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Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
Feedback indicates that our current Remote Learning program is hitting the mark. Thank you all for your hard work in encouraging your children to engage in the program. I know the specialist teachers are especially enjoying receiving videos of the students participating in and enjoying their activities.
Please continue to communicate with your child/ren’s teachers as this is crucial to the success of the program.
I don’t know about everyone else but I seem to be spending a bit of time on Netflix in the evenings. One of the TV series that I have enjoyed re-watching is an old family favourite.
It was not that often that my family reached a consensus regarding the viewing of television programs, (football programs being the exception). Considering the different personalities, interests and generational divide across the members this was not surprising. However there was one situational comedy that captured the interest of the whole family. It was eagerly anticipated, often replayed, mimicked and quoted. It didn’t make much impact when it first came to air but after catching the odd episode or two we became drawn to one particular character with whom we could really relate. We became increasingly aware that he displayed many personality traits and characteristics strikingly similar to a few members of our wider family group who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.
What we really enjoyed and appreciated about the show was the way the character Sheldon’s “Aspie” (Asperger’s Syndrome) traits became a source of frustration, humour but also admiration for the other characters. Sheldon was portrayed as obsessive, inflexible, rude, single minded and lacking in any intuitive social awareness. He was also recognised as a genius who has achieved brilliance in his field, theoretical physics. He was loveable for his honesty, openness and directness and for his genuine attempts to interact with others. The other characters from The Big Bang Theory were also interesting and I think the show while portraying the difficulties these characters face in ‘fitting in’ to social groups also celebrates their individualism and unique talents and abilities.
It is now recognised that many people with exceptional abilities both past and present have also had Asperger's Syndrome / Autism, Einstein and Mozart being two of them. Temple Grandin, a world-famous animal scientist and autism self-advocate has written several books on her experiences and has been the subject of documentaries and a film. She notes that,
“If you didn’t have autism genes, you probably wouldn’t have any phones, computers, or electricity.”
She is referring to the way people on the Autism Spectrum think, which gives them an advantage over “neurotypicals” (‘normal’ people) in some areas. I think her thoughts highlight that all types of people make contributions to society and the human race.
Like Sheldon, there are many people we come across who are considered different in appearance, speech, behaviour or belief. When people are judged purely on the basis of these things, their true value may not be recognised and appreciated.
Striving to always be tolerant of and fair to others is a real challenge, especially if we can’t immediately see their worth or relate to them.
I believe that this is a challenge we take up constantly at this school. We have a responsibility to try to create an atmosphere of understanding, tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness. Fortunately we have a great role model to follow and hold up as an example to all, Jesus Christ. I think perhaps his most famous quote sums this up:
Love one another as I have loved you
Click on the image below for an article which has some useful tips about talking to children about the pandemic.
thank you for the many people we
treasure in our lives.
Thank you for our souls that
go on looking
for happiness each day.
Help us to remember that
we are all treasures
in your sight.
Amen
9
Wed
09 Sep 2020
9:00 AM to 3:25 PM
9
Wed
09 Sep 2020
9:00 AM to 3:25 PM
Wednesday September 9 will be a planning day, there will be no new work set for the Remote Learning program on this day. Students may use the time to catch up on unfinished work or pursue their own interests.
We will still need to take to roll, so please click the heart on the teacher's morning message.
Onsite school supervision will be available for children of Essential Workers only, on this day.
9
Wed
09 Sep 2020
9:00 AM to 3:25 PM
Parent Teacher Interviews - Term 3
Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on
Monday September 7 and
Tuesday September 8 between 9 am and 6 pm.
They will be held via a telephone call.
These interviews are optional and expected to be of
10 minutes duration.
If you would like to request an interview, please contact your child's teacher via Seesaw or email directly, to arrange a suitable time.
National Child Protection Week
This year National Child Protection Week will celebrate its 30th year with the theme:
Putting children first…
National Child Protection Week 6-12 September 2020 has moved online, but the message that we all have a part to play is more important this year than ever. We have included tip sheet for talking to children about personal safety and brochure titled Ways to Support and Encourage a Child's Right to Speak and be Heard, click on the image below to find out more information and resources about National Child Protection Week.
Attendance During Remote Learning - Seesaw / Operoo
During this period of Remote Learning please remember to click 'Like' ♥ by 9:30am on Seesaw to acknowledge your child/ren is participating in remote learning each school day. Parents can also communicate with teachers through their Seesaw account
Please notify us via Operoo of any absence that prohibits your child/ren from completing their learning tasks. Alternatively email the office on
Due to the implications of COVID-19 and the restrictions that have been put in place we, regretfully, need to cancel our planned Orientation sessions until further notice. We have been discussing different options and if we are able to, will organise a modified Orientation program late in the year, depending, of course, on the circumstances.
We are hoping by now that our new Preps have all received their Junior Joey's Tshirt we hope to see you out and about in your new shirts really soon!
Neil Austin the Bus Coordinator is in the process of creating the 2021 bus roll. Neil has requested that forms need to be submitted for new preps even if you intend to drive them to school for the first little while, as well as any other students who wish to start using the bus service. Please note that late enrolments may find that they will need to go onto a waiting list even if they have older siblings using the bus. Those that apply at the beginning of next year may miss out. Please complete the attached application and email it to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
WE ARE BACK! As of 11:59pm 27th October, 2020 Regional Areas are permitted to resume Indoor religious ceremonies: permitted with up to 20 people plus one faith leader. Those necessary for the Mass e.g. readers, cleaners etc are included in the number.
For the Wonthaggi Parish this means we will be contacting parishioners on a weekly basis to invite Mass attendance and to make a fair and equitable opportunity for everyone to attend. If you would like to attend a particular Mass we would welcome your call on 03 56 721 111 to be included on the list of 20.
This weekend Father Geoff Baron will be saying the Mass for us and those parishioners have been contacted.
Father Darren Howie will return to Parish duties from Saturday 7th, November, 2020. We will then not only be offering the opportunity to attend Mass on the weekend for 60 parishioners in total, but we will also be making contact for Weekday Masses as well. That is Tuesday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Inverloch and St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
In the meantime, any calls regarding a visit to the sick or urgent need please contact Father Manny Lomagno on 03 59 525 418 (if unanswered please leave a message and Father Manny will return your call ASAP)
Please pray for all who have passed away recently and ALL those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus. The anniversaries of Fr. Patrick Sterling, Fr. William Tierney, Archbishop Patrick O’Donnell, Fr. Cornelius (Con) Donovan and for our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES: The roll out of envelopes for the next 12 months are now available for collection from the Parish Office, unfortunately in place of the usual collection at the Masses. If you are unable to attend the office and would prefer them to be delivered or mailed please phone the Parish Office on 03 56 721 111 as we have volunteer parishioners who have offered to do this.
The envelopes apply to those who give weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Those who continue to make their contributions by Direct Debit/Credit Card will not be receiving envelopes.
Thank you to ALL for your continued generosity, as in these difficult times it has enabled us to keep the wheels turning.
ALL donations to the 1st Collection, Planned Giving envelopes can be brought to the office, passed through the secure slot into the Presbytery near the front door. The next roll out of Planned Giving Envelopes is now available see notice above. Thank you for your continuing generosity.
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary MacKillop. The Sisters of Saint Joseph have created a commemorative prayer booklet to inspire us all to “take fresh courage…”as Mary did so often. These prayers share details of her personal journey, highlighting Mary’s values and spirit, and offering prayers and blessings for our modern world. We invite you to download your free copy of Encountering St Mary MacKillop in Prayer. To order your exclusive copy please go to: www.marymackilloptoday.org.au/prayer-book or call us on Ph: 02 8912 2777.
Bishop-Elect Gregory Bennet: POSTPONEMENT! In light of the current circumstances of Covid-19 restrictions in the State of Victoria and following the announcement of “Steps” by Premier Andrews for Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne, it is necessary to postpone the planned Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Gregory Bennet which had been scheduled by 20th October at St. Mary’s Cathedral Sale. The steps for Regional Victoria prevent public religious worship within the Cathedral and other settings (with special exemption for restricted funerals) until 23rd November 2020. Once the Diocese is able to receive advice that we are able to proceed with the liturgy of Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Bennet you will be notified immediately. As you would understand the liturgy will respect all restrictions as required. In any event the Ordination will be live-streamed in order that we can gather as One people in faith in welcoming our new bishop among us.
A list of live streams across the Diocese is on cdsale.org.au/coronavirus page. This page has listed the Mass times which occur regularly, ie. Don’t change from week to week.
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.
We are a Child Safe Parish. Any children, young persons and vulnerable adults have a right to feel safe and be safe. 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.
Last week, the Archdiocese of Melbourne launched a new resource Ready, Set, Pray! Children’s Liturgy of the Word @ Home and we have been heartened to hear that this has been a useful resource for our parish and primary school families.
The YouTube link (below) enables access to the weekly episodes of Ready, Set, Pray! This site will allow families to ‘catch up’ on previous episodes they may have missed but also access the recent episode.
Ready, Set, Pray! Children's Liturgy of the word @ Home
No Meditation or Prayer Group until further notice.
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP: Over these past months in lockdown our girls have been busy knitting, crocheting and sewing up squares! There is an amazing assortment of beautiful rugs, shawls, caps and socks on our display table in the Parish Office, ready for distribution. So, if you know anyone who is struggling with life in any way, please let us know or come in and choose an item yourself. For further information or enquiries please contact: please contact Kristine (0499 915 784), Philippa Warby (0408 331 340) or Maureen Maartensz (0407 055 447).
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.
Finding Christ in a COVID Christmas
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi