Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Congratulations to our students who celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation on Friday evening. It was a beautiful celebration with students, their families and many staff present. Bishop Greg was the main celebrant and confirmed the students with Fr Brendan and Fr Antony concelebrating the Mass. Thanks to all involved in the preparation of our students for this wonderful sacrament.

Last Tuesday the official Blessing and Opening of our two building projects took place. The two completed building projects are the Foundation space and the 1/ 2 Learning areas and multi-purpose space. We have been enjoying these new spaces for a while and now they have been officially recognised and opened. Thanks was expressed to the Australian Government for the Capital Grant that allowed the 1/ 2 area to be completed. Gratitude was also expressed to the Catholic Development Fund for providing loans which allowed for the Foundation space to be completed.  The official party consisted of DOSCEL Board Directors, Ms Cathy Jenkins and Mr John Swan, along with Director of Catholic Education, Mr Paul Velten. Mr Paul Jensen and Mrs Caitlin Juster represented our School Advisory Committee a representative from Catholic Development Fund completed the group. Other invited guests included Alan Cubbon the architect on both projects, Leigh Allchin from Allchin builders, other principals and School Advisory members. The proceedings went well with the rooms being blessed by Fr Brendan Hogan and the unveiling of the plaques by official guests and school leaders. The students were amazing and sang beautifully throughout the proceedings. My thanks to everyone who assisted in any way with the preparations for the day.

NAPLAN results will be sent home with Year 3 and Year 5 students this week.

Image: Photo taken on Tuesday of the Official Blessing and Opening

Best wishes,

Ros Joyner

Principal

A reminder that we have a Pupil Free Day on Wednesday 14 August.

FINAL CALL: For any Foundation 2025 Enrolments for our current families. If you have not returned a completed enrolment form, please contact Kitty in the office ASAP. If you have received a Letter of Offer, please return your response to the office.

Term 3

Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September

25 July - 8 Aug                                                   Book Fair

Mon 29 – Wed 31 July                                   KidsRoar Australia Visit

Friday 2 August                                                Hockey Roadshow (Senior Classes)

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

Friday 2 August                                                School Assembly at 2:30pm

Wednesday 7 August                                     SSV Gippsland AFL Girls

Wednesday 7 August                                     Soccer Clinic (PE)

Friday 9 August                                                Hockey Roadshow (Grades 1 -4)

Wednesday 14 August                                   Pupil Free Day

Thursday 15 August                                        Feast of the Assumption (Whole School Mass at 12 noon)

Friday 16 August                                              School Assembly

17 – 23 August                                                  Book Week

Friday 23 August                                              Book Week Dress Up Day

Mon 26 – Fri 30 August                                 Art Show

Tue 27 & Wed 28 Aug                                    Parent Teacher Interviews

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

Confirmation 2024

On behalf of the Sacrament Team, I would like to offer a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who were fully initiated into our Catholic Communities last Friday night through the Sacrament of Confirmation. It has been a joy to work with you and your families throughout this Sacramental process. We wish you all the very best. Please know that we would love you to join us in any of our Parish Masses and events. May you always remain close to Jesus Christ and live spiritfilled lives.   God Bless

First Holy Communion

Our First Holy Communion Program begins soon. A Parent Information Meeting will be held on Thursday 29th August in the Marian Room at St. Joseph's Church, at 7pm. Our guest Speaker is  Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB.  Children must be in Grade 4 or above, be baptised and have made their First Reconciliation to receive this Sacrament. A letter with more details will be sent home soon.

For more information, please contact Liz on 5623 1642, or email:Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

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

Abundant Nourishment

Jesus uses a concrete logistics situation as a teaching moment in this feeding of the hungry multitudes (John 6:1-15). The only miracle story appearing in all four gospels, Jesus makes some profound points. The short-term objective is achieved as the multitudes are fed but there are other layers about sharing resources, spiritual nourishment, and kingship.

The whole purpose of Jesus’ incarnation is proclaiming the merciful God who offers abundant spiritual and physical nourishment: the Kingdom of God. Like Phillip, we might despairingly infer, “We don’t have enough!” But there are no limits to God’s abundance. Meeting the needs of our neighbours can seem impossible until we learn to trust in God’s grace. Then we can meet the challenges. 

 “As long as you operate inside any scarcity model, there will never be enough God or grace to go around. Jesus came to undo our notions of scarcity and tip us over into a worldview of absolute abundance – or what he would call the “Kingdom of God.”” (Rohr, R. The Universal Christ p184).

At first glance, Jesus’ miracle is witnessed by thousands who then want to make him king. But that isn’t his purpose. His disciples were helpless in the face of need, but Jesus directs them to muster and offer what resources are there, blesses their pitiful offering and enables them to feed abundantly the people’s spiritual and physical needs.

Pope Francis reminds us in Evangelii Gaudium (EG12), “God askes everything of us, yet at the same time he offers everything to us.” Jesus imbues us with the means, with newfound and burgeoning strength and confidence.  “Challenges exist to be overcome! Let us be realists, but without losing our joy, our boldness, and our hope-filled commitment. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary vigour!” (EG 109).

Deacon Mark Kelly

The Department of Health, Victoria has issued a health alert, increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria.

Cases of pertussis are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies. Symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is important. Please remain vigilant and seek medical attention as soon as possible when symptoms present.

The below exclusion periods apply to diagnosed cases and contacts - 
For diagnosed cases:
 - students diagnosed with pertussis should be excluded from primary schools for a minimum period of 21 days after the onset of cough, or until they have completed five (5) days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment. The treating doctor will complete the required notifications to the Department of Health

For contacts of diagnosed cases:
The exclusion requirement only applies to contacts who meet all three (3) of the below criteria:
- aged less than 7 years;
- in the same class as the student with the diagnosed case; and
- have not received three (3) effective doses of pertussis vaccine.

Students meeting these criteria should be excluded for 14 days after the last exposure to the infectious case, or until they have taken five (5) days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment.

Our Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews will take place on Tuesday 27th August and Wednesday 28th August. This will be a great opportunity to connect with your child's teacher about the learning and wellbeing progress of your child. Details about booking an interview will follow in the coming weeks.

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:

Friday, 2 August Hockey Roadshow (Senior Classes)

Wednesday, 7 August S,S.V. Gippsland A.F.L. Girls

Wednesday, 7 August Soccer Clinic ( P.E.)

Friday, 9 August Hockey Roadshow (Grades 1-4)

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

Congratulations Xanthe

Xanthe Dalton is representing Victoria next week in Geelong in the National A.F.L. Competition. We wish Xanthe all the best as Victoria defends their title.

Term 3  Monday 15 July - Friday 20 September (2:20pm finish time)

Term 4  Tuesday 8 October - Tuesday 17 December (3:20pm finish time)

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

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.

SPECIAL REPORT: Eating Anxiety

The complexity of eating anxiety stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Young people may develop this anxiety due to social pressures related to eating in front of others, fears about body image, or due to more ingrained issues such as eating disorders. Additionally, cultural norms or dietary restrictions can also play significant roles, as can direct experiences like bullying or teasing related to food choices or eating habits.

Whilst not a formally recognised condition, eating anxiety is a genuine and often overwhelming experience that can significantly hinder a young person's ability to participate in everyday activities comfortably. This condition can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and social withdrawal, impacting overall health and academic performance.

Recognising and addressing eating anxiety is crucial for parents, carer, and educators. Through education, policy changes, and community support, we can help young people manage their anxieties and improve their relationship with food, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and social interactions.

This Special Report will help you understand how best to support a child experiencing anxiety around eating.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stjwarragul.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-eating-anxiety-au

Trivia Night (Adults Social Event)

Why should the kids keep having all the fun events?

It’s time to book in your babysitter and secure your table for our upcoming P&F Trivia Night.

We are well overdue for an occasion for you, our parents, along with friends of our school community to come together for an entertaining evening for all to enjoy.

Our last St Joe’s social event for the parents was Bogan Bingo almost 5 years ago! This year, we will be raising funds to go towards outdoor improvements at the school.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Date: Saturday 17th August

Time: Arrive 7pm

Venue: Warragul Bowls Club

HOST: Deaksy @Triviology.com.au - some of you might remember waking up listening to him on 3GG way back when!

BOOKINGS: $25 pp (You can book as individuals, couples or as a full table of 8 guests).

https://www.trybooking.com/CTAVO

We look forward to seeing you there!

New slide has arrived!

As a result of your generous fundraising from last year’s Colour Run, we have been able to install a brand new 5m slide on the front embankment area of the school playground fronting Burke St.

Natural rock steps, a lookout platform and surrounding softfall rubber and mulch will be installed in the coming fortnight to complete the works.

We look forward to sharing some photos in the next newsletter of the finished project.

We would like to thank and acknowledge:

• Prue Metcalfe Gardens and Designs for project management;
• Wes McIntosh Landscapes for the landscaping works and loan of temporary fencing to keep the kids safe during construction;
• Our school families who made the project possible through your generous support of the 2023 Colour Run.

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 clean second-hand school uniforms, available for a gold coin donation.

To check out what is available, just ask at the school office 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.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Friday 2 August at 1.30pm, followed by assembly. 

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.

Beleza are running an online sale offering 15% off Beleza branded products.

The sale will run from Saturday, 3 August through to Saturday, 10 August.

AFL  Auskick