Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Reminder: Monday 25 August - Pupil Free Day

The school has been humming over the last two weeks. What an adventure our “Aussieventure” was! The students loved it and from the reviews that I have read, so did the audience. Special thanks to Rose Butera and her team for all the work and extra time that was put in to producing this event. Thanks also to the staff for their help and flexibility which allowed this production to happen. The Arts is an area which, in some schools, is not given priority, when time is tight, but not here at St Joseph’s. We value every part of the curriculum, and are mindful that students are unique little people who need the opportunity to shine in any curriculum area. Well done everyone!

It was wonderful to see the participation in the Book Week parade this morning. There were many witches, princesses, sports people and some very interesting “characters”. I am always amazed at the creativity that can come from simple costumes. Thanks parents for supporting this day but especially for supporting your child with this. Unfortunately, Chris Collin had to cancel the “author visit” at the last minute but we have been able to reschedule this for September.

Congratulations to our Year 6 students who celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation last Friday evening, with Bishop Greg as celebrant, assisted by Fr Brendan. It was a joyous celebration for these students in their faith journey.

Special thanks to Mr Redi for taking on Acting Principal and Mrs Barry as Acting Deputy Principal during my absence. It is so reassuring to have such capable leaders to take up the reigns when unexpected things happen. It is good to be back.

Best wishes

Warm regards,

Ros Joyner

Principal

Term 3

Tuesday 22 July – Friday 19 September

Monday 25 August                                          Pupil Free Day

Friday 29 August                                              Assembly

Friday 5 September                                        Father’s Day Breakfast 7:30am - 8:30am

Friday 5 September                                        Father’s Day Stall

Monday 8 September                                   Child Safety Week

Tuesday 9 September                                   Parent & Teacher Interviews

Thursday 11 September                               Parent & Teacher Interviews

Friday 12 September                                     Assembly

Monday 15 September                                 Divisional Summer Sports

Tuesday 16 September                                 Italian Day (see article for information)

Friday 19 September                                     Last Day of Term 3 – 2:20pm finish

Term 4

Tuesday 7 October – Tuesday 16 December

Monday 6 October                                          Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 7 October                                          First Day of School for Term 4

Tue 7 – Fri 10 October                                   Dental Van visiting during the week

Friday 24 October                                            Grandparents Day classroom visits and morning tea

Monday 3 November                                    School Closure Day

Tuesday 4 November                                    Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Tuesday 16 December                                   Last Day of Term 4 – 3:20pm finish

**Please ensure you check the newsletter and ClassDojo for any changes that may arise.

Baptism Program for School Aged Children

Have you ever thought about Baptism for your school aged child?

An invitation is extended to parents who desire Catholic Baptism for children of school age to attend our Older Baptism Program. The program consists of two parent/child workshops, held on Tuesday, 26^th August and Tuesday, 2^nd September in the Marian Room in Warragul (enter car park from Bowen Street).

Each session will begin with an afternoon tea at 3:45pm.

When families have attended these two sessions, parents will need to attend a parent session to book a time for Baptism.

For more information, please contact Liz via email: warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au or phone: 5623 1642.

 Children's Liturgy

A message from Deacon Mark

God Figured Out

Jesus is asked in today’s gospel (Luke 13:22-30) “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”  He doesn’t directly answer this impertinent question and his response, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate,’ needs some un-packing. Entering by the narrow door might suggest that only an elite group can be saved, as some Christians over the centuries have chosen to interpret the passage. Jesus’ life and mission, his teaching of God’s unfathomable goodness, forgiveness and the salvation offered to all, says otherwise.

“Sinners are filled with joy to hear him speak of God’s unfathomable goodness: even they can hope for salvation. In the Pharisee camp, however, they criticize his message and also his welcoming of tax-collectors, prostitutes and sinners: isn’t Jesus opening up a road to the watering-down of religion and to unacceptable morals?” [Pagola, 2016]

In order to correctly understand the invitation to «enter by the narrow door» we need to remember Jesus’ words that we read in John’s Gospel: «I am the door; the one who enters through me, will be saved» (John 10:9). So, far from watering down or inviting laxity, Jesus’ mission has been to point to the Father and to himself as the means to the Father. Relationship is everything: Jesus’ relationship with the Father and our relationship with the Father through Jesus.

Whilst assuring us of the boundless love of our merciful father, Jesus demands greater rather than lower standards. He calls us to «Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate»; «Don’t judge and you will not be judged»; «Forgive seventy times seven»; «Seek God’s Reign and God’s justice». Particularly he warns against those who figure they are an elect or elite who tick all the boxes, so they are the winners and everybody else is damned.

No one owns or controls God, and we are on shaky ground when we claim to have God figured out. 

Deacon Mark Kelly

We celebrated Bullying No Way: National week of action last week. Students had discussions about the impact of bullying and engaged with resources to be upstanders rather than bystanders. 

Some of the work from the classrooms:

  

What an amazing Aussieventure we had last week. Thank you again to Ms Butera for her wonderful direction of the show, and to our excellent performers who were outstanding!

Some of our Foundation students created some illustrations about their experience:

Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.

The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.

When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

This edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.

Here is the link to your Edition: http://stjwarragul.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/anxiety-young-people-au

Students should have now received their items that were ordered form Book Fair. If there are any outstanding orders please contact Bernie. Thank you again to all our school community for supporting our Book Fair.

Orders for Book Club Issue 5 have been processed. We are just waiting on deliveries.

There is one final issue for this term. Catalogues will be distributed to students in the following weeks.

Thank you to all families for your support.

In Victoria, it is compulsory for children aged 6-17 years to attend school.

Parents are legally required to ensure their child attends school every day and to provide an explanation for their child's absence from school unless an exemption from attendance has been granted or an exception to their attendance applies.

Absences

If your child is away sick or away due to a planned absence or appointment, please ensure you advise the school office. Student absence text messages are sent out if your child is marked absent without a reason. Emails or ClassDojo messages may be missed in some instances; if the classroom teacher is teaching or the classroom teacher may be away.

It is imperative that you notify the school office through one of the following methods:

1. Log into PAM (Parent Access Module) and register your child's absence;

2. Email absence@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au or info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au 

3. Phone the office on (03) 5623 2943

When sending an email, you may wish to "cc" your child's classroom teacher so they are aware of the absence too.

Holidays

If you are planning an extended holiday (a week or more) during the school term, please email info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au or principal@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au addressing your intentions to our Principal, Mrs Roslyn Joyner.

If you have any questions or need any clarification, please feel free to contact Shirley or Kitty in the office on (03) 5623 2943.

ITALIAN DAY 2025 - A Day in Venice

Our Italian Day is on Tuesday 16th September, the last week of term. The students will be participating in activities based around the fabulous city, Venice.
They will spend the day in multi-age groups and rotate around six different activities. Students and staff are invited to come to school dressed up with an Italian theme such as, a famous Italian person, the colours of the flag (green, white and red), a tourist, an Italian sports person, Pinocchio or an Italian landmark. 

Our day will begin at 9am with a short costume parade and a song in the hall before the children commence the activities. Families are most welcome to watch our parade.

PLEASE NOTE: We would like the children to bring a reusable shopping bag to school to carry their food, drinks bottles and stationery to each activity.

Walking to and from school Safely

The school has been informed that some St Joseph’s students are not using the traffic light crossing correctly on Burke St and Gallagher's Crossing. A bus driver also reported a student didn’t use the railway crossing correctly either. If your child uses that area to walk to school or walk home, please remind them of safe paths of travel and waiting for the lights to safely cross over.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

As members of the St Joseph's school community, we all have a responsibility to keep children safe. To support families with information about the actions our school takes to keep children safe, our Child Safety and Wellbeing policy has been updated, endorsed by our Child Safety Team and shared with our community both here and on our school website. Families are encouraged to read the policy or visit our school website and explore the Child Safety section. 

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards under Ministerial Order No. 1359 require certain roles and responsibilities to be allocated within schools, including the role of Child Safety Champions who supports school leadership to effectively implement their child safety and wellbeing plans. Our Child Safety Champions for 2024 and 2025 are Ros Joyner, Camillo Redi and James McMahon.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Car Line

If you arrive before school finishes, it is an expectation that you move all the way down the carline and fill all the spaces. If the carline is full, take a parking spot opposite the carline and walk to the crossing for student collection. Alternatively, leaving home 5-10 minutes later may be a better option to avoid being stuck in the congestion. Children are supervised in the carline area until 3:35pm, at which time, our carline and Burke Street are clear.

School Crossing

Please remember that the carline is private property and all people using our carline must follow the instructions of the staff managing the area - this is non-negotiable and aggressive or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. Entering the carline via the exit is dangerous and illegal.

When waiting along Burke Street to enter the school grounds, please do not stop your vehicle on the school crossing. For safety reasons, the school crossing supervisor is not authorised to allow children to cross the school crossing if a vehicle has stopped over the school crossing.

Medical Profiles and Emergency Contact Details

We remind parents and carers that it is time to review your child/ren's medical profile on PAM. Any changes in medical needs should be communicated to the school to ensure that we provide the most up-to-date care for our students. If emergency contact details have changed or emails, phone numbers need updating, please contact the office to provide the updates necessary. The most efficient way to provide these details to the office would be to email - info@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au

If your child is affected by Anaphylaxis or has any allergies and requires an ASCIA Allergy Plan developed by your child's doctor, please provide information and a copy to the office. In addition, Asthma plans may need updating, please ensure that these are also current. If your child has medication stored at our school, please check with the office that the medication is still in date and there is ample supply.

**All Medical Authority Forms held at school must be updated as soon as possible to allow for any medication changes, dosage or student growth . An email was sent out to all familes on 30 January with medication information and the forms required, depending on the ailment. Please contact the school office if you need any further assistance.

Lunch Orders

Lunch orders:

• are every Wednesday and Friday
• can be placed using the Flexischools app
• are delivered to school for the first break at 11:30am
• can be placed until 11:00pm the night before (Tuesday and Thursday) from a full menu
• can be placed until 9:00am on Wednesday and Friday mornings from a limited menu

Anyone with flu-like symptoms, however mild, should not attend school and should follow medical advice, including being tested for COVID-19.

It is strongly recommended that students:

• Who test positive to COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five (5) days;
• Should not attend school after five (5) days if still symptomatic;
• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school until their symptoms resolve;
• Parents, guardians or carers advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result.

To assist with limiting the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, parents, guardians and carers should be strongly encouraged to ensure that their child(ren) remain at home if they are unwell.

Second-Hand Uniforms – Donate or Grab a Bargain

Donate:
Do you have school uniforms your child has outgrown but are still in great condition? We’d love to give them a second life!

Families are encouraged to donate clean, good-quality uniform items to the school office. These items will then be made available to other families in our community.

Need uniforms?
A selection of clean, pre-loved uniforms is available for a gold coin donation. We also have a limited number of school bags for just $10.

To donate or browse available items, please contact the P&F Committee on stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com or ask at the school office.

You're Invited: Father’s Day BBQ Breakfast

We warmly invite all our wonderful dads and special people to join us for a free BBQ breakfast at school to celebrate an early Father’s Day with your child/ren.

With the support of the Warragul Lions, you’ll enjoy a delicious spread including:

• Bacon and egg rolls
• Sausages in bread
• Cereal and fruit

Tea and coffee will be available for grown-ups — please remember to BYO reusable coffee cup!

Where: School Hall
When: Friday 5 September
Time: 7.30am – 8.30am

To help with catering, please register all attendees (including children) as soon as possible at:
https://www.trybooking.com/DEHYY

We look forward to seeing you there!

Father's Day Stall - Friday 5 September

Our annual P&F Father’s Day Stall is just around the corner!

Students will have the opportunity to visit the stall during the morning to choose a special gift for their dad or another important person in their life. Gift prices will range from $1 to $10, so please remember to send some coins/cash along with your child to make the most of this fun experience.

Can you help?
We’re looking for volunteers to assist with setting up, helping students with their purchases, and packing up (8:30am – 12:30pm). If you’re available, please register here: https://volunteersignup.org/8E9FE 

Please note: All volunteers must hold a current Working With Children Check and sign in at the school office upon arrival.

Join us on Facebook

We welcome all families to join our Parents and Friends Facebook page — a great space to connect, ask questions, and stay engaged with our wonderful school community.

Simply search: 'Parents and Friends of St Joseph's Primary School Warragul'.

P&F Events and Meetings in Term 3

• Our upcoming Parents and Friends meetings and events to pop in your diary are:

  • Father’s Day Breakfast and Stall: Friday 5 September.
  • P&F Meeting: Friday 5 September, approximately 11am (after the stall) at the school.
  • Big Blokes BBQ: Friday 10 October. Want to help St Joe’s raise funds and also help out at this fantastic local event which supports men’s health and wellbeing? We’ll be looking for volunteers- please stay tuned or reach out to P&F for more info.
  • P&F Meeting: Friday 7 November, 2.00pm at the school.
  • Colour Run: Fri 14 November- please save the date.

If you would like to be involved, we would love to have you join us. Please reach out to the P&F via email: stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com or send us a message through our Facebook page. Otherwise, you are welcome to turn up at the school office - please ensure you bring your Working With Children’s Check (if you don’t have one, it’s free for volunteers) visit: Working with Children Check | Working and Volunteering | Service Victoria).

One Night Outside Camp for a Cause

On Saturday 30 August, Park Lane are holding One Night Outside at BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park, to raise funds for Flying Fox, a not-for-profit organisation creating life changing experiences for young people with and without disability.

One Night Outside is a fun and inclusive evening under the stars. All are invited to pitch a tent and enjoy a night of BBQ, hot chocolate, kids' activities, entertainment, and the chance to connect with the community.

100% of all camping site fees and 10% of all glamping and cabin proceeds from the night will be donated to Flying Fox, helping them continue their incredible work with young people of all abilities.

Book your camping site here: www.parklaneholidayparks.com.au 

For more information about the Flying Fox charity: www.flyingfox.org.au 

Peninsula Cinemas, Warragul