It was wonderful to see so many fathers, step fathers, grandfathers and special people arrive with their children for breakfast this morning. The children really look forward to this special time and there were many happy faces. Thanks to the P and F for organising the Lions Club to cater for the breakfast. We all hope you enjoyed it.

It has been an especially busy week this week particularly for our senior students. The Count Back production was amazing, showcasing so much talent! It was such a pleasure to see the students so animated and working together in teams to put this show together. It was a fun, fast paced and exciting performance. Special thanks to Rose Butera and all other staff who were involved. What a joy to see the confidence growing in our students.

The senior students also participated in a leadership and Confirmation day on Wednesday where they combined with students from our other local Catholic primary schools under the guidance of Gen Bryant. Students from Marist-Sion College were also on hand to assist with group activities. By all accounts this was a very successful day which the students enjoyed.

Parent Teacher interviews will be held next week. Please take this opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher to discuss how they are learning and talk about any concerns you may have.

It has been a big week! I hope everyone has a restful and refreshing weekend and I wish all ‘fathers’ a very happy Father’s Day.

Best wishes,

Roslyn Joyner

Principal

TERM 3

Monday 4 September                   - Marist-Sion Private Buses NOT running

Tuesday 5 September                   - Parent/Teacher Interviews

Thursday 7 September                  - Parent/Teacher Interviews

Friday 8 September                        - Sacrament of Confirmation (Marist-Sion Hall)

                                                                - Grade 3/4 Musical Rehearsal at Marist 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Sunday 10 September                   - Parish Family Picnic – Marist-Sion Hall

Tuesday 12 September                 - Middle School Musical (Grades 3/4) 6:30pm at Marian Theatre, Marist-Sion College

Thursday 14 September               - Middle School Musical (Grades 3/4) 12:00pm & 6:30pm at Marian Theatre, Marist-Sion College

Friday 15 September                     - Last day of Term 3 – school finish time is 2:20pm

TERM 4

Monday 2 October                          - First day of Term 4

Mon 2 – Fri 6 Oct                             - Dental Van visit

Friday 6 October                              - Footy Day

Tuesday 10 October                       - Gippsland Regional Athletics at Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough

Friday 27 October                            - Day for Daniel

Monday 6 November                    - School Closed

Tuesday 7 November                    - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Friday 10 November                      - Colour Run (back up date Fri 24 Nov)

Mon 27 – Wed 29 November     - Grade 5 Camp – Camp Rumbug, Foster Nth

Thursday 30 November                - Senior Swimming Carnival

Saturday 2 December                    - First Holy Communion Mass at 7pm

Sunday 3 December                       - First Holy Communion Mass at 9am

Mon 4 – Wed 6 December           - Grade 6 Camp – Urban Camp Melbourne

Thursday 7 December                   - Senior Swimming Carnival (back up date)

Friday 8 December                         - Grade 6 Gumbuya World Excursion

Friday 15 December                       - Last day of Term 4 – school finish time is normal at 3:20pm

*Please note that dates are subject to change in accordance with DOSCEL recommendations

Sacrament of Confirmation

Next Friday, 8^th September 7pm at Marist Sion College, 37 candidates from the Parishes of St. Joseph’s Warragul and St. Ita’s Drouin will be confirmed by Bishop Greg Bennet. We thank Bishop Greg for celebrating this Sacrament with the candidates. Congratulations to the children who have taken this important step in completing their Sacraments of Initiation. Special thanks to the Sacrament Team, and all those involved in helping prepare the children for this Sacrament.

A message from Deacon Mark

Jesus has a disturbing habit of asking questions that catch you on the Achilles heel! Just when we are comfortable about our progress in the world, just when we think we’re getting it all together: the biggest house, the best education, the hottest car (not to mention partner), the coolest friends, the trendiest clothes, the trimmest figure, the smartest wit, the sportiest achievements, the best prospects and plenty of affirmation from those around us; just when we have seriously arrived, Jesus asks a question like he does in this gospel of Matthew:

“What then will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life?” (Matt 16:21-27)

Then all our possessions and fixations, our whole world, comes tumbling down around us! Oops! Have we been focussing on the things of this world to the exclusion of those only things that really matter: love of God and love of neighbours? It isn’t goodies but relationships that are everything!

We are called and invited to enjoy the blessings of this world. They are gifts from our Father. What we are also called to do though is to put them in context. If we are enjoying our gifts in a way which gives honour to the giver, if we apply our gifts and our riches in love of our neighbours, then we are welcome to them with God’s blessing.

If, though, we use our gifts, our circumstances and even our achievements to hurt, harm or exploit others; if we fail to acknowledge our creator and his image in all people, then we are in danger of ruining our life.

This passage reminds us to take stock of the busyness of our lives; to refocus on those things that really matter: the people at home, the people at school or work, those in our community, indeed this world full of God’s people and on God, the Creator of it all.

Migrant and refugee Sunday update

Theme for the 109^th World Day of Migrants and Refugees:

‘Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay’.

Arrangements are underway for our Combined parish celebration of Migrant and Refugee Sunday 10^th September 10.00am Marist Sion College.

The synodal path that we have undertaken as a Church leads us to see in those who are most vulnerable – among whom are many migrants and refugees – special companions on our way, to be loved and cared for as brothers and sisters. Only by walking together will we be able to go far and reach the common goal of our journey.

Rome, Saint John Lateran, 11 May 2023. Pope Francis

Sacrament Coordinator: The position of Sacrament Coordinator for the Parishes of St. Joseph’s and St. Ita’s has become available based at St Joseph’s Parish Office Warragul. The primary purpose of this role is to coordinate the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Hours of work are two days a week 9-3pm. Applications are to be submitted by email to Confidence.Masvosva@cdsale.org.au by Friday 15^th September.

For a position description please contact Fr Confidence via email. 

There will be ongoing Training and support provided.

Sacrament Dates for 2023

Catholic schools and parishes within the Diocese of Sale will unite to promote Child Safety Week which runs from 3 to 10 September 2023.

 This year, Catholic schools and parishes have shared their innovative child safety projects through a video and resource titled, Child Safety in Action in the Diocese of Sale.

"As Christians, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. It is our responsibility as a Catholic community to ensure they are valued, respected, and protected. Everyone has a role in keeping children safe.” Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet

Students at St Joseph's will participate in activities to promote Child Safety next week. In particular, all students will work through our updated child friendly version of our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy. Once completed, we will share this with the school community.

Change of Eating Times Trial at

St. Joseph’s in Term 4

As part of our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support (W.S.A.P.B.S.). At St. Joseph’s we have focussed on improving our routines at school. Routines are a critical element to “creating environments that are predictable and known, therefore providing safe learning spaces for all students and staff” (DOSCEL, 2020). Schools with routines that are explicitly taught and practised are more likely to have more students engaged in learning and a reduction in behavioural issues. 

Commencing in Term 4, we will be trialling a change to our eating routine. Student’s will play and then eat. The efficacy of this trial will be measured by data collected on our Staff portal SIMON.

Lunch Orders: Lunch orders will be delivered for the first eating time. Lunch orders will need to be ordered by 10:00pm the night before.

Currently students have four opportunities to eat throughout the day:

• Two of these occur prior to our play breaks. They are ten minutes long at 11.00am and 1.40pm. 
• An additional two occur during the school day; fruit/vegetable breaks during the morning and middle learning blocks.

The eating opportunities for students will remain the same throughout the day, however the times will vary. The new schedule will allow students to eat at the conclusion of the outside play times (11.30am and 2.10pm) with students encouraged to have a fruit/vegetable snack at 10.00am and 1.00pm. 

Lunch orders will still be available on Wednesdays and Fridays. They will be delivered in time for the first eating time. Lunch orders will need to be ordered the night before.

Schools that have adopted this initiative of play first, then eat have documented a reduction in behavioural issues and improvements in performance and concentration in the classroom. 

All schools consistently recorded the following benefits:

• Students assemble more quickly to return to class. 
• They are calmer and more settled, once they return to the classroom.
• Children no longer need to rush to eat or avoid eating (because they are thinking about playing outside).
• Students are more relaxed and focused when eating, slower eaters will have time to finish their food.
• Scheduling time to eat after play ensures the children have the opportunity to connect with their teacher to discuss/resolve any issues that may have occurred at play time, without impeding learning time.
• More food eaten; increased fluid intake
• Less rubbish on the yard
• Less trips to the sick bay

Lunch Orders: Lunch orders will be delivered for the first eating time. Lunch orders will need to be ordered by 10:00pm the night before.

De Ceglie, A. (2023) Editorial: WA schools ‘reverse lunch’ concept is making a huge difference. The West Australian.

Kay, B. (2013) A little play before lunch is going down well in school trial. The Daily Telegraph.

Parker-Pope, T.(2010)Play, Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School. The New York Times.

The Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Framework (2020)Diocese of Sale. Catholic Education Ltd.

http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/play-first-lunch-toolkit-september-2007-kr.pdf

https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/TS_Recess_v3.pdf

Parent Teacher Interviews for Term 3 will be held on Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th of September.

The Parent Teacher Interviews are an important opportunity for families to discuss with teachers, progress in learning as well as the wellbeing of your child. We strongly encourage you to make a booking. Details were sent to emails a few weeks ago. If you have not received the booking details, please contact the office.

Book Club

Thank you to all families that purchased books in Book Club Issue 6. All orders have been processed and items will be distributed to students upon arrival at school.

What a wonderful time our students had on Friday at our Book Week Parade. It was wonderful to see so many different book characters. Thank you to all who attend our parade on Friday. There was lots of fun had by all.  Thank you to Mrs Butera and the students for putting on such a fabulous performance. Book Week is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate books and promote reading. 

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:

Tuesday, October 10th. Gippsland Regional Athletics. Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough

Sports Uniform Reminder

It has been great to see so many students prepared for Sport each week with the correct sports uniform. Just a reminder that the sports uniform is to be worn only on the students' Sports Day. This includes appropriate footwear for vigorous activity.

TUESDAY: Grade 3/4 Classes

WEDNESDAY: Foundation and Grade 1/2 Classes

THURSDAY: Grade 5/6 Classes

Grade 6 can also wear their sports uniform on a Monday.

Grade 6 Retreat

On Wednesday, our grade 6 students were joined by the grade 6 students from St Ita’s and the grade 5/6 children from St Angela’s for a wonderful retreat day around the theme of Confirmation and Leadership. 

Gen Bryant and Aaron, from Gen Bryant Music facilitated a day of music, dance and reflection. 

Special thanks to the Marist-Sion College Year 10 Youth Ministry Team who assisted and were great examples to our students. 

A fun day was had by all.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILIES (Grades: 3 & 4): Information regarding the middle school performance will be released next week.

On Tuesday and Wednesday night, our students in Grades 5/6 put on a show for all our families to enjoy. Thank you to our Arts Teacher, Rose Butera, the Senior team and all that helped make our show such a wonderful event. 

Happy Father's Day!

Our Parents and Friends organised the Warragul Lions Club to cater for all our Dad's and special people a breakfast with their children as an early celebration of Father’s Day.

The breakfast and activities were held in the school hall on Friday 1 September from 7.30am. All that attended were spoilt with egg and bacon rolls, sausages in bread, cereal and fruit.

We hope all our Dad's and special people in our lives had a wonderful and a memorable Father's Day!

Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.

Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practiced behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise, will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.

Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://stjwarragul.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/respectful-relationships

Have your personal contact details changed?

• Do you hold a current Centrelink Concession Card?
• Do you no longer have a current concession card?
• Has there been a name change?
• Have you moved address?
• Have you changed your mobile phone number?
• Is your landline still valid?
• Have you changed your workplace, therefore your business phone number has changed?
• Have emergency contacts changed? Maybe they have moved away?

If you have answered "YES" to any of the above dot points, please email the office info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au with your updated information.

PAM

• Have you verified your PAM email login?
• Please ensure student medical and contact details (including email address) are up to date. Permissions can not be granted if student medical details are not up to date.

At this time of the year we ask families whose children are not intending to return in 2024 (apart from Year 6 students), to send an email to principal@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible informing of the change. We have a number of enrolment inquiries and are preparing for 2024 classes. Our Foundation 2024 enrolments are still open, please encourage any family or friends to speak with Kitty in the office if they are looking to enrol their child in 2024.

Marist-Sion College Private buses will not be running on Monday 4 September. This does not affect any other buses, ONLY the Marist-Sion College Private bus. Please arrange alternative transport for your children to and from school on this day.

Please note the WRC bus loop is NOT a bus stop, yet a bus transfer station only. All students travelling on the Government School bus system must travel to and from their home address to their designated school only.

Current Child Safety Laws and the Conditions of Bus Travel do not allow students to leave the bus transition area. If your child does not intend on travelling to their home address they must depart from their school of origin. Thank you for your understanding. WRC

The bus loop is continually experiencing a high volume of students entering and exiting on foot during the busy bus transition period which is placing unnecessary pressure on bus supervision. Although it may be convenient for parents to collect their children from the WRC bus loop, leaving the bus loop is not permitted for any reason. Child safety laws and the Conditions of Bus Travel stated on all Government applications do not allow a supervising school to permit students to leave the bus loop safely.

Rapid Antigen Tests are available from the school office.

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.

SCHOOL BEANIE

The school beanie is available and in stock at the Warragul Beleza store. They are available for purchase and are $18 each.

Gold/yellow long sleeve polo shirts are available in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 & 12 - 16 (size 10 & 14 are no longer available)

Green windcheaters are ONLY available in sizes 2 & 14

Woolworths Cricket Blast

Western Park Cricket Club Juniors

Australian Red Cross

Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Warragul will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town from 22 August to 8 September.

Warragul Mobile Blood Donor Centre

Tuesday 22 August 11.15 am - 6.15 pm

Wednesday 23 August 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Thursday 24 August 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Friday 25 August 8.30 am - 4.15 pm

Saturday 26 August 8.30 am – 3.15 pm

Monday 28 August 8.30 am - 2 pm

Tuesday 29 August 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Wednesday 30 August 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Thursday 31 August 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Friday 1 September 8.30 am – 4.15 pm

Monday 4 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Tuesday 5 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Wednesday 6 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Thursday 7 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Friday 8 September 8.30 am – 3.15 pm

Warragul Harness Racing Club

Logan Park – 19 Howitt Street

https://goo.gl/maps/vneVBmY7K8V7rPH3A

Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.

Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run & Festival

Chess Club

Chess_Club.pdf

Drouin Devils Basketball Club

New players wanted to join the Drouin Devils Basketball Club.

Drouin Devils Basketball Club https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/f37d71

Enrolments close 9th September, 2023

For further information, please contact the President, Michael Walmsley on 0404 044 618 or email: president.drouindevils@gmail.com

Warragul District Amateur Basketball Association

Our junior program registrations for Aussie Hoops and Under 8’s are now OPEN, all Registration links provided below!

Aussie Hoops Warragul Program - https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/5b3663

Aussie Hoops Neerim Program - https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/98ee79

Warragul Under 8's Program - https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/8c699c-3c6acce3

Neerim South Under 8's Program - https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/8c699c-c2fe3ad2

For any further information please refer to our website - https://warragul-basketball.tidyhq.com/