Non Living Things Unit. 
All of the junior school did an amazing job at the athletics carnival. We all cheered each other on and had lots of fun. Thank you to all the family members who came along to support the event.
Next week we are looking forward to a teddy bears picnic with our buddies on the oval. We will be having extra play and an icy pole with our buddy. 
Parents and carers we would like to thank you for all of your support throughout the year and wish you all a wonderful holiday, Christmas and New Year.

Prep Team

On Wednesday the 5/6's went to Cape Paterson for a beach safety day 5/6F and 5/6T travelled together, we got broken up into two groups which were our classes. My group learnt about safety and first aid. First Georgie spoke to us about DRSABCD, she taught us how to perform CPR as well taught us that you do 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths in the beat of the baby shark (song). Then Henry spoke to us about sun safety he taught us slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek some shade, slide on some sunnies and sip some water. Then he taught us about danger in and out of the water like how to notice rips and how to get out of them, unstable cliffs (not to stand on them or under them), and watch out for rocks glass and snakes. 

Then we went out to the water where Maddie was teaching us how to help people with life guard equipment and things you find on the beach like pool noodles, helmets, Eskys and many other things. We then went closer to the water where we put on life jackets and then we hopped in the water and we learnt how to stay warm in a big group of people. Then we went to get boogie boards and we got to have fun while we caught some waves.

Bridie Allan

A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in our specialist showcases. The kids did a brilliant job, and it was so lovely to meet so many parents, and to see the students interacting with their peers. I would like to personally thank the leadership team for their support in helping this idea come to fruition, and thank the parents and guardians for coming. Well done everybody! 

Danielle Paulson
Senior Performing Arts Teacher

The juniors put on an amazing showcase of the skills they have been learning during Performing Arts this year. The energy, enthusiasm and courage in which they performed was truly humbling. 

Each class really made their performance their own and took great pride in sharing it with our school and parent community. Their message of bringing more kindness, compassion and friendship into the world, with a touch of fun, was well received.

What a fantastic way to end the year!

Well done juniors, I am so proud of each and every one of you for your commitment to rehearsing, teamwork within your class and contributions to make your performances your own!

Most importantly, thank you to all who were able to come and share in the magic of Performing Arts.

Kasey Ton
Junior Performing Arts Teacher

Junior Athletics was held on Friday December 2, as we have not been able to run this event since 2019, it was a first for all our students, and it was fantastic to see the sun out, lots of spectators and big happy smiles on our students faces. Students were able to showcase the skills they have been working on throughout this term, and participation and support for their classmates was amazing. Thank you to all those who were able to attend, and our fantastic year 6 student leaders who helped run the events.

Michelle Richards
Sports Coordinator

If you possess an enthusiasm for and willingness to promote the mission of Catholic Schools, desire to give service to the school community and believe you have gifts and skills to contribute, then we ask that you consider placing a nomination for a position on our School Advisory Committee.  We have two positions that will be becoming vacant as Sara Donohue and Nicola Sampson complete their current term.

The primary function of the Advisory Committee is to improve the capacity of St Joseph's as a Catholic school in order to deliver quality educational outcomes for its students.  As an advisory forum to the Principal, it provides input on matters around educational, pastoral and financial matters as well as project development and facility management. School Advisory Committee Members generally meet five times a year on a Tuesday at 9.05am, but may also be called together at other times when specific projects or issues are being discerned.  The role of the School Advisory Committee is very much one of support, stewardship and collective representation in working for the best interests of the school and its student body.

A Nomination Form has been included as a link in this week’s newsletter and needs to be returned to the School Office by  December 14, 2022.  If more than two nominations are received, then an election will take place early in 2023.

The AGM of the School Advisory Committee is Tuesday February 21, 2023 at 9.05am.

School Advisory Nomination Form

Please return all Library Books this week,
there will be no further borrowing this Term. 

Library Team

As part of our end of year Christmas celebrations all students will be involved in a class Kris Kringle.

Soon the children will randomly draw the name of a child who will be their Kris Kringle.

We ask that you purchase and wrap a gift up to the value of $5 for your child's Kris Kringle.

Please bring this gift to school labelled with the recipient's name but not the gift giver's name.

Could students bring in their gifts by Thursday December 7 as some classes will begin their gift exchanges.

Thank you

Classroom Teachers

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.  

