Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

This is the first official newsletter for 2025!

The students have started back at school for the year with smiles and enthusiasm. Our Foundation students have settled very quickly as have our other new students across the school. We welcome Miss Hannah Derksen, Mrs Lea  Naismith and Mrs Mia Hickey to our school staff and look forward to working with them.

Our welcome BBQ was well attended giving everyone an opportunity to catch up with friends and introduce new people to each other.  Special thanks to the P and F for organising this event. It was wonderful to see so many people.

Some reminders……..

It has been brought to our attention that some families are dropping off their children at school in the mornings using the Marist-Sion College staff car park, which is located along the road and oval in between the two schools. The children then need to cross the road to the gate. This is a very busy road as buses are exiting the grounds using the road way and Marist-Sion College staff are also trying to access their own car park. There is no supervision here and this car park is not for the use of our school community. When children are being dropped off on St Joseph's school grounds, families must use our carline with correct procedures. The carline is manned by staff every morning from 8:30am. Also, when using the drop off car line, it is important to remember that this is not a parking area. It is only for dropping off the children-“Kiss and Drop”. If you wish to park and come into school with your child, then the angled parking bays on the right hand side of the road are to be used.

Thank you for your cooperation. These procedures are in place to keep everyone safe.

Best wishes,

Ros Joyner

Principal

Term 1

Thursday 30 January – Friday 4 April

Friday 14 February                                          Warragul District Swimming Carnival

Tuesday 4 March                                             Parent / Teacher Interviews

Tuesday 4 March                                             Shrove Tuesday

Wednesday 5 March                                      Foundation students’ first Wednesday at school

Wednesday 5 March                                      Ash Wednesday

Thursday 6 March                                            Parent / Teacher Interviews

Friday 7 March                                                  Pupil Free Day

Monday 10 March                                           Labour Day Public Holiday

Wed 12 – Mon 24 March                              NAPLAN

Wed 12 – Fri 14 March                                  Year 6 Sovereign Hill Camp

Tuesday 18 March                                           St Joseph’s Athletics Carnival – Geoff Watt Track

Wednesday 19 March                                    St Joseph’s Day

Thursday 20 March                                         Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Ita’s, Drouin

Friday 21 March                                               Harmony Day

Thursday 27 March                                         Eucharist Parent Information Meeting

Friday 4 April                                                     Stations of the Cross TBC

Friday 4 April                                                     Last Day of School for Term 1 – 2:20pm finish

Term 2

Tuesday 22 April – Friday 4 July

Monday 21 April                                              Easter Monday Public Holiday – No School

Tuesday 22 April                                              First Day of School for Term 2

Wednesday 23 April                                       Year 3 Day Camp – Forest Edge

23 Wed – 24 Thurs April                               Year 4 Overnight Camp – Forest Edge

Friday 25 April                                                  ANZAC Day Public Day

Sunday 27 April                                                Eucharist Commitment Mass

Wednesday 30 April                                       School Photos

Thursday 1 May                                                Foundation 2026 Open Day 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Sat 3 – Sun 4 May                                            Eucharist Commitment Mass

Mon 5 – Wed 7 May                                       Year 5 Mill Valley Ranch Camp (2nights)

Thursday 8 May                                                Eucharist Parent/Child Workshop

Friday 9 May                                                      Mother’s Day Morning Tea & Cabaret

Wednesday 21 May                                        National Simultaneous Story Time

Thursday 22 May                                             Andrew Chinn

Thursday 22 May                                             Eucharist Reconciliation Ceremony

Sat 24 & Sun 25 May                                      Eucharist Masses

Friday 30 May                                                   Pupil Free Day

Sat 31 May & Sun 1 June                              Eucharist Masses

Thursday 5 June                                               Eucharist Post Teaching Mass

Monday 9 June                                                 King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Thursday 19 June                                            Confirmation Parent Information Meeting

Sat 21 & Sun 22 June                                     Confirmation Commitment Mass

Sunday 29 June                                                Confirmation Commitment Mass

Friday 4 July                                                       Last Day of Term 2 – 2:20pm finish

Term 3

Tuesday 22 July – Friday 19 September

Monday 21 July                                                 Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 22 July                                                 First Day of School for Term 3

Thursday 31 July                                              Confirmation Parent/Child Workshop

Thursday 7 August                                          Reconciliation for Confirmation Candidates

Friday 8 August                                                Confirmation Retreat Day

Wednesday 13 August                                   School Concert

Friday 15 August                                              Sacrament of Confirmation Mass

Mon 18 – Fri 22 August                                 Book Week

Monday 25 August                                          Pupil Free Day

Friday 19 September                                     Last Day of Term 3 – 2:20pm finish

Term 4

Tuesday 7 October – Tuesday 16 December

Mon 6 October                                                 Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 7 October                                          First Day of School for Term 4

Tue 7 – Fri 10 October                                   Dental Van visiting during the week

Friday 24 October                                            Grandparents Day classroom visits and morning tea

Monday 3 November                                    School Closure Day

Tuesday 4 November                                    Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Tuesday 16 December                                   Last Day of Term 4 – 3:20pm finish

**Please note that dates are subject to change. Please ensure you check the newsletter and ClassDojo for any changes that may arise.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation 2025

A message from Deacon Mark

Blessed in the Kingdom

Jesus further clarifies (Lk 6:17, 20-26) the Kingdom of God in the “Beatitudes”. Again, he reveals the Kingdom to be quite the reverse of what society often insists we value, the “many in our day who purport to be dispensers of happiness: they come and promise us swift success, great profits within our reach, magical solutions to every problem and so on”. [Pope Francis, 17^th February 2019]

Most of us, by the standards of any age, are relatively wealthy, full, laughing and in good social standing but, listening closely to Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes, we hear him instead proclaiming blessed those who are poor, hungry, displaced, excluded, barred, and persecuted. Not us! In honesty we are closer to those he warns in “the woes”, those who are having their consolation now: we have our fill now, we have every reason to laugh now, and we’re spoken of well now. Australians, in common with the rest of the globe, have issues, but still, we are very blessed and fortunate people who should squirm a little hearing this proclamation. So, how do we respond in the light of this gospel teaching?

Pope Francis suggests the “woe to you” statements are addressed to those who are doing well today, with the purpose of “waking” them from the dangerous deceit of egotism, and opening them up to the logic of love, while they still have the time to do so. [Pope Francis 17/02/19]

We can be rightly proud of and enjoy our largely free, well-nourished, and safe society but Jesus opens our eyes to a wider reality of pro-active closeness to the poor, suffering and hungry, not idolising or selling our souls out to worldly goods or distractions but able to share them with our brothers and sisters.

Deacon Mark Kelly

Please review our carline parking procedures below.

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

Here is the link  https://stjwarragul.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au

The bushfire season is upon us and normally runs from October until April.

As St. Joseph’s is located in a high-risk bushfire area, the school will be pre-emptively closed in the event that the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issues a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating (FDR) which is the highest level of fire danger. This will apply when the warning is issued for our weather district to the school (West and South Gippsland - Region).

A decision is made at 1:00pm the day before if possible, and will not change regardless of changing weather conditions. This will help limit confusion and help families plan for how their children will be cared for when the school is closed.

Where possible, four (4) to seven (7) days’ notice of a planned closure will be provided. However, experience indicates that a Catastrophic FDR may be forecast at short notice. Parents, guardians, and carers should expect that in some instances less than four (4) days’ notice may be provided. No one will be permitted on site when this notice has been issued.

When an Extreme Fire Danger Rating has been issued, the school may close and remote learning enacted - students will join their class online through Google Meet.

This is a part of our emergency management plan for St. Joseph's and every effort will be made to give you advanced warning of a closure. 

In Victoria, it is compulsory for children and young people aged 6–17 years to attend school.

Parents are legally required to ensure their child attends school every day and to provide an explanation for their child's absence from school unless an exemption from attendance has been granted or an exception to their attendance applies.

Absences

If your child is away sick or away due to a planned absence or appointment, please ensure you advise the school office. Student absence text messages are sent out if your child is marked absent without a reason. Emails or ClassDojo messages may be missed in some instances; if the classroom teacher is teaching or the classroom teacher may be away.

It is imperative that you notify the school office through one of the following methods:

1. Log into PAM (Parent Access Module) and register your child's absence;

2. Email absence@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au or info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au 

3. Phone the office on (03) 5623 2943

When sending an email, you may wish to "cc" your child's classroom teacher so they are aware of the absence too.

Holidays

If you are planning an extended holiday (a week or more) during the school term, please email info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au or principal@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au addressing your intentions to our Principal, Mrs Roslyn Joyner.

If you have any questions or need any clarification, please feel free to contact Shirley or Kitty in the office on (03) 5623 2943.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

As members of the St Joseph's school community, we all have a responsibility to keep children safe. To support families with information about the actions our school takes to keep children safe, our Child Safety and Wellbeing policy has been updated, endorsed by our Child Safety Team and shared with our community both here and on our school website. Families are encouraged to read the policy or visit our school website and explore the Child Safety section. 

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards under Ministerial Order No. 1359 require certain roles and responsibilities to be allocated within schools, including the role of Child Safety Champions who supports school leadership to effectively implement their child safety and wellbeing plans. Our Child Safety Champions for 2024 and 2025 are Ros Joyner, Camillo Redi and James McMahon.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Car Line

Our school is very blessed with a long carline with ample parking. However, we continue to experience some issues during the afternoon pickup. Burke Street is extremely busy from 3:00-3:30pm. If you arrive before school finishes, it is an expectation that you move all the way down the carline and fill all the spaces. If the carline is full, take a parking spot opposite the carline and walk to the crossing for student collection. Alternatively, leaving home 5-10 minutes later may be a better option to avoid being stuck in the congestion. Children are supervised in the carline area until 3:35pm, at which time, our carline and Burke Street are clear.

School Crossing

Please remember that the carline is private property and all people using our carline must follow the instructions of the staff managing the area - this is non-negotiable and aggressive or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. Entering the carline via the exit is dangerous and illegal.

When waiting along Burke Street to enter the school grounds, please do not stop your vehicle on the school crossing. For safety reasons, the school crossing supervisor is not authorised to allow children to cross the school crossing if a vehicle has stopped over the school crossing.

Medical Profiles and Emergency Contact Details

We remind parents and carers that it is time to review your child/ren's medical profile on PAM. Any changes in medical needs should be communicated to the school to ensure that we provide the most up-to-date care for our students. If emergency contact details have changed or emails, phone numbers need updating, please contact the office to provide the updates necessary. The most efficient way to provide these details to the office would be to email - info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au

If your child is affected by Anaphylaxis or has any allergies and requires an ASCIA Allergy Plan developed by your child's doctor, please provide information and a copy to the office. In addition, Asthma plans may need updating, please ensure that these are also current. If your child has medication stored at our school, please check with the office that the medication is still in date and there is ample supply.

**All Medical Authority Forms held at school must be updated as soon as possible to allow for any medication changes, dosage or student growth . An email was sent out to all familes on 30 January with medication information and the forms required, depending on the ailment. Please contact the school office if you need any further assistance.

Lunch Orders

Lunch orders:

• are every Wednesday and Friday
• can be placed using the Flexischools app
• are delivered to school for the first break at 11:30am
• can be placed until 11:00pm the night before (Tuesday and Thursday) from a full menu
• can be placed until 9:00am on Wednesday and Friday mornings from a limited menu

The lost property shelves can be found in the multipurpose room. 

Parents are most welcome to come and look in the tubs if students have lost any items of clothing, headbands drink bottles etc...

We have plenty of unnamed bomber school jackets from lost property, mostly new and hardly worn. These can be purchased for a gold coin donation. Children can see Mrs Mulqueen on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's.

Please note that if your child tests positive to Covid-19, it is strongly recommended that students:

• Who test positive to COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five (5) days;
• Should not attend school after five (5) days if still symptomatic;
• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school until their symptoms resolve;
• Parents, guardians or carers advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result.

To assist with limiting the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, parents, guardians and carers should be strongly encouraged to ensure that their child(ren) remain at home if they are unwell, including if they have tested positive to COVID-19.

Absences & Holidays

In Victoria, it is compulsory for children and young people aged 6–17 years to attend school.

Parents are legally required to ensure their child attends school every day and to provide an explanation for their child's absence from school unless an exemption from attendance has been granted or an exception to their attendance applies.

Absences

If your child is away sick or away due to a planned absence or appointment, please ensure you advise the school office. Student absence text messages are sent out if your child is marked as absent without a reason. Emails or ClassDojo messages may be missed in some instances; if the classroom teacher is teaching or the classroom teacher may be away. It is imperative that you notify the office through one of the following methods:

1. Log into PAM (Parent Access Module) and register your child's absence;

2. Email absence@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au or info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au 

3. Phone the office on (03) 5623 2943

When sending an email, you may wish to "cc" your child's classroom teacher so they are aware of the absence too.

Holidays

If you are planning an extended holiday (a week or more) during the school term, please email info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au or principal@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au addressing your intentions to our Principal, Mrs Roslyn Joyner.

If you have any questions or need any clarification, please feel free to contact Shirley or Kitty in the office on (03) 5623 2943.

On behalf of our wonderful Parents and Friends committee (P&F), we extend a warm welcome to the 2025 school year to all of our families- new and existing. It was lovely to see so many of you at the Welcome BBQ last night.

We are looking forward to an exciting calendar of events this year and thank you in advance for your support. The P&F aims to support our school through fundraising, providing enjoyable activities for the children and contributing to a sense of community across our school family.

Join us on Facebook

We welcome all families to join our P&F Facebook page. This is a great place to ask any questions you might have and to engage with our school community - please search 'Parents and Friends of St Joseph's Primary School Warragul'.

Second Hand Uniforms

We have racks of clean second-hand school uniforms, available for a gold coin donation.

These will be available to view at some assemblies. Alternatively, to view/purchase items, please contact the P&F Committee on stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com or ask at the school office.

Warragul Blues Junior Football Club

Moe/Newb Baseball Club

Peninsula Cinemas, Warragul