Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

2025 is the sacred Year of Jubilee, Pope Francis invites us to join together as "Pilgrims of Hope." This year marks a significant opportunity for us to deepen our faith, reflect on God's love, and embrace the journey of renewal. The Holy Father emphasizes that this pilgrimage is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one, urging all Catholics to walk together in solidarity and compassion. The theme of "Pilgrims of Hope" serves as a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, the hope of Christ always leads us toward joy, peace, and healing.

Throughout this year, we are encouraged to experience God’s mercy in profound ways. Pope Francis calls us to open our hearts to those who suffer, to care for the marginalized, and to reflect on the grace that unites us all as children of God. Our school community will participate in several special activities and prayer services, allowing us to actively live out this theme. These moments will offer a chance for both personal and communal growth, as we journey together in faith, reflecting on the ways we can be instruments of peace and hope in the world.

As we approach the Easter break, we reflect on the significance of this time for Catholic Christians. Easter is a central celebration in our faith, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of renewal, hope, and joy, reminding us of the power of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. As we celebrate, may we all experience a sense of spiritual renewal and peace in our hearts.

Thank you to the 3/4 and 5/6 staff and students who presented Stations of the Cross in our parish church yesterday. It was a poignant reminder of the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful staff, dedicated parents, and hardworking students for making this term such a success. Your efforts, cooperation, and commitment to the school community have been truly inspiring, and I am grateful for all that you do.

A special thank you to the parents who generously donated to our Easter raffle and supported the purchase of tickets. Your generosity helps make our school events possible and enriches the experiences of our students. We will be drawing the prizes this Friday afternoon at 1.50pm in the gym. All are welcome to attend.

We are all excited about the upcoming Terry Cole Circus performances this week. Our Juniors and Seniors are sure to be thrilled by this special event, which promises to be a highlight of the term! All students will see each others’ performances in the Dress Rehearsals.

I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Easter break. May you spend this time surrounded by love, rest, and reflection. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term ahead.

Joanne Coldebella
Principal

This week the 1/2 area has turned into a circus! We have clowns, daredevils, acrobats and sports people. We have been practicing our circus acts ready for our showcase this week. The students have enjoyed practising new tricks and getting to show their performer side. 

We have also completed our growth timelines as part of our ‘Let’s Grow’ unit. The 1/2 students have been working hard to show off their learning which is now on the walls in the corridor near the office. The students have included photos of each year of their life and written a small description about what they could do at that age.

1/2 Team

UPP INCURSION

On Friday the 21st of March the 5/6 ‘s had an incursion from UPP (Unleashing Personal Potential) Our topic was ‘Aspire higher’ - leading with or without a badge which means that we are all leaders even without a badge. They taught us a lot of useful things about being leaders, and they got us to play some fun games about teamwork and listening to each other's ideas.

In the morning we were introduced by Gill and Jamie who were the people talking to us today. They started talking about leadership and how to act and look like a leader with or without a badge. Then we did an activity where we had to find a partner and not let them touch our knees to score points. If your hand touches their knee you score a point. Gill then asked us to find a BFFT (Best Friend for Today) and it had to be someone we didn’t know at all. Then we shared a story about our favourite holiday we went on and at the end we shared what our BFFT told us. Then we had another pep talk about being good leaders.  

After recess Gill talked to us about ASPIRE and what each letter meant. A means ACTION meaning when you’re a leader you should go into action when needed. S means SERVE meaning to serve others. P means persist because all leaders should persist in things when something goes wrong. I mean influence because as a leader you should be a good influence to the little kids looking up to you. R means respect because all leaders should be respectful to everyone. Last but not least E that means encourage, even if you’re not a leader you should encourage everyone even if you like them or not.

After talking about ASPIRE, we did an activity called the Epic Race. We got split up into 15 teams and we all had to work together to complete the activities. Before we started the activities, we played Scattergories! Gill and Jamie gave every team a Scattergories sheet with the questions, and the letter was S. We had to answer the questions with things that start with S.

The activities we did in the epic race included making 10 shots as a team in the bucket, the marble race when you had to make a marble race course with your team and the marble needing to enter the cone without touching the floor or touching a teammate!

The blind cup stacking was when you had to close your eyes and stack the cups and if you were successful then you gave it to the next team mate.

We also did frisbee cricket when you had to throw a frisbee and it has to knock over the cone.

We also did an activity where you had to blow a ping pong ball to the finish end and back!

Another great task was where you tried to keep the ball in the air for 25 hits and a lot more! Once you finished an activity you had to get your teachers initials, and they can give you bonus points for teamwork and encouragement. In the end the team with the most points win!

After lunch we did a lesson called Knowing me Growing me. In that we learnt that there are multiple types of leaders. Next, we learnt that we got split up into our classes and did an activity where we had to fit everyone through the hula hoop as quickly as possible with the teachers timing us. After the first try, we used a different strategy to see if we improved 2 times, and everyone improved their first time.

Today was such a fun day and the 5/ 6s loved the incursion.

Ruby and Zaya

Students ran, threw, and jumped their way through several events, showing great support for their classmates' efforts and successes. Well done to all the students for giving their best and trying their hardest! A special thank you to Mary MacKillop students for assisting on the day. It was great to see so many parents supporting the students. Some students will now advance to the district athletics championships, which will be held next term.

Chisholm – Blue was the overall winning house champion.

The age group champions were: Under 9 - Rashad and Torah, Under 10 - Dom and Alana, Under 11 - Ethan and Phoenix, Under 12/13 - Lincoln and Christina.

A reminder that Friday, April 4 we are having an Easter-themed Free Dress Day, and our fantastic SRC students have organized an exciting Easter egg hunt for everyone to enjoy. We encourage the students to wear their favourite Easter-themed outfits or colours for the day! Just a quick reminder to make sure students wear sun-safe clothing (no singlets, please) and closed-toe shoes, so please no crocs, slides, or slides. 

Raffle prizes will be drawn on Friday, April 4, in the gym at 1:50pm Parents are welcome to attend. Good luck, and thank you for your continued support!

Just a reminder to families that Term 3 ends on Friday, April 4 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 2. 

Term 2 begins Tuesday, April 22.

Students have participated in several sessions and have had the opportunity to learn a variety of circus acts and tricks. 

The grand finale will be in the form of a concert, held on the following dates in the Hall:

Grade Prep to 2 Wednesday 2nd April beginning at 2pm

Grade 3 to 6 Thursday 3rd April beginning at 2pm

The Bus Co-ordinator has advised us that buses will not be running on Tuesday, April 22, the first day of Term 2. Please make alternative arrangements for your child/ren.

Transition to the winter uniform commences at the beginning of Term 2
Totally Work Wear is currently accepting orders for winter pinafores.

Please call 5672 5878 or visit in-store if you wish to try on or place an order for a pinafore.

Please note that pinafores will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to arrive.

In 2025, St Joseph’s is offering students the opportunity to participate in the International Competition and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), in the areas of English, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Digital Technologies. 

The assessments measure the students’ skills associated with each of these curriculum areas and are open to students in Years 3-6. ICAS is developed by UNSW Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of New South Wales, with over 35 years’ experience in educational assessments.

ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, and Digital Technologies. 

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition. Every student will receive a certificate and an online result report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised. 

The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.

ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to computer-based assessment. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results. 

To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: ICAS Assessments

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
2. Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf) 
3. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps)  
4. Enter our school’s access code – NQS609
5. Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.  

Online payment will close on  21st July 2025

An ESO and or a teacher will be present to supervise the students sitting the assessments.

2025 ICAS Subject and Pricing Information

Just a reminder that our Project Compassion boxes/donations can be returned to the office or to your child/rens classroom. Once again, thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause.

Fee statements for 2025 are now available upon request. If you would like to receive one, please contact us at kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call the office at 5672 1052.  Any families with a current health care card, eligible for a concession on their fees and the CSEF payment, if you have not already completed the relevent paperwork please do so. If you are unsure or require assistance please contact the office.

For families eligible for the School Savings Bonus, forms have been emailed to you. Please complete these forms and return them to the office or email them to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible.

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; Michael Cummins, Patrick Sheedy, Willie Kingwill , Edna Nicholson Anniversaries: Tullio Moresco, Irene Hanily 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.

Baptism: We welcome into the Christian Community Chris’Antoine Gundu, Seth Gundu, Eliel Gundu.  May God Bless Chris’Antoine, Seth, Eliel and there families.

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 Shawl Group :  

St Joseph’s Church, Wonthaggi
RECONCILIATION – 16th April 2025 Wednesday 7pm
HOLY THURSDAY - 17th April 2025 6.30pm
GOOD FRIDAY -STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 18th April 2025 10.00am
GOOD FRIDAY -THE PASSION OF THE LORD – 18th April 2025 3.00pm EASTER SATURDAY VIGIL – 19th April 2025 6.30pm
EASTER SUNDAY – 20th April 2025 10.30am

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch HOLY THURSDAY – 16th April 2025 6.30pm
GOOD FRIDAY -STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 17th April 2025 10.00am
GOOD FRIDAY -THE PASSION OF THE LORD – 18th April 2025 3.00pm
EASTER SUNDAY- 31^st March 24 Inverloch 9.00am

Baptism Workshop: Members of the Diocesan Pastoral Life and Mission Team are workshopping a resource for use in the Baptism Preparation of Infants across the dio- cese in 2025. This new resource will provide parishes with an easy-to use-preplanned resource which can sup- port both those new to the role and those who have been in the role for a while. Anyone involved in Bap- tism preparation are invited to attend one of the sessions. Those invited include Clergy, Baptism Preparation Teams, Sacrament Coordinators, Pastoral Associates and interested parishioners thinking about this important ministry. TIME: Start 7.00pm until 8.30pm You are invited to attend any session which works best for you. *Please note the Bairnsdale gathering will run 2.30pm-4pm* THE DATES AND VENUES ARE: • February 25 at Bairnsdale • March 11 at the Marian Room in Warragul • April 29 at Moe • March 27 at Pakenham • June 24 at St Laurence O’Toole’s Church, Leongatha • August 5 at Cranbourne •August 26 at Sale .

Parish Bulletin: If you would like to start receiving a copy of the weekly bulletin to your email please click on the link to register (those currently receiving the bulletin do not need to do anything)

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                                                                        

Live Your Best Life in Love...

A Marriage Encounter weekend is for you…

Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.

Time-out to nurture your most precious relationship away from daily distractions.  

The two of you will come away from your weekend feeling more deeply connected 

and with tools to help keep the passion alive.

No group sharing required.

The weekend is based around Catholic values. Couples of all faiths are welcome.

Please check our website for more details and to book your special weekend:

Our next weekend is: 25-27 April 2025 at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South.

Starts Friday evening at 7pm and finishes Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm

Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au    Website: wwme.org.au