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First Day back in Term 4 is: Tuesday, 7 October
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
What an exciting day we have had with Footy Colours Day! It was a great fun way to end the term. There seems to be an over subscription to the Bombers from what I can see. Thanks to the SRC and Mrs Van Boven and Mr Daly for helping to organise the day.
Italian Day was also enjoyed by the students on Tuesday. Italian music could be heard everywhere and the smell of biscotti cooking enticed me to the hall. There was a sea of red and green colours and many characters of Mario wandering around. Thanks Mrs Mulqueen for another great Italian Day!
Thanks to everyone for the successful new pick-up arrangements. The line is moving much quicker now because drivers are using both sides of the road. As we all become even more familiar with the new routines, it will become even quicker and safer.
Last Friday, we had a very special assembly to farewell Mr Redi. The students had prepared a book for him with lots of memories to reflect upon. Mr Redi’s family were also present to see how loved he is. I know that on his behalf, he would like to thank all the students and the families who attended.
Next term, we welcome Ms Rachael Williams as our new Deputy Principal. I am sure everyone will make her feel welcome.
Have a wonderful break with your children.
Best wishes
Ros Joyner
Principal
Term 4
Tuesday 7 October – Tuesday 16 December
Monday 6 October Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 7 October First Day of School for Term 4
Tue 7 – Fri 10 October Dental Van visiting during the week
Wednesday 15 October S.S.V. Gippsland Region Athletics
Friday 17 October Juniors Mass at 9:30am
Friday 17 October School Assembly at 2:30pm
Monday 20 October Water Safety & Swimming Lessons – 6 Spencer/Barry
Tuesday 21 October Water Safety & Swimming Lessons – 6 Daly
Wednesday 22 October Water Safety & Swimming Lessons – 5 Naismith/Tangusso
Thursday 23 October Water Safety & Swimming Lessons – 5 Dosen
Mon 27 – Thu 30 October Water Safety & Swimming Lessons – 4 Fechner & 4 Silver
Friday 24 October Grandparents Day classroom visits and morning tea
Friday 31 October Mission Market
Friday 31 October Day for Daniel
Friday 31 October School Assembly at 2:30pm
Monday 3 November School Closure Day
Tuesday 4 November Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wed 5 – Fri 7 November Foundation Year 1, 2 & 3 Swimming Program
Friday 7 November P & F Meeting
Wednesday 12 November Open Water Learning Experience in Phillip Island – Year 6
Friday 14 November Colour Blast
Thursday 4 December Swimming Carnival for Year 3, 4, 5 & 6
Tuesday 16 December Last Day of Term 4 – 3:20pm finish
**Please ensure you check the newsletter and ClassDojo for any changes that may arise.
Migrant & Refugee
Family Mass & Lunch
Prayer in Pyjama Workshops
The Drouin and Warragul Catholic Parish Communities warmly invite Foundation students and their parents to attend ONE of our …
Prayer In Pyjama Workshops
These workshops will be held at:
St. Joseph’s Primary School Thursday 23rd October 5pm – 6pm
St. Ita’s Primary School Wednesday 29th October 5.30–6.30
All school families are welcome to attend any one of these workshops (Catholic and non-Catholics are invited).
This workshop is activity based and is an opportunity for Foundation families to gather, pray, learn, create and have fun together.
Children are invited to wear their pyjamas and bring their favourite cuddly bedtime toy.
The workshop is free unless families would like to donate a small amount to help cover the cost of materials used.
For more information contact Liz on 5623 1642,
or email: warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
Children's Liturgy
A message from Deacon Mark
All Are Saved?
How we have indulged over the years in creating complexity out of simplicity! We get tangled up in the very myriad of rules and regulations which Jesus came to untangle for us. He brought us the best of Good News in his proclamation of the Kingdom. 1 Timothy reinforces the Good News that God wants everyone saved (1 Tim 2:1-8). And if that is what almighty God wants, then surely we are saved! Any sense that the Creator’s will is a barrier or hindrance to our salvation is turned on its head. But the final decision remains ours! Only we ourselves can be the obstruction. God wants everyone saved but, in our free will, we need to accept the offer of salvation.
How then do we accept? What are the rules? Jesus teaches that the rules are pretty simple. “Jesus is so simplistic and naïve as to reduce 613 clear Biblical commandments down to two: Love of God and love of neighbour,” (Luke 10:27) (Rohr, R. What do we do with the Bible? p57).
So often our love of God is reflected in our love of the poor and vice versa. We turn to our Creator, “praising the Lord who lifts up the poor” as our responsorial psalm urges us (Ps 112) and “lifting up our hands reverently in prayer (1 Timothy 2: 8) without anger or argument”.
Jesus himself tells us in this week’s gospel, “You cannot be the slave of both God and of money” (Luke 16:1-13) and the prophet Amos (Amos 8:4-7) starkly warns us against trampling on, swindling, deceiving, and oppressing the poor. If our actions set us apart from the Lord who lifts up the poor, we exclude ourselves from salvation but, if we turn to God, loving him and actively loving his children (our neighbours), we have every reason to hope for salvation.
Deacon Mark Kelly
At this time of the year, we ask families whose children are not intending to return in 2026 (apart from Year 6 students), 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 preparing for 2026 classes. Our Foundation 2026 enrolments are now at capacity.
As we prepare for 2026 classes, please refer to our class allocation policy to explain our procedure. 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 (24/10/25). 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.
Please note that all historical requests have been cleared. If you have an ongoing learning or social need request - this must be put in writing and sent via email to principal@stjwarragul.catholic.edu.au
Lacrosse
It has been a big term with junior students participating in Gymnastics & Pickle ball and seniors developing their knowledge and skills in Gaelic football and non-contact Lacrosse.
Life Saving Victoria
In the last fortnight, Life Saving Victoria visited Year 5’s for commencement of water safety and swimming programs.
Swimming Program
This year, we are very excited to be offering senior students an opportunity to achieve their Victorian Water Safety Certificate as part of their swimming program.
This program includes sessions in the classroom, Surf Lifesaving Victoria (SLV) 1 hour incursion for the Year 5’s. Year 5 and Year 6 will complete a 90min Swimming Lesson and Water Safety Session as an opportunity to complete their Victorian Water Safety Certificate at Splash’s Pool in Pakenham.
Year 6 MONDAY 20th October (6 SB) and TUESDAY 21st October (6D)
Year 5 WEDNESDAY 22nd October (5NT) THURSDAY and 23rd October (5D)
Year 6’s will travel to Phillip Island on Wednesday 12th November
For program details : Lifesaving Victoria 2hr Wet at Cowes Beach.
Year 4 Swimming Program - Splash’s Pakenham
Dates: Monday 27th to Thursday 30th October
Program details: 4 x 45 minute sessions, last session is Victorian Water Safety Certificate Assessment.
F- 3 Swimming Program - Latrobe Leisure Centre Newborough
Dates: Wednesday 5 November- Friday 7 November
Program details: 3 x 30min Swimming Lessons
Keep an eye out for permissions that have been sent via PAM as some consent and swimming ability surveys will be due on 6th OCTOBER.
2025 Swimming Carnival for YEAR 3-6
Venue YMCA Victoria - Warragul Leisure Centre
Date: Thursday, 4th December 9:30am to 2:30pm
In Victoria, it is compulsory for children 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 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 school 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.
Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
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
Car Line
If you arrive before school finishes, it is an expectation that you move all the way down the carline and fill all the 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.
**All Medical Authority Forms held at school must be updated as soon as possible to allow for any medication changes, dosage or student growth . An email was sent out to all familes on 30 January with medication information and the forms required, depending on the ailment. Please contact the school office if you need any further assistance.
Lunch Orders
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
School Uniform
During Term 2 & Term 3, all students are required to wear their full summer school uniform, including correct socks and shoes. Wearing the school uniform correctly demonstrates school pride and identity. Please ensure your child has the correct uniform on the correct days.
We appreciate your support.
Lost Property
Anyone with flu-like symptoms, however mild, should not attend school and should follow medical advice, including being tested for 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.
Colour Blast is Coming…
We’re back!! The colour blast is in full swing and we’re working very hard behind the scenes to make this the best year yet.
Event Date: Friday 14 November
Fundraising will open at the start of Term 4. Follow ‘Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s Primary School Warragul’ for the latest updates.
We are so excited. Stay tuned!
Volunteers Needed – Big Blokes BBQ
The Baw Baw Big Blokes raise funds each year to support men’s health in West Gippsland and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Last year, they raised over $200,000 — and over $1.9 million since they began!
Once again, they’ve asked our St Joseph’s school community to help by providing volunteer wait staff for their major fundraising BBQ.
Event Date: Friday 10 October
Location: Lardner Park
Time: From 11am (3-hour shifts)
No experience needed
The more volunteers we provide, the more funding we receive for our outdoor play area upgrades.
Sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/43R4L
Second-Hand Uniforms – Donate or Grab a Bargain
Donate good-quality uniforms your child has outgrown to the school office.
Need uniforms? Pre-loved items are available for a gold coin donation and school bags for $10.
Contact: stjosephswarragulpandf@gmail.com or visit the school office.
Join us on Facebook
Search: Parents and Friends of St Joseph's Primary School Warragul
P&F Events and Meetings in Term 4
- Big Blokes BBQ: Friday 10 October
- Colour Blast: Friday 14 November
- P&F Meeting: Friday 7 November, 2.00pm (at school)
- Colour Run: Friday 14 November
There's no such thing as perfect parenting. Every family is unique, and every child's needs are different. But by understanding the various parenting styles, we can make more thoughtful choices that support our children's growth in healthier and more effective ways.
Most of us parent as a blend of our own upbringing, lived experiences and external influences such as books, podcasts or parenting websites. Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in life, but it is also one of the most challenging. The journey can be further complicated by circumstances such as divorce, separation, blended families, trauma or bereavement. Not to mention the many everyday pressures and hurdles that families face.
The idea of "parenting styles" has been researched for decades, showing that the way we interact with, nurture, and guide our children has a significant impact on their development. Whilst there are a number of different approaches, research consistently shows that children thrive when parents and caregivers are both warm and loving, while also providing clear guidance, structure and support. This balance helps children feel safe and valued, while also encouraging independence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
By learning more about the different styles and how they influence children, you can make informed choices about the approach that best suits your family. And remember, styles are not fixed. They can evolve over time as your child grows and their needs change.
Here is the link to your Special Report https://stjwarragul.catholic.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
James and the Giant Peach
Old Gippstown Heritage Park
Talk Like a Pirate Day at Old Gippstown will be held Friday, 26th September from 10am to 2pm and entry is half price all day.
Warragul Basketball Association
Gymbaroo
Netball - Net Set Go
Peninsula Cinemas, Warragul
