As this is our final newsletter for 2024 I would like to thank all our students, parents and community for their support of the school and participation in school events during the year. We highly value working in partnership with parents to achieve the best outcomes for students so your involvement is much appreciated! Thanks also to our wonderful staff for their dedication and hard work!

Sincere thanks to our Specialist teachers Rosemary Daniel (Italian), Sarah Thomas (STEAM) and particularly Danielle Paulson (Performing Arts) for the Specialist Showcases. The senior students’ performance really was a showcase of their gifts and passions, thanks Dani for helping the students achieve this. We look forward to the Juniors’ Showcase this week!

We were blessed with lovely weather for our Junior Athletics Day last Thursday, thanks so much to all the parents and friends who attended to cheer on the students' efforts. Special thanks to Michelle Richards for organising the event with the help of the Grade 6 House Captains and students.

Last Thursday our school choir visited the residents at Kirrak House and Rose Lodge They performed songs they had been practising under the guidance of our Performing Arts teacher, Danielle Paulson. The residents appeared to really enjoy the visit and the singing. Thanks to Dani for all her work with the choir and organising the event. Thanks to our beautiful choir also- what a great experience for them!

2024 School Captains

Over the last week Mrs Gin, Mrs Martin myself and the 2024 school captains have had the privilege of interviewing students who have written applications for the positions of School, House and Liturgy Captains for 2026. We have been working with the students to identify and unpack desirable leadership attributes. We have highlighted that good leaders demonstrate humility, inspire trust, and are authentic and transparent. They take responsibility for their actions and have a deep respect and empathy for others. They are enthusiastic, have good communication skills and are willing to serve. They are also exemplary role models, adhering to our school expectations, wearing the uniform with pride and able to work well in a team.  We feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of students aspiring to leadership. The students' pride, appreciation and gratitude for our school shone through in their applications. As always, it was a very difficult choice to make. We commend all the students who applied for the positions and assure them that the whole Grade 6 cohort will all be leaders next year, with or without a badge and we hope the students will use many opportunities to exercise their leadership throughout the year.

We congratulate the following students who have been appointed:                                

May the light of Christ shine brightly in your heart and home this Christmas! I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday period and look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!

Sincere best wishes to our Gr 6 graduating students and families who are leaving our school!

“On this day of joy, we are all called to contemplate the Child Jesus, who gives hope once again to every person on the face of the earth. By his grace, let us with our voices and our actions give witness to solidarity and peace. Merry Christmas to all!” Pope Francis, Christmas 2016

In this video message, Catholic Bishop of Sale Most Reverend Greg Bennet invites us to embrace the spirit of Advent 2024, a time of reflection, hope and preparation for the coming of Christ.

Joanne Coldebella

Principal

What a term it has been in the prep Neighbourhood! We went on our first ever excursion to Maru Koala and Animal Park. We had the opportunity to get up close to a koala, dingo and a blue tongue lizard. We then explored the park in our groups, meeting the emus, Tasmanian devils, turtles, reptiles and feeding the kangaroos. Thank you to all the helpers who joined us for the day, we are grateful for your support.

Last Monday we had our Topsy Turvy day where our preps had a turn at being a teacher. They loved teaching the Teachers!

We welcomed our Joey’s for a day of transition and our current Preps met their new teachers and friends.

Last Thursday we participated in our junior athletics. The Preps did such a wonderful job with their activities of long jump, discus, sprints, shot put, hurdles and running. The Preps showed us how they took turns and cheered each other on. Well done Preps!

Prep Team

We are having a very busy end to the year in the Grade 5/6 neighbourhood.  We have had Grade 5 and Grade 6 Camp at Rumbug which was so much fun!

Many of the Grade 5 students applied for captain roles to help lead our school next year. After written applications and interviews, sixteen children were chosen to be our captains for 2025. It was a difficult process, with so many great students keen to be leaders. Our focus is on the school's expectations of being safe, being respectful and being a good learner, and there are many opportunities for all our Grade 6 students to show leadership, whether they are wearing a badge or not. 

The Grade 6 students were recognised at our whole school end of year mass last week, as we farewelled our wonderful class of 2024. Many of the students are taking part in orientation sessions at their secondary school this week. Tomorrow all the Grade 6 students are travelling to Gumbuya World for our graduation celebration day. So many exciting events to end the year!

5/6 Team

At assembly this week we thanked Sophie for her wonderful work supporting our school over the last 27 years, we will miss seeing you at the crossing next year Sophie!

Although a lot of you guys may not know Sophie or maybe rarely see her, Sophie has been helping the kids who are on crossing get across the busy road for 27 years! But at the end of the year she is retiring! Sophie is compassionate and nice to every child twice a day! I personally go on crossing every day and she always greets me with a smile. Sophie is a real legend to our school and she deserves to have a rest after such a long time of standing at the same spot and helping us cross the road daily! 

Mitch Dynes

Thank you to all the families who attended our Senior Specialist Showcase last Friday afternoon. It was wonderful to see such strong support for our students. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all the students, and I am eagerly looking forward to the Junior Showcase tomorrow, which begins at 2:00 pm.

Congratulations to Rosemary Daniel and Sarah Thomas for their successful displays of the students' work in our other Specialist classes this year.

Danielle Paulson

Performing Arts Teacher

Last week, fifty very enthusiastic students from St. Joseph's Choir visited Kirrak House and Rose Lodge Nursing Homes. At each location, the choir performed a selection of songs and visited with the residents.  The residents responded positively to the music, with many joining in and singing along, creating a joyful and interactive atmosphere. This outing not only brought smiles to the faces of the residents but also fostered a meaningful connection between the students and the residents. Overall, it was a delightful and successful event for everyone involved.  Our Choir will be performing at the Wonthaggi Carols by Candlelight on Sunday December 15.

Last Day of Term 4 for students is Friday, December 13, 3:25pm 

All students are invited to wear casual Christmas themed clothing on this day.

Please ensure your child/ren wear sensible footwear and sun safe tops (no singlets please).

School closure dates for your diary

Monday, December 16 - Friday, December 20

Many people see Christmas as a wonderful time of celebration and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. However, there are some that view it as a time of stress and hardship. This may be due to a combination of things: financial pressures, relationship issues and, quite often, loneliness, making it a very challenging time.

Often the true meaning of Christmas can be lost due to commercial exploitation, but there are a number of things you can do to create a magical Christmas, without the financial burden. Creating or maintaining traditions can contribute to a sense of comfort and belonging.

Unfortunately for some, there is also an ugly side to Christmas. Support organisations often report an increase in the number of calls from people seeking help due to their inability to cope during this time. If you, or a loved one, is finding that it is all too much, then it is important to reach out to a trusted friend, family member or medical professional.

In this Special Report, parents and care givers will be presented with a number of ideas on how to achieve a stress-free Christmas and where to seek help should you need it.

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/surviving-christmas-au

School Fee information for 2025 has been sent to all families via PAM. If you hold a concession card in 2025, 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 2025.

Please return the completed forms to the school office as soon as possible.

If you have any queries please email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

School Fee Schedule 2025

Direct Debit Form

Concession Application

CSEF Application Form 2025

School Fees Payment Arrangement 2025

The final day of canteen for 2024 will be Friday, December 13 (students final day).  

We thank families for their support and patronage over the year.

The Canteen Team

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

Christmas Mass Times:

Wonthaggi- 6.30pm Christmas Eve (Christmas Music from 6pm TBC) 10.30 am Christmas Day.

Inverloch- 5pm Christmas Eve ( Christmas Music from 4.30pm) 9am Christmas Day

No Mass or Liturgy on Friday December 27th.

New Year’s Eve Mass 31st Dec at Inverloch 6.30pm.
New Year’s Day Mass - 9.30 Mass at Wonthaggi.

Advance notice for Parish BBQ- at Inverloch Feb 14th

PLEASE PRAY FOR; Recently Deceased: Giovanni Bordignon, Norm Fraser and Frank Smedley Anniversaries: Eugine Musolino 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.” We pray for the sick, lonely and those suffering from illness and pain. May God’s merciful love shine on them.

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.

A Christmas Tree will be in the foyer at both churches to pray for loved ones to encourage them to come back to the Church. Please fill out a card and place on the tree.

Prayer Shawl Group Plenty of wool & patterns are freely available . Come along to enjoy a cuppa & chat while knitting or crocheting! For enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 or Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447

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

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 Ann on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.

Father Darren Howie                                                              Ann Hemming  
Parish Priest                                                                          Parish Secretary
                               St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi