A message from the SRC about the School Colour Fun Run:

We are thrilled to have raised over $18,000 so far! Thank you to everyone who has donated and to all the students who have made a profile! Please share the link to your profile with family and friends so they can donate- every little bit counts! Congratulations to 3/4F and 3/4H for winning the prizes (icy poles) for having the most profiles at the end of the first week!

The SRC are going to start researching different playgrounds and ideas for improving our school grounds. We will be collecting information asking all the students for their opinion. We are very excited to be part of this planning!

We encourage all students to make a profile if they can and share it with family and friends so they can make a donation to this wonderful project!

For every $1,000 raised a staff member will be slimed! So far 18 staff will be slimed on the day!  

We are making announcements every few days to let everyone know our progress.  We will also visit the classes every week to help build the excitement and keep everyone updated.

Footsteps

The children are participating in dance lessons run by the Footsteps Dance Company on Mondays this term. This is once again proving to be a great experience for the students. We welcome parents and friends to the whole school performance on Monday August 21 at 2pm in the gym. Please be aware that seating will be very limited but there will be standing room. The whole school will also be in attendance and the performance should take under an hour.   

First Holy Communion

We congratulate the students who received their First Holy Communion on Sunday July 23rd. It was a pleasure to witness their pride in participating in the Mass and receiving this special sacrament. They were well supported by their families and friends. I would like to thank Fr Darren and Kristine the Grade 3/4 staff who prepared the children for the sacrament and to Ms Nicole Buccilli who supported them and organised the ceremony. 

Reading: focus on Vocabulary

As part of our Annual Improvement Plan we have been focussing on increasing and broadening the students’ vocabulary across the school in order to improve their reading and writing skills. Research shows that explicitly teaching vocabulary assists with reading comprehension and overall literacy development. Vocabulary is best taught in context so often the new words learnt are related to the class’ Integrated Studies inquiry or what they are reading in class. I encourage you to ask your child what new words they are learning at school and try to extend their vocabulary at home.

Joanne Coldebella
Principal

NCCD Parent Fact Sheet

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

As part of our Inquiry topic 'Walking on Country' the 1/2 students have been on a Scavenger Hunt around our school.  Check out what we found!

Last Monday and Tuesday the 3/4’s went to the Wonthaggi Historical Society 

Firstly Vin taught us about old communication. He used Morse code and did our names in Morse code. He was very informative with communication, Vin also explained the history of the telephone.

We also learnt about pit ponies and horses. The Instructor said they were really important for mining because if there was an explosion they would sense it before the men and get out of there, when the men saw them leaving they would leave as well. They saved many lives. 

We also had a look at the museum. There were lots of cool pieces from Wonthaggi’s history. We saw a poster of the first ever show in Wonthaggi. It was very colourful and creative. They also had a bone from a whale's spine. Some people could fit their hands in the spinal cord hole. The size of the whale was 73 feet long!

Next, we learnt about school in the olden days. School in the 1920’s to 1960’s was very different. Their school bags were tiny and they only got an apple and a sandwich.  If they were lucky they got a piece of cake. They only got one school book for the whole year, imagine that.

The mine whistle is an important part of Wonthaggi’s history. It comes from shaft no. 20. Shaft 20 had a major explosion on the 15th of February 1937. 

It was very informative and we had a very fun day.

By Xavier and Nyah 3/4H

First Holy Communion

On Sunday 23rd July 17 Grade 3 and 4 students from St Joseph’s Primary School participated in the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. These students had been preparing for this for a number of weeks and felt very special on such an important occasion. They all did a fantastic job and were very respectful. We wish them all the best as they continue on their faith journey.

Here are some reflections from the students.

“It was a very special day. I felt very special” Zahli

“I liked the bread.” Archie

“I loved experiencing eating the host.” Daisy

"I really liked making my communion. It was fun and I have never done anything like that before. I loved having my family being there and having a celebration with them” Ava

“I loved wearing such a special dress.” Lucy

Nicole Bucilli
Religious Education Leader

St Vinnies De Paul Winter Appeal

Last week the St Vinnies De Paul Winter Appeal commenced. Baskets were handed out to every class in the school to place donations in. Each year level was given a different category to donate. The Prep and 1/2 areas were given breakfast food items, 3/4 area was given pantry and the 5/6 area was given toiletries. The appeal will run until the end of term when donations will be presented to the head of St Vincent De Paul in Wonthaggi. The Liturgy Captains will come by the classrooms on Fridays to collect any donations received.

See the images below for donation ideas. Thank you!

Jed Caddy and Jaxon Blackman

Liturgy Captains

We’re just four weeks out from our School Fun Run! We hope students are working hard towards their fundraising goals!

Currently we have raised $18,000 and we hope you’ll keep supporting us! Remember, the money raised will be going towards improvements to the school playground.

Did you know that you can WIN a $20,000 Ultimate Family Package by setting up your student profile online and raising just $1 online? Just head over to schoolfunrun.com.au. Once you’ve created your page there are some great things you can do. You can sign up for online fundraising, pick your target prize and even become a fundraising superstar! 

If you’re having any trouble setting up your student profile or fundraising online, please get in touch with the Fun Run team on 1800 FUN RUN.

Thanks for supporting us with your fundraising efforts, we look forward to celebrating with an amazing day!

St Joseph's School SRC

School Fun Run Prizes

Parent Fun Run Information

Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.

Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.

Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.

Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek help from a medical professional.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/neurodiversity

Just a reminder that forms for the Dental van can be returned to the office once completed. We are now expecting the Dental Van to visit during term 4. The final date for forms has been extended until Friday, August 14.

Prep 2024 orientation schedule 

The August 2023 Non Government School Census collection notice for your information.

2023 Census Privacy Collection Notice

The Scholastic Book Fair will be held from Monday August 21 until Friday August 25 in the School Reception Area

Statements for Term 3 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

Friday September 1 is a School Closure day.  School resumes Monday September 4.

Weekday Masses:

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

Wednesday 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

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 those suffering from Road Trauma, both death and injury.  For  Betty O’Connor, who passed away recently and the anniversaries of Bernie Banks,  John Epskamp, Fr. Michael Murphy, Fr. Reginald Wilson, Fr. Francis Feruga S.Chr 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.

A Voice to Parliament - A message from Bishop Charles Gauci of Darwin “As Australians we are at a very important time reflecting on the Voice to Parliament. I will not tell anyone how to vote, but it is my responsibility as Bishop to encourage you all to be reflective in the light of our faith and Catholic Social Teachings: the Common Good and the Dignity of all People.” Visit https://indigenousvoice.church/

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP:New members are always welcome-plenty of wool & simple patterns available. Good weather for knitting over a cuppa & chat! Enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.

The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has published a document on evangelisation, offering a scriptural and theological reflection on the proclamation of the Gospel through the lenses of encounter, discipleship and mission. It draws on seminal documents on evangelisation from recent decades, including the teachings of Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis. Evangelisation can be downloaded directly from https://bit.ly/Evangelisation2023

Mary Mackillop Catholic Regional College Walkathon: 

On August 8^th the staff and students will walk 11kms in solidarity to raise money for our chosen charities this year. We will walk from Koonwarra back to school in Leongatha and return for a celebratory lunch. We would greatly appreciate it if you could give big or small.

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 

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: ACN AUSTRALIA A message from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN This month Aid to the Church in Need is raising money to build a parish house in Sierra Leone. The parishioners of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour have been trying to help their priest who is living in a house that is decaying due to heavy rainfall and salt-laden sea air but they themselves are poor and have little to give. ACN has promised to help but we need your help to make this possible. To learn more and to make an offering visit www.aidtochurch.org./monthprojector

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. COLLECTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT ALL MASSES ON THE WEEKEND OF 5^TH & 6^TH AUGUST, 2023.

I

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 either 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