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Dear Parents Guardians and Carers,
Thank you to all families who came to our welcome bbq on the school grounds last night. It was great to see families back on site mingling and getting to know each other. Special thanks to the P and F for organising this event. We are hoping to have further community events during the year and look forward to meeting you all.
Today we celebrated the feast of St Joseph, (it is actually tomorrow, 19th March), with Mass for the middle school and seniors and a prayer service for the littlies. The school is a sea of red today to mark the occasion and celebrate the feast day for our school, St Joseph’s.
Thank you to everyone involved in our wonderful athletics day. The students were extremely well behaved and had a very happy day. We are grateful for parent helpers on the day and for those who came along to support the students. Thanks to Megan Spencer and her team of helpers as well. A great day was had by all.
From 28th March until the school holidays, we will be changing the drop/off pick up zone. Works are being undertaken to change our current drop off area and it will be closed for the last two weeks of term. This will mean that students are to be dropped off and picked up at the other end of the school via the Marist Sion driveway. The plan is for the work to be completed over the holidays so that we can return to school as normal in term 2. The new drop off zone will be flipped around. Further details and a map will be provided closer to the time. During this two week period, students will be dismissed at 3.00pm to ease congestion along Burke Street while traffic from both schools is accessing the same entry/exit points. It would be helpful for all those who can collect their children from 3.00pm take this opportunity to do so. For those who cannot pick up their children until 3.20, supervision will be provided. More details to follow.
Best wishes,
Ros Joyner
Principal
COVID Safe Practices - Face Masks
As COVID continues to spread through the community, it is timely to remind families that face mask requirements are still in place in primary school settings. Students in Year 3 to 6 must continue to wear face masks indoors to stop the spread of COVID, unless a lawful exemption applies. Students in Foundation to Year 2 are encouraged to wear a mask. Children 8 years of age and older must wear masks on public transport which includes our school buses. Good practice may be that students in Year 3 to 6 bring along a spare mask in their school bag in case their mask becomes dirty or breaks. We understand that mask wear is not ideal, however, we must continue to do what is necessary to keep our students safe and at school.
Child Safety - Drop off and pick up
We thank students and families for their continued vigilance during the morning drop off and afternoon pick up. It is important that we always look out for the safety of all children during these times of the day. Please remind your child that if they are dropped off at the front of Marist Sion College, they must walk along the Marist Sion footpath, past their admin block, rather than walking along Burke Street and crossing both the Marist Sion and St. Joseph driveway. There are many buses and cars exiting that area and can be unsafe to cross. It would be a good idea to review your family’s drop off and pick up procedure to make sure that safe practice is in place.
Covid-19 Positive Cases
If your child tests positive to Covid-19, please contact our office so that we are aware of the absence. Victorian schools are obligated to report on a daily basis all Covid-19 cases.
Kind regards,
Camillo Redi
Deputy Principal
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 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
Friday 29 April - State Swimming Championships
Tuesday 3 May - West Gippsland Division Athletics
Friday 20 May - Andrew Chinn Concert (TBC)
*Please note that dates are subject to change in accordance with DOSCEL recommendations
*TBC – To be confirmed
Eucharist Preparation
A message from Deacon Mark
Does God never give up?
Our Exodus reading (Ex 3) touches on God’s consistent faithfulness while Paul in Corinthians (1 Cor 10) reminds us of human failure to be faithful in return, hinting at just consequences for failing to please God. But it is in Luke’s gospel we get a clearer picture of the extent of God’s faithfulness.
In Jesus’ parable of the unproductive fig-tree we sense the frustration of the vineyard owner after an unproductive three years (Luke 13:1-9). We tend to agree with the owner: enough is enough! In justice it seems it is time to chop the tree. But the gardener pleads lenience for another year (and one suspects may do so next year and the next). Justice is all very well but in the fig-tree parable, Jesus gives a glimpse rather of God’s infinite mercy. It is difficult for us in our litigious society to comprehend our big hearted Creator who waits for us with infinite patience.
Richard Rohr explains, “Infinite love, mercy, and forgiveness are hard for the human mind even to imagine, so most people seem to need a notion of hell to maintain their logic of retribution, just punishment and a just world, as they understand it. God does not need hell, but we sure seem to.”[1]
Though Jesus emphasises the Father’s mercy and Paul never references God giving up on us, somehow, over time, we have de-emphasised mercy and over-emphasised terrible retributive justice descending upon us by a wrathful God. Perhaps it was felt that God’s mercy would be taken as soft on sin and the justice model was intended to scare us into loving God. “Threats of hell are unfortunately more memorable to people than promises of heaven.”[2] Our Creator never gives up on us.
Deacon Mark Kelly
1 Rohr, R The Universal Christ p183
2 New Zealand Bishop’s Conference, “Creating New Hearts” [August 30, 1995]
ST JOSEPH’S AND ST ITA’S JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP
We’ve had a couple of fun times already
Our next meeting will be:
5.30pm on Saturday 19th March at
Marian Room, St Joseph’s Church, Warragul.
Info: Olivia 0459790542// Dcn Mark 0427748646
In 1/2DVB we have been learning about narrative writing. We have explored the different parts of a story – who, where & what. Students have created their own character and used adjectives to describe aspects of their character’s appearance and personality. We have been looking at different settings and the characters that would be suited to them. The children have also identified different problems that may occur in a story and the possible solutions. They are now in the process of writing their own narrative, trying to use descriptive language to ‘dress up’ their sentences in order to make them interesting for the reader. Once they have edited their writing, the children will then have the opportunity to publish and illustrate their story.
Middle School
Senior School
Buddy Time!
Introducing buddies
This term the Grade 6’s and Foundation students have been working together as buddies. The Grade 6’s have been helping out with the Foundations to support and mentor them within the year. Every second Friday the grade 6’s have been going down to the Foundations and participating in some activities.
What is buddy time?
Buddy time is a time where the grade 6’s socialise with the Foundation students and connect with them during activities. Last Friday the grade 6’s and Foundation students made a poster together on their favourite activities from the Athletics Carnival. Throughout the year the activities will relate on what the Foundation students are learning at the time.
What is your favourite part about buddies?
We have asked some students in Foundation and Grade 6 about what their favourite thing in buddy time is.
This is what they said:
(Grade 6’s)
Bethany: “You get to spend time and know the Foundation students.”
Ryan: “You get to see all of the new students and help with their education.”
Eden: “The Foundations are cute.”
Rafferty: “How you get to talk to them.”
Riley: “Doing stuff and talking with the Foundation.”
Foundation
Violet: “That they play with you.”
Jack: “That you met your buddies at the blue pole every day.”
Lewis: “To have lunch.”
Mason: “Having lunch.”
Andi: “Colour in”
Conclusion
This was about Buddy time. We have figured that all of the grade 6’s and foundation students have enjoyed this time together.
Thanks for reading!
Sport
Upcoming Dates
Thursday 17th March - Gippsland Regional Swimming Championships
Friday 1st April - Warragul District Athletics
Friday 29th April - State Swimming Championships
Tuesday 3rd May - West Gippsland Division Athletics
*These dates are subject to change in accordance with DOSCEL recommendations
Division Swimming Carnival
Superb conditions for 20 of our students to compete at the Division Swimming Carnival.
We had four students competing in individual events and 16 competing in Relays.
Individual Results
Ollie Ireland Freestyle and Breaststroke (2x Second)
Tyler Wakefield in Backstroke (First)
Cooper Johnson in Breaststroke (Third)
Joseph Faithful in Breaststroke (Third)
Relay Results
9/10 Relay Boys - Third
11 Relay Boys - Second
11 Relay Girls - Second
12/13 Relay Boys - Second
12/13 Relay Girls - Second
Open Medley Girls - Third
Open Medley Boys - Second
Relay Teams
Joseph Faithful, Cooper Johnson, Lucas Campbell, Lenny Barake
Ollie Ireland, Tyler Wakefield, Campbell Moore, Nicholas Wilms, Jackson Marx
Phoenix O’Brien, Jake Christian, Billy Bridger, Joe Faithful
Holly Bannister, Josie Malady, Audrey Graafsma, Ella Marshman
Neave Cunningham, Libby Faithful, Ruby Kemp, Indi Olsson
Congratulations to all our swimmers. We are so proud of your efforts in the pool and the excellent team spirit out of the pool.
Only first placed swimmers represented our school at the Regional Swimming Championships held in Sale.
Congratulations and well done to Tyler who represented St. Joseph’s in the Regional Swimming Championships held in Sale on Thursday. Tyler came first in backstroke and has qualified to swim in the State Swimming Championships to be held at the end of April. Congratulations Tyler!
St Joseph's Athletics Day 2022
We couldn't have asked for better conditions for the Athletics Carnival at Geoff Watt Memorial Track last Thursday. It was fantastic to see so many children participating. Some were challenging themselves to improve their past performances, others were trying something new and earned points for their house.
Mary were victorious this year, with only six points separating first and second place House. John was second, Therese was third and Luke House was fourth.
8/9 Girls - Lexi Borthwick
8/9 Boys - Lenny Barake
10 Girls - Xanthe Dalton
10 Boys - Billy Bridger
11 Girls - Indiana Olsson
11 Boys - Isaac Barr
12/13 Girls - Zaria Dalton
12/13 Boys - Ky Bannister
Students who finished top 2 in their age group are eligible to represent St. Joseph’s in the S.S.V. progressions. Students may compete in two individual events, the 1500m if they qualify and a relay.
At our Carnival we separate the 8/9/10 age group. S.S.V. consider this as one age group. Students turning 8 this year are not eligible to compete in the S.S.V. progressions.
Thank you to the 2022 House Captains. They were very helpful in preparing for the day, teaching chants to their teams and leading by example and encouraging everyone.
To our Parents who volunteered. You were amazing and it is your contribution that makes these days possible.
The St. Joseph’s Staff, as always you continue to be a wonderful support. Flexible and adaptable with the collective goal for our students to have a fantastic experience.
To the parents, grandparents and carers who came to watch, thank you. Isn't it great to be able to get together as a School Community? Thank you for following the directives that kept our students safe and allowed this event to take place.
Aussie of the Month - February 2022
Congratulations to our Aussie of the Month for February 2022
Nicholas from 5/6MT
Nicholas has had a wonderful start to the year. He willingly helps those around him and shows compassion and kindness towards others. Nicholas demonstrates leadership both in and out of the classroom and is a fantastic role model for his peers. He embodies our school values each day by being respectful, acting safely and being a responsible learner. Well done on outstanding leadership and your contribution to our school community Nic!
Book Club Issue 2 is now available. All orders need to be placed by Monday 21st of March.
Link to the brochure:
https://scholastic.com.au/media/6789/bc222_web.pdf
Advertisement link
https://scholastic.com.au/media/6774/issue-2-social-squares_out-now.jpg
Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At St Joseph’s we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth.
This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss.
The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.
If you feel your child would benefit from such a program, please email Melinda Mulqueen at mmulqueen@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au with an expression of interest.
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. In some cases, if you email your child's classroom teacher, they may be away and may not be able to check their emails to forward to the office. 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
3. Phone the office on 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 addressing your intentions to our Principal, Mrs Roslyn Joyner.
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).
ICY POLE DAYS
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
Please ensure all student belongings, especially jumpers and jackets are named!
SECOND HAND UNIFORM
We have a large number of uniform items and school bags that have been donated back to our school. Feel free to come in to the office foyer and help yourself.
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:
Thank you to all the parents, students and staff who attended last night's family BBQ celebration. A great evening was had by all who attended.
P&F meetings in 2022 will be held on the first Friday of each month at 2.00pm. These will either be online 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 ‘Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s Primary School Warragul’ or email stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.
NOTICEBOARD