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- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Prep News
- Senior news
- Assembly Winners
- Rotary Speech Competition 2021
- Congratulations SEAL Students
- Frozen Cups
- Behind The News
- Book Week 2021
- Bake A Book 2021
- Day for Daniel
- Prep Orientation Sessions 2022
- Hats - SunSmart
- School Raffle 2021
- Finance Information
- School Closure Information
- Parish News
- Remote Connections - Bass Coast Shire Council
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
The week before last was the first full week back at school for our senior students. On that Friday we celebrated Book Week. As one of our 3 /4 teachers commented after school, it was a wonderful way to finish the first week back. Despite howling gale force winds, being stuck inside all day and the whole school meeting online, there was a sense of commerady and fun across the school. Students from each class paraded past class laptop cameras and shared what/who they were dressed as for the day. Levels participated in activities related to some of the shortlisted books for awards. There was weaving, role playing and friendship bracelets being made. It was great to see everyone so relaxed and having fun (students and staff!). Thank you to all the parents who helped the students organise costumes. I know this can be a time consuming, challenging task but I can tell you it was worth it to see their happy faces!
We hope next year we are able to share this event with parents and friends face to face!
Over the past few and coming weeks the Grade 6 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at the parish church in small groups. This event has been postponed since early second term. Although the students have missed receiving the sacrament in a large group the Masses have been lovely, intimate and reverent celebrations. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the children receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel (right judgement), fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety (reverence), and wonder/awe of the Lord and we pray that these gifts will be utilised and developed as they continue to grow and face new challenges in the years ahead. Thanks to the parents, parish and school staff who helped prepare the students for this event. The First Holy Communion Mass will be held on Saturday December 4 at 6.30pm.
We have welcomed the easing of many restrictions as of last week. We were able to have a face-to- face whole school assembly yesterday which was terrific. It is still mandatory for all adults and Grades 3-6 students to wear face masks indoors and I ask parents for assistance in ensuring their children in these grades bring a mask to school. For Prep- 2 students face masks are optional but recommended. Density quotients, enhanced hygiene and cleaning continue.
For your information please note the following information on Close Contacts:
COVID-19 close contacts
There is a high chance that people who have been close to someone with COVID-19 will get the virus and spread it to other people.
Close contacts can be:
- someone who has had face-to-face contact or spent time in a closed space with someone who has COVID-19 while they were infectious.
- someone who has been in an outbreak or other setting where there is a higher risk of transmission of COVID-19.
The Victorian Chief Health Officer or delegate may also identify someone as a primary close contact based on knowledge of a case or outbreak.
Close contact with someone can happen in many ways, such as:
- living in the same household or similar setting (for example, a boarding school or hostel)
- being indoors together, including in a car, lift or public transport
- being at a public exposure site at a similar time
- direct contact with the body fluids or laboratory specimens of a person with COVID-19.
Close contacts are notified directly by DH regarding requirements for quarantine and testing.
Students and staff who have been identified as a primary close contact (PCC) are not able to attend the school until their isolation period, as advised by DH, has concluded.
If the student is attending school and DH advises that they are a PCC, they must be sent home. The school is not required to close.
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
The Preps have been very busy learning about mental addition strategies such as ‘Make to 10 and ‘Doubles’ in Maths lessons. We have been working hard with our Writing skills and enjoying reading, retelling and writing the story or facts in our own words. Next week in Integrated Studies lessons, we commence making our animal habitat diorama with the cardboard boxes we have been collecting.
“I like Assembly because you get raffle tickets and prizes”, by Teddy.
“I like writing”, by Aiden
“I like playing footy”, by Marcus
“I like reading groups”, by Heidi
Prep Team
We are all happy to be back at school and able to see all of our friends again. We have been working on fractions and decimals and will soon be revising multiplication and division. In writing we have been working on information reports and we have published a website on a country that we researched. Our next topic will be writing an information report on a leader we admire. We are also learning about formal and informal language and when it is appropriate to use different language styles. In Integrated Studies we are learning about the difference between needs and wants and different types of resources.
Congratulations to all the Grade 6 students who have celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation over the last two weekends. We have been waiting a long time for the celebration and it is exciting to finally take part.
There are lots of fun events happening at the moment. On Wednesdays Mr Newton has been running a footy game at lunchtime for the senior students. Also on a Wednesday the 5/6 students are dancing in our Footsteps session. This will help us get ready for our graduation dance, which we will start practising soon.
5/6 Team
Rotary Speech Competition 2021
Congratulations to Olive Clifford who achieved Third Place in the Rotary Speech Competition and delivered her speech at assembly this week.
