Celebrating Multilingualism: The Benefits of English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Dear Families,

At St. Joseph’s School, we proudly celebrate the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of our community. As part of our inclusive approach to education, we support students who are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) alongside their home languages. This is not only a core part of our commitment to equity and access, but it also aligns with the values and goals of the Victorian Curriculum.

Why is EAL important?

For students from non-English speaking backgrounds, EAL programs are essential in helping them build the language skills needed to thrive both socially and academically. But the benefits go far beyond language acquisition:

• Academic success: Targeted EAL support helps students engage with the curriculum more confidently across all subjects.
  
  
• Cognitive benefits: Research shows that multilingual students often have enhanced problem-solving skills, memory, and creativity.
  
  
• Cultural identity: Students are encouraged to maintain their first language while learning English, fostering a strong sense of identity and self-worth.
  
  
• Social inclusion: EAL students who receive proper support are more likely to form friendships, participate in school life, and feel a sense of belonging.
  
  

How does this fit within the Victorian Curriculum?

The Victorian Curriculum F–10 recognises that EAL learners are working towards the same achievement standards as their peers, but may require tailored support and time to reach them. The EAL curriculum pathway provides specific outcomes that acknowledge and build on students’ language learning needs and prior experiences.

Languages Other Than English (LOTE) are also a key part of the Victorian Curriculum, and we encourage all students to engage in language learning. At St. Joseph's students participate in Italian language learning as a means to enrich cognitive development, academic achievement, and intercultural understanding, preparing students for success in a globalised world. Our school values home languages as a resource, and we see multilingualism as a strength to be nurtured—not only for EAL learners but for all students in our community.

Working together

We are committed to working in partnership with families to support EAL learners. If your child speaks a language other than English at home, or if you would like to find out more about our EAL and LOTE programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Warm regards,
Trish Martin
Learning Adjustment Leader

Grade 1/2 students have been exploring subtraction through a variety of strategies, including using fact families, making ten, and working with a blank number line. In Religion, they have been learning about the sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation. As part of this unit, students have discovered the symbols of Baptism, created baptismal doves, and examined photographs from their own baptisms to identify these symbols in real life. In Writing, students have been enthusiastically crafting imaginative narratives, with popular themes including toys coming to life and other creative adventures.  

1/2 Team

We have been very busy in the 5/6 area learning about Australian history from the time of federation. We have researched Australia’s first Prime Minister Edmund Barton and the events that led to Australia becoming a federation.

We are also learning about other important events during the 20th century, including the recognition of the rights of Indigenous Australians and migration from different parts of the world. Our reading and viewing work is connected to our history research, and we are writing information reports to show our learning. We are very excited about our excursion to the Immigration Museum in Melbourne, which will further add to our understanding.

Congratulations to the students who played District netball and football recently, they all showed excellent team work, good sportsmanship towards their opponents, and thanked their coaches and umpires for helping out on the day. Coming up soon will be boys’ netball and girls’ football, we wish those students competing good luck. Congratulations also to the students who represented St. Joseph’s at the next round of cross country - there is always lots going on in the senior area!

We have also been learning about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for our Grade 6 students to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Greg on Wednesday evening. This is a very special celebration and we pray for and congratulate these students as they take the next step in their faith journey.

The 5/6 team

On the 30th of May the 5/6 girls went to the Wonthaggi netball courts and played at the District girls school netball. There were lots of different schools there and all the people there were really nice and we had lots of fun.

We left school at 9:00am and walked down to the netball courts. We got there at about half past nine. We started warming up about half an hour before our game. We sat down for 5 minutes and ate some fruit. When we finished playing our netball games we all packed up and some of the people got taken home by their parents early.

The schools we played against were very competitive but they were fair. All of the umpires were very helpful and nice and made a very big effort to help us out for the day and teach us why they had blown the whistle. There were two B teams and one A team. Sadly, none of the teams got to play on but we all did really well and tried our best. Some of the players on some of the teams had never played before but they all did really well and tried their hardest.

By Lilly D, Lily O and Sienna

On the May 30 the boy's football team and the girl’s netball team went to the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, to compete against other schools.

Our first game was at 10:15am. In that game we played Cowes Primary. We won and the score was 148 - 0. We came out really well getting all of the clearances and with the forwards kicking heaps of goals.

At 11:00am in our second game against Wonthaggi Primary School we won 147- 1. Zac and Riley played very well, marking every ball that came near them, kicking a whopping four goals each, and it was a great team effort in our big team win.  

In our third game against Newhaven Primary School at 12:20pm we started a bit slow but quickly worked our way into the game. We were all very tired and didn't feel like running but still worked our way up the scoreboard. The final score was 90 - 8.

We made the grand final. We played at 1:30 against Newhaven college. It was a tough first half with them kicking 4 goals and us only kicking 1 goal. We all dropped our heads, but Mrs Richards gave us a pep talk. We came out firing, kicking 3 quick goals. Then they kicked 1 goal to give them the lead by 1 point. They then kicked the ball off the ground and Jonah got the free kick and kicked the winning goal.

By Zac B, Spencer, and Jed R

We have been acknowledging Sorry Day with the students. Sorry Day (National Sorry Day) is observed annually on May 26th in Australia. It’s a day of remembrance and reflection, acknowledging the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Students gathered in their houses and read the story Walking Together by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler, before creating a pattern on a hand. The hand artworks have been put on display in the library for everyone to enjoy. 

Claire Shannon 
Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader

The Sacrament of Confirmation will occur on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30pm at St Joseph's Church with Bishop Greg Bennet. All are welcome.

At St. Joseph's, we’re committed to supporting every child’s social and emotional development. One of the tools we’re using is the Children’s Wellbeing Continuum — an evidence-based framework designed to help track and understand a student’s wellbeing at a particular moment in time.

This tool offers a simple way to identify where students are on the wellbeing spectrum, with the understanding that children naturally move up and down the continuum over time.

We are using the Wellbeing Continuum to:

• Monitor students who may benefit from additional support

• Collect whole-school wellbeing data to guide planning and programs

We would greatly appreciate parents filling in this short survey for their children: 

survey link 

Claire Shannon
Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader 

Our School Advisory Committee members are organising a community event for parents and children at Summersault Gymnastics, 5-6 McKenzie St Wonthaggi, on Friday June 20.  

Students are invited to participate in fun activities. Parents are welcome to stay or leave the children as Summersault Gymnastics staff will supervise. 

Prep - Grade 2  students are invited to attend from 4:00-5:00pm.

Grade 3 - Grade 6 students are invited to attend from 5:00 - 6:00pm

Please BYO drink bottle and snack.

The cost will be $15 for each child, payable via CDF pay. Payment is due by 2pm Friday June 13 as final numbers will need to be given to Summersault Gymnastics.  

CDFpay

Numbers for each group will be capped at 70.  

If you need to change the pickup arrangements for your child or children, please contact the office at 5672 1052 or via email at info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au before 3:00 PM. This ensures that your message is delivered on time. Please note that any messages regarding changes received after this time may not reach your child in time for pickup. Thank you for your understanding.

SchoolTV is hosting a one-off event sharing invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)
DATE: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Misinformation & Algorithms
• Sexting and Sextortion
• Online Grooming

Please note: Participants MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.
This webinar will not be available to replay later.

In 2025, 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. 

To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: ICAS Assessments

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
2. Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf) 
3. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps)  
4. Enter our school’s access code – NQS609
5. Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.  

Online payment will close on  21st July 2025

An ESO and or a teacher will be present to supervise the students sitting the assessments.

2025 ICAS Subject and Pricing Information

A reminder that If your child/ren will be away from school for a family holiday outside of the school holiday period time that applications for holidays should be submitted prior to your holiday. Correspondence must be sent through to the school office informing us of the dates that your child will be absent for approval of this absence.  This information can be sent via email to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Absence notes must be submitted via PAM each day your child is absent, before 10:00am on the day of absence.  You can also email the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call 5672 1052.

PAM Attendance Instructions for Parents

Term 2 Fees are now due.  Statements for Term 2 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

Applications are to be submitted to the school office by Friday June,13 for processing.

Conveyance Allowance Application

 Term 2 ends on Friday, July 4, at the earlier time of 2:25pm. 

Term 3 commences on Monday, July 21.

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; 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. Sick: Elizabeth Vincent

We pray for the Students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.   Confirmation with Bishop Greg Bennet will be held Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 6.30pm. All Parishioners are welcomed.

Parish Office will be closed this Wednesday, 11th June but opened on Tuesday 10th June.

The Annual Parish ladies lunch is on Thursday June 26 . Venue -Par 3 Golf           Time 12.00pm.  Please place your name on the list at the Church or phone Mary 56741367 if you are attending.

Prayer Group will meet on Monday’s at 1.15pm at Wonthaggi Church each week.

Prayer Shawl Group :  

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

Jubilee of Clergy & Religious

You are Cordially invited to the Jubilee 

of Clergy and Religious

Held at St. Laurence’s Church Leongatha

27 Ogilvy Street Leongatha Friday 27^th June 2025 at 4.00pm

Mass will be Celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held at

St Joseph’s Church Korumburra

6 Guys Road Korumburra from 12.00pm to 3.30pm praying for Vocations

(Pilgrims are encouraged to stop and pray before the Blessed Sacrament during this time on their journey to Leongatha)

Light Supper will be held at Parish Centre Leongatha following the 4.00pm Mass.

RSVP to Parish Secretary by Friday 20^th June 2025 Phone 03 56622020 or email leongatha@cdsale.org.au

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