Filter Content
- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Prep Neighbourhood
- Preps - Winter Showers
- 5/6 Neighbourhood
- Religious Education News
- Book Week 2022
- Italian Day
- Fathers Day Stall
- Prep Orientation 2023
- St Joseph's News Podcast
- Child Safety
- St Joseph's Comedy For A Cause
- eSafety News
- Book Club - Issue 6
- School Fees Term 3
- Conveyance Allowance
- Parish News
- Wonthaggi Theatrical Group - School Of Rock
- Fish Creek Children’s Literature Day
- Bass Coast Cycle Challenge
- Playtime OT for Kids - Holiday Program
Every Child, Every Day,
Learning and Achieving in a Faith - Filled Environment
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Joseph’s Community
As we arrive at the beginning of week 6 of Term 3 we have already had a myriad of happenings take place across the school over the past fortnight - It was great that many of our families were able to attend the final Footsteps dancing performance! Perhaps this is one of the busiest terms we have had in years and we love seeing the excited faces of our students as events occur. Over the next fortnight alone we have the school nurse visiting our Preps, the Dental Van visit, Grade 1/2 drumming incursion, Book Week dress up, Italian day and that's in addition to the continuation of our regular iHour sessions!
We acknowledge that there have been, and still are, several students, teachers and their family members recovering from sickness and we wish everyone a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming you back to school soon.
We have just passed the midway point of the term. Schools are very busy places but it is also very important to touch base and see how your child/ren are travelling. In week 9 you are invited to attend optional Parent Teacher Interviews to discuss your child's progress. Look out for further correspondence regarding booking information for these upcoming interviews.
If you know anyone still considering Prep or any other year level for next year, encourage them to call the school office for an appointment. We offer a great environment for students to learn and develop into the best versions of themselves. Please encourage families to come and have a look. They may be pleasantly surprised.
A reminder to parents that next week is the celebration of Book Week. Children (and adults) are invited to come dressed for the Book Week Parade to be conducted on Monday 22 August in the gym at 9:15am. Students may come dressed as their favourite book character or in character that reflects the 2022 Book Week theme of Dreaming with eyes open. Our Grade 5/6 Bake a Book will also be on display as part of the celebrations. Our Italian Day celebration will also take place the following day on Tuesday 23 August. Students are welcome to dress in Italian colours (red, white and green) for this day.
Each term we complete an emergency drill (evacuation or lockdown) as part of our Workplace Health and Safety routines. These are planned to familiarise students, staff and parents around critical safety actions in case an emergency does arise. Staff do talk to their students about an upcoming drill including how to safely get to the emergency meeting point and what the routine around each of the drills is. Any parent or volunteer on site during one of these drills will need to follow the direction of staff across the duration of the drill. We do vary the day and timing of the drills in an attempt to include those staff who are not here every day.
Finally, I encourage all parents to keep in contact with teachers if they have any questions or concerns about their child/ren. Thanks again to all parents for their continued support and encouragement.
Yours in Catholic Education
Ronan O’Mahony
Principal
Loving God,
Mary MacKillop met and answered many difficult needs in
her time.
May we be ready to help those who experience difficulties in
their lives.
Amen
We all had a fabulous day at our '100 Days of School' celebration last week. A big thank you to all the parents for their fabulous efforts with the children’s costumes.
This term we are learning about the weather in our world and completing artwork to match. The children have come up with some fabulous 'wonderings' and we are really enjoying finding the answers to all these brilliant questions. Here are some examples of the children's wonderings: -
Where do clouds come from?
How is rain made?
How can the wind be cold?
How is hail made?
How is fog made?
Why is the sun hot?
What is rain made of and how does it rain?
How do we get rainbows?
We are all really looking forward to Book Week in week 7 as we get to dress up as our favourite book character and participate in lots of fun activities throughout the day.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Prep Team
The Preps ‘Winter Showers’ Art Display is finally up. This two week project involved the Preps combining different medias of Art and exploring lots of different tools and techniques to create their very own winter shower. They even used a bit of science by adding salt to their water colours to create some marble effects. Be sure to check it out next time on your way to the junior area!
Well done Preps
Kasey Ton
Junior Performing Arts Teacher
There has been lots happening in the 5/6 area lately, we made delicious damper for our integrated studies topic. We are learning about Australian history and how it was very difficult for people in 1854.
Yesterday all the year 5/6s made damper. We tried to make it as traditional as possible. We used hand fulls to measure ingredients and put the readymade damper dough on some foil. Thanks to help from Claire and Clare we all had a homemade piece of damper with a choice of jam and butter.
In Maths the year 5/6’s have been focusing on multiplication and division. We have learnt all new strategies and everybody has improved miraculously.
The Grade 6’s set out to Bass Coast College to see what life will look like for the following year. All the Year 6s got a tour of the campus and had a crack at opening some locks for their lockers in year 7. We would like to thank all the Year 8s that gave the Year 6s a tour, and taught them how the locks work. We would also like to thank Mr De’ Salvo and Mrs O’Neal for answering all our questions, and reassuring us about the following year.
At the moment the 5/6’s are working hard on completing our learning goals. We have a writing goal, a reading goal, a maths goal, and a personal goal. When we think they have worked hard or that we have succeeded at a subject or task we can get our teacher or another teacher to sign off that we have acheived our goals.
In Integrated Studies the 5/6 students are learning about Australian History. We are writing an information text about someone or something in the years 1788-1900. Everyone is planning how they are going to show their work at the end of the term!
In Religion we celebrated Mary MacKillop’s feast day. The students did a role play of Mary MacKillop’s life, (which has been posted to Seesaw). We watched clips, read prayers for Mary MacKillop and did some research on her life and how she became the first saint in Australia. We also have our St Vincent de Paul donation basket! So far, the baskets are overflowing with donations to help the community that the 5/6s have brought in. We are collecting toiletries and the other classes in the school are bringing pantry items, breakfast and canned food and other household items!
Cleo Kenny and Lilah Zun
On Monday the 8th August it was the Feast day of St Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint. Saint Mary established the religious order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and set up schools for disadvantaged children. Mary MacKillop made a difference in the lives of Catholic Australians in the early days of our country's history. All the levels participated in various activities in their classrooms to mark the occasion.
Thank you to all our wonderful families for their support of the St Vincent de Paul food drive. The baskets in the classrooms are overflowing with wonderful donations. We will continue collecting goods until the 26th of August.
Bel O’Brien
Religious Education Leader
On Monday August 22 we will hold our annual whole school Book Week Parade in the school gym at 9:15am. Parents are invited to attend.
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)
Book Fair
During Book Week we will be holding our, Book Fair parents are welcome to come browse and purchase items before school from 8:30am - 9:00am and in the afternoons from 3:15pm - 3:45pm.
On Tuesday August 23, St Joseph’s will celebrate this year’s Italian Day. Students are encouraged to dress up in an Italian themed costume or just simply come along in Italian colours of verde (green), bianco (white) and rosso (red). The day will include Italian themed activities across the school.
As part of this celebration, students will be provided with a small gelato to finish off their lunch. A full list of ingredients has been sent out via PAM. If your child has an allergy, you are welcome to provide a similar, allergy free alternative, to be given to your child on the day.
Students will be treated to a fun live show, Pinocchio presented by Make a Scene, Theatre Arts Education.
Maestra Daniel
Italian Teacher
This year our Father's Day Stall will be held on Tuesday August 30. The stall will provide a variety of $4 gifts for students to select from.
In keeping with our cash free platform, parents are asked to pay for their child's gift via CDFpay before the day.
The CDFpay shop is open NOW for purchasing (students are able to bring in cash on the day).
Our first Prep Orientation session has taken place and all families should have a time for their second session, which will take place on Wednesday August 31 (you will find this on your letter from your first Orientation session time).
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.
In their latest podcast Luke, Lincoln and Jessie give you more news about everything going on at St Joseph's.
Click below to check out their channel and all their episodes!
The eSafety Commissioner provides opportunities for parents to be more engaged in their children's safety online through information and a series of webinars on specific topics that are challenging for parents to monitor and manage.
Families not on a direct debit, fees for Term 3 have are now due. if you have any queries or have not received your statement please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Applications for Conveyance Allowance are due to the office by August 24. You can download a form by clicking the tab below. Please forward completed forms to the office or email them for processing to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Whilst Father Darren is away for the month of August, Father Martin Dixon will be celebrating the Weekend Masses.
There will NOT be Mass during the week, but Liturgies will take place at the following times.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch (Liturgy)
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi (Liturgy)
Friday 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi (Liturgy)
If there is an emergency, please contact Fr. Manny Lomagno on 03 59 525 418 or Kristine on 04999 15 784.
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. For the anniversaries of Christine Heenan, Bishop Patrick Lyons, Fr. Donal Madigan OMI 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.
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month where we knit or crochet shawls and rugs that are then blessed and wrapped, ready to be freely given to those who are struggling with life in any way. New members are always welcome. After the recent blessings at all Masses, there are shawls, rugs and some bed socks at both Wonthaggi & Inverloch that are available to be given.
Please contact: Kristine (Parish Office) 03 56 721 111, Maureen Maartensz:0407 055 447, Philippa Warby: 0408 331 340, Julie de Bondt: 0407 535 032.
CATHOLICCARE VICTORIA SUNDAY APPEAL: Thank you for the wonderful response to the CatholicCare Appeal last weekend. We have forwarded $863.90 in cash donations on your behalf. If you missed this opportunity, there are still envelopes available in the foyer, online donations via website 222.catholicarevic.org.au
Parishioners can call (03) 9287 5513 and speak to one of the team members or directly transfer funds to CatholicCare Victoria’a bank account BSB: 083 347 Account Number 171 551 421 Bank NAB.
VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY, ST. JOSEPH’S CONFERENCE: A sincere thank you to all parishioners for your generous support of our winter appeal. Your donations at our Church collection amounted to $1,397.25. This amount will help people in our community to cover the basic necessities of life.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: An opportunity to spend a weekend improving your communication.
This experience gives you the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living.
The weekend we offer is based around Catholic Values but couples of all faiths are welcome. Please check our website for more details.
We have two options: An on-line/virtual weekend: 19-21 August 2022 in the comfort of your own home or a non-residential parish-based weekend: 22-23 October 2022 in Niddrie. (Book early to avoid disappointment) Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
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.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal; Each year we run a winter appeal, asking for your assistance to provide food and other basic necessities for those in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet.
Every day at the St Vincent de Paul Society, we see that ordinary people are able to make an extraordinary difference in their local communities. We are inspired by the joy of the Gospels and our Catholic social teachings to do things that matter. The spirit to feed, heal, shelter, nurture, and inspire-the power to change lives – is in everyone. As we enter this winter in the shadow of coronavirus, your commitment to helping those experiencing disadvantage, poverty, loneliness and homelessness is still very much needed and appreciated.
If you are able to make a contribution to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, please do so by visiting www.vinnies.org.au or calling 13 18 12.
In the last quarter, in our parish, we made 166 visits, assisting 232 adults and 161 children.
In the last financial year, GIPPSLAND CENTRAL COUNCIL provided $1,427.080.00 worth of assistance to people experiencing disadvantage, assisting 17,466 adults and children. Please help us to help others. Thank you.
DIOCESE OF BROOME: KIMBERLEY CATHOLIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE
NEEDED URGENTLY-VOLUNTEER WORKERS. The Diocese of Broome, WA, urgently requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of 6 months plus.
In return for being part of the team, we offer accommodation, living expenses and an allowance. For further details, and an application form, please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator, Janet Ryan: 08 9192 1060 Email: volunteers@broomediocese.org Web: www.broomediocese.org Mail: PO Box 76, BROOME WA 6725 PALMS AUSTRALIA: CELEBRATING A RETURN TO GLOBAL MISSION:
Our sister church in Africa, Asia and the Pacific are requesting Australia Catholics to join them to build the skills of those in their community who have had less opportunity than ourselves. Please consider these Mission opportunities abroad.
The Australia Catholic Bishops Conference provide support. Palms Australia, who have prepared Australian Catholics for global mission since 1961, will ensure accommodation and a living allowance is provided to you during your time away. Enquire online or Ph: 0422 742 567 about a placement to engage your skills.
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.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN: AS WE ARE HOPING TO RETURN TO A ROSTER SYSTEM FOR READERS AND SPECIAL MINISTERS, THIS IS JUST A REMINDER TO CHECK THAT YOUR WORKING WITH CHILDREN HASN’T EXPIRED AND IF IT DOES NEED RENEWING, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE FOR ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS.
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
Bass Coast Cycle Challenge will be held on Saturday November 5 and has a range of course distances for all ages and rider abilities. Challenge yourself with hills, the coast or both! See below for further information.