Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

If screen time feels like a daily tug-of-war in your house, you’re not alone. According to the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll, over 90% of Australian parents report that excessive screen time is a top concern for their children. From schoolwork and streaming to video calls with relatives, screens are everywhere for kids and adults alike.

And with rising concerns around screen time and mental health especially for teens and social media it’s natural for parents of younger kids to ask:

"How do we get this right from the start?"

You don’t need to ban screens or turn into a digital detective.

What you can do is build balanced, mindful screen habits early, and help your child/children learn to use digital tools in ways that support and even build their mental fitness and overall wellbeing.

Why Screen Time Matters for Kids’ Mental & Emotional Health

While many primary-aged children may not have their own phones or tablets, they’re still regularly exposed to screens whether through games, videos, or digital tools used in classrooms.

Children also notice how adults use screens: posting, scrolling, zoning out during conversations all of which shape their developing relationship with technology.

It’s important to know that much of the tech we all use is designed to hook us. Autoplay, reward loops, endless scrolls; these features are intentionally persuasive. So, if managing screen time feels like it’s getting harder, you’re not imagining it.

As role models, we can take back control by helping our kids develop the skills they need to use screens in ways that build not erode their wellbeing

The Early Years Matter

During primary school years, kids are developing vital life skills, emotional regulation, focus and attention, empathy and social awareness and healthy habits for rest and play.

Screen time can support or disrupt these skills. That’s why how we use screens and how we talk about them makes a difference.

Not All Screen Time Is the Same

Supporting tech-savvy, mentally fit kids starts with recognising that not all screen time is created equal. Understanding the differences can help you set boundaries that build resilience, rather than resistance.

Passive Screen Time

Passive screen time is when we’re watching rather than doing—like:

• Streaming videos
• Scrolling social media
• Watching TV or movies

 A little passive downtime can be calming.  But too much can leave kids feeling:

• Emotionally drained
• Disconnected from others
• Less able to self-regulate or cope with everyday frustrations

 Choose quality, age-appropriate content—and ask your child:

“How did that show make you feel?”
 “Would you watch it again?”

Active Screen Time

Active screen time includes digital activities that:

• Engage thinking or creativity
• Encourage social interaction
• Support learning or connection

Examples:

• Coding and drawing apps
• Video chats with family
• Interactive educational games

When balanced, active screen time can support emotional resilience and learning.

After active screen time, if your child is eager to talk or show you something they’ve created—that’s a great sign! Celebrate it!

Signs Your Child Might Be Getting Too Much Screen Time

Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• More meltdowns, irritability, or mood swings after screen use
• Trouble sleeping or skipping meals
• Avoiding offline activities they used to enjoy
• Headaches, sore eyes, or low energy
• Difficulty focusing or switching tasks

It might look like:

• They snap or become emotional when it’s time to stop
• They struggle to engage in non-screen activities
• They can't remember what they just watched
• They’re constantly “bored” unless a screen is on
• Their energy seems drained after long screen sessions

What to Do When Screen Time Becomes a Battle

If every screen-time transition feels like a meltdown, take a breath—this is a common struggle. You're not failing—you're navigating a tough part of parenting in a digital world.

Try these strategies:

Stay Calm & Consistent

Boundaries are important—and often met with resistance. That’s okay.

Acknowledge Their Feelings: “I know it’s hard to stop when you’re having fun.”

Offer Gentle Transitions

“Two more minutes, then let’s choose a book or go outside together.”

Remember:

You’re not just managing screen time, you're teaching self-regulation, one of the most important life skills your child will ever learn.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to win every screen time battle, you just need to stay curious, consistent, and connected.

By modelling healthy tech use and keeping the conversation open, you’re giving your child tools that will help them grow into a thoughtful, balanced digital citizen.
Content: taken from Smiling Minds

Helpful Resources:

• Smiling Mind – Free Mindfulness App
• Source of information: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

Kind regards,

Dianne Gin
Deputy Principal

Staffing News

From next week I will be on a period of leave and will return to school toward the end of Term 4. In my absence, Mrs Dianne Gin will be Acting Principal. It is great to know I leave the school in very capable hands! I look forward to seeing everyone on my return.

Sincere thanks to all who joined us for the Family Mass last Saturday evening. The choir did a fantastic job in leading the congregation in song and it was wonderful to see the church filled with so many families and young people! We enjoyed a lovely supper and chat after Mass and the children seemed very happy to see each other. Thanks again to all who contributed to and attended this event!

Joanne Coldebella
Principal

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

The 1/2s have been busy in Term 4! In Mathematics, we have been learning about time. We have made analog clocks to help our understanding of reading times, including ‘o’clock, half past, quarter past, and quarter to’. 

In our writing lessons, we have been exploring persuasive writing. The purpose of persuasive texts is to make somebody change their mind or opinion, as well as do what you want them to do. Some of our topics in writing so far have been: 

Is reading books better than TV?

Do animals belong in cages? 

Our topic for Inquiry is ‘Through the Generations’, and this week we have been exploring the past. We have been reading lots of different texts about the past including - ‘Papa and the olden days’, ‘My Grandmother’s Toy box’ and also an information text titled ‘Technology - Then and Now’. (see photos) 

The 1/2s can’t wait for the excursion to Coal Creek next week to continue their learning about the olden days!

1/2 Team

What an exciting time it’s been in 3/4! In Integrated Studies, we've been diving into the world of forces – discovering how friction, gravity, and magnetism can change the way objects move.

There was much excitement and a real buzz in the 3/4 learning space as we prepared for all the adventures and challenges of camp. We all had a fantastic time.

In Writing, we've been stepping into the world of fables and narratives. Students have been crafting creative stories with strong messages, clever characters, and classic “moral of the story” endings.

Over in Maths, we’ve wrapped up our work on division and are now exploring chance and probability. From rolling dice to predicting outcomes, we’re learning how to describe the likelihood of events using everyday language and simple fractions.

It’s been a wonderful few weeks of learning, laughter, and discovery – and there’s still so much more to come before the end of the year!

3/4 Team

We’re proud to share the first edition of our Student Child Safety Newsletter, created by four of our dedicated Year 5/6 students — Eva, Nadia, Amelia, and Charlotte.

This student-led initiative aims to make Child Safety concepts more accessible by translating important terminology into age-appropriate, child-friendly language. The newsletter also includes reflections on recent events, such as the Dolly’s Dream workshops, and highlights upcoming awareness days like the Day for Daniel in November.

While our staff are thoroughly familiar with the Child Safe Standards, this newsletter provides an empowering opportunity for students to better understand their rights and the importance of feeling safe, respected, and supported at school.

Printed copies have been distributed for students to explore and discuss in their classrooms

Claire Shannon
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

Mary MacKillop Discovery Day

On the 20th of October the grade 5’s went to Mary MacKillop Secondary College. We arrived on a bus, and everyone was greeted by the staff.               

The Tour:

 We all sat down in some seats and listened to Mr Freeman who is the principal. After he talked we were split into groups. There was the Red Group, the Green Group, and the Blue group. Everyone went on a tour next so we got to see the whole school

Robotics:

Straight after recess, we were back in our groups and headed off to robotics. The teacher talked us through how to work a robot. We had to listen to make sure we could code it properly. They signed into computers for us and made sure to have one on each table. Everyone made sure to not let it fall off the edge of the table. At the end everyone had at least done one code to the robot. It was so fun and a really great experience

Woodworks: 

After robotics we were greeted into the woodwork room. The teacher gave us a look around the rooms. Once we were led back into the main room, then we were sorted into groups of four with an older year 9 to help us. We were instructed to try and make a tall tower out of long sticks. Everyone worked together to help make the tallest tower. Some people's towers got so big that they had to hop onto the table and keep adding. Once we finished, we had to leave them for a minute to see if they fell. Overall, woodwork was very fun and exciting.  

Science:

One of the groups got to do Science in the Science Lab. They mixed chemicals with cabbage to make it change colour. It was really fun to see how the different colours were made. We also learned about the different science labs and different science lessons they do at Mary Mac. 

Recess and Lunch:

At recess and lunch, everyone played outside. We all walked around the school, finding the playground and even the toilets.

At lunch, a lot of us were all lined up at the canteen waiting for it to be 1:20pm. Everyone was excited because they were giving out free icy poles. 

Overall, we had an amazing day. It was exciting and fun to explore and learn about Mary Mackillop.

By Adelaide, Evelyn and Amity

Personal and Social Skills

Personal and social skills are essential to enable individuals to understand themselves and others, and manage their relationships, lives, work and learning more effectively. They involve obtaining knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, regulate emotions, keep people safe, handle challenging situations constructively, show empathy for others, and establish and maintain supportive relationships. Personal and social skills require teaching practices that are research-based, aligned with curriculum and the needs and strengths of the student. They need to be both explicitly taught and implicitly practised throughout the day and across subject areas. The progression of learning in personal and social skills should be assessed and evidenced to report on student growth.  

In this WSAPBS, Personal and Social Skills is: 

• Teachers knowing and understanding what personal and social skills are and the impact it has on student learning 
• Teachers modelling and reinforcing personal, social and emotional skills, behaviours and the school’s defined School Wide Expectations
• Having a whole school plan to actively teach personal, social and emotional skills, behaviours and mental health awareness, through curriculum 
• Collaboratively developing a whole school progression of learning for teaching, assessing personal, social and emotional skills, behaviours and mental health awareness through curriculum 
• Collaboratively enacting the plans and processes for teaching, assessing and reporting on personal, social and emotional skills, behaviours and mental health awareness of students
• Using student data and evidence of student learning to make planned adjustments to ensure a rate of progress for every student in the development of personal, social and emotional skills, behaviours and mental health awareness 

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Co-ordinators
Trish Martin and Kylee Bertacco

FIRE stands for Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education. It is designed for schools to promote respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories. We engage students and staff as “FIRE Carriers” who act as leaders and role‑models in reconciliation. Part of our commitment to the program is to develop a FIRE carrier Covenant which is currently in a draft stage. We would appreciate feedback or additional ideas for strengthening our covenant. 

Please email: cshannon@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Congratulations to Eva Bell for representing St Joseph’s at the Rotary Speech Competition. Eva delivered a wonderful speech and demonstrated excellent public speaking skills. Well done on this wonderful achievement!

School closure dates for your diary

Friday, 31 October, Monday, November 3 are School Closure Days

Tuesday, November 4, is a Public Holiday (Melbourne Cup Day)

Please find the remaining sessions for our 2026 Prep orientation. If you have any questions, please contact the office. We are excited to welcome our new Preps during these sessions!

As we begin preparations for the 2026 school year, we are finalising class structures and enrolments. If your child will not be attending St Joseph’s in 2026, we ask that you please contact the school office at your earliest convenience. This information is important in helping us plan effectively for classes and staffing in the coming year.

Statements for the remaining balance of this year's school fees have been sent out to those families not on a direct debit.  If you have any queries or do not receive your statement, please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Parents and Friends are invited to attend our 2025 Specialist Showcases, held in the Parish Hall. 

The students are asked to come to school, on the day of their Showcase,  dressed in  colourful, casual clothing. Students must wear a pair of runners/closed in shoes. 

Students are invited to AFL Auskick sessions at St Joes!

There will be 5 sessions on Tuesday afternoons starting from October 21st until November 25th, beginning at 3:25 PM on the St. Joseph's Oval. The sessions are designed to be Good Clean Fun and are perfect for kids to learn AFL skills in a friendly, safe environment. 

Dates:

• October 21st
• October 28th
• November 11th
• November 18th
• November 25th

Auskick staff will meet registered students at reception at 3:20pm, (ready to commence the session at 3:25pm) and escort them to the oval for the sessions.  Sessions will run for one hour, concluding at 4:25pm. Students are invited to come and enjoy some fun footy!  Please see the attached flyer to register.

Please note, this program is run by Auskick, no school staff will be in attendance. Please direct all inquiries directly to Auskick.

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00am

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: Joyce Baxter, Paul, Kavanagh, George Kavanagh, Cassie Kavanagh 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.

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

Prayer Shawl Group: Donations of wool would be gratefully accepted (preferably 8ply acrylic). Please contact us if you know someone who would benefit from receiving one. Donations of wool (8 ply acrylic preferably). Newcomers welcome. Enquiries Philippa 0408 331 340 or Marueen 0407 055 447

Prayer Group meet on Monday’s at the Wonthaggi Church from 1.15pm.

The annual toiletry collection during October organized by the CWL -A container for donations will be in both churches during October.  Donations of tooth paste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo etc are very welcome! All donations go to local people needing help.

The next Parish Luncheon will be held on Sunday 7th Dec at Wonthaggi Golf Club, McKenzie St. Wonthaggi, commencing at 12 Noon. Management will require numbers by Thursday 27th November. Please put your name on the list in the foyer of the church if you wish to attend.

DATES TO REMEMBER:-

Blessing of the Graves—Wonthaggi Sun 2nd Nov at 2pm Inverloch Sun 2nd Nov at 3pm If inclement weather, these will be conducted in Churches

Thanksgiving Masses to acknowledge Parish volunteers. Open invitation to any Parishioner who contributes in any capacity to the day-to-day running of the Parish.

Mass Times: Inverloch: Tuesday Nov 25th 11am followed by a cuppa Wonthaggi: Friday Nov 28th 9.30am

Grade 6 Graduation Mass and Presentation: Friday Dec 5th at 12pm

Mass for Healing/Anointing of the sick Inverloch: Tuesday Dec 9th at 11am Wonthaggi: Friday Dec 12th at 9.30am

Please note that these Masses are not just for those who are ill, but for family and friends to come together in Prayer and support.

Towards a Wonthaggi/Inverloch Pastoral Plan 2026-2030 

A Hope-Filled Future: Our Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework is Here!
On Friday, the 10^th of October, Bishop Greg Bennet officially launched the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework 2026-2030.

The plan calls all of us to live out our shared mission with renewed clarity and purpose.

This is a chance to reimagine how we live as disciples and serve one another. Each of us has a vital role to play in bringing this vision to life.

Between now and May 2026 the Parish Pastoral Council will be overseeing the process of developing our own Parish Pastoral Plan which will outline how we will work the six Diocesan Pastoral Goals into our local context.

Phase 1 of that process is to understand the Diocesan vision and goals.  During October - November each of the goals will be outlined for your prayer and reflection through the lenses of:-

What we value, What we expect of each other, and How we are called to act as missionary disciples of Christ.

This week our focus is on Goal #2
Advance Synodal Leadership and Engagement

Goal: To foster vibrant communities grounded in a culture of listening, shared leadership, and co- responsible participation – empowering all, both clergy and lay, to actively engage in the life and mission of the Church.

The question for prayerful reflection and discussion this week is

“What might this look like in action in our Wonthaggi/Inverloch Parish context?”

See www.cdsale.org.au for more information. 

You are invited to get involved. The Parish Pastoral Council will communicate regularly and consult widely as it progresses the development of our own Parish Pastoral Plan.  Please keep this important diocesan and parish initiative in your prayers.

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                                                                        

The WPFNC & WPJFC is proud to announce the return of our youth development football program for 2025, bigger and better than ever.

This year’s program is open for all males and females, eligible for grades from U12s to U20s, (born 1/1/2006-31/12/2015) with training attendance being free for all player participants which includes an AFL Player Clinic on the 19^th of December and a visit to the Collingwood AIA centre.

As an extra to our previous years program(s), we are also excited to offer parents the opportunity to attend a level 1 trainers course (registration needed) and a parent “ahead of the game” seminar as part of this years program.

We welcome the whole community to take part in this amazing opportunity, please spread the word and we’ll see you all there.

Registration and information

https://docs.google.com/.../1-7aWGm8Be7dGdATk1Pvh9gW.../edit