Congratulations to our record number of successful applicants for the SEAL
(Select Entry Accelerated Learning) Program at Bass Coast College for 2022.
These students excelled in the entry exams and interview process to achieve selection in this highly sought after program. Congratulations and good luck!
Hayden Bell, Turi Holmberg, Robert Hullick, Alby O'Mahony, Eddie Coyne, Juliette Sibly,
Lani Horrocks, Ruby Morris (Absent)
Thank you so much to all the students who supported the return of the “frozen cups” for Catholic Mission fundraiser. So far we have raised an amazing $153 dollars! The cups will be available for purchase this Thursday 11th November.
Bel O'Brien
Religious Education Leader
Look out for a special guest appearance from our 3/4 students during this episode of Behind The News (9min:13sec).
Well done to our school community for celebrating Book Week by coming to school dressed as their favourite book character! There were so many great costumes. It was pleasing to see the student’s enthusiasm and love of reading embraced in the theme “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds”.
Thank you to the staff for immersing themselves in the enjoyment of books to come dressed as their favourite books characters too.
A great effort by those 5/6 Students who participated in Bake a Book at home this year.
Thanks for sending in photos of your creations, an amazing job by all!
Our school supported Day for Daniel which is one of Australia's largest child safety and awareness days. The students were encouraged to take part in activities designed to help them recognise, react and respond to unsafe situations. This also aligns with our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support - School Wide Expectation: Safety.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation website has some fantastic resources for parents and carers wanting to know more about child safety and how to speak to their children about safety.
Prep Orientation Sessions 2022
10
Wed
10 Nov 2021
9:15 AM to 11:45 AM
10
Wed
10 Nov 2021
9:15 AM to 11:45 AM
Prep Orientation Wednesday November 10
This Prep Orientation session is planned for Wednesday November 10 where the children will attend the school from 9.15 to 11.45am as stated in the Orientation schedule. Children will need to bring a broad brimmed hat, water bottle and a snack for playlunch. Drop off and Pick up details have been emailed to parents. If you have any queries please contact the office on 5672 1052 or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
10
Wed
10 Nov 2021
9:15 AM to 11:45 AM
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
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
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.
Term 4 fees are now due to be finalised, 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.
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 no later than Monday December 6. Please contact the office if you require a paper copy.
School Fees Schedule 2022 Direct Debit Form
School closure dates for your diary
Wednesday 15 - Friday 18 December - Curriculum, Compliance and Professional Development Days
Please pray for Beverley McWhinney, who passed away recently and the Anniversaries of Colin Butcher, Fr. Denis O’Callaghan and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
WEEKEND MASSES IN THE PARISH WILL RECOMMENCE ON 13TH/14TH NOVEMBER, 2021 FOR FULLY VACCINATED PARISHIONERS. SATURDAY 6:30pm WONTHAGGI, SUNDAY 9:00a.m. INVERLOCH,
10:30am WONTHAGGI. NO BOOKINGS ARE NECESSARY BUT COVID QUOTA LIMITS WILL BE APPLIED.
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
SYNOD JOURNEY: Weekend 6-7th November, 2021 - SYNOD 2023 Walking Together
Pope Francis has invited the whole Church to join him on 2-year journey in preparation for gathering of the Synod of Bishops in 2023. Our journey is characterised by three main themes Communion-Participation-Mission. As baptised People of God we are all part of this journey as we walk together listening and learning from each other and being guided by God’s Holy Spirit. Every church, diocese and Catholic agency is invited to engage in this walking together. Watch the video https://tinyurl.com/Synod2023-video
MEDITATION GROUP: POSTPONED
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP : Welcome back!! Our next gathering will be on Monday 15th @ 2:15pm in the annex of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch. Newcomers are always welcome, even if not a knitter! Come for a cuppa & chat & meet new people! There is a wonderful collection of shawls & rugs (bedsocks & caps) in the Parish Office, available for anyone who is struggling with life in any way. Please contact Kristine or one of our members. For enquiries: Maureen Maartensz 0407 055 447 Philippa Warby 0408 331 340 (PLEASE NOTE THAT PROOF OF DOUBLE VACCINATION WILL BE REQUIRED ON ARRIVAL AS THE PARISH LOOKS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE)
PRAYER GROUP: WILL RECOMMENCE ON MONDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2021 AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, WONTHAGGI @ 1:15pm. COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY INCLUDING DOUBLE VACCINATION, MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Father Darren Howie Mrs. Kristine McRae
Parish Priest Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi