Filter Content
- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Assembly Award Winners
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 5/6 Neighbourhood
- Netball
- School TV - Special Report
- Disco / Fun Activity Night
- Book Club Issue 4
- Afterschool Care Program - TheirCare
- School Closure Information
- Open Afternoon
- 2025 Prep Information
- 2024 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
- School Fees - Term 2
- Parish News
- Ritchies Community Benefit Program
- School Holiday Disco
Technology
There has been a lot of talk, discussion and reports around children’s use of technology in the media over the last few weeks. There are calls to raise the minimum age to access various social media platforms from 13 to 16 due to the negative impact it is having on the mental health and wellbeing of children.
I know I am not alone in finding technology a great convenience, source of information, entertainment, social connection, amusement and a wonderful tool for work and study. The access to information, professional learning and resources is incredible and the means to collaborate, communicate and engage has greatly enhanced our workplace and learning and also that of our students.
I also don’t have to look far to see the pitfalls of the use of technology. From my extended family I have heard digital devices/screens described as a ‘great babysitter’ and a necessity for communication and security for children, in that they can readily make contact with parents. Access to online devices can make children feel part of their peer group, ‘otherwise they would miss out’. Parents feel pressure to provide their children with this access- they don’t want their child to be left out in some way that might affect their social status. I have also heard technology described as a curse when online gaming becomes an addiction that leads to children being on devices for hours into the night- severely impacting their sleep and capacity for operating the next day. I know family members have organised internet curfews- electronically and/or physically (locking devices away) and strictly monitor their children's time spent on screens, even the television. Some of my nieces are not allowed to watch the news and I can understand this reasoning.
Here at St Joseph's we have a strong stance that technology is a tool, not the teacher. We are selective about what programs/websites/apps we use to improve students' learning. We also spend many hours across the school years teaching students about cybersafety and the risks of going online and encourage students to be critical thinkers and informed consumers when using digital platforms. The eSafety Commissioner website is a great resource to support parents and educators in this space. We urge students to never share their details, think before you post, never be disrespectful or mean, to check for credible sources when researching and be discerning. However, this is a very challenging exercise when competing information relayed to and modelled to students draws them online.
There is no simple answer. I encourage families to access the advice of the eSafety Commissioner and to be vigilant in supervising and talking to their children about their online experiences.
Another aspect of our use of technology is how it is impacting our relationships. This Ted Talk: Molly Wright: How every child can thrive by five demonstrates this impact on very young children. It is well worth watching and considering.
Reports and Parent-Teacher Interviews
Staff 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.
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.
Open Afternoon
Our Term 2 Open Afternoon will be held on Monday June 24 from 2.30pm- 3.15pm. Please mark this event in your calendars. The children really look forward to sharing their learning and achievements for the term with parents and friends on this day. It would be wonderful if there was someone to visit every child in the school- grandparents, neighbours, family friends are most welcome!
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.
In 1/2's we have been very lucky to have some of our Filipino Families come and visit us. We learned about special places, food, animals and dances.
Then at the end we got to enjoy a traditional Filipino meal. Yum!
We also had a lovely Grandparent come and visit who talked to us about Mauritius. We learned about traditional foods, dances and animals. It was a great learning experience.
Life in the Senior School has been very eventful as usual! Recently some Grade 6 students received the sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to all candidates who participated in the Mass very reverently.
Students have completed a unit of Maths work on addition and subtraction, with lots of students making excellent progress.
We continue to read and respond to our class text ‘War Horse’ with everyone engaging well in related activities.
On Wednesday we look forward to our excursion to ScienceWorks in Melbourne, with a very busy day attending science based sessions and participating in interactive activities.
On the 31st of May, some of the 5/6 girls competed in interschool school netball. There was an A team and two B teams. Everyone gave it their all and represented our school amazingly well. Thanks to all of the girls who participated and gave great joy to the day.
Also, a huge thanks to the parents and friends who came along to coach, umpire and showed great support to our school! There were a variety of players from all schools. We played at the Wonthaggi netball courts.
The A team played really well all day and ended up making it through to the next stage with a score of 3 to 13 against Newhaven College. Goodluck to all of the girls in the A team with the next stage on Thursday 13th June. We wish you all the best.
There was a B1 and B2 team. B2 were undefeated but sadly don’t go through. The B1 team won three games, only losing their fourth game by 1 goal. Some teams were really easy but others were harder to play against. We still had a good crack at it. It was an amazing experience, we all tried our best, showed good sportsmanship and had a really fun time!
A big thank you to the teachers and ESOs who came along and made the day so successful!
By Grace L, Ava F and Skyla.
Dealing with Disappointment
As young people learn to navigate through various aspects of their life, they may face disappointment due to unfulfilled expectations, shattered dreams, or unexpected setbacks. Yet, with the appropriate tools, strategies, and a positive mindset, young people can learn to cope with disappointment and use it as an opportunity for personal growth and success.
Disappointment can be a tricky emotion to deal with at any age. It is a normal part of growing up. However, children sometimes need reminding that they have a choice in how they respond to disappointment and their response will determine the impact it has on their future happiness. Overall, disappointment is a healthy and positive emotion and plays an integral part in a child’s emotional, intellectual and social development.
Helping young people manage their disappointment is important in order to avoid stronger emotions such as anxiety and depression. Although a parent’s first reaction may be to fix the problem, it is better to encourage your child to find the words to express how they feel.
In this Special Report, parents and caregivers are provided with strategies on how to help their child process disappointment and look at the problem objectively.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Click below to view this special report:
Our School Advisory Committee members have organised a community event for parents and children at Summersault Gymnastics, 5-6 McKenzie St Wonthaggi, on Friday June 21st.
Students are invited to a Disco/Fun activities night. The theme suggested by the SRC is The 80s! Students are invited to dress up in 80s gear if they want to.
Parents are welcome to stay or leave the children as Summersault Gymnastics staff will supervise.
Prep and Grade 1/2 students are invited to attend from 4.00-4.45pm.
Grade 3/4 students are invited to attend from 5.00-5.45pm.
Grade 5/6 students are invited to attend from 6.00-6.45pm.
Please BYO drink bottle and snack.
The cost will be $10 for each child, payable via CDF pay. Payment is due by 2pm Friday June 14 as final numbers will need to be given to Summersault Gymnastics.
The School Advisory Committee Members will have a list of students who have paid to check off as students enter.
Numbers for each group will be capped at 70.
Afterschool Care Program - TheirCare
We are excited to announce that St Joseph’s children can now access an OSHC Program hosted at Wonthaggi North Primary School run by an independent Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) provider called TheirCare.
TheirCare provides a stimulating & safe environment where children develop life skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity.
Parents are asked to register their children on the Theircare website.
Children will be required to take a one minute bus ride to the service at Wonthaggi North Primary School on the Harley’s Buslines Wonthaggi township bus ($1.50 per trip to be paid to the bus driver), where an educator will greet them from the service.
For further information, visit www.theircare.com.au or call our support office on 1300 072 410. Further information regarding the program can be viewed via the links below.
Friday, June 7 will be a school closure day for staff professional development.
Monday, June 10 is the King's Birthday Public Holiday.
Thursday, June 27 Final day of classes for students, school finishes at 3:25pm.
Friday, June 28 will be a school closure day for staff professional development.
Applications for enrolment are now available for Prep 2025. Tours for all prospective 2025 Prep families can be made by contacting the school office for an appointment time. Enrolment applications are to be submitted by Friday, June 26, 2024.
Orientation sessions will be held for all incoming Prep students beginning in August.
Enrolment information can be found on our website. Email us at info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call the office on 5672 1052 for further information. Click below for our school enrolment pack information.
2024 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
In 2024, St Joseph’s is offering students the opportunity to participate in the International Competition and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), in the areas of English, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Digital Technologies.
The assessments measure the students’ skills associated with each of these curriculum areas and are open to students in Years 3-6. ICAS is developed by UNSW Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of New South Wales, with over 35 years’ experience in educational assessments.
ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition. Every student will receive a certificate and an online result report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised.
The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.
ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to computer-based assessment. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results.
Learn more about ICAS here: unsw.global/ICAS
Payment and Permission Information
If you wish for your child/ren to undertake an ICAS assessment or assessments, you must register and pay online through the parent portal:
https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
Our schools uniques access code is: NQS609
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
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Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
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Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf)
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Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps)
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Enter our school’s access code – NQS609
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Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.
After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records.
Online payment will close on 22nd July 2024
An ESO and or a teacher will be present to supervise the students sitting the assessments.
2024 ICAS Subject and Pricing Information
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
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
Wednesday 9:30am St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Friday 9:30am St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Weekend Masses Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch Sunday 9:00am
St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 10:30am
PLEASE PRAY FOR;
Anniversaries:For the deceased clergy of our diocese.
Confirmation:Students preparing for First Communion
Parish Office will be open on Wed & Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. All items for the bulletin or Mass intentions to be received by 5pm on Thursdays.
Prayer Group: will be held at Wonthaggi Church on Mondays at 1.15pm. All Welcome
Prayer Shawl Group: Will next meet in June. Plenty of wool is freely available and newcomers are always welcome. For enquiries : Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447 Philippa Warby. 0408 331 340
PARISH CENSUS A parish census will be conducted following the Homily at all Masses over the next two weekends –Sat 25/Sun 26 May and Sat 1/Sun 2 June. This will enable us to update our parish records – adding new members of our community and noting changes with addresses, emails and phone numbers. Census cards/privacy envelopes and pencils will be placed in the pews prior to each Mass, and you are asked to return your envelope in one of the collection baskets. Your assistance with this important process is very much appreciated.
Safetrac Online Training for Volunteers: As part of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy released late last year, parish staff and volunteers are required to undertake Safeguarding training regularly. The Diocese has released an online training module called Safeguarding Children in the Diocese of Sale. Staff and volunteers in our parish who have an email address will shortly receive an email link to complete the training. This training is completed every three years. Other arrangements are being made for volunteers who do not have emails or internet access. We ask for your cooperation to undertake this online training as soon as possible as part of our parish commitment to promoting a safe environment for our children, youth, and adults at risk.
Now that the Diocesan Consultation Process has been launched, what is next? After the launch of the Diocesan Consultation on the feats of Pentecost, Bishop Greg now invites every person in the Diocese to actively participate in a two-phase process of prayerful spiritual conversations over the next few months. The first consultation will take place during June and July. The process will lead people to look back with gratitude on the experiences and events that have had a significant impact our personal and faith communities over the last five years. You will be asked to reflect together on the question, “When and where do we experience the Gospel and our mission most alive in our Diocese community?” Please join in praying the Diocesan Consultation & Assembly Prayer as we prepare to participate in this exciting opportunity. Information will soon be provided about the dates and location of the consultation meetings in the parish
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
St Joseph’s Wonthaggi Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Saturday & Sunday of the Month
Our Lady Star of the Sea—Inverloch
- Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Sunday of the Month
- CWL meeting will be held on Monday June 3rd at 10.30
All ladies are invited. Please bring lunch to share. - Cake & produce stall will be held on the Kings birthday
weekend ......donations will be appreciated
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 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 Ann on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.
Father Darren Howie Ann Hemming
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi