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Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
A reminder that our final day for this term is this Wednesday, 27 March with students finishing school at 3:20pm.
It is hard to believe that this is the last newsletter for the term. As I look back over the term there is much to be thankful for. Forty-one Foundation students and many other students across year levels have started their primary school journey with us. We are grateful for their contribution to our school community.
Athletics carnivals, swimming sports, camps, St Joseph’s Day celebrations, parent teacher interviews, school masses, incursions and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation have all been special events over the term.
I can honestly say I am very pleased with the way the students have begun this year. As I walk around the school each day watching and listening I have been noticing a calmness about the place. The children are happy and excited to be at school but there is an atmosphere of peace and predictability as the students attend to their learning. I thank the staff for their hard work in achieving this.
Congratulations to all our students who celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Thursday evening.
Special thanks, also, to all who were involved in the Harmony Day celebrations and special assembly this week.
This Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, commencing with Palm Sunday. Holy Week reminds us of the particular days leading up to Easter Sunday, which is the high point of the Church year. Easter ceremonies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday (or Saturday night vigil Mass) will take place at St Joseph’s Church, Warragul and St Ita’s Church, Drouin.
Wishing you all a safe and peaceful Easter.
Roslyn Joyner
Principal
2024
Term 1
Wednesday 31 January – Wednesday 27 March
Wednesday 27 March Stations of the Cross in the School Hall at 12pm
Wednesday 27 March Last day of Term 1 for students (3:20pm finish time)
Term 2
Monday 15 April – Friday 28 June
Monday 15 April First day of Term 2
Tuesday 16 April Grade 3 Day Camp to Forest Edge
Tue 16 – Wed 17 April Grade 4 Overnight Camp to Forest Edge
Wednesday 24 April School Photos (new date)
Thursday 25 April ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Friday 26 April Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 30 April West Gippsland Division Athletics, Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough (Back up dates 2/5 or 6/5)
Friday 10 May Mother’s Day Celebration – classroom activities and morning tea
Friday 10 May Mother’s Day Stall
Friday 17 May Grandparents Day Cabaret
Wednesday 22 May National Simultaneous Storytime
Monday 10 June King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday 11 June Pupil Free Day
Term 3
Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September
Monday 15 July First Day of Term 3
Thursday 25 July Book Fair begins
Wednesday 14 August Pupil Free Day
17 – 23 August Book Week
Term 4
Tuesday 8 October – Tuesday 17 December
Monday 7 October Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 8 October First day of Term 4
Tuesday 15 October Gippsland Regional Athletics. Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough
Monday 4 November School Closure Day
Tuesday 5 November Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Tuesday 17 December Last day of school for 2024
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Congratulations to these students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Ita’s Church, Drouin.
Peace and many blessings to you all.
Holy Week
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Lent
A message from Deacon Mark
Don't back down!
Jesus and the authorities were never going to get on! Jesus won’t stop courageously delivering the Good News of the already present Kingdom of God, and, after his temple challenge, events seem inevitable. The authorities were always going to get rid of him, but they wanted to carry out the operation without causing a major riot. Waiting a few days, they arrest Jesus on trumped up charges with a guilty verdict and execution a forgone conclusion. (Peaceful protesters around the world get similar treatment from 21st century bullies and dictators).
Mark’s “Passion Narrative” in the Palm Sunday gospel (Mark 14:1-15:47) gives us a complete account of Jesus final days, his trial, death and resurrection. Jesus has opportunities to back down, avoiding suffering, humiliation, and death, but he is on a mission.
From this and the other gospels, we know the story with the eyes of faith, but what does history tell us? Serious scholars, whether Christian or not, agree that Jesus certainly existed. Disinterested and non-Christian sources support the bare bones of our gospel accounts and many of the events we Christians attribute to him are historically verifiable.
One thing is certain: he was condemned to death during the reign of Tiberius, by the governor Pontius Pilate. We have that information from Tacitus, the famous Roman historian. Getting rid of the leader should have scared off his followers and sympathisers. But Flavius Josephus (the famous Romanised Jewish writer) “says the same thing and adds some interesting details: Jesus “attracted many Jews and many people of Greek origin. And when Pilate, because of an accusation lodged by some of our leaders, condemned him to the cross, those who loved him did not stop loving him.” (Pagola p353). Soon after fleeing in disarray, those Jews and Greeks are back! They (and we) experience an astounding Easter surprise!
Deacon Mark Kelly
Cultural diversity encompasses the variety of cultures, beliefs, and traditions present globally, contributing to a rich tapestry of human experiences and perspectives. By valuing every child's cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures, will to only promote unity but a deeper appreciation of the nuances that distinguish us.
Inclusion is about more than just words; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for every child, regardless of their cultural background. When children and adolescents feel seen and valued for who they are, they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Valuing and understanding cultural diversity, helps our communities benefit from a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enhancing our collective capacity for empathy and innovation.
As parents and adult carers, instilling an appreciation for cultural diversity is vital to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Through leading by example and showing that kindness and understanding knows no boundaries, we can encourage them to embrace multiculturalism. This will not only prepare young people for personal success, but also for contributing to a world that views diversity as a strength. Through collective efforts, we can help pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how best to embrace and celebrate cultural diversity with your children. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school wellbeing team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your Edition
https://stjwarragul.catholic.
The bushfire season is upon us and normally runs from October until April.
As St. Joseph’s is located in a high-risk bushfire area, the school will be pre-emptively closed in the event that the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issues a Code Red Fire Danger Rating warning for the weather district in which this school is located (West and South Gippsland - Region). A decision is made at 12:00pm the day before if possible, and will not change regardless of changing weather conditions. If possible, three-days notice may be given to families about the closure. When a school is closed in response to bushfire risk, no one will be permitted on site. This is a part of our emergency management plan for St. Joseph's and every effort will be made to give you advanced warning of a closure.
SCHOOL PHOTOS - Wednesday 24 April
Term 2 Week 2
School photo ordering flyers will be sent home with students in the final week of Term 1, before the Easter School Holidays commence. If you know you will be away during this week, please contact the School Office on 5623 2943.
Book Club
UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:
Tuesday, 26 March - Grade 6 AFL-X. Moe Racecourse (optional event)
Tuesday, 30 April - West Gippsland Division Athletics. Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough (Back up 2/5 or 6/5).
Tuesday, 15 October - Gippsland Regional Athletics. Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough
Gippsland Regional Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Joseph Faithful who finished eighth in the 12/13 year old freestyle and Neille Van Aswegen who placed fourth in 10 year old backstroke at the Gippsland Regional Swimming Championships.
Thank you to Joseph and Neille’s parents for taking them to this event.
St Joseph's Foundation Athletics Carnival
On Friday March 8th, the Foundation students enjoyed a fun session showcasing their athletic ability on our oval. Congratulations to all the students who participated. It was great to see so many students trying activities for the first time or that they find challenging.
A very special thank you to the House Captains who did a fantastic job encouraging, celebrating and guiding the students through their activities. Thank you to all the parents and families who came to support their children.
Warragul District Athletics
A team of 53 St. Joseph students from Grade 3-6 headed down to Geoff Watt Memorial Athletics Track, to run, jump and throw their way through the day. Our students performed very well. Thank you to Kerry Jenkinson, Emma Van Boven and the Daltons for running the discus and to the parents who came to support our students.
Congratulations to the following students who placed first or second and have progressed to the Division Athletics in April; Lenny Barake, Alexis Walsh, Xanthe Dalton. Alirah Dalton, Maddi Marx, Amos Cunningham, Ryan Lucas, Tadhg Sheehan, Harrison Brown, Sophie Zekic, Aiden Vincent, Coby Murnane, Isla O’Brien, Bailey Mumford and our 12/13 Girls Relay Team, Xanthe Dalton, Maddi Marx, Neve Heatley and Zoe Lamb.
Sports Uniform Reminder - amended
It was great to see so many students prepared for Sport this week with the correct sports uniform. Just a reminder that the sports uniform is to be worn only on the students’ Sports Day. This includes appropriate footwear for vigorous activity.
TUESDAY: Foundation and Year 4 Classes
WEDNESDAY: Year 1/2 and Year 3 Classes
THURSDAY: Year 5/6 Classes
*Year 6 students can also wear their sports uniform on Monday.
2024
Term 1 Wednesday 31 January - Wednesday 27 March (3:20pm finish)
Term 2 Monday 15 April - Friday 28 June
Term 3 Monday 15 July - Friday 20 September
Term 4 Tuesday 8 October - Tuesday 17 December
Car Line
Our school is very blessed with a long carline with ample parking. However, we continue to experience some issues during the afternoon pickup. Burke Street is extremely busy from 3:00-3:30pm. If you arrive before school finishes, it is an expectation that you move all the way down the carline and fill all 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
At the beginning of each school year, 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.
Lego
Hey everyone!
We need your help to turn St Joseph's Primary School, Warragul in to a creative haven for our students.
We're currently seeking donations of Lego to support 'Passive Play' and to fuel other exciting school projects.
Passive Play is an option students can choose if they would like a calmer, quieter place at lunchtime, and we want Lego to be a big part of this.
Lego helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity among our students. It's also a great way to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
By donating your Lego, you'll be making a huge difference in the education and development of these young minds.
How You Can Help:
Donate any new or gently used Lego sets Spread the word to friends and family Ask your workplace to get involved
Donation Details:
Drop-off dates & times:
Weekdays from 8:30am - 4pm, during school terms, all year. Location: c/o School Office (see Shirley)
Contact: 03 5623 2943
Let's come together as a community to create a fun and inspiring learning environment for our kids! Your generous support means the world to us. Let's build the future, one brick at a time!
#SupportOurSchool #LegoDonations #EducationMatters
Zooper Dooper Thursdays!
Zooper Dooper Donations
Around 50% of the money raised goes towards the purchasing of the icy poles.
I'm inviting families to consider popping some Zooper Doopers into your shopping trolley and donating them to our Super Zooper Doopers Day, increasing our profits to 100%.
Zooper Doopers are on special at Woolies this week, costing $5.25. We can turn your $5.25 donation into a $12 one!
If you would like to contribute to our fundraising, please purchase either the Lemonade or Cosmic flavoured ones.
Donations can be left in the blue basket in the Italian room.
Thank you!
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 from a full menu
- can be placed until 9:00am on Wednesday and Friday mornings from a limited menu
School Uniform
During Term 1 and Term 4, all students are required to wear a school hat when outdoors, including breaks, outdoor learning tasks and PE sessions. If you are looking to purchase a school hat, please speak to the office or drop into Beleza in Warragul. All students should be in their full summer uniform, including correct socks and shoes. Wearing the school uniform correctly demonstrates school pride and identity. Please ensure your child has the correct uniform on the correct days. We appreciate your support.
Lost Property
Please note that if your child tests positive to 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, including if they have tested positive to COVID-19.
Absences & Holidays
In Victoria, it is compulsory for children and young people 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 as absent without a reason. In some cases, if you email your child's classroom teacher, they may be away and may not be able to check their emails to forward to the office. It is imperative that you notify the 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
3. Phone the office on 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 addressing your intentions to our Principal, Mrs Roslyn Joyner.
Kids Disco - Save the Date
Friday, 14 June Save the date for the 2024 Disco!
This will be a fun evening for all St Joseph’s kids, with a DJ and lots of games, music and dancing.
Stay tuned for more details...
Easter Raffle
At today's special assembly, the Easter Raffle was drawn. We will post a list of all winners on the Parents and Friends Facebook page.
A big thank you to our school community for buying and selling raffle tickets and your generous donations towards the Easter Raffle.
Together, we raised over $2,500 and were able to offer a whopping 43 beautiful prizes. We hope the winners will be very happy.
We would also like to thank Penny Worth O’ Lollies for their support- next time you are in Yarragon, be sure to check them out and stock up!
Container Deposit Scheme
If you would like to support St Joseph’s Primary School with a donation from your exchange of eligible drink containers, please use partner ID C2000009902, or scan the barcode below:
Labels
Avoid having to replace your children’s things and help us reduce the lost property pile by clearly naming your child’s items.
To make this easy for parents and also raise some funds for the school, we have started a new fundraiser with ‘Stuck on You.’ Stuck on You offer personalised school products including labels, stamps, bento lunch boxes, drink bottles, bag tags and stationery.
Check out their products here
Please use our St Joseph’s fundraising code moPSTs0sQygQ at check out to ensure a commission on every order is returned to the Parents and Friends Committee.
Join us on Facebook
We welcome all families to join our P&F Facebook page, a great place to ask any questions you might have and to engage with our school community - please search 'Parents and Friends of St Joseph's Primary School Warragul'.
Second Hand Uniforms
We have lots of new stock of clean second-hand school uniforms, available for a gold coin donation.
View these in the hall at assemblies or contact the P&F Committee on stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com or the school office.
P&F Meetings
P&F meetings are generally held on the first Friday of each month (except during school holidays) at 2.00pm (or 1.30pm on assembly days) at the school. Our next meeting is scheduled for Friday 3 May.
If you would like to be involved, we would love to have you, please reach out to us via email stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com, send us a message through our Facebook page or just turn up.
Easter & School Holidays Trading Hours
Beleza School Uniform
Beleza Price List
Warragul Municipal Band
Wild Dog Triathlon Club
NOTICEBOARD