Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.

Ruben Grayson, Alejandro Lopez, Koa Fary, Austyn McInerney, Ethan Thomas, Mya Amos, Halaynah Beaver, Rebecca Coghlan, Audrey Hoy, Elouise Flett, Chelsea Kao, Ethan Alexander, Mackenzie Davies, Darcy Drummond, Harlem Field, Jackson Rogers and Isaac Rae.

On Tuesday 21st March, all the Year 1 students went to our church (St Joseph's Church) for a visit as part of our Religion Unit (Relationships).

The students really enjoyed listening to the history of the church, looking at the beautiful stained glass windows, and exploring the outside grounds of the church.

The students also loved the bus ride down to and from the church.

On Friday all of our students enjoyed an extra long walk with their year level in support of Caritas. The fundraising walk was called Caritas K's.

The purpose was to encourage students to collectively walk  'K's,'  in support and recognition of those who walk many kilometres in their daily lives, just to get the essentials. Students were very eager, with some choosing to run and jog the route instead.

We were able to donate $450 to Caritas from our school families. For any further donations: https://www.caritas.org.au/

Thank you all for your participation. 

Congratulations to the children who are participating in Senior Reconciliation this will be held at 5:00pm today, Tuesday 27th March, 2023. Can families and students please be ready and seated at this time.  

We will gather together and join in the Liturgy of the Word.  After a reflection students will be guided by a teacher to one of the priests for their individual confession.  After students have had time reflecting they are welcome to quietly leave with their families.

This will be held at St Joseph's Parish Church.

Stole

Parents will have received an iron on Reconciliation transfer for their child. 

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

Year 3 children who have been baptised will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in Term 2.

If you desire and are ready to support your child in his/her faith please complete the Registration Form. Parents should not feel pressured to enrol their child just because they are in Year 3. The celebration of Confirmation is a celebration of faith and needs to be seen in the context of Church and not merely as part of the school curriculum, even though the faith of the child is very much supported by the school.

Registration

Registration is available online as well as nomination for preferred family group meeting date and time.

Family Groups

Family groups meet at 3:30pm at school in an allocated room, eg Meeting Room, Library or a classroom. 

Family groups who wish to meet of an evening can arrange a time suitable for the group and these are generally held in participants homes.

Each group nominates a leader to lead the session. Mrs Chisholm is available if leaders need any assistance.

Payment

Payment for the program ($25.00) materials etc can be completed via CDFpay.

Key Dates

With many new families joining our school it is timely to refer all parents to our "Getting to School Safely" webpage.

The office is often inundated with calls to change pick up arrangements on wet days. If it is raining heavily we hold the children under cover until it eases before walking them to Queens Road or the tennis courts. In a light drizzle we walk them across.

If you wish to change arrangements please call the office well before 3:15pm as a message is delivered over the loudspeaker at 3:15pm listing all of the children whose arrangements have changed. Calls after 3:15pm will not get through to children as office staff are busy and classrooms are unpredictable at these times. 

We understand that at times changes are unavoidable but ask you to keep to your usual routine where possible.

Registrations closing on Wednesday 5th April.

Are you up for the Challenge?  This year we are hoping to increase the number of participants in the Premier's Reading Challenge. 

Foundation - Year 2 students have to 'experience' 30 books by September. 

Year 3 - 6 students have to read 15 books by September. Some of these books have to be from the official list and some of them can be free choice. This year we are including some spine labels on the books that are on the 'official' list to make it even easier for students to locate the books. (Insert image here.)

If your children are interested in challenging themselves and using this as a motivational tool to read more - then fill out the online registration and consent form by Wednesday 5th April, 2023.

For more details please email elloyd@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Last Friday afternoon many students spent time reflecting on our new School Prayer. Students were asked to begin creating an artwork that helps depict an important part of the prayer to them.

We are asking for submissions of artworks from not just our students but our wider school community as well. Students may love to collaborate with family members or friends.

Our PSA is once again holding a Hot Cross Bun Drive. Baker's Delight Norfolk Plaza Bakery will be supporting this event with orders now open through CDFPay.

Please place your order against the eldest child in your family with orders now open.

Buns available to order are:

• Traditional Hot Cross Bun - 6 Pack,
• Choc Chip Hot Cross Bun - 6 Pack,
• Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns - 6 Pack,
• Fruitless Hot Cross Buns - 6 Pack. 

Orders close: 3:00pm, Thursday 30 March, 2023

Delivery date: Tuesday 4th April, 2023

Tickets to everyone's favourite Easter Raffle are now being sold in the foyer at the school.

$1 per ticket. Children can purchase tickets before and after school.

Raffle Drawn: Friday 21st March, 2023.

School Canteen Support