Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

A very warm welcome to all our students and families to the 2023 school year. I hope you all had a lovely holiday break!

It was wonderful to see so many excited and enthusiastic faces walking through our doors yesterday.

Here at St Joseph’s we highly prioritise working in partnership with parents to achieve the best outcomes for our students. Open communication is vital for this to occur. We have many avenues of communication including Seesaw, SIMON via PAM, our FaceBook page, the newsletter, email, telephone and face to face conversations. We invite you to utilise these avenues to maintain communication. Please ensure your PAM and Seesaw accounts are set up. 

More information around communication can be found on our Communication/Email/Seesaw Policy 

Communications Email Policy

For your information our staffing this year is:

Principal                                                                     Joanne Coldebella

Deputy Principal/Learning Adjustment Leader        Dianne Gin

Learning Adjustment Leader                                    Patricia Martin

Religious Education Leader                                       Nicole Buccilli

Planning Leaders                               Kate Egan, Susan Holmberg, Leigh Granger, Jennifer Lawlor

Sports Coordinator                            Michelle Richards

eLearning Leader                               Kate Morison

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support Leaders Trish Martin, Travis Newton

SRC Coordinator                                Travis Newton

Child Safety Team                              Jennifer Lawlor, Kate Egan, Courtney Brann, Bek Nielsen

School Captains’ Badge Ceremony

Our school captains for this year are:

School Captains: Zoe Diesner and Ella Braumann

School Vice Captains: Jesse De Menech and Hayden Purton

Liturgy Captains: Sambriddhi Sapkota, Mia Kad, Jaxon Blackman and Jed Caddy

Gold House Captains: Will Coyne and  Rhianna Brown

Blue House Captains: Jude McNally and Ollie Donohue

Green House Captains: Cooper Davis and Piper Richards

Red House Captains: Isla Curtin and Hector Leggett

The captains’ badges will be blessed by Father Darren at our first whole school Mass for 2023, on Friday February 10 at 9.30 am.  At our first whole school assembly for this year on Monday February 13 at 9.05 am, in the gym, there will be a Captains' Pledge and  Badge Presentation ceremony.

All are welcome to attend both events!

School Advisory Committee

The purposes of the School Advisory Committee are to:

• act as an advisory body to the principal on matters concerning education in the school
• act as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education in the school
• provide a link between the parish priest, principal, teachers and parishioners in relation to the provision of Catholic education in the parish community
• promote community development by fostering a strong inter-relationship between the parish, the primary school and Catholic secondary colleges

Last year saw two of our members reach the end of their three year terms respectively on the School Advisory Committee. I would like to sincerely thank Nicola Sampson for giving up her time and offering support and feedback over the last three years, it was most appreciated!

Sara Donohue (mother of Ruby in Gr 5 and Ned in Gr 2) has been renominated to serve on the School Advisory Committee along with new nominees Phil Dynes (father of Mitch in Gr 5 and Lucy in Gr 2) and Susie Green (mother of Lily in Gr 1). As there are only two positions to be filled we must have an election.

All parents are welcome to vote on their preferred School Advisory Committee members (for the next three years). They will join current members: Joanne Coldebella, Dianne Gin, Father Darren Howie, Linda Tack, Carla Poletti and  Mairead Taylor.

Please click on this link to vote by Thursday February 9, 4pm. 

The delayed AGM for 2022 will take place on Tuesday February 21 at 9.05am, followed by our first meeting for 2023.

Joanne Coldebella

Principal

Our Whole School Mass for the beginning of the school year will take place on Friday February 10 at 9:30am at St Joseph's Church, Father Darren will bless the badges of our incoming captains. Parents are welcome to attend.

Thank you to all those families who have completed the Acceptable Use of Information and Communications Technology Agreement 2023 in PAM, for those who have had difficulties logging into PAM please email the office on info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au for assistance.  If you have not yet completed this consent for your child could you please do so at your earliest convenience. 

Canteen will resume this week. Canteen runs on Thursdays and Fridays and orders are placed through CDFpay.  Just click on the button below to order.

When ordering remember to check the date you are ordering for, orders close at ​9:00am for processing on canteen days.

We will be conducting Prep tours during first term for all students who have submitted an expression of interest form for 2024.  If you have not already done so expression of interest forms can be sent to jblair@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au.

Expression of Interest for Enrolment

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.  You are encouraged 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.

The section of transition may be beneficial for some students as we begin the new year.(click the image below)

Weekday Masses:

St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi on Wednesday LITURGY 9:30a.m                       
Friday LITURGY 9:30 a.m.
(As Father Darren Howie will be away next week, any urgent calls can be made to Father Manny Lomagno on 03 59 525 418)

COMMUNION ON THE TONGUE: People who prefer to receive communion on the tongue, would you please come last for communion, as there is still widespread fear of COVID.

Please pray for those who continue to be affected by the Ukrainian War, and those experiencing floods, storms and the earthquakes in Indonesia. For Aldo Brusamarello, who has passed away recently and the anniversaries of William Hanily, Luke Stokes, Fr. Maurice Carroll and our loved ones.  May God’s merciful love shine on them and on the 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.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE INVERLOCH:  Just a reminder that the Raffle will be drawn this Sunday following the 9:00 a.m. Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Thank you to all who have purchased tickets and your ongoing support.

FEBRUARY 2^ND: WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR CONSECRATED LIFE.  In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This Celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on the 2^nd of February. Please pray for all of them and thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCES OF OCEANIA SYNODAL CHURCH: SYNOD OF BISHOPS: The Church around the world has entered the Continental Stage for the Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Groups around the country are praying with and responding to the Document for the Continental Stage, which was published recently. Groups around Australia have spent time in responding to the Document which reflect the voices of the People of God from over 114 countries around the world. A collation of the Australian submissions is Being prepared for the Bishops from the Oceania Region when they meet in Fiji in February 2023.

Access the Document for the Continental Stage www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch 

PRAYER FOR THE ASSEMBLY O God, you revealed yourself in Christ Jesus as loving, merciful and just. Guide our Bishops of Oceania as they meet together to further Pope Francis’ call to become a listening Church. Open their hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit, that they might truly discern and faithfully serve the needs of your People and your World. Color our way of life and give witness to your Presence among us. You who live and reign, God, For ever and ever. Amen

MEDITATION GROUP: In recession until the New Year of 2023 when dates will be advised.

PRAYER GROUP: Will resume on Monday 6^th February 2023 at St. Joseph’s Church, Wonthaggi 1:15pm ALL WELCOME!

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: There has been a big demand for shawls & rugs this year and many have been gladly distributed. A huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful ladies in our Parish who have worked hard, knitting and crocheting. Thank you to all those who have kindly donated wool and also to those who have made such generous cash donations. Much appreciated. We will now meet next February, date to be confirmed. Philippa Warby & Maureen Maartensz. Plenty of shawls/rugs available to give to those struggling with life in any way. Enquiries: 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.

MISSAL ONLINE: ‘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. Aid to the Church in Need is asking for support to aid sisters in Kenya in building a new mother house and formation centre for their local community. Hunger, illiteracy, and lack of medical provision, combined with desperately poor roads and a lack of clean drinking water make life incredibly difficult for many people in Kenya. The diocesan congregation of the “Visitation Daughters of the Immaculate Heart” were established in order to help this needy population-but to continue their work they need our help! The sisters’ work includes caring for expectant mothers, acting as midwives, providing counselling, caring for the sick and looking after the elderly and orphans who are frequently abandoned by society. Your support will help these sisters to continue their mission by providing them with a permanent convent.  To make an offering and learn more visit: https://aidtochurch.org./monthlyproject. Aid to the Church in Need ACN Australia PO Box 335, Penrith NSW 2751 1800 101 201 or 02 9167 9517 (direct) teresa@aidtochurch.org www.aidtochurch.org 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.

Our Parish is committed to the safety, well-being and dignity of all children, young people and adults at risk. Find out more at: catholic.org.au/childprotectionsunday and www.catholicregligious.org.au/safeguarding

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