Pope Francis

We join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of our beloved Pope Francis, a shepherd whose gentle strength and unwavering compassion touched the hearts of millions. His leadership was a beacon of hope and humility, reminding us all of the power of love, mercy, and service to others. Pope Francis’s deep care for the poor, the environment, and the marginalized was a living example of Christ’s teachings in action. At our school, we will continue to be inspired by his legacy, striving to live out his message of kindness, inclusivity, and faith-filled courage. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit guide us as we nurture the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Understanding Children as Unique Individuals in Their Development Journey

As we embark on another exciting term, I want to take a moment to discuss an important aspect of child development—how children are not simply “mini adults.” They are unique individuals who require careful, guided support to grow, learn, and thrive in their own time. Understanding the theories of renowned psychologists such as Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lawrence Kohlberg can help us as a community make informed, supportive decisions that allow our children to develop into healthy, well-adjusted individuals.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development: The Importance of Support in Identity Formation

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development highlights the importance of supportive, nurturing environments in each stage of a child’s growth. His eight stages of development emphasize how children and adolescents face different challenges at each stage of life, and their sense of self and identity is shaped by the support they receive from adults around them.

For example, during the stage of "Industry vs. Inferiority" (typically occurring between the ages of 6 and 12), children are learning to develop skills, take on responsibilities, and work with peers. At this stage, adults play a vital role in helping children feel competent and capable. When they receive positive reinforcement, constructive feedback, and guidance from caregivers and educators, they develop a sense of industry (a belief in their ability to accomplish tasks). Without this support, they may feel inferior and lose confidence in their abilities.

Additionally, Erikson's "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage, which occurs during adolescence, is a critical period where teenagers work to establish their identities. During this time, their experiences, relationships, and guidance from adults directly influence how they form their sense of self. The decisions they make during these years, with the right support, can lead to strong self-identity. Without this support, they might experience confusion about their roles in society.

Piaget’s Cognitive Development: Children See the World Differently

Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development teaches us that children think and reason differently at each stage of their development. Piaget identified four stages of cognitive development: the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages.

During the concrete operational stage (ages 7 to 11), children start thinking logically about concrete events, but they are still unable to handle abstract concepts. They begin to understand cause-and-effect relationships, but they are not yet able to think hypothetically. Thus, when making decisions, children need adult support to help them understand the consequences of their actions in more abstract terms and consider long-term outcomes. This is why, when a child is faced with decisions, they may benefit from guided reflection, helping them connect their actions with the broader world.

In the formal operational stage (beginning at around age 12), children become capable of abstract reasoning. However, they still benefit from adults' guidance in navigating complex social, moral, and emotional decisions. Their ability to process complex situations is growing, but they may not yet have the life experience necessary to fully navigate the social world without help.

Kohlberg’s Moral Development: Guiding Children Toward Ethical Decision-Making

Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development focuses on how individuals develop an understanding of morality and justice. Kohlberg’s stages range from a pre-conventional level, where decisions are made based on self-interest and avoiding punishment, to a post-conventional level, where moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles.

Children in the early stages of moral development (pre-conventional) often need adult intervention to guide them in making decisions that align with societal values and ethical standards. They might not yet understand the consequences of their actions on others or the importance of fairness and justice. This is why adults must help children learn about empathy, fairness, and the impact of their decisions on others. It’s through thoughtful guidance and support that children begin to move toward more complex moral reasoning.

As children mature into adolescence, they begin to understand abstract moral principles and can think critically about social issues. However, even at this stage, they benefit from adult support in navigating complex moral dilemmas. It’s important to create a safe space for them to discuss their thoughts and emotions and provide examples of ethical decision-making in real life.

Guiding Our Children Through Supportive Decision-Making

As we continue to foster the growth and development of our children, it’s important to remember that they are not simply “mini adults.” They are on a journey, developing physically, cognitively, and emotionally at their own pace. We must be mindful of what decisions/choices we sometimes expect them to make independently- are they ready to do this? By understanding the stages of development outlined by Erikson, Piaget, and Kohlberg, we can offer our children the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to grow into responsible, self-aware, and ethical adults.

In our school community, we are committed to being a positive influence on your child’s development, providing them with opportunities to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Together, as parents and educators, we can provide the support they need to make informed decisions and become the best versions of themselves.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s journey!

Staffing News

We welcome Kaitlin Vacca to our staff. Kaitlin will be working to support some EAL students until the end of this year.

We also farewell Rebecca Nielsen. Bek has been on leave and has now resigned her position. We thank Bek for her contribution to our school community, particularly for the passion and dedication she brought to her role and wish her well for the future.

CCTV

Under the guidance of DOSCEL and in the interests of security and child safety, over the holiday period we have had extra CCTV cameras installed.

Parent Helpers Welcome for iHour and Lunchtime Clubs

Each term there are several Lunchtime Clubs that run from 1.50pm- 2.20pm.

Please see the table below for this term:

iHour allows students to work on a passion project, idea or new skill.

There will be four iHour sessions this term for the senior students and three for the juniors on:

Thursday May 8

Thursday May 15

Thursday May 22

Thursday June 15 

From 2.20pm - 3.10pm

Activities are varied and usually include some sports and art and craft activities.

Parents/Carers or Friends are most welcome to assist with Lunchtime Clubs or iHour activities. All volunteers must have a Working With Children Check and there is a process we need to adhere to before beginning.

Please contact the school office for more information via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au.

Joanne Coldebella

Principal

Congratulations to our assembly award winners.  Keep up the great work.

Congratulations to the students who received sufficient points from their commendations and were presented with a Canteen Voucher at the end of last term.

Our Grade 3/4 students have had a great start to the new term! It's been wonderful to see their enthusiasm as we dive into our new learning focus on the environment. We're exploring the many ways people, actions, and even weather can impact our planet. The students are already showing great curiosity and care for the world around them.

We’ve also seen some impressive growth in narrative writing since last term. The students are building on their skills and showing real creativity and improvement in their storytelling. We can’t wait to see where the rest of the term takes us!

3/4 Team

Senior classes have had fun learning 4-person clapping games in Performing Arts. The activity brought plenty of energy and laughter to the room, as students worked together to master rhythm, coordination, and timing. It was a fun and engaging way to build teamwork and focus, while encouraging creativity and quick thinking. Overall, the clapping games added a playful yet skill-building element to the class that students have enjoyed.

Danielle Paulson
Performing Arts

Cybersafety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives – for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access – it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

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

Routines 

Routines are a sequence of actions or procedures that through repetitive use become habit.  They can provide a predictable, safe environment where independence is increased and positive habits develop. This maximises efficiency, by allowing teachers to focus on learning.  When people can predict the events throughout their school day, they are more likely to be engaged and acts as a preventative for behavioural issues. Routines should be explicitly taught, modelled, practised and reinforced frequently. 

Routines involve:

• Identification of routines required and planning for them
• The engagement of students in the formation of identified routines
• Teaching the identified routines
• Modelling the identified routines
• Displaying and/or providing easy access to the identified routines
• Practising the identified routines
• Consistently using the identified routines in learning and teaching
• Consistently using the identified routines for student movement
• Consistently using the identified routines for administrative tasks
• Consistently using the identified routines to create opportunities to build culture and cohesiveness
• Having routine, data informed meetings to discuss student learning and patterns of behaviour
• Reviewing the identified routines to ensure effectiveness in meeting desired needs

 Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Co-ordinators

 Trish Martin and Kylee Bertacco 

Just a reminder that Communion presentation Masses, will be held for candidates receiving the Sacrament of Communion this weekend on Saturday, May 3 at 6.30pm and on Sunday, May 4 at 10.30am at St Joseph's Church.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will occur on Saturday May 17 at 6:30pm at St Joseph's Church.

A BIG thank you to everyone who donated to our Easter Raffle and purchased tickets! It was a tremendous success! Congratulations to the lucky winners! We also applaud all the students for celebrating the success of their peers! A special thanks to Fr. Darren for drawing the many prizes! We appreciate all the parents and friends who attended on the day and made it extra special for the students.

Our Mother’s Day Stall will be held this year on Tuesday, May 6.
The stall will provide $5 gifts for students to select from. 
In keeping with our cash free platform, we
encourage all parents to pay for their child’s gift via CDFpay before the day.
 The CDFpay shop is open now for purchasing.
St Joseph's Wonthaggi CDFPay Shop

Book Club - Issue 3

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

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
Wednesday 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: Pope Francis Anniversaries: 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 Leave until further notice due to a Hip Replacement.  We welcome Fr Martin Dixon to celebrate the weekend Masses.

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 Shawl Group :  

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.                  

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