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Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
I trust that the time off over the weekend has enabled you to return refreshed and reinvigorated, ready to commence and embrace our second week of the 2022 adventure!
Thank you to everyone from our parent/guardian community and to all our staff for your efforts in ensuring a great start to the 2022 school year. The first week of school was very successful and students demonstrated a marvellous start to the school year. It is a pleasure to be greeted by so many eager and enthusiastic children each morning. Students are settling into the school routine very well, getting to know their new teacher and classmates and have started to engage in learning new and exciting activities.
As we embark on the 2022 school year we are, once again, navigating new territory with new COVID-19 restrictions and a 'new normal' in place. We thank everyone within our community for their continued patience, flexibility, understanding and support as we work to make sure that we comply with the ever changing rules and recommendations. And rest assured that we are creating a safe environment at school, while still maintaining as many of the usual activities that occur at St Joseph’s.
We all know that children receive the best education when parents and staff work as a team. Parents’ enthusiasm, support and involvement are integral to the success of our school as are the skills, dedication and professionalism of teachers. Together, staff and parents can provide educational excellence for every student, so that they can achieve their personal best. Together, we can support one another to provide a friendly learning environment and celebrate our achievements.
I hope that throughout the year, our school will be a place where staff, students and families have opportunities to experience God’s presence in our lives. Although he lived about two and a half thousand years ago, the prophet, Jeremiah, has words that are still relevant for us at the beginning of this new school year: “The Lord says, I know the plans I have for you…… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Within our school, we can all try to model God’s love for each one of us, by being a renewing community where all members are valued, affirmed and empowered; where our commitment to Gospel values is expressed in every facet of our school’s endeavours. For this sentiment to continue throughout the year, it will require our collective wisdom and generosity of spirit to be at the forefront of all our communications.
Education today is a complex engagement because of the intensity and variety of external influences. Our school has a special role in assisting every parent with the education of their children, so that all children will develop a sense of personal responsibility and learn the correct use of freedom. Throughout the year, our school will also provide experiences of liturgy and prayer as invitations to know and experience the enormous love and special friendship of God.
May the school year ahead, see staff and parents in genuine partnership in our collective role of secular and faith education.
God, our Father,
we ask that Your Spirit be a constant
influence in the lives of all who make up
our school community this year.
Help our students to be discerning, so
that the outcomes of their choices will be
in accord with Christian values. Amen
Please don’t hesitate to contact us as we are always here to help and that no question or concern is too small or unimportant. We always find that the sooner we ask for assistance or clarification, the sooner we can work together to resolve any situation that may arise.
All the best with the fortnight ahead.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Fill our hearts with joy
Fill our minds with learning
Fill our classrooms with peace
Fill our lessons with fun
Fill our friendships with kindness
Fill our school with love
Amen.
The Preps have made a brilliant start to their first week of school! They are beginning to learn the school routines, are making new friends, and are enjoying a variety of new learning activities.
Last week we had an exciting time meeting our Grade 6 buddies and we had fun together having a teddy bears picnic lunch on the oval.
During reading lessons, we have been learning about Milo the Monkey and Sally Snake. In Maths, we have been practising counting forwards and backwards by ones and making small collections. In Religion we are learning about Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as well as learning our morning and afternoon class prayers. Well done Prep children on making such a wonderful start at St Joseph's School!
Prep Team
What a great start we have made to 3/4 this year. The students are quickly getting used to the routines and expectations that we have in 3/4 and seem very comfortable in their new classrooms. We have had an exciting first week learning about community and creating a safe and respectful learning environment. The students have learnt about the responsibility of having their own chrome book and how they look after it. We have started learning about number patterns in maths and recounts in writing. Students have also been very excited to start learning about touch typing. Everyone is very excited about the year ahead!
3/4 Team
This week our Captains for 2022 pledged to be safe, respectful learners and received their badges. Congratulations, we look forward to seeing them lead our school this year!
In preparation of the library reopening in 2022 could all families please return any books that may have been found over the school holidays as there are still some outstanding titles that were borrowed in 2021.
Library Team
The Bus Co-ordinator has advised us that buses will not be running on Friday May 6 (this Friday). Please make alternative arrangements for your child/ren as buses will not be running.
This Safer Internet Day, we are calling on everyone to play it safe and fair online.
The Grade 5/6 classes explored safety features on the website of the esafety commission today as part of Safer Internet Day 2022. The website offers advice on how to keep your information private online, how to tell if something is fake, and where to get help if you are having problems online.
Expression of Interest for Enrolment 2023
We are now accepting Expression of Interest Application forms for student enrolments for 2023. Current families with students attending in 2023 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
Parent Teacher Interviews - Term 1
Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday February 22 and Thursday February 24 between 3:40pm and 5:50 pm.
In line with the current restrictions as outlined by DOSCEL they will be held via a telephone call.
Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are to be made though PAM and are open now. If you have not setup your account or you are having difficulty accesing PAM please contact the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au and we will help you get setup.
It is very important for parents and teachers to be working in partnership for the benefit of the students' learning. Parent Teacher interviews are a great opportunity to discuss your child's progress.
