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- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- Child Safety Week
- Footsteps
- Italian News
- Performing Arts
- School Tv - R U OK? Day
- St Vincent de Paul Appeal
- Open Afternoon
- Parent Teacher Interviews - Term 3
- Prep 2025 Orientation
- Absences and Holidays
- Dental Van
- End of Term 3
- School Fees - Term 3
- Afterschool Care Program - TheirCare
- Rotary Speaking Competition
- Parish News
- Marriage Encounter Weekend
- Wonthaggi Tennis Club
- Wonthaggi Library - Air Clay Club
- Wonthaggi Cricket Club - Cricket Blast
- Summersalt
- Country University Centre - Bass Coast
Footsteps Final Performance
This year the Footsteps lessons had a ‘Spooktacular’ theme. The children participated with energy and enthusiasm throughout the lessons and it was great to see them enjoy showing their dance skills to the many parents, grandparents and friends who attended. Thank you to all for proving a wonderfully appreciative audience!
Thanks to all the parents and carers for their support with the costumes and to the Footsteps organisation, particularly the dance instructors Maddy and Delaney who taught the students much about body movements, rhythm and timing and how to have fun doing exercise!
Annual Review Meetings
I have had the pleasure, over the last few weeks, of meeting with each member of our staff for their Annual Review Meeting. These meetings are a time to reflect, recognise and celebrate achievements and growth as well as identifying challenges and making plans for future progress. I continue to be humbled by the dedication and professionalism of our staff and their unwavering focus on improving students' learning, safety and wellbeing. All were very self evaluative of their practice and I look forward to continuing to witness their journey of personal and professional growth.
Whole School approach to Positive Behaviour
In recent weeks we have been reviewing our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour with a focus on consequences for behaviour choices. In response to staff and student feedback much more explicit Consequences charts have been drafted by our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Team Leaders: Trish Martin and Kylee Bertacco. We will be trialling this across the school in the next few weeks. We hope to continue to improve consistency of practice and introduce the practice of students receiving commendations for exemplary behaviour.
Please see the draft of the Consequences charts below:
Parent Teacher Interviews
Term 3 Parent-Teacher interviews will be held on Tuesday September 10th between 11.40 am-5.00pm. They will all be held in the parish hall. These interviews may be via telephone or face to face. Parents and carers can enter the school via the front entrance and as per our Child Safety protocols, are required to sign in before their interview, so please allow time for this. I encourage you to take this opportunity to talk to your child’s teacher about their academic progress and social growth. If this day doesn't suit you, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher directly to arrange another suitable time.
Please note 1/2F have already had their PT interviews prior to Mrs Susan Holmberg going on leave.
Father’s Day Stall
Sincere thanks for all the parents and caregivers’ support for our Fathers’ Day Stall! The response was wonderful. We thank Kaye and staff for all their work in purchasing the gifts and organising the stall. This year Kaye was very impressed by a group of Gr 5/6 students who assisted in preparing the stall. It was a great opportunity for them to show leadership and support our school. Special thanks to these students as well: Anette, Gianna, Greta, Cataleya, Max and Nate (below).
There were also some students who helped Kaye with the tables: thanks to Balin, Patrick, Timothy (see photo below) and Max, Taylor, and Tomy (absent from photo)!
Open afternoon
Our Term 3 Open Afternoon will be held on Monday September 16 from 2.30pm- 3.15pm. Please mark this event in your calendars. The children really look forward to sharing their learning and achievements for the term with parents and friends on this day. It would be wonderful if there was someone to visit every child in the school- grandparents, neighbours, family friends are most welcome!
Joanne Coldebella
Principal
This week in 1/2, we have had a big week! We had our Spooktacular Footsteps concert on Monday. We danced to ‘Thriller’ and ‘Skeleton Sam’, everyone did a wonderful job!
In Writing, we have been working on narratives. We did our big write on Thursday, where we were pretending to be an athlete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The students have been improving more and more each week.
On Wednesday, the Paralympics started! Throughout our Reading lessons, we have learned about some of the athletes competing in the Paralympic games and the challenges they have overcome.
On Thursday, 1/2 H had their life education lesson. They learned all about making and keeping friends. They also got to meet Healthy Harold!
1/2 Team
The students in 3/4 have been visited by Life Ed, where they engaged in learning about positive character traits and techniques for enhancing resilience. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as everyone actively participated in the activities.
During weeks 6 and 7, the senior students took part in a swimming program. Across 5 sessions, they honed their swimming techniques and gained valuable knowledge about water safety.
3/4 Team
National Child Protection Week runs from September 1st to 7th. During this week your child may take part in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson, presented by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson (ABCSL) encourages children to:
- understand what true and enthusiastic consent is all about
- how to tune into their body clues to understand whether they feel safe or unsafe
- how to confidently communicate their body boundaries
- how to observe the body cues of others and give each other time, respect and space to decide what they really want to do
- how to ask for help from their safety team if they ever feel unsafe or need support.
Why are we teaching children about enthusiastic consent?
Modelling conversations about consent between peers using relatable scenarios can help children learn how to assert their right to stay comfortable and safe each day. Consent means having a choice about something (like touch, proximity or a shared activity) and respecting each other’s responses, even when the answer is ‘No’.
Why are personal/body boundaries important?
Remind your child that they are the boss of their own body and that they can say ‘No!’ to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
How does open communication help keep kids safe?
Sometimes children may avoid sharing worries with their parents due to fear of being punished or blamed and others may take advantage of this. Keep communication with your child open and remind them that they can talk to you or another safety helper about anything. Everyone has the right to feel safe all of the time.
What are safety team and safety helpers?
The people on a child’s safety team are the five trusted adults that a child has identified who they feel safe to be around. We call each of these five grownups their safety helpers. Talk to your child about who are the five people on their safety team.
Jen Lawlor
Child Safety Team
In Performing Arts this term, the Grade 5/6's have been learning about Improv. This unit has encouraged them to work in teams, think on the spot, and react quickly. Students in 3/4 have been learning to build scenes. All students have been working hard to improve their acting skills and creativity through different drama exercises and activities. Our Preps have started a new unit about Music and Emotions. They are listening to a variety of songs and drawing pictures of how the music has made them feel. The Grade 1/2's have started exploring why people make music by listening to and discussing a range of different songs. They will be making posters over the next two weeks to present their learning.
Seeing the students grow in confidence and ability as they continue to explore the world of Performing Arts has been exciting.
Dani Paulson
Performing Arts
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"
Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
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.
You are invited to our Open Afternoon Monday September 16. The afternoon is an opportunity for students to share their learning for the term. Students are working hard to finalise their work/projects for display. This will be held in each of your child/rens classrooms from 2:30pm - 3:15pm. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Parent Teacher Interviews - Term 3
Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews are available for Parents on Tuesday, September 10 between 11:40am and 5:00pm (this will not affect the students’ school attendance that day).
These interviews will be of 10 minutes in duration and will take place in the Parish Hall. Attendance at these interviews may be either face to face or via phone, of which you may select your preference at the point of booking. Entry for onsite meetings will be through the front office, with all visitors asked to sign in. Please allow extra time before your interview to complete this process. Please note Parent Teacher Interviews for Susan Holmberg (1/2F) have taken place.
Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are to be made though PAM. If you have not setup your account please email the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au and we will help you get setup.
If you have been involved in PSG meetings, please do not arrange an appointment.
If you have any queries regarding booking an appointment please contact the office.
Please find the attached orientation session schedule for Prep 2025. This is specifically for new students who have already confirmed their acceptance of offer. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the office. We are looking forward to welcoming our new Preps at our orientation sessions.
Absence notes must be submitted via PAM each day your child is absent, before 9:30am. You can also email the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call 5672 1052.
We ask that the classroom Seesaw app is not used for notifying of an absence.
If a lunch order has been pre-ordered for the day of absence, please ensure that you let the office know via phone call or email info@stjwonthaggi,catholic.edu.au 9:15am to ensure that the order can be carried over.
If your child or children will be absent from school due to a family holiday outside of the designated holiday period, we kindly request that you submit an email before your holiday to the school office to seek approval from the principal for any absences exceeding 5 days. Please direct any correspondence regarding the dates of your child's absence to the school office via email at info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Just a reminder to families that Term 3 ends on Friday, September 20 at the earlier time of 2:25pm.
We wish you all a safe and happy break and look forward to seeing you all back at the beginning of term 4. Term 4 begins Monday, October 7.
Statements for Term 3 have been emailed to families. If you have not received your statement or have any queries please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Afterschool Care Program - TheirCare
Each day we have exciting new activities on offer that are customised to meet the needs and interests of the students attending, a variety of healthy breakfast and afternoon tea options are also provided.
We look forward to seeing you there!
After School Care: 3:25pm - 6pm
TheirCare provides a stimulating & safe environment where children develop life skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity.
Parents are asked to register their children on the Theircare website.
Children will be required to take a one minute bus ride to the service at Wonthaggi North Primary School on the Harley’s Buslines Wonthaggi township bus ($1.50 per trip to be paid to the bus driver), where an educator will greet them from the service.
For further information, visit www.theircare.com.au or call our support office on 1300 072 410. Further information regarding the program can be viewed via the links below.
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
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;
Anniversaries: Martin O’Halloran, William Duffy, Walter Sutton, Daniel Sutton. For the deceased clergy of the Diocese of sale. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. “May they rest in peace.”
Fr Darren is currently away on leave until 7th Sep. Welcome to Fr Peter Bickley who will celebrate the masses for this weekend. While Fr Darren is away there will be no Mass or Liturgy on Wednesday’s at Wonthaggi Church. Liturgy will be held at Inverloch on Tuesday’s at 11am and Wonthaggi on Friday’s at 9.30am.
Parish Office will be open on Wed & Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. All items for the bulletin or Mass intentions to be received by 5pm on Thursdays.
Prayer Group: will be held at Wonthaggi Church on Mondays at 1.15pm. All Welcome
Prayer Shawl Group next Meeting: Plenty of donated wool is readily available.
Wonthaggi: Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447, Denise Bordignon 0477 001 639
Inverloch: Philippa Warby. 0408 331 340, Julie de Bondt. 0407 535 032
the Foundation is supporting nine priests and three deacons and their wives in retirement and is responsible for the other priests, including our overseas priests, and deacons in time of sickness. The budgeted expenditure of the Foundation for them over the next year will be over $200,000. This includes wages for a clinical nurse and case manager (2 days per week equivalent). Online donations can now be made at https://www.cdsale.org.au/priestswelfarefoundation The foundation is most appreciative of your support for our priests and deacons in sickness and retirement. All donations of $2.00 and over are tax deductible and a receipt for tax deduction purposes will be automatically sent if an email address is provided. Donations may also be made through your local Parish. Envelopes are available this weekend.
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
St Joseph’s Wonthaggi Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Saturday & Sunday of the Month
Our Lady Star of the Sea—Inverloch Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Sunday of the Month
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 Ann on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.
Father Darren Howie Ann Hemming
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi