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- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principals Message
- Prayer
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 5/6 Neighbourhood
- Child Safety News
- School TV - Special Report
- Specialist Showcase
- Enrolments 2024 / Prep Orientation Schedule
- Frozen Cups
- November Book Fair
- Fee Information 2024
- Diary Dates
- Parish News
- 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching Parenting Program
- Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group
- Fishy Stories 2023
- Ritchies Community Benefit Program
- Wonthaggi Library - Games Night
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
We have had a very busy few weeks at school with camps, excursions, sporting events, visitors and very changeable weather! It has been great to see the students enjoy some different activities. I hope everyone has an enjoyable break over the Melbourne Cup weekend.
Over the past few weeks, many students may have seen images or graphic content depicting the conflict in the Middle East. In addition to this, many students will have heard conversations among adults of the violence that is engulfing the Middle East.
- The exposure of students to the conflict may mean that parents, caregivers and teachers may need to engage in conversations with young people about war.
- It is important that students have an opportunity to talk with trusted adults about these issues, in age-appropriate ways. Guides on how to conduct these important conversations are provided in the links below:
- Australian Psychological Society (APS) – How to Talk to Children about the Hamas –Israel Conflict
- Emerging Minds – Talking to Children about Natural Disasters, Traumatic Events orWorries about the Future
- UNICEF’s 8 Tip Guide – How to Talk to your Children about Conflict and War.
It is important to:
- Find out what children already know and how they feel (get the facts before divulging information in detail, answer children’s questions as simply as possible)
- Try to limit the flood of news (it’s vital that parents keep an eye out on the type of content their children are consuming, and to intervene quickly)
- Keep conversations calm and age-appropriate (use the right language to talk to children about what they’re feeling and seeing, while keeping it age-appropriate)
- Spread compassion, not stigma, and focus on the people helping (don’t express judgement and blame, focus on the positives instead- people helping, especially in front of children)
- Close conversations with care and continue to check-in (give them time to reflect and check in with them later to see if they want to talk further/ have more questions)
- And remember to take care of yourself (prioritise your own self-care)
School Advisory Committee
As mentioned in the previous newsletter we are looking for three parents/carers or guardians to join the School Advisory Committee.
Parents are invited to nominate suitable candidates using the form attached by Friday November 10.
Alternatively, you can pick up a form from the school office.
The purposes of the School Advisory Committee are to:
- act as an advisory body to the principal on matters concerning education in the school
- act as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education in the school
- provide a link between the parish priest, principal, teachers and parishioners in relation to the provision of Catholic education in the parish community
- promote community development by fostering a strong inter-relationship between the parish, the primary school and Catholic secondary colleges
Meetings are held five times over the course of a year. They are usually mid-term on a Tuesday morning at 9.05am. The AGM is held in November of each year.
School Board Nomination Form 2023
Joanne Coldebella
Principal
Let peace fill our hearts,
our world and our universe.
Let us dream together,
pray together and work together,
To build one world of peace and justice for all
Amen
The Preps have been working very hard this term. In Maths we have been learning about sharing (division). We have been using lots of different materials to help us learn how to share equally and into equal groups.
In Literacy we are continuing to do our partner reading. We have been practising our smooth reading, not too fast, not slow and with expression. While our partner is reading we also have to practise our listening skills!
This term in Inquiry the preps have been learning about living and non-living things. We know that living things eat, breathe, grow, move and reproduce. On Monday we had an excursion to Maru Koala and Animal park to find out more about living animals. We learnt about lots of different native animals and the things they need to survive. Our favourite animals that we saw were koalas, dingos and kangaroos.
Prep Team
Coal Creek
This term during Inquiry the 1/2 students have been exploring how things have changed ‘Through the Generations’. To help students find out more about what life was like in the 1900’s, we arranged an excursion to Coal Creek. While there, students were given the opportunity to experience what school would have been like, how they would have had to do their grocery shopping, and what the houses and buildings were like.
Going back in time to school was a fascinating experience for the students. They had the opportunity to write on slate boards using quills and ink pots. They also listened to stories about what it was like for children to travel to school and the subjects they learned.
Overall it was a wonderful day of learning. Thank you to all the lovely parent helpers that helped out on the day, without you we would not be able to have these experiences.
1/2 Team
In 5/6 we have been preparing to apply for leadership roles by learning about different leadership skills and the different types of leaders we have in our community. To start us off Mrs Coldebella worked with Grade 5 students to identify the attributes good leaders have. The Grade 5’s were able to identify a range of leadership skills in each other and in themselves. Father Darren also came to discuss his job as a leader within the church.
Last week we were fortunate to have Brett Tessari come and talk to us about the many leadership roles he has had both presently and in the past. He was able to share his experiences as a football club captain, Mayor of Wonthaggi and currently as the organiser of the West Gippsland Football and Netball competition. Brett spoke about how his leadership style has changed over time. He emphasised that you don’t need to be the loudest or the best at something to be a good leader, rather it is normally people who are good listeners and who help others be the best they can be who are the best leaders.
‘He said leaders should inspire others, not be in control of them. He also said that a good leader shouldn't always be the loudest, but should instead sometimes be the quietest. In total, Brett's visit really helped us understand what to do to be a good leader.’ - Jesse DeMenech
We are also looking forward to having Rochelle Halstead, the current deputy mayor of Wonthaggi, coming to share her views on leadership with us this week.
5/6 Team
People usually know how to keep themselves safe offline, but it's not always the case when we go online. In our latest initiative, we compare online safety to everyday objects that keep you safe – just like eSafety does when you go online.
When it comes to online safety, we can help. We educate Australians about online safety risks and help to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children and young people, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse and illegal and restricted content.
Help get the word out about online safety! Forward this email to friends and family to let them know there’s support available if they experience online abuse.
The eSafety Commissioner can support with:
- Advice for parents, kids and young people on staying safe online
- Digital skills needed for staying safe in games and apps using the eSafety Guide
- Webinars for parents and carers to help children have positive online experiences
- Investigating reports of serious online abuse and help with the removal of this content.
A SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict
Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.
Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.
Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-discussing-war-conflict
Enrolments 2024 / Prep Orientation Schedule
School Fee information for 2024 has been sent to all families via PAM. If you hold a concession card in 2024, we kindly request you complete the relevant forms and return them to the school office along with a copy of your card.
If you are already on a direct debit payment and there are no changes to your details, the direct debit will continue for 2024.
We request you complete the forms and return them to the school office by Friday, December 8, 2023
If you have any queries please email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
School closure dates for your diary
Friday December 15 - Wednesday December 20
(Last Day of Term 4 for students Thursday December 14 3:25pm)

Weekday Masses:
Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
Wednesday 25th October 2023 NO MASS OR LITURGY at St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Friday Mass at St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi 9:30 a.m.
Weekend Masses Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch Sunday 9:00am
St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 10:30am
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.
PLEASE PRAY: For those who continue to be affected by the War and earthquakes. For all who are sick, lonely and suffering from illness and pain. For those suffering from Road Trauma, both death and injury. For Dot Connelly, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of George Cassie, Paul Kavanagh, Fr. Peter Curran and our loved ones, may God’s merciful love shine on them and on the loved ones left behind.
FATHER DARREN HOWIE WILL BE AWAY ON HOLIDAYS UNTIL 18TH NOVEMBER 2023. During this time Father Martin Dixon will be celebrating the weekend masses at Wonthaggi and Inverloch.
Father Martin will also be saying Mass at St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi on Wednesday 1st November 2023 @ 9:30a.m. for All Saints Day and at Our Lady Star of the Sea on Thursday 2nd November 2023 @ 9:30a.m. for All Souls Day.
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES WILL BE ON SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2023:
Wonthaggi Cemetery at 2:00pm.
Inverloch Cemetery at 3:00pm.
HOME ALPHA: Alpha is an eight-week course for those interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. It caters for those wanting to investigate Christianity, newcomers to the church and those who want to brush up on the basics of the faith. In short everybody is welcome. Come to meet Jesus in a friendly, relaxed environment. Time: Thursday evenings 6pm to 9pm. Starting October 26th. Format is Dinner -DVD presentation-Chat. Place: 22 Nelson St, Wonthaggi. Bookings are essential for catering purposes. Children welcome. More information: Anne Kelly 0409011040 or Pat Kelly 0407 505232.
COUNTING TEAM ROSTER: The parish would like to form a team of Counters for the weekend collection monies. Each team must comprise 3 Parishioners. The counting will be done either on a Sunday or Monday in the crying room at the Wonthaggi Church. Full training will be available. Please contact Parish Bookkeeper Ann Hemming if you have any questions or would like to be part of a team. 0418 344 817 annh@sale.catholic.org.au
PREPARATION OF UPCOMING WONTHAGGI ROSTERS: If you are currently on our Roster for Welcomer/Readers, Offertory and Special Ministers and will not be available during the next month’s please contact Kaye Carew on 0459 359 224 or email kaye.carew28@gmail.com Similarly, if you would like to join, please contact Kaye. (Remember current Working with Children is necessary). Also, if you are unable to fulfil a rostered time, please organize a swap or replacement. THANK YOU!
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE:The Catholic Women’s League is having their annual toiletries collection in October.
Donations will be given to homeless people, asylum seekers and other people in need. Containers will be placed in both churches and at St. Joseph’s School for donations. Thank you!
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS.
THE OFFICE IS OPEN TUESDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. with Lunch being taken between 1:00pm and 1:30pm. PLEASE CONTACT FATHER DARREN ON 03 56 722 923 OR KRISTINE ON 0499 915 784 IF THE MATTER IS URGENT. ITEMS CAN BE PUT THROUGH THE LETTER BOX AT THE PRESBYTERY FRONT DOOR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
POPE FRANCIS’ INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER: FOR THE SYNOD
We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
The Sale Diocese is shedding light on Domestic Violence, an issue impacting many. Commencing next weekend, we invite you to a four-week journey of prayer and listening to raise awareness within our parish and school communities. From November 17-19, wear white to Mass as we come together against Domestic Violence. A special liturgy will be held on No
vember 17th, with locations at St. Michael's (Berwick & Traralgon), Sion House (Warragul), and St. Mary's (Bairnsdale & Yarram). We encourage everyone to join and make a stand.
Diocesan Mission Council: We thank all those people who have submitted their Expression of Interest form
to be considered for membership of the Diocesan Mission Council. Bishop Greg will now take consider and pray over each submission before calling applicants to a morning of information and discernment about the role of the Diocesan Mission Council that will be held on the 18th of December. Please continue to pray the Holy Spirit will guide the selection process.Fr. Timothy Radcliffe's Meditative sessions: During the Synod on Synodality, attendees devoted three days to a retreat near Rome, readying themselves for the Synod. Each day, Father Timothy Radcliff, a knowledgeable English Dominican, delivered two presentations on synodality-related themes. Access these insightful meditations on our diocesan website (https://www.cdsale.org.au/srm) for spiritual enrichment and a deeper understanding of the synodal church's call.
SAVE THE DATE! Night of the Witnesses – 22 November 2023, 7pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Aid to the Church in Need invites you to an evening of prayer, testimony, song, adoration and reflection to honour the witness of twelve recent Christian martyrs and to stand in solidarity with Christians all over the world who are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. Archbishop Peter Comensoli will preside and His Beatitude, Patriarch Joseph Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church will be one of the international guest speakers who will share personal testimony of persecution for the faith. We hope you will join us. For more information please visit: www.aidtochurch.org/notw
Engaging Your Faith October 2023: Engaging Your Faith (EYF) is a series of short, online presentations that invite participants to reflect on what it means to be people of faith in the contemporary world. Experienced lecturers from Catholic Theological College present on a variety of topics such as Philosophy, Spirituality, Biblical Studies, Christian Meditation, Theology, Interfaith Relations, and issues in Science and Religion. For more information and registration visit their website at Engaging Your Faith – Catholic Theological College (ctc.edu.au)
CATHOLIC CHURCH says referendum should usher in new era: Bishop Charles Gauci, chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, has prepared a statement following the result in the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. He explains that despite the referendum not gaining the support of a majority of Australian voters, there is a consensus that more should be done to address the challenges many First Nations people face in various areas of life. For the statement and associated media release please visit https://tinyurl.com/483dhhvt
A HISTORY OF THE GIPPSLAND CATHOLIC DIOCESE:
A history of the diocese entitled A Mass Kit in the Saddle Bag, written by Patrick Morgan, is now available.
Catholics were settling in Gippsland from 1837 for a half century before the diocese of Sale was set up in 1887. During this pioneering period priests were sent out from Melbourne ‘on the Gippsland mission’. The first two bishops, James Corbett and Patrick Phelan, established a basic but coherent network of Catholic organizations. In recent memory Bishops Eric D’Arcy and Jeremiah Coffey coped with new issues such as increasing secularization and modernist attitudes. The book includes a bibliography, lists of parishes and priests, and over fifty photographs.
The diocesan history can be purchased for $25, plus $5 postage, from Patrick Morgan, 610 Limonite Rd, Boolarra, Vic, 3870; email: morganpa@iprimus.com.au; phone: 5169 6216.
Newcomers or Update Details:Welcome and thanks for worshipping with us at St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi.
If you are new to the Parish or have changed your details or need Thanksgiving Envelopes, please complete your details, and drop the form on a Collection plate or drop off to the Parish Office.
Name: ____________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________
Email: ____________________________________
New Parishioner__ Change of Address or Phone ___
Thanksgiving: Envelopes __ or electronically__
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has launched its 2023-24 Social Justice Statement. This year’s statement is titled Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. “Strengthening our relationship with our First Peoples is integral and indeed critical to the strengthening of the whole nation,” Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said at the launch. The media release and the statement can be found at the diocesan website at cdsale.catholic.org.au.PRAYER SHAWL GROUP:New members are always welcome-plenty of wool & simple patterns available. Good weather for knitting over a cuppa & chat! If you would like a shawl or know of someone in need, please phone Philippa or Maureen. Alternatively, shawls are available at the Parish Office and Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch. Enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.
The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has published a document on evangelisation, offering a scriptural and theological reflection on the proclamation of the Gospel through the lenses of encounter, discipleship and mission. It draws on seminal documents on evangelisation from recent decades, including the teachings of Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis. Evangelisation can be downloaded directly from https://bit.ly/Evangelisation2023
Sunday Gospel Reflection
Sunday gospel reflections written by the clergy, religious and laymen and women of our diocese are published weekly through the diocesan website and the diocesan Facebook page enabling us to reflect and prepare ourselves on the Gospel before we get to the weekend masses. The link to our website is https://www.cdsale.org.au/news/sunday-gospel-reflections
and the link to our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/dioceseofsale
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
TRINITY FAMILIES: Charities providing services for families in the region covered by the Catholic Diocese of Sale are invited to apply to the Catholic Charity, Trinity Families, for 2023 project funding,
To be eligible to apply there are three criteria an applicant must be able to demonstrate:-
- They must be a registered charity with deductible gift recipient status (DGR)
- Any funds granted must be used to support families in a way which aligns with Catholic values
- The project must be within the defined area of the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington, Bass Coast, South Gippsland and East Gippsland.
Charities wishing to apply for funding are encouraged to download the fillable application form and send is back. Deadline for submission is 30th September 2023.
Further information is available on the website www.trinityfamilies.org.au or by email at trinity@sale.catholic.org.au
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.
Bishops Conference: On August 31, 2018, the Bishops Conference and Catholic Religious Australia responded to the Royal Commission's recommendations. On its fifth anniversary, an update reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to be publicly accountable for how it is working to create, maintain and enhance safe environments for children and all people who are at risk. You can access a copy of the media release and the report on our diocesan website at https://www.cdsale.org.au/news/."
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has launched its 2023-24 Social Justice Statement. This year’s statement is titled Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. “Strengthening our relationship with our First Peoples is integral and indeed critical to the strengthening of the whole nation,” Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said at the launch. The media release and the statement can be found at the diocesan website at cdsale.catholic.org.au.
In a letter addressed to bishops and eparchs around the world, Cardinal Mario Grech , Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod, invites the faithful around the world to participate through prayer to the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that will open in the Vatican on October 4.
With this letter, the Secretary General wants to remember that the Synod Assembly is above all a spiritual event, of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit, the true protagonist of the event.
A copy of the letter and more information on the synod can be accessed through the diocesan website at https://www.cdsale.org.au/synod-of-bishop
An Ecumenical Advent Conversation - Letter Bishop Bennet
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 either 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
Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group
Our Group is excited to have been matched with a second family, due to arrive mid-November. The family of mum, dad and three children between 6 and 12 years of age are Syrian, someone for the Alis to speak Arabic with! Owing to uncertainty around the exact date of their arrival, we are trying to source temporary accommodation for the first few weeks. If anyone is aware of a short term vacancy in the lead up to Christmas, please contact us through our email address. Our next task is to gather household goods for the family. If you have possible items to contribute or if you would like to donate funds, please see banking details below, for Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre, which auspices our group. Or click on the button below to donate via our fundraising platform ‘Shout for Good’. Every donation makes a big difference. Donate Now Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group is auspiced by Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House Inc. If you prefer you can donate directly to: BSB: 633 000. Account No: 111 942 884 Acc Name: Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House. Reference: BCRSG |
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Sponsoring Zamin’s Family |
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Zamin has now established his tiling business in Bass Coast, having moved from Dandenong, so if you have need of any tiling or paving, you can contact Zamin through our group’s email. We were delighted to hear recently that Zamin has received his Resolution of Status visa. This represents a conversion from his Bridging visa and conveys Permanent Residency. Zamin arrived in Australia in 2013. Since then he has learnt English (with the help of Bass Coast Adult Learning), undertaken a TAFE course to qualify as a tiler, established a successful tiling business in Dandenong, supported his family financially and now moved to Bass Coast. A celebration BBQ recently congratulated Zamin on this wonderful milestone. Some happy supporters can be seen in the image below. We are supporting Zamin now, to apply for a Family Reunion visa, to enable his wife and four children to join him in Australia. The funds we have raised - with your generous donations - will be used towards costs of the family’s visas and air fares from Pakistan. If you have met Zamin and would like to support his application, you can provide a letter - to accompany his application - indicating your support for him and his family settling in Bass Coast or you can donate towards the visa costs, as he still needs a further $8,000 on top of the funds we raised through the GoFundMe campaign. BSB: 633 000. Account No: 111 942 884 Acc Name: Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House. Reference: BCRSG - Zamin |
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The Ali Family |
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Lukman, Khadija and their four beautiful children are approaching the 12 month mark since they arrived in Australia. During this time we have walked alongside them as they settled into the Wonthaggi community. The children are going very well at school and Kinder (acquiring English language skills at a dazzling rate!), and we acknowledge the wonderful support and encouragement they continue to receive from Wonthaggi North Primary School and the Bass Coast Children’s Centre. Khadija and Lukman attend English language classes at Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL), where they have been warmly welcomed, supported and encouraged. Khadija has joined the Multicultural Women’s Group at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House. Through all these organisations, the family has made connections and friendships and feels very much part of the Wonthaggi community. They have also learned to navigate the VLine Service and love going to Dandenong market to access many Middle Eastern spices and delicacies. Lukman has gained part time work (although he would like more) and is preparing for his Driving test. At the end of November the family will transition from the support we have provided through the CRISP program (Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot). We are now working with them, to ensure they feel comfortable and confident to make their own way, accessing the usual support services available at Local, State and Federal Government level. Although our Group will remain warm friends with the Alis, we are confident that they are building the skills and knowledge they need to make their way as members of the Australian community. |