Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,

St Joseph the Worker

Pope Francis has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021, with the theme: Show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.

Prayer for the “Year of St Joseph”

Silent and well-known carpenter of Nazareth, model of workers.

By the work of your hands, you contributed to the work of the Creator.

You earned your living, and you provided for the needs of the Holy Family.

Intercede for all workers, especially for the unemployed,

in the difficulties of their daily lives and in their anxieties for tomorrow.

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit,

may they use their strength and talents to make visible God’s new creation,

to offer a concrete service to society, and to earn wages worthy of their efforts.

With confidence and trust we make this prayer through Jesus.  

Amen.

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Term Three. I hope that everyone was able to have a restful and fulfilling holiday and that all of the children are ready to have an enjoyable term.

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal (Mini Vinnies Pyjama Day)

Thanks to everyone who supported this important fundraiser. Our school community is very proud to be aligned with the great work of our parish St Vincent De Paul team. We raised $1,731.20.

Proposed Crossing Areas And School Zones

An important campaign is underway to create a safer community for our children.  A 40km school zone is proposed between Hopetoun Rd and King Street. Many of our students cross Raglan Parade in this dangerous area.  The proposal also includes pedestrian crossings at the corner of Fitzroy and Botanic Roads and another at Hider and Ardlie Streets. The council are doing a count of children who cross in these areas over the first weeks of this term to determine the necessity for these pedestrian safety measures.

School Review

In the last week of Term 2 our school undertook the external validation of our school review.  The panel headed by Dr Mary Lovelock met with children, parents and staff members to validate the extensive report written by our school.  The feedback was most positive from the panel and future improvement foci were determined. Although we are still awaiting the final report the school improvement foci will focus on the following areas:

• Learning and Teaching
• Catholic School Culture
• Leadership Capabilities

ReLATE - Wellbeing

On Monday we undertook the ReLATE (Reframing the Learning and Teaching Environment) professional development.  This day was facilitated by MacKillop Family Services who will partner with us over the next three years in this project.  The day focussed on the relationship between wellbeing and learning. In short: if children feel safe and happy their learning opportunities will be maximised. Also, that the wellbeing of teachers impacts upon the health of their classrooms.

PSA And Classroom Coordinators Morning Tea

An invitation is extended to parents from our PSA and Classroom Coordinators, to meet for a coffee and chat. The date is Wednesday 14th July, 10am at The Pavilion, Viaduct Road, Warrnambool.  It would be great if you could 'bring a friend' from St. Joseph's parent community. Could you please reply via the attachment to indicate if you are able to attend.

Click to indicate your attendance

Matthew O'Brien, Principal.

Happy Birthday to children who celebrated their birthday over the holidays.

Millicent Black, Hudson Foster, Lucy Porter, Sam Collins, Nova Gainey, Zoe Morris, Nathaniel Hansford, Billy Main, Ella Hall, Poppy Main, Rose Armitstead, Cale Brereton, Margot Murphy and Logan Jones.

Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.

Violet McKinley, Zavier Nelson, Eva Scarborough, Willa Chapman, Edith Walsh, Charlotte Wythe, Ada Schultz, Archer Koch, Jobe Moloney, Tully Moloney and Archie Harle.

Reminder

Please return any School Sporting Uniform to the Office ASAP.

Yr 5/6 sport trials/training sessions:

Obviously we must remain flexible with these times as the wet weather may force us to change training days and potentially use the Hall instead of outside on the ovals.  Students are encouraged to check for any updated messages in the mornings.

Regional Cross Country Finals

We wish the Regional Cross Country Team all the best in their Cross Country Finals this Thursday.  A wonderful effort by the following students to represent St Joseph’s in the Regional finals: 

• Michael Lougheed
• Tahlia Vesey
• Eamon Cottee
• Zeta Kane
• Ethan Alexander
• Lottie Wilkinson
• Rylee Foreman
• Blake Wood
• Edie Batt
• Hannah McMeel

Thanks to Mr El-Hage for his support and coaching.  Good luck Team!

Year 5/6 Division Hockey

Well done to the following students who have been selected to represent the school in Division Hockey.

Boys/Mixed Team                                                          

• Bridget Graham
• Leo McMeel
• Rupert Jenkin
• Tanaka Paradza
• Casey Carlin
• Archer Mills
• Michael Lougheed
• Zeta Kane
• Grace McCormack

Girls team

• Edie Batt
• Zoe Benson
• Nellie Boyle
• Sophie Brown
• Poppy Monk
• Emma Winnell
• Harper McInerney
• Stella Lawlor
• Pippa Van Zelst

There will be a final practice this Tuesday lunchtime and Thursday Recess before they head to the tournament this Friday against other schools.  We would like to thank Mrs Karen Benson for her time and expertise that she has shared with our teams.

Regional Winter Sports Finals

Well done to both our Tee-Ball Teams, Netball and Football teams who competed at the District Winter Sports last term.  All teams had a great day out and we wish them all the best when they compete next Monday 19th July against other schools in our Division.  The football and netball will again be played at the Walter Oval and South Rover’s Netball courts, whilst the Tee-Ball teams will play on-site at St Joseph’s.  Once the draw has been finalised, we will endeavour to get this out to the teams prior to Monday.

Please check the table above for your training times this week and remember to come to school dressed in your Sports Uniform, and bring appropriate clothing and/or equipment to your scheduled session.

Girls Footy Training

Training for the Girls’ Football will resume this Wednesday at lunchtime.  The team selection will continue to take place with Mr McMillan and Mr O’Brien.  Please bring long pants and long sleeve tops, socks and boots if you own them for this session. The competition is due to take place on Thursday 29th July on the Mack Oval.

Basketball Clinics & Hooptime Years 3/4 & 5/6

Congratulations to all students for actively participating in Basketball skills and drills during our Physical Education classes.  These will continue for the next two weeks so that all students gain the opportunity to improve their skills.  From Week Three we welcome Mr Mike McGorm to our School to help us finalise our Hoop-Time Teams to represent the school. 

If you wish for your child to be considered for the ‘short-list’ for one of these teams then you need to fill in the following on-line registration form by Friday 23 July, 2021.

We will use this information in addition to the observations made during our classes, to then form a Short-list of players.  These students will be contacted and asked to attend additional lunchtime training sessions with Mike McMGorm in Week 3 before the team can be finalised prior to competition.  If your child cannot make the training sessions, an email must be sent to me prior to the tryouts with the reason why your child couldn’t attend. 

sport@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

We thank you for your support and understanding of the selection process.

Regards, 

Mrs Emily Lloyd (Physical Education & Sport Co-ordinator)
Mr Matthew McMillan. 

A New Hymn in Honour of St Joseph

Australian Marist Br Michael Herry has written a new hymn, One Quiet Man, inspired by Pope Francis’ proclamation of the Year of St Joseph.  To listen to the song, please visit the Marist Music website. Br Michael can be contacted at michael.herry@marists.org.au

2021 Confirmation Group

We are pleased to be able to provide the new dates for our 2021 Confirmation group to celebrate the Sacrament. Note: We will keep parents informed of any changes to these dates in light of State Government announcements which are expected tomorrow.

Families are asked to select from 7pm, Thursday 22 July or 7pm Friday 23 July and indicate their choice by following the link below by Monday 19th July.

Please keep the Confirmation Candidates and the parents in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. May we be models of faith for these children.

No Celebration following Mass

Unfortunately, there will not be a traditional sharing of food after the Mass.

Stole

Parents will have received an iron on Confirmation transfer for their child. The photograph below is an indication of a suggested placement of the next three Sacraments - Confirmation, Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Wear the stole with the Baptism and Diocese transfers on the right side.

Registrations close: Friday 16th July, 2021

First Eucharist is a Sacramental Program for Year 4 students who have been Baptised and Confirmed.

Please complete this form and make a $25 contribution payment, to meet the cost of materials, through CDFpay (our online ordering system).

A kit containing the materials and information to prepare your child for the Celebration of First Eucharist and details of your Family Group will be available to collect at the Parent and Student Information Meeting in the Gathering Space at St Joseph's Church.

After school parents groups meet at the school at 3:30pm and evening groups meet in the home at a time arranged by the families in the group.

Please contact the Parish Office on (03) 5562 2231 if you have any queries.

Key Dates

Our 2nd Hand Uniform system allows for parents to puchase and sell items all year round with options to purchase online or in person (once COVID restrictions are lifted).

Items for second hand sale can now be dropped into the school office at any time of the year.  

Uniform items MUST be:

• current uniform items only
• very good to excellent quality
• washed and free of stains
• have any naming labels crossed out
• labelled with either the printable Pricing Label template or similar.

Items that are NOT suitable are:

• school bags more than 2 years old
• library/book bags
• stained or torn clothing
• non-current school uniform
• sports shorts without the school logo
• shoes
• secondary school uniform items.

Unsuitable items will be returned to the seller/donator.

Pricing of Uniform Items

Price uniform items accordingly and receive 70% of the amount (when the item is sold) with 30% of your sale going to the school’s PSA.

Items are kept in the second hand uniform shop until they are sold. We will notify via text of any monies to be collected, this may be after a family has left the school.

Alternatively you can donate items to be sold. We will label and price donated items. 100% of these sales go to the school's PSA.

Refer to suggested pricing guide linked below.

Purchasing of Uniform Items

Parents are able to complete an online form indicating the uniform item and size required and it will then be sent home with your child or made available for collection.

Payment to be made in cash the following day. Items can be returned if they aren't the correct size or quality.