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

“Actions speak louder than words” is a well-worn truism that we have all heard often! On Friday this statement was never more evident. Our school, while in the midst of an important school fun run program, were all able to suspend this important school work and prioritise helping a community family. The Lang family had lost their home and many possessions in a devastating house fire recently here in Warrnambool. Guided by the leadership of our students and the support of our school wellbeing team we were all able to rally to coordinate the raising of over $2,000 to help Mackenzie and family to get their life back on track. This was community compassion and respectful support for each other. The effort and consideration of others was heart warming, appreciated and presented a vision of hope to us all.

Jacky Deverall (B4) delivers a heartfelt letter of support to Mackenzie Lang (E2) sharing his classroom's condolences and support after the tragic house fire loss for the family.

In fact, this spirit of support and understanding was a key message in the readings at Sunday mass. We are deep into the Lenten liturgical calendar where we talk about support, almsgiving, prayer and sacrifice. Every student, family and staff committed to this reality over the week. St. Paul, writing in the gospel on Sunday speaks of each of us being a “work of art”. Paul also then questions; what kind of work of art do we wish to be? The St. Joseph’s community answered this question emphatically; we want to be a community of care, respect and understanding. As a community we not only spoke of helping each other we acted.  We speak the words but also act with action, compassion and sacrifice. Thank you, everyone.

Important School Updates

School Sacramental Program

At St. Joseph’s, 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 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 and times of the year. Year 3 - Confirmation (Term 2). Year 4 - Eucharist (Term 3). This term the Year 6 Reconciliation will commence with a parent evening on Tuesday in the meeting room at St. Joseph’s Church starting at 7:30 pm. Fr John and Mark Hyland (School Religious Education Leader) will lead the session.

St. Joseph’s Day Colour Fun Run Update - 2 weeks to go!

We are just two weeks out from our School Fun Run’s Crazy Colour Day! We know that our students are working hard towards their fundraising goals!

After a wonderful weekend of fundraising we have now raised $36,000 in online donations! Remember, the money raised will be going towards the new projector and screen in the school hall.

Our run organisers have been busy coming up with ideas for the day including the course and location of the colour stations and a free sausage sizzle and icy pole for all our participants. There will be no canteen orders this day.

You will have read in the newsletter last week the exciting news that State Government restrictions have eased and that parents are allowed onsite for this event with a Covid Safe Plan in place. Numbers for such events are capped at 1,000 and with 603 students plus 80 staff we will be able to cater for around 300 visitors on site (this includes parents and children). More details to follow in the next two weeks.

On Tuesday we announced that Room C3 had the highest percentage of students with online accounts in the first week and Room D5 had raised the most money in the first week. These rooms are rewarded with a fruit platter to share in their classroom. Currently 6 classrooms have raised over $2,000 and 23 have raised over $1,000. Great work!

We also announced the 10 children who had raised the most money. Many students have already achieved their fundraising goal that they set for themselves which is fantastic. Finally, we announced that the highest fundraising student at our school will get a Lenovo Tablet M7!

Just head over to schoolfunrun.com.au to create a student profile if you haven’t already. Once you’ve created your page there are some great things you can do. You can sign up for online fundraising, pick your target prize and even become a fundraising superstar!

If you’re having any trouble setting up your student profile or fundraising online, please get in touch with the Fun Run team on 1800 FUN RUN.

Thanks for supporting us with your fundraising efforts, we look forward to celebrating with an amazing day!