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

Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September

Monday 12 August                                          National Science Week Dress Up Day (gold coin donation)

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                                              Father’s Day Breakfast & Stall

Friday 30 August                                              School Assembly

Friday 6 September                                        Italian Day & Dress Up

Thursday 12 September                               R U OK? Day

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 – 3:20pm finish

Sacrament News

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

Baptism Program for School Aged Children

Have you ever thought about Baptising your school aged child? Are you wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith?

Two parent/child workshops will be held on Tuesday 13^th August and Tuesday 27^th August. These sessions will be from 4:00pm - 5:00pm in the Marian Room at St. Joseph’s Church Warragul (enter car park from Bowen Street).

At least one parent must be a baptised Catholic. Please contact Joan in the Parish Office: 56231642 or Patricia Bertacco at St. Joseph’s Primary School for more information or to enrol your child.

A message from Deacon Mark

Good Christians Only Need Apply

John’s gospel (Jn 6:41-51) contains the line, “No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me” (Jn 6:44). For those who interpret scripture literally, line by line rather than in the context of God’s revelation and the whole of scripture, that is the sealer. Only good Christians (usually of a particular flavour) can be saved! Many ordinary Christians, misled by such interpretation, find it a heartbreaker. Does that mean all those who are not practising Catholics or Christians, aren’t drawn by the Father and are denied salvation? Our neighbours of other faiths and no faith; even our own wayward siblings and children and grandchildren, maybe they are doomed to eternal damnation!

The Church says, “Not so fast!” Few of us are regular readers of the Catholic Catechism, the distilled wisdom of the Church, but it can be instructive! Section 1058 points out that, “If it is true that no one can save himself, it is also true that God “desires all men to be saved’ (1 Tim2:4) and that for him “all things are possible” (Mt 19:26) and at Section 1821 the Church’s prayer is that “all men will be saved.” The Eucharistic Prayer at Mass and the Divine Office too include prayer for the salvation of all.

St Therese, St John Paul, early “Fathers of the Church” and many others assert that God’s love can save all people; that there is hope for all regardless of religious affiliation or otherwise. “The Church has a single intention: that God's kingdom may come, and that the salvation of the whole human race may come to pass”. (Gaudium et Spes1:45) Graced as we are to follow Jesus in our own lives, we try to be our best selves and we leave determining the salvation of all to our all loving, all merciful God.

Deacon Mark Kelly

Aussie of the Month recognises and celebrates personal endeavour, achievement, and contribution to the community and reflects the universal values we share as Australians, such as fair go, mateship, respect and inclusion.

Aussie of the Month has been operating for over 20 years and is endorsed by the Education Department in every State and Territory in Australia. It is a monthly student award in recognition of civic contribution, rewards, behaviours that reflect our responsibilities as community citizens, and has the support of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) as a complementary program aligned to the Primary Year’s curriculum.

Pictured below is student, Ashleigh Johnson that received Aussie of the Month for the month of July.

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 were sent via email this week.

There was lots of buzz and excitement around Book Fair. Thank you to all families for visiting and supporting the Book Fair. Through your support and generosity, the school has earned $1400.00 in rewards. Thank you also, to the wonderful volunteers that assisted and helped to make this Book Fair successful. Orders for out of stock items have been placed, they should arrive in the coming weeks. 

All orders for Issue 5 need to be placed by Monday 12th August. Catalogues are available in the library space. Families can also spend their $5.00 promo code form Issue 4. 

Book Week

Book Week Dress Up Day - Friday, 23 August

Theme - Reading is Magic

Book Week is fast approaching. Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating Book Week. The theme this year, "Reading is Magic" with Australian Illustrator Jess Racklyeft being honoured as this year's Featured Illustrator. Jess also has been nominated in the Eve Pownell Award for Information books, for her book titled Australia: Country of Colour. 

Our dress up day will be held on Friday 23rd August. With this year’s theme, ‘Reading is Magic,’ there’s never been a better opportunity to portray characters from your favourite fantasy books, such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Rainbow Magic and from your favourite Fairytales. 

 On this day we also have the author illustrator Serena Geddes joining us online.

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:

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

Wednesday, 28 August Catholic Cluster (Grade 6)

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

Soccer Clinic

The Grade 5 and Grade 3 classes participated in a soccer clinic presented by Ruby and Zara representing the Oakleigh Cannons. The engaging clinic focussed on basic skills and teamwork.

2024 Hockey Roadshow

Grades 1 to Grade 6 students have taken part in this year's Hockey Roadshow, presented by West Gippsland Hockey Association. The clinics were fun and engaging, exposing our students to basic skills and game play.

   

S.S.V. Gippsland AFL Girls Round Robin

To our delight our Girls A.F.L. Team was invited to participate in the regional competition against teams from across Gippsland.

The Grade 5 and 6’s had a great day participating and encouraging each other.

Thank you to Melia Silver and Fletcher Kennedy for accompanying them on the day and the parents who came along to support our students.

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.

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.

Father's Day Breakfast

We invite all our awesome Dad’s and special persons to come along and enjoy a free BBQ breakfast at school with your children to celebrate an early Father’s Day.

With the help of Warragul Lions, you’ll be treated to bacon and egg rolls, sausages in bread, cereal and fruit. Tea/ coffee will be available for grown-ups, please BYO reusable coffee cup.

The breakfast and activities will be held at the school hall, on Friday 30 August from 7.30am to 8.30am. Please register all attendees (including children) for catering purposes by Friday 16 August at https://www.trybooking.com/CUDSG

Father's Day Stall

On Friday 30 August, the annual Parents and Friends Father’s Day stall will also be running.

Please send along some coins so the kids can enjoy their shopping experience!

Each class will have the opportunity to shop at the stall during the morning and purchase one gift for their dad/special person. Gifts will range in price from $1 to $9. A second visit to the stall may be available to those children wanting to purchase an additional item if there are any gifts remaining after all classes have visited the stall.

If you would like to assist at the Stall (8.30am- 12.30pm), please register here volunteersignup.org/YJJAJ

Trivia Night (Adults Social Event)

Next weekend we are holding our first adult social event for a number of years. This will be a great chance for parents and carers to come together and challenge some of our teachers to see who will be crowned trivia champions!

TRIVIA NIGHT

Date: Saturday 17th August

Time: Arrive 7pm for a 7.30pm start

Venue: Warragul Bowls Club

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

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

https://www.trybooking.com/CTAVO

Don’t forget to bring along some gold coins for some fun games and raffles!

We look forward to seeing you there.

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

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 6 September at 2:00pm.

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 end this Saturday, 10 August.

AFL  Auskick