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- Principal's Report
- Prep Neighbourhood
- Senior News 3/4
- Performing Arts - Seniors
- Gardening Club
- Mary MacKillop Activity Day
- Whole School Cross Country
- Andrew Chinn Incursion
- Catholic Education Week Prayer Videos
- St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
- Diocese of Sale - Catholic Education Week Video
- Assembly Award Winners
- Parent Access Module - PAM
- District Soccer
- iHour
- New Jacket's Available
- Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Form and Information
- School Photos
- School Closure Day
- New Enrolments 2022
- Parish News
- Ritchies Community Benefits
- Kindergarten In Bass Coast
- National Sorry Day & National Reconciliation Week Events for Bass Coast
- Bass Coast Aquatic Facilities
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
We are celebrating Catholic Education Week this week!
Faith in the future: “That they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10).
This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week, “Faith in the future - I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,” is a combination of a quote from John’s Gospel and the theme for the bicentennial celebrations of Catholic education in Australia.
Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all members of a school community to consider the call of the Gospel to build the Kingdom of God here and now.
Director of Catholic Education, Ms Maria Kirkwood, encourages everyone invo
lved in Catholic education to contribute to one another’s growth and journey towards the fullness of life.
“During Catholic Education Week we are reminded that Jesus is the good shepherd who invites us to be the best people we can be. In all we do in Catholic schools, we strive to help each person experience the love of God, thus enabling them to live life fully,” she said.
“This year’s theme serves as an invitation to focus on the unconditional love of God and how this love is demonstrated throughout our lives, in our academic and spiritual pursuits. We have been created to be fully human, fully alive and able to participate in the life and love of God.
“The theme also reflects the core purpose of Catholic education, which is to provide an education that enables our students to make a meaningful contribution to the world, and enable them to enter into a life-giving relationship with God.
“I hope that staff, students, families and Parishes enjoy this special time and that our schools continue to be harmonious places where children are able to reach their full potential.
“Catholic Education Week is a highlight of the year for the Diocese of Sale, as the broader Catholic education community comes together to celebrate our Catholic identity and unique mission,” Ms Kirkwood concluded.
Our school, along with the 44 other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, will celebrate Catholic Education Week from 21 to 28 May. As Catholic schools, we are called to do more than just pass on the faith: we are invited to
translate our faith into deeds so we are truly living God’s Word. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools to celebrate our distinctive mission and share features that are special about our schools. Members of our staff: Tracy Allan and Bel O’Brien attended the Leadership Mass held in Traralgon on Friday, 21 May, where Bel was commissioned as our Religious Education Leader. We congratulate Bel and thank her for all the hard work she has already done in inspiring the staff and students to learn about, live and act upon our faith. We will be sharing some of the ways we pray at school this week.
This week Bel began promoting the St Vinnie’s Winter appeal. Each level will be working on bringing in items to support the fantastic work St Vinnies does in our community.
The whole school welcomed Andrew Chinn last Wednesday, for a series of music workshops, learning some of his songs. Andrew’s music is characterised by its religious messages and stories and his performances are full of energy, inclusion and fun! The day culminated in a whole school concert. This was a wonderful precursor to Catholic Education Week and a terrific way to express our faith.
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
The Prep children have had a very busy couple of weeks. We had a really fun time with our buddies last Wednesday. We read a decodable book to our buddies and they asked us questions about our book and we wrote lots of words on our whiteboards. Father Darren visited us and he talked to us about Baptism. We were all so excited to start iHour, some of the activities we got to choose from were Science, Macramé, Sport, Yoga, Art, Construction and lots more. We are all loving it and can’t wait for next week. Andrew Chinn came to visit us last week and we really enjoyed singing the songs and doing the actions with Andrew. We are having a really good go in our ‘Big Write’. Mrs Martin and Ms Egan are so proud of us.
Prep Team
Over the past two weeks the 3/4 team finished our addition unit of work and have started working on subtraction in Maths. We are learning about the relationship between addition and subtraction, along with different strategies such as double/near doubles, jump strategy, split strategy, and bridging to 10. In Reading we have been focusing on summarising stories by picking out the most important details and using the language of comparing and contrasting. Our writing focus is creating Narrative stories and we have been improving our writing by adding descriptive language and direct speech. Our Integrated studies have been focusing on history and great explorers. The highlight in Religion was our visit from Andrew Chin and we learnt some fun and catchy new songs to sing in Mass.
We have also been incorporating more student dialogue into our lessons, giving students an opportunity to talk about their ideas and thoughts in relation to the learning. Evidence shows that student dialogue increases students' engagement in the lessons and success.
