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- St Joseph's School Vision
- Principal's Message
- Prayer
- Assembly Award Winners
- Prep Neighbourhood
- 3/4 Neighbourhood
- Pyjama Day
- SchoolTV - Positive Parenting
- Reconciliation
- School Photos
- Easter Raffle 2024
- Kids Helpline - Webinar
- Stations Of the Cross
- School Closure Information - End of Term 1
- Knitters Needed
- Parish News
- Auskick - Dalyston
- Disco Party
- Wonthaggi Library - Lego Club
- Bass Coast Autumn School Holidays Live Events
- Ritchies Community Benefit Program
- Summersalt - Holidays
Making Mistakes
We have had a strong focus this term on creating a school where everyone is valued, treated respectfully and feels safe. Teachers and staff have been working consistently to uphold high expectations for behaviour both in and out of the classroom. Our whole school approach to positive behaviour, with its three school wide expectations: Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be a Learner, is the backbone of this work. Part of this approach is following through with consequences when students make mistakes. Making mistakes is a part of life that cannot be avoided. Some people find making mistakes hugely challenging, perhaps because they don’t like being wrong or they are embarrassed/ashamed or they can’t see another person’s point of view or they think it will make them less of a person if they admit to being wrong.
We try to teach our students that it is OK to make a mistake and that we should forgive others their mistakes as we would like ours to be forgiven. We give the students a process to follow: Admit Responsibility (own up to your behaviour- don’t make excuses or try to blame others, don’t focus on the behaviour of others-which you can’t control), Say Sorry, Make Amends (try to do something to make up for your poor choices/bad behaviour). This process is outlined in the visual we use below. We strongly believe that by teaching children how to deal with mistakes, we are teaching them a life skill which will promote mental health and wellbeing.
None of us are perfect, as humans we will always make mistakes, how we deal with those mistakes is a true mark of character.
This week on Thursday evening, Gr 3 students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This sacrament celebrates the forgiving, loving nature of our God who is always inviting us into a relationship with him. Through admitting our faults in this sacrament, expressing genuine sorrow and remorse and receiving God’s forgiveness via the priest we are able to make a fresh start, a chance to improve ourselves and grow.
When children make mistakes, they need to know this opportunity for a fresh start is always open to them, an opportunity to experience forgiveness, understanding and to learn and grow from this, striving to become the best version of themselves.
Holy Week
Holy Week, the final week of Lent, commences on this Sunday. This is a time when Catholics remember the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Passion commemorates the short, final period of time before Jesus’ death. Monday, at our whole school assembly, the Prep students helped us remember what Palm Sunday (Sunday, March 24), the first day of Holy Week is all about. Jesus rode triumphantly on a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, with the crowds waving palm branches.
Next Monday, March 25, the Grade 3/4s and 5/6 classes will lead us through the Stations of the Cross, which portray the Passion of Jesus, at 9.15 am, in the parish church:
The Stations of the Cross is one of the most simple, yet powerful, ways to prayerfully walk alongside Jesus and encounter him like never before.
There are fourteen Stations of the Cross. Each is an invitation to contemplate and experience a pivotal moment from Jesus’ sentencing to his death to his burial. They are a powerful way to step into some of the most significant moments in human history and encounter Jesus like never before. One of the most impactful times to pray the Stations of the Cross is during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday.
There are traditionally fourteen Stations of the Cross. Each station represents a different moment in Jesus’ Passion and Death, including:
- Jesus is Condemned to Death
- Jesus Carries the Cross
- Jesus Falls for the First Time
- Jesus Meets His Mother
- Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
- Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
- Jesus Falls a Second Time
- Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
- Jesus Falls a Third Time
- Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
- Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
- Jesus Dies on the Cross
- Jesus’ Body is Removed from the Cross
- Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
The Grade 1/2s will help us recall and celebrate Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Christ, at the Whole School assembly in Week 2 of next term: Monday April 22 at 9.05 am in the gym. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.
Staffing News
At the end of this term we farewell Mrs Carly Zammit who is expecting her second child later this year. We thank Carly for all her hard work and her contribution to our school and look forward to her return in the future. Replacing Carly in 5/6F will be Mr Phil McKechnie. Phil is moving back to the area after teaching interstate. We welcome Phil to our school community and feel very fortunate to benefit from his experience and dedication to the teaching profession.
After School Care
St Joseph's Primary School and TheirCare are seeking interest from families who may be interested in accessing the After School Care Service at Wonthaggi North Primary School.
Children would be required to take the ‘town’ bus which arrives at St Joseph's Primary School at 3:30pm and would deliver the students to Wonthaggi North Primary School at 3:32pm, which is only one bus stop away. The cost of the bus would be $1.50.
Once at Wonthaggi North Primary School, the After School Program would run until 6:00pm and would include a range of fun activities with a healthy afternoon tea provided. Parents would then pick their children up from the Wonthaggi North Primary School Campus.
It is expected the average out-of-pocket expense will be less than $2.00 after government subsidies. Could you please help us determine the viability of the service by clicking on the link below and answering a few quick questions. The survey should take less than 1 minute to complete.
Responses will be collated on Monday March 25.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5WHXDC9
Easter Raffle
Huge thanks to all the families who have donated to our annual Easter Raffle and bought and sold tickets!
The raffle will be drawn next week on the last day of Term 1: Wednesday March 27 at 2.30 pm in the school gym. All are welcome!
As this is the final newsletter for the term, I would like to wish all our students and families a very happy Easter and holiday break!
Joanne Coldebella
Principal
Well done to our award winners who were presented with their certificates at our last assembly, congratulations on all your hard work.
Prep Love and Trust have been busy learning our sounds, segmenting and blending, counting to 20, and subitizing to 10. We are also taking our readers home, and having a go at segmenting and blending the words. We are very proud Preps!
We had lots of fun dressing up in our PJ's to raise funds for the Easter Egg hunt that the SRC students have organised. We can't wait to wear our Easter colours and go on an Easter Egg hunt on the last day of term. We will also start to learn about the Easter story this week.
This week at assembly we sang "Sing it Hosanna" in front of all the students and lots of Mum's, Dad's and Grandparents.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and a BIG thank you for all your support throughout term one.
Prep Team
It has been a very busy start to the year for the 3/4 classes and we can’t quite believe it is nearly over. Our Grade 3 students all participated in NAPLAN for the first time this year and should be congratulated on the way they went about it. Whilst the Grades 3’s were busy the Grade 4’s have been preparing for Stations of the Cross which will be held in the Church next Monday.
We had a fantastic time at athletics today and it was fantastic to see everyone cheering each other on and trying their best. This Thursday some of our Grade 3 students will make their First Reconciliation as they prepare for First Holy Communion next term.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter and we look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 2.
3/4 Neighbourhood
Thanks to those who supported the SRC's Pyjama Day to raise money for the end of Term 1 Easter egg Hunt. Thank you to the SRC for organising this great event!
In this edition of SchoolTV - POSITIVE PARENTING
Despite the best efforts of parents around the world, the reality is, there is no such thing as the ‘perfect parent’. However, arming yourself with the right information is a good start!
Research shows, that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. With the mental health of today’s young people being at an all-time low, it is simply not enough to parent effectively. Parents need to familiarise themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children.
Many parents today are over-protective, resulting in children being less independent, unable to problem-solve or self-regulate. Parents are failing to set clear boundaries, which is unfortunately making kids feel less secure. There is too much pressure on kids today. Parents fill their days with too many activities in an effort to avoid their child’s boredom.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn what is the best approach for primary and secondary school aged children.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Positive Parenting edition of SchoolTV
https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/positive-parenting
A reminder that the Sacrament Reconciliation for the Grade 3 students will occur this Thursday, March 21 at St Joseph's Church at 6:30pm.
It is expected that the duration of the sacrament will run for approximately an hour, students will need a parent/carer to be with them during this time. Families are most welcome to receive the Sacrament on this night as well.
Our thanks to Foon's for another successful School Photo day today. Although some students had forgotten to bring in their photo forms, all students photos were taken and forms / orders can still be returned to Foon's Photographics 72 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi.
If your child was absent you can give Foon's a call to make a time to have a make up appointment made and they will take your child/rens photo for you in store. Contact Foon's on 5672 1411 for further information on booking a time or information regarding photo orders.
Thank you to all of our families that have purchased tickets and made Easter Egg donations to this year's St Joseph's Easter Raffle. For those still wishing to do so could your donations/ticket purchases please be made to the school office by Monday March 25.
Raffle prizes will be drawn on Wednesday, March 27 at 2:30pm in the gym, parents are welcome to attend.
Good Luck and thank you for your continued support.
School Closure Information - End of Term 1
Wednesday March 27 is the final day of Term 1 for students, school finishes at 3:25pm
Thursday March 28 will be a school closure day for staff professional development.
Monday April 15 Term 2 begins.
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch 11:00a.m.
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: Bridie Hoare, Christopher Prentice, Irene Hanily, Cristiano Marcolongo. For the deceased clergy of our diocese.
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.
Prayer Group will resume at the beginning of the School Term.
Lenten Group will meet at 1.15pm at Wonthaggi Church each week during lent season.
Prayer Shawl Group: Wednesday 20th March in the Inverloch Church Annex @ 10.30am. New members are always welcomed- patterns & donated wool are available. Our shawls and rugs are blessed & wrapped, ready to be GIFTED, at no cost. If you know anyone who may be struggling with life in any way and would benefit from receiving one of our shawls or rugs, please contact Maureen Maartensz (0407 055 447) or Philippa Warby ( 0408 331 340) or one of our members, who can then arrange for the item to be collected. Donations of 8ply acrylic would be most appreciated.
Come and See: Bishop Greg has called for the young men of our Parishes of the Diocese to come to St Agatha's Parish, 129 Sladen St, Cranbourne VIC 3977 on Sunday, 7th April 2024 at 2:00pm particularly those who sense a call from God to life as a priest. Or, who simply want to come and enquire. It will be an op- portunity to meet and greet those living the life, to pray with them and have all your questions answered. And, remember, "the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it" Mt13:45
Project Compassion Boxes/Envelopes can be returned by collection plate or dropped of to the Parish Office.
The Inter Church Council ICC will hold a picnic lunch at the State Coal mine on Saturday 20th April 2024. BYO food and drinks BBQ available. All Welcome
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
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
Reminder all signed Code of Conducts to be returned to the Parish Office as soon as possible. Thank you
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.
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