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- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- COVID Measures for Schools Update
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 5/6 Neighbourhood
- iHour
- Religious Education News
- Prep Orientation 2023
- Prep Tours / Application for Enrolment 2023
- Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour
- St Joseph's SchoolTV
- Book Week 2022
- Book Club Due
- NCCD Information
- Commonwealth School Data Collection
- Parish News
- Auskick Wonthaggi
- Wonthaggi Library - Story Time
Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
Welcome to Term 3! I hope the June/July holiday break enabled families the time to slow down, relax and prepare for the second half of the school year. We have another busy and exciting term ahead, filled with many exciting learning opportunities for the students. Some of the activities planned are; various Excursions Book Week, Grade 6 Engagement Day, Footsteps Dancing, Father’s Day Stall, 3-6 Swimming, School Sports, Prep 2023 Orientation sessions, Liturgical Celebrations to name just a few. Please keep an eye on the PAM calendar or newsletter for when these events will take place.
As usual, we encourage and ask you to be part of the journey of your child's education. Together we can do great things for your children. Please ensure that you keep open communication with your class teacher. This relationship will be the most important one to establish and nourish during your time at St Joseph’s. Not only will it benefit your children, but it will also help you with understanding what is going on at school. Open and honest communication is the key to success. Make the effort and the rewards will come.
Some more exciting news, the refurbishment of the 5/6 Learning Neighbourhood has been completed and our students have begun to settle-in to these new spaces! There is still further external landscaping works (which is fenced off), to be undertaken to finalise this aspect of our capital works. The next minor capital works will entail our Prep classrooms receiving large sliding doors so they too can access the outside learning area.
Our assemblies will continue to be fortnightly on even weeks, Mondays at 9.05am. You are always welcome to come and join us. Your children love to see you there!
With the easing of restrictions and the opening of international borders, many of our families are taking holidays during the school term. If your child/ren will be away from school for a family holiday, it is important that correspondence is sent through to the school informing us of the dates that your child will be absent and for approval of this absence.
There are still vacancies across the school for 2023. Prep enrolments continue to grow for 2023 and if you know anyone who is still considering Prep for next year, please let them know about St Joseph's. Get them to contact the school office and make an appointment to see us. They won't be disappointed!
Remember, don’t hesitate to contact us as we are always here to help and 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.
I look forward to working with you all and being part of your involvement in the children's education during the term. Please make the time to be part of what is happening at St Joseph’s.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Welcome back to all students! Everyone has come back well rested and ready for another fun term of learning.
This term during our inquiry unit the new topic we are focusing on is “Celebrating Differences”. We are going to be researching different cultures around the world and how they are special and unique. We invite any parents who would like to share their culture with us to get in touch.
In maths we are learning about multiplication and shapes.
1/2 Team
We have had a busy start to Term 3 in the 5/6 area. On Tuesday we had Gill and Jamie from Unleashing Personal Potential come to our school to teach us about positive peer relationships. We learnt about the importance of treating people as they want to be treated and filling peoples buckets by giving compliments, including others and being kind.
We have also had our big move into the refurbished 5/6 building. We love the new rooms and think they are amazing, we are really happy to be back together with the other classes.
We have also started our new history unit for integrated studies. We are learning about Australian history and are excited for our open afternoon at the end of the Term.
Max Abrahamson
iHour is always an exciting time for students to try a range of activities run by staff. Take a look below at what we got up to in Term 2 and take a listen to Lincoln and Jessie’s Podcast for what’s going around St Joseph’s.
St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal
Like last year, each year 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 during this term.
See the images below for donation ideas. Your generosity to those in need is appreciated, thank you.
Prep Orientation times for our first and second sessions have been sent to families for our Wednesday August 3 and Wednesday August 31 sessions.
If you have not received an email to notify you of your child’s session time please check your junk or spam email otherwise please contact the office on info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or 5672 1052.
Prep Tours / Application for Enrolment 2023
Letters of Offer have been to distributed to families. If you would like to make a booking for a Prep tours or submit an Application for 2023 please contact the office on 5672 1052. Current families with students attending in 2023 should also book a tour 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
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour
Personal and social capability makes up part of the Victorian Curriculum and is essential in enabling students to understand themselves and others, and manage their relationships, lives, work and learning more effectively.
The capability involves students learning to recognise and regulate emotions, develop empathy for others and understand relationships, establish and build a framework for positive relationships, work effectively in teams and develop leadership skills, and handle challenging situations constructively.
The personal and social capability curriculum aims to develop knowledge, understandings and skills to enable students to:
- recognise, understand and evaluate the expression of emotions
- demonstrate an awareness of their personal qualities and the factors that contribute to resilience
- develop empathy for and understanding of others and recognise the importance of supporting diversity for a cohesive community
- understand how relationships are developed and use interpersonal skills to establish and maintain respectful relationships
- work effectively in teams and develop strategies to manage challenging situations constructively.
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Co-ordinators
Trish Martin and Travis Newton
SchoolTV is a service offered to parents with new material offered each month based on topics relevant to helping parents help their children survive and thrive at school. I encourage you all to explore the St Joseph’s SchoolTV website at - St Joseph's SchoolTV
Here, you can explore many topics with advice, reports, articles, videos and more from professionals in adolescent psychology and education.
From this homepage, you can explore the many topics now available to you as parents at St Joseph’s. We encourage you to explore the site, which has something for everyone.
On Monday August 22 we will hold our annual whole school Book Week Parade in the school gym at 9:15am.
Students may choose to dress as their favourite book character, this may include wearing a mask or a hat if you don't have a complete costume or if you don't have a costume you may wear your school uniform.
(Please ensure your child has warm clothing and appropriate footwear etc. for playing outside at recess and lunchtime)
Please see the link below for a fact sheet for Parents regarding the NCCD.
Commonwealth School Data Collection
Please see the attached notice for more information regarding the Commonwealth School Data Collection.
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s
Wonthaggi
Friday 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
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 those affected by the Ukrainian War and from the Afghanistan earthquake. For Ross Arestia, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Fr. John Bolger, Fr. John Allen, Fr. Michael McAlroy and our loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine.
PRAYER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN UKRAINE.
God of peace and justice,
Who change the hardened heart and break the power of
violence, we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.
Protect them in this time of peril;
let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom,
You are Father of all;
we are brothers and sisters.
Give us the strength to live that truth in love,
choosing peace not war.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
HEART OF LIFE MELBOURNE: Communication and Relationships, Saturday 23rd July 2022, 12.30pm -5pm AEST, attend via Zoom or in-person. A fundamental aspect of any relationship-with God or people-is Communication. This event looks at the different aspects of communication and their strengths and weaknesses in daily life. It offers a practical approach to communication and relationships. This session will be led by James Areechira svd. Cost $60 (BYO lunch). Book and pay by 18/7/2022 via www.heartoflife.melbourne Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation, Rear 41 Stanhope Street, Malvern Vic, Tel 03 9890 1101. Email office@heartoflife.melbourne.
2022 CHILD SAFETY WEEK COMPETITION: Get creative. Tell us what makes you feel safe and supported? The Diocese invites all school-age children to participate in a competition where entries can be a poster (digital or scanned in electronic form) or video (mp4). See entry form, ideas and support materials on https://www.cdsale.org.au/child-safety-week or contact your parish. Entries close Friday 22nd July 2022.
HEART OF LIFE AT HOME RETREAT: Heart of Life is offering an “At-home Retreat: Held in Hope”- over five weeks, beginning Monday 1st August and concluding 29th August 2022. This at-home retreat invites you to spend time in prayer at home each day pondering your experiences of the day and to be accompanied by a retreat-companion weekly, via Zoom for 45 minutes, on how God might have been present for you. A small donation will be welcome. To register your interest please call 9890 1101 or email info@heartoflife.melbourne, no later than 18th July 2022. (See attached flyer at bottom of this bulletin)
St Vincent de Paul Society St. Joseph’s Conference As a Conference, we would like to thank you all for your ongoing support for the work we do in the community. Your donations of cash and the food items you place in our baskets in the foyers are of great assistance to our work.
Our conference meets together at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church foyer every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Here, we pray together and plan our activities for the next fortnight. On four days each week we go out, in pairs, visiting people who have called for assistance. Each member has allocated visits once per fortnight. We always
ensure that our visits are carried out in a COVID safe manner. In the last quarter we made 166 visits, assisting 232 adults and 161 children.
We are always looking for new members. If you feel that you can volunteer a couple of hours per week to be part of our group, you will find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Please give this request some consideration; then contact the Parish Office on 56 721 111 and one of our members will ring you to talk about your involvement and answer any questions.
Mary MacKillop Australian Pilgrimage: The Sisters of Saint Joseph have prepared an Australian Pilgrimage. “In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop” commencing in Melbourne on 18th October, journeying through Victoria and South Australia and ending at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney on 29th October 2022. During the pilgrimage we visit many places associated with Mary MacKillop’s life and ministry.
I am happy to answer any questions and provide an itinerary and application form, and may be contacted at National.pilgrimage@mmp.org.au or 02 891 24818.
Annie Bond rsj Assistant Director-Responsible for Ministries.
CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE: online unit via Zoom. AGEING PERSONS AND PASTORAL CARE: Six Saturdays: 30th July; 31, 27 August; 17 September; 8, 22 October: 10am-12pm plus 2pm-4pm To enrol or for further information: Email: registrar@ctc.ed.au Phone 03 9412 3309.
MARY MACKILLOP HERITAGE CENTRE (MMHC)
‘Cuppa with Mary’ When visiting Melbourne, please include a visit to the Mary MacKillop Museum that tells Mary and the SOSJ’s story. Entry is free. Do a walking tour of the Mary MacKillop Heritage trails and Mary’s place of birth. Consider organising a Parish group and have a ‘Cuppa with Mary’. Group bookings which include a presentation, tour and prayer reflection in the Chapel where Mary prayed, cost $20 per person. Contact Kate on 03 9926 9300 for a group booking.
Learn about the Mary MacKillop’s story and ministry through participation in a two-day program at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre. Titled Mary MacKillop “Daughter of Melbourne” in this program, you have opportunity to explore the Life and Spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop as well as have a guided tour of places in Melbourne that were connected with Mary and the Sisters of Saint Joseph Victorian Story and time for personal reflection. While this is an opportunity to learn about and be touched by the life and spirit of Mary MacKillop, it is also an opportunity for you to explore and share the challenges and stirrings in your own heart as you respond with others to action today. You can access more information, obtain a brochure, and register for this two-day event.
Mary MacKillop Gift shop- With Easter coming up, please consider supporting the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph by purchasing a present from the Museum Gift Shop (communion and confirmation gifts, devotional items, Vatican Library collection, rosary beads, holding crosses, candles, cards, statues, crucifixes, books, and Peruvian handmade items).
Accommodation Specials- With Melbourne opening up again, book a stay at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre Accommodation in the heart of Melbourne. Contact Kate on 03 9926 9300.
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
Cry of the Earth the Social Justice Statement can be read on https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/06/24/social-justice-statement-2021-22/.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis.
This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
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.
Teaching children and young people how to keep safe online (on how to use technology wisely) is important for their mental health and wellbeing.
But as a parent or carer, ensuring eSafety for kids and teens can feel overwhelming or unachievable.
Whether you’re worried about cyberbullying, privacy, online content, social media, or time spent using technology, there’s things parents and carers can do to help keep kids safe.
To learn more please contact CatholicCare Victoria.
Aid to the Church in Need Australia; ACN is the Pontifical Foundation dedicated to supporting the suffering and persecuted Church. Our Brothers and sisters in Lebanon are suffering due to ongoing financial and political instability. As the body of Christ we called to support one another. Will you join us as we help them by providing food parcels to 500 needy families in the diocese of Baalbek, Lebanon? To read about the project, or to make an offering visit: www.aidtochurch.org/monthlyproject.
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