To err is human, to forgive divine

Alexander Pope

In an earlier newsletter I referred to the four steps of forgiveness that we teach the children, particularly in reference to the Sacrament of Reconciliation: the confession of sin (wrongdoing), expression of sorrow for sins committed, penance and absolution. These are the steps we also refer to when we help our students deal with mistakes they have made that have had a negative impact on others: Admit Responsibility, Say Sorry, and Make Amends being the first three. The fourth step is forgiveness: accepting forgiveness from others and forgiving themselves. Students usually readily forgive each other as soon as “Sorry” is spoken. “That’s ok”, being the words, I hear spoken in the vast majority of cases, immediately after the apology is made.

Forgiveness is so important for both parties. It helps the transgressor move forward after their mistakes, forgive themselves and move on, hopefully having learned a valuable life lesson. It is also really important for the person who has been negatively affected or hurt. Forgiving the person who has hurt you, developing understanding and compassion for them, can result in resolution, closure and improved wellbeing: better physical and mental health. This may not happen immediately, it may take some time, reflection and supportive discussion.  At times we all can find it hard to forgive others. We can dwell on and magnify past hurts and perceived injustices. Specialists tell us that hanging onto the past in this way, compromises our future. We are hurting ourselves through this practice. We will continue to teach, promote and model forgiveness in our efforts to help our students’ social and emotional development and foster their mental health and wellness. We are inspired by the words that Jesus taught us:  Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

Reports and Parent-Teacher Interviews

We have been reviewing our report statements to ensure they accurately reflect the Victorian Curriculum and succinctly describe what has been taught and assessed this semester.

Our reports provide parents with an evidence based description of their child’s achievements. The reports are the result of a great amount of planning, teaching to target student needs and assessment. Our focus is on progress for every child. As each child is on their own learning journey, progress is particularly individual.

Teachers strive to maintain clear communication with parents regarding their child’s learning progress. Seesaw, phone calls, emails, messages and Open Afternoons all provide avenues for this communication to occur in addition to the formal reporting process.

This year the school will not be organising formal Parent-Teacher Interviews at the end of Term 2. Parents are most welcome to contact their child’s teacher to arrange to speak to him/her about their child’s progress at a time that suits both parties if desired. Formal Parent-Teacher Interviews will, as usual, be held at the end of Term 3.   

Confirmation

Tomorrow evening (Wednesday May 31st at 6.30pm) a contingent of the Grade 6 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at the parish church. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the children receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel (right judgement), fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety (reverence), and wonder/awe of the Lord and we pray that these gifts will be utilised and developed as they continue to grow and face new challenges in the years ahead. Thanks to the parents, parish and school staff who helped prepare the students for this event. 

Joanne Coldebella
Principal

The 1/2 level has been busy learning about Light and Sound. We had a fantastic incursion by Hands on Science last week. We experimented making different sounds using cups and string and explored the vibration sounds made using a tuning fork and water. We learnt what opaque and transparent means in relation to light and made shadows using objects and torches. It was a lot of fun!

1/2 Team

The 3/4 students returned from their excursion to Churchill Island and reflected on what they had learnt and how they could use the information in preparation for their own islands that will be displayed at the open afternoon later in the term. 

Students have been setting learning goals in class and we have seen some great reflections and goal setting over the last couple of weeks. The 3/4 students have been learning about cyber safety and staying safe online. To complement this we had a webinar incursion presented by the Madeline Foundation where students learnt about the three C’s, Contract, Conduct and Content. Another busy fortnight in 3/4!

3/4 Team

Well done to our award winners who were presented with their certificates at our last assembly.

On Friday May 19 the 5/6 girls’ and boys’ soccer teams braved the wind and rain to compete in a fantastic soccer tournament. The cold wasn't enough to dampen their spirits as they played Bass Valley, Cowes and Wonthaggi Primary Schools.  The boys lost their first two games, but their determination was rewarded with a big win in their final game. The girls team played so well they even made it to the finals! Well done to everyone who participated. 

The students conducted themselves with great sportsmanship, encouragement of their teammates and of course had a lot of fun.

Thank you to everyone involved with organising this wonderful event and all the parents and friends that braved the rain to come and support us

Kasey Ton and Kate Morison

Congratulations to all our students who participated in the Division Cross Country on Thursday. All of our students tried their hardest and produced some fantastic results. It was also so nice to see the genuine support and happiness they displayed for their school mates and the support the runners received from the sidelines. Thanks also to the parents who braved the cold to cheer on all of the students. 

Jude, James, Jed, Isla, Eleanor, Milla, Catelyn and Ethan have made it on to Regional Cross country on Thursday. 

Michelle Richards
Sport Coordinator

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

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

The Grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 students marked National eSafety Week by taking part in online webinars run by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in conjunction with the eSafety Commission. Once again, the 3 Cs of online safety were explained and reinforced - Contact, Conduct, Content. 

Contact refers to only chatting and playing online with people that we know in real life. Conduct reminds us to be careful about what we are posting and not to put anything online that will negatively affect our digital footprint. Content means that we should only be looking at age appropriate content.

Some of the students helped to sum up the important messages:

"When contacting people online, re-read to make sure you're not hurting anyone's feelings" Brylee 5/6T

"Only watch stuff that's right for your age group" Josh 5/6T

"When watching, log off if you see something inappropriate for your age" Frankie 5/6T

"If you see comments that aren't nice, block the user or leave the site" Elly T 5/6L

A helpful resource for parents is the eSafety guide from the eSafety Commission This outlines many popular games and apps, the suggested minimum age of users, and tips for protecting your information or reporting harmful content.

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

What is Conveyance Allowance ?

The conveyance allowance is a form of financial assistance to help families in rural and regional Victoria with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest appropriate school/campus. The conveyance allowance is available to eligible students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus. The conveyance allowance is also available to eligible students whose nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus.

Students attending a government or non-government school must:

• attend their nearest government or non-government school/campus appropriate to their year level at which admission is permissible
• be enrolled at a school/campus outside Melbourne’s metropolitan conveyance boundary
• reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from that school/campus attended
• be of school age (5 to 18 years old at time of application) and reside in Victoria.

Forms are available at the school office or download below. If you have any questions please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Applications are to be submitted to the school office by Thursday June 1 for processing.

Conveyance Allowance Application

Statements for Term 2 have been emailed to families.  If you have not received your statement or have any queries please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Mrs. Jenny Gelderbloem will be offering students
the opportunity to learn the Rosary at St. Joseph’s Church on Thursday afternoons at 4:00pm. This will be run under the Parish Safeguarding Regulations with all Adults participating having their current Working with Children Checks registered with the Parish. PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO STAY FOR THE SESSIONS. 

This will commence on Thursday June 1 2023, with Rosary Beads and pamphlets supplied. Any enquiries to the Parish Office 03 56 721 111.

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch LITURGY 11:00a.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

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 Aileen Taylor, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Bishop James Corbett, Fr. James (Jim) McGuigan, Fr. James O’Neill, Fr. Cornelius Cremin, Mgr Edward (Ned) Hynes 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.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE INVERLOCH:FASHION FUNDRAISER:   All ladies are invited to a fashion fundraiser with Postie on Tuesday June 6^th @ 1:30pm in the Inverloch Church Annex. The Inverloch CWL ladies are hosting this event. Entry is $5.00 which includes afternoon tea. This is an opportunity to come and try and buy clothing as well as having a social afternoon!

Catholic Diocese of Sale and provides funding through grants to other charities working to provide services and programs for families within the boundaries of the Diocese. Your donations are most appreciated.  FOR THIS YEARS APPEAL A COLLECTION WILL BE TAKEN UP AT ALL MASSES IN OUR PARISH THIS WEEKEND.

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: 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.  Many thanks to those who are knitting or crocheting at home and unable to attend our meetings, but still very much a part of the group. Your work is much appreciated. If you are knitting squares, we would ask that you follow the suggested measurements as it helps those sewing the squares together to create rugs. Plenty of wool is available as well as the patterns at both our churches. 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. The Catholic Charity Aid to the Church in Need has launched their “Nigeria: Young Faithful, Crucified” global campaign. Did you know that in 2022 a total of 5,014 Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria? These were not Nigerians who happened to be Christian, but rather, their allegiance to the Lord saw them face a brutal death. This is a Church being crucified with Christ. To watch testimonies and to make an offering visit www.aidtochurch.org./nigeriaglobal.

St JOSEPH’S PARISH FILM NIGHT: ‘JESUS THE COMPLETE STORY’ Will be shown in the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall at 7:00pm on Tuesday evening the 30^{th of} May 2023. A Cuppa will be provided and please bring a plate to share.  

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 

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.

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.

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

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