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- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principals Message
- Prayer
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 5/6 Neighbourhood
- Performing Arts Term 1
- Italian News
- Library News
- Canteen News
- Child Safety / Safer Internet Day
- SchoolTV - SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
- Start of Year Uniform Reminder
- Ash Wednesday Mass
- Book Club
- School Closure Information
- NAPLAN 2024
- Hats - SunSmart
- 2024 SRN Collection
- MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Weekend
- Parish News
- Ritchies Community Benefit Program
- Box Hill Hawks Clinic - Wonthaggi Rec Reserve
- Starlight Childrens Foundation - Super Swim Hero
- Victorian Fisheries Authority
- Wonthaggi and District Netball Association
- Wonthaggi Power Girls Football
- Wonthaggi Library - Lego Club
Welcome to the 2024 school year! I hope everyone had a terrific holiday break and had time to spend with family and friends.
It has been wonderful to see all the students back last week, eager to begin the year in their new classes.
The teachers have been working with the students to get to know them and help them get to know each other. All classes will be trying to form a strong classroom culture that is conducive to optimal learning. Our whole school approach to positive behaviour provides the backbone for this work. Teachers and students will unpack and specify what it means to Be Respectful, Be Safe and Be a Learner, our three school expectations. Establishing classroom and school expectations for behaviour is crucial in helping every child experience a space where they feel safe, valued and have opportunities to challenge themselves in their learning. This practice is also strongly influenced by our belief in the Catholic Social Teaching of the Dignity of the Human Person:
The Catholic social teaching principle of human dignity is about understanding that each of us is made in God’s image. Our common humanity requires that we respect and uphold the dignity of each and every human being. All our other rights and responsibilities flow from this dignity. This principle is deemed as the central aspect of our Church’s social teaching.
Our Student Code of Conduct specifies the behaviour we expect of our students:
Expected Student Behaviours and Conduct
- Uphold the School’s Catholic ethos, traditions and practices
- Behave in a respectful and courteous manner towards other students, teachers, school staff and all members of the school community, including visitors
- Behave in a manner that does not endanger the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves or others
- Resolve conflict respectfully, calmly and fairly
- Adhere to all School policies and procedures at all times, including during school activities and events or when representing or acting on behalf of the School
- Respect School property and the property of other students, teachers, school staff, and visitors
- Actively participate in learning by completing work set by teachers promptly and to the best of their ability
- Refrain from behaviour which would interrupt the work of any class or hinder the learning opportunities of other students
- Dress appropriately by complying with the school uniform or dress code
- Value the interests, ability and culture of others
- Communicate with other students, teachers and school staff and members of the school community, including visitors, in an open, positive and honest manner.
Manners
One thing that was noticed by the staff towards the end of last year was a lack of manners being used by many students: greeting people by name, saying excuse me, please and thank you, not interrupting etc.
After a gentle reminder at a whole school assembly a great improvement in this was noticed. The students are to be commended for this! It certainly made the school feel like a much happier, more respectful place. We hope to instil using good manners as a habit in our students. We will continue to encourage and expect good manners and hope you can support us in this.
Of course, it is always crucial to set a good example for our students. None of us is perfect but we should try to remember that our children are observing us. When we make comments in frustration or anger this can have an impact on our students’ perception of what is acceptable. We need to keep working on our own self- management and regulation not just out of respect for others but also for our own wellbeing and this is important to model to our children.
Communication
Here at St Joseph’s we highly prioritise working in partnership with parents to achieve the best outcomes for our students. Open communication is vital for this to occur. We have many avenues of communication including Seesaw, SIMON via PAM, our Facebook page, the newsletter, email, telephone and face to face conversations. We invite you to utilise these avenues to maintain communication. Please ensure your PAM and Seesaw accounts are set up.
More information around communication can be found on our Communication/Email/Seesaw Policy.
In relation to the last two points I give parents a gentle reminder that we all want the best for our students. To achieve this, we need to work together. We strive to create a culture of respectful relationships. As parents, guardians or carers, you act as one of the most influential role models in your child’s life. We therefore seek your support in promoting and upholding the core values of the school community and its culture of respectful relationships. Please see our Parent Code of Conduct for more information.
Teachers, similarly, are held accountable by a Code of Conduct set by the Victorian Institute of Teaching and numerous other policies including Duty of Care, Child Protection, and Pastoral Care to name a few and many around Child Safety.
Student School Leaders Pledge Ceremony
Yesterday at our first whole school assembly for 2024 the newly appointed school captains and Gr 5/6 SRC Representatives made their pledge to the school community to be exemplary role models and uphold the school values. They were all awarded their badges (which will be blessed at the Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday February 14).
We thank them for their willingness to be leaders and look forward to working with them throughout the year!
SRC representatives from the Gr 1/2 and 3/4 classes will be elected in the coming weeks. The Gr 6 SRC representatives will confer with the Prep classes throughout the year. The Student Representative Council will meet regularly with myself and/or Mrs Gin, our Deputy Principal. One of their first tasks will be to select appropriate equipment and toys to be housed in the newly constructed shed near the Junior basketball court (thank you Ross!) and used in the large nearby sandpit (coming soon)
Holiday Jobs
Thanks to Ross for organising, overseeing and completing many school improvements over the holidays including the replacing a large section of the retaining wall next to the Junior Basketball court, new playground preparation works, improvement to the front garden area and drain clearing to name a few.
Joanne Coldebella
Principal
What a fantastic start to the year the Preps have had, with so much to learn about being a school person. The children are doing a wonderful job arriving to school happy and remembering to put their drink bottles in tubs, bags on hooks and having a play with friends before the bell goes.
The Preps have started their learning journey this week, learning about Milo the Monkey and the sound /m/ alongside learning to recognise our numbers to 0-10.
We can't wait to see what the rest of the term brings!
Prep Team
We started by walking through the big doors into the 5/6 area, a lot of nerves filled the air. But as the day went by everybody got to know each other better. We all started making new friends and being kind and encouraging with our new classmates. We think the first day went really well. All the Grade 6's were really excited to see their buddies for the first buddy lunch.
The second day was also really good. We learnt expectations in our specialist classes and in our own classrooms. We played a few fun games to get to know each other better.
The third day started off with some posters where we wrote our opinion of what makes a good school, good friend, good student, good teacher and how our classroom should be. After lunch the captains met up for assembly practice. The captains were all very excited to receive their badges on Monday the 5th of February.
Before school everybody has gotten used to the morning routine where we can sit and colour or talk to our friends. Everybody did a really good job of having the right uniform. Keep it up. During the day we wrote down our puzzle piece expectations which are: Be respectful, be a learner and be safe. Everybody had good ideas.
Elly Trease and Izzy Coyne 5/6
Students are off to a fantastic start in Performing Arts - dance is our focus for the first five weeks of term.
Grades Prep -2 are learning to move safely around the room and dance in time with the music.
Grade 3/4’s are learning to collaborate as they choreograph a dance together.
Grade 5/6’s (pictured) are using well known fairytales to learn about expression and storytelling in dance.
Danielle Paulson
Performing Arts Teacher
The 2024 Mirboo North Italian festa is to be held on Sunday 11th February 2024. Mirboo North is great at celebrating the Italian heritage of the region, and this festa gets more popular every year. A fantastic day of free entertainment for the whole family including, live music, dancing, comedians, food stalls and more.This is a great opportunity to celebrate all things Italian in South Gippsland. Hope to see you there.
At St Joseph's Primary School, we have a wonderful library resource that our students can access. We believe that reading books is not only fun but also fundamental to building a strong foundation for all learning. So, we want our students to enjoy the experience of borrowing books from our library and exploring the different genres and types of books available. We also want to remind everyone to treat our books with respect. They are precious resources that we share, and we want to make sure that they are well-cared for and enjoyed by all.
We welcome all our students to come and visit the library every week, and we encourage everyone to borrow books regularly. You can borrow books for up to 2 weeks, and we hope that you'll find something interesting to read. Overdue books must be returned before you can borrow again.
We want to make sure that everyone has the chance to enjoy our library,
so we appreciate your cooperation!
Library Team
Canteen will resume this week. Canteen runs on Thursdays and Fridays and orders are placed through CDFpay. Just click on the button below to order.
When ordering remember to check the date you are ordering for, orders close at 9:00am for processing on canteen days.
Child Safety / Safer Internet Day
Child safety is one of our highest priorities at St Joseph's School.
We have a Child Safety Team: Ms Jennifer Lawlor, Ms Kate Egan, Miss Courtney Brann and Miss Kate Morison, who meet regularly to review our practices and support all staff.
We have numerous policies, programs, protocols and procedures in place to ensure students are protected.
For your information here is a link to our:
For your information, these policies and more are publicly available on our website.
Our Child Safety Officers are also responsible for supporting all parents and staff.
On Tuesday February 6 students took part in Safer Internet Day, highlighting the need for everyone to Connect. Reflect. Protect. whenever they are online.
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet DayExternal link is a global initiative to raise awareness of online safety issues.
The eSafety Commissioner leads the initiative in Australia. We educate people about online safety risks, like online abuse, how to be safe online and where to go for help.
This Safer Internet Day we're encouraging you to take three simple actions when approaching online safety: Connect. Reflect. Protect.
Connect safely by keeping apps and devices secure and reviewing your privacy settings regularly.
Reflect on how your actions online may affect others or your safety.
Protect yourself and others by visiting eSafety.gov.au to find out how to stay safe online and report online abuse.
By doing these things and sharing the Connect. Reflect. Protect message, we can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day.
Why Safer Internet Day is important
We use the internet in almost every aspect of our lives, so it’s important for everyone to know about online safety.
Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for workplaces, community organisations, schools, industry, government and families to promote online safety education and the benefits of being safe online.
Our goal is for everyone to be informed about online safety, understand how to report online abuse and actively contribute to a safer online environment – that’s why we need your support.
We encourage you to join the global initiative that unites communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 160 countries so that together, we can create safer online spaces.
Get ready for 2024: Free online webinars for parents and carers
As we welcome 2024, we also open the door to new online risks and opportunities which may raise some parenting challenges:
- When is the right time for them to use social media?
- How do I have better conversations with them about gaming?
- How can I support them if they experience online abuse?
Our free parent webinars can help. Each webinar is designed to improve your understanding and response to online challenges your child may face. The webinar topics include:
- eSafety 101: How eSafety can help
- Understanding how to support your child with online gaming
- Understanding parental controls to safeguard your child
- Online safety and social media: TikTok, YouTube and Instagram
Join us for our first webinar on 7 February, and continue to support your child in having a safe online experience in 2024.
Let's chat about how you can help young people make a report if something goes wrong online
The quickest way to have cyberbullying messages, violent or sexual material, illegal activity, or unwanted contact removed from the internet is to report directly to the social media service or platform where the incident occurred.
Young people may need the support of an adult to make a report to a platform, so here are the steps you can take:
- Collect evidence before reporting to the social media service or taking other action. Take screenshots showing what has been happening and for how long.
- Report to the social media service, game, app, or website where the incident occurred. Use our eSafety Guide to help find the appropriate links for each service.
- After you report abusive content to a service or platform, they may immediately remove the content. They may also block the person who posted it or delete their account. In the case of illegal content, the service may also refer the matter to the police.
If the above process doesn’t get you the support you need, eSafety can help. For more information on cyberbullying, read our Bullying online resource.
In this edition of SchoolTV - SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!
However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the School Transitions edition of SchoolTV https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.
Start of Year Uniform Reminder
Thanks for all the parent support in students wearing the correct school uniform!
It is most appreciated!
Can you please check that your child is not wearing dangly earrings and/or excessive jewellery which is not consistent with our uniform expectations and poses a safety hazard for students?
Please also ensure that hair accessories are in neutral or school colours.
We highly value universal expectations and consistency as this makes for a happy school and workplace where children feel secure in knowing what is expected of them and this is backed up by parents. This is of crucial importance, it applies to the wearing of the correct uniform and other elements that make up a great school environment like the use of good manners and socially appropriate behaviour.
From the Uniform policy:
JEWELLERY: Should be minimal e.g. a watch/chain may be worn. Only plain stud earrings or basic sleeper earrings may be worn in the lobe of the ear. Permission to vary from the jewellery stipulation must be sought from the Principal. Medic Alerts are to be worn by children with a medical condition that may require urgent medical assistance.
HAIR: Hair ties should be in school or neutral colours.
Please find the Uniform Policy attached for your reference.
Friday March 8 will be a school closure day for staff professional development.
Monday March 11 is the Labour Day Public Holiday.
Wednesday March 27 is the final day of Term 1 for students, school finishes at 3:25pm
Thursday March 28 will be a school closure day for staff professional development.
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2024
Test dates
The 2024 National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be administered to students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March.
Please see the Information brochure attached for further information.
As part of our SunSmart policy students will require hats until the end of April and again from September 1.
Please ensure your child/ren have their hats labeled and in their school bags.
Hats can be purchased from our uniform supplier Totally Workwear Wonthaggi
Please see the attached information for parents from the Department of Education.
“Live Your Best Married Life in Love”
Every relationship is a journey and the grind of everyday life can cause you to lose touch with your spouse.
This experience gives married couples the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living.
The weekend is based around Catholic values and couples of all faiths are welcome.
Please check our website for more details.
12-14 April 2024 in Melbourne
Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
Wednesday 9:30am St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Friday 9:30am St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Weekend Masses Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch Sunday 9:00am
St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 10:30am
PLEASE PRAY FOR; Baptism: Ella Grace Shannon Recently Deceased: Hank Noy Anniversaries: Fr David Quinn
Parish Office will be opened on Wed 1.00pm-4.30pm and Fri 8.00am-4.30pm. All items for the bulletin or Mass intentions to be received by 5pm on Thursdays.
The Parish BBQ will be held on Friday February 9th commencing at 5.30pm: at the Inverloch Church grounds
All parishioners are invited to attend this annual event. Salads , desserts ,tea & coffee are provided. BYO meat, drinks, plates & cutlery. The event will be held inside if the weather is not in our favour.
Parish Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday 7th February 5.00pm in the Parish Office.
Parish Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Thursday 8th February at 7.00pm in the Wonthaggi Church Foyer
Prayer Group will resume at the beginning of the School Term.
Prayer Shawl Group will meet in February. Any enquires please contact Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 or Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447
Parish Singers & Musicians wanted for the Rite of
Election: We are forming a Diocesan choir for the Rite of Election at St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 18th February 2024, at 3.00 pm. Choir rehearsal from 1.30-2.30pm.
To register your interest, please contact Sophy Morley on Sophymorley@gmail.com or mobile 0413 590 007.
Newcomers or Update Details
Welcome and thanks for worshipping with us at St Joseph’s Wonthaggi and Our Lady Star of the Sea Inverloch
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 o Change of Address or Phone # o
Thanksgiving: Envelopes o or Electronically o
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 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 Ann Hemming TBA
Parish Priest Bookkeeper Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi
Recreational fishing in Victoria
The Victorian Government is proactive in encouraging all Victorians to fish, specifically focusing on the involvement of women, children, and people from diverse backgrounds. We educate fishers and the community about responsible fishing practices and promote stewardship of our precious aquatic and animal resources via our Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre, Education and Engagement Unit and funding of Fishcare Victoria Inc.
Recreational fishing offers terrific opportunities for people of all ages, skills, abilities, and backgrounds to enjoy a fun and healthy activity and build social connections. Our aboriginal heritage is also deeply linked to fishing, with thousands of years of indigenous fishing history in Victoria.
The VFA run a range of free community fishing festivals across the State, stock 10 million fish into Victoria’s waterways each year, including a range of threatened species, install fishing and boating infrastructure to improve access, install recreational fishing reefs and improve habitat and undertake important research into Victoria’s many different species of seafood.
For more information about the VFA, recreational fishing opportunities in Victoria and/or a potential future career in natural resource management for your students, please visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au.
Little Anglers Hub
The VFA has created the kid-friendly Little Anglers Hub website (www.vfa.vic.gov.au/littleanglerkit), written specifically for children with useful information, instructional videos about how to safely set up and use the kits, being safe around the water, as well as advice on where to go fishing in Victoria.
There is an electronic copy of the Kids Guide to fishing that was included in the kits available on this site, both in English and five other languages.
Key Safety Messages
Going fishing is awesome and so much fun! When it comes to fishing, it’s important to stay safe, especially around water!
Students can keep their fishing safe by:
- going with a friend;
- being careful with hooks and lures;
- looking behind before casting;
- handling fish carefully;
- being conscious of the dangers associated with water;
- protecting yourself against the elements (sunscreen, drinking water);
- letting someone know before you go; and
- washing your hands after handling lead sinkers, especially before eating or drinking.
The link below is to a short safety video that is posted on the Little Anglers hub website, reinforcing the above safety messages to students.
Please note that fishing equipment is not for human consumption. If swallowed, hooks can cause serious harm and lead sinkers can be toxic. Young children and those with some disabilities including pica disorder are especially vulnerable and should be supervised whilst fishing. If a child does swallow a hook or lead sinker, seek medical assistance immediately - don’t wait for it to pass.
If you would like any additional information about this exciting commitment, please visit the Victorian Fishing Authority’s Little Angler Kits FAQs for parents, located on the VFA’s website (www.vfa.vic.gov.au).