Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

What a wonderful way to celebrate Book Week! The weather was perfect, so the parade was held outside and the excitement of the children was fantastic. Thanks to all parents who helped with costumes for the children. It really is a highlight for them. They will enjoy a talk from author Serena Geddes later today.

Special thanks also to the P and F for arranging the Trivia night last Friday. It was very successful with parents and previous parents coming together to enjoy a happy social event. I hope Jess Mills bought a tattslotto ticket this weekend, because her luck seems to be extreme right now! Well done Jess in your raffle wins.  Apart from raising some funds for our school, it was great to be having a fun social time with each other. Thanks to all involved.

Next week we will be holding our Art Show. As you come for your parent teacher interview, make sure to swing by to view the amazing art display from our students. Thanks Ms Butera and Mr Mac for organising the Art Show and assisting the students so well with their creative pieces. I am so proud of them!

All in all, St Joseph’s is a great place to be!

Kind regards,

Ros Joyner

Principal

Term 3

Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September

Mon 26 – Fri 30 August                                 Art Show

Tue 27 & Wed 28 Aug                                    Parent Teacher Interviews

Wednesday 28 August                                   Catholic Cluster (Grade 6)

Thursday 29 August                                        First Holy Communion – Information Meeting for Parents

Friday 30 August                                              Marist-Sion College Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications Close (current Year 5 students)

Friday 30 August                                              Father’s Day Breakfast & Stall

Friday 30 August                                              School Assembly at 2:30pm

Fri 30 – Sat 31 Aug                                          Parish Retreat

Sun 1 – Sat 7 Sept                                            Child Safety Week

Thursday 5 September                                  Choir performing at LV Eisteddfod (GPAC, Traralgon)

Friday 6 September                                        Italian Day - Dress Up & Parade

Friday 6 September                                        Youth Ministry Movie Night

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

Friday 18 October                                            Year 3 & 4 Science Excursion

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 Catholic communities of Warragul, Drouin and Neerim South are about to begin preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.

If your child is in Grade Four or above, is baptised, has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and is ready to receive First Holy Communion, please come along to a Parent only Information Meeting on Thursday 29^th August 2024 at 7pm in the Marian Room, St Joseph’s Church, Warragul. Our guest presenter is Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB.

Information packages with enrolment details will be given out on this night.

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

Below are some other important dates to mark in your diary. These sessions and Masses will be explained in more detail at the information meeting.

COMMITMENT MASSES

Enrolment for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will take place during a Parish Mass. Please choose one of the following Masses to attend:

St Joseph’s Church, Warragul

Saturday 31^st August, 7pm  or Sunday 1^st  September, 9am

St Ita’s Church, Drouin

Sunday 1^st September, 10:30am or Sunday 8^th September, 10.30am

SPECIAL TEACHING MASS INVOLVING THE CHILDREN

Teaching Mass

St Joseph’s Church, Warragul:

Saturday 12^th October, 7pm, Sunday 13^th October, 9am

St Ita’s Church, Drouin:

Sunday 13^th October, 10:30am

We encourage candidates and their families to attend one of these Parish Masses.

2^nd Rite of Reconciliation: (Preparation for Communion)

This combined reconciliation rite will be for all First Holy Communion candidates and their families. It will be held on Thursday, 17^th October at 7pm at St Joseph’s Church Warragul. 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASSES

Communion Masses will be held over two weekends at Parish Masses: Please consider your preferred First Holy Communion Mass for your child before you come to the information night.

The Mass times are: 

• Saturday 26^th October, 30pm St. Ignatius - Neerim South
• Saturday 26^th October, 7pm St Joseph’s - Warragul
• Sunday 27^th October, 9am St Joseph’s – Warragul
• Sunday 27^th October, 10:30am St Ita’s – Drouin
• Saturday 2^nd November, 7pm St Joseph’s - Warragul
• Sunday 3^rd November, 9am St Joseph’s – Warragul
• Sunday 3^rd November, 10:30am St Ita’s - Drouin

FAMILY MASS POST FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Thursday 7^th November, 6pm St. Ita’s Church Drouin

This year we would like to hold a family Mass where all the Communion candidates can come along together with their families and celebrate this wonderful sacrament. This will also be an instructional Mass to deepen our understanding of the Mass, and a time where the candidates can receive Holy Communion together. Then after the Mass we will share a BBQ picnic together.

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?

The final parent/child workshop will be held on Tuesday 27^th August. The session will be from 4:00pm - 5:00pm in the Marian Room at St. Joseph’s Church Warragul (enter the 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 to enrol your child or for more information.

What's Coming Up for Families Within the Parishes of St Ita's and St Joseph's?

Parish Retreat

- Friday 30th August

- Saturday 31st August

Youth Ministry Movie Night

- Friday 6th September

Parish Retreat

On Friday the 30th of August and Saturday the 31st of August we have an exciting Parish Retreat running which will bring opportunity for youth, families and people of all ages to explore faith through a variety of talks, testimonies, drama, music, games, reflection and adoration. 

This will run at St Joseph's School Hall on Friday 30th August from 6:30pm-8:30pm, and then will continue on Saturday 31st August from 9:30am-5:30pm. 

Please bring a plate to share for lunch on the Saturday.

We have a Movie Night for all people in Primary School and High School Aged Youth on Friday 6th September from 5:30pm-8:00pm at St Joseph's School Hall. 

We will be watching "The School Of Rock". This will be $5 per person to cover the cost of food and drink. 

Please note, this is a PG rated movie. 

For any further details, please contact the Youth Minister: Olivia Daly on 0431 239 637 or via email on Warragul.youth@cdsale.org.au

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

On Monday 12th August, students from across the school formed multi-age groups and participated in Science Week rotation activities. Activities were focused around animals. Some groups completed tasks about their awesome adaptations which help them survive in their environment, whilst other groups looked at animal habitats. It was a wonderful morning to connect with peers across the school and focus on Science.

FESTA ITALIANA 2024

Our "Festa Italiana" (aka Italian Day) is on Friday September 6th, only two weeks away!

Students will spend the day in multi-age groups and rotate around six different activities all based around Italy, the country and it’s culture.

Students are invited to come to school dressed in 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 start at 9am with a short costume parade in the hall before the children commence the activities. Families are most welcome to watch our parade.

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

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.

If you haven't yet booked a Parent Teacher Interview, please call the office Monday morning on 5623 2943 so a time can be arranged for you.

Book Club Issue 6 is now out. 

Here are some of the fantastic offers available in this Issue:

Some new titles in the Football Legends range, biographies of popular Soccer players. 

They have a Bad Guys 19-pack for only $135 to get you ready for the FINAL book number 20 that is coming in October!

Issue 6 - Scholastic have relaunched their Parent LOOP information sheet with a new design. Find a flyer attached. You will also notice that on the catalogue order form page they have a new How To Order Online box, and on the back page is a QR code that will take you to the LOOP website with more information.

The $5 Credit Promo is continuing, so those who purchased from Issue 5 will have a credit to spend, and those purchasing this issue will have one to spend on Issue 7!

Here is the online link:

https://issuu.com/scholastic_australia/docs/bc_6-24_issuu?fr=sNWFkZTcwNDI5MTA

Student catalogues have been distributed today. 

All orders need to be placed by Friday 30th August.

Thank you to all families for your ongoing support of Book Club.

Book Week

Book Week Dress Up Day - Friday, 23 August

Theme - Reading is Magic

Visiting Author and Illustrator - Serena Geddes

Today we had the very talented and wonderful Serena Geddes join us virtually to help us celebrate Book Week. The students were enthralled with her time at Disney and the movies she worked on whilst there. She read one of her books "We are the Matilda's". 

She told us about her up and coming books. The students were given an opportunity to ask Serena questions. The students have produced and created some amazing drawings and characters.

Students are able to order some of Serena's books. Check out the flyer attached to the newsletter.

Serena_Geddes_Student_Orders_Flyer_Virtual_Visit.pdf

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:

Wednesday, 28 August Catholic Cluster (Grade 6)

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

Congratulations

Congratulations to Xanthe Dalton who competed in the National competition in Geelong for the Girls AFL. Victoria took out the title for 2024. We are so proud to have Xanthe as part of our community.

Join us for a vibrant showcase of student creativity at our 2024 Art Show!!!

This week, Tuesday 27th August and Wednesday 28th August between 3:30pm to 6:00pm, before or after your parent-teacher interview.

Dive into a dazzling array of amazing student artwork and discover the talents of our young artists.

On Tuesday afternoon, treat yourself to a delicious coffee outside the school office where Franklin and the Bean will be set up.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

KidsROAR are committed to the prevention of abuse on children and adults through education on Personal Safety.

They are conducting a FREE online information session on how parents and carers can equip children to increase their protective factors and help prevent child abuse in our community.

The session is designed for parents and carers of children 12 years old and under and includes the following topics:

• Introducing Protective Behaviours
• Statistics on abuse
• Information on offenders and the grooming process
• What children learn in a KidsROAR session
• Post session information and a list of Support Services

REGISTER AND JOIN THE SESSION USING THE LINK BELOW

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 459 778 990 172

Passcode: VLJPGg

Should you have any issues with the link you can also access Teams via the website version link below and simply enter Meeting ID and Passcode

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

Our Parent/Carer Information Session

The content covered in our Parent/Carer Information session is not suitable for children. The content of the Parent/Carer Information session can be sensitive in nature. See below some external support services you can reach out to for counselling and support.

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Lifeline: 13 11 14

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

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

Health Department Alert - Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

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.

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

Big shout out to the 70 attendees of the social Trivia Night last Saturday, 17^th August at the Warragul Bowls Club.

Deaksy tested our general knowledge as well as special rounds on music, cars and Disney!

In between the trivia, there were games to bring out some healthy competition including the 1-minute treasure hunt, coin slide and whose paper plane could travel the furthest.

The winning trivia table was Bernard Miron and family/friends.

Congratulations to our raffle winners:

• Jess Mills
• Jess Youlden
• Michelle Johnson and
• Jodie Mesaric

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

• Aldi
• Camp Australia
• Chemist Discount Centre
• Coles
• Daizies Function Venue
• In Season Hunting and Fishing
• Intersport and
• Monacellars
• Office Choice
• Peninsula Cinemas
• Priceline Pharmacy
• Repco
• Supercheap Auto
• The Makeup Hub
• Toyworld
• Warragul Country Club
• West Gippsland Arts Centre
• Woolworths

As well as a great night out, we were able to raise some funds towards outdoor improvements at the school, thank you.

• 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

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.

Australian Red Cross

One in three people in Warragul will need blood during their lives. Without amazing locals like you, that blood may not be there at the crucial moment. Pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or by phoning 13 14 95.

We’ll be rolling in at:

Warragul Mobile Blood Donor Centre

Warragul Harness Racing Club

Logan Park - 19 Howitt Street

https://goo.gl/maps/vneVBmY7K8V7rPH3A

10 to 24 September

Tuesday 10 September 11 am - 6:15 pm - new date added

Wednesday 11 September 11 am - 6.15 pm

Thursday 12 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Friday 13 September 8.30 am - 4.15 pm

Saturday 14 September 8.30 am - 2 pm

Monday 16 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Tuesday 17 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Wednesday 18 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Thursday 19 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Friday 20 September 8.30 am - 4.15 pm

Saturday 21 September 8:30 am - 2:00 pm- new date added

Monday 23 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

Tuesday 24 September 10.30 am - 6.15 pm

1. Pop in a donation time

Don’t forget to book in beforehand online, on the app or on 13 14 95. Remember, get in early to grab the best time!

2. Pat yourself on the back

Local legends like you are more important than you could ever guess. By spreading the word out in your backyard, you give life and hope to so many people across Australia. That’s worth a pat on the back.

AFL  Auskick