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- Principal's Report
- Prayer for Ash Wednesday
- Performing Arts - Term 1
- Senior News
- Prep Neighbourhood
- Buddies 2021
- School Photos
- Conveyance Allowance Term 1 2021
- Communication to the office regarding pickup changes for children
- Book Club Issue 1
- Operoo
- Canteen
- Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2022
- Diary Dates
- Parish News
- Girl Guides
- GippSport
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers
Welcome to the 2021 school year!
I hope all the children have enjoyed their holidays and are feeling keen to be back at school. While we didn’t quite have the beginning we were hoping for this year, the students nevertheless have made a terrific start!
The Prep students, in particular, have been very brave! They have already met and spent some time with their Grade 6 buddies and have shown great enthusiasm in class and on the playground.
We hope the videos the teachers made of their classrooms helped with the children’s transition back to school.
Yesterday we celebrated our first school assembly, run by our new grade 6 school captains. They received their badges, which will be blessed by Father Darren at the upcoming whole school Mass, and made a verbal commitment to uphold their positions honourably in the presence of the whole school. We are very proud of how they have conducted themselves and indeed of the whole Grade 6 cohort who will all have the opportunities to be leaders this year. Unfortunately at this stage, we are unable to invite parents or friends to our regular Monday morning assemblies due to density quotient restrictions. We will let you know as soon as these restrictions lift or are altered. Having only the grades 3-6 students attend the first part of assembly this week allowed us to invite the school captains’ parents to this important occasion. We will continue to provide communication about school events through our Facebook page, Seesaw and Operoo.
We are truly hopeful that as the year progresses we will have the opportunities to interact in person with our school community this year. We will continue to strive to keep open the lines of communication which are available to us, so we are able to work in partnership to ensure that each child at our school achieves the best learning outcomes possible. I encourage all parents, guardians and caregivers to communicate with their child/ren’s teachers via Seesaw or email if you have any feedback, queries or concerns. Our staff are all committed to making each child’s school experience a welcoming, positive and productive one.
A reminder that students will not require any pencils cases, books or materials- these are all supplied.
All students will need their hats, sunscreen and a healthy lunch, drink and snacks.
Please read and sign the Acceptable Use of ICT agreement as soon as possible so your child can use digital devices.
When to wear sport uniform:
Prep: Wednesdays and Fridays
1 / 2: Tuesdays and Fridays
3 / 4: Thursdays and Fridays
5 / 6: Wednesdays and Fridays
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
Blessed are You O Lord
who gives us life and all things.
Lead us into repentance and
renew our lives with your grace.
May the crosses of ashes that mark our
foreheads be a reminder that we belong to your Son.
May our worship and prayer be sustained
throughout these days of Lent.
I ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
This year in our Performing Arts sessions we will be learning about a range of different topics over our different year levels.
Our grade Prep - 2 Students with the leadership of Kasey Heim will be Introduced to Performing Arts. Students will be given the opportunity to explore and express ideas through role play and drama games. They will learn about moving safely around the room. They will also experiment with percussion instruments to find their own rhythm and beat.
Our grade 3-4 Students wiith the leadership of Danielle Paulson will learn about Australian Music. Students will learn a variety of songs from Australian artists. They will work with others to practice and present an Australian song. They will also consider why people make and perform music.
Our grade 5-6 Students wiith the leadership of Danielle Paulson will learn about Folk Music. Students will plot on the world map where each song originates. They will work with others to practice and present a folk song.
The 3/4 students have settled into the start of the year really well. We have been creating a special prayer cloth for our classes. We have also been creating a puzzle piece for a 3/4 collaborative art work. We are working very hard to set up our classroom routines and expectations, including looking after our belongings and wearing our correct school uniform with pride.
3/4 Team
What a fantastic start to the Prep school year we have had! The children are gradually getting to know the new school routines and familiarising themselves with the all the new things there are to learn about school.
On the first day of school, the children had a great time meeting their Grade 6 buddies, completing an activity together and then chatting whilst eating their lunch. Friday was a fabulous but very busy day with the Specialist teachers learning in the subjects of Performing Arts, STEAM, Italian and Physical Education.
The children are looking forward to beginning to learn about letters and sounds in Literacy sessions, as well numbers and counting in Maths lessons.
Kate Egan, Kasey Heim and Trish Martin
Prep Teachers
We have been able to spend some time with our new buddies, in our classrooms and even shared a buddy lunch. It has been really great getting to know eachother!
School Photos will take place Monday February 15. Photo envelopes will be distributed to students next week these will need to be completed and returned with your child on Monday February 15 when photos are taken.
Conveyance Allowance Term 1 2021
What is Conveyance Allowance ?
The conveyance allowance is a form of financial assistance to help families in rural and regional Victoria with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest appropriate school/campus. The conveyance allowance is available to eligible students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus. The conveyance allowance is also available to eligible students whose nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus.
Students attending a government or non-government school must:
• attend their nearest government or non-government school/campus appropriate to their year level at which admission is permissible
• be enrolled at a school/campus outside Melbourne’s metropolitan conveyance boundary
• reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from that school/campus attended
• be of school age (5 to 18 years old at time of application) and reside in Victoria.
Forms are available at the school office, if you have any questions please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Communication to the office regarding pickup changes for children
If you need to change the pickup arrangements for your child/ren, please contact the office via 5672 1052 or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au before 3pm, so we can ensure the message is delivered on time.
Operoo is a vital communication link for families to know what is happening around St Joseph's. You will receive email notifications when new information becomes avaliable. Please ensure that all your family contact details as well as emergency contacts for your child/ren are kept current and up to date.
Due to current restrictions our canteen is currently suspended. Any orders previously placed for this week will be carried over for when canteen resumes. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2022
We are now accepting Expression of Interest Application forms for student enrolments for 2022. Current families with students attending in 2022 should also complete and return an application to ensure all details are current and up to date. The application form can be found below. Email completed forms to jblair@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Friday March 5 will be a school closure day for staff proffessional development.
Welcome back Father Darren and thank you to Ruben, Lola and Kath who organised the Liturgies. We are very blessed to have such help.
Due to Stage 4 Restrictions please contact the Parish office for Mass details.
Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus and the anniversaries of Bishop Arthur Fox, Fr. Emanuel (Manny) Spiteri, Fr. Wladyslaw (Les) Lisik S Chr, our own loved ones and the Souls who have no one to pray for them. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
LENT 2021 WITH BRUCE DOWNES THE CATHOLIC GUY Be inspired, Be refreshed, Be renewed! Come on a 40 day journey with me and I know this will be a powerful and prayerful Lenten journey together. Receive a short inspiring video each day during Lent. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org./Lent Call 1300 734 880 for more info.
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: As we begin a new year please remember the suffering Church. Your donation helps keep the faith alive during these difficult times.
Visit www.aidtochurch.org
Aid to the Church in Need/ACN Australia P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751
PH: 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
Meditation Group: Will recommence following the Lenten Program. Just thought you may be wondering. Such a special activity and will be welcomed back into our Diary.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE 2021: PRAY FOR VANUATU FRIDAY 5TH MARCH 2021 @ 10:30 a.m. St. Georges Anglican Church, Cnr Hagelthorn and McBride, Wonthaggi Contact Jennifer Boer 0431 44 00 73.
Don Bosco Retreat Centre: Lysterfield
Week Lent Easter Retreat with Fr. Peter Varengo 21-26 February,2021
Saturday 13th March: Family Retreat Day
Saturday 20th March: Youth and Young Adult Reflection Day
Friday 26th March: Seniors Retreat Day Further information: donboscoretreats.org.au
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP
If you know anyone who is struggling with life in any way & would benefit from receiving a shawl or rug, please ring Kristine in the Parish Office or come in and see the range available. There is no charge. Also if people wish to donate wool, we would specify that it needs to be 8ply acrylic. Newcomers are warmly welcomed, even just for a cuppa/chat & help with cleaning up.
Further enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz
0407 055 447.
Yarra Theological Union, a Catholic College of the University of Divinity in Box Hill is taking enrolments for study in 2021. New students can make an appointment with the Dean by emailing: admin@ytu.edu.au Or contacting the Dean directly via email: dean@ytu.edu.au. Further study details are available on our website www.ytu.edu.au.
PALMS AUSTRALIA: REACH BEYOND THE NEED IS ACUTE! (Please Read attached Letter)
Low-income communities are not asking us for money or gifts. They reject degrading dependence. They want you to share your skills to help develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. The call is to all trades and professions to assist build the ability of their people and the capacity of their organisations. To properly prepare for a 2022 placement you do need to enquire now.
Find out more: Ross House, Mezzanine-Sue Healy Room 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Saturday 20th February, @ 10:00 a.m. palms.org.au
- Yarra Theological Union, a Catholic College of the University of Divinity in Box Hill is taking enrolments for study in 2021.
New students can make an appointment with the Dean by emailing: admin@ytu.edu.au
Or contacting the Dean directly via email: dean@ytu.edu.au.
Further study details are available on our website www.ytu.edu.au.
PALMS AUSTRALIA: REACH BEYOND THE NEED IS ACUTE! (Please Read attached Letter)
Low-income communities are not asking us for money or gifts. They reject degrading dependence. They want you to share your skills to help develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. The call is to all trades and professions to assist build the ability of their people and the capacity of their organisations. To properly prepare for a 2022 placement you do need to enquire now.
Find out more: Ross House, Mezzanine-Sue Healy Room
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Saturday 20th February, @ 10:00 a.m. palms.org.au
A list of live streams across the Diocese is on www.cdsale.org.au/coronavirus page. This page has listed the Mass times which occur regularly, ie. Don’t change from week to week.
We have been emailing and sending out important communications from the Diocese and if you would like to be involved and receive this information then please contact the Parish Office on 56 721 111 or email your details to wonthaggi@cdsale.org.au.
We are a Child Safe Parish. Any children, young persons and vulnerable adults have a right to feel safe and be safe. 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.
Wonthaggi Parish farewells the Sisters of Saint Joseph
Farewell to Sisters of Saint Joseph Wonthaggi - Sue McGuinness
If you are in need of urgent assistance, please phone eithe Father Darren Howie 0356 722 923 or Kristine on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi