Dear Families

On Tuesday we celebrated the beginning of the school year in our church with a prayer service organised by Taryn. This was followed by a Welcome Sausage Sizzle after school.  It was great to gather firstly in our church and then to welcome our new families to our community.  'Their Care' (our after school care providers) supplied free coffee to enable parents to gather and mingle.  

Mini Vinnies 2025

The St Vincent de Paul Society aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society. Our Mini Vinnies team at school work as part of the Parish's St Vincent de Paul group. We work as a caring Catholic charity offering 'a hand up' to people in need.  This year twenty-four students in Gr 5 & 6 have volunteered to work as part of our Mini Vinnies team.  We will work in smaller groups to plan and implement fundraising activities for our school.  We congratulate and acknowledge our Mini Vinnies Team for 2025:  

Zara Boyle, Kieran Deegan, Conrad Edwards, Pippa Dilger, Zeke Garratt, Darcy Yeomans, Billy Deppeler, Olivia Pedemont, Joan Mary, Maycee Shankar, Thomas Harrison, Eleanor Steendam, Matilda Hume, Lilly Harvey, Jack Harte, Chloe Roff, Sienna Jamieson, Chaise Hicks-Lowjen, Lachlan Baldassa, Jaylah Shields, Charlie Harte, Aleyah Horton-Maynard, Harry Westbury, Beau Treyvaud. 

Ash Wednesday and Lent

On Wednesday March 5th is Ash Wednesday and it starts the church season of LENT.  During Lent we reflect on our lives and try to change the things we need to change in order to lead more meaningful and purposeful lives. This prayer is taken from The Australian Children's Prayer Book and it is simple and meaningful.  You might like to share it with your family.  I find reading a simple, short prayer before a special meal can be really positive. 

LENT PRAYER

Loving God, as we begin this season of Lent

we pray that over these 40 days,

we will open our minds and hearts

to recognise and respond to the needs of others. 

Help us to be kind to those around us,

especially friends and family. 

Through prayer, fasting and giving to those in need,

may we be ready to enter more fully

into the days of Holy Week.  Amen

Suggested New School Times

Presently the staff are workshopping a proposed change to our school daily timetable.  Staff are wanting to promote the best structure to support student learning and are thinking about behavioural issues on the yard particularly at lunch times.  The following bell time structure is proposed to start in term 2:

8.50am music starts 8.55am bell

10.55 bell to start eating time

11am bell to start recess

11.25 music 11.30 bell to finish recess

1.30pm bell to start eating time 1.40 bell to start lunchtime

2.15 music 2.20pm bell to finish lunchtime

3.20 bell to finish school. 

The advantage of this structure is that students have two longer learning blocks, followed by a shorter learning block in the afternoon when they are tired.  We believe the shorter lunch break will have a positive effect on the behavioural pattern of issues that often happen in the last 10 minutes of lunchtime. School will finish at 3.20pm rather than 3.30pm. We are interested in your thinking about this change.  You can let your class teacher know what your thoughts are or you could email me principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au

Athletics Carnival

On Thursday March 20th we will be running an annual Athletics Carnival at the Geoff Watt track in Warragul.  In Physical Education lessons in class we will be revising the athletic skills for the track and field events.  Taryn will be organising the Athletics Carnival for us and will be asking for volunteers to help run the day soon.  It really is a great day for everyone, so look out for further information to come.

A Few Reminders

Icypoles are sold in terms 1 & 4 for $1 each

Please remember we wear hats in terms 1 & 2

Remember Friday March 7th in a student free day as teachers will be at a professional learning day in Warragul.  Their Care will be running a full day of care at the parish centre if you are interested in this option. 

School photos are on Wednesday March 12th and children need to be in full summer uniform.  More information will be on the next newsletter. 

May God continue to bless and guide us in our learning.

Trish Mulqueen

Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.  The Theme  is – Pilgrims of Hope.

The logo shows four stylized figures, representing all of humanity, coming from the four corners of the earth. They embrace each other to indicate the solidarity which should unite all peoples.

The figure at the front is holding onto the cross which is the sign of the faith which this lead figure embraces, but also of hope, because we are always in need of hope, especially in our moments of greatest need.

There are the rough waves under the figures, symbolising the fact that life’s pilgrimage does not always go smoothly in calm waters. Often the circumstances of daily life and events in the wider world require a greater call to hope. That’s why we should pay special attention to the lower part of the cross which has been elongated and turned into the shape of an anchor which is let down into the waves. The anchor is well known as a symbol of hope.

It is worth noting that the image illustrates the pilgrim’s journey not as an individual undertaking, but rather as something communal.

The cross in the logo is by no means static, but it is also dynamic. It bends down towards humanity, not leaving human beings alone, but stretching out to them to offer the certainty of its presence and the security of hope.

At the bottom of the logo is the motto of the 2025 Jubilee Year: Pilgrims in Hope, represented in green letters.

At school we are learning songs about the Jubilee Year and talking about the signs of hope we see.

This year at St Joseph’s, we have a team dedicated to Mental Health as we know the
important role that schools play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
The team comprises of Mr Jamie Pistrin, the Learning Adjustment Leader; Maddlyn McStay, the school Counsellor; Trish Mulqueen and Liza Marino, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. 
The team will work across the school to implement a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing for students, staff, and families based on a broad knowledge of the needs of the school community. This includes:
# building the capacity of school staff, in particular classroom teachers, to identify and support students with mental health concerns in the classroom
# supporting the school to create clear referral pathways internally (within school) and externally (to community services) for students identified as requiring further
assessment and intervention
# coordinating targeted mental health support for students by working with regional
staff, school wellbeing and leadership teams, teachers, parents/carers, and external
agencies.
The MHWL role focuses on mental health and wellbeing promotion, prevention and early intervention. The team are participating in training through the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, and professional development through continued learning communities.  We are very excited to dedicate this time to the social and emotional wellbeing of our school community.

Please see pictured below some members of our team:  Trish Mulqueen, Liza Marino and Maddi McStay.

Live Your Best Life in Love...

A Marriage Encounter weekend is for you…

Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.

Time-out to nurture your most precious relationship away from daily distractions.  

The two of you will come away from your weekend feeling more deeply connected 

and with tools to help keep the passion alive.

No group sharing required.

The weekend is based around Catholic values. Couples of all faiths are welcome.

Please check our website for more details and to book your special weekend:

Our next weekend is: 25-27 April 2025 at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South.

Starts Friday evening at 7pm and finishes Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm

Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au    Website: wwme.org.au  

Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting.

This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://trafalgar.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au

RECONCILIATION

Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday 12th March 5pm St John’s Church Trafalgar 5pm

EUCHARIST

Parent Information Meeting Thursday 27th March 7pm Marian Room St Joseph’s Warragul

Commitment Mass Saturday 3^rd May 6pm St John’s Church Trafalgar

Teaching Mass Thursday 8th May 10am St John’s Church Trafalgar

Parent/Child Workshop Thursday 8th May 4pm or 7pm Marian Room St Joseph’s Warragul

2^ndRite Reconciliation (celebrated in school time) Thursday 22nd May 12:30pm St John’s Church Trafalgar

First Holy Communion Mass Saturday 31st May 6pm St John’s Church Trafalgar

CONFIRMATION

Parent Information Meeting Thursday 27^th March 4:30 Mary Mackillop Room St Joseph’s Trafalgar

Commitment Mass Saturday 29^th March 6pm St John’s Church Trafalgar

Parent/Child Workshop Thursday May 1st 7pm at school

2^nd Rite Reconciliation Thursday 1^st May (in school time) 12:30pm St John’s Church Trafalgar

Sacrament of Confirmation Saturday 10^th May 6pm St John’s Church Trafalgar

The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in Grade 3, First Communion in Grade 4 and Confirmation in Grade 5 or 6 (celebrated biannually). If you would like your child to participate in the Sacraments but they are not yet baptised, it is a good idea that they complete their baptism this year. For more information please email Julianne from St John's Parish Trafalgar at trafalgar@cdsale.org.au. 

Parents please make sure that you model best practice in using the Children's Crossing on Waterloo Road, it is there for our safety and we need to teach our children to use it.  Please don't cross Waterloo Road at any other point, only use the Children's Crossing.

March

Fri 7                             Student free day (Teachers at RE professional day)

Mon 10                         Labour Day Public Holiday

Tues 11                         School Photos

                                    P&F meeting 8:45am

Wed 12                         NAPLAN Writing

Wed 12                         Reconciliation SACRAMENT  5pm church

Thurs 13                       NAPLAN Reading & Language Conventions

Fri 14                           3pm Assembly Gr 4/5 presenting

Tues 18                        NAPLAN Numeracy

Wed 19                        St Joseph's Feast Day & special lunch

Thurs 20                      School Athletics Day Geoff Watt Track Warragul

Fri 21                          3pm Lent Prayer Service in church

Mon 24                        F/1 and Gr 1/2 excursion to Old Gippstown

Thurs 27                      Confirmation Parent Information Session 4.30pm here at                                          school

                                   Eucharist Parent Information Session 7pm Warragul

Sat 29                         Confirmation Commitment Mass 6pm

April

Wed 2                         School Advisory Committee Meeting 5pm 

Fri 4                            Midday Gr 5/6 Easter Presentation in church

                                  Easter Raffle 12.45pm in Mary Mac room

                                  1pm Dismissal last day of term

Mon 21                        Easter Monday public holiday

Tues 22                       First day of term 2

Fri 25                          ANZAC DAY public holiday

May

Sat 10                        Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 6pm church

Fri 16                         3pm Assembly Catholic Education Week

Mon 19 to Fri 23          CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

Sat 31                        Sacrament FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 6pm church

June

Tues 10                       Student free day (teachers professional day)

June 26                       School Concert Lowanna 6pm