Dear Parents, Guardians, and Carers,

Welcome to Term 3! We hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break. It has been a pleasure to welcome students back with smiles, energy, and a renewed focus on learning. This term promises to be rich with opportunities for growth, both in the classroom and through our community events and faith-based activities.

As always, we thank you for your continued support as we work together to nurture each child’s academic, spiritual, and emotional development.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

As part of our commitment to inclusive education, our school will again participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) this year. This is a nationwide process that takes place annually in all Australian schools.

The NCCD helps schools and governments better understand the support provided to students with disability and ensures that educational adjustments are formally recognised and reviewed.

What information is collected?

Schools provide information about:

• Year of schooling
• Category of disability (physical, cognitive, sensory, or social/emotional)
• Level of adjustment provided (ranging from quality differentiated teaching practice to extensive support)
  

This data helps:

• Recognise and support the needs of students with disability
• Strengthen inclusive practices in schools
• Improve learning outcomes through shared and reflective teaching approaches
  

Important Notes:

• There is no testing or assessment involved for your child.
• The information provided is non-identifiable and complies with all privacy laws.
• All data is stored securely and used only for the purposes outlined.
  
  

For more information, visit the NCCD Portal or refer to the Australian Government Privacy Policy. If you have any questions about how this applies to your child, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Please see the attached Fact Sheet for Parents, Guardians and Carers for more information.

Prayer

At the heart of our Catholic school community is a deep commitment to prayer, which grounds us in faith and brings us closer to God. As we journey together as Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that prayer is not only a personal encounter with Christ but also a shared experience that unites us as a school family. Whether through morning prayers, liturgical celebrations, or quiet moments of reflection, we invite each student and staff member to embrace prayer as a daily habit that strengthens our hope, guides our actions, and inspires our mission to live the Gospel with joy.

Jubilee of Prayer Groups: Parish

As part of the Diocesan Jubilee celebrations, St Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi will host a Jubilee of Prayer Groups event on Saturday 16th August 2025. This will begin at Inverloch Church for Rosary and Stations of the Cross at 3pm followed by a Cuppa. Pilgrims will then travel to Wonthaggi Parish for prayers and chat with different Prayer Groups, followed by the evening Mass at 6.30pm. All are welcome! The St Joseph's Wonthaggi parish has several prayer groups associated with it that are highlighted in the parish bulletin attached to this newsletter.

Jubilee of Prayer Groups: School

Here at school we will also mark the Jubilee of Prayer Groups event with our own celebration at the Whole School Assembly on Monday August 11th at 9.05 am in the hall. Students will be demonstrating the various ways we pray at school and the choir will be performing prayer through song. We warmly welcome parents,relatives, friends and  parishioners to this event. 

We look forward to another term of learning, faith, and community. Please keep an eye out for upcoming dates and events, and as always, feel free to reach out to staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Joanne Coldebella
Principal

Well done to all our award recipients, congratulations on all your hard work!

The 1/2s have returned for Term 3 buzzing and excited for new learning! In Wellbeing, we really enjoyed playing some games that focussed on teamwork and exploring similarities and differences between our friends. We played ‘Fruit Salad’ and ‘Mind the Baby’ relay. We had so much fun! 

Our Inquiry unit this term is titled ‘Listen up!’ We began by listening to a variety of different sounds and having to guess what the sound was. We had class discussions about all the different sounds we could think of and have displayed this in our classrooms. We can’t wait to explore more about sound! 

1/2 Team

What We're Learning This Term in Grade 5/6!

This term, students in Grade 5/6 are diving into some exciting new learning areas!

In Mathematics, we’re focusing on division. Students will explore different strategies such as using arrays, number lines, repeated subtraction, and fact families. We’re working on solving real-world problems and building confidence in choosing the best method for each task.

In English, our focus is persuasive writing. Students are learning how to express strong opinions, back them up with clear reasons, and persuade others through well-structured arguments. 

In Science, we’ve started a unit on Biological Sciences. We’re exploring how living things grow, adapt, and survive in their environments. Students will learn about life cycles, animal features, and how changes to habitats — natural or human-made — can affect different species.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic and engaging term full of hands-on activities, rich discussions, and creative thinking!

5/6 Team

The Prep children are super excited to celebrate 100 days of getting smarter on Wednesday July 30. It's going to be an awesome day of fun with lots of exciting activities planned such as a disco, activities with our Grade 6 buddies, and party food. The children are coming to school dressed up as what they want to be when they grow up! 

Prep Team

CONSEQUENCES

The eSafety Commissioner provides opportunities for parents to be more engaged in their children's safety online through information and a series of webinars on specific topics that are challenging for parents to monitor and manage

Swimming between the digital flags: helping young Australians navigate social media’s dangerous currents

The relationship between social media and children’s mental health is one of the most important conversations of our time. That's why, from mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts. 

This week, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant outlined how Australia plans to take this bold action forward, in a speech delivered at the National Press Club. 

Here's what parents need to know right now: 

1. It’s not a ban, it’s a delay. We’re giving kids more time to build digital skills and resilience before facing the pressures of social media.  
    
2. The responsibility lies with the platform. There are no penalties for children or parents—only for platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.  
    
3. You’re not alone. eSafety offers trusted resources for parents and carers, educators, young people and kids. We’ve got the flags, the swimming lessons, and the safety tips to help you support your kids. And our protective powers in areas such as cyberbullying and image-based abuse will still be there to help if things go wrong.  

Australia is building a culture of online safety—just like we’ve done on our beaches. Because the internet, like the ocean, is not going away – and our kids are already dipping their toes in. To stay up to date on social media age restrictions, visit eSafety.gov.au.

Watch the Commissioner's message

 

When 'love' becomes control

Recent findings from an eSafety survey suggest controlling behaviours are becoming normalised in young people’s romantic relationships. Track, harass, repeat: Investigating attitudes that normalise tech-based coercive control found nearly 1 in 5 young people think it’s okay to track their partner whenever they want and almost 1 in 3 young people believe constantly texting their partner to ask what they’re doing and who they’re with is a sign of care.  

If a young person you know is in a worrying relationship, and you’re unsure how to help, you can:  

• Register for eSafety’s free parent and carer webinar: Recognising online control in young people’s lives, 6 August 2025, 12.30pm 
• Read our latest Online Safety Advisory: When love becomes control 
• Listen to the Daily Aus podcast unpacking the eSafety data: Is tracking your partner healthy?  
• Share this information with the young person in your life: Being in a respectful relationship 

Register for eSafety webinars

 

Supporting boys and young men online

Our latest eSafety webinar on the online experiences of young men and boys was so well received, we’re doing it again! 

Here’s what people said:  

“Keep the sessions coming! We need to talk more about what's going on, especially with the rapid rise of AI.”  

“Excellent and practical content. It didn’t shy away from naming some platforms.” 

“I wish this session was made mandatory in all schools. Fantastic.” 

Join our upcoming session: 

Date: Monday 30 July 2025 
Time: 12.30-1.15pm AEST 

Register for the next session

For additional reading on some the challenges facing young people today (and their parents), here’s some recommendations from eSafety:  

• An unfair fight: how algorithms are shaping our adolescents 
• Shining a light on the dark forces manipulating our teenagers 
• A way forward: Disrupting the darker forces impacting young men online

 

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025 

Tuesday 5 August, 3.45-4.30pm Find out more 

AI-assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat 

Thursday 21 August, 12.30-1.15pm Find out more

Understanding AI companions: what parents and carers need to know 

Thursday 28 August, 12.30-1.15pm Find out more 

Upcoming parent and carer webinars

 

Findings from eSafety research indicate that parents can help protect against harmful online experiences by encouraging open communication and dialogue. 

Regular, supportive conversations about online experiences help children feel safe and understood, making it easier for them to come to you if something goes wrong.  

To help you start the conversation with your kids, eSafety has a number of resources designed for parents: 

• Online safety basics – the 1,2,3 of how to help your children make sound decisions online 
• The hard-to-have conversations – a step-by-step guide for parents  
• Where to get help and support – links to support services like Kids helpline 

More resources for parents

 

Online safety basics – the 1,2,3 of how to help your children make sound decisions online
The hard-to-have conversations – a step-by-step guide for parents
Where to get help and support – links to support services like Kids helpline

More resources for parents

This winter, our school community is coming together to make a difference. We are collecting non-perishable food items to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal, helping those who are doing it tough during the colder months. Every donation big or small can bring warmth, hope, and comfort to someone in need. Let’s show the power of compassion by filling our collection baskets and sharing kindness with others.

What does non-perishable mean?
Non-perishable means something, usually food, that doesn't spoil or decay quickly and can be stored for a long time without needing refrigeration. This makes non-perishable items ideal for long-termstorage, including emergency situations.

Hannah Parrett 
Religious Education Leader 

Sibling relationships are often a child's first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry. It's not uncommon for children to compete for attention, especially during times of change or stress.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgement, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child's individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued. This edition of SchoolTV offers insights to support young people in developing positive, lasting sibling bonds that can remain strong well into adulthood.

Here is the link to your Edition https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sibling-relationships-au

The August 2025 Non-Government School Census collection notice for your information.

2025 Census Privacy Collection Notice

Allocated times for Sessions One and Two have been emailed to all families who have confirmed their child's acceptance for Prep enrolment in 2026. If you have any questions, please contact the office. We are excited to welcome our new Preps at the orientation sessions!

School Closure Dates For Your Diary

Friday, September 5, will be a school closure day. School will resume on Monday, September 8.

Term 3 Fees are now due.  Statements for Term 3 have been emailed to families.  If you have not received your statement or if you have any queries, please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

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

Any changes to be made to existing applicants, please contact Kaye at the office.  New applications are to be submitted to the school office by Friday, August 22 for processing.

Conveyance Allowance Application

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
Wednesday 9:30am: No Mass or Liturgy
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;

Recently Deceased: Thelma Jackson  Anniversaries: Edward Gilmartin For the deceased clergy of the Diocese of Sale. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. “May they rest in peace.”

We pray for the sick, lonely and those suffering from illness and pain. May God’s merciful love shine on them.

Fr Darren will be away on Annual Leave from 21/7—8/8 Welcome to Fr Martin this weekend.

Parish Website is now available to view: https://www.catholicparish.app/wonthaggi

Jubilee of Prayer Groups - as part of the Jubilee celebrations, St Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi will Host this event on Saturday 16th August 2025. This will begin at Inverloch Church for Rosary and Stations of the Cross at 3pm followed by a Cuppa. Pilgrims will then travel to Wonthaggi Parish for prayers and chat with different Prayer Groups, followed by the evening mass at 6.30pm. More details to follow but please mark your calendars now for this Diocese of Sale Event

Prayer Shawl Group : Next meeting will be on Wednesday 20th Aug @ 10.30am in the Inverloch Church Annex. Donations of wool would be gratefully accepted (preferably 8ply acrylic). Newcomers welcome. Enquiries Philippa 0408 331 340 or Marueen 0407 055 447

https://www.catholicparish.app/subscription? id=001Ol00000B2zMPIAZ&req=subscribe

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

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 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.           

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.      

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