School Advisory Committee

Last Tuesday The School Advisory Committee Annual General meeting was held and our final meeting for 2023. We farewelled three members: Linda Tack, Carla Poletti and Mairead Taylor and thanked them for their contribution to our school.

We have received four nominations for new members.  As there are only three positions to be filled we are having an election.

Nominees:

Susie Green, mother of Lily Green in Grade 1 and Rory who will begin Prep next year. Susie is an Occupational Therapist who works with some students at our school. 

Taryn Robinson, mother of Lachlan Jude in Grade 2 and Neave in Prep. Taryn is the McGrath Breast Cancer nurse who works at Wonthaggi Hospital. She and her family moved to the area 7 years ago in December. Taryn has been the Team Manager for the Wonthaggi Soccer Under 8s and is the current secretary of Little Athletics, Wonthaggi.

Chandrakala Trasanayagam is the mother of Riyan Wong in Prep this year. Chandra works part time at the Bass Coast Shire. Chandra has served on the Kindergarten Committee for Bass Coast Children’s Centre for two years.

Kim Gojrzewski, mother of Lucy and Alex Gojrzewski who are in Grade 3 and Prep respectively. Kim is involved with the Life Saving Club at Cape Paterson and ran the Under 6 Nippers last year. Kim and her family moved to Cape Paterson late last year and was  previously involved with the Parents Association at Lucy’s former school.

All parents or appointed carers or guardians are welcome to vote on their preferred School Advisory Committee members (for the next three years). They will join current members: Joanne Coldebella, Dianne Gin, Father Darren Howie, Phil Dynes and Sara Donohue. 

Please click on this link to vote by Friday November 24 at 4pm.     

A copy of the AGM Principal’s report may be accessed by clicking below.

AGM Report 2023

Staffing

Staffing for next year has been finalised:

Principal                                                                          Joanne Coldebella

Deputy Principal/ Learning Adjustment Leader  Dianne Gin

Learning Adjustment Leader                                    Patricia Martin

Religious Education Leader                                       To be confirmed

Planning Leader                                                            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, Kylee Bertacco
Child Safety Team                                                       Jennifer Lawlor, Kate Egan,
                                                                                          Courtney Brann, Kate Morison

We are excited to welcome Belinda Isted and Tim de Freitas, two new teachers to our school and community. We hope they enjoy their time at St Joseph's and we look forward to working with them.

Ms Kasey Ton has taken a year’s leave and accepted a position in South Australia for 2024. Ms Christie Panozzo will not be returning, having accepted a position in Yinnar. Thanks Kasey & Christie for all you have contributed to our school! We wish you the best for the future.

Please note that it is too late to submit class requests for 2024 as this complex process has been finalised.

Our numbers for next year are very healthy. We are constantly receiving enquiries about enrolling in 2024. 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 2024, can you please contact the front office and let us know. This will help us in preparing and organising the school for 2024. I thank you in advance for letting us know.

Transition/Orientation

In a couple of weeks (Tuesday December 5th) students will meet their 2024 teachers. Teachers will prepare 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.  

End of Year Grade 6 Graduation Mass

The end of year whole school/ Gr 6 Graduation Mass, will occur on Friday December 8 at 12.00 pm. We are really looking forward to celebrating this as a school. Parents and the wider community are very welcome to attend!

A reminder about our Specialist Showcases

The Prep and Grade 1/2  Showcase will be held tomorrow (Wednesday November 22) and the Grade 3/4 and 5/6 Showcase will be held next Wednesday (November 29), both will occur between 2-3pm in the parish hall. Doors will open at 1.30pm.

The students are asked to come to school, on the day of their Showcase,  dressed in Christmas-themed clothing. Students must wear a pair of runners/closed in shoes on stage.

Parents and friends are invited to stay for a cuppa- served at the back of the hall after the performance.

Please note all the students will have already seen each others’  performances.

SRC news

With the money we raised from the Colour Fun Run (and some extra), we have decided to install a new playground behind the Senior Playground for Grades 3-6 students and a huge sandpit around the tree at the end of the Junior basketball court. We will be buying lots of toys and equipment for the sandpit to make it an exciting place to play.

For the new playground, we have asked all the students’ opinion on which design to have. The students chose ‘Cradle Mountain”!

Well done to our award winners who were presented with their certificates at our last assembly, congratulations on all your hard work.  

Over the last few weeks the 1/2 students have been exploring money. They have been learning to order and count small collections of coins and give change.

In writing we have been writing expositions, stating our points of view on various topics such as: should we have more or less homework? And; Is country living better than city living?

As a part of our Inquiry unit “Through the Generations” the 1/2 students have been learning about life through different decades, how things such as clothing, technology, transport and homes have evolved and comparing the past to their life today.

To complement our unit we had an 80’s theme day where we continued to learn about things from the 80’s. The students enjoyed dressing up in their brightest 80’s attire and completing 80’s theme tasks throughout the day.

To finish off our day we held an 80’s disco in the hall. The students listened and danced to some of the best dance songs from the 80’s and enjoyed playing a classic 80’s party game, limbo.

Thank you to all our parents for your support with this event. The kids had a ball and grooved the afternoon away!

1/2 Team

This term during Inquiry the Grade 3/4 students have been designing their own dragster. They have researched aerodynamics and the features of certain animals that allow them to move fast through their environment. They’ve used this acquired knowledge when drawing rough sketches and a blueprint of their dragster on grid paper. Our Maths focus is Measurement and students applied learnt skills when measuring the placement of the axle holes on their dragster body. Students used files, coping saw and sandpaper to shape the balsa wood into their design. We’re looking forward to racing and discovering who has created the fastest and most aerodynamic dragster!

3/4 Team

On Tuesday 14th November the Grade 5/6 students travelled to the Cape Patterson bay beach to take part in an Open Water Learning Activity (OWLE). The action packed sessions, presented by Life Saving Victoria, covered first aid techniques such as DRS ABCD, how to respond in an emergency and what information to give the emergency services if they are needed.

The students learned about how to spot a rip and what to do if they are ever caught in one. In the water they practised using everyday objects to use as a floatation device and practised performing rescues, before having some fun on the boogie boards. 

Despite the chilly weather, the students enjoyed the activities and found them very informative. Thanks to Mrs. Richards for organising this important event to enhance the students' learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum.

5/6 Team

Use of Space 

The use of space can be a critical variable in creating effective environments to support behaviour, teaching and learning. Consideration of the physical space acts as a preventative for behavioural issues and should allow access for all.
The school environment includes the physical (e.g. learning areas, furniture placement, access to resources and materials, indoor and outdoor facilities, offsite locations), and the non-physical (e.g. movement, sound, temperature, lighting, air quality, seating arrangements). Student and staff collaboration in the personalisation of spaces can be empowering, increase motivation and develop connections and a sense of community. Use of space involves:

• Learning environments that are safe and appropriate
• Students being actively engaged in the personalisation and use of their space
• Consideration given to the layout of learning areas
• Planning for flexibility to suit the type of task and instruction
• Having clear traffic routes and access to resources, equipment, learning areas and entrances/exits
• Resources, materials and equipment are safe and appropriate for use, accessible, clean and in good order
• Students and staff being able to see and hear each other when communicating
• Having minimal distractions caused by sound and visual stimuli within the learning space
• Appropriate physical adjustments for all

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Co-ordinators

Trish Martin and Kylee Bertacco

SPECIAL REPORT: Gambling & Young People

The digital era has made gambling more accessible, and certain factors are elevating the risk of problematic gambling among young people. A new grey area is emerging, with smartphones at their fingertips blurring the boundaries between gambling and entertainment, especially within the realms of video games and social media. The current generation of young people are growing up in an unprecedented time and research highlights that a significant percentage of adolescents are involved in gambling activities.

Reports of young people gambling are frequent with many experiencing adverse consequences such as diminished academic performance and strained relationships. Today’s youth are growing up in a digital age characterised by constant connectivity, and the gambling industry has evolved significantly during their formative years. Simulated gambling, such as in video games, can further increase the likelihood of teenagers transitioning to real-money gambling and developing future gambling-related problems.

It's crucial to foster open discussions about positive media choices to help children navigate through responsible online gaming and gambling. By encouraging a balanced approach to screen time and promoting alternative activities, will help set some clear boundaries to avoid potential gambling-related issues.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to empower young people to make responsible choices in this digital age. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-gambling-young-people-au

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Frozen Cups for Catholic Mission during this term. So far, we have collected a total of $300 and we are grateful for your generosity. We would like to remind you that there is one more date remaining on Wednesday, November 29, and we would greatly appreciate your continued support of this worthy cause.

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 Fee Schedule 2024

Direct Debit Form

Concession Application

CSEF Application Form 2024

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 22 November 9:30am 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 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 Josh Prentice, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Paul Fitzgerald, Fr. Edward O’Malley, Bishop Jeremiah Coffey, Fr. Raymond (Tim) McInnes, Mgr. William Caffrey and our loved ones, may God’s merciful love shine on them and on the loved ones left behind.

Pope's Prayer intention for the month of November: For the Pope

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.  

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP:  Our end of year gathering will be on TUESDAY DEC 5 at the ESPLANADE HOTEL in Inverloch @ 6pm for 6:30pm. We look forward to celebrating the year’s work together. Please RSVP by Saturday Dec 2nd to either Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 or Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.
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.

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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