Matthew O'Brien, Principal

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

Advent

God of Love,

Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.

He is a sign of your love.

Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,

As we wait and prepare for his coming.

We pray in the name of Jesus, our Saviour.

Amen

Transition and Orientation

Yesterday we began our transition process into classrooms for 2023. At St Joseph's we use a three step process which is designed to support children in navigating their way into their new classroom, meeting their new class group and their teacher.

During the first two stages the children are introduced to their new area and not necessarily with their 2023 teacher or class group.

On Orientation Day (Tuesday 13th December) the children are introduced to their class for 2023.

The transition to a new learning environment brings changes to a young person’s relationships, physical and social environments and daily routines. Transitions also bring challenges and opportunities for social and emotional learning.

While transitions and orientation bring a sense of excitement to the school, some young people can find these changes stressful and overwhelming. Adults (parents and school staff) can support children in transition by approaching the transition as a learning opportunity. There are many children who benefit from an extended transition e.g. extra visits to the new area. Should you feel that your child would benefit from this support please let the classroom teacher know.

Election Day BBQ

A big thanks to all of the parents who supported the Election Day BBQ and those who donated their time and talents through the cake stall. The BBQ was well supported by the voters and the cakes disappeared very quickly. 

Regards
Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.

James Beaumont, Liam Hose, Reeve Shields, Pippa Van Zelst, Jack Breen, Everdeen Hawkins, Riley Cleggett, Ayla Matthews, Alice Goodfield, Ellie McKenzie, Max Niklaus, Vivienne Smedts, Cody Crooks and Lucy Kavanagh.

Term 4 Sport

It's been a busy few weeks for sport at St. Josephs! Below are a few achievements our students have had throughout the second half of the term.

Golf

Archie Heffernan, Harry McDonald and Lachlan Walters all qualified for Regional Golf. Lachlan was away on holiday and unable to play unfortunately, but we are confident he will play some more good golf for St. Joseph's next year.

Archie and Harry played exceptional golf all day, seeing them both finish with good scores. Well done boys. Especially well done and congratulations to Archie Heffernan who qualified for States, this coming Friday which will be played at the Gisborne Golf Club. Well done and good luck Archie!

Basketball

Earlier this term our mixed basketball team travelled to Werribee for regional basketball. The team played very well together all day, and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the next level. Well done to our mixed team.

Our Year 6 boys and girls basketball teams had the amazing opportunity to play state competition at MSAC in Melbourne on 14th and 15th November. The level of play was of a very high standard. Our students played some excellent basketball and represented the school well. Well done to both Year 6 teams.

Last week our Year 4 basketball teams both played off in the State finals held at Dandenong basketball stadium, and once again displayed excellent skills as well as some sportsmanship to be proud of. Both teams made it to the finals, with our boys bowing out in the elimination final against a quality basketball team. The girls team proved hard to stop, and went through the day undefeated to be State champions, congratulations girls, an amazing effort. Well done to Layla Monk on coaching the girl’s team. Well done to our Year 4 basketball teams.

Cricket

On Tuesday our girls Year 6 cricket team travelled via bus with the OLHC boys Year 6 team to Ballarat for Regional cricket. The girls played a total of four games, winning three and losing only one by 7 runs. The team the girls lost to was the eventual overall winner on the day. A superb effort by all involved. Well done girls.

This year we are trying something new!

We are sending out the 2023 school fee and program information electronically.

Please note the introduction letter included from myself, contains a lot of important information relating to 2023, including school closure dates, camp and swimming dates and changes to school fees.Your fee payment options can now be completed electronically and submitted online.

I have included the link here, however, hopefully you have also received an email from Cathy Duynhoven with this link and information.

If you have any questions about filling in the electronic form, please contact Cathy on cduyn@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Please click on this link to access our form and information:https://form.jotform.com/223197807132052/prefill/637c3e0e6130662b8f56b092b59b

Our school calendar an be accessed via our SZApp or website and is regularly updated.

Parents are encouraged to refer to this for important school dates including many 2023 dates including:

• term dates
• school closures
• public holidays
• sacramental dates
• school camps
• excursions
• PSA meetings
• School Advisory Council meetings
• Mother's Day morning tea
• Father's Day breakfast
• year level swimming dates
• classroom assembly dates
• orientation day
• graduation mass
• final assembly
• last school day.

Next year PAM (Parent Access Module) will move to each parent having a seperate PAM account rather than one account per family.

All existing Parent PAM logins will be turned off on 16th January 2023. Between then and the new accounts being issued parents will not be able to access PAM for students reports, etc.

Please complete the form to update your families email addresses.

Tuesday 6th December - Thursday 8th December, Year 6 Beach Safety

Refer to PAM excursion activity closer to the date for classroom dates and times.

Tuesday 13th December, Orientation Day

Refer to information provided from your child's secondary school. 

Some secondary schools may have more than one orientation day. Please complete a PAM absence notification if that is the case (St Joseph’s does not access to which students this may be relevant for). 

6pm, Tuesday 13th December, Graduation Mass 

St Joseph's Church, correct school uniform required. Jumpers are required.

7:30pm, Tuesday 13th December, Celebration at Flying Horse

Mass is followed by a celebration for Year 6 students and their parents/guardians at the Flying Horse at 7:30pm, with ticket sales via CDFPay.

Children attending must have one of their parents/guardians in attendance at this event in line with licensing requirements. Enter via the bistro door and sign in your child. No student will be permitted to enter the establishment without a parent/guardian for the duration of the evening.

Wednesday 14th December, Year 6 Celebration Day

This will be an offsite activity, more details to follow.

11:30 am - 1:00pm, Thursday 15th December, Final Assembly

Our final school assembly will be held in the school hall which includes a farewell to our Year 6 students.

3:30pm, Friday 16th December, Students Last Day

School concludes at 3:30pm for all year levels.

Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre