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Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
It is wonderful to have all the students back at school! We now find ourselves in the throes of a very busy term, making up for lost time.
COVID protocols are being adhered to, to maximise safety for all at school. With hand sanitising, physical distancing, mask wearing and extra cleaning being part of our routines now. Whole school assemblies will be conducted online and, as you are aware, we have had to cancel activities such as camps, the swimming program, incursions and excursions. In spite of these limitations, staff are endeavouring to make the most of this term. The senior students are/will be enjoying participating in elective activities on some afternoons. The prep students have an art focus this term looking at the skills of cutting and painting, the use of colour and seeking inspirations from different artists.
This Friday, October 29, as well as having our annual Book Week Parade, we will be celebrating World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers' Day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions teachers have made in Victorian communities. I would like to personally commend and thank our wonderful teachers here at St Joseph's for their remarkable work ethic, dedication to the education and wellbeing of our students and professionalism. This year has been another very challenging year, the teachers have shown resilience, leadership and adaptability in response to the rapidly changing environment and continue to do so! They continue to humble me with their gracious attitude toward adversity.
2022 will see our school participate in a School Review. This review focuses on identifying impactful and practical reforms that build on existing efforts in education in Australia. The sole purpose of School Review is to ensure the development of a high leverage, high impact Strategic Improvement Plan for the next four years. The plan’s main purpose is to ensure we are improving measurable student outcomes for every student. As part of this review we will be reflecting on the past few years and evaluating our current Strategic Improvement Plan. We will be analysing data and feedback to inform future directions for the school.
One of the ways we collect feedback is through surveys. Please see the information below relating to the Catholic Identity and Religious Education (CIRE) survey. If you have time, please click on the link and complete it to the best of your ability. It shouldn’t take too long.
The survey is designed to give us an insight into the strengths and opportunities of our school's work in Catholic Identity and Religious Education. The survey has been developed by Dom Ryan, Manager: Catholic Identity and Religious Education, DOSCEL. He is very open to receiving feedback on the survey after you have completed it. You can forward any feedback to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au. If you are able to, please complete the survey by Friday November 12.
School Review Survey Parent Survey
The process of school review is an important element of the ongoing improvement of schools in the Diocese of Sale. This survey tool is a way for your school to examine its practices and shared understandings as a way of identifying practices to be maintained and strengthened, and opportunities to be addressed moving forward.
As a parent, you have an important perspective to share. Please answer each question, rating your response on the five-point scale. Responses are anonymous and will assist the school in its school review.
The link for your survey is: School Review Survey Parent Survey
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
O, Lord.
Give us the strength to not worry about things we cannot control.
Guide us in developing a sense of appreciation.
We look up to you for motivation.
Keep our mind at peace and help us prevent it from wandering off.
Shelter us in your glory.
In Jesus we trust.
Amen.
In the 1/2 area we have been very excited to be back at school and learning with our friends.
During our multiplication unit we have been learning to use different strategies, such as repeated addition, equal groups and arrays to solve multiplication problems.
In integrated studies we have been learning about generations by investigating how things have changed over time.
We have also been exploring how we can voice our opinion using persuasive language and facts to support our argument.
1/2 Team
The 3/4’s are super excited to be back at school - even if it’s only been for a few days for the past 2 weeks. We have been working to complete our Integrated unit from last term, which was Dragsters. We have been making final modifications to our dragsters and getting ready to race them. We have tested some, which was very exciting to watch.
In Mathematics, we have been learning all about fractions. We have been finding equivalent fractions, placing fractions on number lines and thinking about which fractions are bigger or smaller than other fractions.
We are very excited to return to school full time!
3/4 Team
On Friday October 29 we will have our annual whole school Book Week Parade (online).
Students may choose to dress as their favourite book character, this may include wearing a mask or a hat if you don't have a complete costume or if you don't have a costume you may wear your school uniform.
(Please ensure your child has warm clothing and appropriate footwear etc. for playing outside at recess and lunchtime)
This year the theme is: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.
We look forward to celebrating the day!
This term we will be fundraising for Catholic Mission with the return of the FROZEN CUPS. Children will be able to purchase these for 50c on the Thursdays listed below. If you wish for your child to purchase a cup, please pop 50c into their bag. The Liturgy captains will be taking care of sales and I know that they are looking forward to this.
This weekend marks the beginning of our Grade 6 students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We once again thank the parishioners of St Joseph's for allowing our students and their families to take their places at Mass over the next several weekends.
Bel O'Brien
Religious Education Leader
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.
Due to the challenges and upheaval of businesses since the start of 2020, we have decided to ensure we focus our support on the local businesses in our area
This year our raffle winners will be given the opportunity to spend their prizes within the local community with vouchers redeemable at all participating businesses within the Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association (WBTA). This allows the lucky winners more flexibility and choice. Vouchers will be issued in denominations of $100 and $50. What a great Christmas gift a voucher would make for your loved ones!
All details are located on the raffle tickets and can be returned with payment to the school or returned with payment made via CDF Pay. All Raffle books (sold or unsold) are required to returned to the school by Friday 10 December.
Our capacity to continue to undertake improvements around the school is dependant on the income received from this raffle. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our school parents and St Joseph’s parishioners for the ongoing support of our school and students.
Please contact the office if you would like an extra book.
We have had lots of students at school without hats. Please ensure your child/ren have their hats labeled and in their school bags.
Students without hats will need to find a shaded area to sit as the no hat no play policy will be enforced in accordance with our SunSmart Policy.
Hats are able to be purchased from our uniform supplier Totally Workwear Wonthaggi
Many in our school community continue to face financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to supporting families experiencing financial challenges through our School Fee Concession programs, and encourage any parent/carer/guardian experiencing difficulties to contact us regarding fee assistance.
Fee schedules for 2022 have been sent to families via Operoo along with relevant forms. For families who have a have a concession please complete the concession form and CSEF application, please remember that all concession and CSEF applications need to be accompanied with a copy of your current concession card. Could all forms please be emailed to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or returned to the office by Monday December 6. Please contact the office if you require a paper copy.
Credits for Swimming and the 3/4 Camp have been processed and updated statements have been sent to families. If you have not received your statement or have any queries please contact Kaye Carew at kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au or call the office on 5672 1052.
School Fees Schedule 2022 Direct Debit Form
School closure dates for your diary
Monday 1 November, Tuesday 2 November (Melbourne Cup Day)
Wednesday 15 - Friday 18 December - Curriculum, Compliance and Professional Development Days
Please pray for those who have passed due to the Covid-19 Virus and experiencing such hardship in Afghanistan. For the anniversary of Fr. Peter Curran and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
AS YOU WILL HAVE HEARD REGIONAL LOCKDOWN NOW ALLOWS US TO HAVE WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY MASSES BUT THE NUMBER ATTENDING IS NOW 30 VACCINATED ATTENDEES. WE WILL BE CONTACTING PARISHIONERS INDIVIDUALLY TO ALLOW A FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THESE MASSES. PROOF OF VACCINATION WILL BE REQUIRED ON ARRIVAL.
(THESE RESTRICTIONS ALSO MEAN THAT THOSE ATTENDING MUST STILL LIVE REGIONALLY.)
PLEASE NOTE: THAT ALL HELPING TO CONDUCT THESE MASSES HAVE BEEN DOUBLE VACCINATED, INCLUDING FATHER, THE SACRISTANS, CLEANING STAFF AND PARISH SECRETARY.
WEEKDAY MASSES: TUESDAY OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, INVERLOCH 11:00a.m.
WEDNESDAY ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI 9:30a.m. FRIDAY ST. JOSEPH’S WONTHAGGI 9:30 a.m.
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.
JUST A REMINDER THAT MASS FOR YOU AT HOME IS AN OPTION FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR MASS ON TELEVISION (6am on Channel 10, 10am on Foxtel Aurora Channel 173) or online at www.massforyou.com.au or https://www.youtube.com/massforyouathome anytime from 7a.m. AEST
2021 CATHOLIC MISSION WORLD MISSION DAY APPEAL: A SPECIAL COLLECTION BOWL AND ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH.
Please read the MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2021 WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT THE END OF THIS BULLETIN.
CONFIRMATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE PARISH OVER THE WEEKENDS OF 30TH/31ST OCTOBER AND 6TH/7TH DUE TO THE COVID RESTRICTIONS ON NUMBERS ATTENDING IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO SPREAD THE 32 CANDIDATES OVER A NUMBER OF MASSES TO ALLOW FAMILY MEMBERS AND SPONSORS TO ATTEND. PLEASE KEEP THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN YOUR PRAYERS AS THIS YEAR HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION WITH THESE WONDERFUL YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR FAITH JOURNEY. YOU WILL APPRECIATE THAT THIS WAS POSTPONED FROM THE 17TH JULY, 2021.
LAUNCH OF SYNOD 2023: COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION, MISSION
Synod of Bishops: Catholics across Australia are invited to participate in a period of local consultation for the next international Synod of Bishops, which has the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. The People of God are invited to use a guided prayerful reflection method to consider a series of questions and make submissions via an online portal. Those submissions will help the Bishops develop a national report to support the global process leading to an international gathering in 2023. Fine out more at: http://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch
MEDITATION GROUP: POSTPONED
LITURGY GROUP MEETING: POSTPONED
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP There are now plenty of newly wrapped and blessed shawls/rugs ready for distribution to those that you may know who are struggling with life in any way. Enquiries to Kristine in the Office or Philippa (0408 331 340) & Maureen (0407 055 447). The next Meeting scheduled for the 20th September, 2021 has been POSTPONED.
PRAYER GROUP: POSTPONED
FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY: PLENARY COUNCIL: Keep up with the latest Plenary news:
- On our Sale Diocesan website or Facebook page
- Via the Plenary Council Facebook, website or YouTube channel.
- Use the Mass booklets for your parish celebrations visit https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/ or the Plenary Council YouTube channel.
- Listen to daily podcasts from Plenary Council members at https://anchor.fm/plenarypodcast
- As always, please accompany in prayer our Plenary Council Members during this week of intense dialogue and discernment and prayer: Bishop Greg, Fr. Peter Slater, Fr. Denis O’Bryan, Katherine Jelavic, Lize Privitera and Sr. Mary Olofu.
GATHER AND CONNECT IN SHARED PRAYER: You are invited to attend the Gather and Connect group prayer and faith sharing being hosted by the Emmaus Spirituality Outreach Ministry of the Diocese of Sale. The next group prayer and faith sharing is on Monday 25th October, 2021
All sessions commence via Zoom at 7:30pm Events are free but booking is essential via salespirituality@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.
FATHER WALTER SILVESTER sac. Many parishioners would be familiar with the name Fr. Walter Silvester sac, who ministered from Pallotti College Retreat Centre, Millgrove. Fr. Wally died 16 years ago, and every year since there has been a 1 ½ hour free Public Lecture at the Australian Catholic University in his honour.
On Tuesday, 26th October 2021 at 5:30-7pm (AEDT), you are cordially invited to the ‘on-line’ Public Lecture being presented by Jason Kelly, a Mutthi Mutthi/Wamba Wamba man, and Fr. Frank Brennan, SJ AO. The Topic is: ‘Truth, Treaty and Transformation’. It promises to be a very informative evening!!
No registration required. Click on the Link: https://acu.zoom.us/s/84877950748
ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL WONTHAGGI: ARE CONDUCTING A RAFFLE THIS YEAR WITH FIRST PRIZE BEING $4,000, 2ND $750 AND 3RD $250 OF SHOP LOCAL VOUCHERS. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SCHOOL AT $5.00 EACH OR $50 PER BOOK. DRAWN 13TH December, 2021. PHONE 03 56 721 052.
CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE: 2021 Knox Public Lecture. Thursday 4th November at 7.00pm – 8:30 pm.
Professor Eleanor Bourke Truth Telling & the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.
Bookings and Info: ctc.edu.au/knox-public-lecture Phone 03 9412 3333.
Venue: online
Cry of the Earth the Social Justice Statement can be read on https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/06/24/social-justice-statement-2021-22/.
CATHOLIC WOMENS LEAGUE: THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON MONDAY NOVEMBER, 1ST 2021 AT 10:30 am in the Annex at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch. Masks will be required and COVID Restrictions will apply.
MISSAL ON LINE: ‘An App’ which Father Darren Howie finds very helpful is Universalis. This will allow you to follow the Daily Mass.
- COMMUNITY CAROLS IN WONTHAGGI.
Greetings, my name is Jacqui Paulson and I have been asked to organise a choir for this year’s Community Carols in Wonthaggi. They will be held on Sunday December, 12th at the Wonthaggi Rec Centre.
We are looking for choir members. Could you please contact me if you are interested at paulsonjacqui1@gmail.com or 0432 934 681.
CARITAS AUSTRALIA: There is still time to support our global neighbours as they tackle the challenges of poverty.
Your generosity today can help create a better tomorrow for people living in some of the most remote and marginalised communities in the world.
All donations over $2 are 100% tax deductible. Caritas Australia www.caritas.org.au
CATHOLIC CARE: New self-help mental health service for parents, families and individuals.
The demand for mental health services is becoming more and more prominent across the State, and for many regions, waiting lists to access services are becoming overwhelmingly long.
As a response to the increased need for mental health support, we’ve recently commenced a new state-wide mental health service with minimal wait times, called the Psychological Wellbeing Service (PWS).
Using evidence based therapies, our PWS clinicians provide parenting support and mental health support focused on self-help skill learning to aid in recovery, such as problem-solving skills, progressive muscle relaxation, and traditional cognitive behavioural therapy as a more intensive support.
We’ve also launched a free Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide created by our PWS team.
Read more about our new service and download the guide from CatholicCare Victoria.
PALMS AUSTRALIA: All professions and trades are called to assist this mission. Get Ready to Fly! PALMS AUSTRALIA since 1961 Palms Australia has quietly prepared and supported humble Catholics like you for mission. It’s our response as church to calls from Australian and overseas communities to help bring opportunity to the poor.
Sharing our skills with local co-workers helps them to develop their essential community organisations, improving their self-reliance aids sustainable poverty reduction and removes dependence on foreign aid and influence. Your relationships within the local community will transform your heart and soul.
To be prepared for a 2022 placement Enquire by Friday October, 29. Visit palms.org.au Email palms@palms.org.au or call Christine on 02 9560 5333.
Aid to the Church in Need Australia: That Catholic Shop is an exciting development of ACN Australia. It is a go-to-shop for Catholic gifts and devotional items. From Sacramental gifts, statues, books, rosaries, Christmas items and more, there is something for everyone. The purchase you make at TCS go to support the work of Aid to the Church in Need to keep the faith alive in those places where it is most at risk. To browse our full range visit thatcatholicshop.com P.O. BOX 335, PENRITH NSW 2751 1800 101 201/ 02 9167 9517
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