Matthew O'Brien, Principal

The third round of RAT tests have arrived at school.

These will either be sent home with your eldest child (if you have previously indicated this) or are available at the office for collection.

NOTE: Do NOT complete this form if you have previously done so unless you wish to change your preference.

For the efficient delivery of the tests could you please indicate how you would like them delivered using the link below.

Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.

Poppy Beveridge, Tate Rentsch, Noah Roberts, Jack Walker, Sophie Russell, Maya Furphy, Matthew Benning, Casey Carlin, Lila Gommers, Aaron Lougheed and Ryder Willoughby.

Athletics - 800m and 1500m

Week 4 saw a very eventful week of sport for St. Joseph’s. 800m trials were carried out on Tuesday and Thursday last week, a big well done to all that came along and tested themselves over the long distance event. We will also be running our 1500m trials on Tuesday and Thursday this week, good luck to all involved.

Lawn Bowls News

On Wednesday 23rd February, our Lawn Bowls team took to Timor Street Bowls Club for the Division competition. Students played a total of 5 matches against schools from around the district. The St. Joseph's team finished on top of their side of the pool, granting us entry to the Regional Finals in Ararat on Wednesday 16th March. A huge congratulations to the Lawn Bowls team.

Tennis News

On Friday 25th February, our Tennis team competed in the District Tennis competition at Supergrasse. Students were required to umpire their own games, and did so with respect and honesty. The sportsmanship shown on the day was to be admired. Well done to everyone who competed, and a special mention to Hudson Greene, who was the eventual winner on the day, and will represent our school and the District at the Division championship next Friday at the Lawn Tennis Club.

Swimming News

Due to the early closure of the Aquazone outdoor pool, our swimming team will travel via bus to Hamilton to compete in the Division Swimming finals on Friday 4th March. More information regarding the number of helpers we will require and other arrangements will be sent to families.

We ask that any parents of swimmers that wish to make the trip to Hamilton and volunteer at the carnival to get in touch with me via email  sport@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

I will then get back to you ASAP about what roles may need filling. We wish our swimmers all the best on the day.

Thanks everyone for your support!

Mr Matthew McMillan

District Athletics for Years 3-6 – 800m

Event Date: Thursday 31st March

How to sign up: Report to Allen oval on nominated day/time

Tryouts:

• Girls: Tuesday 22nd February, 10 and 11 year old at recess, 12 year olds at lunch.
• Boys: Thursday 24th February, 10 and 11 year old at recess, 12 year olds at lunch

District Athletics for Years 3-6 – 1,500m 

Event Date: Thursday 31st March

How to sign up: Report to Allen oval on nominated day/time

Tryouts:

• Girls: Tuesday 1st March, 10 and 11 year old at recess, 12 year olds at lunch.
• Boys: Thursday 3rd March, 10 and 11 year old at recess, 12 year olds at lunch

Updated Dates for Confirmation

Sacramental programs are family based, parish coordinated and school supported. Each year the sacraments of Confirmation, Eucharist and Reconciliation are celebrated in the Parish. The Parish and School assist families to nurture the faith of the Catholic Church. The Parish and School share this responsibility supporting parents as the primary educator; and so, together in partnership, the spiritual development of the child can be nurtured and grown. Sacraments are supported, but not restricted, to the following Year levels.

• Year 6 - Reconciliation (Term 1)
• Year 3 - Confirmation (Term 2)
• Year 4 - Eucharist (Term 3)

Reconciliation (Year 6)

 Confirmation (Year 3) *updated dates*

The Confirmation program is also open to any Year 4s who did not register in 2020.

First Eucharist (Year 4)

The First Eucharist program is also open to any Year 5s and 6s who have completed their Confirmation.

Congratulations to the children who are registered to participate in Senior Reconciliation.

A reminder that the Student and Parent Information meeting is held at St Joseph's church at 7:30pm on this Tuesday 1st March, 2022.

This is a parish run program supported by the school. Please contact Leanne at the Parish on 5562 2231 with any queries.

Key Dates

7:30pm, Tuesday 1st March, 2022 - Student and Parent Information meeting

5:30pm, Tuesday 29th March, 2022 - Sacrament of Reconciliation

Our specialist staff include Yuichi Deguchi, Cara Chisholm, Lyn Hyland, Matthew McMillan, Diane Brown, Emily Lloyd and Jo Barfus McCoy.

Introducing Jo Barfus McCoy

I am very fortunate to have been teaching at St Joseph’s for some time now. My number one rule in “Drama” is to have fun and I love watching students develop the confidence to express their own creative ideas. Of all the Performing Arts, Dance is my passion but I am also enjoying exploring Visual Art mediums and techniques with the students. At the moment, the Year 3s and I are having fun with fine and bold lines and shading.

Colour and movement - that’s me!

After jumping around in excitement, I rushed to place down my laptop. I screamed at the top of my lungs, when I read the message from the Australian Olympic Committee. They asked if I would like to meet Kailani Craine! I immediately replied saying, “Definitely, I would love to”. I had just been invited to join Kailani, the Australian figure skater, who had finished competing in Beijing, in a Zoom meeting, later that day.

At home, I sat nervously in my room fidgeting with anything I could find. Suddenly I looked up and I was on the call. I froze, I was speechless. “Hi guys!” Kailani said

“Hi!” I replied,

 My heart skipped one hundred beats. I asked her “How does it feel to be representing Australia?”

“Hon, it feels amazing!”

She called me ‘Hon’, I think I died on the inside.

We talked a bit, laughed, I even got wished happy birthday by an Olympian! I took a couple of photos to remember this surreal occasion. After the meeting finished, I leaned back “Ahhh”, this is definitely the best day of my life!” 

Lucy Bishop, Year 5 student

School Canteen Support 

St Joseph's Recycling Centre is now available for:

• Bottle Tops
• Bread Tags
• Home Printer Catridges
• Batteries.

Children can place items in the recycling centre in the school foyer before and after school.