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Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
It is with pleasure that I write my first newsletter item here at St Joseph’s. The school community has been very welcoming, thank you. The staff at St Joseph’s has a “new look“ with seven new members on board. It will take time for everyone to get to know each other, however, it has been a great start. The children have settled well, including our Foundation students, and the excitement about being back at school was evident as I walked around during the week.
Our front office area has changed during the holidays. With the Child Safety requirements there is now a parent/visitor reception as usual and another student reception which is closed off from the front office. This ensures our students are safe and that part of the school can be locked down during an emergency.
We are in the process of streamlining the communication platforms and parents are encouraged to use PAM as much as possible. Please update any personal details and medical information if anything has changed.
I look forward to being able to meet you all soon.
Warm Regards,
Ros Joyner
From our Deputy Principal...
The 2022 school year is well underway and I am blessed and grateful to be a part of St Joseph’s Primary School as Deputy Principal.
I came from Lumen Christi in Churchill last year working as a Year 5/6 classroom teacher and the Leader of Teaching and Learning. I was also the Acting Principal in 2021 for a period of time. Previously, I have worked at St. Vincent’s in Morwell, St Gabriel’s in Traralgon and spent some time teaching in Melbourne at St. Monica’s Primary School in Moonee Ponds.
I have a passion for teaching and learning, and working with staff to create engaging learning experiences that meet the differentiated needs of our students. I feel very privileged to work with the St. Joseph’s school community and that together, we work wholeheartedly and in partnership to provide a faith-filled, quality education for each child, in a safe and supportive environment.
I am hopeful that 2022 will be a wonderful and productive year for all here at St. Joseph’s and personally, my wife and I are looking forward to welcoming our second child sometime in June.
All the best for the 2022 school year.
Camillo Redi
Deputy Principal
Sunday 20 February - Eucharist Commitment Mass
Monday 21 February - Warragul District Swimming Carnival
Wed 23 or Thur 24 February - Eucharist Preparation Parent/Child Workshop
Wednesday 2 March - West Gippsland Division Swimming Championships
Friday 4 March - Andrew Chinn Concert (TBC)
Sat 5 or Sun 6 March - Eucharist Preparation First Teaching Mass (Liturgy of The Word)
Thursday 10 March - St Joseph’s Athletics Carnival
Monday 14 March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 16 March - School Photos
Thursday 17 March - Gippsland Regional Swimming Championships
Sat 19 or Sun 20 March - Eucharist Preparation Second Teaching Mass (Liturgy of The Eucharist)
Friday 1 April - Warragul District Athletics
- Parents and Friends Meeting at 2pm
Thursday 7 – 8 April - Grade 3/4 Forest Edge School Camp
Friday 29 April - State Swimming Championships
Friday 8 April - Last Day of Term 1 – Students finish school at 2:20pm
Monday 25 April - Anzac Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 26 April - First Day of Term 2
Tuesday 3 May - West Gippsland Division Athletics
*Please note that dates are subject to change in accordance with DOSCEL recommendations
*TBC – To be confirmed
*Eucharist Preparation information can be found in the Religious Education section of this Newsletter
Eucharist Preparation
A message from Deacon Mark
Golden Rule Plus
Most major religions have directives that superficially read a lot like those from Jesus in this week’s gospel (Luke 6:27-38).
"Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you." "This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you." "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."
These are prudent, careful sentiments. A wise way to keep out of trouble with our neighbour. If only the world tried to follow them! Some say they are all part of a universal “Golden Rule” and the “rule” in Luke 6:31 is another version of them.
But you’ve picked the difference already haven’t you! The others are all couched in the negative. What you shouldn’t do. Nothing is required of you. Nothing about love here; no positive action, just don’t bug other people.
Sure that’s a start, but Christianity has something altogether beyond this. In this gospel from Luke, Jesus commands us to “Be merciful as the Father is merciful” to “love our enemies”, “Do good to those who hate us”. That’s a whole new level! And the alleluia verse (John 13:34) underscores that this commandment is not about any old love. This is the love beyond all measure with which Jesus has loved us.
Jesus emphasises that we can afford to be courteous if we anticipate people being courteous back; generous in anticipation of generosity, but his radical command to love makes Christianity unique. This is way beyond! This is active, sleeves rolled up, crazy Christianity and a love beyond all other love! Elsewhere in scripture we are told, “Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action”. (1 John 3:16-18) Mere humans will struggle to love as Jesus loves, but in the attempt we’ll draw ever closer to God.
Deacon Mark Kelly
In Foundation this week we are learning to spell 'cat'. It is our word of the week. Our sentence of the week is 'The cat sat on the mat.' We are having lots of fun learning all about letters and words. It has been a wonderful start to the Foundation year.
In STEM lessons across all levels we have been looking at how students can actively show and understand the working conditions in the STEM room. Students have been modelled and challenged to:
-locate and respectfully use assigned basic student resources such as scissors, whiteboards & markers, textas, masking tape, sticky tape, rulers, pencils, rubbers;
-be inclusive of others with their actions and words at all times;
-move deliberately and safely around the room;
-pack up swiftly and efficiently in readiness for the next class.
This is a one month learning intention across all levels and whilst the activities might change each week, the learning intention will remain the same. Over the coming months we will add other resources to the student resource area (play dough, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, paddle pop sticks, bull dog clips, rubber bands etc.... all the 'cool stuff' commented one student this week :) ). Ideally, in time, we hope the STEM room can be a place where students can choose all resources they need to design, create or build, and maybe see them contribute resources too - such as repurposed products like toilet rolls, cardboard boxes, egg cartons, plastic milk bottle lids etc.. But this is another project a bit further down the line.
We also spent time discussing and sharing our thoughts on what good learners do with students offering some fairly insightful responses such as:
-risk takers / don't be afraid of having a go;
-problem solving;
-show persistence / try hard / don't give up / bounce back;
-share your learning;
-listen to others.
Feedback so far (Week 4)
-students are using inclusive language, like "join our team", or "you can use the bee-bot robot once I've had a turn."
-students have invited others to join or combine teams when wanting to improve their designs
-students are showing they are conscious of moving around the room in a considered, safe manner. Mr Mac has been the only one accidentally knocking down plastic cup towers so far with the wind created by his fast movements! And hasn't he heard about it :)
-students have been packing up fairly well in a short space of time, but this is something we need to work on.
Overall, it's been a fantastic start to the school year and I'm looking forward to seeing where the year takes us in the world of STEM.
Mr Mac
Here is a sample of the designing, building, coding or exploring the students have been doing in the past fortnight.
Students have chosen to:
- Code Bee-Bot robots
- Explore the properties of magnets
- Build with blocks, Strawbees, plastic cups
- Make instruments
- Make a parachute (Annie Year 1 a standout)
- Use play dough, paddle pop sticks and matchsticks to create volcanoes, animals and food (Shanaya in year 3’s hotdog was amazing! And Asha in year 4's delicate fox as well)
Sport
Swimming Trials
It was great to have the opportunity to head to the Warragul Leisure Centre for our Swimming Trials. The conditions were perfect and our students performed very well in the pool. Congratulations to all students who took part.
Our District Swimming Team will be selected based on these results.
Parents and Friends Thank you!
A huge thank you to our Parents and Friends who very generously donated sports equipment for our students to enjoy in the yard.
This year all students will have access to the library for borrowing. Students will borrow with their class, at their scheduled time. If you are not sure which day is your child's day for borrowing, please contact their classroom teacher.
All children will need a library bag. This bag can be a pillowcase, a recyclable bag or cloth bag, as long as they have something to protect their library books. Library bags are available to purchase from the library at $5.00 each.
Once again we will be providing families an opportunity to purchase books through Scholastic Book Club.
Ordering books through Book Club is the easiest and most affordable way to offer students the best in children’s books for the home and to encourage independent reading for fun.
Book Club offers students a wide range of titles in each issue, from popular and award-winning fiction series and charming new picture books, to fascinating nonfiction titles and hands-on activities that stimulate creativity and encourage problem-solving. Plus every order you place, earns the school FREE books and learning resources. Book Club catalogues arrive to school up to twice a term, so make sure you keep an eye out for when it arrives home in your child’s school bag!
The electronic link will be attached to the newsletter.
HOW TO ORDER
1. Your child will bring home a Book Club catalogue from school;
2. Discuss with, and help your child pick the books they would like to read;
3. Order online via the Scholastic Australia LOOP website or app and the school will take care of the rest!
(LOOP orders are electronically linked to your school in an easy, secure online process).
4. The books are delivered to your child’s classroom.
LOOP is the easy way for families to order and pay for Book Club.
Log in, or create a new account at scholastic.com.au/loop
1. If you are new to Book Club, follow the Wizard to set up your profile;
2. Click the ORDER tab, and select your school and child’s class;
3. Add your child’s first name and last initial (so the school knows who the book is for);
4. Enter the product item number shown on the Book Club catalogue;
5. Make payment via credit card.
Attached is the Book Club LOOP ordering guide
https://wlps.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Book-Club-Loop-Order-guide-amended.pdf
Scholastic Parent Guide
https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/
Electronic Catalogue
https://scholastic.com.au/media/6622/bc122_web.pdf
Book Club Issue 1 is out now. Please check your child's bag for the catalogue. All orders are due by Friday 18th February.
We are now using PAM as our main platform for correspondence. It is important that you register with PAM and verify your email so you can receive all communication.
Please note that Operoo is no longer being used by our school.
PAM Instructions
- Ideally parents should have received an email – check your junk/spam folder. If you locate the email in your junk/spam folder – you should make it ‘Not Junk’, then follow the link to verify your email address and set your password.
- If you cannot find the email, please contact our office on 5623 2943 or info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au and we can help you.
- Once you have been provided with your username and password, go to a browser on your preferred device (phone or iPad) and enter the following web address:
http://pam.stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au
- Use the provided Username and password to login.
- Once logged in, you will need to verify your email address by clicking on the link at the top of the screen:
- This will send an email to your nominated email address. Click on the link in the email to complete the verification process.
- Once the email address has been verified, you can use this as your username.
- Finally, go to the main menu at the top right side of PAM, select ‘My Settings’.
- Enter your preferred password in ‘Change Password’ fields (new password will need to be entered twice), then update password.
- It is recommended that you save this webpage to your home screen and it will appear on your phone screen with the following icon:
Meet and Greet
Come join our
Principal, Ros Joyner and
Deputy Principal, Camillo Redi
for a Meet and Greet
Wednesday, 23rd February
10am - 11am
Newmason - Eat Drink and Relax
25 Mason Street, Warragul
Bus Travellers
A message from Warragul Bus Network for all bus travellers:
Please remind your students using the Warragul Bus Network that it is mandatory that all bus travellers wear face masks during bus travel unless a medical exemption is provided.
Please note students who are not wearing masks may be refused travel by the bus driver.
Please stress to your student bus travellers, parents & guardians that this notice is afinal warning, so if a student is refused bus travel, adequate notice has been given.
Thank you all for your assistance in keeping our bus drivers and student travellers safe.
School Hats
Has your child misplaced their hat? For convenience, school hats are available for purchase at the school office. The hats are available in size S-M or L-XL and are $15 each (cash only).
School Fees 2022
Please find below the School Fee and Levies schedule for 2022.
St Joseph's School is committed to providing a Catholic education for young children through balancing the need for responsible financial management within the school while maintaining sensitivity to the financial capacity of parents.
Families experiencing difficulties meeting their fee obligations are encouraged to contact the office as soon as possible to discuss arrangements.
Do you have a Health Care Concession Card?
If the fee payer holds an eligible Health Care Concession Card, there is an annual fee concession rate upon application. Please contact Kitty on kbarrett@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au for more information.
School Fees Payment Arrangement
School fees and levies will be charged at the beginning of each year with invoice statements issued each term.
Parents are asked to indicate how they intend to pay the fees for the year. This can be either in full, termly, monthly, fortnightly or weekly, as a direct debit, credit card, EFTPOS, cheque, Centrepay or cash.
Direct Debit Payment Arrangements
Direct debit is the preferred payment option. Periodic payments are encouraged as this can assist families to manage their fees over the period of the year. Fees can be direct debited monthly, fortnightly or weekly.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) assists with payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
- school camps or trips
- swimming and school-organised sports programs
- outdoor education programs
- excursions and incursions
If you hold a Health Care Card (HCC), you may be eligible. To apply or receive further information, contact: Kitty Barrett on (03) 5623 2943 or Email: kbarrett@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au
ICY POLE DAYS ARE BACK!
Our student leaders will be taking over the coordination of Icy Pole day and the distribution of them.Zooper Doopers, will be available to purchase at lunchtimes on Thursdays during Term 1, at a cost of 50 cents each.
This term, proceeds from the Icy Pole days will be donated to Carita's Project Compassion Appeal.
By donating to the Project Compassion Appeal, we are following some of the Catholic Social Teaching Principles, particularly the "Preferential Option for the Poor" principle.
A small gesture as this can make a big difference in an impoverished community.
LOST PROPERTY
Parents and Friends Welcome
On behalf of our wonderful Parents and Friends committee (P&F), we extend a warm welcome to the 2022 school year to all of our families- new and existing.
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, 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'.
Icy Poles
For the remainder of Term 1, icy poles will be available to purchase at the beginning of lunch time each THURSDAY.
Icy poles are 50c each (if possible, correct change is preferred).
This treat is normally organised by P&F as a fundraiser, however due to current restrictions on visitors to school sites, this term, the Grade 6 Liturgy team have kindly offered to carry out this activity with the support of Mrs Mulqueen. Funds raised during Term 1 will go towards the liturgy team’s chosen charity, Project Compassion Appeal.
Meetings
P&F meetings in 2022 will be held on the first Friday of each month at 2.00pm. These will either be on-line or in person depending on restrictions at the time, with the first meeting scheduled for Friday 1 April.
If you would like to be involved, we would love to have you, please reach out to us via our Facebook page.
Sacrament Team Volunteers
NOTICEBOARD