If you have been involved in or contacted regarding a PSG meeting, please do not arrange an appointment. These interviews are expected to be of 10 minutes duration.
If you have any queries regarding booking an appointment please contact the office.
YES IT IS TRUE!! MASS IS OPEN TO ALL VACCINATED AND NON VACCINATED ALIKE.
SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE RESPECTED, WITH MASKS COMPULSORY INDOORS FROM MIDNIGHT 23RD DECEMBER, 2021.
PLEASE NOTE: THAT ALL HELPING TO CONDUCT THESE MASSES HAVE BEEN DOUBLE VACCINATED, HAVING ALSO RECEIVED THE 3RD BOOSTER, INCLUDING FATHER, THE SACRISTANS, CLEANING STAFF AND PARISH SECRETARY.
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. JUST A REMINDER THAT MASS FOR YOU AT HOME IS AN OPTION FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR MASS ON TELEVISION (6am on Channel 10, 10am on Foxtel Aurora Channel 173) or online at
www.massforyou.com.au or https://www.youtube.com/massforyouathome anytime from 7a.m. AEST
Please pray for the anniversaries of Paul Puthuparambil, Fr. David Quinn and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
PATHWAYS VICTORIA: Bishop Greg Bennet said: I join the Catholic Bishops of Victoria in our renewed and sincere apology to all victims of sexual abuse by clergy and Church personnel. We pledge ongoing commitment to ensure all those who have allegations of abuse have an appropriate independent process in order for them to tell their story in safety, and to have an appropriate pastoral response which respects their particular individual needs and circumstances. For further information about Pathways company and the new model is available in the Pathways website: www.pathwaysvictoria.com
ASSSEMBLY: PLENARY COUNCIL: Keep up with the latest Plenary news:
- On our Sale Diocesan website or Facebook page
- Via the Plenary Council Facebook, website or YouTube channel.
- Use the Mass booklets for your parish celebrations visit https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/ or the Plenary Council YouTube channel.
- Listen to daily podcasts from Plenary Council members at https://anchor.fm/plenarypodcast
- FEAST DAY OF ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA (Tuesday 8th February, 2022)
St. Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. On this day, Catholics are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking and the people who volunteer and work to eradicate this crime.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis. This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
PRAYER SHAWLS: There is a good supply at both St. Joseph’s Parish Office and also now at the Church in Inverloch so please keep this in mind and simply contact anyone below if you see a need. Next Meeting will be in March 2022. Kristine McRae (Parish Office) 0356 721 111 Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447 (Wonthaggi) Philippa Warby; 0408 331 340, Julie de Bondt; 0407 535 032.
CATHOLIC WOMENS LEAGUE NEWS UPDATE: The raffle winners are 1st Sue O’Connell, 2nd Rhonda Churchill, 3rd Mary Bolding. Thank you for your generous support of this fundraiser, $631.00. was raised.
PARISH BBQ: Please put this on your calendar for Friday February, 18th from 6:00pm in the grounds of the Inverloch Church. (More details will follow after the meeting next week.)
CARITAS AUSTRALIA: There is still time to support our global neighbours as they tackle the challenges of poverty. Your generosity today can help create a better tomorrow for people living in some of the most remote and marginalised communities in the world. All donations over $2 are 100% tax deductible. Caritas Australia: www.caritas.org.au
CATHOLIC CARE: New self-help mental health service for parents, families and individuals.
The demand for mental health services is becoming more and more prominent across the State, and for many regions, waiting lists to access services are becoming overwhelmingly long.
As a response to the increased need for mental health support, we’ve recently commenced a new state-wide mental health service with minimal wait times, called the Psychological Wellbeing Service (PWS).
Using evidence based therapies, our PWS clinicians provide parenting support and mental health support focused on self-help skill learning to aid in recovery, such as problem-solving skills, progressive muscle relaxation, and traditional cognitive behavioural therapy as a more intensive support.
We’ve also launched a free Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide created by our PWS team.
Read more about our new service and download the guide from CatholicCare Victoria.
Teaching self-regulation for anxious kids. Self-regulation is an important life skill for each and everyone of us to understand and manage our emotions. Without self-regulation, strong emotions such as anger or anxiety can get the better of us and can even lead to ongoing mental health issues.
As with all skills, self-regulation takes time to practice and learn! And so parents, carers, and even teachers have an important role in helping children to identify and manage emotions through support, encouragement, and role modelling.
As kids head back to school this week, helping them self-regulate their emotions and teaching a range of coping strategies can help them deal with any anxiety or strong emotions they may be feeling.
To learn more please contact CatholicCare Victoria. Aid to the Church in Need Australia: Each month ACN highlights a project of the month that helps support projects in need of your support. This month could you help the church in Ethiopia to build permanent churches that will support the Catholic faithful in Ethiopia to live their faith and receive the Sacraments? To learn more visit www.aidtochurch.org/monthly project P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
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.
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi
Covid vaccinations for 5-11 year olds and boosters for anybody 16 years old and over are available at:
The Wonthaggi Town Hall 14 Baillieu Street East Wonthaggi every day.
Appointments are not necessary. We are very happy for people to walk in