3/4 Team
We were very fortunate to have received a grant from Junior Landcare. Due to this grant we have been able to purchase 200 plants to help beautify the school. The SRC and children from grades 3-6 have been busy planting out the bank at school. It is already starting to look interesting and more inviting. We can’t wait until the plants grow and our bank is a mass of native plant flowering plants.
We still have more planting to do and we look forward to sharing more updates with you.
The Gardening Club
On Tuesday May 11, the Grade 6 Students visited Mary MacKillop. The purpose of the day was for the students to get a snapshot of how a Year 7 day would run. During the day the students were able to participate in a range of classroom activities including: Math, PE, Science, Drama, English, ect. They were also able to catch up with some past students. Everyone had a great day and are really looking forward to their Year 7 adventures next year.
Michelle Richards
Physical Education and Sport Coordinator
Belinda O'Brien
Religious Leader
Prep - 2 Students enjoy the Andrew Chinn Concert
3/4 Students enjoy the Andrew Chinn Concert
5/6 Students enjoy the Andrew Chinn Concert
St Joseph's Singing Group with Andrew Chinn
Andrew Chinn and St Joseph's performing Rise Up!
Andrew Chinn and St Joseph's performing God Made The World
St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
Each year in the lead up to winter, we assist the St Vincent de Paul society to fundraise for those in need. This year, each level will be asked to donate within a particular category. The Prep-2's are asked to donate non-perishable breakfast goods. Grade 3/4's are asked to donate non-perishable pantry items. Grade 5/6's are asked to donate toiletry items. We will be taking donations in your child's classroom for the remainder of the term. See the images below for donation ideas. We thank you for your generosity and support in this worthwhile cause.
As you would have read in correspondence over this past year we have, as directed by DOSCEL Secretariat been making the transition over to SIMON.
All families should have received an email welcoming you to St Joseph's Wonthaggi School's Parent Access Module or PAM and asking you to follow the prompts to setup your account.
Thank you to all of the families that have gotten on board and setup their PAM accounts, if you haven't already done so emails will be resent today for accounts to be setup.
If you have not received an email please check your spam / junk folder or contact the office.
It is important that these accounts be established as Semester 1 reports will be available for parents to access on PAM.
You will find attached a basic user guide to add your child/rens medical profile and attendance onto your PAM account once you are setup.
If you have any problems please call or email the office at info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Last Friday the boys and girls soccer teams went off to compete against other schools at the district soccer competition. Both teams played well with the boys winning 2 out of three games and the girls winning 2 out of 4. Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship and were very supportive of their team members. It was great to see everyone getting out there and having fun!!
Earlier in the term we mentioned in the newsletter that we were consultation with Totally Work Wear to source a water resistant coat/jacket to provide students with an option for added warmth and weather protection. We are pleased to say that we now offer a water / wind resistant, insulated, soft shell jacket with the option of a hood. These jackets can be ordered from Totally Work Wear at a cost of $59. The current polar fleece jackets will now be discontinued and phased out over the next few years.
For uniform orders contact Totally Work Wear 5672 5878
Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Form and Information
Just a reminder that forms for Grade 6 families that the Year 6 to Year 7 Transition forms were due back on the 21 of May, thank you to the families who have returned their forms, if you haven't already done so please return your completed form to the school office ASAP. You can download a copy below or contact the office if you need a paper copy of the form to complete.
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Friday June 11 will be a School Closure Day. Monday June 14 is a Public Holiday. School will resume Tuesday June 15.
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Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus. For Rachel Neely who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Fr. Martin Roche, Fr. Patrick Moore, Fr. William Ryan, Dean Edward Coleman VG, Fr. Peter Kilduff, Fr. Henry Bradbee, Bishop James (Jim) McGuigan, Fr. James O’Neill, Fr. Cornelius Cremin, 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.
WEEKEND MASS TIMES: SATURDAY: ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI 6:30PM
SUNDAY: OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, INVERLOCH 9:00AM, St JOSEPH’S, WONTHAGGI 10:30AM
WEEKDAY MASS TIMES: TUESDAY 25th May: Liturgy at 11:00am OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, Inverloch. WEDNESDAY 26th May: Mass ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI 9:30am. THURSDAY 27th May: Father Darren & Sacristan Rose Lodge Mass.
FRIDAY 28th May: Mass at ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI 9:30am. (Masks must be carried, social distancing respected and tracking recorded)
SETTING FORTH PENTECOST 2021: PLEASE READ THE LETTER ATTACHED TO THIS BULLETIN FROM BISHOP GREG BENNET.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
This annual appeal gives us an opportunity to assist financially with the charitable work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. All donations go directly to assist those who are in need. Donate over the phone using a credit card by calling 13 18 12. You can allocate donations to a specific conference by giving the name of the conference over the phone. Example: St. Joseph’s Conference, Wonthaggi Receipts will be issued by the Fundraising Team. To make an online donation, go to vinnies.org.au Donors can allocate donations to a specific conference by putting the conference name in the comments field. Example: St Joseph’s Conference, Wonthaggi. Receipts will be automatically emailed out to donors. Cash Donations can be placed in the St Vincent de Paul box in the church foyer on the left hand side as you walk in and we ask you to pray for the work of St Joseph’s Conference.
Thank you for your generosity.
TRINITY FAMILIES MAY 2021 APPEAL: The Collections will continue for the month of May.
Bishop Greg Bennet has urged the members of the diocese to generously support the annual appeal for Trinity Families, in our parishes this year.
He said “ As good stewards of the gifts that God has given us, we must always find a necessary place for those who need our help. To achieve this, Trinity Families Fund needs to continue to grow its funds so that this mission of service can be more effective. I have been reliably informed that the demand placed upon Trinity Families’ funding in the 2020 COVID year was actually three times more than was available for distribution. It is important to keep to the forefront of our minds that this is our own charity arm specifically set up to serve and support the needs of families in the Greater Gippsland area. While there are many calls upon our donations at this time, what is both worthwhile and unique about Trinity Families is that it is locally based and supports the particular needs of our area.”
Find out how you can make a bequest by visiting www.trinityfamilies.org.au
Phone 56 14 5141.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis. This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
FAN THE FLAME: Towards Plenary Assembly One October 2021
Plenary Council Prayer Campaign: People across the country are invited to participate in the “Fan the Flame” prayer campaign leading up to the first assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia. The assembly starts on October 3. Campaign materials include resources for personal and communal prayer, reflections, musical suggestions and multimedia content. Find the resources at: www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/fantheflame/
An Upcoming Life in the Spirit Seminar: The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Sale Diocese is conducting a Diocese-wide Renewal Seminar for everyone in the Diocese of Sale. This follows the advice of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who encourages all Catholics (and all Christians) to embrace this spiritual renewal program. Bishop Greg has blessed this initiative. It will be an exciting moment with the Holy Spirit, please do not miss this opportunity. Three seminars will be held in a central location in the Diocese as follows:
Venus: St. Ita, Drouin Dates: Saturday 19th June, Community in the Lord; Commissioning Mass with Bishop Greg Time: 10:30 am each day.
(For other general enquiries please contact: John Duiker (Cranbourne, Diocesan Moderator); Anushka (Berwick, Diocesan Secretary) Julie Powel (Prayer Group leader, Warragul/Drouin, Fr. Francis Otobo (Chaplain).
“May our Diocesan Life in the Spirit Seminary be an opportunity for us to fan into a flame the gift of God anew (1 Tim 1:6) and renew the gift of our baptism which calls us forth in missionary service.” (Bishop Greg Bennet, Sale Diocese)
BROTHERS WHAT MUST WE DO? 2021 Launching Nationally on Saturday 31st July, 2021
“They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other Apostles, Brothers-what then must we do?” Acts 2:37
The National Catholic Men’s Gathering for 2021 will be launched online on Saturday 31st July, 2021. Join a diocesan group with your Bishop, or with your Men’s Ministry/Parish group or individually.
Three sessions will be provided online, along with reflection questions for group discussion or individual reflection.
Aim: To inspire and encourage all Catholic men with a vision for personal discipleship,
Service and mission in the family, parish/diocese and the world.
Cost: FREE
Registration: www.catholicmensgathering.com.au
Program: Available from Saturday 31st July, 2021
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: ACN Australia has just launched its new Healing the Wounds of Religious Extremism in Africa Global Campaign. Tragically, Africa is the continent with the highest number of murdered priests, religious and catechists and it is also home to 234 million Catholics. As such, ACN views its task in supporting the Catholic Church there as necessary. To help support our brothers and sisters in Africa visit yearofstjoseph.com.au Aid to the Church in Need/ACN Australia
P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751
1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP Further enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.
DONATIONS OF 8PLY ACRYLIC WOOL WOULD BE VERY WELCOMED AS STOCKS ARE RUNNING LOW THANK YOU.
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.
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
Our Fundraising Partner Ritchies IGA, program now has an App for both IOS and Android smart devices. For those members who don’t have a smart phone, or would like a physical card, this option is also available and can be linked to the App. For further information please see the attached infomation.