Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- iHour
- Assembly Award Winners
- School Access - Bus Loop
- School Closure Day - Postponed
- District Netball/Football
- Semester 1 Reports
- New Enrolments 2022
- Closure of Canteen Remainder Term 2
- New Jacket's Available
- Parish News
- Holiday Events at Wonthaggi Library
- Ritchies Community Benefits
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
A huge thank you to all of you for your understanding and resilience over the last few weeks. With abrupt changes including fluctuating restrictions, school closures, the brief reintroduction of Remote Learning and the impact of the severe weather conditions, it has been a turbulent time! Special thanks to all those who passed on the message and made alternative arrangements for their children so quickly when we had no power which affected our lights, heating and channels of communication.
I would also like to thank our staff who have been amazingly adaptive and responsive. Whenever the situation changes it ultimately means more work for them- adjusting to new expectations and restrictions, on the spot problem solving, changing plans for learning activities and making new arrangements. They have been incredibly resilient and tenacious in their approach to creating the best conditions possible for student wellbeing and learning.
On our scheduled pupil free day, Friday June 11, teaching staff attended a very chilly Professional Development session with Dom Ryan and Geraldine Shelton from DOSCEL. Thanks to Dom and Geraldine for presenting without the convenience of power, warmth and the internet. Our Education Support Officers were busy cheerfully preparing resources in another area of the school while listening to the constant wailing of an alarm (which nothing could be done about until it ran out of battery). As this was the area with the most natural light they didn’t have an alternative. They told me they stopped hearing it after a while. Meanwhile Kaye and Vicky were cleaning out the canteen freezer and then moved onto the library shelves. I am humbled by all the staffs’ loyalty and diligence and most grateful!
We were really hoping to have an Open Afternoon yesterday to give students an opportunity to share their learning for this term with parents and friends. Unfortunately we have had to cancel this due to the current restrictions. We will endeavour to share as much as we can through alternative methods: Seesaw and Facebook.
The students, of course, are at the centre of everything we do. They have also been very adaptive over the course of this term. They are proud of their progress and achievements. The 3/4s have completed some wonderful projects and models reflecting local history and the 5/6s have been working hard on their projects on influential Australians and creating dioramas of important events in history. I had the pleasure of viewing all the Prep students’ writing last week- they couldn't wait to show me how they were progressing. I am also fortunate to receive many visits from 1/2 students to display work of which they are particularly proud. Thank you to all the students for their hard work, the way they bounce back during challenging times and the joy they bring to us every day!
I hope everyone has a lovely holiday and look forward to seeing you all next term.
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
The Prep children have been very busy learning about addition in maths and we are playing lots of games to help us learn this new skill. We are working really hard in our spelling and reading groups too.
We are all looking forward to our holidays as we have been such good learners this term and have worked very hard.
Next term we will begin our reading groups in literacy. In these small groups we will play lots of different games to help us with our reading and spelling.
We hope everyone has a fabulous holiday and come back refreshed and ready to go in Term 3.
Prep Team
The 3/4 neighbourhood has had a very busy few weeks to finish Term 2!
Reading
In reading we have been using the comprehension strategies of summarising, predicting and compare and contrasting. These strategies help us to understand what we are reading more deeply and tackle unfamiliar texts with more confidence!
Writing and Integrated Studies
Our writing has been closely linked to our integrated studies topic of Local History. We have written an information report about the history of Wonthaggi, researching a local landmark, creating a labelled diagram and constructing a model of our chosen landmark. We have enjoyed researching our history and found lots of interesting facts, including that ‘Wonthaggi’ means ‘home’ in the language of the Bunurong people.
Maths
In maths, we enjoyed exploring 2D and 3D shapes by building a town and robots from shape nets. We have worked on subtraction and also worked on identifying time to the minute on analogue clocks; this is something that you can continue working on at home!
Religion
We have read the story of Pentecost and explored its connection to the sacrament of Confirmation. We have investigated the signs and symbols of Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The 3/4 unit continue to display a high standard of Being Respectful, Being Safe and Being a Learner and we know this will continue into Term 3!
Thank you to our families for your continued support, have a safe and happy holidays.
3/4 Team
iHour has been an extremely popular Thursday afternoon activity across the whole school with all of the students and staff. We look forward to iHour returning in Term 3!
We have an increasing number of families dropping their child/ren off in the bus loop in the morning whilst the buses are still running which is causing safety concerns for bus drivers and students. We ask families to utilise the carline or the school crossing when dropping off your child/ren. If it is after 9am and the carline has ceased, please bring your child to the front entrance of the school.
Car parking is available at the front of the school when the School Crossing is not operational as the gate to the car park may be closed. Parents are able to access the bus loop for drop offs and parking between the hours of 9:15am and 2:45pm only.
School Closure Day - Postponed
After the disruptions of the last couple of weeks we have made the decision that the School Closure Day planned for Monday July 12, the beginning of term 3 will now be postponed until later in the year. This new date will now be Wednesday December 15.
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St Josephs District Football and Netball, will be held on Thursday June 24 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve from 10.00am-2.00pm. Students will walk to and from the event leaving school at 9.30am.
Students will need to wear their sports uniform, and bring along football boots, football shorts and a mouth guard if required. Jumpers and dresses will be provided. Please bring lunch, snacks and water to last the day.
Parents will unfortunately be unable to attend.
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Semester 1 reports are now available via PAM. Follow the link below to login
https://pam.stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
If you have any issues please contact the office or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
Click the button for a quick user guide to view reports once logged in.
Closure of Canteen Remainder Term 2
Due to the recent power outage the school canteen will remain closed for the remainder of term 2.
Orders that were placed for Thursday 10 June, will be carried over to Thursday July 15 the
first week back of Term 3.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued patience and support.
Earlier in the term we mentioned in the newsletter that we were consultation with Totally Work Wear to source a water resistant coat/jacket to provide students with an option for added warmth and weather protection. We are pleased to say that we now offer a water / wind resistant, insulated, soft shell jacket with the option of a hood. These jackets can be ordered from Totally Work Wear at a cost of $59. The current polar fleece jackets will now be discontinued and phased out over the next few years.
For uniform orders contact Totally Work Wear 5672 5878
Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus. For Carmel Spain and Noel Wright, who passed away recently. In loving memory for the anniversaries of Vilma Dus, Denis Foley, John Madigan, Fr. Denis O’Callaghan, Fr. Francis (Frank) Carroll, Fr. Francis (Frank) O’Regan and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
WEEKEND MASS TIMES: SATURDAY: ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI 6:30PM
SUNDAY: OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, INVERLOCH 9:00AM, St JOSEPH’S, WONTHAGGI 10:30AM
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
This annual appeal gives us an opportunity to assist financially with the charitable work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. All donations go directly to assist those who are in need. Donate over the phone using a credit card by calling 13 18 12. You can allocate donations to a specific conference by giving the name of the conference over the phone. Example: St. Joseph’s Conference, Wonthaggi Receipts will be issued by the Fundraising Team. To make an online donation, go to vinnies.org.au Donors can allocate donations to a specific conference by putting the conference name in the comments field. Example: St Joseph’s Conference, Wonthaggi. Receipts will be automatically emailed out to donors. Cash Donations can be placed in the St Vincent de Paul box in the church foyer on the left hand side as you walk in and we ask you to pray for the work of St Joseph’s Conference.
The opportunity to leave non perishable items/food in the collection basket/foyer of both Churches is ongoing
Thank you for your generosity.
PIETY STALL-OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, INVERLOCH
Thank you to Nell Van Grunsven and Judy Thomas for sharing this important role for so long on our behalf. They would like to now take a well-earned rest and we are seeking 2 parishioners who would be willing to open the stall at least once a month following Mass-the 1st Sunday which coincides with Cuppa Sunday has been a popular time.
Any questions please contact Nell on 56 743072 or 0403 093 886 or The Parish Office 56 721 111. Thank you for considering this request.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis. This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
FAN THE FLAME: Towards Plenary Assembly One October 2021
‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ Mark 4:35-41
As people of faith, we believe that, through the gift of his Church, the Lord has equipped us, and continues to equip us, to recognise the needs of our time and set ourselves to doing something about them.
(Instrumentum Laboris #193)
www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/fantheflame/
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: Support our project of the month and help contemplative religious sisters in Peru to contribute to the pastoral work in Peru and the world through their prayer, their presence and the testimony of their faith. Visit aidtochurch.org./monthlyproject
Aid to the Church in Need/ACN Australia
P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
ST VINCENT PALLOTTI SCHOLARSHIP TRUST
The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral care More information and Applications Forms are available on our website https://pallottine.org.au/scholarships/st-vincent-pallotti-scholar-shipfor-lay-ministry.html Closing Date 30 July 2021
BROTHERS WHAT MUST WE DO? 2021 Launching Nationally on Saturday 31st July, 2021
“They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other Apostles, Brothers-what then must we do?” Acts 2:37
The National Catholic Men’s Gathering for 2021 will be launched online on Saturday 31st July, 2021. Join a diocesan group with your Bishop, or with your Men’s Ministry/Parish group or individually.
Three sessions will be provided online, along with reflection questions for group discussion or individual reflection.
Aim: To inspire and encourage all Catholic men with a vision for personal discipleship, Service and mission in the family, parish/diocese and the world.
Cost: FREE
Registration: www.catholicmensgathering.com.au
Program: Available from Saturday 31st July, 2021
CARITAS AUSTRALIA: Lat and his family live in a village in Kampong Speu province in central Cambodia. Whist five of his eight children have moved out of home, their other three children and four-year-old grandson still live with him and his wife, Em.
Due to ongoing financial struggles, Lat and Em’s children left school early to help their parents with the farming. Only the youngest child, aged 13, remains at school.
Thanks to the support of kind people like you, Lat and Em were able to participate in a program supported by Caritas Australia through local NGOs which aims, in part, to improve community access to basic services including an education.
From this program, Em has now become an active member of a community development committee, leading the way in mobilising resources to improve life for people in their village.
With your support, Em and Lat have been able to contribute to the construction of a small school in their village. The children in their community-including their 13 year old son now have easy access to an education.
‘I feel my village has improved its sense of solidarity by working together and contributing their time and money to develop our community.” Lat says.
This amazing step towards improving access to education in Em and Lat’s village was only made possible through the generosity of people like you.
Every child deserves an education. Your gift this tax time can help vulnerable children like Samang* go to school. Donate before June 30 to change lives.
All donations over $2 are 100% tax deductible.
Caritas Australia: www.caritas.org.au
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP Further enquiries: Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 and Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447.
DONATIONS OF 8PLY ACRYLIC WOOL WOULD BE VERY WELCOMED AS STOCKS ARE RUNNING LOW THANK YOU.
A list of live streams across the Diocese is on www.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.
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.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi
Our Fundraising Partner Ritchies IGA, program now has an App for both IOS and Android smart devices. For those members who don’t have a smart phone, or would like a physical card, this option is also available and can be linked to the App. For further information please see the attached infomation.