Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

* A reminder that Monday is a public holiday and Tuesday is a pupil free day. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Wednesday, 12 June.

Today we had a beautiful whole school Mass to celebrate the feast day of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was a time to reflect on the gift of love that we have in our lives and to be grateful. It is also a time when we can think about how we can show love to others. Thank you for your contributions of non-perishable items which will be given to St Vincent de Paul and Baw Baw Food Relief for distribution.

Preparation has begun for families with students wishing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The parent information session last night with Fr Elio Capra was well attended. The date for the celebration of the sacrament is July 26^th in Marist Hall.

I am pleased to advise that we now have a school counsellor available. Amira will be working with us one day a week until the end of the year.

Please be mindful about what your child is wearing to school. We are seeing a vast array of coloured socks and sneakers being worn with the full uniform. Coloured sneakers or running shoes should only be worn with sports uniform. Shoes for normal uniform must be plain black. The school beanie is available to purchase which might be helpful with the winter months coming.

We have been enjoying several extra-curricular activities over the passed two weeks. Year 5 and 6 enjoyed their science incursion and the Foundation class were very excited to go to Old Gippstown to learn about life "in the olden days". Winter sports went ahead despite the weather and we are pleased to advise that the football team have made it through to the next round. Well done everyone for your efforts in all of the sports on the day. The next level of Cross Country was held last week and congratulations to all those who participated so well.

Best wishes,

Ros Joyner

Principal

Term 2

Monday 15 April – Friday 28 June

Sunday 9 June                                                   Confirmation Commitment Mass

Monday 10 June                                              King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 11 June                                              Pupil Free Day

Friday 14 June                                                   9:15am Mass – Middle School Mass

Friday 14 June                                                   School Glow Disco

Saturday 15 June                                             Confirmation Commitment Mass

Sunday 16 June                                                Confirmation Commitment Mass

Friday 21 June                                                   School Assembly

Friday 28 June                                                   Last day of Term 2 – 2:20pm finish

Term 3

Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September

Monday 15 July                                                First Day of Term 3

Thursday 18 July                                              State Cross Country

Friday 19 July                                                    School Assembly

25 July - 8 Aug                                                   Book Fair

Friday 26 July                                                    Sacrament of Confirmation 7pm Marist-Sion Hall

Friday 2 August                                                P&F Meeting at 1:30pm

Friday 2 August                                                School Assembly at 2:30pm

Wednesday 14 August                                   Pupil Free Day

Friday 16 August                                              School Assembly

17 – 23 August                                                  Book Week

Thursday 29 August                                        First Holy Communion – Information Meeting for Parents

Friday 30 August                                              School Assembly

Friday 13 September                                     School Assembly

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

Term 4

Tuesday 8 October – Tuesday 17 December

Monday 7 October                                          Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 8 October                                          First day of Term 4

8 – 11 October                                                  Dental Van Visit

Tues 8 – Fri 11 October                                 Foundation to Grade 2 Swimming Program

Tuesday 15 October                               Gippsland Regional Athletics, Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough

26 & 27 October                                               First Holy Communion Masses

Monday 4 November                                    School Closure Day

Tuesday 5 November                                    Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Tuesday 17 December                                   Last day of school for 2024

Sacrament News

Listed below are some dates for your diary regarding the Sacramental program for Confirmation and First Holy Communion in 2024.

Confirmation 2024

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will begin with an Information Meeting for parents on Thursday 6^th June, 7pm in the Marian Room at St Joseph's Church, Warragul. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB.

Please note that due to the long weekend, we have changed the dates for the Commitment masses.  They will take place on  Sunday 9^th  & 16^th June at St. Ita’s in Drouin at 10.30am and 15^th/16^th June at St. Josephs in Warragul at 7pm & 9am respectively.

The Confirmation ceremony, celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennett, will be held on Friday, 26^th July, 7pm in Marist Sion Hall.

First Holy Communion

Preparation for First Holy Communion will begin with an Information Meeting for parents on Thursday 29^th August, 7pm. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB. First Holy Communion Masses will be held on the weekend of 26^th/27^th October.

More details concerning these sacraments will be provided closer to the time.  Contact Liz for further enquiries.

Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au    

Phone: 5623 1642

R.C.I.A.

These letters stand for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; the ancient Rite of welcoming people into the Church.

The Catholic Parishes of Warragul and Drouin warmly invites anyone who is interested in discovering more about the Catholic faith, what Catholics believe and why, expressing an interest in becoming a Catholic, or an Adult Catholic who has not yet received the sacraments of First Eucharist or Confirmation, to attend an Information evening on Wednesday 31^st July 7.30pm Marian Room (attached to St. Joseph’s Church Warragul - enter the car park from Bowen Street). For further information, contact Joan Robertson or Fr. Brendan at the Parish Office: 5623 1642.

Deacon Mark Kelly's Book, 'Much Given' is available to purchase!

A message from Deacon Mark

Breathless

Mark’s gospel, his story of Jesus, is not a slow paced, “Downton Abbey” style series! Readers are breathless with the pace and the counter-intuitive quirks of the story.

By chapter three Jesus has announced the Kingdom, been baptised by John, affirmed by the Holy Spirit, and blessed by the Father, gathered his followers, taught with authority, miraculously healed the sick and inspired the hatred of Pharisees and Herodians. Authorities from Jerusalem declare Jesus “in league with the demonic powers” while from Nazareth, his family, rather than being supportive, think he is crazy. They want to restrain him. (Mark 3:20-35) Biblical scholars point out that, written in Rome fifty or so years after Jesus, this passage reflects the families of Roman Christians who risked torture and execution for Christ.

Jesus speaks to us above the hubbub at Capernaum. Addressing us in the conflict of our lives and our world he speaks of kingdoms and households divided against themselves and of “anyone who does the will of God (being) my brother and sister and mother”.

Deep down in our souls, we crave peace, authenticity, and the solace of God’s Kingdom. For all our first world wealth and certitude though, our reality is frequently division and inner conflict. Often our inner selves are disconnected from our outside masks - our school, work, family, prayer, personal and social life masks. Our behaviour, beliefs, ethics might depend on where we are and who we are with. Our world can be a turmoil of individualism and tribalism, prejudice and violence, injustice, and poverty amid plenty. Where do we find authenticity and inner peace? What is the will of God and how do we do it?

Mark’s gospel moves us beyond some comfortable worldly certainties. The old ways don’t cut it. Mark shows the path that leads to faith in Jesus as the true Messiah and Son of God. Jesus actions and example bring God’s reign close to the people. Jesus inaugurates and anticipates God’s Kingdom. We need to get on board for the ride.

Deacon Mark Kelly

National Reconciliation Week was celebrated last week across our school with a range of activities, songs and stories. Staff worked with our Education Officer: Inclusive Education (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) from DOSCEL - Peta Murray, to refine our school's Acknowledge of Country. It is still a work in progress and will be shared with the school community once it has been completed.

Students from 1/2V read some Dreamtime stories including the rainbow serpent.

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:

Monday 17 June S.S.V Division Winter Sport (including Girls AFL)

Thursday, 18 July  State Cross Country

Tuesday, 15 October  Gippsland Regional Athletics - Joe Carmody Athletics Track, Newborough

S.S.V. Gippsland Region Cross Country

Congratulations to our Cross Country runners. They did a great job on the course at Drouin Golf Club recording excellent times. Sinead Juster finished 18th and Lexi Walsh finished 22nd. Joshua Robertson almost qualified for the State Championships, coming 13th by the narrowest of margins.

Well done to Charlotte McKenna who ran a strong race and  finished 12th. Charlotte has qualified for the State Championship next month in Yarra Glen.

Thank you to the parents who transported and supported their children at this event.

Winter Round Robin

The Year 5 & 6 students had a great day at St. Paul’s and Bellbird Park participating in  A.F.L, Soccer, Netball or Tee Ball.

The Soccer Players, Teeballers and Netballers competed very well. The A.F.L. Boys had a very successful day and progressed to the Division Competition undefeated.

The A.F.L. girls will also compete at Division as there was no opposition at District level.

Thank you to the parents who attended to support our students.

West Gippsland Winter Round Robin is scheduled for Monday 17 June at Bellbird Park.

Sports Uniform Reminder

It has been great to see so many students prepared for sport each 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.

Term 2 Week 6 Update

TUESDAY: Foundation and Year 4 Classes

WEDNESDAY: Year 1/2 Lyall and Year 3 & Year 5 Classes

THURSDAY: Year 1/2 Wans, 1/2 Vincent & Year 6 Classes

*Year 6 students can also wear their sports uniform on Monday

Our school uniform policy has been reviewed and endorsed by the school leadership team and School Advisory Board. Please read through the policy. Students are expected to be in correct uniform at all times. The school uniform shop is well stocked with second hand uniform if additional items are required.

Term 2   Monday 15 April - Friday 28 June

Term 3  Monday 15 July - Friday 20 September

Term 4  Tuesday 8 October - Tuesday 17 December

School Fees

If you wish to make regular payments, a direct debit form has been attached below to assist you. Please print and fill it out and email to Kitty kbarrett@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kitty in the office on: 5623 2943.

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. 

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

The lost property shelves can be found in the multipurpose room. 

Parents are most welcome to come and look in the tubs if students have lost any items of clothing, drink bottles etc...

We have plenty of unnamed bomber school jackets from lost property, mostly new and hardly worn. These can be purchased for a gold coin donation. Children can see Mrs Mulqueen on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's.

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. 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 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.

Disco- One Week to Glow!

The P&F Committee are getting very excited to welcome all St Joseph’s students to the 2024 Glow Disco.

Date: Friday 14 June 2024

Time:

• Prep to Grade Two: 5pm- 6pm
• Grade 3 to Grade 6: 6.30pm-8pm

Location: St Joseph’s School Hall

This will be a fun evening for all St Joseph’s kids, with DJ Boom and lots of fun and games, music and dancing. There will also be a quiet area for those who want to glow with a little less noise.

Tickets are $10 per child or $25 per family of three students or more.

Book your tickets now, as ticket sales will close on Wednesday 12 June, https://www.trybooking.com/CRPAB

If you’re an adult who also likes to dance, face paint or play party games, we are eager for some parent helpers on the night (nibbles supplied). There are 3 timeslots available, if you can lend a hand, please register at volunteersignup.org/3838Y

Volunteers will need to have a current Working with Children’s Check. If you do not have one, you can apply for a volunteer one for free on-line with ID, which takes about 15 minutes. You will get electronic approval and a number that can be used.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/working-with-children-check

Trivia Night (Adults only)- Save the Date

Save the date and book someone in to look after the kids- the P&F Committee are working hard to bring St Joseph's parents, carers and friends a social event in Term 3.

Date: Saturday 17 August 2024, 7.30pm

Venue: Warragul Bowling Club

More information and ticket details to come.

Join us on Facebook

We welcome all families to join our P&F Facebook page, a great place 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 Parents & Friends room 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 at 2.00pm (or 1.30pm on assembly days) at the school. The next P&F Meeting will be held Friday 2 August at 1:30pm.

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.

AFL  Auskick