Catholic Education Week

Our school, along with the 45 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, will celebrate Catholic Education Week from 19 May to 26 May.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is, Catholic Schools – Places of Encounter. ‘Let the words you speak always be full of Grace’, based on Colossians 4:6.

Catholic schools are more than just buildings where students come to learn. They are Places of Encounter where students can grow academically, spiritually and personally.”

The ‘Speaking with Grace’ theme invites us to consider the power of our words and the impact our words may have on others. Words have the power to inspire, uplift, and transform lives but they can also be hurtful or discouraging. This year’s theme aims to encourage students and those in our school community to use their words to build up others, to speak out against injustice, and to spread love and hope in the world.

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 will be attending a Leadership Mass and Dinner to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and excellence of staff and students in Catholic education in our Diocese in Traralgon on Friday, 19 May.

We will begin the week with a whole school Mass on Friday May 19 at 9.30 am in the parish church. All are welcome! During the week we will hold a House Group lunch where students will have an opportunity to better get to know their House captain and team. The school captain’s whole school Learning Intention for the next couple of weeks is to “Speak with grace”: when you talk to people, use your words to be kind and helpful. 

Bike Safety

We have been informed that some of our students riding bikes to and from school have been witnessed displaying very unsafe behaviour e.g. riding in front of cars to cross roads while following their friends.

We ask that parents of bike riders please talk to your children about the importance of following road safety rules. Here is a link which may be helpful: Bicycle Safety and Children.

Joanne Coldebella

Principal

Well done to our award winners who were presented with their certificates at our last assembly, congratulations on all your hard work.  This week’s whole school Learning Intention is to Speak with Grace, in honour of Catholic Education Week.

This Term in Prep we are learning about ‘People who help us. We have talked about different jobs that people have in our community and we are excited for lots of special visitors to teach us new things. Nurse Taryn came to visit us, she taught us all about how nurses help us in our community. In the classroom we have been busy role-playing nurses and helping sick people in the hospital. Michelle, who is a radiographer, came to visit us. She taught us about her job and how she helps us. 

In spelling we are working on segmenting, blending and writing 3 letter words. To help us do this, we do ‘lines and numbers’ on our whiteboards and make our 3 letter words on our Elkonin boxes. Each week we have 3 words that we are focusing on from our shared Little Learners book. We are focusing on the meaning/meanings, synonyms and antonyms of each word. 

The preps are loving their choices during iHour! It is lots of fun and very busy being a St. Joey’s Prep! 

Prep Team

The 3/4's have been off to a great start this term.  We have been on an exciting excursion to Churchill Island as part of our Geography inquiry unit for this term. In this unit the students will get to create their own island and will demonstrate their learning by creating a model, map, flag, culture, and climate zones.

In Maths, we are focusing on addition, subtraction, data and statistics, and mapping.  We have just finished working on improving our persuasive writing skills and will be learning all about informational reports next.  In reading we have been focusing on  making connections to what we are reading, and we will be developing our comparing and contrasting skills whilst looking at Australia's neighbouring countries.  

Our students did well participating in Cross Country, demonstrating personal strengths of determination, resilience, fairness, and working hard.

3/4 Team

On Tuesday May 2, an online parent/carer information session was presented by Marnie Lyon of Victoria Police and Alisha Gilliland of GCASA, focused on the strategies parents and carers can use to help keep their children safe online.

Marnie outlined some of the myths that abound regarding online safety, including that primary school aged children are not at risk, offenders are always older males, and that privacy settings and security are enough to keep kids safe.

Marnie reminded parents of steps they can take to help keep their children safe online:

• Use the strongest privacy settings available
• Limit location data
• Only accept friend / follower requests from people you know
• Be aware of how much personal information is revealed in social media posts
• Help children create smart usernames that don’t give away too much information

Marnie also shared the 7 Day Family Online Safety Challenge, containing simple ways to connect with your children and help reinforce the online safety messages.

Further information and resources are available at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents  and  https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/ 

Jennifer Lawlor

Child Safety Team

Buongiorno

This term we are building on the hard work of the students in Term 1.  At St Joseph’s, the Italian language is being actively used in and out of our language classes. The focus of our program continues to be using Italian that is meaningful and usable for students so they can use it in the classroom every day. 

This term the Preps are continuing their introduction to Italian including learning to speak about the weather, describe the 2D shapes around them and discussing their feelings.

The Grade two’s are asking and answering questions about what they and their friends like to do as part of their Chance and Data learning.

The senior children are learning and revising language to enable them to ask and answer questions of peers and teachers in the classroom.

While not moving away from gesture, the senior program especially is becoming more games based. These fun activities are designed to improve fluency and language retention and are underpinned by the work of Gianfranco Conti, an international specialist in language teaching.  I would encourage you to ask your children about these new activities. 

Italian Club is held every Friday at lunchtime and has a passionate following of avid Tombola (bingo) players.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to find out more about my program or the benefits to your child of learning an additional language.

Rosemary Daniel (Maestra Daniel)

Italian Teacher

Whole School Mass

Our Whole School Mass celebration for Catholic Education Week will take place on Friday May 19 at 9:30am at St Joseph's Church. Parents are welcome to attend.

Prep 2024 orientation schedule has been sent to all accepted applicants

 The application for enrolment form can be accessed below. Email completed forms to jblair@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au by June 23.  If you have any queries please contact the office on 5672 1052.

Application for Enrolment

Friday June 9 - will be a school closure day for staff professional development.

Monday June 12 - is the King's Birthday Public Holiday

Parents and Guardians would have received an email including an Application for Year 7 Placement 2024 to be completed and returned to St Joseph's school office by last friday May 12.  

If for some reason you are unsure about your choice for next year we will still need the form returned asap if you have not already done so, preferences can always be changes at a later date if needed. Parents opting to send their child/ren to Bass Coast College and require a bus need to complete the Bus application form. Mary MacKillop College and Newhaven will organise their own bus application upon receipt of placement forms.

Forms may be emailed to the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or send in via your child.  If you require a hard copy of the form please email us at the office or give us a call on 5672 1052.

Year 6-7 Placement Pack 2024

Bus Application Bass Coast College

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch LITURGY 10:00a.m. 

St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi MASS 9:30a.m.      

Friday Mass at St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi 9:30 a.m.                                             

Weekend Masses Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 
Sunday 9:00am

St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi 
Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 10:30am

PLEASE NOTE: MASS AT OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, INVERLOCH THIS TUESDAY THE 16^{TH of} MAY 2023 WILL BE AT 10:00a.m. FOR THIS WEEK ONLY, FATHER DARREN HAS A FUNERAL SERVICE AT WONTHAGGI AT 11:30.

MASS ON FRIDAY 19^TH MAY 2023 WILL BE A WHOLE SCHOOL MASS AT 9:30a.m. ALL WELCOME.  CONFIRMATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY 31^ST MAY 2023 AT 7:00PM.

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 Wars in Ukraine and Sudan. For all who are sick, lonely and suffering from illness and pain. For Maria Abriola, Joan Greenway and Dr. Therese O’Orsa, who have passed away recently, and the anniversaries of Biddy Banks, Tony O’Halloran, Mg. James (Jim) O’Mara, Fr. Robert Mead and our loved ones.  May God’s merciful love shine on them and on the loved ones left behind.

Please pray for those who continue to be affected by the Ukrainian War, and those natural disasters. 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.

PLEASE READ THE LETTER FROM BISHOP GREG BENNET AND PAUL VELTEN AT THE END OF THIS BULLETIN IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF DR. THERESE O’ORSA AND HER AMAZING CONTRIBUTION TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN THE SALE DIOCESE.

St. Vincent de Paul, St. Joseph’s Conference.

Our conference would like to thank you all for your continued support. It is your partnership with us that enables us to assist local families who are in need.

We continue to respond with visits to families in their homes on four days per week. In the first quarter of this year, we have made 218 visits, assisting 317 adults and 242 children. This is a 25% increase on the previous quarter. The increased cost of living has put increased financial stress on the members of our community.

We meet as a conference at 10:30a.m. in the foyer of St. Joseph’s Church, Wonthaggi every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

If you would like to share in the rewarding work, please feel welcome to join us.

Sunday Gospel Reflection
Sunday gospel reflections written by the clergy, religious and laymen and women of our diocese are published weekly through the diocesan website and the diocesan Facebook page enabling us to reflect and prepare ourselves on the Gospel before we get to the weekend masses.

The link to  our website is   https://www.cdsale.org.au/news/sunday-gospel-reflections
and the link to our Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/dioceseofsale 

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 17^th May @ 10:30 a.m. Our Lady Star of the Sea Annex. We are always looking for new members. Even if you are not a knitter, you may like to help sew up the donated knitted squares or enjoy a social cuppa & chat.  Simple patterns and wool are also available for those wanting to make a shawl or rug. So just come along.  Enquires: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: ACN AUSTRALIA A message from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) CARDINAL PELL LUNCHEON & LECTURE: Aid to the Church in Need is launching an annual George Cardinal Pell Luncheon & Lecture with the inaugural event to take place in Melbourne CBD on Sunday 21^st May. The keynote speaker will be Mr. David Pell, brother of the late Cardinal. For information and to register, please visit www.trybooking.com/CGUDA.

 World Youth Day: Lisbon, Portugal 2023. Young people (18-35 yrs) in our diocese will join up with the World Youth Day Group from the Archdiocese of Melbourne to travel to Lisbon for the celebration of World youth day in August. Parishioners, are requested to pray for these young people who have come forward to attend the WYD. For more information, please contact Fr Avinash George at Email: avinash.george@cdsale.org.au 

Phone # 03 59971510.

HEART OF LIFE (Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation) ‘Dare to Dream’ via Zoom, 5 X Wednesday, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 May, 5:00-6:30pm (AEST)

“We have had dreams and there is no one to interpret them…” and Joseph said to them, “do not interpretations belong to God? (Genesis 40:8)

Join our director, Clare Shearman and guests in our ‘dream lab’. Based on the Dreams sessions previously offered as part of the Siloam Program, this five-week program will explore the significance of our dreams, include the practice of dream circles, provide guidance and practice for working with dreams-our own and others’, consider the potential for our dreams to personally and collectively shape the future.

Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation. Cost $130. Book and pay via website www.heartoflife.melbourne email info@heartoflife.melbourne or telephone 03 9890 1101.

‘Pondering Grief’ (in person event), Saturday 20^th May 2023, 10am-3:30pm (AEST)

This day offers an invitation to reflect on and honour our inner life of change and transition. With creativity, space and gentle support, this workshop will offer a sacred place for the breadth of human experiencing and spirit to guide individual exploration. Facilitated by Linda Espie a counsellor of loss, grief and bereavement for over 35 years. Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation. Cost $80 including ‘Pondering Grief’ book (BYO lunch). Book and pay via website www.heartoflife.melbourne or telephone 03 9890 1101.

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.

Bishop Greg and the Catholic Diocese of Sale community invite you to attend the diocesan May devotion themed "Mary arose and went with haste" lk 1:39, to be held at St Mary's Cathedral on 20th May 2023. In addition, there will be two reflection sessions by Very Rev Francis Otobo, Dean of St Mary's Cathedral. All are welcome.

Catechist Formation Day:  Father Elio Capra will conduct a formation day for catechists and others who are interested in Sacraments at St. Jarlath’s Hall, Yarragon on Saturday 17^th June at 9.30 am to 3.30 pm   Cost is $10 per head and catering is provided.

Please contact Barbara Durand on 0414965079 or barbarad@sale.catholic.org.au or book with Trybooking  https://www.trybooking.com/CHWBF

WYD FUNDRAISING DANCE: Due to popular demand St Agatha’s will be hosting a second fundraising dance on the 1st July 2023 at 6.30pm St Peter’s College Hall.  Tickets on Sale from the parish office.  Please contact the office on 5996 1985

Australian Heritage Festival Open Day:   The MMHC building  initially designed and operational as a place of providence and respite for women in their  time of need is located on grounds that were purchased by Mary in 1901. There  is an open day on Saturday 13th May 2023. Explore the museum with one of our guides or independently with our new audio tour.  A highlight of your day will be enjoying a cuppa with a sister of Saint Joseph.  Book online for a guided tour that will run every hour between 10:30 am - 3:30 pm at  https://www.mmhc.org.au/australian-heritage-festival-open-day

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.

Letter from Bishop Greg Bennet and Paul Velten

Father Darren Howie                                                        Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest                                                                       Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi