Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- 1/2 Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- School Review Survey Parent Survey
- PAM
- eSafety Webinars for Parents and Carers
- Year 6 Windcheaters 2022
- Frozen Cups
- Canteen News
- Assembly Winners
- Prep Orientation Sessions
- Prep Orientation Sessions / State Transition Day
- Grade 6 Forest Lodge Camp
- Library News
- Hats - SunSmart
- School Raffle 2021
- Finance Information
- Conveyance Allowance
- School Closure Information
- Parish News
- Remote Connections - Bass Coast Shire Council
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
This term seems to be flying by - we are now looking towards 2022. We have welcomed the Prep 2022 classes for Orientation sessions. Kate and Trish have been familiarising the children with the Prep area and school routines. They have been a very enthusiastic bunch and are eager to begin school.
Transition preparation is underway with the whole school orientation session set for Tuesday December 7.
The New Year will see our Grade 5/6s begin the year in the STEAM room, Performing Arts room, Library and Parish Hall. When the building works have been completed, I’m sure they will be excited to move into their new area.
We will cease use of Operoo altogether in the New Year. The SIMON platform will be used for attendance, permission notes, reports, scheduling parent teacher interviews, communication and student contact and medical details. The main means of communication through SIMON is through email. So please check your emails regularly and follow the links to fill in responses where necessary.
Staffing for next year has been finalised:
Principal Ronan O’Mahony
Deputy Principal Joanne Coldebella
Learning Adjustment Leader 3-6 Tracy Allan
Learning Adjustment Leader P-2 Dianne Gin
Religious Education Leader Belinda O’Brien
Planning Leaders Trish Martin, Susan Holmberg,
Leigh Granger, Jennifer Lawlor
Sports Coordinator Michelle Richards
eLearning Leader Kate Morison
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support Leaders
Trish Martin, Travis Newton
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support Intensive Leaders Kate Egan, Leigh Granger
SRC/Sustainability Leader Travis Newton
Child Safety Team Jennifer Lawlor, Kate Egan,
Christie Panozzo, Rebecca Nielsen
Classroom Teachers Prep Trust Kate Egan Prep Love Patricia Martin 1 / 2 Faith Susan Holmberg 1 / 2 Trust Christie Panozzo 1 / 2 Love Belinda O’Brien 1 / 2 Hope Courtney Brann 3 / 4 Faith Rebecca Nielson 3 / 4 Trust Julia Foster 3 / 4 Love Leigh Granger 3 / 4 Hope Travis Newton 5 / 6 Faith Kylee Bertacco Janelle Croatto 5 / 6 Trust Kate Morison 5 / 6 Love Jennifer Lawlor 5 /6 Hope Claire Shannon |
Specialist Teachers
Italian Rosemary Daniel STEAM Nicole Buccilli Performing Arts P-2 Kasey Heim Performing Arts 3-6 Danielle Paulson Physical Education and Health Michelle Richards
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Please note that it is too late to submit class requests for 2022 as this complex process has been finalised.
For your information the following statement appears in the newsletter each year regarding parent requests:
Please be aware that a request has to be made for this current year, we will not be referring to requests made 12 months ago as circumstances change and it is important this is requested and submitted each year. Obviously, we cannot (and will not) accommodate requests for particular teachers; we can only look at the needs of the child.
All requests (were) to be submitted in writing by Friday, 8 October 2021.
It is important to note that once classes are established for the year, no alterations to allocations will be made. While we welcome parent input about your child’s individual learning needs, please be mindful that preferences are requests only and school staff decide the final placement of children based on the learning needs of all students.
The SRC have been busy planning some special activities to celebrate the end of this year on Monday December 14 which will be a casual dress day. We look forward to a whole school celebration!
I would like to thank the School Advisory Committee members: Father Darren Howie, Mairead Taylor, Nicola Sampson, Sara Donohue, Linda Tack, Carla Poletti and Tracy Allan for their support, feedback and advice during the course of this year. It has been most appreciated! Please find attached the Principal’s report for the AGM of the School Advisory Committee meeting, 2021, which was held the week before last.
The end of year whole school / Gr 6 Graduation Mass, will occur on Wednesday December 8 at 9.30 pm. We are really looking forward to celebrating this as a school. Parents and the wider community are very welcome to attend however must check in, bring a mask and show proof of their double vaccination or medical exemption to the COVID marshal upon entry.
Joanne Coldebella
Acting Principal
The 1/2 children have been working very hard the last couple of weeks. We have been enjoying our weekly Footsteps sessions, practicing our dance moves to the song "Who Let the Dogs Out". In Maths, we are looking at symmetry. Creating symmetrical pictures was such fun with some classes using paint while others were tracing.
We have also been learning about important places in Wonthaggi and how they have changed over time. The children needed to research and write what their place's purpose is and who in the community uses and benefits from their chosen place. The children worked collaboratively and created a poster, presenting their information on their chosen location. Some important places identified in our community were the Hospital, Rose Lodge, the Police station and the Wonthaggi Tip, just to name a few. The posters were very well presented and everyone did a great job presenting to their peers.
1/2 Team
It has been another fantastic week in the 3/4 area. Students are thriving on being back in the classroom and resuming many of their much loved activities. Recent highlights include writing picture story books, creating our own islands, racing CO2 dragsters, beginning advent lessons, participating in the footsteps dance program and following our passions in iHour.
3/4 Team
School Review Survey Parent Survey
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.
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 26.
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
In recent days all families would have received a communication from PAM, if you did not do so we would like you to be aware sometimes these emails are put into JUNK or SPAM as they come from a no reply email address. We encourage parents to flag these emails as Not Junk and set that email address to be accepted in the future so that it comes through as normal next time. As we make the transition from Operoo, Nforma, Parent Teacher Interviews and roll all these services into PAM we thank you for your cooperation and patience. Please contact the office if you require your login details to PAM, call the office on 5672 1052 or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
eSafety Webinars for Parents and Carers
The eSafety Commissioner provides opportunities for parents to be more engaged in their children's safety online through information and a series of webinars on specific topics that are challenging for parents to monitor and manage.
This webinar will provide parents and carers with an understanding of the benefits and risks of online gaming.
It is designed for parents and carers of young people aged 8–13.
It will cover:
- eSafety’s State of play research
- the games young people are using and how they are engaging with them
- the benefits of gaming and how to mitigate risks
- practical strategies to use at home and where to find help and support if things go wrong.
eSafety's parent guide to online gaming
Wednesday, 24 November - 7.30 to 8.30 pm AEST
Explore the risks and benefits of online gaming and how to support your 8-13 year-old if things go wrong.
Please click the image below for further information.
Next year, our Year 5 students will continue the tradition of wearing a blue windcheater to mark themselves as Year 6 students and leaders within our school. Details regarding ordering the windcheaters can be found on PAM, orders are to be placed by Monday November 29. If you have any questions please contact the office or your child's homeroom teacher.
A big thanks to all the students who have supported the “frozen cups” for Catholic Mission fundraiser. We are climbing closer to our goal.
So far we have raised a wonderful $297!
The cups will be available for purchase this Thursday November 25.
Bel O'Brien
Religious Education Leader
We have been notified that this week we will unfortunately be unable to provide Sushi as part of our canteen menu.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
24
Wed
24 Nov 2021
9:15 AM to 11:45 AM
24
Wed
24 Nov 2021
9:15 AM to 11:45 AM
Prep Orientation Wednesday November 24
This Prep Orientation session is planned for Wednesday November 24 where the children will attend the school from 9.15am 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.
24
Wed
24 Nov 2021
9:15 AM to 11:45 AM
Prep Orientation Sessions / State Transition Day
7
Tue
07 Dec 2021
9:15 AM to 2:30 PM
7
Tue
07 Dec 2021
9:15 AM to 2:30 PM
Prep Orientation / State Wide Transition Day Tuesday December 7
Our last Prep orientation session will take place on Tuesday December 7 these sessions will run from 9:15am - 2:30pm. New grade 1-6 students joining our school community next year are invited to join us to meet their new teachers for 2022 from 9:30 am - 2:30pm. Children will need to bring a broad brimmed hat, water bottle and a snack for playlunch and lunch.
If you have any queries please contact the office on 5672 1052 or email info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
7
Tue
07 Dec 2021
9:15 AM to 2:30 PM
29
Mon
29 Nov 2021 - 01 Dec 2021
29
Mon
29 Nov 2021 - 01 Dec 2021
29
Mon
29 Nov 2021 - 01 Dec 2021
Please return all Library Books as soon as possible, there will be no further borrowing this Term.
Library Team
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
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.
Extra Raffle Books are available from the office, all details are located on the raffle tickets and can be returned with cash/cheque 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. Raffle will be drawn Monday December 13 please return tickets at your earliest convenience.
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
Applications for Conveyance Allowance close November 25. You can download a form by clicking the tab below. Please forward completed forms prior to this date for procesiong to kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au
School closure dates for your diary
Wednesday 15 - Friday 18 December - Curriculum, Compliance and Professional Development Days
YES IT IS TRUE!! MASS IS OPEN WITH DOUBLE VACCINATION CERTIFICATION TO BE VERIFIED ON ENTRY.
SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED WITH MASKS OPTIONAL IF YOU FEEL SAFE IN MAINTAINING YOUR DISTANCE.
PLEASE NOTE: THAT ALL HELPING TO CONDUCT THESE MASSES HAVE BEEN DOUBLE VACCINATED, INCLUDING FATHER, THE SACRISTANS, CLEANING STAFF AND PARISH SECRETARY.
Father Darren will be away for the next 2 weeks from this Sunday and returning for First Holy Communion on the 4th December, 2021.
Fr. Stephen Onouha (From Koo Wee Rup Parish) will be saying the Mass on the weekend of the 27th/28th November.
DURING FATHER DARREN’S ABSENCE FROM THE PARISH THERE WILL BE NO WEEKDAY MASSES IN WONTHAGGI.
There will not be weekday masses for the next 2 weeks in Wonthaggi but there will be a Liturgy at Our Lady Star of the Sea Inverloch at 11:00 a.m. on both Tuesdays.
For matters of an urgent nature please contact Fr. Manny Lomagno (From the Cowes Parish) 03 59 525 418.
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
Please pray for the Anniversaries of Joyce Baxter, Fr. Raymond Alphonse (Tim) McInnes, Mgr. William Caffrey and our own loved ones. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
SYNOD JOURNEY: 2021-2023 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Pope Francis invites the entire church on the way of synodality, in walking together as a pilgrim people. In our Diocese of Sale, we have experienced acting this synodal journey of walking with each other when we joined the conversations of the Plenary and the 2019 Diocesan Assembly. We have seen how we can be united in working together to build up our community and we have witnessed ideas emerging from conversations that are grounded in prayer. Despite the lockdowns and the great difficulties brought upon us by COVID, fruits have already emerged from our efforts and will continue to do so in the future. Find out more: https://wwwcdsale.org.au/synod-of-bishops
POPE FRANCIS- REFLECTION ON ST. JOSEPH. The Year of St. Joseph will draw to a close on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on 8th December. Pope Francis began a series of catecheses on St. Joseph as part of his General Audience. Please find attached at the end of this bulletin his reflection as well as a beautiful piece by Father Paul Nulley on St. Joseph. Many of the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis and Father Paul echo the rich reflection and discussion by participants the Valley Region’s spirituality event The Spirit of St Joseph held last night in Morwell.
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE VIRTUAL ADVENT SERIES 2021: Over four weeks, five Australia biblical scholars from Yarra Theological Union, a College of the University of Divinity will reflect on the extraordinary richness and beauty of the Advent readings. Speaking to us from their own areas of expertise will be: Dr. Mark O’Brien OP, Dr. Janina Hiebel, Dr. Mary Reaburn NDS, Dr. Christ Monaghan CP and Prof Mary Coloe, pbvm When: Tuesday November 23, Tuesday November 30, Tuesday December 7 and Tuesday December 14. Time 7:00 pm-8:00pm (AEDT) Where: Via Zoom Meeting Cost: Free For more information contact www.garrattpublishing.com.au
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.
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.
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/.
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP : 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
PRAYER GROUP: MONDAY 22nd NOVEMBER, 2021 AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, WONTHAGGI @ 1:30pm. COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY INCLUDING DOUBLE VACCINATION, MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING.
ADVENT GROUP: Commencing Monday 29th November, 2021 and running on 6th, 13th & 20th Julie de Bondt is hosting a group. If you are interested in participating please contact Julie on 03 56 741 464 or 0407 535 032 for more information. This will be in the annex of Our Lady Star of the Sea and COVID PROTOCOLS 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.
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