Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

It is that time of the year when we are approaching the Annual General Meeting for our School Advisory Committee. We are looking for some new members! The School Advisory Committee is a parent group that represents the voice of parents in matters and decisions where leadership is seeking advice and thoughts from the parent body. We meet at least five times a year, usually twice a term at 4.30 pm on a Thursday. If you would like to hear more about what being a member of this committee involves, contact the school office and we will get a current member to give you a call. Nomination forms are included in this newsletter.

The AGM will be held on TUESDAY 12^th November at 4.30 pm.

Students in Years 5 and 6 are busy preparing for the Mission Market. It is great to see so much enthusiasm for this initiative. The stalls are always creative and the students gain a great deal of satisfaction knowing that they have contributed in a very practical way to helping someone less fortunate than themselves.

Our First Holy Communion candidates celebrated Reconciliation at St Ita’s Church in Drouin last night as part of their preparation for this beautiful sacrament. We continue to keep these children and their families in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for their big day.

Best wishes,

Ros Joyner

Principal

Term 4

Tuesday 8 October – Tuesday 17 December

Monday 21 October                                       Kanga 8 Cricket for Year 6

Friday 25 October                                         Grade 3 & 4 Mass at 9:15am

                                                                       Day for Daniel

                                                                       World Teacher Day

                                                                       School Assembly at 2:30pm

Sat 26 & Sun 27 October                              First Holy Communion Masses

Thursday 31 October                                    Foundation 2025 Transition Session 1

Friday 1 November                                         Mission Market 12pm – 1:30pm

Monday 4 November                                    School Closure Day

Tuesday 5 November                                    Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Friday 8 November                                         School Assembly

Monday 18 November                                  Year 3 – 6 Swimming

Thursday 21 November                                Foundation 2025 Transition Session 2

Friday 22 November                                      School Assembly

Thursday 28 November                                Foundation 2025 Music/Art Session in the Hall 2:30-3pm

Friday 29 November                                      Marist-Sion Year 7 (2025) Orientation Day

Monday 2 December                                     Foundation 2025 Library Session Group 1 2:30-3pm

Tuesday 3 December                                     Foundation 2025 Library Session Group 2 2:30-3pm

Thursday 5 December                                   Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

Friday 6 December                                         School Assembly

Tuesday 10 December                                   End of Year/Graduation Mass at 9:15am

Tuesday 10 December                                   Orientation Session for 2025 11:45-1:30pm

Thursday 12 December                                 Year 6 Graduation Dinner

Monday 16 December                                   Carols on the Oval 6pm for 6:30pm start

Tuesday 17 December                                   Last Day of School for 2024 – 3:20pm finish

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.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Luke Farrugia, Kimberley Page, Mia Hickey and Lachy Walsh celebrated the first stage of their RCIA journey recently with the Rite of Acceptance into the order of Catechumens and presentation of a Bible. Please keep them in your prayers as they journey to Easter. 

A message from Deacon Mark

Sons of Thunder

Jesus nicknamed John and his brother James “Sons of Thunder” for their impetuosity (Mk3:17) and here they are again demanding places of honour even above their apostle colleagues. Their pretensions (Mark 10:35-45) are the setting for Jesus’ clarification about hierarchy and service in the Kingdom of God.

Scrambling over one another, wielding power over one another, seeking honour, recognition or prestige above one another are unattractive elements of the human condition, which Jesus very specifically calls us to rise above. “This is not to happen among you …. anyone who wants to be first among you must be a slave to all.”

Unlike the religious, political, and social arrangements of his time, “the normal values of society have been turned upside down among Jesus followers. Greatness is not measured by one’s degree of authority over others, but by the service one offers to others”. (Pag p280).

The “Sons of Thunder” went on to greatness as the first martyr and the traditional scripture writer presumably having learnt that Jesus is about serving, not being served.

Pope Francis warns the church in Evangelii Gaudium (p76) of “those who would rather be a general in a defeated army than a mere private in a unit which continues to fight”. Those “mere privates” are actually “servant leaders”, leading persistently, faithfully by example. If ever there was a need for this servant leadership in our church, our nation, and our world it is now.

We might reflect how well our parishes are developing and supporting servant leaders. Are we helping people to flourish as servant leaders functioning, not just within the church and parish, but out in the wide world? Rather than “bignoting” ourselves with exclusions and titles are we quiet, “sleeves rolled up” servant leaders, leading others to Jesus?

Deacon Mark Kelly

A reminder that we ask families whose children are not intending to return in 2025 to send an email to principal@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible informing of the change. We have a number of enrolment inquiries and are now working on class groupings for 2025, so it is important that we know of any students leaving (apart from the Year 6 students) that may affect enrolments and class groupings for 2025. Our class allocation policy is attached below. Please note from our policy:

Parents and carers may provide the School Principal with specific information about their child's learning or social needs, in writing, that they believe the school may not be aware of. Whilst the School Leadership Team appreciates that Parents or Carers may believe their child would benefit from being placed with a certain teacher, we are unable to consider these requests. The information should be provided in writing (letter or email) to the Principal by Friday, Week 3 of Term 4 (25/10/24). This information will be referenced, along with other available information, during the class placement process. The Leadership Team will manage this process in consultation with parents and class teachers. It must be clearly understood that no definite guarantees can be given regarding parental concerns.

St Joseph's Primary School Warragul Class Allocation Policy.pdf

As members of the St Joseph's school community, we all have a responsibility to keep children safe. To support families with information about the actions our school takes to keep children safe, our Child Safety and Wellbeing policy has been updated, endorsed by our Child Safety Team and shared with our community both here and on our school website. Families are encouraged to read the policy or visit our school website and explore the Child Safety section. 

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards under Ministerial Order No. 1359 require certain roles and responsibilities to be allocated within schools, including the role of Child Safety Champions who supports school leadership to effectively implement their child safety and wellbeing plans. Our Child Safety Champions for 2024 and 2025 are Ros Joyner, Camillo Redi and James McMahon.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Library Bags

It is important that students use a library bag. We have had a number of books damaged throughout the year due to students not using  them. If a student's book is damaged at home, please return the damaged item to the library, do not throw it out. The item needs to be removed from our library system if unrepairable.

Thanks for your assistance in this matter. 

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES:

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

Congratulations to Alirah for coming first in discus!

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.

Big Blokes BBQ

Every year the Baw Baw Big Blokes raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer Research and Awareness. They have again asked St Joseph's to provide wait staff for their major fundraising event, and as a thank you they make a donation to the school.

This year, the event will be held on Friday 25 October at Lardner Park, from 11am-3pm.

If you are able to help out on the day (no experience needed) please reach out to us and stay tuned to our Facebook page for a sign-up link.

It is great fun and a great way to support a group of local volunteers who have chosen to support our school.

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.

C2000009902

Labels

Need to label your child’s summer uniform?  

Clearly naming your child’s items is the best way to ensure they don’t get lost or if they do, they find their way back home.

To make it easy for parents and also raise some funds for the school, we have an ongoing 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.

Get in Touch

If you would like to be involved with the Parents and Friends, we would love to have you. You can reach out to us via email at stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com, or send us a message through our Facebook page ‘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

In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there's a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding. Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children.

To effectively introduce the topic of finances, we need to be mindful of the timing and setting of the conversation. Using straightforward, age-appropriate language helps maintain transparency, and openly discussing adjustments to the family budget can carry significant weight. By encouraging children to participate in finding creative ways to save and make thoughtful spending choices, parents can nurture a sense of responsibility.

This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children's financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

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

Warragul & District Cricket Association

Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run & Festival

Warragul Cricket Club