Over the Christmas holidays your PAM account will be updated to provide better security and allow for further functionality. This change will involve moving to a PAM account per parent rather than an account per family.

You will receive information in January regarding changes to PAM accounts.

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

School closure dates for your diary

Thursday December 15 - Tuesday December 20
(Last Day of Term 4 for students Wednesday December 14 3:25pm)

School Fee information for 2023 has been sent to all families via PAM.  If you have a concession card in 2023 please complete the relevent forms and return it to the office with a copy of your card. If you are currently on a direct debit payment and there is no changes to your details then that will continue on for 2023. Could forms be completed and returned by 9th Dec, 2022. 
Statements for Term 4 have been sent to families, for those 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                                                      St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi on Wednesday 9:30a.m.
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, storms and the earthquakes in Indonesia. For Morris Burton who has passed away recently and the anniversaries of Fr. James Hayes, Fr. David (Dave) Cagney, Fr. Frank Young, Fr. Patrick O’Donohue 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.

ADVENT APPEAL FOR UKRAINE:  The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is supporting a special Advent appeal for the people of Ukraine, following a request from Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR, Eparch of Sts Peter and Paul for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia. Collections in diocese, eparchies and parishes on the Second and/or Third Sunday of Advent will support Mudra Sprava (Wise Action) a Patriarchal Charitable Foundation in Ukraine. The organisations has three focus areas: Evacuation of people from frontline territories; Food packages for people in need, Shelters for internally displaced persons. Find out more at: www.catholic.au

FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCES OF OCEANIA The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is a member of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of  Oceania, along with the Bishops Conferences of the Pacific, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea-Solomon Island. The bishops of the Federation gather for an Assembly every four years. The last Assembly was held in Port Moresby; the next Assembly will be held in Suva in February, 2023. The Assembly next February will primarily focus on care for the oceans, which is an important part of caring for Our common home, as set forth by Pope Francis in Laudato si’. Another important focus of the Assembly will be finalising the continental (Oceania Region) response to the Synod of Bishops ‘Document for the Continental Stage’ see https://www.catholic.au/s/article/XVI-Ordinary-General-Assembly-of-the-Synod-of-Bishops. The enclosed prayer resource is offered so that the Catholic Community throughout Australia can support the Federation and its next Assembly with prayer.

PRAYER FOR THE ASSEMBLY O God, you revealed yourself in Christ Jesus as loving, merciful and just. Guide our Bishops of Oceania as they meet together to further Pope Francis’ call to become a listening Church. Open their hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit, that they might truly discern and faithfully serve the needs of your People and your World. Color our way of life and give witness to your Presence among us. You who live and reign, God, For ever and ever. Amen

REMINDER: ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL TICKETS:  If you have been helping us to sell tickets and currently have a book, would you please return the sold and unsold tickets to either the school or the parish office as soon as possible. The all-important drawing of the winning tickets is not far away.

(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF BOOKING DETAILS)!!!!!!!! INVITATION: You are cordially invited to attend the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate of Mr. Michael Julius Manuel Through the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the Imposition of hands by the Most Rev. Gregory Bennet, DD Bishop of Sale. At 7:00pm Mass on Friday 16th December 2022 at St. Michael’s Church, 129 High Street, Berwick VIC 3806 Please RSVP by Wednesday 7th December 2022 by emailing: Please book your attendance no later than 9:00a.m. on Monday 12^th December 2022 via the Trybooking App using the link www.trybooking.com/991137 If attending the fellowship and refreshments after the Ordination Mass, please use the link www.trybooking.com/991145.

PRAYER GROUP: Will not be meeting again now until the New Year of 2023.

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: Plenty of shawls/rugs available to give to those struggling with life in any way.  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.

SYNOD 2021-2024 The next phase of the Synod has arrived with the publication of the Continental Document, containing the fruits of the consultation of hundreds of syntheses from countries all over the world. We are now inviting interested people to participate in one of two online meetings to respond to the Document. The Continental Document for the Synod (CDS) and information on registering your interest can be found by visiting the diocesan website cdsale.org.au/events Further information: contact Sophy Morley smorely@sale.catholic.org.au (P) 56 22 66 77 Online meetings: 7:00-8:30 pm Wednesday 30 November 2022 7:00-8:30pm on Tuesday 6 December 2022

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.

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.

Father Darren Howie                                                        Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest                                                                       Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi