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

St. Joseph Day

Farewell Assembly and School Fun Run ...

So many smiles, great spirit, so much colour!

I would like to conclude my last newsletter with a heartfelt thanks to everyone at St. Joseph’s. At Friday’s assembly I experienced the true spirit of young people at St. Joseph’s, the professionalism and enthusiasm of all staff and the friendly supportive engagement of every family. We are blessed, fortunate and appreciative of our faith, learning, community, fun and friendship.

On the day I also witnessed generosity, endeavour and determination with our outstanding ‘St. Joseph Community Day and Colour Fun Run!’ The effort was symbolised by our students; they ran, walked, laughed and tried. Our student leaders lead with respect, care and joy. The stunning total achieved has broken many records and will ensure our school hall sound system, projector and ICT support will enhance student presentations, community learning and all special school events. Thanks everyone; this is expensive equipment that needs to be well set up to meet the demands of a modern curriculum for all students.

A highlight for me was the assembly too. This included beautiful songs sung by all, prayerful reflection on the life of our Patron Saint Joseph and the celebration of the role of principalship. The day reminded me how important the role of leadership is in the primary years. Modelling, challenging, creating, planning and commitment are what every parent, staff member and student rightfully expects.  

I would especially like to thank the organisers for the day and all those families and students who led the prayers, shared a vote of thanks, put time into organisation and coordination; indeed it was a team effort. I note Catherine Lee, Mark Hyland, Cara Chisolm, Andrew McCombe, Pat Allen, Cathy Duynhoven, Alecia Bidmade and Kellie Mentha, Fr John, Adrian Benson, Don Stewart, Jim Guinan, all student leaders, pack-up crew and our facility team of Sharyn, Andrew, Peter, Rosa and Nigel.

I thank the Sudanese community (the Lual and Akoch families) for their symbolic presentation of a traditional leader's cultural costume. I felt proud to wear this special gift. When difference is celebrated we all experience growth, respect, learning, important traditions and valuable experiences. This brings richness to our daily life. Languages, cultural diversity and friendship were also celebrated and shared by our partner school, Doshisha Elementary School in Kyoto, Japan. We do indeed have friends across the world. I also especially acknowledge and thank all staff for their support on the day. I also recognise our very special group of learning support officers; who generally, in the background ensure all are supported to engage and be a part of these important days. These days are demanding of student resilience, family patience and staff support; everyone shone in this environment, thanks all.

Important updates

School Photographs: Today and tomorrow we are completing several classroom reshoots of the class group photographs. This is to ensure quality and consistency with all photographs.

Warrnambool Catholic Ministry District and  St. Joseph’s Parish: Along with other parish communities the community of St. Joseph’s Parish is reviewing its ability to provide to its community. With clergy changes, changes in demographics and the importance of responding to the signs of the times all St. Joseph’s parishioners are invited to a gathering to reflect on the parish mission. The meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th April, 5:30 pm in the St. Joseph’s Church Gathering Space, all invited. See the link below to a summary document prepared by the administrators of the parishes.

Normal Covid procedures will apply similar to Friday. The Covid Safe arrangements for the day will be:

• Single entry point at the hall to sign-in
• Please don’t attend if unwell
• Conscious of social distancing
• Staying outside
• Mask wearing voluntary
• Parking in off street parking (follow street signage)

The Junior School Sports day will start on the school ovals at 9:20am and conclude at 1:30pm. Parents are welcome to collect their child/ren after the sports day to head home for the term break. A reminder to again please sign out via our school front office.

Last Day this Term and First Day Next Term: Just a reminder that school finishes this Thursday at 2:30 pm. This will also include all bus students. The first day of Term 2 starts normally at 8:55am on Monday 19th April, 2021.

Holy Week

Fr. John Fitzgerald (St Joseph’s School Parish Priest) invites all in our community to engage with the Easter liturgical season. The liturgies/prayers and mass   opportunities are all outlined below.      

Passion (Palm) Sunday begins Holy Week, Sunday 28th March.

The palms symbolise Christ’s triumph, while the cross is the symbol by which his triumph is achieved.                                                     

Mass of Holy Oils at 6:30pm (St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat) Monday 29th March.

This Mass has special significance for those who will use the Blessed Oils in 2021; the sick, those to be baptised and confirmed, the ordained.

Communal Celebration of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness at 7:30pm, Tuesday 30th March, Parishioners and visitors are invited: to hear the Word of God, to examine our conscience, to repent of our sins and to seek forgiveness of Almighty God.                             

The Easter Triduum: The Easter Story                     

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper (7:00pm), Thursday 1st April.

Good Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (3:00pm), Friday 2nd April.

Easter Vigil: 6:00pm (The Vigil begins with the Easter Fire), Saturday 3rd April.

Easter Sunday: 8:30am & 10:00am, Sunday 4th April. (NB: No 6:00pm Mass)